Events of September 1998
The 29th victim
On Saturday 5th September the funeral took place of Sean McGrath, the 29th victim of the Omagh bomb. The local businessman lost his fight for life in the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital after sustaining horrific injuries in the bomb. Hundreds of mourners attended the Requiem Mass at St Mary's Church in Killyclogher. Mr McGrath's coffin was borne on a horse-drawn hearse to the Dublin Road Cemetery, passing the scene of the explosion on the way.
Bill Clinton visit
After Bill Clinton concluded an emotional visit to the town's leisure centre to meet with survivors of the blast and relatives of the bereaved and injured, the presidential cavalcade made the short journey to the site of the massacre. The President, together with the Prime Minister were greeted by a crowd of about 2,000 who watched from behind security barriers in Campsie. The President and the First Lady unveiled a plaque in honour of those who died.
Omagh Fund officially launched
The Fund was officially launched on the 29th and officials said they were hoped to raise £12 million for bomb victims and families who lost loved ones in the August 15th attack. The fund would also help up to 2,000 people traumatised by this attack, that shattered families in Co Donegal and Spain as well as Omagh. At the end of September £211,000 had been gathered and £46,000 paid out in emergency payments. Though money could never compensate those who were injured or had lost relatives, the fund ensured that no one would suffer financial hardship in the wake of the atrocity.