MEMORIES ARE STILL PAINFUL
Memories are still painful
MARGARET CUMMINGS MBE,
principal librarian at Omagh Library, had the heartbreaking task of compiling the permanent record of how her home town came to terms with the devastating events of August 15, 1998
WHEN we returned to work in Omagh library just two days after the bomb, the entire staff were still dazed and trying to come to terms with the terrible events of the weekend.
Needless to say we didn't open the doors to the public that day, but just talked through with each other the terrible events that had occurred.
Some staff started to bring newspapers in and as we read through the coverage, as difficult as it was, it was clear that it was our duty to the town to be keeping these records for historical purposes.
It was easily the most difficult task I have ever asked the staff to do.
We had to read all the articles in great detail - a heartbreaking, harrowing and a very emotional experience.
It was only by thinking that it would be for the long-term good of the community that we were able to keep going, even when it became very distressing.
Even years on from the bombing, my colleagues Claire Baxter, Evelyn Johns and Aileen Laird, who have worked conscientiously on compiling the digital archive, had tears brought to their eyes through reading the articles and looking at the pictures.
Working with newspaper articles we had to read every word and that was a harrowing experience because it was so real and so close to home.
You read things through, recall the details that you have forgotten and it brings it all back.
With the 10th anniversary memories are still very painful, memories of so many funerals, so many wakes.
I don't think the public fully realises the extent of what is held in the archive and what it means to the town of Omagh.
Many of the items that have been sent to us or passed on by the council are very poignant reminders of the tragic events of that terrible day. One of the most striking is an extract from the visitors' book at the Ulster American Folk Park that had been signed by those on the school exchange trip of children from Buncrana and Spain.
Just an hour after he signed the book, Fernando Blasco Baselga, became one of the victims.
Looking at the page he signed brings back what happened. But different people would react to different things.
Personally the most striking reminder to me are the touching messages that were left with flowers left at the scene and had been laid on the bridge over the Strule in memory of those who had perished.
THE Omagh Bomb Archive is at the town's library and contains:
Some 11,000 newspaper articles, many in their original form.
15,000 emails which were sent to Omagh District Council.
More than 800 books of condolence.
52 videos with news clips from UTV, the BBC and RTE.
Approximately 3,000 floral tribute cards (these are the original cards that were left with flowers).
Approximately 1,000 sympathy cards.
Other items include letters, posters, flags and patchwork quilts, and 20 patchwork quilts and cushions presented by the NI Patchwork Guild.
Anyone will be welcome to visit the archive during normal library opening times.
From September 1, the library will be open to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and all day Saturday.
The archive's website is www.omagharchive.co.uk.
As told to Ciaran McGuigan.
MARGARET CUMMINGS MBE,
principal librarian at Omagh Library, had the heartbreaking task of compiling the permanent record of how her home town came to terms with the devastating events of August 15, 1998
WHEN we returned to work in Omagh library just two days after the bomb, the entire staff were still dazed and trying to come to terms with the terrible events of the weekend.
Needless to say we didn't open the doors to the public that day, but just talked through with each other the terrible events that had occurred.
Some staff started to bring newspapers in and as we read through the coverage, as difficult as it was, it was clear that it was our duty to the town to be keeping these records for historical purposes.
It was easily the most difficult task I have ever asked the staff to do.
We had to read all the articles in great detail - a heartbreaking, harrowing and a very emotional experience.
It was only by thinking that it would be for the long-term good of the community that we were able to keep going, even when it became very distressing.
Even years on from the bombing, my colleagues Claire Baxter, Evelyn Johns and Aileen Laird, who have worked conscientiously on compiling the digital archive, had tears brought to their eyes through reading the articles and looking at the pictures.
Working with newspaper articles we had to read every word and that was a harrowing experience because it was so real and so close to home.
You read things through, recall the details that you have forgotten and it brings it all back.
With the 10th anniversary memories are still very painful, memories of so many funerals, so many wakes.
I don't think the public fully realises the extent of what is held in the archive and what it means to the town of Omagh.
Many of the items that have been sent to us or passed on by the council are very poignant reminders of the tragic events of that terrible day. One of the most striking is an extract from the visitors' book at the Ulster American Folk Park that had been signed by those on the school exchange trip of children from Buncrana and Spain.
Just an hour after he signed the book, Fernando Blasco Baselga, became one of the victims.
Looking at the page he signed brings back what happened. But different people would react to different things.
Personally the most striking reminder to me are the touching messages that were left with flowers left at the scene and had been laid on the bridge over the Strule in memory of those who had perished.
THE Omagh Bomb Archive is at the town's library and contains:
Some 11,000 newspaper articles, many in their original form.
15,000 emails which were sent to Omagh District Council.
More than 800 books of condolence.
52 videos with news clips from UTV, the BBC and RTE.
Approximately 3,000 floral tribute cards (these are the original cards that were left with flowers).
Approximately 1,000 sympathy cards.
Other items include letters, posters, flags and patchwork quilts, and 20 patchwork quilts and cushions presented by the NI Patchwork Guild.
Anyone will be welcome to visit the archive during normal library opening times.
From September 1, the library will be open to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and all day Saturday.
The archive's website is www.omagharchive.co.uk.
As told to Ciaran McGuigan.
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL10An/11
Published Date: 17-Aug-08
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