Degree for girl blinded by Omagh bomb

A girl blinded in the Omagh bomb atrocity graduated today with a BA honours degree in music.

Claire Gallagher, 21, who once played the piano for former US President Bill Clinton, received her award at Queen’s University, Belfast.

She said: “It is another important milestone for me.”

Claire was among the hundreds who survived the August 1998 bombing which left 29 people dead, including a mother pregnant with twins.

US Senator George Mitchell, who played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, is the university’s vice chancellor.

He was among guests who attended a White House St Patrick’s Day reception a year after the bombing when Claire took to the stage for an emotional performance in front of Mr Clinton and his wife Hillary.

Claire spent three years at Queen’s. She said: “I’d like to work in the field of music therapy. I also want to get some experience by doing voluntary work.”