Peter and Ann McGirr, from near Omagh in Co Tyrone, along with their children Peter Jr and Carol, all sued for defamation over a Facebook posting by the Horse & Jockey Public House in the English Peak District. False allegations that they deliberately failed to settle a £150 tab were then repeated in a number of national newspapers, with the false story still up on the online edition of at least one. The family’s solicitor, Darragh Carney, said the family will not be pursuing the newspapers as they have been “vindicated and content with the outcome and are happy to put it behind them”. In court on Friday, a settlement was announced in the lawsuit brought against the pub and representatives of its management. Mr Justice Colton was told the defendants have agreed to pay £75,000 in damages and cover the family’s legal costs in full. An apology was also read out for the distress, embarrassment and reputational harm they suffered. The McGirrs, who run a successful engineering business, issued proceedings after their CCTV images were published on the Horse & Jockey’s Facebook page in July last year. Their barrister, Peter Girvan, said: “The post falsely suggested that the plaintiffs had left the pub without paying for food and drink, referring to them as ‘dine and dashers’.” Similar accusations featured in at least four different tabloid newspaper reports. “These articles contained serious and defamatory accusations that the plaintiffs had engaged in dishonest and criminal conduct by deliberately absconding without settling a bill of approximately £150,” Mr Girvan told the court. “The allegations were entirely false. The plaintiffs had not engaged in any such conduct, and the statements made by the defendants had no factual basis.” As part of the agreed statement it was fully acknowledged that the McGirr family did nothing wrong and should not have been subjected to serious public accusations. With the defamatory content now removed from social media platforms, the pub accepted there was no basis whatsoever for the allegations. Counsel representing Horse & Jockey (Peak District) Ltd, added: “The defendants unreservedly apologise to the Plaintiffs for the distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm caused by the publications.” Outside court, Mr Carney of Johnsons law firm, declared them fully vindicated with the outcome. Mr Carney said: “Our clients were compelled to take legal action given the defamatory allegations made against them. “They are very satisfied with the settlement, which includes a damages payment of £75,000 by way of compensation for defamation of their character, together with legal costs incurred in issuing these proceedings.” Facebook pageTwitter feedRSS feed@2025 The Irish News Ltd Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is continuing to ramp up its efforts to tackle dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership through a combined campaign focused on cleaning up after dogs and keeping dogs under control the Council’s Dog Control Enforcement Officers have recently carried out stencilling along walking routes and public spaces across the District that have been identified as hot spots for dog fouling and off-lead dogs These stencils reinforce two key messages: “Keep Dogs on Leads” and “Clean It Up – Bag It reminding pet owners of their responsibilities when enjoying shared spaces with their dogs The Council strongly advises dog owners to walk their dogs on a lead and under control in rural areas and public places to prevent incidents involving other park users or livestock Dog owners remain fully responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times Interactions with other dogs and people should always be supervised to ensure safety for all The Council continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to dog fouling under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 Enforcement Officers regularly patrol known problem areas and have the authority to issue fixed penalty notices to those who fail to clean up after their dogs For more information or to report dog fouling or a dog out of control please contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 or email dogcontrol@fermanaghomagh.com Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a member of Leave No Trace Ireland and is committed to promoting the Seven Leave No Trace Principles which include disposing of waste properly and being considerate of others For more information on the Leave No Trace Principles The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been established as one of the eleven new councils introduced via the Local Government Reform Programme These replaced the existing 26 District Councils on 1 April 2015 Copyright © 2025 | Council Intranet In January 2025 public hearings commenced in the statutory Omagh Bombing Inquiry The existence of the Inquiry returns the spotlight to the single largest terrorist atrocity in Northern Ireland’s history: 29 people But it also raises important questions about significant challenges to effectiveness that such inquiries must overcome No-one was ever convicted for the Omagh bombing but four men were held liable in a civil trial in 2009 announced in 2023 by then Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris including via collaboration between authorities in the UK and the Irish Republic involving a lot of moving parts and challenges for both collecting and interpreting relevant evidence Given how much has changed in law enforcement and intelligence practices since 1998 it is highly unlikely that the Inquiry will produce recommendations that would affect current practice in either field The purpose of the Inquiry is instead to settle a long-running dispute about the past It started by hearing first from the bereaved and survivors which was a very moving and powerful way to begin what is likely to be several years of effort The strength of that public testimony underlines just how much rests on the Inquiry’s shoulders Reading the Omagh Bombing Inquiry’s terms of reference it is striking how historically challenging some of its judgements will be for the Inquiry to make This is not just a question of difficulties