Memorial Unveiled In Remembrance Of People Killed In IRA Bombing

A memorial has been unveiled in remembrance of the 12 people killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen 30 years ago.

The bomb exploded on 08 November 1987 and claimed the lives of eleven people. A twelfth victim, who went into a coma, died in December 2000.

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly said: "The Enniskillen bombing was a horrific attack that left an indelible impact not only on the victims and survivors but on this entire island.

"The callous murder of 12 people was an act of savagery, there is no other term for it. The actions of those who set out to murder and maim that day stand in stark contrast to the compassion and generosity of many of the victims and their families who have strived to reconcile their town and our communities. 

"Today my thoughts and prayers are again with the victims and their families. Another group who have been denied truth, justice and accountability for the savage crimes committed against them."

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has said the spirit of those affected by the Enniskillen bomb can inspire peace.

He said: "This was one of the most barbaric acts in the Troubles, being a no-warning attack on civilians. But like many incidents throughout the Troubles, the effects did not just end on the day. The bomb has left an impact on many people, and indeed the town, ever since.

"But good can come from evil - the spirit of reconciliation exemplified by many following the horrors of the day showed that. From many quarters was an unwavering commitment to peace-building, with the hope no-one else would have to go through what he and others did that day.

"It is clear many still find it difficult to come to terms with what happened in Enniskillen on Remembrance Sunday 1987.

"There are still some in our community who would use violence to attempt and achieve their goal, while trying to justify murder as being part of their cause. But there can never be any justification for such barbaric acts.

"Only by dealing with the past can we hope to move on from it, taking our entire society forward and creating a truly united community."

(CD)