OMAGH BLAST HEROINE WINS COURAGE AWARD
Omagh blast heroine wins courage award for giving aid
By CHRIS PARKIN
A HEROINE of the Omagh terrorist bomb attack that claimed 29 lives in the Co Tyrone town last August yesterday won an award from the Securicor security firm.
Roisin McKenny was caught up in the blast in the chemist shop where she worked, but still went on to provide first aid assistance for those lying injured nearby.
The bomb, carried out by the Real IRA that later declared a ceasefire, ripped Omagh apart and prompted both the British and Eire governments to introduce tough new anti-terror laws.
Ms McKenny, who holds the rank of captain in the Order of Malta ambulance corps organisation, received Securicor's 1998 Courage Award at a ceremony in Dublin.
Afterwards, she recalled the screams that followed the initial silence after the explosion, and added: "I still hear the screams today.
"When the house shook as the bomb went off, I thought the end of the world had come.
"I don't think my memories will ever leave.
"I am deeply conscious that I was just one of many who gave help that day."
Ms McKenny received a sculpture and a IR�10,000 cheque at yesterday's event.
She is to give the money to schools for the autistic in Omagh and Co Donegal, where some of the victims of the bombing lived.
By CHRIS PARKIN
A HEROINE of the Omagh terrorist bomb attack that claimed 29 lives in the Co Tyrone town last August yesterday won an award from the Securicor security firm.
Roisin McKenny was caught up in the blast in the chemist shop where she worked, but still went on to provide first aid assistance for those lying injured nearby.
The bomb, carried out by the Real IRA that later declared a ceasefire, ripped Omagh apart and prompted both the British and Eire governments to introduce tough new anti-terror laws.
Ms McKenny, who holds the rank of captain in the Order of Malta ambulance corps organisation, received Securicor's 1998 Courage Award at a ceremony in Dublin.
Afterwards, she recalled the screams that followed the initial silence after the explosion, and added: "I still hear the screams today.
"When the house shook as the bomb went off, I thought the end of the world had come.
"I don't think my memories will ever leave.
"I am deeply conscious that I was just one of many who gave help that day."
Ms McKenny received a sculpture and a IR�10,000 cheque at yesterday's event.
She is to give the money to schools for the autistic in Omagh and Co Donegal, where some of the victims of the bombing lived.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/140
Published Date: 02-Dec-98
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