UH/0645

Judge Gerard Haughton, Judge of the District Court in the Republic of Ireland (right) is pictured presenting a framed letter addressed to the people of Omagh, to Mary Murnaghan, Chairperson of the Omagh and District Solicitors' Association. Also in the picture are Paul McRandal and Barney McElholm, Resident Magistrates. Judge Haughton travelled to Omagh to take part in the ceremony of the switching on of the Christmas lights at which his two children were singing in the RTE Choir. Having been particularly moved at the stories of the tragic victims of the Omagh bomb, Judge Haughton had commenced a collection amongst his colleagues in the Irish Judiciary and raised IR�3,300. In his letter to the people of Omagh, Judge Haughton said: "The suffering that you have all endured and continue to endure has without a doubt left an indelible mark on us all. As Judges we are no less touched by the horror inflicted upon you. Mere words are inadequate to express the feelings that we share and the great dignity with which you bore your loss is a shining light of example to all of humanity. You have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers and as a token of our respect and admiration for you I am pleased to present to you a Bank Draft for �3,300 on my behalf and on behalf of my friends and colleagues, all members of the Irish Judiciary."

Publisher: ULSTER HERALD

Ref: UH/0645

Published Date: 24-Dec-98