OMAGH BOMB VICTIMS REMEMERED AT POIGNANT CEREMONY - NINE YEARS ON
Omagh bomb victims remembered at poignant ceremony - nine years on
by Karen McPhilemy
THE ninth anniversary of the Omagh bomb, which claimed the lives of 31 people including unborn twins on August 15, 1998, was commemorated on Sunday in a low-key and intimate ceremony.
Held in the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, the inter-denominational service of prayer, music and reflection was organised by the Omagh Support and Self Help Group (OSSHG).
As the light rain gave way for a brief time, the sun beamed on the large number of people, both relatives, friends and sympathisers, who turned out to pay their respects.
Representatives from various churches, as well as the Pax Christi group from Ireland, and others participated in the service.
Also in attendance were representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish governments; senior official political director of the Northern Ireland Office, Chris Mccabe, Consul General of Spain, Dr Valdes, and Irish Minister of State, with responsibility for equality issues at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Sean Power, as well as representatives from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
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 OSSHG, Mr Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son, Aidan, in the atrocity, opened the service.
During his speech Mr Gallagher said: "It is my privilege to welcome you to the ninth anniversary service, to remember our lost loved ones, those who were injured and the lives that have been changed forever.
"I would like to give a special welcome to the representatives from the British, Spanish and Irish governments who have travelled to be with us on this occasion, and I also thank the various organisations who have participated in this service."
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Parish Churches, then gave a Bible reading, which was followed with a reflection entitled 'Oft in the Stilly Night' by Rev. Kevin Mullan, Drumquin Parish Priest.
Continuing with the service in a simple smooth-flowing manner, St Eugene's Brass Band and Donegal-based singer Leslie Mattews, from Newtownstewart, performed a number of appropriate pieces, including 'Farther Along' and 'Take My Hand Precious Lord'.
A Spanish poem was read out by Emma Loughran, followed by a reading by Rev Canning, St Mary's Parish, Killyclogher.
Members of the Pax Christi Group, Ireland, carried out the Roll of Honour ceremony where the names of those killed were read aloud, and a minute's silence then followed when relatives and friends solemnly reflected on their lost loved ones -the pain and suffering of their loss still clearly etched on their faces.
The Rev Paul Galucci, Methodist Church, Ballykelly, gave a reading from Psalm 46, while the Rev Andrew Quill, St Columba's Parish Church, led in prayer.
Relatives of those killed in the atrocity then gathered together for the laying of the flowers as Leslie Matthews performed the hymn 'Take My Hand Precious Lord'.
All in attendance took part in the Lords Prayer, and Mr Quill said the Blessing.
"Go forth into the world in peace; be a good courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all persons. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the spirit," he said.
Bringing the ceremony to a close, singer/songwriter Don Sullivan, who was born in Omagh, performed the song 'Omagh Town'.
Written by Mr Sullivan, the lyrics of the song included: "Years may roll by but the sorrow remains for loved ones lost to a world gone insane. But I pray that God will carry you through. Omagh Town on the banks of the Strule.
"If only I could go back in time and live the life I left behind, content I would be to spend my last days with you, Omagh Town on the banks of the Strule."
As sympathisers dispersed from the memorial garden, many of the relatives and friends gathered round the flowers to remember once more their loved ones in silence.
by Karen McPhilemy
THE ninth anniversary of the Omagh bomb, which claimed the lives of 31 people including unborn twins on August 15, 1998, was commemorated on Sunday in a low-key and intimate ceremony.
Held in the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue, the inter-denominational service of prayer, music and reflection was organised by the Omagh Support and Self Help Group (OSSHG).
As the light rain gave way for a brief time, the sun beamed on the large number of people, both relatives, friends and sympathisers, who turned out to pay their respects.
Representatives from various churches, as well as the Pax Christi group from Ireland, and others participated in the service.
Also in attendance were representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish governments; senior official political director of the Northern Ireland Office, Chris Mccabe, Consul General of Spain, Dr Valdes, and Irish Minister of State, with responsibility for equality issues at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Sean Power, as well as representatives from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
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 OSSHG, Mr Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son, Aidan, in the atrocity, opened the service.
During his speech Mr Gallagher said: "It is my privilege to welcome you to the ninth anniversary service, to remember our lost loved ones, those who were injured and the lives that have been changed forever.
"I would like to give a special welcome to the representatives from the British, Spanish and Irish governments who have travelled to be with us on this occasion, and I also thank the various organisations who have participated in this service."
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Parish Churches, then gave a Bible reading, which was followed with a reflection entitled 'Oft in the Stilly Night' by Rev. Kevin Mullan, Drumquin Parish Priest.
Continuing with the service in a simple smooth-flowing manner, St Eugene's Brass Band and Donegal-based singer Leslie Mattews, from Newtownstewart, performed a number of appropriate pieces, including 'Farther Along' and 'Take My Hand Precious Lord'.
A Spanish poem was read out by Emma Loughran, followed by a reading by Rev Canning, St Mary's Parish, Killyclogher.
Members of the Pax Christi Group, Ireland, carried out the Roll of Honour ceremony where the names of those killed were read aloud, and a minute's silence then followed when relatives and friends solemnly reflected on their lost loved ones -the pain and suffering of their loss still clearly etched on their faces.
The Rev Paul Galucci, Methodist Church, Ballykelly, gave a reading from Psalm 46, while the Rev Andrew Quill, St Columba's Parish Church, led in prayer.
Relatives of those killed in the atrocity then gathered together for the laying of the flowers as Leslie Matthews performed the hymn 'Take My Hand Precious Lord'.
All in attendance took part in the Lords Prayer, and Mr Quill said the Blessing.
"Go forth into the world in peace; be a good courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all persons. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the spirit," he said.
Bringing the ceremony to a close, singer/songwriter Don Sullivan, who was born in Omagh, performed the song 'Omagh Town'.
Written by Mr Sullivan, the lyrics of the song included: "Years may roll by but the sorrow remains for loved ones lost to a world gone insane. But I pray that God will carry you through. Omagh Town on the banks of the Strule.
"If only I could go back in time and live the life I left behind, content I would be to spend my last days with you, Omagh Town on the banks of the Strule."
As sympathisers dispersed from the memorial garden, many of the relatives and friends gathered round the flowers to remember once more their loved ones in silence.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1890
Published Date: 16-Aug-07
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