DANIEL'S PAIN FOR THE PEOPLE OF OMAGH
Daniel's pain for the people of Omagh
SINGER Daniel O'Donnell said he hoped his presence among the people of Omagh would bring some form of happiness and comfort in the run-up to the festive season.
The Donegal born star was speaking just before he joined DJ, Pio McCann on Thursday night, to switching on the illuminations, which heralded a month-long series of Yuletide festivities planned for the town.
Daniel was in Australia when he first learned of the August atrocity.
And he spoke of the painful memories of watching the "horrific and sickening" events unfold.
"I had the television on with the sound turned down and I happened to glance up and I thought, 'God, that's like home.' But by the time I turned the sound up, the report had ended.
"I waited for the next bulletin and I just could not believe what I was hearing.
"I could see the pictures of Omagh and the suffering on the faces and it was just horrific and sickening."
Days later, as news filtered through of those caught up in the tragedy, he realised long-time friend, Pio McCann's daughter, Diane, was among those seriously hurt.
"I immediately phoned him and later we spoke of putting on some sort of show for the people of the town. I said that whenever that day comes I would like to be there and show my support."
Since the blast, Daniel has spoken to a number of those injured, including Doreen Preston, who was receiving treatment in Musgrave Park Hospital.
And during recordings for the recent Late Late Show special on Omagh, he met with relatives of the deceased and some of those still bearing scars from the blast.
"I think the people of Omagh are remarkable in the way they have coped since the bombing.
"Obviously it's very difficult for those people, but when you listen to them relate their stories, it's very humbling" he added.
While touring, the singer said he would tell people worldwide how those in the North wished to live in peace and were quite happy living side by side.
And he would tell them that during his performances here, he himself could not tell whether members of the audience were Catholic or Protestant, "nor does it matter" he said.
"But then something like this happens, and they would say 'but why are they killing each other?'
"There's no room for that here and there's no room for the people who carried it out either" he added.
Glancing around at the thousands gathered along the town's High Street and down into Market Street, Daniel said he hoped the switching on of the Christmas lights would bring some hope and happiness to the town.
And although for some it was a time of sadness and guilt, he thought the people of Omagh deserved something joyous after what they had gone through in recent months.
"It's a great honour to be part of tonight's event. I can't say festivities, because I don't think it's the right word.
"I nor anyone else, can ever take back the people who are gone, nor can I ever take away the injuries that people have suffered.
"So all I can do is show my physical presence and show that I am supporting the people in their terrible tragedy.
"I cannot say that the future is going to be easy for many, but all we can do is to be there to listen and offer whatever help we can" added Daniel.
SINGER Daniel O'Donnell said he hoped his presence among the people of Omagh would bring some form of happiness and comfort in the run-up to the festive season.
The Donegal born star was speaking just before he joined DJ, Pio McCann on Thursday night, to switching on the illuminations, which heralded a month-long series of Yuletide festivities planned for the town.
Daniel was in Australia when he first learned of the August atrocity.
And he spoke of the painful memories of watching the "horrific and sickening" events unfold.
"I had the television on with the sound turned down and I happened to glance up and I thought, 'God, that's like home.' But by the time I turned the sound up, the report had ended.
"I waited for the next bulletin and I just could not believe what I was hearing.
"I could see the pictures of Omagh and the suffering on the faces and it was just horrific and sickening."
Days later, as news filtered through of those caught up in the tragedy, he realised long-time friend, Pio McCann's daughter, Diane, was among those seriously hurt.
"I immediately phoned him and later we spoke of putting on some sort of show for the people of the town. I said that whenever that day comes I would like to be there and show my support."
Since the blast, Daniel has spoken to a number of those injured, including Doreen Preston, who was receiving treatment in Musgrave Park Hospital.
And during recordings for the recent Late Late Show special on Omagh, he met with relatives of the deceased and some of those still bearing scars from the blast.
"I think the people of Omagh are remarkable in the way they have coped since the bombing.
"Obviously it's very difficult for those people, but when you listen to them relate their stories, it's very humbling" he added.
While touring, the singer said he would tell people worldwide how those in the North wished to live in peace and were quite happy living side by side.
And he would tell them that during his performances here, he himself could not tell whether members of the audience were Catholic or Protestant, "nor does it matter" he said.
"But then something like this happens, and they would say 'but why are they killing each other?'
"There's no room for that here and there's no room for the people who carried it out either" he added.
Glancing around at the thousands gathered along the town's High Street and down into Market Street, Daniel said he hoped the switching on of the Christmas lights would bring some hope and happiness to the town.
And although for some it was a time of sadness and guilt, he thought the people of Omagh deserved something joyous after what they had gone through in recent months.
"It's a great honour to be part of tonight's event. I can't say festivities, because I don't think it's the right word.
"I nor anyone else, can ever take back the people who are gone, nor can I ever take away the injuries that people have suffered.
"So all I can do is show my physical presence and show that I am supporting the people in their terrible tragedy.
"I cannot say that the future is going to be easy for many, but all we can do is to be there to listen and offer whatever help we can" added Daniel.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1706
Published Date: 03-Dec-98
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