DUBLIN ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR OMAGH GROUP
Dublin rolls out the red carpet for Omagh group
LOCAL people who were caught up in the Omagh bomb were guests of honour this week at a special reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
The 50-strong group, made up of those injured in the bombing and their families and friends, travelled to Dublin on Tuesday, for a two-night stay in the Irish capital.
Accommodation in a number of hotels throughout the city, as well as food and entertainment, were arranged and funded by the city's North Inner City Business Association.
The cross-community trip included a tour of Dail Eireann, organised by Senator Donie Cassidy, visits to the cinema and wax museum, and a guided tour of Dublin city.
Also on the itinerary, and highlight of the visit, was the VIP reception at Mansion House yesterday morning (Wednesday), hosted by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Joe Doyle.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was also present to welcome the Omagh guests.
Omagh district councillor, Mr. Pat McDonnell, co-ordinated the initiative at a local level, along with Knockmoyle man, Mr. Gerry O'Doherty.
Speaking before departing on the two-day trip, Mr. McDonnell explained that the chairman of the North Inner City Business Association, Mr. Jim Booth, had approached him and asked for help in co-ordinating the project.
"We used the Trauma Centre in Omagh to circulate details about the trip to those affected by the bomb, and those interested in going were asked to get in touch," he said.
Mr. McDonnell said he hoped the visit would provide victims with a refreshing break, while, at the same time, demonstrate that their plight was still at the forefront of people's minds.
He said he hoped the trip would be a "bright light in a dark period", and praised the generosity of the Dublin people.
"I was enormously impressed by the generosity of the Dublin people impressed and touched," he said.
"They said they were keen to do something as a genuine gesture to the people caught in the bombing, and this is exactly the right type of gesture and the right type of north-south contact."
Some of the sundry and travel expenses were sponsored by Omagh Building Supplies.
LOCAL people who were caught up in the Omagh bomb were guests of honour this week at a special reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
The 50-strong group, made up of those injured in the bombing and their families and friends, travelled to Dublin on Tuesday, for a two-night stay in the Irish capital.
Accommodation in a number of hotels throughout the city, as well as food and entertainment, were arranged and funded by the city's North Inner City Business Association.
The cross-community trip included a tour of Dail Eireann, organised by Senator Donie Cassidy, visits to the cinema and wax museum, and a guided tour of Dublin city.
Also on the itinerary, and highlight of the visit, was the VIP reception at Mansion House yesterday morning (Wednesday), hosted by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Joe Doyle.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was also present to welcome the Omagh guests.
Omagh district councillor, Mr. Pat McDonnell, co-ordinated the initiative at a local level, along with Knockmoyle man, Mr. Gerry O'Doherty.
Speaking before departing on the two-day trip, Mr. McDonnell explained that the chairman of the North Inner City Business Association, Mr. Jim Booth, had approached him and asked for help in co-ordinating the project.
"We used the Trauma Centre in Omagh to circulate details about the trip to those affected by the bomb, and those interested in going were asked to get in touch," he said.
Mr. McDonnell said he hoped the visit would provide victims with a refreshing break, while, at the same time, demonstrate that their plight was still at the forefront of people's minds.
He said he hoped the trip would be a "bright light in a dark period", and praised the generosity of the Dublin people.
"I was enormously impressed by the generosity of the Dublin people impressed and touched," he said.
"They said they were keen to do something as a genuine gesture to the people caught in the bombing, and this is exactly the right type of gesture and the right type of north-south contact."
Some of the sundry and travel expenses were sponsored by Omagh Building Supplies.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0742
Published Date: 29-Oct-98
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