RESILIENCE OF OMAGH PEOPLE HAILED AS AN INSPIRATION TO WIDER WORLD
Resilience of Omagh people hailed as an 'inspiration to wider world'
THE resilience of the people of Omagh in the aftermath of last August's bombing is an inspiration to the wider world, the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, has said.
Dr. Mowlam was attending a ceremony at Derwentside Civic Centre, Consett, County Durham, where the local authority presented Omagh District Council and the people of Omagh with a piece of artwork entitled, 'A Peace for Good Friday (and Forever)'.
The artwork was produced by a local Derwentside artist, Maralyn O'Keefe, who has tried to depict how she saw the beauty of Northern Ireland and the way it was scarred by the troubles.
Representatives of those bereaved and injured by the Omagh bomb, as well as representatives from the council, Sperrin Lakeland Trust, and the emergency services, attended the ceremony, as part of a four-day visit to the area. The group were guests of Derwentside District Council, and its chairman, Mr. Richard McArdle.
The Secretary of State reiterated the Government's commitment to helping all the victims of violence, particularly those traumatised by the Omagh bomb.
And she said: "The way in which the people of Omagh, from all backgrounds, have been brought more closely together by the tragedy, rather than being driven apart, is an example to all the people of Northern Ireland, and an inspiration to those of us who want to help to ensure that we all enjoy a peaceful, prosperous and secure future."
Dr. Mowlam went on to praise the co-ordinating work of Omagh council, led by the chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, who was on the four-day visit.
"Omagh is now firmly embarked on rebuilding its future. A main driving force for rehabilitation has been the strong lead of Mr. McKinney and his council colleagues, with the full backing of Government," she said.
She also praised the people of Omagh for looking beyond their own pain to embrace the people of Kosovo.
And she thanked Derwentside council for its tangible demonstration of support for Omagh.
"I believe this represents the start of a very close relationship between the councils and the people of the two areas, and I trust it will be maintained and built upon," she said.
The visit to Derwentside by the Omagh group involved a number of sightseeing opportunities and tours, including a trip to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, Durham Cathedral and the Beamish Museum. They also attended the Derwentside council chairman's Ladies Charity Ball.
Speaking after the visit, Mr. Allan Rainey, Omagh council vice-chairman, said: "Once again, Omagh and its people continues to be in the thoughts of others. The beautiful piece of art created by Maralyn O'Keefe, plus the welcome and hospitality afforded to us in Derwentside, bears testimony to this."
He added: "I hope the visit in some small way will help the healing process for those who took part. Omagh was instantly welcomed by the people of Derwentside, a friendship developed, and a bond was created."
The trip was followed by a three day return visit of the Derwentside council chairman, Mr. McArdle, and his wife, Carolyn, who were guests of Omagh council.
The artwork, which is currently housed in the council offices, consists of three panels joined together by barbed wire, and its main theme is the Giant's Causeway.
The panels are split from top to bottom and filled with tiny fragmented glass, representing the differences of ideals in the people.
THE resilience of the people of Omagh in the aftermath of last August's bombing is an inspiration to the wider world, the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, has said.
Dr. Mowlam was attending a ceremony at Derwentside Civic Centre, Consett, County Durham, where the local authority presented Omagh District Council and the people of Omagh with a piece of artwork entitled, 'A Peace for Good Friday (and Forever)'.
The artwork was produced by a local Derwentside artist, Maralyn O'Keefe, who has tried to depict how she saw the beauty of Northern Ireland and the way it was scarred by the troubles.
Representatives of those bereaved and injured by the Omagh bomb, as well as representatives from the council, Sperrin Lakeland Trust, and the emergency services, attended the ceremony, as part of a four-day visit to the area. The group were guests of Derwentside District Council, and its chairman, Mr. Richard McArdle.
The Secretary of State reiterated the Government's commitment to helping all the victims of violence, particularly those traumatised by the Omagh bomb.
And she said: "The way in which the people of Omagh, from all backgrounds, have been brought more closely together by the tragedy, rather than being driven apart, is an example to all the people of Northern Ireland, and an inspiration to those of us who want to help to ensure that we all enjoy a peaceful, prosperous and secure future."
Dr. Mowlam went on to praise the co-ordinating work of Omagh council, led by the chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, who was on the four-day visit.
"Omagh is now firmly embarked on rebuilding its future. A main driving force for rehabilitation has been the strong lead of Mr. McKinney and his council colleagues, with the full backing of Government," she said.
She also praised the people of Omagh for looking beyond their own pain to embrace the people of Kosovo.
And she thanked Derwentside council for its tangible demonstration of support for Omagh.
"I believe this represents the start of a very close relationship between the councils and the people of the two areas, and I trust it will be maintained and built upon," she said.
The visit to Derwentside by the Omagh group involved a number of sightseeing opportunities and tours, including a trip to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, Durham Cathedral and the Beamish Museum. They also attended the Derwentside council chairman's Ladies Charity Ball.
Speaking after the visit, Mr. Allan Rainey, Omagh council vice-chairman, said: "Once again, Omagh and its people continues to be in the thoughts of others. The beautiful piece of art created by Maralyn O'Keefe, plus the welcome and hospitality afforded to us in Derwentside, bears testimony to this."
He added: "I hope the visit in some small way will help the healing process for those who took part. Omagh was instantly welcomed by the people of Derwentside, a friendship developed, and a bond was created."
The trip was followed by a three day return visit of the Derwentside council chairman, Mr. McArdle, and his wife, Carolyn, who were guests of Omagh council.
The artwork, which is currently housed in the council offices, consists of three panels joined together by barbed wire, and its main theme is the Giant's Causeway.
The panels are split from top to bottom and filled with tiny fragmented glass, representing the differences of ideals in the people.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1348
Published Date: 13-May-99
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