OMAGH BOMB PROBE ROW HITS BIG SCREEN
OMAGH BOMB PROBE ROW HITS BIG SCREEN
EXCLUSIVE
THE controversy over the Omagh bomb probe is set to hit the big screen - and start another row between the Police Service and the Ombudsman.
A film company has confirmed that a heated meeting, between former Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and some of the relatives of the 29 people, who died in the August, 1998 outrage, is set to feature in 'Omagh', due to be released next year.
Dublin-based Kirwan Productions also said the film has the backing of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and will take their view in the script.
The inquiry into the bombing was investigated by the Ombudsman's investigators in August, 1991, after newspaper claims that police were tipped off about a dissident Real IRA member making a device three days before the blast.
Now Nuala O'Loan's decision to publish her report, just before Christmas of that year, and Sir Ronnie Flanagan's heated response, are to be a major part of the drama.
An insider at Tiger Aspect Productions and Hell's Kitchen, the two companies behind the movie, has revealed the plot will centre around who was right about the inquiry-and will come down on Mrs O'Loan's side.
"That was the view taken by the families and, as this production is about the families' fight for justice, then that will be the main focus," said the source.
"It will concentrate, for example, on a meeting between Sir Ronnie Flanagan and Michael Gallagher, who has led the campaign for an inquiry into the murders."
It is being made with the full support and co-operation of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and stars Gerry McSorley in the lead role of Michael Gallagher.
It will focus on the failure of police in both jurisdictions to bring those responsible for the mass-murder to justice.
'Omagh' is being co-produced by Paul Greengrass, who made the recent drama 'Bloody Sunday' for Granada TV, for the two production companies - one Irish, one English.
He is being joined in the production by Ed Guiney, the man behind the award-winning Magdalene Sisters.
The film insider, added: "It is clear from the script and the facts from the time that Mr Gallagher and the relatives, he represents, sided with the Ombudsman - and not Sir Ronnie."
EXCLUSIVE
THE controversy over the Omagh bomb probe is set to hit the big screen - and start another row between the Police Service and the Ombudsman.
A film company has confirmed that a heated meeting, between former Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and some of the relatives of the 29 people, who died in the August, 1998 outrage, is set to feature in 'Omagh', due to be released next year.
Dublin-based Kirwan Productions also said the film has the backing of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and will take their view in the script.
The inquiry into the bombing was investigated by the Ombudsman's investigators in August, 1991, after newspaper claims that police were tipped off about a dissident Real IRA member making a device three days before the blast.
Now Nuala O'Loan's decision to publish her report, just before Christmas of that year, and Sir Ronnie Flanagan's heated response, are to be a major part of the drama.
An insider at Tiger Aspect Productions and Hell's Kitchen, the two companies behind the movie, has revealed the plot will centre around who was right about the inquiry-and will come down on Mrs O'Loan's side.
"That was the view taken by the families and, as this production is about the families' fight for justice, then that will be the main focus," said the source.
"It will concentrate, for example, on a meeting between Sir Ronnie Flanagan and Michael Gallagher, who has led the campaign for an inquiry into the murders."
It is being made with the full support and co-operation of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, and stars Gerry McSorley in the lead role of Michael Gallagher.
It will focus on the failure of police in both jurisdictions to bring those responsible for the mass-murder to justice.
'Omagh' is being co-produced by Paul Greengrass, who made the recent drama 'Bloody Sunday' for Granada TV, for the two production companies - one Irish, one English.
He is being joined in the production by Ed Guiney, the man behind the award-winning Magdalene Sisters.
The film insider, added: "It is clear from the script and the facts from the time that Mr Gallagher and the relatives, he represents, sided with the Ombudsman - and not Sir Ronnie."
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/158
Published Date: 16-Nov-03
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