COMMUNITY IS UNITED IN GRIEF AS BOMB VICTIMS ARE LAID TO REST
Community is united in grief as bomb victims are laid to rest
Mourners told such an atrocity should never be allowed to happen again
THE PEOPLE of Omagh mourned the loss of of its dead on Thursday when eight more victims of the of the Assumption Day bomb atrocity were laid to rest.
Among those buried were three young people, three mothers, a father and a Sunday School teacher.
The clear message at each funeral service was that an atrocity such as that witnessed by Omagh last week, should never be allowed to happen again.
Teenager Samantha McFarland had shared a dream with her best friend Lorraine Wilson that they would travel the world together. Both girls died together in the Omagh bombing and both were buried last week.
At the 17 year old's funeral on Thursday her brother, Richard, said their dreams would be fulfilled "because the human soul has no boundaries".
The Strabane Grammar school pupil never got to take her A' levels or her driving test but she passed with ease the test of life, said Richard in his address to mourners at her funeral in Lislimnaghan Parish Church.
"Goodness, compassion and her sensitivity towards people and animals, as was shown towards her cat, were the tests she passed. She touched so many people, she had a beautiful soul. Her special friend Lorraine and Samantha had a great affinity. She understood Lorraine completely.
Her heartbroken brother told how Samantha and Lorraine had spent many days and nights planning their future.
"They both wanted to achieve at school and they both wanted to travel. Samantha's desire was to travel the world and she told mum every week she wanted to do it.
"She can now travel with Lorraine wherever she wants, because the human soul has no boundaries."
Parish Rector, Reverend Derek Quinn told the congregation "Samantha was beautiful in every sense. Beautiful in looks and beautiful in character. Kind, considerate and loving. She was a girl who loved much and was much loved in return as evidenced by the huge amount of people who have gathered at this Church on this very miserable morning.
"That such a lively girl should be taken from such at such a tender age is difficult to accept. That we should lose her as the result of a violent wicked act by callous depraved men is almost impossible to comprehend.
"Last Saturday as the sun shone brightly, death stalked the streets of Omagh. At ten past three on that carnival afternoon a car bomb ripped the heart out of Omagh and broke out hearts in the process.
"For us life can never be the same again as a direct result of that evil and monstrous act of savagery. Twenty eight people who we knew and loved were killed and over 200 injured, some very seriously.
Catholic curate, Fr Kevin Mullen told mourners that the Catholic and Protestant communities had been united by the tragedy of the Omagh bomb.
"The Roman Catholic community is with you all here today. It does not need to be said, but let the formalities of history record our sympathy and compassion.
"We too condemn this dreadful evil. We weep with you, we believe with you, we pray with you. With you we thank God for Samantha.
As Samantha's coffin left the church there were scenes of uncontrollable grief as her classmates formed a guard of honour.
Later on Thursday afternoon a neighbour of the McFarland family was also buried. Omagh mother and wife, Ann McCombe, who died with two of her work colleagues, was the last of the final eight funerals.
A private service had been held in the McCombe family home at Summerhill Park before the funeral service in Mountjoy Presbyterian Church, where Anne had been a chorister.
Anne's two sons 18 year old Colan and 22 year old Clive helped their father, Stanley, carry her coffin into the packed church.
Minister of Mountjoy, Rev Ian Mairs, described Anne as a genuinely bright, positive and happy character.
"Ann had a radiant beauty that was not dependent on her natural looks, or the tasteful way she dressed or on the distinct way in which she always wore her hair
"No, Ann had what Peter described as "the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of the greatest value in God's sight.
"When that bomb blew Ann McCombe off her feet last Saturday afternoon - it blew her safely into the everlasting arms of her everloving Heavenly Father, where we believe she remains at peace today.
Reverend Mairs said the bomb was an "offence against our community and it has evoked a powerful response from our community.
"Undoubtedly designed to drive a wedge through this community, I believe time alone will show that this was the decisive act in unleashing a fierce determination from the people of Omagh to stand together as a community.
