OMAGH BOMB WIDOWER MEETS IRISH PRESIDENT
OMAGH BOMB WIDOWER MEETS IRISH PRESIDENT
OMAGH bomb widower, Mick Grimes, and members of his family were received by Irish President, Mary McAleese, in Aras an Uachtarain on Monday.
Mr Grimes was invited to present the president with a copy of his book 'Till We Meet Again' at the president's home.
Ten years after losing his wife Mary (65), daughter Avril Monaghan (30), Avril's youngest daughter Maura (20 months) and Avril's unborn twins in the August 15, 1998, bombing, Mr Grimes, an 81-year-old retired dairy farmer from Beragh, dedicated his book 'Till We Meet Again' to the memory of all of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
A collection of stories, humorous anecdotes, poems and social observations, the book tracks Mr Grime's life from 'The Hungry Thirties' through World War II and up to present day Ireland. He ends the book with a chapter simply called 'August' which gives a poignant account of the day of the Omagh bombing and the horrendous loss his family suffered.
"Mrs McAleese is an amazing lady," said Mr Grimes. "She is a very sincere person with a genuine warmth and she really put us at our ease.
"We had a cup of tea and chatted about many things from religion to Tyrone's chances of winning the All Ireland this year!
"It is touching that a person of her standing would take the time from her busy schedule to meet the family. It was a real honour to be invited to meet her."
Among the family members who visited with the President were Mickey Monaghan and his three children Aoibheann, Alisha and Patrick. The Monaghan's lost their pregnant mother, Avril, and youngest sister, Maura, in the bombing.
'Till We Meet Again' costs �10 (EUR 12.50) and is available from Easons and selected newsagents.
The book can also be purchased via the website www.tillwemeetagain.synthasite.com
OMAGH bomb widower, Mick Grimes, and members of his family were received by Irish President, Mary McAleese, in Aras an Uachtarain on Monday.
Mr Grimes was invited to present the president with a copy of his book 'Till We Meet Again' at the president's home.
Ten years after losing his wife Mary (65), daughter Avril Monaghan (30), Avril's youngest daughter Maura (20 months) and Avril's unborn twins in the August 15, 1998, bombing, Mr Grimes, an 81-year-old retired dairy farmer from Beragh, dedicated his book 'Till We Meet Again' to the memory of all of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
A collection of stories, humorous anecdotes, poems and social observations, the book tracks Mr Grime's life from 'The Hungry Thirties' through World War II and up to present day Ireland. He ends the book with a chapter simply called 'August' which gives a poignant account of the day of the Omagh bombing and the horrendous loss his family suffered.
"Mrs McAleese is an amazing lady," said Mr Grimes. "She is a very sincere person with a genuine warmth and she really put us at our ease.
"We had a cup of tea and chatted about many things from religion to Tyrone's chances of winning the All Ireland this year!
"It is touching that a person of her standing would take the time from her busy schedule to meet the family. It was a real honour to be invited to meet her."
Among the family members who visited with the President were Mickey Monaghan and his three children Aoibheann, Alisha and Patrick. The Monaghan's lost their pregnant mother, Avril, and youngest sister, Maura, in the bombing.
'Till We Meet Again' costs �10 (EUR 12.50) and is available from Easons and selected newsagents.
The book can also be purchased via the website www.tillwemeetagain.synthasite.com
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1960
Published Date: 04-Sep-08
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