MODEL PUPIL WHOSE LIFE WAS ONLY BEGINNING
Model pupil whose life was only beginning'
PUPILS from Omagh High School formed a guard of honour as the funeral cortege of teenager Lorraine Wilson made its way to Cappagh Parish Church on Wednesday last.
The 15-year-old Omagh High School pupil died with her friend, Samantha McFarland, after the pair were evacuated from the Oxfam Shop, at Omagh's High Street, where they were worked as volunteers.
She was the daughter of Godfrey and Ann Wilson, Camowen Bungalows, Omagh, and was the third eldest in a family of four. She had one sister, Denise (21), and two brothers, Gary (20) and Colin (10).
During his address the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr. James Mehaffey, described Lorraine as a girl who was "full of vitality, energetic and enthusiastic".
"She was a model pupil and she was only 15. Her life was only beginning but now it has been taken away from her," he said.
"The evil intention of the bombers is in stark contrast to the innumerable deeds of care and compassion which have been so clearly demonstrated by the people of this community.
"The dark cloud of evil is being penetrated by numerous acts of love and goodness which are happening all around us," he said.
"Many have speculated as to what was the motivation of the bombers. Certainly if their intention was to demoralise and divide the community then they they have failed totally. The direct opposite has been the result. People have come together from all sides of the community and from different religious and political backgrounds to stand shoulder to shoulder in their solidarity against violence. The bombing has served to strengthen everyone's determination to work for peace," said Bishop Mehaffey.
Expressing his sympathy to the Wilson family, he hoped and prayed that the intensity of their grief would not overwhelm them, but that even in this, their darkest hour, some gleam of light would break through.
He went on: "At a time like this when there is so much pain and grief where can we turn to find consolation and hope? A very bright light comes from our relationships with family and friends. They have a profound effect on our lives to shape and renew them. We need family and friends at every stage of the road of life but particularly so at a time of bereavement and grief. May Lorraine's parents and family find wonderful support and encouragement through the many relationships they have formed."
Rev. Derek Quinn also told mourners that Lorraine had died helping others in what was often a cruel and uncaring world.
Lorraine's sister, Denise, also paid tribute to the teenager, whom she described as an "angel".
After a moving and unaccompanied rendition of Elton John's song, "Candle in the Wind", by Omagh High School pupil, Colleen McCann, burial took place in the adjoining graveyard.
PUPILS from Omagh High School formed a guard of honour as the funeral cortege of teenager Lorraine Wilson made its way to Cappagh Parish Church on Wednesday last.
The 15-year-old Omagh High School pupil died with her friend, Samantha McFarland, after the pair were evacuated from the Oxfam Shop, at Omagh's High Street, where they were worked as volunteers.
She was the daughter of Godfrey and Ann Wilson, Camowen Bungalows, Omagh, and was the third eldest in a family of four. She had one sister, Denise (21), and two brothers, Gary (20) and Colin (10).
During his address the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr. James Mehaffey, described Lorraine as a girl who was "full of vitality, energetic and enthusiastic".
"She was a model pupil and she was only 15. Her life was only beginning but now it has been taken away from her," he said.
"The evil intention of the bombers is in stark contrast to the innumerable deeds of care and compassion which have been so clearly demonstrated by the people of this community.
"The dark cloud of evil is being penetrated by numerous acts of love and goodness which are happening all around us," he said.
"Many have speculated as to what was the motivation of the bombers. Certainly if their intention was to demoralise and divide the community then they they have failed totally. The direct opposite has been the result. People have come together from all sides of the community and from different religious and political backgrounds to stand shoulder to shoulder in their solidarity against violence. The bombing has served to strengthen everyone's determination to work for peace," said Bishop Mehaffey.
Expressing his sympathy to the Wilson family, he hoped and prayed that the intensity of their grief would not overwhelm them, but that even in this, their darkest hour, some gleam of light would break through.
He went on: "At a time like this when there is so much pain and grief where can we turn to find consolation and hope? A very bright light comes from our relationships with family and friends. They have a profound effect on our lives to shape and renew them. We need family and friends at every stage of the road of life but particularly so at a time of bereavement and grief. May Lorraine's parents and family find wonderful support and encouragement through the many relationships they have formed."
Rev. Derek Quinn also told mourners that Lorraine had died helping others in what was often a cruel and uncaring world.
Lorraine's sister, Denise, also paid tribute to the teenager, whom she described as an "angel".
After a moving and unaccompanied rendition of Elton John's song, "Candle in the Wind", by Omagh High School pupil, Colleen McCann, burial took place in the adjoining graveyard.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0365
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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