"I believe, as never before, there exists a corporate will to work together to build a new community under the mantle of the new political structures which the vast majority of decent, God fearing, peace loving people of this island of Ireland have voted for."
Of the perpetrators of the atrocity he said "They will one day have to stand in the presence of the Holy God and facing the consuming fire of his righteousness account for every life they have taken, for every limb that has been lost, for every pain they have inflicted. May God have mercy on them.
The funeral of Ann's work colleague, Geraldine Breslin, also took place on Thursday.
Mrs Breslin, mother to 14 year old Gareth and wife of Mark, died after being caught up in the bomb with her Protestant friend. Anne McCombe and colleague Veda Short, all employees of Wattersons.
As the coffin was carried into the St Josephs Hall by six Protestant workmates, classmates of Gareth's from St Patrick's High School formed a guard of honour.
Fr John Forbes, who married Geraldine and Mark, said that many in Omagh had questioned where God had been when the bomb had gone off.
God, he said had seemed far away, but he now spoke to the people through their presence and through the scriptures.
"Through anguish and affliction God held out the light of truth which was seen through the life and death of his son."
He described Geraldine as a woman of kindness and beauty who doted on her son.
"She was a real friend to all. With those she worked with, she cherished. Her friends became part of her family. Her life was a gentle light which shone for all to see."
Fr Forbes said the callousness of the bombers in their aim to maim and destroy defied all belief, all understanding and all reason.
"No cause, no struggle, no ideology for the future can even begin to justify such an act of cruelty and barbarism."
Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty said the tragedy had left behind a "trail of destruction- the fallout of which will be felt for a very long time to come." he said.
"It is important for people to continue to reach out out those in need and not to forget that amid the gloom, grief and anger the hand of God was there "
The Bishop said he hoped the crossing of sectarian barriers in Omagh would be held up as an example for the rest of Northern Ireland.
"We are in it together, we will come out of it together," he said. Bishop Hegarty was greeted with applause by mourners.
As the funeral cortege of Mrs Breslin made its way to the Sacred Heart Church it was passed by that of 20 year old Debra-Ann Cartwright making its way to St Columba's Church across the street.
Debra Anne died without knowing she had gained the A-level results she needed to start a textile design degree at Manchester University in September.
In a moving tribute read to mourners at Thursday's service her family described her as "a lovely, bubbly beautiful girl.
"The sun shone out of every smile, giving warmth to everyone We loved her, we lost her, but she will always live on in our hearts."
Reverend Ruth Adams said "We have hope from the love and support that has been shown by so many people across the world during this week. Their love is a light in the darkness."
Earlier at the service Stephen Cartwright had read a short poem that his sister had sent to her boyfriend, Malcolm.
At the funeral of 21 year old Julia Hughes the President of the Methodist Church broke down as he tried to give some explanation for the Omagh atrocity, and why such a young life had been wiped out.
Reverend David Kerr told the family of the Dundee University student "There is absolutely no answer on this side of eternity.
"I know that you have found comfort and consolation from your own friends and neighbours and from the many friends of Julia's who have visited you since Sunday.
'You have also found fellowship of suffering that embraces this whole town and you have asked me to express, on your behalf, your love and your sympathies with all those who have been bereaved and injured."
Reverend Kerr was unable to hold back tears as he addressed Julia's father, Alec.
"Alec you have asked the question, why, and to that question there is absolutely no answer on this side of eternity.
"When I called at your house on Sunday it was to discover that you and I had met in the days of our youth, when faith was easy and life untroubled.
"We have met again as two fathers struggling to make sense of the madness and evil of this world.
"One, as he tries to come to terms with the death of one of his daughters. The other as a Minister of religion trying to bring comfort and to struggle with the question: where is the loving God in the midst of so much suffering?"
At the funeral mass of Elizabeth (Libby) Rush the Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Bishop Francis Lagan, had a message for the bombers.
