HOPE' AT HAND AS BOMB SURVIVORS EXCHANGE VOWS
Hope' at hand as bomb survivors exchange vows
BY JACQUELJNE COURTNEY
CUPID'S arrows were falling all over the world on Friday but in Omagh he scored a direct hit when a local couple sealed their love by exchanging wedding vows.
Nicola Emery and Michael Mulholland, both injured in the Omagh bomb, celebrated their marriage at Trinity Presbyterian Church on the most romantic day of the year. And the happy occasion was made extra special with the couple's pretty four year old daughter, Chloe who became known as the miracle baby playing a starring role as the flowergirl.
"It was the best day of our lives," said Nicola who was still on cloud nine days after the big event. She had arrived in style at the quaint roadside church in a white stretch limousine which befitted her fairytale appearance.
"The sun shone. It was a perfect day and everyone enjoyed themselves," added a delighted Nicola.
Upwards on 100 guests attended the big St Valentine's do and they included friends and relatives who were also injured in the Omagh bomb.
Trinity's Minister Rev Robert Herron said it was one of the most emotional weddings at which he had officiated: "Given what this couple, Nicola and Michael has come through, it was indeed an emotional day for everyone. Chloe has been the focus of their lives for almost the last five years and they deserve as much happiness as possible".
Nicola's mum, who was also hurt in the blast, had to spend three weeks in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
At the time, Nicola was heavily pregnant when she and Michael were caught up in the August 15th 1998 bomb along with hundreds of other innocent bystanders.
She was rushed to South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon and days later gave birth to her beautiful little daughter.
"They were all so concerned for the baby when we arrived at the hospital. They were worried about what damage could have been caused to her in the womb.
"But thank God everything turned out OK," said the proud mother who sustained minor injuries in the blast. Michael, from Clogher, was more seriously injured and was a patient in the same hospital as his wife to be.
The couple decided to give their daughter the second name of "Hope" and she lived up to that name for so many people in the community.
The couple and their adorable daughter know only to well that theirs is a story with a truly happy ending, unlike so many others caught in that atrocity.
"We know we are the lucky ones and this is a chance we have been given to make the most of," added the new bride.
The little family of survivors has become almost inseparable and Chloe will be with her parents on honeymoon in Tenerife in a fortnight: "Of course she is coming on the honeymoon. We couldn't leave her behind," laughed Nicola.
BY JACQUELJNE COURTNEY
CUPID'S arrows were falling all over the world on Friday but in Omagh he scored a direct hit when a local couple sealed their love by exchanging wedding vows.
Nicola Emery and Michael Mulholland, both injured in the Omagh bomb, celebrated their marriage at Trinity Presbyterian Church on the most romantic day of the year. And the happy occasion was made extra special with the couple's pretty four year old daughter, Chloe who became known as the miracle baby playing a starring role as the flowergirl.
"It was the best day of our lives," said Nicola who was still on cloud nine days after the big event. She had arrived in style at the quaint roadside church in a white stretch limousine which befitted her fairytale appearance.
"The sun shone. It was a perfect day and everyone enjoyed themselves," added a delighted Nicola.
Upwards on 100 guests attended the big St Valentine's do and they included friends and relatives who were also injured in the Omagh bomb.
Trinity's Minister Rev Robert Herron said it was one of the most emotional weddings at which he had officiated: "Given what this couple, Nicola and Michael has come through, it was indeed an emotional day for everyone. Chloe has been the focus of their lives for almost the last five years and they deserve as much happiness as possible".
Nicola's mum, who was also hurt in the blast, had to spend three weeks in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
At the time, Nicola was heavily pregnant when she and Michael were caught up in the August 15th 1998 bomb along with hundreds of other innocent bystanders.
She was rushed to South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon and days later gave birth to her beautiful little daughter.
"They were all so concerned for the baby when we arrived at the hospital. They were worried about what damage could have been caused to her in the womb.
"But thank God everything turned out OK," said the proud mother who sustained minor injuries in the blast. Michael, from Clogher, was more seriously injured and was a patient in the same hospital as his wife to be.
The couple decided to give their daughter the second name of "Hope" and she lived up to that name for so many people in the community.
The couple and their adorable daughter know only to well that theirs is a story with a truly happy ending, unlike so many others caught in that atrocity.
"We know we are the lucky ones and this is a chance we have been given to make the most of," added the new bride.
The little family of survivors has become almost inseparable and Chloe will be with her parents on honeymoon in Tenerife in a fortnight: "Of course she is coming on the honeymoon. We couldn't leave her behind," laughed Nicola.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1734
Published Date: 20-Feb-03
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