BOMB HEROES TO RECIEVE DAILY MIRROR AWARDS
Bomb heroes to recieve Daily Mirror awards
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
ONE of those seriously injured in the Omagh bomb and a local bus driver who ferried the wounded to hospital, are set to lift prestigious awards at a special ceremony in London today.
Donna Marie McGillion, who suffered 65% burns in the explosion, will be among nationwide recipients at the Daily Mirror's 'Pride of Britain Awards' gala in the Dorchester Hotel.
And the heroic efforts of Ulsterbus driver, Michael McNally who took dozens of injured to hospital will also be recognised when he is named among heroes from all walks of life.
The lunchtime awards ceremony, which is organised in association with Virgin, is designed to honour those whose work, courage and commitment often goes unrecognised.
Nominees were chosen by a special panel of judges, and Donna Marie's award will be presented by Nobel Prize winner John Hume.
The initiative which is expected to become an annual event has also received the backing of Prime Minister, Tony Blair who said he was proud of all those commended.
Bride to be, Donna Marie (Keyes) was shopping in Market Street with her fiance Garry McGillion when the pair were caught up in the carnage.
Both were taken to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital where Donna Marie was treated for severe injuries to her face, legs and upper body.
Garry was also critically injured in the explosion and the couple's young bridesmaid, Breda Devine who had accompanied them on the pre-wedding shopping trip, died in the blast.
The couple, who were due to wed a week after the tragedy, finally tied the knot in March.
Father of two, Michael McNally drove his bus into the heart of the carnage and ferried dozens of screaming casualties to Tyrone County Hospital.
His heroic efforts in saving lives will also be honoured at today's ceremony.
The local driver was at the bus depot when he heard the explosion.
Together with fellow worker, Aidan McBride, the pair immediately went to Market Street and began helping the injured aboard.
Speaking afterwards, he said the short journey was the most difficult he had ever endured, listening to the screams of the injured.
"It's hard to believe what people can do in these circumstances. So many ordinary people helped out.
"It's amazing what people can manage to do at times like this" he added
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
ONE of those seriously injured in the Omagh bomb and a local bus driver who ferried the wounded to hospital, are set to lift prestigious awards at a special ceremony in London today.
Donna Marie McGillion, who suffered 65% burns in the explosion, will be among nationwide recipients at the Daily Mirror's 'Pride of Britain Awards' gala in the Dorchester Hotel.
And the heroic efforts of Ulsterbus driver, Michael McNally who took dozens of injured to hospital will also be recognised when he is named among heroes from all walks of life.
The lunchtime awards ceremony, which is organised in association with Virgin, is designed to honour those whose work, courage and commitment often goes unrecognised.
Nominees were chosen by a special panel of judges, and Donna Marie's award will be presented by Nobel Prize winner John Hume.
The initiative which is expected to become an annual event has also received the backing of Prime Minister, Tony Blair who said he was proud of all those commended.
Bride to be, Donna Marie (Keyes) was shopping in Market Street with her fiance Garry McGillion when the pair were caught up in the carnage.
Both were taken to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital where Donna Marie was treated for severe injuries to her face, legs and upper body.
Garry was also critically injured in the explosion and the couple's young bridesmaid, Breda Devine who had accompanied them on the pre-wedding shopping trip, died in the blast.
The couple, who were due to wed a week after the tragedy, finally tied the knot in March.
Father of two, Michael McNally drove his bus into the heart of the carnage and ferried dozens of screaming casualties to Tyrone County Hospital.
His heroic efforts in saving lives will also be honoured at today's ceremony.
The local driver was at the bus depot when he heard the explosion.
Together with fellow worker, Aidan McBride, the pair immediately went to Market Street and began helping the injured aboard.
Speaking afterwards, he said the short journey was the most difficult he had ever endured, listening to the screams of the injured.
"It's hard to believe what people can do in these circumstances. So many ordinary people helped out.
"It's amazing what people can manage to do at times like this" he added
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1257
Published Date: 20-May-99
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