INTERNATIONAL VICTIMS OF TERROR REMEMBERED AT OMAGH MEMORIAL SERVICE
International victims of terror remembered at Omagh memorial service
Reports by Robert Pollock
VICTIMS of the August 15, 1998, Omagh bombing - as well as international victims of terror were remembered at the 14th anniversary service at the Memorial Garden on Sunday.
Inclement weather failed to deter the 200-strong crowd who gathered to pay their respects to the 29 people and unborn twins who were killed when the Real IRA bomb exploded on the afternoon of August 15, 1998.
The service also provided the families the opportunity to hand deliver their privately commissioned report to Justice Minister David Ford, who was in attendance at the service.
The service also remembered the 11 Israeli athletes who were murdered at the Munich Olympics in 1972, as well as victims of Bloody Friday and the Claudy bombing.
Michael Gallagher, spokesperson for the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, introduced the service by welcoming members of the Jewish community, Justice Minister David Ford, clergymen and representatives of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat.
Ronald Appleton QC, president of the Jewish Community Belfast, expressed his thanks to the organisers for being given the opportunity to attend the service and to remember all victims of terrorism.
Mr Gallagher said that it has been a 'long-held belief of his that services such as that held on Sunday should be as 'inclusive as possible'.
"We made contact with various communities that have been affected by terrorism and extended invites to them to join with us at our service. We feel that it is very important to have an inclusive process as possible and the fact that so many clergy, from all denominations, attended here today. We did feel that the poor weather conditions would have affected the turnout today but the support from everyone was excellent and we were very, very happy with how every-hing went," said Mr Gallagher.
Various members of the clergy took readings during the course of the service, including Rev Fr Kevin Mullan, PP Drumquin, and Presbyterian minister, Rev Trevor Williamson Opening music was provided by St. Eugene's Brass Band and their member, Ronnie Moore, signalled the close of the minute's silence with the sounding of his bagpipes.
A moving poem -Reflections - was narrated by Dennis Coffey, of Blackrock, Cork, before gospel singer, Leslie Matthews, rendered 'Never Grow Old'.
Mr Coffey is a member of a peace group in Cork which created its very own Omagh garden in tribute to the 1998 victims.
A biblical extract was read by Sandra Patterson, Omagh, and a Spanish poem, in keeping with the tradition to honour the Spanish nationals who were killed in the bombing, was read by Nick Cassidy, Omagh.
Rev Fr Kevin McElhennon called on those present to pray for and remember all the victims of terror and to do what we can to eradicate hatred from the world.
The names of those killed in the August 15, 1998, atrocity were read aloud by a member of the Pax Christi Group, before a minute's silence was held in memory of the victims of the troubles in Ireland and international terrorism worldwide.
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Parish Churches, read an extract from Matthew, before individuals were given the opportunity to lay flowers in memory of those who lost their lives.
Leslie Matthews sang 'Precious Memories' while Errol Thompson, chairman of Omagh District Council, Michael Gallagher and Kevin Skelton, representing Families Moving On, laid
wreaths at the garden.
Rev Ian Gilpin, First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing, Moira, led the final blessing of the service before Mr Gallagher offered words of thanks to all those who contributed to the service.
Council chairman, Mr Thompson, described it as a "great honour" to be asked to lay a wreath at the service and asked that we continue to remember all victims of terrorism.
"I have attended the service on previous occasions but not in this capacity and it was a great honour to be asked to lay a wreath on behalf of Omagh District Council. It is important that we mark these occasions and that we continue to remember all victims of terrorism," said Mr Thompson.
Mr Ford, Minister of Justice, recalled childhood visits to Omagh and remarked that it has been through tragic circumstances that he has returned in recent years.
"Omagh has had its fair share of tragedies and it wasn't too long ago that I was here at a service in memory of Ronan Kerr. It is remarkable to see the levels of community spirit here today and to witness so many attend and to remember all victims of terror. It shows great strength and character. I came to Omagh during my childhood summer holidays and know it very well," said Mr Ford.
