VICTIMS OF CONFLICT REMEMBERED AT OMAGH CEREMONY
Victims of conflict remembered at Omagh ceremony
by Karen McPhilemy
A POIGNANT memorial service was held in Omagh on Friday, in solidarity with all those who have been victims of conflict.
Held at the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, over 30 people attended the 45-minute long service which marked the first 'European Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism'.
Organised by the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, representatives from various traditions and denominations attended the service.
Also in attendance was the head of the Northern Ireland Office Victims' Unit, Mr John Clarke, and Mr Tony Dermott Roe, from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Government Buildings, Dublin.
Words on the order of service read: "To remember and honour those who died and those who are still suffering".
Mr Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife, Ann, in the 1998 Omagh bomb atrocity, opened the service, and Leslie Matthews sang 'Precious Memories' and 'In the Garden'.
A personal reflection was conducted by members of the Omagh Ethnic Group and prayer was led by Rev William Seale, local Church of Ireland rector, and Monsignor Joseph Donnelly, PP Sacred Heart Church.
Towards the end of the commemoration, a remembrance plaque was officially unveiled by Dr W W Foster, and was followed with the laying of a floral tribute by Mr Godfrey Wilson, who lost his daughter, Lorraine, in the Omagh bombing.
Speaking after the event, Mr Wilson, said: "The significance of this service was to recognise all the victims of this country and to have them recognised and registered across Europe.
"The victim's voice is not being heard and while there are politicians out there gaining power, they are not doing enough to recognise the people who have been mistreated in society.
"This was an opportunity for victims and relatives to join together and pray for all those killed and injured by conflict and hopefully in the years ahead they will continue to do so.
He thanked all those who contributed to the service, or gave support in any way.
Mr Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, said: "This was a very important event which was recognised throughout Europe on Friday. Locally, it was slightly disappointing that more people didn't turn out in support. However, while we didn't get quantity, we did get quality with the dedicated people there, who felt it was important to mark the event."
by Karen McPhilemy
A POIGNANT memorial service was held in Omagh on Friday, in solidarity with all those who have been victims of conflict.
Held at the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, over 30 people attended the 45-minute long service which marked the first 'European Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism'.
Organised by the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, representatives from various traditions and denominations attended the service.
Also in attendance was the head of the Northern Ireland Office Victims' Unit, Mr John Clarke, and Mr Tony Dermott Roe, from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Government Buildings, Dublin.
Words on the order of service read: "To remember and honour those who died and those who are still suffering".
Mr Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife, Ann, in the 1998 Omagh bomb atrocity, opened the service, and Leslie Matthews sang 'Precious Memories' and 'In the Garden'.
A personal reflection was conducted by members of the Omagh Ethnic Group and prayer was led by Rev William Seale, local Church of Ireland rector, and Monsignor Joseph Donnelly, PP Sacred Heart Church.
Towards the end of the commemoration, a remembrance plaque was officially unveiled by Dr W W Foster, and was followed with the laying of a floral tribute by Mr Godfrey Wilson, who lost his daughter, Lorraine, in the Omagh bombing.
Speaking after the event, Mr Wilson, said: "The significance of this service was to recognise all the victims of this country and to have them recognised and registered across Europe.
"The victim's voice is not being heard and while there are politicians out there gaining power, they are not doing enough to recognise the people who have been mistreated in society.
"This was an opportunity for victims and relatives to join together and pray for all those killed and injured by conflict and hopefully in the years ahead they will continue to do so.
He thanked all those who contributed to the service, or gave support in any way.
Mr Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, said: "This was a very important event which was recognised throughout Europe on Friday. Locally, it was slightly disappointing that more people didn't turn out in support. However, while we didn't get quantity, we did get quality with the dedicated people there, who felt it was important to mark the event."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1790
Published Date: 17-Mar-05
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