OMAGH BOMB SERVICE REFLECTS ON RECENT TERROR ATROCITIES
Omagh bomb service reflects on recent terror atrocities
BY KATRINA TAGGART
THE SEVENTH anniversary of the Omagh bomb was commemorated at a special service in the town's Remembrance Garden at the weekend.
During the memorial service local churchmen conducted an inter-denomination service which included an Irish, English and Spanish dimension-during which flowers were laid at the memorial to the dead. During the service flowers were also laid for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in London as those present reflected on the atrocity which claimed 52 innocent lives.
Michael Gallagher said "We in Omagh can best relate to the pain and suffering of the families of those involved in the London terrorist attack, and we sympathise with them".
The low profile commemoration was attended by junior Northern Ireland Officer Lord Rooker and Irish Education Minister Mary Hanafin representing the Irish Government.
Music was provided at the service by St Eugene's Brass Band and Leslie Matthews.
MEMORY
More than 200 relatives of the men, women and children killed and many of the hundreds injured in the blast attended in memory of their loved ones.
Mr Gallagher said, "The annual service is a great comfort to me and my family, and it is great to see so much public support. It was a unique experience, in a world of such intolerance, to see groups from all denominations coming together in prayer"
Omagh Councillor Paddy McGowan, who was present at the service said, "It was as emotional this year as it was on the first anniversary for relatives and friends of those who lost their lives in the bomb.
"For the families and friends, memories are still very strong, and the victims are certainly not forgotten. This is a comforting day for the families to gather together and be united in their grief."
JUSTICE
Seven years on from this atrocity, it is still difficult for many of the relatives to accept that no-one has been brought to justice for the Omagh bombing.
Mr Gallagher said, "We still have a great frustration at nobody being held on account, and this will always be a difficulty for us. This is a deep concern of mine, and the families are still continuing to call for a full cross-border investigation."
The Omagh Self-help and Support Group is to meet with Tony Blair and Dermot Ahern in the near future to discuss its continuing search for justice.
BY KATRINA TAGGART
THE SEVENTH anniversary of the Omagh bomb was commemorated at a special service in the town's Remembrance Garden at the weekend.
During the memorial service local churchmen conducted an inter-denomination service which included an Irish, English and Spanish dimension-during which flowers were laid at the memorial to the dead. During the service flowers were also laid for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in London as those present reflected on the atrocity which claimed 52 innocent lives.
Michael Gallagher said "We in Omagh can best relate to the pain and suffering of the families of those involved in the London terrorist attack, and we sympathise with them".
The low profile commemoration was attended by junior Northern Ireland Officer Lord Rooker and Irish Education Minister Mary Hanafin representing the Irish Government.
Music was provided at the service by St Eugene's Brass Band and Leslie Matthews.
MEMORY
More than 200 relatives of the men, women and children killed and many of the hundreds injured in the blast attended in memory of their loved ones.
Mr Gallagher said, "The annual service is a great comfort to me and my family, and it is great to see so much public support. It was a unique experience, in a world of such intolerance, to see groups from all denominations coming together in prayer"
Omagh Councillor Paddy McGowan, who was present at the service said, "It was as emotional this year as it was on the first anniversary for relatives and friends of those who lost their lives in the bomb.
"For the families and friends, memories are still very strong, and the victims are certainly not forgotten. This is a comforting day for the families to gather together and be united in their grief."
JUSTICE
Seven years on from this atrocity, it is still difficult for many of the relatives to accept that no-one has been brought to justice for the Omagh bombing.
Mr Gallagher said, "We still have a great frustration at nobody being held on account, and this will always be a difficulty for us. This is a deep concern of mine, and the families are still continuing to call for a full cross-border investigation."
The Omagh Self-help and Support Group is to meet with Tony Blair and Dermot Ahern in the near future to discuss its continuing search for justice.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1829
Published Date: 18-Aug-05
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