Reports by Robert Pollock
VICTIMS of the August 15, 1998, Omagh bombing - as well as international victims of terror were remembered at the 14th anniversary service at the Memorial Garden on Sunday.
Inclement weather failed to deter the 200-strong crowd who gathered to pay their respects to the 29 people and unborn twins who were killed when the Real IRA bomb exploded on the afternoon of August 15, 1998.
The service also provided the families the opportunity to hand deliver their privately commissioned report to Justice Minister David Ford, who was in attendance at the service.
The service also remembered the 11 Israeli athletes who were murdered at the Munich Olympics in 1972, as well as victims of Bloody Friday and the Claudy bombing.
Michael Gallagher, spokesperson for the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, introduced the service by welcoming members of the Jewish community, Justice Minister David Ford, clergymen and representatives of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat.
Ronald Appleton QC, president of the Jewish Community Belfast, expressed his thanks to the organisers for being given the opportunity to attend the service and to remember all victims of terrorism.
Mr Gallagher said that it has been a 'long-held belief of his that services such as that held on Sunday should be as 'inclusive as possible'.
"We made contact with various communities that have been affected by terrorism and extended invites to them to join with us at our service. We feel that it is very important to have an inclusive process as possible and the fact that so many clergy, from all denominations, attended here today. We did feel that the poor weather conditions would have affected the turnout today but the support from everyone was excellent and we were very, very happy with how every-hing went," said Mr Gallagher.
Various members of the clergy took readings during the course of the service, including Rev Fr Kevin Mullan, PP Drumquin, and Presbyterian minister, Rev Trevor Williamson Opening music was provided by St. Eugene's Brass Band and their member, Ronnie Moore, signalled the close of the minute's silence with the sounding of his bagpipes.
A moving poem -Reflections - was narrated by Dennis Coffey, of Blackrock, Cork, before gospel singer, Leslie Matthews, rendered 'Never Grow Old'.
Mr Coffey is a member of a peace group in Cork which created its very own Omagh garden in tribute to the 1998 victims.
A biblical extract was read by Sandra Patterson, Omagh, and a Spanish poem, in keeping with the tradition to honour the Spanish nationals who were killed in the bombing, was read by Nick Cassidy, Omagh.
Rev Fr Kevin McElhennon called on those present to pray for and remember all the victims of terror and to do what we can to eradicate hatred from the world.
The names of those killed in the August 15, 1998, atrocity were read aloud by a member of the Pax Christi Group, before a minute's silence was held in memory of the victims of the troubles in Ireland and international terrorism worldwide.
Canon Derek Quinn, rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Parish Churches, read an extract from Matthew, before individuals were given the opportunity to lay flowers in memory of those who lost their lives.
Leslie Matthews sang 'Precious Memories' while Errol Thompson, chairman of Omagh District Council, Michael Gallagher and Kevin Skelton, representing Families Moving On, laid
wreaths at the garden.
Rev Ian Gilpin, First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing, Moira, led the final blessing of the service before Mr Gallagher offered words of thanks to all those who contributed to the service.
Council chairman, Mr Thompson, described it as a "great honour" to be asked to lay a wreath at the service and asked that we continue to remember all victims of terrorism.
"I have attended the service on previous occasions but not in this capacity and it was a great honour to be asked to lay a wreath on behalf of Omagh District Council. It is important that we mark these occasions and that we continue to remember all victims of terrorism," said Mr Thompson.
Mr Ford, Minister of Justice, recalled childhood visits to Omagh and remarked that it has been through tragic circumstances that he has returned in recent years.
"Omagh has had its fair share of tragedies and it wasn't too long ago that I was here at a service in memory of Ronan Kerr. It is remarkable to see the levels of community spirit here today and to witness so many attend and to remember all victims of terror. It shows great strength and character. I came to Omagh during my childhood summer holidays and know it very well," said Mr Ford.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/2025
Published Date: 16-Aug-12
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