"Shame on you. For killing the innocent and the good, shame on you. For maiming and scarring people for life, shame on you for bringing pain and loneliness to so many homes."
57 year old Elizabeth Rush was killed after leaving her pine shop on Saturday last to see what the commotion was outside.
Bishop Lagan said there had been many atrocities in the last 30 years and we must remember them, but he said "Omagh was different."
"It was different in the shock of its coming, in the manner of its execution and above all in the fact so many good people were killed or injured: babies, young boys, lovely young teenagers, fathers and mothers, ordinary good men and women whose only interest was to serve and help others.
"It was truly a massacre of the innocent. People feel certain that good must come from such a sacrifice."
Bishop Lagan appealed to all politicians to continue working together for peace.
Parish Priest , Fr Michael Keaveney, told mourners that Libby's funeral was the "most sorrowful occasion this church has ever seen.
"For the last five days, the eyes of the world have been on Omagh. It is the sort of notoriety we did not seek, the kind of fame we neither sought nor deserved.
"Libby represented what is finest and best in Omagh. She was caring, warm and friendly. She was a good mother. Laurence has lost a good life companion.
"She was killed by the evil actions of some people who knew nothing about Libby, They try to justify it by appealing to some mythical cause. No cause is worth that sort of mayhem," he said.
Fr Keaveney told mourners "Such thinking is a thing of the past. We are into a new era. There can be no appeal to victimisation or old historical wrongs."
He welcomed First Minister David Trimble and Deputy Minister Seamus Mallon to the church, which was greeted with applause by mourners.
At the funeral service of Sunday School teacher Esther Gibson in Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church mourners heard that Omagh has been hurled into a "sea of grief."
Moderator and DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley told mourners the government had failed in its duty to the public.
'They have forfeited under God, their rights to government by their actions, he said.
"Onto a great sea of grief Omagh and its people have been cruelly hurled. The waves and billows of extreme agony have have overwhelmed this town and further afield.
"Many today weep, but they do not weep for themselves, they weep for others."
Dr Paisley said there was no difference between those who died or were injured, no matter what their religious or political views.
"Their tears are the same tears. There is no difference between a broken mother's heart when she is a Roman Catholic than when she is a Protestant or Mormon.
36 year old Esther had gone into Omagh shopping last Saturday when she was killed in the explosion Esther had recently become engaged to Kenneth Hawkes.
At the funeral service the Rev William Leonard told mourners there was "only one Esther Gibson".
"I am sure that is the sentiment of her family, of Kenneth and of her friends. You can be sure that is the sentiment of the congregation here today.
"What you saw of Esther, what you heard of Esther was what she was.
"She shared her feelings and her faith. She was one who was straightforward and had a heart of gold."
At the funeral of 54 year old Brian McCrory mourners heard that another Omagh must never be allowed to happen again.
At St Mary's Church in Killyclogher Fr Eugene Hasson said "The message from the 15th of August bomb in Omagh is very, very clear. Never again must this happen in our land.
"If there is anyone in our midst who still harbours violent deeds in their hearts, then they especially must listen and hear this message. Never again.
He said there was only one word to describe the father of three and that was "good".
Mourners heard that the family were respected throughout the community for being "honest to god, hard working people."
Fr Hasson said Brian's children Colin 26, Brian 24, and Louise 20, were lucky to have such a man as their father,
He said he had spoken to Mr McCrory's wife Bernadette at length since her husband's death.
"She said to me she would be willing to carry the cross of her loss for the rest of her life if Brian's death was the last such one.
"Such human and spiritual maturity has to be admired and maybe it is a challenge we can all work towards."
Mourners were joined by Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty who told the family that the presence of so many people at the funeral was a sign that people cared about them.
He said Omagh did not deserve what had happened. It had, he said, deserved a lot better.
Bishop Hegarty said that from evil had come the good of the aftermath, when the community, emergency and other support services had pulled together.
"The Lord was in the midst of this crisis," he said.
