PLEASURE OVERSHADOWED BY TRAGEDY
Pleasure overshadowed by tragedy
THE Chief Executive of Omagh District Council, John McKinney, speaking after the announcement, said he greeted the news of his award with mixed emotions.
He had been put in a position that no community leader ever wanted to experience in the wake of the atrocity.
"The pleasure of being awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List is therefore overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of the 15th August" he said.
"My job on that day and in the subsequent weeks and months, was made easier by the dedication and professionalism of my team, the support of the community in what were extremely difficult circumstances, and the comfort and encouragement of my family" added the Chief Executive.
As he looked forward to 1999, his thoughts were very much on the renewal of Omagh and the need for continuing support for all those touched by the events of August 15th.
"My hopes are focused on continuing peace and a new beginning that will provide political stability and a just democracy".
It is his hope also that Omagh will be the catalyst for peace and can move forward after the town was rebuilt.
Mr McKinney, concluded by saying that he felt the award is in recognition of the community effort.
News of Mr McKinney's award was greeted at a special meeting of Omagh District Council held on Monday evening.
Councillor Crawford McFarland said it was very good news for Omagh that the Chief Executive had been honoured in the New Year's Honour List. It was also a great honour for the Council itself and the people of the district. He believed it was the first time for an awards like this to come to Omagh Council offices.
Councillor Paddy McGowan said it was a "well deserved award" and he felt it was in recognition of all the staff who had worked so diligently through the difficult time.
Joining in the words of congratulations, Councillor Oliver Gibson said it was a terrible calamity and he personally felt Mr McKinney deserved an even higher award.
"Many have received awards, but when someone does something like this he deserves to be honoured accordingly" he said.
Councillor Francis Mackey also complimented the Chief Executive on his leadership qualities throughout the terrible tragedy.
Joe Byrne felt Mr McKinney had given excellent leadership to the Council and Councillor Seamus Shields said he saw the award as a recognition of the Council, who through their Chief Executive, was seen as a caring community.
Allan Rainey concluded the tributes on a personal note "John left no stone unturned to bring comfort to aching hearts and broken bodies following August 15th."
THE Chief Executive of Omagh District Council, John McKinney, speaking after the announcement, said he greeted the news of his award with mixed emotions.
He had been put in a position that no community leader ever wanted to experience in the wake of the atrocity.
"The pleasure of being awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List is therefore overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of the 15th August" he said.
"My job on that day and in the subsequent weeks and months, was made easier by the dedication and professionalism of my team, the support of the community in what were extremely difficult circumstances, and the comfort and encouragement of my family" added the Chief Executive.
As he looked forward to 1999, his thoughts were very much on the renewal of Omagh and the need for continuing support for all those touched by the events of August 15th.
"My hopes are focused on continuing peace and a new beginning that will provide political stability and a just democracy".
It is his hope also that Omagh will be the catalyst for peace and can move forward after the town was rebuilt.
Mr McKinney, concluded by saying that he felt the award is in recognition of the community effort.
News of Mr McKinney's award was greeted at a special meeting of Omagh District Council held on Monday evening.
Councillor Crawford McFarland said it was very good news for Omagh that the Chief Executive had been honoured in the New Year's Honour List. It was also a great honour for the Council itself and the people of the district. He believed it was the first time for an awards like this to come to Omagh Council offices.
Councillor Paddy McGowan said it was a "well deserved award" and he felt it was in recognition of all the staff who had worked so diligently through the difficult time.
Joining in the words of congratulations, Councillor Oliver Gibson said it was a terrible calamity and he personally felt Mr McKinney deserved an even higher award.
"Many have received awards, but when someone does something like this he deserves to be honoured accordingly" he said.
Councillor Francis Mackey also complimented the Chief Executive on his leadership qualities throughout the terrible tragedy.
Joe Byrne felt Mr McKinney had given excellent leadership to the Council and Councillor Seamus Shields said he saw the award as a recognition of the Council, who through their Chief Executive, was seen as a caring community.
Allan Rainey concluded the tributes on a personal note "John left no stone unturned to bring comfort to aching hearts and broken bodies following August 15th."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0708
Published Date: 07-Jan-99
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