I'M SORRY OMAGH SAYS TV SOAP STAR
I'M SORRY OMAGH SAYS TV SOAP STAR
By JACKIE McKEOWN
THE father of an Omagh bomb victim, has offered the hand of friendship to a TV star, who caused a storm by posing for pictures at the scene of the atrocity. Sean Williamson, who plays Barry in Eastenders outraged people in the devastated Tyrone town when he was photographed in the rubble just hours after the bomb. Williamson last week apologised for what he called his "insensitive" visit, and said he felt he would never be able to return to Ulster as a result. But Omagh Self-Help Support Group chairman, Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aidan, was among the 29 victims, last night extended a welcome to the humbled soap star. "It was bizarre, and I suppose because he holds a position where attention will be paid to him, he should realise his responsibilities," said Mr Gallagher.
"What makes me sad is that he feels he can't now come back to Omagh.
I would certainly hold no malice towards this man - I would welcome him back."
Williamson said he had been in Enniskillen on a photo shoot with his father Pat, who was born in the town, but had been unable to break his silence until now because he was under contract to a Sunday newspaper.
He added: "I feel deeply humbled by what I saw that awful day, and I desperately want to be forgiven.
I never meant to cause offence. What I want is for the people of Omagh to invite me back when they and I are ready."
By JACKIE McKEOWN
THE father of an Omagh bomb victim, has offered the hand of friendship to a TV star, who caused a storm by posing for pictures at the scene of the atrocity. Sean Williamson, who plays Barry in Eastenders outraged people in the devastated Tyrone town when he was photographed in the rubble just hours after the bomb. Williamson last week apologised for what he called his "insensitive" visit, and said he felt he would never be able to return to Ulster as a result. But Omagh Self-Help Support Group chairman, Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aidan, was among the 29 victims, last night extended a welcome to the humbled soap star. "It was bizarre, and I suppose because he holds a position where attention will be paid to him, he should realise his responsibilities," said Mr Gallagher.
"What makes me sad is that he feels he can't now come back to Omagh.
I would certainly hold no malice towards this man - I would welcome him back."
Williamson said he had been in Enniskillen on a photo shoot with his father Pat, who was born in the town, but had been unable to break his silence until now because he was under contract to a Sunday newspaper.
He added: "I feel deeply humbled by what I saw that awful day, and I desperately want to be forgiven.
I never meant to cause offence. What I want is for the people of Omagh to invite me back when they and I are ready."
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/068
Published Date: 20-Dec-98
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