The Bishop added "If the level of co-operation and Christianity can be continued indefinitely, this place in Northern Ireland would be a great place to live in."
Mourners told such an atrocity should never be allowed to happen again
THE PEOPLE of Omagh mourned the loss of of its dead on Thursday when eight more victims of the of the Assumption Day bomb atrocity were laid to rest.
Among those buried were three young people, three mothers, a father and a Sunday School teacher.
The clear message at each funeral service was that an atrocity such as that witnessed by Omagh last week, should never be allowed to happen again.
Teenager Samantha McFarland had shared a dream with her best friend Lorraine Wilson that they would travel the world together. Both girls died together in the Omagh bombing and both were buried last week.
At the 17 year old's funeral on Thursday her brother, Richard, said their dreams would be fulfilled "because the human soul has no boundaries".
The Strabane Grammar school pupil never got to take her A' levels or her driving test but she passed with ease the test of life, said Richard in his address to mourners at her funeral in Lislimnaghan Parish Church.
"Goodness, compassion and her sensitivity towards people and animals, as was shown towards her cat, were the tests she passed. She touched so many people, she had a beautiful soul. Her special friend Lorraine and Samantha had a great affinity. She understood Lorraine completely.
Her heartbroken brother told how Samantha and Lorraine had spent many days and nights planning their future.
"They both wanted to achieve at school and they both wanted to travel. Samantha's desire was to travel the world and she told mum every week she wanted to do it.
"She can now travel with Lorraine wherever she wants, because the human soul has no boundaries."
Parish Rector, Reverend Derek Quinn told the congregation "Samantha was beautiful in every sense. Beautiful in looks and beautiful in character. Kind, considerate and loving. She was a girl who loved much and was much loved in return as evidenced by the huge amount of people who have gathered at this Church on this very miserable morning.
"That such a lively girl should be taken from such at such a tender age is difficult to accept. That we should lose her as the result of a violent wicked act by callous depraved men is almost impossible to comprehend.
"Last Saturday as the sun shone brightly, death stalked the streets of Omagh. At ten past three on that carnival afternoon a car bomb ripped the heart out of Omagh and broke out hearts in the process.
"For us life can never be the same again as a direct result of that evil and monstrous act of savagery. Twenty eight people who we knew and loved were killed and over 200 injured, some very seriously.
Catholic curate, Fr Kevin Mullen told mourners that the Catholic and Protestant communities had been united by the tragedy of the Omagh bomb.
"The Roman Catholic community is with you all here today. It does not need to be said, but let the formalities of history record our sympathy and compassion.
"We too condemn this dreadful evil. We weep with you, we believe with you, we pray with you. With you we thank God for Samantha.
As Samantha's coffin left the church there were scenes of uncontrollable grief as her classmates formed a guard of honour.
Later on Thursday afternoon a neighbour of the McFarland family was also buried. Omagh mother and wife, Ann McCombe, who died with two of her work colleagues, was the last of the final eight funerals.
A private service had been held in the McCombe family home at Summerhill Park before the funeral service in Mountjoy Presbyterian Church, where Anne had been a chorister.
Anne's two sons 18 year old Colan and 22 year old Clive helped their father, Stanley, carry her coffin into the packed church.
Minister of Mountjoy, Rev Ian Mairs, described Anne as a genuinely bright, positive and happy character.
"Ann had a radiant beauty that was not dependent on her natural looks, or the tasteful way she dressed or on the distinct way in which she always wore her hair
"No, Ann had what Peter described as "the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of the greatest value in God's sight.
"When that bomb blew Ann McCombe off her feet last Saturday afternoon - it blew her safely into the everlasting arms of her everloving Heavenly Father, where we believe she remains at peace today.
Reverend Mairs said the bomb was an "offence against our community and it has evoked a powerful response from our community.
"Undoubtedly designed to drive a wedge through this community, I believe time alone will show that this was the decisive act in unleashing a fierce determination from the people of Omagh to stand together as a community.