collecting evidence albeit this will be more challenging after more than a quarter of a century than it would have been at a much earlier date We should not underestimate the specific efforts required of the Inquiry to persuade the Irish government to cooperate fully key elements of the Inquiry’s remit would be extremely difficult to pursue given the likely cross-border nature of planning and preparation for the bombing The Inquiry will need access to documents and probably witnesses to clarify what was known by authorities in the Republic and whether mistakes were made Negotiating such cooperation will be delicate and will take time The broader challenges for the Inquiry relate to what kinds of evidence it should collect and how it should interpret all the evidence it accumulates The challenge isn’t just to determine what the facts are but to reflect counter-factually about what could or should have been done differently Much public understanding of counter terrorism operations and intelligence has been shaped by revelations in the post-9/11 but the Inquiry must step back from these and must determine the reality of these processes and practices as they existed at an earlier point in time (1998) and as they were pursued in specific organisational contexts (Northern Ireland law enforcement and UK intelligence agencies) This means making judgements about the adequacy of processes and policies within and between different institutional actors – law enforcement security and intelligence agencies – in the late 1990s How did these agencies collect intelligence What were the restrictions on the ways in which law enforcement could use it How did law enforcement use its own powers of collecting and analysing available evidence in the months prior to the bombing The Inquiry must ultimately address the question whether it is reasonable to believe that these authorities could have prevented the bombing or through acting differently on intelligence collected in the months prior to it – during which a series of bombings were perpetrated throughout Northern Ireland by dissident Republicans who rejected the Belfast Agreement Is it reasonable to have expected a different approach in investigatory operations targeting dissident Republican terrorists and is it reasonable to believe that such different approaches might have led to different outcomes The Inquiry isn’t starting from scratch: it will be able to draw on the several previous inquiries and proceedings related to the bombing that have taken place over the last 25 years But not all the questions that the Inquiry needs to ask will necessarily have been asked before or have been framed in the ways the Inquiry needs they will be asked to recall memories of events more than 25 years ago The Inquiry must also distinguish between two quite different type of information: what will help it decide whether mistakes were made within the existing institutional and technical processes and organisational cultures; and what it needs to determine whether it is reasonable to have expected people to have overcome the existing structural barriers of the time to achieve different outcomes The first is challenging enough after so much time has passed available data today is but a portion of what it would have been shortly after the bombing But the second is much harder to answer from whatever institutional data the Inquiry is able to access and assess of what more could reasonably have been done it probably would be necessary for the Inquiry to take evidence widely from people involved at the time so that the Inquiry can derive a sense of the reality of what it was like to conduct counter terrorism intelligence collection and collect evidence in a way that enables it to make some very complex judgements about what was reasonable and adequate at the time Reconstructing what standard counter terrorism operations looked like in the late 1990s will require establishing what technologies and tools were available and the impact of issues such as prioritisation The Inquiry will need to understand how intelligence was meant to contribute to the wider counter terrorism effort and why the process of interaction with law enforcement was structured in the way it was it will need to probe the question of whether there was a judgement made to modulate disruption operations against dissident Republicans so as not to endanger the peace process – and whether any judgment had a disproportionate effect on operations that might have prevented the Omagh bombing The Inquiry faces considerable challenges in collecting sufficient evidence and interpreting it to determine whether this whole system of counter terrorism law enforcement and intelligence activities could have acted differently in a way that could reasonably be believed to have led to preventing the bombing That is a formidable challenge of historical thinking and counter-factual analysis The Inquiry understandably has the weight of public expectation on its shoulders Much of its evidence will necessarily require closed hearings due to official secrecy protecting sources or methods for example surrounding the issue of information provided by informants This should not prevent the Inquiry from accessing the evidence it needs but it will affect what it can say publicly about it and is an additional burden.  The Inquiry can overcome all these obstacles but it may not be possible to satisfy everyone Dr Joe Devanny is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London He is writing here in a personal capacity.  We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. 