ROYAL PAIR VISITS TOWN TO EXTEND SYMPATHY
Royal pair visits town to extend sympathy
By Seamus McKinney
THE DUKE of Gloucester, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth, has met members of the emergency services who helped the dead and dying in Omagh after the August 15 bomb.
The duke and his wife, the Duchess of Gloucester, were in Northern Ireland as guests of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn.
In a two-day visit, they were welcomed to Omagh district council offices by the authority's chief executive, John McKinney, after which they met local councillors and members of the Omagh bomb fundraising committee.
They also viewed plans for the rebuilding of the bomb-stricken town under the Omagh Renewal and Beyond programme.
After a private meeting with members of the security forces, the royal couple visited Omagh leisure centre where they met members of the emergency services.
Accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, the royal visitors met various groups including the ambulance service, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, health centre workers, social services employees, members of the fire service and hospital workers.
The duke and duchess are expected to attend a private lunch later today and it is believed they will also meet relative of some of the bomb victims on an informal basis.
Speaking after the royal couple met members of the emergency services, Omagh council Chief Executive John McKinney said the visit reinforced local people's belief that there was continuing support for their plight.
"It also reinforces the goodwill which has been so evident since August 15," he said.
By Seamus McKinney
THE DUKE of Gloucester, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth, has met members of the emergency services who helped the dead and dying in Omagh after the August 15 bomb.
The duke and his wife, the Duchess of Gloucester, were in Northern Ireland as guests of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn.
In a two-day visit, they were welcomed to Omagh district council offices by the authority's chief executive, John McKinney, after which they met local councillors and members of the Omagh bomb fundraising committee.
They also viewed plans for the rebuilding of the bomb-stricken town under the Omagh Renewal and Beyond programme.
After a private meeting with members of the security forces, the royal couple visited Omagh leisure centre where they met members of the emergency services.
Accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, the royal visitors met various groups including the ambulance service, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, health centre workers, social services employees, members of the fire service and hospital workers.
The duke and duchess are expected to attend a private lunch later today and it is believed they will also meet relative of some of the bomb victims on an informal basis.
Speaking after the royal couple met members of the emergency services, Omagh council Chief Executive John McKinney said the visit reinforced local people's belief that there was continuing support for their plight.
"It also reinforces the goodwill which has been so evident since August 15," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0461
Published Date: 24-Oct-98
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