The La Mon legacy lives 30 years on
A MEMORIAL service was held yesterday to mark the 30th anniversary of the IRA firebomb attack which claimed 12 lives at the La Mon House Hotel.
David Drysdale, deputy mayor of Castlereagh Borough Council, said afterwards: "It was a very sad and moving memorial service and for those that lost loved ones the pain will never heal."
Thirty years ago to the day the firebomb was detonated on a window of the hotel, filling the room inside with a massive fireball which claimed 12 lives and seriously injured many more, both physically and mentally.
The cross-community Irish Collie Club was having a function at the time and bore the brunt of the blast.
The name of the hotel has become synonymous with one of the most barbaric and tragic atrocities of the Troubles, but La Mon has also came to symbolise the dignity and courage of those who have lost loved ones.
Yesterday's private memorial event at Castlereagh council's offices was overseen by Mayor Myreve Chambers, with the address given by her chaplain the Rev David McIlveen of the Free Presbyterian Church.
The event began at 3pm with a processional hymn followed by prayers and scripture readings, including the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer.
Keyboard player Jeremy Doherty performed music specially commissioned by the council as a tribute to the victims and their families. The composition is known simply as La Mon.
Those present said it was especially moving and obviously still deeply painful for the families concerned when a solemn roll was called for each of the 12 people murdered. As each name was read out a family representative stepped forward and laid a floral tribute in their memory.
After the service, guests were invited to a buffet reception. In attendance were relatives of the deceased and councillors from various parties including DUP councillor, MLA and MP Iris Robinson, who has worked on many issues for the relatives.
The event was organised by the council’s La Mon committee, which has several members who lost loved ones in the atrocity.
Around 4.30pm a procession of several dozen guests left the council building and walked to the peace garden at the rear, where a wreath was laid while Mr McIlveen gave a brief address and prayed.
Ald Michael Copeland said after the event: “The service recalled in a very appropriate way events that are still a very real and present burden.”
Assembly members Iris Robinson and Jimmy Spratt also gathered with victims of the massacre.
Their message was that future generations must forever be protected from scenes similar to the hotel atrocity.
Mrs Robinson, who sits on the La Mon committee providing support for those affected by the blast, said she was still campaigning to bring the bombers to justice.
“Real closure can only be brought for the victims of La Mon when those responsible for the crime face the full rigours of our justice system and I will not relent on that case, regardless of who or where the perpetrators be,” she added.
South Belfast representative Mr Spratt said: “The great challenge for everyone in Northern Ireland is to work to ensure that today’s generation and future generations never face scenes or times similar to La Mon ever again.”
He also said the DUP was still working for the rights of victims of the Troubles whom he felt had been “sidelined”, but applauded the establishment of the Victims’ Commission and a boost in funding for those affected by more than 30 years of violence.
The names of those who died are Mrs Sarah Cooper, Mr Gordon Crothers, Mrs Joan Crothers, Mrs Christian Lockhart, Mrs Elizabeth McCracken, Mr Ian McCracken, Mr Daniel Magill, Mrs Carol Mills, Mrs Sandra Morris, Mr Thomas Neeson, Mrs Dorothy Nelson and Mr Paul Nelson.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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