PEOPLE ARE NUMBED AND DEVASTATED
People are numbed and devastated'
IN THE hours immediately after the blast, Omagh District Council vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, spoke of the feeling of numbness which had descended on Omagh.
"The people of Omagh are numbed and devastated, we just do not know which hand to turn to," he said.
"I never thought I would see atrocities like this return to our streets," Mr. Rainey added.
He said the importance of the Tyrone County Hospital to the local community had been shown in the way its staff had responded so magnificently to the bombing, but added: "We should not have to use our hospital for this type of atrocity."
And speaking on Tuesday after the full magnitude of the events had unfolded, and with it the work of the emergency services, Mr. Rainey paid tribute to all who gave of their time and experience or just their energy, to help the seriously injured.
"Those who grieve and those who have been injured must be in our thoughts now, and along with them those who wait at their bedsides," he said.
He said the district council met on Monday with the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, and discussed the range of issues which would be needed. These included the help needed for the injured and counselling for those who had given assistance.
Councillors also pressed her on security issues and the assurances given by the two Prime Ministers, Mr. Tony Blair and Mr. Bertie Ahern.
Her unequivoical response had been that no stone would be left unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. Rainey said the families of those who were killed and injured would be waiting to see some positive steps taking place.
On visiting many of the bereaved, their sense of grief was evident, Mr. Rainey said.
The strength they were finding to cope with their personal tragedies was unbelievable.
Dignity
"No one could help but be moved by the dignity and the solemnity they have shown," Mr. Rainey said.
He said he had been pleased to welcome a deputation from the trade unions which represented ambulance drivers and medical staff when they laid flowers close to the scene of the blast.
"1 thanked them on behalf of the council and the people of Omagh for the work they did in such harrowing circumstances.
"We cannot speak too highly of all those people - professionals and lay people alike - who gave of their all to help those in need," Mr. Rainey said.
And he had words of thanks for all those not from Omagh and not directly affected by the atrocity for their words of kindness, sympathy and support.
"It is great to know that so many people were touched and found the time to come to Omagh to share in our grief, or just to lay flowers," he said.
Mr. Rainey also turned his thoughts to the future and said he hoped that from the worldwide publicity, something positive would emerge for the people of Omagh.
IN THE hours immediately after the blast, Omagh District Council vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, spoke of the feeling of numbness which had descended on Omagh.
"The people of Omagh are numbed and devastated, we just do not know which hand to turn to," he said.
"I never thought I would see atrocities like this return to our streets," Mr. Rainey added.
He said the importance of the Tyrone County Hospital to the local community had been shown in the way its staff had responded so magnificently to the bombing, but added: "We should not have to use our hospital for this type of atrocity."
And speaking on Tuesday after the full magnitude of the events had unfolded, and with it the work of the emergency services, Mr. Rainey paid tribute to all who gave of their time and experience or just their energy, to help the seriously injured.
"Those who grieve and those who have been injured must be in our thoughts now, and along with them those who wait at their bedsides," he said.
He said the district council met on Monday with the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, and discussed the range of issues which would be needed. These included the help needed for the injured and counselling for those who had given assistance.
Councillors also pressed her on security issues and the assurances given by the two Prime Ministers, Mr. Tony Blair and Mr. Bertie Ahern.
Her unequivoical response had been that no stone would be left unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. Rainey said the families of those who were killed and injured would be waiting to see some positive steps taking place.
On visiting many of the bereaved, their sense of grief was evident, Mr. Rainey said.
The strength they were finding to cope with their personal tragedies was unbelievable.
Dignity
"No one could help but be moved by the dignity and the solemnity they have shown," Mr. Rainey said.
He said he had been pleased to welcome a deputation from the trade unions which represented ambulance drivers and medical staff when they laid flowers close to the scene of the blast.
"1 thanked them on behalf of the council and the people of Omagh for the work they did in such harrowing circumstances.
"We cannot speak too highly of all those people - professionals and lay people alike - who gave of their all to help those in need," Mr. Rainey said.
And he had words of thanks for all those not from Omagh and not directly affected by the atrocity for their words of kindness, sympathy and support.
"It is great to know that so many people were touched and found the time to come to Omagh to share in our grief, or just to lay flowers," he said.
Mr. Rainey also turned his thoughts to the future and said he hoped that from the worldwide publicity, something positive would emerge for the people of Omagh.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0200
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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