HOPE FOR RELATIVES AS CLINTON BACKS THEIR CAMPAIGN
Hope for relatives as Clinton backs their campaign
BY JOHN McCUSKER
RELATIVES of those killed in the Omagh atrocity have welcomed backing from Bill Clinton for their campaign to bring the bombers to justice.
The former US president spent an hour meeting with the bereaved and injured at the Ulster American Folk Park last Thursday morning.
During the visit, Mr Clinton expressed solidarity with those affected and praised them for the dignity they had shown which, he said, was a shining example to the world.
The visit, which was arranged at the last minute following appeals from relatives of those who died, took place as the Clinton entourage travelled from Derry to Enniskillen.
Over 100 turned out to greet the ex-president and his daughter Chelsea. And the pair mingled freely with families during the brief walkaround.
The former president and his daughter arrived in a cavalcade flanked by RUC motorcyclists and accompanied by Secret Service personnel and personal aides.
Folk Park director, John Gilmour introduced the pair to a welcoming party which included Council Chairman Liam McQuaid, chief executive Danny McSorley, Eric Montgomery, a former chairman of the Folk Park and Sir Peter Froggitt and his wife Lady Froggitt, from the board of trustees.
Mr Clinton then met and spoke to relatives, those injured in the August 1998 explosion and a number who had taken part in the rescue operation on the day.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Adrian was among those who died in the atrocity, said Mr Clinton's second visit to the town was both genuine and poignant.
"He said he would do anything that he could to support us in our civil action and that was something we were absolutely delighted with," Mr Gallagher said.
"When we learned he was coming back to Ireland, we felt it was important that he should include Omagh on his visit.
"I told him his presence was important and the meeting was a fitting gesture as it showed solidarity with those affected.
"This visit sent out the message that we, the victims, are not alone. He hasn't abandoned us."
Student Michelle Mimnagh, who lost her right leg in the bombing, posed for photographs along with Chelsea Clinton. The 19-year-old, from Drumquin, has just finished her first year Psychology and Sociology course at the University of Ulster. She said: "It was really nice of them to return here. Chelsea told us about her plans to celebrate her graduation is six months time.
"During the visit Mr Clinton made time for everyone and I think it shows that he cares and he certainly hasn't forgotten about us."
Michael Duffy, who co-ordinated the trauma team which dealt with the victims, was among those who introduced families to the guests.
He believed many people had derived strength and encouragement from the former president's last trip. And his popularity was evident from the numbers which turned out with just a few hours notice.
"On a purely humanitarian level, I would like to thank him for his support and the interest he has maintained in the welfare of the victims," Mr Duffy added.
Fr Kevin Mullan, who tended those caught up in the bombing, said Mr Clinton's last visit here, three weeks after the explosion, had touched him deeply.
"He was struck by the dignity with which the victims had borne their sadness.
"The fact that he came back and the sincerity and concern shown was much appreciated by the victims and their families," he added.
During a short walk through the 'Ulster Street,' the complex's director John Gilmour outlined the Folk Park's strong Ulster-American connections.
"Although it was a very brief visit, it gave Mr Clinton the opportunity to get a flavour of what the museum was about. We were delighted he could make the visit," Mr Gilmour said.
Chairman of Omagh Council, Liam McQuaid hoped the ex-president could also use his influence to bring economic benefits to the area. While Sinn Fein's Pat Doherty said the visit was another indication of the former president's contribution to the peace.
BY JOHN McCUSKER
RELATIVES of those killed in the Omagh atrocity have welcomed backing from Bill Clinton for their campaign to bring the bombers to justice.
The former US president spent an hour meeting with the bereaved and injured at the Ulster American Folk Park last Thursday morning.
During the visit, Mr Clinton expressed solidarity with those affected and praised them for the dignity they had shown which, he said, was a shining example to the world.
The visit, which was arranged at the last minute following appeals from relatives of those who died, took place as the Clinton entourage travelled from Derry to Enniskillen.
Over 100 turned out to greet the ex-president and his daughter Chelsea. And the pair mingled freely with families during the brief walkaround.
The former president and his daughter arrived in a cavalcade flanked by RUC motorcyclists and accompanied by Secret Service personnel and personal aides.
Folk Park director, John Gilmour introduced the pair to a welcoming party which included Council Chairman Liam McQuaid, chief executive Danny McSorley, Eric Montgomery, a former chairman of the Folk Park and Sir Peter Froggitt and his wife Lady Froggitt, from the board of trustees.
Mr Clinton then met and spoke to relatives, those injured in the August 1998 explosion and a number who had taken part in the rescue operation on the day.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Adrian was among those who died in the atrocity, said Mr Clinton's second visit to the town was both genuine and poignant.
"He said he would do anything that he could to support us in our civil action and that was something we were absolutely delighted with," Mr Gallagher said.
"When we learned he was coming back to Ireland, we felt it was important that he should include Omagh on his visit.
"I told him his presence was important and the meeting was a fitting gesture as it showed solidarity with those affected.
"This visit sent out the message that we, the victims, are not alone. He hasn't abandoned us."
Student Michelle Mimnagh, who lost her right leg in the bombing, posed for photographs along with Chelsea Clinton. The 19-year-old, from Drumquin, has just finished her first year Psychology and Sociology course at the University of Ulster. She said: "It was really nice of them to return here. Chelsea told us about her plans to celebrate her graduation is six months time.
"During the visit Mr Clinton made time for everyone and I think it shows that he cares and he certainly hasn't forgotten about us."
Michael Duffy, who co-ordinated the trauma team which dealt with the victims, was among those who introduced families to the guests.
He believed many people had derived strength and encouragement from the former president's last trip. And his popularity was evident from the numbers which turned out with just a few hours notice.
"On a purely humanitarian level, I would like to thank him for his support and the interest he has maintained in the welfare of the victims," Mr Duffy added.
Fr Kevin Mullan, who tended those caught up in the bombing, said Mr Clinton's last visit here, three weeks after the explosion, had touched him deeply.
"He was struck by the dignity with which the victims had borne their sadness.
"The fact that he came back and the sincerity and concern shown was much appreciated by the victims and their families," he added.
During a short walk through the 'Ulster Street,' the complex's director John Gilmour outlined the Folk Park's strong Ulster-American connections.
"Although it was a very brief visit, it gave Mr Clinton the opportunity to get a flavour of what the museum was about. We were delighted he could make the visit," Mr Gilmour said.
Chairman of Omagh Council, Liam McQuaid hoped the ex-president could also use his influence to bring economic benefits to the area. While Sinn Fein's Pat Doherty said the visit was another indication of the former president's contribution to the peace.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0772
Published Date: 31-May-01
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