Omagh bomb survivor leads messages of hope at wellbeing event

OMAGH Music Academy director, author and mother of three Claire Bowes was at the heart of a powerful day of reflection and inspiration as hundreds gathered for the ninth annual Hope is Here seminar in Co Fermanagh.

Running under the theme of ‘Hope is Here’, this year’s event continued to build on the legacy and success of previous years’ events, once again focus­ing on helping to raise awareness of positive mental health, and the support that is available.

This year’s programme of speakers included together a diverse list of individuals who spoke about their life experiences and challenges, and offered a positive, inspirational look at how people can overcome adversity to support their mental health.

The 2026 event, held both in person and online at the Crest Centre in South West College last Saturday, raised vital funds for counselling and wellbeing services at the Aisling Centre in Enniskillen, which was established in the aftermath of the 1987 Enniskillen bomb.

Ms Bowes, who was blinded as a teenager by shrapnel from the Omagh bomb, delivered a deeply personal talk on the theme ‘One Chance in Life’, sharing her perspective on choice, resilience and living with purpose.

Speaking to attendees from across the world, she reflected on the moment her life changed and the decision she made not to be defined by it.

“We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves and wallow in whatever is going on - and yes, sometimes that has its place - but our other option is to get on with it, make the most of it and enjoy life,” she said.

“When I lost my sight, I was faced with a choice. I chose from that point that I was never going to let what had happened define me or hold me back.

“My big thing is that we have one chance at life. It is our choice how we live our lives. I want to live mine with no regrets. You can turn things around and make your life good, but it takes hard work.”

In addition to her role as director of Omagh Music Academy, Ms Bowes is currently preparing to launch a new book and is setting up a charity, while also studying for a PhD focusing on music and memory - work that reflects her long-standing commitment to education, creativity and healing.

The event also featured video contributions from actor Adrian Dunbar and a live appearance by Strabane comedian Emer Maguire, forming what organisers described as a “stellar line-up” focused on messages of hope, healing and growth.

Aisling Centre patron Adrian Dunbar, who is currently filming in Wicklow, praised the centre’s work in a video message.

“I am very proud to be a patron of the Aisling Centre,” he said. “It does wonderful work in my hometown of Enniskillen and across the wider community dealing with mental health issues.

“The centre has developed its ‘Hope, Healing and Growth’ seminar over the years to become a focal point for those seeking help and renewal. I look forward to it developing and growing and hope that it will find the support and encouragement it so evidently needs going forward.”

Comedian Ms Maguire, spoke candidly about her experience as an autistic adult with OCD, highlighting both the challenges and the strengths that come with neurodiversity.

“Autism is classed as a disability, and it very much is in many ways, but I think it shapes who I am and is the reason I am creative,” she said.

She spoke about the positive traits she associates with autism, including creativity, focus, honesty and loyalty, adding: “Whenever I was younger, I probably would have changed the fact I am autistic, but now I absolutely wouldn’t, because it’s the reason I am who I am.”

The day was led by Aisling Centre board member Dr Aideen McGinley and attracted hundreds of participants both in person and online from around the globe.

Deirdre Kane, chairperson of the Aisling Centre board, said the event, sponsored by South West College, Encirc and the Belmore Court Hotel, would ensure more counselling and psychotherapy sessions could be provided locally.

She described Hope is Here as an uplifting and vital fundraiser for the community.

For more information, visit theaislingcentre.com