MOVING MEMORIAL SERVICE IN BUNCRANA
Moving memorial service in Buncrana
SCHOOLCHILDREN performing a mime of remembrance at Buncrana on Sunday stood frozen in time when the clock reached ten past three.
Like Omagh, thousands turned out for the memorial service in the-centre of the small seaside town to remember the three young local boys, and two Spanish visitors, who went shopping in Omagh 12 months earlier, and never returned.
The mime, 'Requerdos' Spanish for 'remembrance' was a fitting memorial to 12-year-old Shaun McLaughlin, 12-year-old, James Barker, eight-year-old Oran Doherty, 12-year-old Fernando. Blasco Baselga, and his teacher, 23-year-old Rocio Abad Ramos, who lost their lives in the bombing.
Interrupted for a minute's silence to remember the dead, the children continued the mime in both English and Spanish.
The ceremony comprised a mixture of prayers and music, interlaced with poignant tributes to all five victims by their relatives. A friend of Fernando Blasco also took part.
Amanda Doherty, sister of Oran, described her brother as their "brief rainbow".
Choking back tears, she said: "You entered our lives Oran and stayed for just a short precious time. Nonetheless, the memories of those moments when you blessed us with delight and joy, beauty and gentleness, happiness and sunlight, are treasured memories for us."
Tributes were also given by Gerry Toye, uncle of Shaun, and Victor Barker, father of James.
Mr. Barker read out a short prayer he had written, in which he thanked God for the joy and happiness that James had brought into their lives.
The leader of the Spanish exchange pupils, Paula Mahon, who also attended the short Act of Remembrance in Omagh on Saturday, read out an emotional message, thanking the people of Buncrana for their "kindness, love and care".
On behalf of the Spanish, she said they prayed that links between Buncrana and Spain would remain as strong, and never be broken.
Local priest, Rev. Shane Bradley, recalled the pain and anguish in the aftermath of the bomb, and of the heartache felt by the Spanish families.
"We all have memories we would rather forget, but some have no choice as they face an empty chair and unused bed, and as others live with the scars, physical and emotional," he said.
The service drew to a close with a special message to the people of Omagh "We remember you always. Please remember us."
West Tyrone Assemblyman, Mr. Joe Byrne, represented Omagh at the ceremony.
SCHOOLCHILDREN performing a mime of remembrance at Buncrana on Sunday stood frozen in time when the clock reached ten past three.
Like Omagh, thousands turned out for the memorial service in the-centre of the small seaside town to remember the three young local boys, and two Spanish visitors, who went shopping in Omagh 12 months earlier, and never returned.
The mime, 'Requerdos' Spanish for 'remembrance' was a fitting memorial to 12-year-old Shaun McLaughlin, 12-year-old, James Barker, eight-year-old Oran Doherty, 12-year-old Fernando. Blasco Baselga, and his teacher, 23-year-old Rocio Abad Ramos, who lost their lives in the bombing.
Interrupted for a minute's silence to remember the dead, the children continued the mime in both English and Spanish.
The ceremony comprised a mixture of prayers and music, interlaced with poignant tributes to all five victims by their relatives. A friend of Fernando Blasco also took part.
Amanda Doherty, sister of Oran, described her brother as their "brief rainbow".
Choking back tears, she said: "You entered our lives Oran and stayed for just a short precious time. Nonetheless, the memories of those moments when you blessed us with delight and joy, beauty and gentleness, happiness and sunlight, are treasured memories for us."
Tributes were also given by Gerry Toye, uncle of Shaun, and Victor Barker, father of James.
Mr. Barker read out a short prayer he had written, in which he thanked God for the joy and happiness that James had brought into their lives.
The leader of the Spanish exchange pupils, Paula Mahon, who also attended the short Act of Remembrance in Omagh on Saturday, read out an emotional message, thanking the people of Buncrana for their "kindness, love and care".
On behalf of the Spanish, she said they prayed that links between Buncrana and Spain would remain as strong, and never be broken.
Local priest, Rev. Shane Bradley, recalled the pain and anguish in the aftermath of the bomb, and of the heartache felt by the Spanish families.
"We all have memories we would rather forget, but some have no choice as they face an empty chair and unused bed, and as others live with the scars, physical and emotional," he said.
The service drew to a close with a special message to the people of Omagh "We remember you always. Please remember us."
West Tyrone Assemblyman, Mr. Joe Byrne, represented Omagh at the ceremony.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0732
Published Date: 19-Aug-99
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