OMAGH OUTRAGE CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM
Omagh outrage claims another victim
Horror toll now stands at 29
THE OMAGH bomb claimed another victim when a retired businessman injured in the blast died in hospital yesterday.
Sean McGrath, 61, had been in a critical condition in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital since the explosion.
He was the 29th person to die as a result of the atrocity, three weeks ago. Mr McGrath, who lived a couple of miles outside the town, leaves a wife and four grown up children � two sons and two daughters. He closed his bakery business and retired about two years ago.
Two women remain in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital, and a further 29 of the 220 injured in the blast, are in various stages of recovery in hospitals across the province.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister had been informed, and added that he was "deeply saddened that this terrible bomb has claimed another victim." News of the latest death was relayed to Limerick, where President Clinton was given the freedom of the city yesterday.
Taioseach Bertie Ahern asked the crowds of thousands to join with him in sending their condolences and sympathy to Mr McGrath's family.
Mr McGrath was described as a fine man, "a decent and very generous gentleman, unassuming and charitable," by friend and local independent Omagh councillor Paddy McGowan. He said he was shocked by the death. "We are back where we were, it just brings it all back. We knew he was extremely ill, but we had some hope there was a possibility that all of those badly hurt would make a recovery."
Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam expressed her sadness at hearing that Mr McGrath died of his injuries.
She said: "My heart goes out to the family and relatives of Mr McGrath as they try to come to terms with their loss."
For the brave people of Omagh, who had to face so much trauma in the past weeks, it would be "a sad reminder of their own individual grief".
Horror toll now stands at 29
THE OMAGH bomb claimed another victim when a retired businessman injured in the blast died in hospital yesterday.
Sean McGrath, 61, had been in a critical condition in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital since the explosion.
He was the 29th person to die as a result of the atrocity, three weeks ago. Mr McGrath, who lived a couple of miles outside the town, leaves a wife and four grown up children � two sons and two daughters. He closed his bakery business and retired about two years ago.
Two women remain in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital, and a further 29 of the 220 injured in the blast, are in various stages of recovery in hospitals across the province.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister had been informed, and added that he was "deeply saddened that this terrible bomb has claimed another victim." News of the latest death was relayed to Limerick, where President Clinton was given the freedom of the city yesterday.
Taioseach Bertie Ahern asked the crowds of thousands to join with him in sending their condolences and sympathy to Mr McGrath's family.
Mr McGrath was described as a fine man, "a decent and very generous gentleman, unassuming and charitable," by friend and local independent Omagh councillor Paddy McGowan. He said he was shocked by the death. "We are back where we were, it just brings it all back. We knew he was extremely ill, but we had some hope there was a possibility that all of those badly hurt would make a recovery."
Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam expressed her sadness at hearing that Mr McGrath died of his injuries.
She said: "My heart goes out to the family and relatives of Mr McGrath as they try to come to terms with their loss."
For the brave people of Omagh, who had to face so much trauma in the past weeks, it would be "a sad reminder of their own individual grief".
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/058
Published Date: 06-Sep-98
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