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You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports I welcome the Irish Government’s commitment to co-operate with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry through this memorandum of understanding This is a very positive step that will help enable the independent Inquiry to do its job and provide answers for families The Omagh bombing was a heinous atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when communities in Northern Ireland were looking forward to peace and stability It caused immense pain and suffering to the many families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details died peacefully at home on Tuesday 29th April 2025 Loving and devoted grandfather to Ella-Rose Scott and the late Dessie and half-brother of Gary Loving uncle to his 12 nieces and nephews and his great nieces and nephews Darren will be reposing in Grianan House Funeral Home BT78 2BY from 2pm until 9pm on Thursday 1st May and from 2pm until 9pm on Friday 2nd May Darren will leave Grianan House Funeral Home at 12.30pm on Saturday 3rd May for a 1pm Funeral Service in Fintona Presbyterian Church followed by his burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery For those who wish to show a presence on the Funeral route Mill Street and the Craigavon Road to arrive at Fintona Presbyterian Church at 12.55pm Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife great nieces and entire family circle and friends Please click on messages of condolence below to leave messages of sympathy in relation to Darren and his family Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. boys and Darren’s family and friends May God rest his soul and give you all the strength you need as a family Sincere condolences to Regina and boys and entire family circle on the passing of Darren So sorry to hear the sad news od Darren’s passing Condolences to Regina and all the family May the love of your family sustain you in the days Sincere Condolences to the Hamilton Family my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time sorry to hear about ur loss of darren he was a good man gentle soul very funny always laughed R.I.P Darren Thoughts and Prayers With The Hamiliton Family at this difficult time ,sorry to hear of your loss Bank of England granted political independence Chinese Exclusion Act barred Chinese laborers from US Young people from Trillick and Fintona took part in Earth Action a joint environmental initiative between the Education Authority Youth Service and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at Trillick Leisure Centre and the Ecclesville Centre Earth Action aims to promote environmental sustainability and educate the young people on the importance of protecting the environment and actions they can take whilst also instilling civic pride in the local community delivered a Grow Your Own workshop providing the young people with tips to help them to start growing their own food at home Reece raised awareness of the positive impact that homegrown food can have on the environment including reducing food miles and the volume of plastic packaging generated which ultimately reduces carbon emissions; reducing chemical use to help protect biodiversity; and supporting local wildlife He also highlighted the personal benefits of homegrown produce including having access to fresher tastier and more nutritious food as well as saving money The young people also took part in a litter-pick in their local area to highlight the importance of Leave No Trace and the adverse impact that litter can have on our natural landscapes and local watercourses Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council “I am delighted that the Council had the opportunity to work in partnership with the Education Authority to engage with the young people in these environmental activities It is important for the Council to encourage everyone to take action to help protect our environment particularly our young people as they are the future of the District Initiatives such as this helps to encourage them to become Climate ambassadors.” Area Youth Worker for the Education Authority Youth Service “Our young people from Trillick and Fintona are engaging in Earth Action a local project delivered by EA Youth Service in Partnership with Fermanagh Omagh District Council (FODC) This project is helping to promote environmental sustainability and creating a cleaner The project will involve a “Grow Your Own Workshop” with the local council encouraging young people to become self-sufficient and active citizens within their community Our young people will also engage in a litter pick to help to maintain their community spaces and prevent pollution The community of Trillick and Fintona are very supportive of their young people and we are lucky to have so many that are keen and eager to learn about their environment and how we can help protect it.” Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to nurturing and supporting academic community and other partnerships to build capacity to protect and enhance our environment The Council undertakes various outreach programmes across the District to show or commitment to achieve this For more information on Climate Action, visit the Council’s Climate Change website or contact the Climate Team on climate@fermanaghomagh.com Omagh is set to come alive with a vibrant and family-friendly St “Snakes Alive ’25,” inspired by the 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake and St Patrick’s legendary tale of banishing the snakes from the island of Ireland promises an afternoon filled with entertainment Residents and visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience featuring live entertainment The parade will feature marching bands such as the Barr Jubilee and Cloughfin Pipe Band and local businesses including the wonderful Lewsley School of Irish Dance and Little Friends Playgroup—celebrating 50 years since its establishment—will also take part Sporting organisations such as Omagh Accies Rugby Football Club and Tyrone Camogs will bring the “Snakes Alive ’25” theme to life “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to providing the best quality experience for residents and visitors and it is fantastic to have free events in Omagh I would like to extend thanks to the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme for their support for the event in Omagh which promises to be an inclusive and memorable celebration of culture On behalf of the “Housing for All” Omagh Advisory group Alpha and Radius are delighted to support the annual St Patrick’s Day Festival held in Omagh This festival is a celebration of culture and aligns with our plans to promote and deliver activities and events that will increase