Northern Ireland News - Omagh's Sorrow Clear For All To See

28 July 2008

Omagh's Sorrow Clear For All To See

There's a clearer view of Omagh's sorrow and suffering today thanks to the erection of a specially commissioned sculpture made of glass and Tyrone crystal to remember the victims of the Omagh bombing a decade ago.

It is be due to be unveiled next month, on August 15, in a tenth anniversary memorial service in honour of the 29 people killed by the 'Real IRA' bomb in the Co Tyrone town, which also destroyed two unborn babies.

The sculpture - which was commissioned by Omagh District Council - was designed by talented local artist Sean Hillen.

Michael Gallagher, (pictured) who lost his son Aidan in the 1998 bombing, has already given the memorial his seal of approval.

Mr Gallagher, who is chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, added that members will hold a separate memorial service two days after the council service, on August 17.

"It's important that we have a memorial that's unique and impressive, and one that will stand the test of time," he said.

"Our hope is that this will meet all of these requirements."

He added: "It has been a long time getting here and if it works the way it was intended I think it will be a good memorial."

A high profile civil action is continuing against those accused of plotting the Omagh bomb attack.

The relatives of those who died in the dissident republican attack in 1998 have issued a case against five men they claim are responsible.

This follows the court acquittal in December last of south Armagh man Sean Hoey when the judge was scathing about police evidence in the state trial.

The civil action is unprecedented and covers many new angles. For the first time, the Irish District Court was transformed into a British court setting for a special hearing.

The action was the first time a case has been taken against alleged terrorists through the courts and the first time evidence has been heard in a court in the Republic of Ireland for a case in the North.

See: Omagh Bomb Civil Case Underway

See: Omagh Bomb Trial Sits In Dublin

(BMcC)