OMAGH SHARES IN GRIEF AT SPANISH SERVICE
Omagh shares in grief at Spanish service
REPRESENTATIVES of local authorities in Omagh and County Donegal were among hundreds of people who attended a memorial service in Spain for the victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity.
A Spanish exchange student and one of his teachers died in the August 15 blast. Several other members of their party were injured.
They had been taking part in an annual exchange trip to Buncrana, and three young boys from the Donegal town were also killed.
Omagh District Council was represented by the chairman, Mr Sean Clarke, the vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, and council official, Mr. Vincent Brogan.
Donegal County Council was represented by Mr. Seamus Gill, and Buncrana Urban District Council was represented by its vice-chairman, Mr. Jim Sheridan, and town clerk, Mr. Paul Doyle.
Speaking on his return, Mr. Clarke said the visit was poignant and emotion-filled.
He added: "I will long remember the humbling experience of standing alongside the relatives of Spanish people who were killed or injured in the bomb.
"The central purpose for coming together of course was to formally remember those who were caught up in the bomb, not least the Spanish visitors who died far from their own homes."
Mr. Rainey said the service in the cathedral had been a very moving experience, and the atmosphere had been "electric".
It was conducted partially in English by Rev. Shane Bradley, who is originally from Buncrana.
Mr. Rainey said there had been a chance to meet the relatives of those who died and those who were injured.
"One of the things which came through from the relatives of the injured was how much they appreciate the care that was given to their loved ones, not only in Omagh, but in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland," he said.
The service, he said, had been a public affirmation of sympathy on behalf of all who had been caught up in the blast.
He said there was no bitterness among the people he met about what had happened. Indeed it was clear that exchange trips between Spain and Ireland would continue in the future.
REPRESENTATIVES of local authorities in Omagh and County Donegal were among hundreds of people who attended a memorial service in Spain for the victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity.
A Spanish exchange student and one of his teachers died in the August 15 blast. Several other members of their party were injured.
They had been taking part in an annual exchange trip to Buncrana, and three young boys from the Donegal town were also killed.
Omagh District Council was represented by the chairman, Mr Sean Clarke, the vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, and council official, Mr. Vincent Brogan.
Donegal County Council was represented by Mr. Seamus Gill, and Buncrana Urban District Council was represented by its vice-chairman, Mr. Jim Sheridan, and town clerk, Mr. Paul Doyle.
Speaking on his return, Mr. Clarke said the visit was poignant and emotion-filled.
He added: "I will long remember the humbling experience of standing alongside the relatives of Spanish people who were killed or injured in the bomb.
"The central purpose for coming together of course was to formally remember those who were caught up in the bomb, not least the Spanish visitors who died far from their own homes."
Mr. Rainey said the service in the cathedral had been a very moving experience, and the atmosphere had been "electric".
It was conducted partially in English by Rev. Shane Bradley, who is originally from Buncrana.
Mr. Rainey said there had been a chance to meet the relatives of those who died and those who were injured.
"One of the things which came through from the relatives of the injured was how much they appreciate the care that was given to their loved ones, not only in Omagh, but in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland," he said.
The service, he said, had been a public affirmation of sympathy on behalf of all who had been caught up in the blast.
He said there was no bitterness among the people he met about what had happened. Indeed it was clear that exchange trips between Spain and Ireland would continue in the future.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1293
Published Date: 22-Oct-98
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