TORN APART BUT NEVER MORE STRONGLY UNITED
Torn apart - but never more strongly united
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Church of Ireland parishes, said: "Omagh was torn apart on August 15, 1998, but was never more strongly united.
"It has been said that in their attack on peace that day, the terrorists were targeting hope. Hope for a better future, and belief in Northern Ireland's ability to heal its wounds.
"They failed. In the aftermath of the August 15 tragedy, the people of Omagh drew together.
"One week after this reckless and vicious attack on an innocent town, a vigil of around 50,000 filled its streets, offering comfort and solidarity to a wounded community.
"The few who had sought to tear us apart instead drew the eyes and the hearts of the world to Omagh.
"I truly believe that we can continue to re-build this community, and to support each other. We can never forget what happened on our streets, and we will never forget those who were taken from us.
"It should never have happened, but it did, and we will forever live with the consequences.
"In the 10 years that followed, each and every day our town has remembered those who were injured and bereaved by this terrible act of violence. For some those passing years have seemed like decades, for others that day was just yesterday.
"The 10th anniversary is a difficult time, a painful time. It brings us right back to the day, the hour, and the very moment when everything was irrevocably altered.
"We remember where we were that day, and what we were doing.
"We remember the fear and confusion of the search and the silence, and the pain and suffering that came after.
"The memory of that awful day still haunts us -10 years on and the pain still lingers. Nevertheless, standing together we look forward to the future in the belief that goodwill always triumphs over evil".
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Church of Ireland parishes, said: "Omagh was torn apart on August 15, 1998, but was never more strongly united.
"It has been said that in their attack on peace that day, the terrorists were targeting hope. Hope for a better future, and belief in Northern Ireland's ability to heal its wounds.
"They failed. In the aftermath of the August 15 tragedy, the people of Omagh drew together.
"One week after this reckless and vicious attack on an innocent town, a vigil of around 50,000 filled its streets, offering comfort and solidarity to a wounded community.
"The few who had sought to tear us apart instead drew the eyes and the hearts of the world to Omagh.
"I truly believe that we can continue to re-build this community, and to support each other. We can never forget what happened on our streets, and we will never forget those who were taken from us.
"It should never have happened, but it did, and we will forever live with the consequences.
"In the 10 years that followed, each and every day our town has remembered those who were injured and bereaved by this terrible act of violence. For some those passing years have seemed like decades, for others that day was just yesterday.
"The 10th anniversary is a difficult time, a painful time. It brings us right back to the day, the hour, and the very moment when everything was irrevocably altered.
"We remember where we were that day, and what we were doing.
"We remember the fear and confusion of the search and the silence, and the pain and suffering that came after.
"The memory of that awful day still haunts us -10 years on and the pain still lingers. Nevertheless, standing together we look forward to the future in the belief that goodwill always triumphs over evil".
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC10An/20
Published Date: 14-Aug-08
Related Images
