SON HELPED COMFORT INJURED-UNAWARE HIS FATHER AMONG THE DEAD
Son helped comfort injured - unaware his father was among the dead
Friends and neighbours recall a 'true gentleman'
BOMB victim, Brian McCrory's eldest son was one of those who helped comfort the casualties taken to Tyrone County Hospital - unaware his father had been caught up in the mayhem.
Colin McCrory (26) went to the casualty department to help out, after learning of the huge toll of casualties.
His 54-year-old father, from 57 Ballinamullan Road had nipped into town just minutes before three o'clock, to purchase paint to decorate his home.
And this week as his grieving family prepared to bury their "gentle giant", friends and neighbours were united in their tribute to the "easy going" crane driver.
Colin, his brother Brian (24), sister Louise (20) and mother, Bernadette had to wait until Monday afternoon until Brian's body was positively identified.
The second eldest in a family of ten, Brian worked in the family's engineering business next to his birthplace at Mountjoy Road.
Described as a "very conscientious worker," he was widely known in the building and construction industries locally.
Sister-in-law, Patricia Haughey recalled the family man who had a great love for children and enjoyed his hobby of photography.
"If ever there was a gentleman, it was Brian. He was very laid back and easy going. He never spoke a cross word in his life.
"On occasions like this people say things like that, but in Brian's case you could say nothing else."
Turning to the tragic events of the weekend, Patricia said her brother-in-law had gone into town to purchase paint from the Decorators Stores in Campsie.
"He was the sort of man who, if he started a job, he would have to finish it.
"A few people have told us they had been talking to him and some saw him cross the road just before the explosion."
When Brian failed to return home immediately after the blast, his family assumed he had remained at the scene helping out.
But when he did not turn up by six o'clock, the family became alarmed.
"After searching all the car parks, we reported Brian missing at seven o'clock. We then began ringing around the hospitals.
"Most of the family remained at the Leisure Centre throughout the night and next day, and although no-one could confirm he was dead, we all knew he was" added Patricia.
Just two weeks ago, the deceased and his wife had accompanied neighbours, Seamus and Margaret McCartan to a wedding reception in the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown.
That "wonderful day" was recalled this week by Margaret, who paid tribute to her friend of 27 years.
"Brian was the best neighbour you could ever hope to have. He was not only a very civil man, but also great crack.
"He ferried my children to school. And two of them are now planning to return from England for his funeral this week.
Brian will be buried following noon Mass in St Mary's Church, Killyclogher this morning (Thurs), celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Seamus Hegarty.
Friends and neighbours recall a 'true gentleman'
BOMB victim, Brian McCrory's eldest son was one of those who helped comfort the casualties taken to Tyrone County Hospital - unaware his father had been caught up in the mayhem.
Colin McCrory (26) went to the casualty department to help out, after learning of the huge toll of casualties.
His 54-year-old father, from 57 Ballinamullan Road had nipped into town just minutes before three o'clock, to purchase paint to decorate his home.
And this week as his grieving family prepared to bury their "gentle giant", friends and neighbours were united in their tribute to the "easy going" crane driver.
Colin, his brother Brian (24), sister Louise (20) and mother, Bernadette had to wait until Monday afternoon until Brian's body was positively identified.
The second eldest in a family of ten, Brian worked in the family's engineering business next to his birthplace at Mountjoy Road.
Described as a "very conscientious worker," he was widely known in the building and construction industries locally.
Sister-in-law, Patricia Haughey recalled the family man who had a great love for children and enjoyed his hobby of photography.
"If ever there was a gentleman, it was Brian. He was very laid back and easy going. He never spoke a cross word in his life.
"On occasions like this people say things like that, but in Brian's case you could say nothing else."
Turning to the tragic events of the weekend, Patricia said her brother-in-law had gone into town to purchase paint from the Decorators Stores in Campsie.
"He was the sort of man who, if he started a job, he would have to finish it.
"A few people have told us they had been talking to him and some saw him cross the road just before the explosion."
When Brian failed to return home immediately after the blast, his family assumed he had remained at the scene helping out.
But when he did not turn up by six o'clock, the family became alarmed.
"After searching all the car parks, we reported Brian missing at seven o'clock. We then began ringing around the hospitals.
"Most of the family remained at the Leisure Centre throughout the night and next day, and although no-one could confirm he was dead, we all knew he was" added Patricia.
Just two weeks ago, the deceased and his wife had accompanied neighbours, Seamus and Margaret McCartan to a wedding reception in the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown.
That "wonderful day" was recalled this week by Margaret, who paid tribute to her friend of 27 years.
"Brian was the best neighbour you could ever hope to have. He was not only a very civil man, but also great crack.
"He ferried my children to school. And two of them are now planning to return from England for his funeral this week.
Brian will be buried following noon Mass in St Mary's Church, Killyclogher this morning (Thurs), celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Seamus Hegarty.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0031
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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