OMAGH FAMILIES HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MADRID BOMB DEAD
Omagh families hold memorial service for Madrid bomb dead
By Victoria Ward
PA News
RELATIVES of the Omagh bomb victims held a memorial service yesterday in solidarity with those killed in the Madrid blasts.
The families said the train bombings had instigated stark reminders of their own nightmare and the community wanted an opportunity to express its understanding and grief.
At least 200 people were killed when the bombs rocked rush-hour trains in the Spanish capital last Thursday.
The moving service was conducted at the Omagh Memorial Gardens and included music a period of reflection and prayer.
Two Spaniards were among the 29 killed, who also included a woman pregnant with twins, in the Real IRA bombing of August 1998. It was the single worst loss of life in the history of the Troubles Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed in the blast said because they had such a strong connection with Spain they felt a service in the Co Tyrone town would be a fitting tribute.
"This is the first opportunity for the families and the people of Omagh to show solidarity with those who lost their lives and the survivors in Madrid " he said.
"Last week's bombings brought back all the memories of Omagh - the fact these people were just going about their daily business, the hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with devastation and the communications systems cut off.
"I could understand the panic people were having when trying to contact someone they cared about... you always think the worst."
All main clergies were represented at the service. Father Kevin Mullan, one of the first on the scene in the aftermath of the explosion, led a period of reflection. Mr Gallagher, who runs the Omagh Victims Group, said Omagh's would probably be one of the most poignant memorials taking place.
"We were all together when we heard about the bombs," he said.
"You could physically feel the change in people as it sunk in."
Omagh District Council will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss its response to the Madrid bombings.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has called for a Europe-wide three-minute silence to commemorate the victims. It should start at midday, Madrid-time today. He also called for work on the EU action plan on terrorism to be stepped up.
By Victoria Ward
PA News
RELATIVES of the Omagh bomb victims held a memorial service yesterday in solidarity with those killed in the Madrid blasts.
The families said the train bombings had instigated stark reminders of their own nightmare and the community wanted an opportunity to express its understanding and grief.
At least 200 people were killed when the bombs rocked rush-hour trains in the Spanish capital last Thursday.
The moving service was conducted at the Omagh Memorial Gardens and included music a period of reflection and prayer.
Two Spaniards were among the 29 killed, who also included a woman pregnant with twins, in the Real IRA bombing of August 1998. It was the single worst loss of life in the history of the Troubles Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed in the blast said because they had such a strong connection with Spain they felt a service in the Co Tyrone town would be a fitting tribute.
"This is the first opportunity for the families and the people of Omagh to show solidarity with those who lost their lives and the survivors in Madrid " he said.
"Last week's bombings brought back all the memories of Omagh - the fact these people were just going about their daily business, the hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with devastation and the communications systems cut off.
"I could understand the panic people were having when trying to contact someone they cared about... you always think the worst."
All main clergies were represented at the service. Father Kevin Mullan, one of the first on the scene in the aftermath of the explosion, led a period of reflection. Mr Gallagher, who runs the Omagh Victims Group, said Omagh's would probably be one of the most poignant memorials taking place.
"We were all together when we heard about the bombs," he said.
"You could physically feel the change in people as it sunk in."
Omagh District Council will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss its response to the Madrid bombings.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has called for a Europe-wide three-minute silence to commemorate the victims. It should start at midday, Madrid-time today. He also called for work on the EU action plan on terrorism to be stepped up.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0618
Published Date: 15-Mar-04
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