"I believe, as never before, there exists a corporate will to work together to build a new community under the mantle of the new political structures which the vast majority of decent, God fearing, peace loving people of this island of Ireland have voted for."
Of the perpetrators of the atrocity he said "They will one day have to stand in the presence of the Holy God and facing the consuming fire of his righteousness account for every life they have taken, for every limb that has been lost, for every pain they have inflicted. May God have mercy on them.
The funeral of Ann's work colleague, Geraldine Breslin, also took place on Thursday.
Mrs Breslin, mother to 14 year old Gareth and wife of Mark, died after being caught up in the bomb with her Protestant friend. Anne McCombe and colleague Veda Short, all employees of Wattersons.
As the coffin was carried into the St Josephs Hall by six Protestant workmates, classmates of Gareth's from St Patrick's High School formed a guard of honour.
Fr John Forbes, who married Geraldine and Mark, said that many in Omagh had questioned where God had been when the bomb had gone off.
God, he said had seemed far away, but he now spoke to the people through their presence and through the scriptures.
"Through anguish and affliction God held out the light of truth which was seen through the life and death of his son."
He described Geraldine as a woman of kindness and beauty who doted on her son.
"She was a real friend to all. With those she worked with, she cherished. Her friends became part of her family. Her life was a gentle light which shone for all to see."
Fr Forbes said the callousness of the bombers in their aim to maim and destroy defied all belief, all understanding and all reason.
"No cause, no struggle, no ideology for the future can even begin to justify such an act of cruelty and barbarism."
Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty said the tragedy had left behind a "trail of destruction- the fallout of which will be felt for a very long time to come." he said.
"It is important for people to continue to reach out out those in need and not to forget that amid the gloom, grief and anger the hand of God was there "
The Bishop said he hoped the crossing of sectarian barriers in Omagh would be held up as an example for the rest of Northern Ireland.
"We are in it together, we will come out of it together," he said. Bishop Hegarty was greeted with applause by mourners.
As the funeral cortege of Mrs Breslin made its way to the Sacred Heart Church it was passed by that of 20 year old Debra-Ann Cartwright making its way to St Columba's Church across the street.
Debra Anne died without knowing she had gained the A-level results she needed to start a textile design degree at Manchester University in September.
In a moving tribute read to mourners at Thursday's service her family described her as "a lovely, bubbly beautiful girl.
"The sun shone out of every smile, giving warmth to everyone We loved her, we lost her, but she will always live on in our hearts."
Reverend Ruth Adams said "We have hope from the love and support that has been shown by so many people across the world during this week. Their love is a light in the darkness."
Earlier at the service Stephen Cartwright had read a short poem that his sister had sent to her boyfriend, Malcolm.
At the funeral of 21 year old Julia Hughes the President of the Methodist Church broke down as he tried to give some explanation for the Omagh atrocity, and why such a young life had been wiped out.
Reverend David Kerr told the family of the Dundee University student "There is absolutely no answer on this side of eternity.
"I know that you have found comfort and consolation from your own friends and neighbours and from the many friends of Julia's who have visited you since Sunday.
'You have also found fellowship of suffering that embraces this whole town and you have asked me to express, on your behalf, your love and your sympathies with all those who have been bereaved and injured."
Reverend Kerr was unable to hold back tears as he addressed Julia's father, Alec.
"Alec you have asked the question, why, and to that question there is absolutely no answer on this side of eternity.
"When I called at your house on Sunday it was to discover that you and I had met in the days of our youth, when faith was easy and life untroubled.
"We have met again as two fathers struggling to make sense of the madness and evil of this world.
"One, as he tries to come to terms with the death of one of his daughters. The other as a Minister of religion trying to bring comfort and to struggle with the question: where is the loving God in the midst of so much suffering?"
At the funeral mass of Elizabeth (Libby) Rush the Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Bishop Francis Lagan, had a message for the bombers.
"Shame on you. For killing the innocent and the good, shame on you. For maiming and scarring people for life, shame on you for bringing pain and loneliness to so many homes."
