Omagh families remember the innocents

FAMILIES of people killed in the Omagh bomb massacre yesterday remembered their dead and they also remembered the victims of last year's September 11 terror atrocities in the United States.

At a special cross-community religious service marking the fourth anniversary of the Real IRA bomb which devastated the Co Tyrone town, a minute's silence was held for the 29 people and two unborn children killed in Omagh.

Those killed in last year's September 11 al-Qaida attacks on Manhattan's Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington and in Pennsylvania were also remembered.

Flowers in memory of the Omagh bomb victims were placed at a memorial garden near the scene of the 1998 attack and prayers were offered for them during the lunchtime service. Among those attending the event were Unionist and Nationalist politicians, as well as the relatives of victims from Buncrana in Co Donegal and from Spain.

David Bolton, who managed the Omagh Trauma Centre, which dealt with survivors of the attack, said it was important the town marked the anniversary: “I often feel for those who have suffered most grievously - any day could be an anniversary.”

Only one man has been convicted in connection with the Omagh car bomb.

Colm Murphy was jailed last year by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for 14 years for conspiring to cause the attack.

Last month, writs were served on behalf of the Omagh relatives by lawyers on him and four other men suspected of having played a part in the explosion.

The relatives hope to force the five men to appear in court in Belfast in a landmark civil action which is being taken in the absence of criminal prosecutions.

The detective leading efforts for the bombers to be brought to justice this week urged supporters who helped the Omagh bomb gang avoid capture to break their silence and help police put them behind bars. Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter also clashed with Sinn Féin after he urged the party to encourage its supporters to come forward with information which could lead to the bombers' capture.

Sinn Féin national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said his party had vigorously condemned the Real IRA attack but would not assist the Special Branch because it was “discredited”.

The policeman had argued: “The Omagh bombers would have relied on a network of supporters to provide transport, acquire equipment, provide safe houses and wash clothes to destroy evidence.

“These people should examine their conscience.

“Someone out there must have the information that will help the police bring to justice the perpetrators of one of the worst atrocities ever committed in Northern Ireland.”