JOY AS OMAGH BOMB VICTIM DEFIES ALL ODDS TO WALK UP THE AISLE
Joy as Omagh bomb victim defies all odds to walk down aisle
A GOOD Samaritan, who rushed to the aid of a young care worker seriously injured in the Omagh bomb, was special guest at the victim's wedding at the weekend.
Brave bride, Kate Kelly (27) exchanged vows with fiance Bryan Mulcahy (27) in front of around 100 family and friends in the town's Sacred Heart Church on Saturday.
And there to see the happy couple wed was Beragh man, Martin McCrory who carried the critically injured bride-to-be from the scene of the Market Street explosion.
Also lending support was bridesmaid, Rachel Davis (25) who still relies on the support of a crutch after suffering severe leg injuries as she stood with her friend just yards from the seat of the explosion.
On the afternoon of August 15 last year, Kate and Rachel had been looking for wedding shoes when the 350lb car bomb exploded.
A shard of shrapnel pierced Kate's leg severing her sciatic nerve. Doctors gave her only a slim chance of ever walking again.
Just three weeks ago, she cast aside her crutches following the fitting of a new support. And with help from her father Martin, she finally made the journey down the aisle of the church.
Speaking afterwards, the beaming bride said the wedding ceremony was the one thing that kept her mind focused throughout months of recovery.
"I was determined that I would walk down that aisle on my own. There was a lot of pain and tears but I always had something to aim for.
"We all have to get on with our lives as best we can and I know that I am very lucky to be able to walk and get married," she added.
Following the hour-long service - which was conducted by Fr Neil Farren the happy couple enjoyed a lavish reception at Lusty Beg Island in Co Fermanagh.
Included in the guestlist were others who had been caught up in the horrors of 14 months ago. Among them were Strabane couple, Francis and Linda Coyle whose 10-year-old son, Stephen suffered an horrific shoulder wound and stomach injuries.
And medics who treated the casualties of the blast also attended the couple's evening reception.
During the speeches, Kate presented a special gift to rescuer Martin McCrory, as a thank-you for all he had done in the aftermath of the bomb attack.
Kate said: "Because of my injuries I was losing a lot of blood and couldn't move to get help. Martin picked me up and carried me to the ambulance and made sure I was attended to.
"Even to this day, he still rings me up and keeps in touch to make sure I'm alright. I will always be thankful for what he did for me that day."
A presentation was also made to Kate's aunt, Mona Cullen who the bride described as being a "tower of strength" for the family in the days and weeks following the explosion.
Before jetting off for a two-week honeymoon in Gran Canaria, Kate thanked everyone who had helped make the day special.
"At one point I thought I would never see my wedding day arrive, but I really enjoyed every minute of it.
"I would like to thank all my close friends and family for making the day so enjoyable" she added.
A GOOD Samaritan, who rushed to the aid of a young care worker seriously injured in the Omagh bomb, was special guest at the victim's wedding at the weekend.
Brave bride, Kate Kelly (27) exchanged vows with fiance Bryan Mulcahy (27) in front of around 100 family and friends in the town's Sacred Heart Church on Saturday.
And there to see the happy couple wed was Beragh man, Martin McCrory who carried the critically injured bride-to-be from the scene of the Market Street explosion.
Also lending support was bridesmaid, Rachel Davis (25) who still relies on the support of a crutch after suffering severe leg injuries as she stood with her friend just yards from the seat of the explosion.
On the afternoon of August 15 last year, Kate and Rachel had been looking for wedding shoes when the 350lb car bomb exploded.
A shard of shrapnel pierced Kate's leg severing her sciatic nerve. Doctors gave her only a slim chance of ever walking again.
Just three weeks ago, she cast aside her crutches following the fitting of a new support. And with help from her father Martin, she finally made the journey down the aisle of the church.
Speaking afterwards, the beaming bride said the wedding ceremony was the one thing that kept her mind focused throughout months of recovery.
"I was determined that I would walk down that aisle on my own. There was a lot of pain and tears but I always had something to aim for.
"We all have to get on with our lives as best we can and I know that I am very lucky to be able to walk and get married," she added.
Following the hour-long service - which was conducted by Fr Neil Farren the happy couple enjoyed a lavish reception at Lusty Beg Island in Co Fermanagh.
Included in the guestlist were others who had been caught up in the horrors of 14 months ago. Among them were Strabane couple, Francis and Linda Coyle whose 10-year-old son, Stephen suffered an horrific shoulder wound and stomach injuries.
And medics who treated the casualties of the blast also attended the couple's evening reception.
During the speeches, Kate presented a special gift to rescuer Martin McCrory, as a thank-you for all he had done in the aftermath of the bomb attack.
Kate said: "Because of my injuries I was losing a lot of blood and couldn't move to get help. Martin picked me up and carried me to the ambulance and made sure I was attended to.
"Even to this day, he still rings me up and keeps in touch to make sure I'm alright. I will always be thankful for what he did for me that day."
A presentation was also made to Kate's aunt, Mona Cullen who the bride described as being a "tower of strength" for the family in the days and weeks following the explosion.
Before jetting off for a two-week honeymoon in Gran Canaria, Kate thanked everyone who had helped make the day special.
"At one point I thought I would never see my wedding day arrive, but I really enjoyed every minute of it.
"I would like to thank all my close friends and family for making the day so enjoyable" she added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1310
Published Date: 14-Oct-99
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