BOMB VICTIMS REMEMBERED IN POIGNANT CEREMONY
Bomb victims remembered in poignant ceremony
by Karen McPhilemy
THE sixth anniversary of the Omagh bomb atrocity, which claimed 31 lives including unborn twins on August 15, 1998, was marked on Sunday in a low-key and intimate ceremony.
Held in the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, the interdenominational service of prayer, music and reflection was organised for the first time by the Omagh Self Help and Support Group.
In previous years the ceremony was a civic led event. However, last year it was decided that Omagh District Council would discontinue its input into the service until the10th anniversary.
A large number of people, both relatives, friends and sympathisers, turned out to pay their respects. Representatives from various traditions participated in the service.
Also in attendance was the Irish Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan, and David Watkins, senior director at the Northern Ireland Office, as well as guests from Spain, homeland of two of the victims.
As people made their way to the garden copies of the order of service were handed out, and on them was written: "To remember and honour those who died and those still suffering".
Chairman of the Self Help and Support Group, Mr Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year old son Aidan, in the atrocity, welcomed all to the service.
Important
Mr Gallagher said: "It is important that we continue to carry on this remembrance service that was started six years ago by Omagh District Council.
"It is important to remember those who died, the bereaved families and those injured and still suffering".
Afterwards Mr Gallagher expressed thanks to all who took part and gave support.
"I would like to thank St Eugene's Brass Band, Leslie Matthews, Pax Christi, Keka Puchades from Madrid, the local clergy, Noel Donald, Ann and Godfrey Wilson, whose daughter Lorraine died in the blast, and Sharon Watters who helped to make this a special and fitting memorial to our dead and injured and those who are still affected by this terrible atrocity.
"I would also like to thank Minister Seamus Brennan, and David Watkins, the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan and the general public who stood with us."
A minute's silence was observed during the short service as the sun shone gloriously on those who had gathered to remember their loved ones the pain and suffering of their loss still clearly etched on their faces.
Guitarist and singer, Leslie Matthews, opened the service by singing "Precious Memories".
Personal blessing
A personal blessing was then read out by Spanish native, Keka Puchades, friend of Rocia Abad Ramos, the Spanish leader who died in the blast.
Keka travelled from her home town of Madrid, to take part in the service.
In a touching and emotional blessing read in both English and Spanish, she said: "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand."
Speaking to the Tyrone Constitution afterwards Keka described her visit as 'special'.
"This is very special for me because since 1998 I have wanted to be here, where my friend died and to be with the people who have suffered the same as I have.
"I wrote to the local council asking to be involved in this year's service and they then passed my letter on to the Self Help and Support Group.
"Being here today is very much a special and emotional moment for me and I think my friend, who I'm sure is looking down upon us today, would be very happy to see me here." she said.
St Eugene's Brass Band and Leslie Matthews performed 'Praise my Soul the King of Heaven'.
The Rev Louise Crawford, St. Columba's Church of Ireland curate and the Rev William Seale, Church of Ireland rector, gave a reading from Ecclesastes Chapter 3, which was followed by a reading from Dr Brendan McCarthy, of Omagh Community Church.
Members of the Pax Christi Peace Group then read the roll of honour with the names of those killed in the bomb read out.
A Prayer of Hope was then said by Rev J. Gilmore of Sacred Heart Church.
Rev. Cameron McDonald, padre at Lisanelly Army Camp and members of the Pax Christi Group led in the Lord's Prayer, which was then followed by a blessing from all the clergy.
The service drew to a close with the laying of floral tributes and the comforting words of 'In the Garden' sung by Mr Matthews.
As sympathisers dispersed from the memorial garden, many of the relatives and friends gathered round the flowers to remember once more their loved ones so cruelly taken from them on that fateful Summer day.
by Karen McPhilemy
THE sixth anniversary of the Omagh bomb atrocity, which claimed 31 lives including unborn twins on August 15, 1998, was marked on Sunday in a low-key and intimate ceremony.
Held in the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, the interdenominational service of prayer, music and reflection was organised for the first time by the Omagh Self Help and Support Group.
In previous years the ceremony was a civic led event. However, last year it was decided that Omagh District Council would discontinue its input into the service until the10th anniversary.
A large number of people, both relatives, friends and sympathisers, turned out to pay their respects. Representatives from various traditions participated in the service.
Also in attendance was the Irish Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan, and David Watkins, senior director at the Northern Ireland Office, as well as guests from Spain, homeland of two of the victims.
As people made their way to the garden copies of the order of service were handed out, and on them was written: "To remember and honour those who died and those still suffering".
Chairman of the Self Help and Support Group, Mr Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year old son Aidan, in the atrocity, welcomed all to the service.
Important
Mr Gallagher said: "It is important that we continue to carry on this remembrance service that was started six years ago by Omagh District Council.
"It is important to remember those who died, the bereaved families and those injured and still suffering".
Afterwards Mr Gallagher expressed thanks to all who took part and gave support.
"I would like to thank St Eugene's Brass Band, Leslie Matthews, Pax Christi, Keka Puchades from Madrid, the local clergy, Noel Donald, Ann and Godfrey Wilson, whose daughter Lorraine died in the blast, and Sharon Watters who helped to make this a special and fitting memorial to our dead and injured and those who are still affected by this terrible atrocity.
"I would also like to thank Minister Seamus Brennan, and David Watkins, the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan and the general public who stood with us."
A minute's silence was observed during the short service as the sun shone gloriously on those who had gathered to remember their loved ones the pain and suffering of their loss still clearly etched on their faces.
Guitarist and singer, Leslie Matthews, opened the service by singing "Precious Memories".
Personal blessing
A personal blessing was then read out by Spanish native, Keka Puchades, friend of Rocia Abad Ramos, the Spanish leader who died in the blast.
Keka travelled from her home town of Madrid, to take part in the service.
In a touching and emotional blessing read in both English and Spanish, she said: "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand."
Speaking to the Tyrone Constitution afterwards Keka described her visit as 'special'.
"This is very special for me because since 1998 I have wanted to be here, where my friend died and to be with the people who have suffered the same as I have.
"I wrote to the local council asking to be involved in this year's service and they then passed my letter on to the Self Help and Support Group.
"Being here today is very much a special and emotional moment for me and I think my friend, who I'm sure is looking down upon us today, would be very happy to see me here." she said.
St Eugene's Brass Band and Leslie Matthews performed 'Praise my Soul the King of Heaven'.
The Rev Louise Crawford, St. Columba's Church of Ireland curate and the Rev William Seale, Church of Ireland rector, gave a reading from Ecclesastes Chapter 3, which was followed by a reading from Dr Brendan McCarthy, of Omagh Community Church.
Members of the Pax Christi Peace Group then read the roll of honour with the names of those killed in the bomb read out.
A Prayer of Hope was then said by Rev J. Gilmore of Sacred Heart Church.
Rev. Cameron McDonald, padre at Lisanelly Army Camp and members of the Pax Christi Group led in the Lord's Prayer, which was then followed by a blessing from all the clergy.
The service drew to a close with the laying of floral tributes and the comforting words of 'In the Garden' sung by Mr Matthews.
As sympathisers dispersed from the memorial garden, many of the relatives and friends gathered round the flowers to remember once more their loved ones so cruelly taken from them on that fateful Summer day.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1705
Published Date: 19-Aug-04
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