SPANISH AMBASSADOR TO THE UK VISITS OMAGH
Spanish Ambassador to the UK visits Omagh
Enjoys stroll around town centre
BY RONAN McSHERRY
r.mcsherry@ulsterherald.com
THE Spanish Ambassador to Britain Carlos Miranda y Elio, was in Omagh this week during a two day visit to the North. The Ambassador had requested that his itinerary include a visit to Omagh.
Omagh Council chairman Sean Begley welcomed the Spanish visitor to the civic offices. In his address he said, "The people of Omagh, Buncrana and Spain, and Madrid in particular, have been inextricably linked through the terrible events of the August 15, 1998 when 31 people, including two Spanish citizens and two unborn children, died in the Omagh Bomb. I know that you took time, privately, before arriving at the council offices this morning, to lay a wreath at the Memorial garden on behalf of the Spanish Embassy.
"The people of Spain provided tremendous support to us in our darkest hour and we were able to reciprocate that support to the people of Madrid following the horrific bomb attack on their city in 2004. Indeed my Council Colleague, Cllr Allan Rainey was afforded the opportunity to convey our sorrow and support personally to the President of the Council of Madrid, Senora Esperanza Aguirre."
Cllr Begley highlighted the work of regeneration and development which has taken place in Omagh since the bombing in 1998. He was also briefed on the work of the Omagh Memorial Working Group and the process to put in place a permanent fitting memorial to the Omagh bomb in time for the tenth anniversary next year. The competition to design the memorial was launched internationally last week in the UK, Ireland and Spain, with the support of all three governments. "We welcome the support of your government and the people of Spain for the process upon which we have embarked," Cllr Begley said.
Following the formal welcome the Ambassador met with people affected by the Omagh bomb, including bereaved families and those injured, as well as representatives of the emergency and counselling services, state agencies, and community and voluntary groups, in addition to representatives of the business sector and churches across the district. The Council also facilitated a private meeting between the Ambassador and representatives of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
After a buffet lunch the Ambassador was accompanied by senior officials, Danny McSorley, on a walk-about in the town centre. He saw at first hand the regeneration of Omagh, the development of the new Omagh College and the new Strule Arts Centre, as well as the extensive Environmental Improvement Scheme and the bomb site.
The Ambassador was also presented with an engraved Tyrone Crystal bowl as a memento of his visit to the town.
Enjoys stroll around town centre
BY RONAN McSHERRY
r.mcsherry@ulsterherald.com
THE Spanish Ambassador to Britain Carlos Miranda y Elio, was in Omagh this week during a two day visit to the North. The Ambassador had requested that his itinerary include a visit to Omagh.
Omagh Council chairman Sean Begley welcomed the Spanish visitor to the civic offices. In his address he said, "The people of Omagh, Buncrana and Spain, and Madrid in particular, have been inextricably linked through the terrible events of the August 15, 1998 when 31 people, including two Spanish citizens and two unborn children, died in the Omagh Bomb. I know that you took time, privately, before arriving at the council offices this morning, to lay a wreath at the Memorial garden on behalf of the Spanish Embassy.
"The people of Spain provided tremendous support to us in our darkest hour and we were able to reciprocate that support to the people of Madrid following the horrific bomb attack on their city in 2004. Indeed my Council Colleague, Cllr Allan Rainey was afforded the opportunity to convey our sorrow and support personally to the President of the Council of Madrid, Senora Esperanza Aguirre."
Cllr Begley highlighted the work of regeneration and development which has taken place in Omagh since the bombing in 1998. He was also briefed on the work of the Omagh Memorial Working Group and the process to put in place a permanent fitting memorial to the Omagh bomb in time for the tenth anniversary next year. The competition to design the memorial was launched internationally last week in the UK, Ireland and Spain, with the support of all three governments. "We welcome the support of your government and the people of Spain for the process upon which we have embarked," Cllr Begley said.
Following the formal welcome the Ambassador met with people affected by the Omagh bomb, including bereaved families and those injured, as well as representatives of the emergency and counselling services, state agencies, and community and voluntary groups, in addition to representatives of the business sector and churches across the district. The Council also facilitated a private meeting between the Ambassador and representatives of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
After a buffet lunch the Ambassador was accompanied by senior officials, Danny McSorley, on a walk-about in the town centre. He saw at first hand the regeneration of Omagh, the development of the new Omagh College and the new Strule Arts Centre, as well as the extensive Environmental Improvement Scheme and the bomb site.
The Ambassador was also presented with an engraved Tyrone Crystal bowl as a memento of his visit to the town.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1897
Published Date: 26-Apr-07
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