TC10An/02

Beragh widower dedicates book to three generations lost in Omagh bomb

On August 15, 1998, Mick Grimes lost three generations of his family in the Omagh bombing. His wife Mary, granddaughter Maura and daughter Avril, who was pregnant with twins, went on a shopping trip to Omagh to celebrate Mary's 65th birthday.
They never came home.
Mary was never to see the flowers waiting on the kitchen table lovingly bought for her by her husband of over 40 years, nor any of the birthday cards from her 11 children. Life was never the same again in the homely farmhouse.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the bombing and, to mark his wife's 75th birthday, Mick has written a book dedicated to her memory.
He said: "On different occasions over the years Mary sometimes hinted that I should try to write a book. But I knew in my heart that it was beyond my capability. Then in the years after the Omagh atrocity in 1998 the fact that I had made no effort to comply with my wife's request sometimes caused me concern. About 18 months ago I decided to make an attempt.
"No doubt some readers will frown at my endeavour, but I like to think that somewhere beyond the great divide there is one who smiles."
Mick, a retired dairy farmer from Beragh, dedicated his book "Till We Meet Again" to his wife Mary, daughter Avril Monaghan, her daughter Maura and her unborn twins, and to all those who lost their lives in the Omagh Bomb tragedy.
"Till We Meet Again" is an insightful, charming and touching personal account of life 'as it used to be' in rural Northern Ireland. Mick Grimes gives us a first-hand account of farming and family life lived in a close knit community in Beragh area.
With stories, humorous anecdotes, poems and observations, he takes us from the 'Hungry Thirties' through war time Ireland to present day. His poignant account of the horrendous loss suffered by his family in the Omagh tragedy and his tender poetry offers a glimpse into the great love that still burns strong ten years on.
"Till We Meet Again" is one of those books that will delight and infect you with its warmth long after reading it.
The book will be launched at 8pm on Monday in Omagh Library by UTV's Paul Clarke. The author extends an open invitation to anyone who would care to attend.
"Till We Meet Again" (ISBN 978-0-9559956-0-6 priced at £10 (EUR 12.50) will be available at selected Easons bookshops and newsagents nationwide from August 4. The book can also be purchased via the website http://tillwemeetagain. synthasite. com.