Irish Examiner view: Omagh inquiry is a last chance to lay to rest the ghosts of a mass murder

As we saw in the public anger over the attitude of the previous British government to legacy cases, if Ireland is to move forward there must be a foundation in truth

Politicians including then deputy first minister Seamus Mallon (left) and then British deputy prime minister John Prescott (centre) amid the carnage in Omagh the day after the bombing on August 15, 1998. Picture: Alan Lewis/Photopress

The Omagh bombing inquiry, which opens at the Strule Arts Centre on Tuesday, may be the last attempt to lay the ghosts of a mass murder that is among the most problematic of the Troubles.

The attack, which killed 29 people, including an expectant mother carrying twins, and injured 220, was the biggest outrage of the conflict. It took place on Saturday, August 15, 1998, in the Co Tyrone town, just a few months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. It was a sunny carnival day and the 500lb bomb was in a stolen car and detonated by the Real IRA at 15.10pm.