SEASONAL ADDRESS OF OMAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
Seasonal address of Omagh District Council Chairman
THE August bomb should act as an incentive to all to work together to construct a better society, the Chairman of Omagh Council, Sean Clarke, has said in his Christmas message.
In his message to the people of the Omagh district, the Sinn Fein Chairman described his year in office as "tough".
"I want to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. All of us will remember the tragic events of 1998 for the rest of our lives. All of us are yearning for brighter times ahead in 1999, "As Chairman, may I take this seasonal opportunity to restate the sympathy of everyone in the district and beyond, regardless of allegiance or background, to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the bomb in Omagh on August 15th.
"May I hope for the fullest possible recovery of all our people who were injured in the bomb, which made this area the subject of worldwide interest and media attention.
"Our people suffered enormously. This suffering brought many of us closer together as we mourned the deceased. They came from many parts of Tyrone, from Spain and from Buncrana. We tried to offer some comfort to their families who uniquely know the pain.
"Many came to help us. Some were world famous, but most were ordinary people who offered kind words, thoughts or deeds.
"On a personal level I found it a tough year to be Chairman of Omagh Council. I am grateful for the co-operation and leadership of my colleagues on the Council who performed their civic duties with both distinction and dignity."
He added "I want to single out our Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, for his efforts and to sympathise with him and other local councillors who have
suffered recent bereavements."
Continuing on a happier note the Chairman paid tribute the Tyrone minor Gaelic football team who gave the county reason to celebrate and " to smile through our tears."
"There were other significant achievements in 1998 and I want to congratulate everyone concerned."
"People, he said, are learning to work closely together.
"If I had one hope looking forward, it would be for the political agreement reached on Good Friday to become a reality as quickly as possible?
"We all have to work together to construct a better society. What happened in Omagh this year should act as an incentive to us all.
"Finally let me offer seasonal greetings to everyone who lives in the district. A happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all, specially emigrants and exiles who will not be at home this Christmas.
"Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Leir".
THE August bomb should act as an incentive to all to work together to construct a better society, the Chairman of Omagh Council, Sean Clarke, has said in his Christmas message.
In his message to the people of the Omagh district, the Sinn Fein Chairman described his year in office as "tough".
"I want to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. All of us will remember the tragic events of 1998 for the rest of our lives. All of us are yearning for brighter times ahead in 1999, "As Chairman, may I take this seasonal opportunity to restate the sympathy of everyone in the district and beyond, regardless of allegiance or background, to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the bomb in Omagh on August 15th.
"May I hope for the fullest possible recovery of all our people who were injured in the bomb, which made this area the subject of worldwide interest and media attention.
"Our people suffered enormously. This suffering brought many of us closer together as we mourned the deceased. They came from many parts of Tyrone, from Spain and from Buncrana. We tried to offer some comfort to their families who uniquely know the pain.
"Many came to help us. Some were world famous, but most were ordinary people who offered kind words, thoughts or deeds.
"On a personal level I found it a tough year to be Chairman of Omagh Council. I am grateful for the co-operation and leadership of my colleagues on the Council who performed their civic duties with both distinction and dignity."
He added "I want to single out our Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, for his efforts and to sympathise with him and other local councillors who have
suffered recent bereavements."
Continuing on a happier note the Chairman paid tribute the Tyrone minor Gaelic football team who gave the county reason to celebrate and " to smile through our tears."
"There were other significant achievements in 1998 and I want to congratulate everyone concerned."
"People, he said, are learning to work closely together.
"If I had one hope looking forward, it would be for the political agreement reached on Good Friday to become a reality as quickly as possible?
"We all have to work together to construct a better society. What happened in Omagh this year should act as an incentive to us all.
"Finally let me offer seasonal greetings to everyone who lives in the district. A happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all, specially emigrants and exiles who will not be at home this Christmas.
"Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Leir".
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1727
Published Date: 24-Dec-98
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