Irish President hosts Omagh bomb victims’ group families
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Michael Gallagher, Stanley McCombe and Irish President, Mary McAleese, talk together during a trip by a delegation of families from the Omagh bomb victims group to the Aras an Uachtarain Presidential residence in the grounds of Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
by PETER KELLY in Dublin
IRISH president, Mary McAleese, formally welcomed a delegation of families from the Omagh bomb victims' group in Dublin.
The invited group included over 50 members of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group who travelled to the Aras an Uachtarain Presidential Residence in the grounds of Dublin's Phoenix Park. Members from Buncrana bereaved in the atrocity also attended.
Belfast-born Mrs McAleese, the only Irish President from Northern Ireland, warmly welcomed the families, which included members ranging from 10 to 91-years-old.
Mrs McAleese spoke openly and personally with each of the delegation in the State Reception Rooms of the Aras.
A former Professor of Law at Queen's University, Belfast, and Trinity College, Dublin, Mrs McAleese spoke of her affection for the people of Omagh and her continuing interest towards events in the town and the aftermath of the 1998 atrocity.
The Irish President had previously hosted a delegation to her Dublin residence in the direct aftermath of the Market Street attack, and spoke of her support and affection towards members of the group whom she also met.
Bravery
Mrs McAleese said: "I hope that this meeting can assist in some way in both acknowledging your bravery and alleviating the continuing suffering you have endured as a result of the horrific events of August 1998."
Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife in the Market Street bomb, introduced the President to individual members of the delegation, and reported that those present were 'delighted' with their interaction with Ireland's head of state.
“We were received very warmly and genuinely and it was a great boost to our efforts and morale to have the ear of the President," he said.
“Mrs McAleese has been a frequent visitor to Omagh and it was a true highlight of our events programme to be received in the official presidential residence in Dublin."
Leading the delegation, families' chairman, Michael Gallagher, thanked Mrs McAleese for her ongoing support and encouragement and spoke of the President's well wishes for the victims' group.
“Mrs McAleese was very generous with her time, and made everyone relaxed and comfortable as she charmed the room," he sad. "To be granted a second audience with her was a particular pleasure and it was an honour and privilege to be back."
The group was then given a guided tour of the environs of the estate after posing for pictures with the President and enjoyed a buffet lunch.
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