RELATIVES MOVED BY OMAGH FILM
Relatives moved by Omagh film
By Darran McCann
Tyrone Correspondent
ACCORDING to Michael Gallagher, none of the relatives of the Omagh bombing even moved in their seats during the first screening of Omagh, the new film of their experiences.
The relatives saw Omagh, made by producer Paul Greengrass and director Pete Travis, for the first time yesterday afternoon and for a second time just hours later.
No-one moved a muscle the second time around either.
The film begins with juxtaposed scenes of the bomb being prepared and driven to Omagh, and the market-town community readying itself for a busy Saturday.
The positive portrayal of the RUC officers on duty in Omagh during the security alert prior to the explosion is in sharp contrast to the film's general indictment of the force's investigation.
The portrayal of former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is akin to Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's savage critique of his leadership.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams appears as a sinister, unhelpful presence.
The recreation of the explosion and the hellish scenes that followed were too overwhelming for some in the audience.
Thereafter, much of the film documents the families' formation of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and their subsequent search for justice.
Throughout, the narrative is focused on the experiences of Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aiden in the bomb.
Arriving for the second screening last night, Mr Gallagher said the Omagh Support and Self-. Help Group, and "99.9 per cent of families actively seeking justice are supportive of the film".
"It is a beautiful story that the world should know. It is appropriate to tell the world how ordinary families get caught up in terrorism, which is one of the evils of the world today," he said. "The beautiful part of the story is the fact that families from all different backgrounds have come together in the pursuit of truth and justice. That is a beautiful thing."
Mr Gallagher said it was "incredible to see the last five-and-a-half years reenacted," adding that the film "portrayed it very accurately, as it happened".
He said he did not think the film would adversely affect the ongoing civil action the families are taking against those believed to be responsible for the Real IRA atrocity.
"We are just telling the story simply, as it was. We hope it will not impact on the civil case," he said.
"We will put our case to the courts. We have faith in the courts."
Gerard McSorley, the Omagh actor who plays Mr Gallagher, said the film had been challenging for those involved in its production.
"Playing anyone who is still alive is always very difficult for an actor," he said.
"The families wanted the film to be made. In fact, it wouldn't have been made if they hadn't given their total approval to it.
"I hope it helps them to achieve the justice they have a right to achieve."
By Darran McCann
Tyrone Correspondent
ACCORDING to Michael Gallagher, none of the relatives of the Omagh bombing even moved in their seats during the first screening of Omagh, the new film of their experiences.
The relatives saw Omagh, made by producer Paul Greengrass and director Pete Travis, for the first time yesterday afternoon and for a second time just hours later.
No-one moved a muscle the second time around either.
The film begins with juxtaposed scenes of the bomb being prepared and driven to Omagh, and the market-town community readying itself for a busy Saturday.
The positive portrayal of the RUC officers on duty in Omagh during the security alert prior to the explosion is in sharp contrast to the film's general indictment of the force's investigation.
The portrayal of former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is akin to Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's savage critique of his leadership.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams appears as a sinister, unhelpful presence.
The recreation of the explosion and the hellish scenes that followed were too overwhelming for some in the audience.
Thereafter, much of the film documents the families' formation of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and their subsequent search for justice.
Throughout, the narrative is focused on the experiences of Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aiden in the bomb.
Arriving for the second screening last night, Mr Gallagher said the Omagh Support and Self-. Help Group, and "99.9 per cent of families actively seeking justice are supportive of the film".
"It is a beautiful story that the world should know. It is appropriate to tell the world how ordinary families get caught up in terrorism, which is one of the evils of the world today," he said. "The beautiful part of the story is the fact that families from all different backgrounds have come together in the pursuit of truth and justice. That is a beautiful thing."
Mr Gallagher said it was "incredible to see the last five-and-a-half years reenacted," adding that the film "portrayed it very accurately, as it happened".
He said he did not think the film would adversely affect the ongoing civil action the families are taking against those believed to be responsible for the Real IRA atrocity.
"We are just telling the story simply, as it was. We hope it will not impact on the civil case," he said.
"We will put our case to the courts. We have faith in the courts."
Gerard McSorley, the Omagh actor who plays Mr Gallagher, said the film had been challenging for those involved in its production.
"Playing anyone who is still alive is always very difficult for an actor," he said.
"The families wanted the film to be made. In fact, it wouldn't have been made if they hadn't given their total approval to it.
"I hope it helps them to achieve the justice they have a right to achieve."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0621
Published Date: 10-May-04
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