'Unconquerable Spirit' Is Lasting Legacy Of Omagh

Ministers have paid tribute to the families of Omagh bomb victims, as a commemoration service was held to mark the 25th anniversary.

A total of 29 people were killed by the Real IRA bomb on August 15, 1998, the biggest single loss of life in the Troubles.

The lasting legacy of the Omagh bomb will be the "unconquerable community spirit of the town", Alliance Councillor Stephen Donnelly has said.

He continued: "A quarter of a century later, the bombing still casts a long shadow over our town," said Omagh Councillor Mr Donnelly.

"As always, on this sad occasion my thoughts are with the Omagh families. It was incredibly moving to participate in this weekend's memorial service and see first hand their resolve, determination and bravery.

"While the bombing was the darkest hour in our town's history, the events since have proven its lasting legacy will be the unconquerable community spirit it has fostered in Omagh. People who suffered the greatest loss imaginable came together to campaign for justice, supported by the rest of our town's population."

"The announcement by the UK Government earlier this year of an independent statutory inquiry into the bombing will have brought some relief for grieving families but nothing can truly ease the pain of the horrific loss they suffered," Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA added.

"That the dissident republicans behind this crime have yet to be brought to justice simply adds to the anguish. Those bereaved and injured by the Omagh bomb have a right to know the full facts surrounding the tragic event and even now, 25 years on, I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward. I also call on those still engaged in violence to end their destructive campaigns."

Paying tribute to the "strength of the Omagh bombing families", SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "The events of August 15 1998 have cast a long shadow over the town of Omagh. The scars still run deep, for many the pain is as a real today as it was 25 years ago, when life changed forever for hundreds of people right across this community.

"I cannot adequately express how proud I am of how this community has responded in the years since the bombing. Instead of being consumed by bitterness and hatred, the Omagh families have shown strength, dignity and a humanity that couldn't reasonably have been expected of them in these awful circumstances. It has been an honour and privilege to get to know them over the years and to support them in their never-ending quest for truth and justice.

"I attended the service in Omagh on Sunday and was struck by how far this community has come since 1998. Tuesday will provide us with another important opportunity to come together and remember those lost and injured on that fateful day and the struggle the families have faced in the intervening years to find out exactly what happened.

"It is deeply distressing that as we mark 25 years since the bombing we are still waiting for the commencement of an inquiry into the Omagh bombing. Families have already waited far too long, many family members of victims have passed away and we need to see this inquiry start as soon as possible. There can be no stone left unturned and the Irish Government must give their full cooperation to the inquiry. The SDLP will continue to support the Omagh families and be by their side throughout this process, as we have been throughout the past 25 years. Justice must be done and the truth must finally come out, it's the least the Omagh families and the people of this town deserve."