BOMB ATROCITY CAST SHADOW OVER DEMONSTRATION AT DONEMANA
Omagh bomb atrocity cast shadow over 'Last Saturday' demonstration at Donemana
DESPITE the brightly shining sun, the aftermath of the Omagh bomb atrocity left a shadow hanging over the 'Last Saturday' demonstration by the Royal Black Institute in Donemana.
With the Omagh preceptories having withdrawn earlier in the week, the demonstration was reduced by about half, with only preceptories from Castlederg and Strabane, the host district, taking part.
The bomb blast was never far from the minds of many people and those who died, those who were injured, and those who mourn were remembered during the religious service.
During the service a minute's silence was observed by those in the field, and wreaths were presented on behalf of those taking part. They were later added to the mountain of floral tributes already laid close to the scene of the explosion.
Opening the religious service, the Strabane district master, Mr. Ian Donnell, told people in the field that a shadow hung over the proceedings.
He said it was traditional for the institution to remember those members and their relatives who had died since the last demonstration, but this year no one could forget the memory of the innocent men, women and children who died in Omagh.
He described it as a callous and horrendous atrocity and said the institution extended sympathy to those who had been bereaved.
Continued Mr. Donnell: "Our thoughts and prayers are also with those maimed and injured and for those who will never fully recover from their ordeal.
"We think also of those from our visiting district chapters who have been affected, most especially Omagh who, understandably felt unable to come and demonstrate with us today.
"In remembering these innocent people, let us also commit to memory all those who have died as a result of 30 years of violence in our land."
Following prayers for the deceased, led by the lay district chaplain. Mr. Raymond Caldwell. those in the field observed a minute's silence.
Wreaths
Wreaths were then presented on behalf of the Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth, the Provincial Grand Black Chapter of England, Castlederg District No. 6, and Strabane District No. 2.
Mr. Allan Rainey, past assistant sovereign grand master, thanked the officers and members of the Strabane District for their outward and visible sign of condolences.
"It has been a very difficult and traumatic time for the families, and those who have offered support to them in many ways,'' he said
"We especially think of those who are still confined to hospital beds and the families who watch over them and those who are recovering. We wish them a speedy recovery, and we trust God will have his hand on them," he added.
In his address, the guest speaker, Rev. Robert Boyd, chaplain of East Tyrone District Chapter No. 5, said the thoughts of many were with those who could not be present at the demonstration.
He said the events of Omagh had cast a shadow over the proceedings. Many people had been affected, from unborn children to grandparents.
Mr. Boyd went on: "People out shopping on a normal Saturday afternoon have been left shattered and scarred for life as a result of that hateful action by so-called human beings.
"Many people in this field have felt the sores of that atrocity. My prayers and the prayers of all of us today are with those who suffered, and continue to suffer in hospitals and in empty homes throughout this Province at this time.
"Some have witnessed at first hand these terrible acts of suffering, and they were horrified. Others have experienced - and they cannot comprehend what they feel -emptiness, numbness and the other emotions they are going through at this time.
"As many people have said, there are no words can bring comfort on such an occasion, it is only through our expression of support that we can relay our sympathy to all those who have been affected."
And Mr. Boyd encouraged all present to continue to offer their support to those in need in the days and months ahead.
Suffering
In his address Mr. Boyd said Christian life was full of suffering at times. It was often said that being a Christian was like swimming against the tide, and Christians had to endure the remarks of those who were against them, he said.
He urged people to remember it was through faith alone that they would come to know the glory of God.
Prayers were led by the minister of Donemana Presbyterian Church, Rev. James McGregor and the minister of Donagheady Parish, Canon Fred Graham.
Mr. Caldwell read the first two resolutions, while the third was read by Mr. Jack Burke, district master of Castlederg.
They were proposed by Mr. Sam Foster, imperial deputy grand master, and seconded by Mr. William Montgomery, deputy county grand master of Tyrone.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Ernest Hamilton, Strabane deputy district master, and seconded by Mr. Derek McDermott, Strabane district registrar.
The resolutions called on the Government to to apprehend and take out of circulation those who carried out terrorist crimes, confirmed affirmation to the reformed faith; and loyalty to the crown and to the Union between Britain and Northern Ireland.