community capacity and development It looks set to be a fantastic day of music Up to £8.8m will be invested in the shared housing developments in Omagh and their associated five-year good relations plans Alpha and Radius work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver good relations plans for the area These plans include ‘bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Omagh, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com Members of the Hospital Road Community Association and Blair Memorial Flute Band were joined by residents of the Hospital Road area along with residents from other areas of Omagh for a community event on Saturday 22 March 2025 which saw people of all ages coming together to participate in various activities The local community was joined by the Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to unveil a plaque to commemorate the tree planting at Riverview Park which was undertaken by members of Blair Memorial Flute Band in March 2024 The space had been identified as underutilised and native trees were planted to create a shared and welcoming space and to benefit the local environment Staff from the Council’s Climate and Community Support Services Teams were also in attendance everyone took part in a litter pick around the Community Centre and Hospital Road area They collected a significant amount of litter helping to clean up the area and prevent it from harming wildlife and entering the nearby river All participants returned to the Hospital Road Community Centre to enjoy herb planting with the Council’s Climate Team who highlighted the benefits of growing your own food and gave everyone some top tips so they can continue to grow other produce at home “The event is about bringing the community together to take action to benefit the environment and celebrate the tree planting at Riverview Park I would like to commend everyone involved and I am confident that the interest in protecting the environment and the community togetherness shown here today will continue to benefit all residents Kerry Fagan from the Hospital Road Community Association and Youth Club added: “It was good to see people coming together from different areas such as Culmore and O’Kane Park to participate” said:“A very worthwhile exercise and it means a lot to the band to be involved I have grown up here and I love to see the area utilised.” Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to nurturing and supporting partnerships to build capacity to protect and enhance our environment Working in partnership with Community Groups helps us to achieve this This event was made possible with funding from The Executive Office District Council’s Good Relations Programme Fermanagh and Omagh District Council shares information on Easter events happening around the district Commenting on the array of Easter Events for everyone to enjoy “The Council is committed to delivering the best quality experience for those who live in and visit our district I am pleased the Council is offering many opportunities for our residents and visitors to enjoy Easter in Fermanagh and Omagh this year Omagh is gearing up for an unforgettable St taking inspiration from the 2025 Luna New Year of the Snake and of course St Patrick promises a lively family-friendly festival packed with music Supported by ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme the streets will come alive with music from ‘Tis Not Easy’ and St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band and family fun Compared by Radio Star Country favourite DJ Stevie King the carnival parade will snake its way from South West College along Drumragh Avenue up through the town centre with colourful floats and groups creatively interpreting this year’s theme will provide live music for a ‘Ceili on the Cobbles’ where the crowd can get involved in favourites such as the Siege of Ennis In addition to the entertainment in the town centre the Strule Arts Centre will host a range of family-friendly activities including arts and crafts and individuals to get involved in this year’s St to showcase Omagh as a vibrant and welcoming town with a rich shared heritage and individuals are invited to get involved and help make St There are a number of ways to get involved: Walk in the Parade: Join the procession and celebrate as part of a team Sponsor a Community Group: Support local groups by helping them create props It’s a great way to promote your business while uplifting the community Showcase Your Business: Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to promote your business by creating a float or display and joining the parade This free platform allows you to increase your visibility and connect with thousands of spectators highlighting your brand in a vibrant and engaging way Share Your Time: Whether it’s lending your artistic talents your contribution will help bring the festival to life To get involved email; events@fermanaghomagh.com Omagh Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Edgar commented “The St Patrick’s Day Celebrations is one of the biggest events for the hospitality and catering industry in Omagh It is also an opportunity to showcase Omagh at its best bringing thousands of spectators to Omagh Town Centre We are delighted to see that the St Patrick’s Day Parade will be in full flow and encourage local businesses and community groups to get involved” On behalf of the ‘Housing for All’ Omagh Advisory Group Radius and Alpha are delighted to support the annual St Patrick’s Day celebration We work in partnership with local stakeholders to develop and deliver a good relations plan to encourage a range of outcomes including health and wellbeing This event aligns perfectly with wider plans to foster strong cohesive communities while providing an enjoyable day for local families filled with music Visit www.fermanaghomagh.com and view the Events & Festivals section on the website or Telephone; 0300 030 1777 Fermanagh and Omagh District Councils Agricultural Liaison Group outlined critical concerns regarding recent agricultural policy changes that threaten the viability of family farms in the region which was held at the Parliament Buildings addressed