BOMB CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM
Bomb claims another victim
The Omagh bomb atrocity claimed its 29th fatality early on Saturday with the death of retired businessman, Mr Sean McGrath three weeks after the blast which killed 28 and injured hundreds of others.
Tributes have been paid this week to the 61-year-old baker who was described at his funeral as 'a friend to all'.
Mr McGrath was a member of a highly regarded family which ran a grocery business at Market Street.
Educated at Omagh's Christian Brothers School, he took over the business on the death of his father, and subsequently moved into the bakery trade. He was the proprietor of the Krusty Fair Bakery, which had premises at Sedan Avenue and Dromore Road.
It was noted for the quality of its products, selling some of them to London's 'top people's shops,' Harrods.
He also worked as a representative for Procter and Gamble and after retiring two years ago, was a consultant in the bakery businesses in the North West.
Mr McGrath was also always willing to pass on his expertise to fledging businesses, and many appreciated his advice and guidance. He was a founder member and past president of Omagh Lions Club.
His family played a crucial role in Mr. McGrath's life, and he is survived by his wife, grown up children and two brothers.
Mr McGrath also had two grandchildren, one of whom he never saw. Polly Caitlan, daughter of his London-based son, Gavin was born two weeks ago while her grandfather was in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Omagh District Council adjourned its meeting on Tuesday night as a mark of respect. Members agreed to send a letter of sympathy to the family, extending their thanks and appreciation for the support Mr. McGrath gave to others who were starting up in business.
The adjournment was proposed by Mr Paddy McGowan, who said "He epitomised everything that was good. And it is the good people who have been taken away from us."
Seconding the proposal, Mr Oliver Gibson extended his sympathy to the family.
"This is another tragic death." As a child going to the Academy, I remember the McGrath's shop. They were a part of Omagh" he said.
Mr Joe Byrne and Mr Crawford McFarland said their respective parties were in favour of adjourning. Mr McFarland described Mr McGrath as a "gentleman".
Both the chairman and vice-chairman, Mr Sean Clarke and Mr Allan Rainey, extended their own personal sympathy to the McGrath family.
Once again Omagh was mourning the death of a respected member of the community.
Mrs Ann Gormley said "My sympathies go out to his wife and family. I hope and pray that this will be the last death in the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland and that those who are still in hospital will make a complete and speedy recovery" she said.
The Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlan said her heart went out to the McGrath family as they tried to come to terms with their loss.
The Omagh bomb atrocity claimed its 29th fatality early on Saturday with the death of retired businessman, Mr Sean McGrath three weeks after the blast which killed 28 and injured hundreds of others.
Tributes have been paid this week to the 61-year-old baker who was described at his funeral as 'a friend to all'.
Mr McGrath was a member of a highly regarded family which ran a grocery business at Market Street.
Educated at Omagh's Christian Brothers School, he took over the business on the death of his father, and subsequently moved into the bakery trade. He was the proprietor of the Krusty Fair Bakery, which had premises at Sedan Avenue and Dromore Road.
It was noted for the quality of its products, selling some of them to London's 'top people's shops,' Harrods.
He also worked as a representative for Procter and Gamble and after retiring two years ago, was a consultant in the bakery businesses in the North West.
Mr McGrath was also always willing to pass on his expertise to fledging businesses, and many appreciated his advice and guidance. He was a founder member and past president of Omagh Lions Club.
His family played a crucial role in Mr. McGrath's life, and he is survived by his wife, grown up children and two brothers.
Mr McGrath also had two grandchildren, one of whom he never saw. Polly Caitlan, daughter of his London-based son, Gavin was born two weeks ago while her grandfather was in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Omagh District Council adjourned its meeting on Tuesday night as a mark of respect. Members agreed to send a letter of sympathy to the family, extending their thanks and appreciation for the support Mr. McGrath gave to others who were starting up in business.
The adjournment was proposed by Mr Paddy McGowan, who said "He epitomised everything that was good. And it is the good people who have been taken away from us."
Seconding the proposal, Mr Oliver Gibson extended his sympathy to the family.
"This is another tragic death." As a child going to the Academy, I remember the McGrath's shop. They were a part of Omagh" he said.
Mr Joe Byrne and Mr Crawford McFarland said their respective parties were in favour of adjourning. Mr McFarland described Mr McGrath as a "gentleman".
Both the chairman and vice-chairman, Mr Sean Clarke and Mr Allan Rainey, extended their own personal sympathy to the McGrath family.
Once again Omagh was mourning the death of a respected member of the community.
Mrs Ann Gormley said "My sympathies go out to his wife and family. I hope and pray that this will be the last death in the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland and that those who are still in hospital will make a complete and speedy recovery" she said.
The Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlan said her heart went out to the McGrath family as they tried to come to terms with their loss.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1147
Published Date: 10-Sep-98
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