THOUSANDS NARCH FOR PEACE IN TOWN CENTRE
Thousands march for peace in town centre
BY MICHAEL DEVLIN
Not since the hospital campaign marches of the early Noughties had Omagh seen such a gathering.
Conservatively estimated at 10,000 strong, the crowd made the short journey from the Leisure Centre up the Old Mountfield Road, along Sedan Avenue, hanging a right onto Market Street before moving down Bridge Street and finally reaching the destination at the bus depot car park. A few shorts words and three songs awaited but the crowd hadn't come to listen to a message; it was broadcasting one of its own.
The organisers and the Kerr family were surely pleased at the turn-out and although the first sun-glasses day of the year undoubtedly helped, come snow or stormy weather the outcome would have been the same.
It was neither celebration nor funeral march but the essence of the ocassion was plain to see and it was this essence which brought people away from their back gardens and sofas on a quiet Sunday afternoon when the very air shimmered in solidarity.
I'lacards hearing the name of the slain policeman were carried by grandparents and grandchildren and everyone in-between. The eyes of the world were watching, the eyes of potential
bombers were watching and to its credit, the market town of Omagh did not disappoint in terms of support.
Thousands and thousands of people made the short but highly symbolic walk through the otherwise quiet streets of Omagh and packed into the bus depot car park. Thousands and thousands held Ronan's placards above their heads It wasn't uproarious and it wasn't didactic but by the same frayed token, it wasn't ambiguous.
Still the air of disbelief at what had happened just over a week ago held sway; disbelief and no small amount of revulsion but then were other sentiments floating around with the cherry blossoms: Determination, togetherness and courage gave the world and the bombers a categorical reply to the killing question
Not fur the first time Omagh has spoken in the aftermath of a bomb, with the world's unblinking eyes in focus and not for the first time has a community tried to turn mourning into a message. Hopefully however, this will be the last because there can be no denying the message: What happened to Constable Ronan Kerr is not acceptable in our society.
Our society has moved on and with it our intentions for ourselves and our children. No longer will a tiny faction hold this community to ransom under a banner that only exists for themselves
Each person who blinked in the April sunshine and who walked beside a ncighbour or a friend or a relation; each person offered the same message in silence, with dignity and with unequivocal commitment: Not in our name.
BY MICHAEL DEVLIN
Not since the hospital campaign marches of the early Noughties had Omagh seen such a gathering.
Conservatively estimated at 10,000 strong, the crowd made the short journey from the Leisure Centre up the Old Mountfield Road, along Sedan Avenue, hanging a right onto Market Street before moving down Bridge Street and finally reaching the destination at the bus depot car park. A few shorts words and three songs awaited but the crowd hadn't come to listen to a message; it was broadcasting one of its own.
The organisers and the Kerr family were surely pleased at the turn-out and although the first sun-glasses day of the year undoubtedly helped, come snow or stormy weather the outcome would have been the same.
It was neither celebration nor funeral march but the essence of the ocassion was plain to see and it was this essence which brought people away from their back gardens and sofas on a quiet Sunday afternoon when the very air shimmered in solidarity.
I'lacards hearing the name of the slain policeman were carried by grandparents and grandchildren and everyone in-between. The eyes of the world were watching, the eyes of potential
bombers were watching and to its credit, the market town of Omagh did not disappoint in terms of support.
Thousands and thousands of people made the short but highly symbolic walk through the otherwise quiet streets of Omagh and packed into the bus depot car park. Thousands and thousands held Ronan's placards above their heads It wasn't uproarious and it wasn't didactic but by the same frayed token, it wasn't ambiguous.
Still the air of disbelief at what had happened just over a week ago held sway; disbelief and no small amount of revulsion but then were other sentiments floating around with the cherry blossoms: Determination, togetherness and courage gave the world and the bombers a categorical reply to the killing question
Not fur the first time Omagh has spoken in the aftermath of a bomb, with the world's unblinking eyes in focus and not for the first time has a community tried to turn mourning into a message. Hopefully however, this will be the last because there can be no denying the message: What happened to Constable Ronan Kerr is not acceptable in our society.
Our society has moved on and with it our intentions for ourselves and our children. No longer will a tiny faction hold this community to ransom under a banner that only exists for themselves
Each person who blinked in the April sunshine and who walked beside a ncighbour or a friend or a relation; each person offered the same message in silence, with dignity and with unequivocal commitment: Not in our name.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/2025
Published Date: 14-Apr-11
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