OMAGH FILM PREMIERED ON RTE
Omagh film premiered on RTE
By Darran McCann
THE new film about the Omagh bombing and its aftermath has been premiered on RTE. Omagh, produced by Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass and starring Gerard McSorley went to air on Saturday evening.
The film, a joint production between RTE and Channel Four, was premiered for the families of the victims of the 1998 atrocity at a cinema in Belfast earlier this month.
Its narrative begins on the morning of the bomb and focuses on the Gallagher family.
When the bomb exploded 21-year-old Aiden Gallagher was among the 31 people killed. The film follows the story of the families' campaign to bring the bombers to justice, through the eyes of Aiden's father Michael.
Michael Gallagher was played by Omagh-born actor Gerard McSorley.
When they first saw the film Michael Gallagher said the families approved of its recreation of their experiences.
A spokeswoman for RTE said viewing figures would not be available until today, but said the station had received five phone calls after the film went to air.
She said that each caller had praised the film.
"We had set up a helpline to direct people who had watched the film to bereavement services and counseling services," she said.
"But there were no calls to the helpline," she added.
In the film, former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is portrayed in a highly critical light.
Its presentation of Sir Ronnie is in line with the damning criticisms made of his handling of the investigation into the bombing by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Yesterday a police spokeswoman declined to comment on the portrayal of the former chief constable.
The film portrays Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams in a sinister light, showing him surrounded by guards and retainers.
A party spokesman said Mr Adams had not seen the film and would therefore not be able to comment on this portrayal.
Omagh will be aired on Channel Four on Thursday at 9pm.
By Darran McCann
THE new film about the Omagh bombing and its aftermath has been premiered on RTE. Omagh, produced by Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass and starring Gerard McSorley went to air on Saturday evening.
The film, a joint production between RTE and Channel Four, was premiered for the families of the victims of the 1998 atrocity at a cinema in Belfast earlier this month.
Its narrative begins on the morning of the bomb and focuses on the Gallagher family.
When the bomb exploded 21-year-old Aiden Gallagher was among the 31 people killed. The film follows the story of the families' campaign to bring the bombers to justice, through the eyes of Aiden's father Michael.
Michael Gallagher was played by Omagh-born actor Gerard McSorley.
When they first saw the film Michael Gallagher said the families approved of its recreation of their experiences.
A spokeswoman for RTE said viewing figures would not be available until today, but said the station had received five phone calls after the film went to air.
She said that each caller had praised the film.
"We had set up a helpline to direct people who had watched the film to bereavement services and counseling services," she said.
"But there were no calls to the helpline," she added.
In the film, former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is portrayed in a highly critical light.
Its presentation of Sir Ronnie is in line with the damning criticisms made of his handling of the investigation into the bombing by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Yesterday a police spokeswoman declined to comment on the portrayal of the former chief constable.
The film portrays Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams in a sinister light, showing him surrounded by guards and retainers.
A party spokesman said Mr Adams had not seen the film and would therefore not be able to comment on this portrayal.
Omagh will be aired on Channel Four on Thursday at 9pm.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0695
Published Date: 24-May-04
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