SERVICE REMEMBERS OMAGH VICTIMS
Service remembers Omagh victims
UP to 300 people attended a memorial service yesterday for 29 people and unborn twins massacred in the Omagh bombing.
The Real IRA atrocity on August 15,1998, was remembered by relatives of those who died as well as representatives of the Irish and British governments.
The bomb exploded on the town's packed main shopping street, killing and wounding people from Northern Ireland, Donegal and Spain.
Omagh Support and Self-Help Group chairman Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son, Aidan, in the blast, said they had expressed solidarity with all victims of terror.
"This was a service of prayer, memories and reflection and we have also been remembering victims of terrorism in other parts of the world," he said.
"We have to remember that we have seen terrorism last week just down the road in Newry and we have seen international terrorists attempting to bomb planes on their way to the United States.
"We will also be remembering the suffering of the people of Lebanon and Israel."
NIO Victims' Minister David Cairns was in Omagh for the service along with Irish Minister of State Brendan Smyth.
Groups from the north and south of Ireland, Spain and Croatia were present for an inter-denominational service of reflection.
No-one has been convicted of planting the device, although Sean Gerard Hoey, from Molly Road, Jonesboro, is due to face trial.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh bombing and they have also admitted being behind last week's Newry fire bombings which left several stores badly damaged and jobs under threat.
Omagh families have called for an independent public inquiry covering the actions of police on both sides of the border amid accusations that more could have been done to prevent the atrocity.
Former Garda Special Branch handler John White claimed he passed on information from a mole that an operation was planned. He said the tip wasn't acted on by his superiors.
UP to 300 people attended a memorial service yesterday for 29 people and unborn twins massacred in the Omagh bombing.
The Real IRA atrocity on August 15,1998, was remembered by relatives of those who died as well as representatives of the Irish and British governments.
The bomb exploded on the town's packed main shopping street, killing and wounding people from Northern Ireland, Donegal and Spain.
Omagh Support and Self-Help Group chairman Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son, Aidan, in the blast, said they had expressed solidarity with all victims of terror.
"This was a service of prayer, memories and reflection and we have also been remembering victims of terrorism in other parts of the world," he said.
"We have to remember that we have seen terrorism last week just down the road in Newry and we have seen international terrorists attempting to bomb planes on their way to the United States.
"We will also be remembering the suffering of the people of Lebanon and Israel."
NIO Victims' Minister David Cairns was in Omagh for the service along with Irish Minister of State Brendan Smyth.
Groups from the north and south of Ireland, Spain and Croatia were present for an inter-denominational service of reflection.
No-one has been convicted of planting the device, although Sean Gerard Hoey, from Molly Road, Jonesboro, is due to face trial.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh bombing and they have also admitted being behind last week's Newry fire bombings which left several stores badly damaged and jobs under threat.
Omagh families have called for an independent public inquiry covering the actions of police on both sides of the border amid accusations that more could have been done to prevent the atrocity.
Former Garda Special Branch handler John White claimed he passed on information from a mole that an operation was planned. He said the tip wasn't acted on by his superiors.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/654
Published Date: 14-Aug-06
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