RELENTLESS SEARCH FOR JUSTICE HAS BEEN OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
Relentless search for justice has been of epic proportions
BY PETER KELLY
AS the 'Omagh Families,' as they have euphemistically become known, crammed into a small box-sized Conference Room in the immediate aftermath of Monday's seismic judgement, the enormity of what had just occurred began to collectively sink in.
Away from the probing media, emotions produced by a decade of constant frustration, setback and anguish gave way to surreal tears of joy, disbelief and indeed, sheer relief.
Huddling and hugging together, their legal counsel would start to explain precisely what Justice Morgan's ruling meant and its implications for Omagh, and indeed the wider world.
Once again, the families' trademark towering dignity and humanity would shine throughout the room. They were about to go out and face the world.
History had been made, against frightening odds.
These were everyday heroes who had achieved the hitherto impossible.
Theirs is the ultimate David and Goliath story. Thrust from a rural market town onto the world stage with all its pitfalls and complexities, the families at once epitomised determination and doggedness throughout. 'No giving up now' was their mantra.
In their ten year journey to that room beside Belfast High Court No 2, they had climbed many mountains, tackled each exasperating hurdle, fallen down, pulled each other up and carried on regardless.
From world capitals including Washington, Madrid, London and Bogota, they shrewdly networked and lobbied. Neglecting no corridor of power, Presidents and Prime Ministers, Kings and Princes, every possible ally recruited, or opponent cajoled. These people were a force to be reckoned with.
No wonder a Hollywood Producer would be inspired to bring their story onto the big screen across the world.
Other victims groups would be similarly inspired by them, and a US Marine would fly 6,000 miles to sprint a further 26 miles for them.
These dozen heroic families squeezed together into that cupboard-sized meeting room earlier this week perhaps unaware that they had single-handedly transformed Omagh's imagery.
No longer would it be a byword for the Troubles' worst tragedy. But now somehow as a new noun: As a place to exemplify the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.
That we can, in fact, overcome. And now for all the world to see.
BY PETER KELLY
AS the 'Omagh Families,' as they have euphemistically become known, crammed into a small box-sized Conference Room in the immediate aftermath of Monday's seismic judgement, the enormity of what had just occurred began to collectively sink in.
Away from the probing media, emotions produced by a decade of constant frustration, setback and anguish gave way to surreal tears of joy, disbelief and indeed, sheer relief.
Huddling and hugging together, their legal counsel would start to explain precisely what Justice Morgan's ruling meant and its implications for Omagh, and indeed the wider world.
Once again, the families' trademark towering dignity and humanity would shine throughout the room. They were about to go out and face the world.
History had been made, against frightening odds.
These were everyday heroes who had achieved the hitherto impossible.
Theirs is the ultimate David and Goliath story. Thrust from a rural market town onto the world stage with all its pitfalls and complexities, the families at once epitomised determination and doggedness throughout. 'No giving up now' was their mantra.
In their ten year journey to that room beside Belfast High Court No 2, they had climbed many mountains, tackled each exasperating hurdle, fallen down, pulled each other up and carried on regardless.
From world capitals including Washington, Madrid, London and Bogota, they shrewdly networked and lobbied. Neglecting no corridor of power, Presidents and Prime Ministers, Kings and Princes, every possible ally recruited, or opponent cajoled. These people were a force to be reckoned with.
No wonder a Hollywood Producer would be inspired to bring their story onto the big screen across the world.
Other victims groups would be similarly inspired by them, and a US Marine would fly 6,000 miles to sprint a further 26 miles for them.
These dozen heroic families squeezed together into that cupboard-sized meeting room earlier this week perhaps unaware that they had single-handedly transformed Omagh's imagery.
No longer would it be a byword for the Troubles' worst tragedy. But now somehow as a new noun: As a place to exemplify the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.
That we can, in fact, overcome. And now for all the world to see.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1980
Published Date: 11-Jun-09
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