OMAGH VICTIM BACK HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Omagh victim back home for Christmas
By Niall Blaney and Valerie Robinson
ONE of the last victims of the Omagh bombing to leave hospital yesterday pleaded with Northern Ireland's political leaders to keep the peace process going.
Pauline Green, who suffered serious injuries in the August 15 blast, was discharged from the Royal Victoria Hospital.
She said the past three months had been "a nightmare".
Fighting back tears, the brave 19-year-old told how she was looking forward to spending Christmas with her parents Caroline and Leo, and sisters Leona (20), Tricia (18) and five-year-old Catherine.
Pauline, an art student, lost the lower part of her left leg in the explosion.
But she said the courage of others injured in the bomb had given her the strength to carry on.
"I didn't think I would ever reach this stage," said Pauline, grasping her father's hand. "It's been a nightmare. I am now just going to sit down and enjoy being at home."
Pauline described medical staff in Omagh and Belfast as "brilliant", adding: "I wouldn't have got through this if it wasn't for their help."
Doctors grafted skin onto her leg taken from other parts of her body and she will receive further treatment at Musgrave Park Hospital.
"It was really encouraging to see everyone getting out of hospital and making something out of their lives - I'll get there in the end."
The teenager was due to start at the University of Ulster's York Street campus in October but a place has been kept open for her for next year. She hopes to be an art teacher or art therapist, adding: "I still have my right hand and my eyesight, which is what I need."
Recalling the day of the bomb, Pauline told how she was trying to get as far away from the court house as possible when the explosion occurred.
She said: "I remember lying on the ground and knowing I was trapped. I knew I couldn't get out, I was panicking and knew something was really badly wrong. I could hear voices and everything was dark grey."
Pauline has spent some of the past weekends at home in Omagh and has been in the town centre to survey the bomb site.
"I am more curious about it than anything else."
Pauline's mother Caroline said having her daughter leave hospital was "a long time coming", adding: "It will be great to have her home."
She said her other children has given Pauline immense support.
"The staff at the Royal Victoria are fantastic, loving and dedicated, and they have taken their time with Pauline in their roles as doctors and nurses and also as friends. They are the best in the world and we will appreciate them forever."
Pauline said the north's politicians should keep on talking to each other to resolve the decommissioning impasse.
"Everybody wants peace and they should keep trying because peace is within our grasp."
The last victim of the bombing still in hospital, Tracey Devine, is still in a stable condition at the RVH.
She sustained multiple injuries and burns and is said to be "progressing slowly".
Meanwhile, US Senator George Mitchell last night said he would never forget two victims of the Omagh bomb blast. Speaking at the BBCs Richard Dimbleby Lecture in London, the peace broker said he would always remember meeting Claire Gallagher and Michael Monaghan in the wake of the explosion.
Fifteen year old Claire, "tall and lovely, an aspiring pianist" was blinded by the bomb.
Mr Mitchell said: "As we spoke, she sat, with two large white patches where her eyes used to be, an exemplar of grace and courage."
Michael Monaghan, a 33 year old lost his pregnant wife, 18 month old daughter and mother-in-law. "Three generations wiped out in a single, senseless moment."
Mr Mitchell paid tribute to Claire and Michael saying: "Their courage gave me hope.
By Niall Blaney and Valerie Robinson
ONE of the last victims of the Omagh bombing to leave hospital yesterday pleaded with Northern Ireland's political leaders to keep the peace process going.
Pauline Green, who suffered serious injuries in the August 15 blast, was discharged from the Royal Victoria Hospital.
She said the past three months had been "a nightmare".
Fighting back tears, the brave 19-year-old told how she was looking forward to spending Christmas with her parents Caroline and Leo, and sisters Leona (20), Tricia (18) and five-year-old Catherine.
Pauline, an art student, lost the lower part of her left leg in the explosion.
But she said the courage of others injured in the bomb had given her the strength to carry on.
"I didn't think I would ever reach this stage," said Pauline, grasping her father's hand. "It's been a nightmare. I am now just going to sit down and enjoy being at home."
Pauline described medical staff in Omagh and Belfast as "brilliant", adding: "I wouldn't have got through this if it wasn't for their help."
Doctors grafted skin onto her leg taken from other parts of her body and she will receive further treatment at Musgrave Park Hospital.
"It was really encouraging to see everyone getting out of hospital and making something out of their lives - I'll get there in the end."
The teenager was due to start at the University of Ulster's York Street campus in October but a place has been kept open for her for next year. She hopes to be an art teacher or art therapist, adding: "I still have my right hand and my eyesight, which is what I need."
Recalling the day of the bomb, Pauline told how she was trying to get as far away from the court house as possible when the explosion occurred.
She said: "I remember lying on the ground and knowing I was trapped. I knew I couldn't get out, I was panicking and knew something was really badly wrong. I could hear voices and everything was dark grey."
Pauline has spent some of the past weekends at home in Omagh and has been in the town centre to survey the bomb site.
"I am more curious about it than anything else."
Pauline's mother Caroline said having her daughter leave hospital was "a long time coming", adding: "It will be great to have her home."
She said her other children has given Pauline immense support.
"The staff at the Royal Victoria are fantastic, loving and dedicated, and they have taken their time with Pauline in their roles as doctors and nurses and also as friends. They are the best in the world and we will appreciate them forever."
Pauline said the north's politicians should keep on talking to each other to resolve the decommissioning impasse.
"Everybody wants peace and they should keep trying because peace is within our grasp."
The last victim of the bombing still in hospital, Tracey Devine, is still in a stable condition at the RVH.
She sustained multiple injuries and burns and is said to be "progressing slowly".
Meanwhile, US Senator George Mitchell last night said he would never forget two victims of the Omagh bomb blast. Speaking at the BBCs Richard Dimbleby Lecture in London, the peace broker said he would always remember meeting Claire Gallagher and Michael Monaghan in the wake of the explosion.
Fifteen year old Claire, "tall and lovely, an aspiring pianist" was blinded by the bomb.
Mr Mitchell said: "As we spoke, she sat, with two large white patches where her eyes used to be, an exemplar of grace and courage."
Michael Monaghan, a 33 year old lost his pregnant wife, 18 month old daughter and mother-in-law. "Three generations wiped out in a single, senseless moment."
Mr Mitchell paid tribute to Claire and Michael saying: "Their courage gave me hope.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0236
Published Date: 03-Dec-98
Related Images
