Events of June 1999
Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild
A beautful range of intricate patchwork quilts produced by craftworkers worldwide in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing is to go on display in the town's library. A lady in England had sent an e-mail world-wide requesting that anyone interested in doing something in the aftermath of the bomb to please contact her. People from all corners of the world sent quilted squares - many had no name of sender but all had a common goal, to be identified with Omagh. They were then delivered to members of the Northern Ireland Guild who spent the winter sewing the pieces together.
Honours list
Sub-Officer Mr Patrick McGillion was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list alongside two others who helped in the immediate aftermath of the Market Street atrocity. Mr David Bolton, Sperrin Lakeland Trust's director of community care received an OBE and Superintendent Maurice Murphy, RUC deputy divisional commander in Enniskillen, was awarded the Queen's Police Medal. Mr McGillion, sub-officer in charge at Newtownstewart Fire Station remained at the bomb site throughout the afternoon of August 15th assisting the injured. He was awarded the MBE for his courage and dedication.
To Swim with Dolphins
The 24th June saw a very touching tribute to teenage Omagh Bomb victim Jolene Marlow. At an evening ceremony in St. Joseph's Hall Omagh the Loreto grammar school choir joined Father Brian D'Arcy and others to launch a 15 track album commemorating her life. The album which featured the Convent Choir with soloists and musicians from the Loreto Music Department was largely conceived of by a close family friend who, working behind the scenes, brought this idea of a tribute album to fruition.