57 year old Elizabeth Rush was killed after leaving her pine shop on Saturday last to see what the commotion was outside.
Bishop Lagan said there had been many atrocities in the last 30 years and we must remember them, but he said "Omagh was different."
"It was different in the shock of its coming, in the manner of its execution and above all in the fact so many good people were killed or injured: babies, young boys, lovely young teenagers, fathers and mothers, ordinary good men and women whose only interest was to serve and help others.
"It was truly a massacre of the innocent. People feel certain that good must come from such a sacrifice."
Bishop Lagan appealed to all politicians to continue working together for peace.
Parish Priest , Fr Michael Keaveney, told mourners that Libby's funeral was the "most sorrowful occasion this church has ever seen.
"For the last five days, the eyes of the world have been on Omagh. It is the sort of notoriety we did not seek, the kind of fame we neither sought nor deserved.
"Libby represented what is finest and best in Omagh. She was caring, warm and friendly. She was a good mother. Laurence has lost a good life companion.
"She was killed by the evil actions of some people who knew nothing about Libby, They try to justify it by appealing to some mythical cause. No cause is worth that sort of mayhem," he said.
Fr Keaveney told mourners "Such thinking is a thing of the past. We are into a new era. There can be no appeal to victimisation or old historical wrongs."
He welcomed First Minister David Trimble and Deputy Minister Seamus Mallon to the church, which was greeted with applause by mourners.
At the funeral service of Sunday School teacher Esther Gibson in Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church mourners heard that Omagh has been hurled into a "sea of grief."
Moderator and DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley told mourners the government had failed in its duty to the public.
'They have forfeited under God, their rights to government by their actions, he said.
"Onto a great sea of grief Omagh and its people have been cruelly hurled. The waves and billows of extreme agony have have overwhelmed this town and further afield.
"Many today weep, but they do not weep for themselves, they weep for others."
Dr Paisley said there was no difference between those who died or were injured, no matter what their religious or political views.
"Their tears are the same tears. There is no difference between a broken mother's heart when she is a Roman Catholic than when she is a Protestant or Mormon.
36 year old Esther had gone into Omagh shopping last Saturday when she was killed in the explosion Esther had recently become engaged to Kenneth Hawkes.
At the funeral service the Rev William Leonard told mourners there was "only one Esther Gibson".
"I am sure that is the sentiment of her family, of Kenneth and of her friends. You can be sure that is the sentiment of the congregation here today.
"What you saw of Esther, what you heard of Esther was what she was.
"She shared her feelings and her faith. She was one who was straightforward and had a heart of gold."
At the funeral of 54 year old Brian McCrory mourners heard that another Omagh must never be allowed to happen again.
At St Mary's Church in Killyclogher Fr Eugene Hasson said "The message from the 15th of August bomb in Omagh is very, very clear. Never again must this happen in our land.
"If there is anyone in our midst who still harbours violent deeds in their hearts, then they especially must listen and hear this message. Never again.
He said there was only one word to describe the father of three and that was "good".
Mourners heard that the family were respected throughout the community for being "honest to god, hard working people."
Fr Hasson said Brian's children Colin 26, Brian 24, and Louise 20, were lucky to have such a man as their father,
He said he had spoken to Mr McCrory's wife Bernadette at length since her husband's death.
"She said to me she would be willing to carry the cross of her loss for the rest of her life if Brian's death was the last such one.
"Such human and spiritual maturity has to be admired and maybe it is a challenge we can all work towards."
Mourners were joined by Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty who told the family that the presence of so many people at the funeral was a sign that people cared about them.
He said Omagh did not deserve what had happened. It had, he said, deserved a lot better.
Bishop Hegarty said that from evil had come the good of the aftermath, when the community, emergency and other support services had pulled together.
"The Lord was in the midst of this crisis," he said.
The Bishop added "If the level of co-operation and Christianity can be continued indefinitely, this place in Northern Ireland would be a great place to live in."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0187
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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