OMAGH FALLS SILENT
OMAGH FALLS SILENT
BY NIGEL MCDONAGH
OMAGH fell silent once again yesterday as a second memorial service was held in the town to remember those killed and injured in the Real IRA bomb attack ten years ago.
Relatives of some of the victims organised their own commemoration at the Memorial Garden of Light, which involved an inter-denomination religious service attended by representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish Governments.
At 3.10pm, a minute's silence in remembrance was held as well as a moving reading, Do not stand by my grave and weep, from Carol Radford, whose 16-year-old brother Alan was one of 31 victims killed in the blast.
Amongst those in attendance was former Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan, who penned a critical report on the police handling of the investigation into the atrocity.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan died in the explosion, said the only tribute to Omagh's dead must be a full cross-border public inquiry.
"We call on public figures to back our call, otherwise the system continues to fail everyone and should hold its head in shame." he said.
On Friday, thousands gathered amidst pouring rain at the 'official' ceremony to mark the anniversary when a new 'garden of light' and a glass obelisk memorial were unveiled.
However, some of the bereaved families boycotted the occasion in a row over wording on new memorials at the bomb site.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Peace Envoy Terry Waite were amongst the dignitaries present.
BY NIGEL MCDONAGH
OMAGH fell silent once again yesterday as a second memorial service was held in the town to remember those killed and injured in the Real IRA bomb attack ten years ago.
Relatives of some of the victims organised their own commemoration at the Memorial Garden of Light, which involved an inter-denomination religious service attended by representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish Governments.
At 3.10pm, a minute's silence in remembrance was held as well as a moving reading, Do not stand by my grave and weep, from Carol Radford, whose 16-year-old brother Alan was one of 31 victims killed in the blast.
Amongst those in attendance was former Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan, who penned a critical report on the police handling of the investigation into the atrocity.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan died in the explosion, said the only tribute to Omagh's dead must be a full cross-border public inquiry.
"We call on public figures to back our call, otherwise the system continues to fail everyone and should hold its head in shame." he said.
On Friday, thousands gathered amidst pouring rain at the 'official' ceremony to mark the anniversary when a new 'garden of light' and a glass obelisk memorial were unveiled.
However, some of the bereaved families boycotted the occasion in a row over wording on new memorials at the bomb site.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Peace Envoy Terry Waite were amongst the dignitaries present.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH10An/04
Published Date: 18-Aug-08
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