OMAGH BOMB HEROINE GIVES CASH AWARD TO CHILD CHARITIES
Omagh bomb heroine gives cash award to child charities
A HEROINE of the Omagh bombing that claimed 29 lives yesterday won an award from the Securicor security firm.
Roisin McKenny was caught up in the blast last August in the chemist shop where she worked, but still went on to provide first aid assistance for those lying injured nearby.
The bombing, carried out by the breakaway Real IRA - now on ceasefire - ripped the Co Tyrone town apart and prompted the British and Irish governments to introduce tough new anti-terror laws.
Ms McKenny, who holds the rank of captain in the Order of Malta ambulance corps, received Securicor's 1998 Courage Award at a ceremony in Dublin.
Afterwards, she recalled the screams that followed the initial silence after the explosion, and added: "I still hear the screams today.
"When the house shook as the bomb went off, I thought the end of the world had come. I don't think my memories will ever leave.
"I am deeply conscious that I was just one of many who gave help that day."
Ms McKenny was handed a sculpture and a IR�10,000 cheque at yesterday's event. She is to give the money to schools for the autistic in Omagh and Co Donegal, where some of the victims of the bombing lived.
A HEROINE of the Omagh bombing that claimed 29 lives yesterday won an award from the Securicor security firm.
Roisin McKenny was caught up in the blast last August in the chemist shop where she worked, but still went on to provide first aid assistance for those lying injured nearby.
The bombing, carried out by the breakaway Real IRA - now on ceasefire - ripped the Co Tyrone town apart and prompted the British and Irish governments to introduce tough new anti-terror laws.
Ms McKenny, who holds the rank of captain in the Order of Malta ambulance corps, received Securicor's 1998 Courage Award at a ceremony in Dublin.
Afterwards, she recalled the screams that followed the initial silence after the explosion, and added: "I still hear the screams today.
"When the house shook as the bomb went off, I thought the end of the world had come. I don't think my memories will ever leave.
"I am deeply conscious that I was just one of many who gave help that day."
Ms McKenny was handed a sculpture and a IR�10,000 cheque at yesterday's event. She is to give the money to schools for the autistic in Omagh and Co Donegal, where some of the victims of the bombing lived.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0234
Published Date: 02-Dec-98
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