Music during the service was provided by members of the Craig Memorial Accordion Band, Strabane.
DESPITE the brightly shining sun, the aftermath of the Omagh bomb atrocity left a shadow hanging over the 'Last Saturday' demonstration by the Royal Black Institute in Donemana.
With the Omagh preceptories having withdrawn earlier in the week, the demonstration was reduced by about half, with only preceptories from Castlederg and Strabane, the host district, taking part.
The bomb blast was never far from the minds of many people and those who died, those who were injured, and those who mourn were remembered during the religious service.
During the service a minute's silence was observed by those in the field, and wreaths were presented on behalf of those taking part. They were later added to the mountain of floral tributes already laid close to the scene of the explosion.
Opening the religious service, the Strabane district master, Mr. Ian Donnell, told people in the field that a shadow hung over the proceedings.
He said it was traditional for the institution to remember those members and their relatives who had died since the last demonstration, but this year no one could forget the memory of the innocent men, women and children who died in Omagh.
He described it as a callous and horrendous atrocity and said the institution extended sympathy to those who had been bereaved.
Continued Mr. Donnell: "Our thoughts and prayers are also with those maimed and injured and for those who will never fully recover from their ordeal.
"We think also of those from our visiting district chapters who have been affected, most especially Omagh who, understandably felt unable to come and demonstrate with us today.
"In remembering these innocent people, let us also commit to memory all those who have died as a result of 30 years of violence in our land."
Following prayers for the deceased, led by the lay district chaplain. Mr. Raymond Caldwell. those in the field observed a minute's silence.
Wreaths
Wreaths were then presented on behalf of the Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth, the Provincial Grand Black Chapter of England, Castlederg District No. 6, and Strabane District No. 2.
Mr. Allan Rainey, past assistant sovereign grand master, thanked the officers and members of the Strabane District for their outward and visible sign of condolences.
"It has been a very difficult and traumatic time for the families, and those who have offered support to them in many ways,'' he said
"We especially think of those who are still confined to hospital beds and the families who watch over them and those who are recovering. We wish them a speedy recovery, and we trust God will have his hand on them," he added.
In his address, the guest speaker, Rev. Robert Boyd, chaplain of East Tyrone District Chapter No. 5, said the thoughts of many were with those who could not be present at the demonstration.
He said the events of Omagh had cast a shadow over the proceedings. Many people had been affected, from unborn children to grandparents.
Mr. Boyd went on: "People out shopping on a normal Saturday afternoon have been left shattered and scarred for life as a result of that hateful action by so-called human beings.
"Many people in this field have felt the sores of that atrocity. My prayers and the prayers of all of us today are with those who suffered, and continue to suffer in hospitals and in empty homes throughout this Province at this time.
"Some have witnessed at first hand these terrible acts of suffering, and they were horrified. Others have experienced - and they cannot comprehend what they feel -emptiness, numbness and the other emotions they are going through at this time.
"As many people have said, there are no words can bring comfort on such an occasion, it is only through our expression of support that we can relay our sympathy to all those who have been affected."
And Mr. Boyd encouraged all present to continue to offer their support to those in need in the days and months ahead.
Suffering
In his address Mr. Boyd said Christian life was full of suffering at times. It was often said that being a Christian was like swimming against the tide, and Christians had to endure the remarks of those who were against them, he said.
He urged people to remember it was through faith alone that they would come to know the glory of God.
Prayers were led by the minister of Donemana Presbyterian Church, Rev. James McGregor and the minister of Donagheady Parish, Canon Fred Graham.
Mr. Caldwell read the first two resolutions, while the third was read by Mr. Jack Burke, district master of Castlederg.
They were proposed by Mr. Sam Foster, imperial deputy grand master, and seconded by Mr. William Montgomery, deputy county grand master of Tyrone.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Ernest Hamilton, Strabane deputy district master, and seconded by Mr. Derek McDermott, Strabane district registrar.
The resolutions called on the Government to to apprehend and take out of circulation those who carried out terrorist crimes, confirmed affirmation to the reformed faith; and loyalty to the crown and to the Union between Britain and Northern Ireland.
Music during the service was provided by members of the Craig Memorial Accordion Band, Strabane.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0578
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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