OMAGH THIS TIME ITS NOT FOR REAL
OMAGH
This time it's not for real
By PAULINE REYNOLDS
TRAUMATIC film footage of the horror of the Omagh bomb, will be etched forever in the hearts and minds, of those who watched news reports of the shocking atrocity.
And, those murderous scenes have been recreated in a television drama, which centres on the hunt for those responsible.
These are the exclusive photos, taken last week at the film set, in Watergate Street, Navan, Co Meath.
The area was chosen, because of its close physical resemblance to Market Street, in Omagh, where the Real IRA detonated their deadly device.
It claimed the lives of 29 innocent men, women and children and unborn twins, on a sunny summer's afternoon in August, 1998.
The factual drama, simply entitled "Omagh," has won the backing of many of the victims' families.
Others have reservations, believing many unhappy memories will resurface, for those still grieving over their tragic losses.
The main focus of the feature length drama, is the failure of police, on both sides of the border, to bring those responsible for the mass murder, to justice.
Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aidan in the carnage, visited the film set on Tuesday, along with other bereaved.
"What struck me was the tremendous dedication by the actors and crew, who said it meant more to them that just a film," he told Sunday Life, last night.
"They knew the story, and were very conscious of the fact, that what they were re-enacting was a tragedy, and it was not just another job to them.
"They said it was a great privilege to work on the story of the Omagh bomb, and they were intent on making it as accurate as possible.
"I see this film as an educator, and a way of informing people about what happened in our town.
"I would like to think that, although this tragedy is about horror and deceit and evil, there is another side to it.
"Families have come together, who would never have come together, and put their differences aside, and have fought for truth and justice and peace."
"Omagh" is produced by the acclaimed Tiger Aspect company, and funded by Channel 4, RTE and the Irish FI Board. It will be televised in May.
This time it's not for real
By PAULINE REYNOLDS
TRAUMATIC film footage of the horror of the Omagh bomb, will be etched forever in the hearts and minds, of those who watched news reports of the shocking atrocity.
And, those murderous scenes have been recreated in a television drama, which centres on the hunt for those responsible.
These are the exclusive photos, taken last week at the film set, in Watergate Street, Navan, Co Meath.
The area was chosen, because of its close physical resemblance to Market Street, in Omagh, where the Real IRA detonated their deadly device.
It claimed the lives of 29 innocent men, women and children and unborn twins, on a sunny summer's afternoon in August, 1998.
The factual drama, simply entitled "Omagh," has won the backing of many of the victims' families.
Others have reservations, believing many unhappy memories will resurface, for those still grieving over their tragic losses.
The main focus of the feature length drama, is the failure of police, on both sides of the border, to bring those responsible for the mass murder, to justice.
Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aidan in the carnage, visited the film set on Tuesday, along with other bereaved.
"What struck me was the tremendous dedication by the actors and crew, who said it meant more to them that just a film," he told Sunday Life, last night.
"They knew the story, and were very conscious of the fact, that what they were re-enacting was a tragedy, and it was not just another job to them.
"They said it was a great privilege to work on the story of the Omagh bomb, and they were intent on making it as accurate as possible.
"I see this film as an educator, and a way of informing people about what happened in our town.
"I would like to think that, although this tragedy is about horror and deceit and evil, there is another side to it.
"Families have come together, who would never have come together, and put their differences aside, and have fought for truth and justice and peace."
"Omagh" is produced by the acclaimed Tiger Aspect company, and funded by Channel 4, RTE and the Irish FI Board. It will be televised in May.
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/164
Published Date: 25-Jan-04
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