DEFIANT MESSAGE SENT TO DIDDIDENTS AT OMAGH BOMB ANNIVERSARY
Defiant message sent to dissidents at Omagh bomb anniversary
BYALANRODGERS
a.rodgers@ulsterherald.com
SEVERAL hundred people who attended the 12th anniversary service for victims of the Omagh bomb have sent a strong message of defiance to dissident republicans.
The event, which took place in bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon in the Memorial Garden, followed the format of recent similar inter-denominational services.
It was attended by relatives of those killed and injured in the 1998 atrocity, as well as Minister of State in the British Government, Hugo Swire, Peter Power TD, the Minister of State in the Republic and Cllr Michael Grant, Deputy Mayor of Buncrana Town Council.
Speaking ahead of a special protest, which involved each of those present raising the palms of their hands, Michael Gallagher said the families wanted to send a message to all those involved in violence that people can come together and appreciate cultural diversity.
"We want to show the people here and throughout the world that there is no blood on our hands. This message is that we don't want to see anyone else with blood on their hands," said the spokesperson for the Omagh Support and Self Help Group which organised the service.
"By doing this we can in some way influence someone who is thinking about carrying out an act of violence to desist," he continued.
Among those who spoke at the event was German native, Paula Vaulter, a member of the Murivian Church who said she had been moved by the film made some years ago about the atrocity.
She went on to speak of her pride at being asked to deliver an address at the anniversary service.
Red and white roses were laid beside the names of each of those killed which are engraved in the memorial garden, while music at the event was provided by St Eugene's Brass Band.
Fr Kevin Mullin of Drumquin, who was serving in Omagh 12 years ago, read a specially prepared reflection, a Poem in Spanish was recited by Nic Cassidy and other readings came from Rev Ian Gilpin, of the First Presbyterian, Non-Subscribing Church in Moira, the Pax Christi Group, Rev Lorraine Capper, Canon Derek Quinn, Church of Ireland, Rev Joe Sweeney, Methodist Church and Rev Lorraine Capper of St Columba's Church.
A number of hymns were sung by Lesley Matthews from Donegal.
BYALANRODGERS
a.rodgers@ulsterherald.com
SEVERAL hundred people who attended the 12th anniversary service for victims of the Omagh bomb have sent a strong message of defiance to dissident republicans.
The event, which took place in bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon in the Memorial Garden, followed the format of recent similar inter-denominational services.
It was attended by relatives of those killed and injured in the 1998 atrocity, as well as Minister of State in the British Government, Hugo Swire, Peter Power TD, the Minister of State in the Republic and Cllr Michael Grant, Deputy Mayor of Buncrana Town Council.
Speaking ahead of a special protest, which involved each of those present raising the palms of their hands, Michael Gallagher said the families wanted to send a message to all those involved in violence that people can come together and appreciate cultural diversity.
"We want to show the people here and throughout the world that there is no blood on our hands. This message is that we don't want to see anyone else with blood on their hands," said the spokesperson for the Omagh Support and Self Help Group which organised the service.
"By doing this we can in some way influence someone who is thinking about carrying out an act of violence to desist," he continued.
Among those who spoke at the event was German native, Paula Vaulter, a member of the Murivian Church who said she had been moved by the film made some years ago about the atrocity.
She went on to speak of her pride at being asked to deliver an address at the anniversary service.
Red and white roses were laid beside the names of each of those killed which are engraved in the memorial garden, while music at the event was provided by St Eugene's Brass Band.
Fr Kevin Mullin of Drumquin, who was serving in Omagh 12 years ago, read a specially prepared reflection, a Poem in Spanish was recited by Nic Cassidy and other readings came from Rev Ian Gilpin, of the First Presbyterian, Non-Subscribing Church in Moira, the Pax Christi Group, Rev Lorraine Capper, Canon Derek Quinn, Church of Ireland, Rev Joe Sweeney, Methodist Church and Rev Lorraine Capper of St Columba's Church.
A number of hymns were sung by Lesley Matthews from Donegal.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/2012
Published Date: 19-Aug-10
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