WORLDWIDE INTEREST IN OMAGH BOMB ONLINE ARCHIVE
Worldwide interest in Omagh bomb online archive
The recently launched Omagh bomb online archive has been inundated with hits since it was recently launched by UTV newsreader Paul Clarke and Deric Henderson of the Press Association of Ireland and a former Tyrone Constitution reporter.
Developed over a three-year periods by the Omagh Support and Self Help Group (OSSHG), the website has had internet users logging on from across the globe.
The service comprises newspaper coverage, radio and video recorders relating to information on the events leading up to and relating to the 1998 Real IRA attack and other global terrorist atrocities.
Project co-ordinator for the online archive, Donna McCauley said, "People from all over the world have been accessing it and the vast majority have been very supportive of the work we've done."
Chairman of the OSSHG, Michael Gallagher said the archive was being updated on an almost daily basis.
"We are now able to reach audiences we could never have expected to reach before," he said.
Last month Mr Gallagher travelled to Spain to speak at a number of events for the third anniversary of the 198 people who died and hundreds injured in the train bombs in Madrid.
Mr Gallagher said it was a privilege to stand with the Spanish victims in Madrid. "Attending the third anniversary for the Madrid bombings was extremely important as we have now become part of an international European group of victims who have recieved EC funding to promote the interests of those who have been affected by terrorism.
"The event had a two part function; to commemorate the third anniversary of the victims of the Madrid bombings and the victims of terrorism internationally as March 11 is the designated day of remembrance by the European Parliament for victims of terrorism in Europe.
"Present at the event there were victims of the terrorist bombings in London, the Bali bombs, the Red Brigades in 1970s Italy and victims of Algerian terrorism from France. Co-operation between victims internationally is important and something we can use to ensure the government supports victims."
Mr Gallagher also said he was looking forward to the time when March 11 could be acknowledged in Northern Ireland where people had suffered more from terrorism than in any other European country. Commentating on the far reaching effect of the website as well as its usefulness Mr Gallagher said: "The website is a very useful resource for students, journalists and those who have been affected by terrorism. It is not a parochial resource but a world wide resource documenting terrorism in the last nine years. It is only necessary to read the comments good and bad from individuals to see the international impact the website has had."
When it was launched the archive received backing from the House of Commons, with shadow Northern Ireland secretaries for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats voicing their support.
Tory MP David Lidington said the group's "courage , steadfastness and generosity" was an example to everybody.
Meanwhile Lib Dem spokesman Lembit Opik said: "This online archive will no doubt prove to be a valuable resource to all those who wish to learn about the tragedy of the Omagh bombing and I hope it can be used to promote further reconciliation in Northern Ireland and further afield."
To access the archive log on to: www.omagh-bomb.co.uk
The recently launched Omagh bomb online archive has been inundated with hits since it was recently launched by UTV newsreader Paul Clarke and Deric Henderson of the Press Association of Ireland and a former Tyrone Constitution reporter.
Developed over a three-year periods by the Omagh Support and Self Help Group (OSSHG), the website has had internet users logging on from across the globe.
The service comprises newspaper coverage, radio and video recorders relating to information on the events leading up to and relating to the 1998 Real IRA attack and other global terrorist atrocities.
Project co-ordinator for the online archive, Donna McCauley said, "People from all over the world have been accessing it and the vast majority have been very supportive of the work we've done."
Chairman of the OSSHG, Michael Gallagher said the archive was being updated on an almost daily basis.
"We are now able to reach audiences we could never have expected to reach before," he said.
Last month Mr Gallagher travelled to Spain to speak at a number of events for the third anniversary of the 198 people who died and hundreds injured in the train bombs in Madrid.
Mr Gallagher said it was a privilege to stand with the Spanish victims in Madrid. "Attending the third anniversary for the Madrid bombings was extremely important as we have now become part of an international European group of victims who have recieved EC funding to promote the interests of those who have been affected by terrorism.
"The event had a two part function; to commemorate the third anniversary of the victims of the Madrid bombings and the victims of terrorism internationally as March 11 is the designated day of remembrance by the European Parliament for victims of terrorism in Europe.
"Present at the event there were victims of the terrorist bombings in London, the Bali bombs, the Red Brigades in 1970s Italy and victims of Algerian terrorism from France. Co-operation between victims internationally is important and something we can use to ensure the government supports victims."
Mr Gallagher also said he was looking forward to the time when March 11 could be acknowledged in Northern Ireland where people had suffered more from terrorism than in any other European country. Commentating on the far reaching effect of the website as well as its usefulness Mr Gallagher said: "The website is a very useful resource for students, journalists and those who have been affected by terrorism. It is not a parochial resource but a world wide resource documenting terrorism in the last nine years. It is only necessary to read the comments good and bad from individuals to see the international impact the website has had."
When it was launched the archive received backing from the House of Commons, with shadow Northern Ireland secretaries for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats voicing their support.
Tory MP David Lidington said the group's "courage , steadfastness and generosity" was an example to everybody.
Meanwhile Lib Dem spokesman Lembit Opik said: "This online archive will no doubt prove to be a valuable resource to all those who wish to learn about the tragedy of the Omagh bombing and I hope it can be used to promote further reconciliation in Northern Ireland and further afield."
To access the archive log on to: www.omagh-bomb.co.uk
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1880
Published Date: 19-Apr-07
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