OMAGH BOMB WIDOWER MEETS PRESIDENT MCALEESE
Omagh bomb widower meets President McAleese
Mick Grimes presents president with a copy of his new book
BERAGH man Mick Grimes and members of his family were received by President Mary McAleese in Aras an Uachtarain on Monday past.
Mr Grimes was invited to present the president with a copy of his book "Till We Meet Again" at the president's home.
Ten years after losing his wife Mary (65), daughter Avril Monaghan (30), Avril's youngest daughter Maura (20 months) and Avril's unborn twins Evelyn and Eimear in the Omagh bombing, the 81-year-old retired dairy farmer dedicated his book "Till We Meet Again" to the memory of all of those who lost their lives in the atrocity on August 15, 1998.
A collection of stories, humorous anecdotes, poems and social observations, the book tracks Mr Grime's life from "The Hungry Thirties" through World War II and up to present day Ireland. He ends the book with a chapter simply called "August" which gives us a poignant account of the day of the Omagh Bombing and the horrendous loss his family suffered.
"Mrs McAleese is an amazing lady," said Mr Grimes. "She is a very sincere person with a genuine warmth and she really put us at our ease."
"We had a cup of tea and chatted about many things from religion to Tyrone's chances of winning the All-Ireland this year!"
"It is touching that a person of her standing would take the time from her busy schedule to meet the family. It was a real honour to be invited to meet her"
Among the family members who visited with the President were Mickey Monaghan, widower of Avril, and his three surviving children Aoibheann, Alisha and Patrick.
"Till We Meet Again" ISBN 978-0-9559956-0-6 costs �10 (EUR 12.50) is available from Easons and selected newsagents. The book can also be purchased via the website www.tillwemeetagain.synthasite.com
Mick Grimes presents president with a copy of his new book
BERAGH man Mick Grimes and members of his family were received by President Mary McAleese in Aras an Uachtarain on Monday past.
Mr Grimes was invited to present the president with a copy of his book "Till We Meet Again" at the president's home.
Ten years after losing his wife Mary (65), daughter Avril Monaghan (30), Avril's youngest daughter Maura (20 months) and Avril's unborn twins Evelyn and Eimear in the Omagh bombing, the 81-year-old retired dairy farmer dedicated his book "Till We Meet Again" to the memory of all of those who lost their lives in the atrocity on August 15, 1998.
A collection of stories, humorous anecdotes, poems and social observations, the book tracks Mr Grime's life from "The Hungry Thirties" through World War II and up to present day Ireland. He ends the book with a chapter simply called "August" which gives us a poignant account of the day of the Omagh Bombing and the horrendous loss his family suffered.
"Mrs McAleese is an amazing lady," said Mr Grimes. "She is a very sincere person with a genuine warmth and she really put us at our ease."
"We had a cup of tea and chatted about many things from religion to Tyrone's chances of winning the All-Ireland this year!"
"It is touching that a person of her standing would take the time from her busy schedule to meet the family. It was a real honour to be invited to meet her"
Among the family members who visited with the President were Mickey Monaghan, widower of Avril, and his three surviving children Aoibheann, Alisha and Patrick.
"Till We Meet Again" ISBN 978-0-9559956-0-6 costs �10 (EUR 12.50) is available from Easons and selected newsagents. The book can also be purchased via the website www.tillwemeetagain.synthasite.com
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1959
Published Date: 04-Sep-08
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