NEW YORK ATROCITY FIREFIGHTING VICTIM HAD MOUNTJOY CONNECTION
New York atrocity firefighting victim had Mountjoy connection
A GROUP of fire fighters from New York are due to visit the Ulster American Folk Park on Monday.
The group is on a tour of Ireland, visiting families and birthplaces of firefighters lost or injured in the September 11 atrocity. The visit to Omagh is their only stop in the north. The firemen also wanted to pay respects to those killed or injured in the Omagh bomb attack.
The Omagh connection comes through the death of New York fireman, Michael Lyons, whose mother was originally from Mountjoy. His mother spent most of her life in the United States, but is now buried in Co. Tyrone. The visit has resulted through a close association with Mr. Paddy McGowan, from Omagh.
Mr. McGowan, a councillor for over 20 years, worked for the fire service in Omagh for much of his working life. He is also well known as the former local Ulsterbus depot manager and has close links with CIE, who are supporting the tour.
Over 100 firefighters will visit the museum, which focuses on emigration from Ireland to America.
Folk Park director, Mr. John Gilmour said: "We are delighted to welcome this fine group to the Folk Park. This is an opportunity for them to explore centuries of history linking Ulster and the United States of America, especially as many of them have family connections with Ireland. They will also have the chance to enjoy some of the musical traditions from both sides of the Atlantic."
The firemen will be treated to a lunch reception at the Folk Park, and this will be followed by a guided tour of the award-winning museum. From the Folk Park, they will set off on a tour of Omagh town centre and the local fire station. There will also be an official welcome by the council chairman, Mr. Barry McElduff, and the council's chief executive, Mr. Danny McSorley.
A GROUP of fire fighters from New York are due to visit the Ulster American Folk Park on Monday.
The group is on a tour of Ireland, visiting families and birthplaces of firefighters lost or injured in the September 11 atrocity. The visit to Omagh is their only stop in the north. The firemen also wanted to pay respects to those killed or injured in the Omagh bomb attack.
The Omagh connection comes through the death of New York fireman, Michael Lyons, whose mother was originally from Mountjoy. His mother spent most of her life in the United States, but is now buried in Co. Tyrone. The visit has resulted through a close association with Mr. Paddy McGowan, from Omagh.
Mr. McGowan, a councillor for over 20 years, worked for the fire service in Omagh for much of his working life. He is also well known as the former local Ulsterbus depot manager and has close links with CIE, who are supporting the tour.
Over 100 firefighters will visit the museum, which focuses on emigration from Ireland to America.
Folk Park director, Mr. John Gilmour said: "We are delighted to welcome this fine group to the Folk Park. This is an opportunity for them to explore centuries of history linking Ulster and the United States of America, especially as many of them have family connections with Ireland. They will also have the chance to enjoy some of the musical traditions from both sides of the Atlantic."
The firemen will be treated to a lunch reception at the Folk Park, and this will be followed by a guided tour of the award-winning museum. From the Folk Park, they will set off on a tour of Omagh town centre and the local fire station. There will also be an official welcome by the council chairman, Mr. Barry McElduff, and the council's chief executive, Mr. Danny McSorley.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1045
Published Date: 02-May-02
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