Families to mark Omagh bomb anniversary with quiet reflection

Relatives of those killed in the 1998 Omagh bomb blast will mark the 22nd anniversary of the atrocity with flowers and thoughts of their loved ones’ stolen lives.
The aftermath of the 1998 Real IRA bomb blast in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Photo: Pacemaker BelfastThe aftermath of the 1998 Real IRA bomb blast in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast
The aftermath of the 1998 Real IRA bomb blast in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was killed in the Real IRA bombing, said each family will be mourning their loss in their own way.

A total of 29 people and unborn twins were murdered on August 15 in what was the worst single atrocity of the Troubles.

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Mr Gallagher said: “We will be laying a wreath for Aidan at the memorial garden, and we will also be laying one on behalf of the [victims] group for all of the victims of the Omagh bomb.

Omagh bomb victim Aidan Gallagher. Photo: Pacemaker BelfastOmagh bomb victim Aidan Gallagher. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast
Omagh bomb victim Aidan Gallagher. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

“Then we will go out and leave a wreath at Aidan’s grave. We are just planning as a family – my wife and I and my daughter and her husband and children – on just going away for the day to the seaside to get out of the town. It will be nice to be together on that day.”

Mr Gallagher said the families are still seeking justice and believes both the UK and Irish governments must strive to those responsible brought before a criminal court.

“We have never had one person convicted of murder for Omagh. It is up to the government to keep the pressure on those that are prepared to kill and murder,” he said.

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Claire Monteith lost her 16-year-old brother Alan Radford in the blast when she was just 15.

Omagh bomb victim Alan Radford: Photo: Pacemaker BelfastOmagh bomb victim Alan Radford: Photo: Pacemaker Belfast
Omagh bomb victim Alan Radford: Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

“The anniversary is always well marked in our house, but he is remembered every day,” she said.

“We’ll go to the grave, and to the memorial garden which stands near enough at the bottom of the town close to where Alan would have been in his last moments. As usual, fresh flowers will be bought. Yellow roses are bought every year for him and my kids normally write messages for him.”

TUV leader Jim Allister said: “Twenty-two years on there remains a deep sense of injustice that no one has ever served a day in jail for the lives stolen that day in Omagh”.