Omagh is today preparing to remember those who lost their lives in the worst terror atrocity in the history of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Twenty years on from the bomb attack that killed 29 people and a woman pregnant with twins, an interdenominational service will take place in the town’s Memorial Garden.
It will feature a showcase by the Omagh Community Youth Choir as well as a song specially composed by its musical director, Daryl Simpson.
The bombing was carried out by the Real IRA, only months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
The 225kg of explosives detonated in a vehicle parked in market town’s main street just after 3pm on August 15, 1998.
A warning had been telephoned in 40 minutes earlier, but the caller had indicated the wrong location of the car packed with the explosives.
Those who lose their lives included three generations of one family.
No-one has been convicted over the Omagh bombing.
This Wednesday, on the 20th anniversary, a public vigil of ‘remembrance and hope’ will take place.
My memories of what happened after the Omagh bombing: 'Families enduring anguish and how quest for justice still goes on' https://t.co/Qf7FnlmeN5
— Ruth Dudley Edwards (@RuthDE) August 11, 2018
Omagh bomb: List of victimshttps://t.co/PWArbIxwsZ
— HeraldScotland (@heraldscotland) August 12, 2018
I can only pray that at this time, those who lost and those who suffered as a result of Omagh can still find justice – though I fear that ship has long set sail. Thoughts with all concerned. pic.twitter.com/3SPHeRi5Mz
— Joel Hobson (@joel_hobson1) August 12, 2018
Those who died:
James Barker, 12, Buncrana, Co Donegal.
Fernando Blasco Baselga, 12, Madrid.
Geraldine Breslin, 43, Omagh.
Deborah-Ann Cartwright, 20, Omagh.
Gareth Conway, 18, Carrickmore.
Breda Devine, 20 months, Donemana.
Oran Doherty, 8, Buncrana.
Aiden Gallagher, 21, Omagh.
Esther Gibson, 36, Beragh.
Mary Grimes, 65, Beragh.
Olive Hawkes, 60, Omagh.
Julia Hughes, 21, Omagh.
Brenda Logue, 17, Omagh.
Ann McCombe, 45, Omagh.
Brian McCrory, 54, Omagh.
Samantha McFarland, 17, Omagh.
Sean McGrath, 61, Omagh.
Sean McLoughlin, 12, Buncrana.
Jolene Marlow, 17, Omagh.
Avril Monaghan, 30, Augher (who was pregnant with twins).
Maura Monaghan, 18 months, Augher.
Alan Radford, 16, Omagh.
Rocio Abad Ramos, 23, Madrid.
Elizabeth Rush, 57, Omagh.
Veda Short, 46, Omagh.
Philomena Skelton, 39, Drumquin.
Fred White, 60, Omagh.
Bryan White, 27, Omagh.
Lorraine Wilson, 15, Omagh.
