4 YEARS ON OMAGH REMEMBERS
4 years on: Omagh remembers
FAMILIES of people killed in the Omagh bomb yesterday remembered victims of last year's September 11 attacks in the US.
At a special cross-community religious service marking the fourth anniversary of the Real IRA bomb which devastated the Co Tyrone town, a minute's silence was held for the 29 people and two unborn children killed in Omagh.
Those killed in last year's September 11 al-Qaida attacks on Manhattan's Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington and in Pennsylvania were also remembered.
Flowers in memory of the Omagh bomb victims were placed at a memorial garden near the scene of the 1998 attack and prayers were said for them during the lunch-time service.
Among those attending the event were unionist and nationalist politicians as well as people from Buncrana, Co Donegal, and Spain where some of the victims came from.
Northern Ireland Office minister Des Browne was also among those who paid their respects.
David Bolton, who managed the Omagh Trauma Centre, which helped survivors of the attack, said it was important the town marked the anniversary.
He added: "I often feel for those who have suffered most grievously - any day could be an anniversary."
Only one man has been convicted in connection with the Omagh car bomb.
Colm Murphy was jailed last year by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for 14 years for conspiring to cause the attack.
Last month, writs were served by lawyers on behalf of the Omagh relatives on him and four other men suspected of having played a part in the explosion.
The relatives hope to force the five men to appear in court in Belfast in a landmark civil action which is being taken in the absence of criminal prosecutions.
The detective behind the investigation into the bombing, this week urged supporters who helped the Omagh bomb gang avoid capture to break their silence and help put them behind bars.
Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter also urged Sinn Fein to encourage its supporters to come forward with information which could lead to the bombers' capture.
Sinn Fein's national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said his party had vigorously condemned the Real IRA attack but would not assist the Special Branch because it was "discredited".
FAMILIES of people killed in the Omagh bomb yesterday remembered victims of last year's September 11 attacks in the US.
At a special cross-community religious service marking the fourth anniversary of the Real IRA bomb which devastated the Co Tyrone town, a minute's silence was held for the 29 people and two unborn children killed in Omagh.
Those killed in last year's September 11 al-Qaida attacks on Manhattan's Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington and in Pennsylvania were also remembered.
Flowers in memory of the Omagh bomb victims were placed at a memorial garden near the scene of the 1998 attack and prayers were said for them during the lunch-time service.
Among those attending the event were unionist and nationalist politicians as well as people from Buncrana, Co Donegal, and Spain where some of the victims came from.
Northern Ireland Office minister Des Browne was also among those who paid their respects.
David Bolton, who managed the Omagh Trauma Centre, which helped survivors of the attack, said it was important the town marked the anniversary.
He added: "I often feel for those who have suffered most grievously - any day could be an anniversary."
Only one man has been convicted in connection with the Omagh car bomb.
Colm Murphy was jailed last year by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for 14 years for conspiring to cause the attack.
Last month, writs were served by lawyers on behalf of the Omagh relatives on him and four other men suspected of having played a part in the explosion.
The relatives hope to force the five men to appear in court in Belfast in a landmark civil action which is being taken in the absence of criminal prosecutions.
The detective behind the investigation into the bombing, this week urged supporters who helped the Omagh bomb gang avoid capture to break their silence and help put them behind bars.
Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter also urged Sinn Fein to encourage its supporters to come forward with information which could lead to the bombers' capture.
Sinn Fein's national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said his party had vigorously condemned the Real IRA attack but would not assist the Special Branch because it was "discredited".
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0566
Published Date: 16-Aug-02
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.