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National awards for bomb heros

TRIBUTES were paid to the courage and determination of those caught up in last August's bombing atrocity in Omagh, at last week's Pride of Britain awards ceremony in London.
During the gala occasion which was organised by the Daily Mirror in association with Virgin - special recognition for outstanding bravery was awarded to Donna Marie McGillion.
And local bus driver, Michael McNally - who assisted the over-stretched ambulance service in ferrying the injured to hospital - was also honoured for his courageous actions.
The awards which took place in the Dorchester Hotel, were organised to honour people from all walks of life whose courage and commitment has touched people's hearts.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie joined a who's who of celebrity guests which included Paul McCartney, Mick Hucknall, Cilla Black and Spice Girl Emma Burton.
The judging panel was comprised of Mirror editor, Piers Morgan, Virgin tycoon, Richard Branson, Mel G and Dr Miriam Stoppard.
And among the list of award recipients was Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, whose work towards peace in the North was also recognised.
Announcing the award, Mirror columnist Carol Voderman described Donna Marie as "a woman whose perseverance and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity puts us all to shame."
The 23 year-old victim sustained serious burns to two-thirds of her body and doctors gave her only a slim chance of survival following the blast. She also suffered serious lung damage and received a head wound which required 56 staples.
But the courageous care worker defied death and seven months later walked down the aisle with fiancé, Garry McGillion.
On August 15th last, the couple had gone into town shopping for shoes for Garry's 21-month-old niece Breda, who was to have been flower girl at their wedding.
The little girl died in the explosion and Donna Marie lay in a coma for six weeks.
Presenting her with the bravery award, SDLP leader John Hume said he was honoured at being asked to hand over the commendation to such a courageous person.
"Donna Marie is an outstanding symbol of the courage of all those who have suffered in the terrible tragedy of Omagh," said the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Following the ceremony, Donna Marie applauded the support she had received from husband Garry and her parents. Malachy and Patricia, without whom, she added, the battle would have proved much tougher.
"With them at my side I am getting better and better," she added.
Bus driver Michael McNally - who was described as one of the heroes of the day - was presented with his award by Boyzone's Ronan Keating who said ceremonies such as last week's put Omagh back in people's minds and reminded everyone of the "real-life hero" Michael had turned out.
When the 300lb explosion ripped through Market Street, the Father-of-two had been sitting just a few hundred yards away at the bus depot.
Despite the fact that a second devise was being searched for he got into his bus and drove into the centre of the carnage.
By helping to ferry dozens of badly injured to hospital, it meant that within a very short time after the explosion, all casualties were receiving hospital treatment.
"It was just like a scene from hell," he said. "I stopped in the middle of the road and tried to get people on board."
"I knew I had to get them to hospital quickly. People were shouting, 'There's another bomb,' but I didn't think about that. I was getting people out of there."
"One old woman had most of her clothes blown off. Another girl seemed to have a hole in her side."
"I can still remember the horror of that day and probably always will. It was horrific" he added.
Accepting the accolade on Thursday last, he praised everyone who had helped in anyway in the aftermath of the attack.
"I would like to accept this award on behalf of everyone who helped."
"Its important Omagh is never forgotten" he added.