HUNDREDS MARK NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF BOMB
Hundreds mark ninth anniversary of bomb
BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
HUNDREDS gathered on Sunday at the Omagh memorial garden in memory of those that died on the streets of Omagh on August 15, 1998.
Nine years on since the Omagh Bomb, the painful memories of that fateful day are still close to the hearts of the thousands that were affected.
It was a solemn occasion with bereaved families, friends, local councillors and the wider community in attendance, showing that those who died will always be remembered.
Following the names of those that lost their lives were read out, Chairman of the Victim's Support Group, Michael Gallagher called for a minute's silence, not only for those that died, but for the hundreds that were injured in Omagh that day and to all the victims of international terrorism world-wide.
This inter-denominational service was conducted by a local clergy and to acknowledge all three nations affected by the Omagh bomb, poems were read in English, Spanish and Irish. There was also a message of support read out from the American Government during the service, with musical accompaniment provided by St Eugene's Brass Band.
Representatives from the three governments affected by the bombing attended the memorial service. The Consul General of Spain, Dr Valdes was in attendance, representing those who died from his country. Senior Official Political Director Chris MacCabe from the Northern Ireland Office and Sean Power TD Irish Minister of State with special responsibility for equality issues represented both the Northern and Southern Governments respectively.
Following the laying of flowers by some members of the bereaved families, there were performances by local singer's Lesley Matthews and Don Sullivan. Don sang 'Omagh Town', a song he wrote and recorded in Nashville that recalls his time as a young man in Omagh, which also reflects on Omagh's tragic experience with the bombing, respecting all those who suffered.
Speaking about the anniversary service Michael Gallagher conveyed how touching it is for the families to receive so much support.
He said, "This is the one opportunity in the year where people can come out and support the families and all of those people who were affected by the Omagh bomb, not just the bereaved and injured but everybody in the wider Omagh area whose lives were touched.
"We have been moved by the support we have had so far. It is warm and comforting to know that people haven't forgotten."
The Omagh Victim's support Group has again taken responsibility for organising this year's memorial service, but will be passing responsibility for next year's anniversary over to Omagh District Council which has major plans to redevelop the memorial garden in time for the 10th anniversary.
BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
HUNDREDS gathered on Sunday at the Omagh memorial garden in memory of those that died on the streets of Omagh on August 15, 1998.
Nine years on since the Omagh Bomb, the painful memories of that fateful day are still close to the hearts of the thousands that were affected.
It was a solemn occasion with bereaved families, friends, local councillors and the wider community in attendance, showing that those who died will always be remembered.
Following the names of those that lost their lives were read out, Chairman of the Victim's Support Group, Michael Gallagher called for a minute's silence, not only for those that died, but for the hundreds that were injured in Omagh that day and to all the victims of international terrorism world-wide.
This inter-denominational service was conducted by a local clergy and to acknowledge all three nations affected by the Omagh bomb, poems were read in English, Spanish and Irish. There was also a message of support read out from the American Government during the service, with musical accompaniment provided by St Eugene's Brass Band.
Representatives from the three governments affected by the bombing attended the memorial service. The Consul General of Spain, Dr Valdes was in attendance, representing those who died from his country. Senior Official Political Director Chris MacCabe from the Northern Ireland Office and Sean Power TD Irish Minister of State with special responsibility for equality issues represented both the Northern and Southern Governments respectively.
Following the laying of flowers by some members of the bereaved families, there were performances by local singer's Lesley Matthews and Don Sullivan. Don sang 'Omagh Town', a song he wrote and recorded in Nashville that recalls his time as a young man in Omagh, which also reflects on Omagh's tragic experience with the bombing, respecting all those who suffered.
Speaking about the anniversary service Michael Gallagher conveyed how touching it is for the families to receive so much support.
He said, "This is the one opportunity in the year where people can come out and support the families and all of those people who were affected by the Omagh bomb, not just the bereaved and injured but everybody in the wider Omagh area whose lives were touched.
"We have been moved by the support we have had so far. It is warm and comforting to know that people haven't forgotten."
The Omagh Victim's support Group has again taken responsibility for organising this year's memorial service, but will be passing responsibility for next year's anniversary over to Omagh District Council which has major plans to redevelop the memorial garden in time for the 10th anniversary.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1909
Published Date: 16-Aug-07
Related Images