several key issues impacting local farmers particularly in rural and Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) One of the most pressing concerns discussed was the upcoming change to Agricultural Property Relief The Council highlighted the significant financial strain this policy could place on family-run farms and cattle and sheep operations located in rural areas Concerns were expressed that change to Agricultural Property Relief could result in increased inheritance tax bills putting future generations of farmers at risk of losing their family farms The Council emphasizsed that such a policy fails to recognise the unique challenges faced by farms in regions like Fermanagh and Omagh Another key issue raised was the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) to the Farm Sustainability Transition Scheme in 2025 The Council called for urgent clarification from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on the details of this transition Local farmers are concerned about the fairness of the new payment system particularly for farms in LFAs and those producing livestock The Council stressed that it is vital for payments to increase in line with the rising cost of living and the cost of doing business Fermanagh and Omagh District Council extended an invitation to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to visit the district and witness firsthand the challenges faced by local farmers The Council hopes this will help the Committee better understand the unique issues affecting agricultural businesses in rural Northern Ireland Chairperson of the Agricultural Liaison Group stated: “We are grateful for the opportunity to present our concerns today The future of family farming in Fermanagh and Omagh is at a critical juncture and it is vital that these issues are addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability of our agricultural sector The changes to Agricultural Property Relief and the loss of EU funding are creating significant uncertainty for our farming community We are committed to working with the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to find solutions that will protect our farmers and their livelihoods.” Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is proud to announce the development of the district’s first-ever Heritage Plan The plan is being created as a cross-cutting and enhance the rich and diverse heritage of Fermanagh and Omagh district history is a vibrant element of everyday life and varied terrain with a little piece of history around every corner managing and enhancing its unique charm and identity so that it stays relevant for future generations We are seeking your input to help shape and influence the priorities for heritage in Fermanagh and Omagh over the next five years Click Here to read Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Draft Heritage Plan 2025-2030 The consultation will run from 20th January to 14th April 2025 Information gathered during the consultation process will contribute to the development of a Heritage Plan for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and will assist in prioritising areas for heritage action in the area up until 2030 We’re inviting everyone in the district to share their views during the consultation period running from 20th January to 14th April 2025 Share your thoughts by completing our quick online survey by 5pm on Monday 14th April 2025 Click here to take the survey Join a Public information and Consultation Session: Attend one of our in-person drop-in sessions to share your feedback Sessions will be held in the following locations: Pick Up a Hard Copy Survey:  available from the Connect Centres in Enniskillen and Omagh Consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 14th April 2025 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Housing for All Radius and Apex Housing Associations invites you to start the Christmas season in style with the Christmas Lights Switch-On in Omagh on Saturday the day promises festive family activities including Christmas Carols Live Music and more all leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5.30 pm A welcome addition to the Christmas Lights Switch on programme this year begins with the Christmas Market at the Marquee on Main Street from 11am – 5pm Explore a vibrant selection of fresh produce and handmade crafts complemented with local musicians such as St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band This continues with the Seasonal Outdoor Music Programme (outside Danske Bank)1pm – 4pm with music from Bros Inc and Keelan Pritchard enhancing your Christmas Shopping experience in Omagh Town Centre Strule Arts Centre will be a hive of activity throughout the day Santa will be available in Strule Arts Centre from 12pm-3pm for families to say hello get their photo taken and even receive a photo to remember the occasion Plan your visit so you can also enjoy the Christmas Storytelling taking place in the Lecture Theatre at 2.30pm and 3.30pm (2 x 35-minute stories) and Arts and Crafts between 2pm – 4pm creating your own Christmas Bauble These activities are Free but spaces are limited and bookable on line at www.struleartscentre.com A full programme of Festive Music and Entertainment will take place on the main stage outside the Court House from 4pm in the lead up to the Christmas Lights Switch on and 5.30pm Buddy the Elf will warmly welcome everyone including a delightful performance by Cooley Primary School just after 4pm as they sing their favourite Christmas Carols and Omagh Churches Forum who will present a short Christmas Blessing to one and all Buddy the Elf will then guide the audience on an enchanting journey around the world showcasing Christmas traditions from various countries Special guest characters Moana from Hawaii sharing songs and customs from their homelands and marking Santa’s arrival to the festivities Tumble Circus and Festive Characters will interact and engage with audiences as they assemble in anticipation for the arrival of Santa Claus who will make his way through the crowd joining Destiny’s Elf to lead everyone in a countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch-On The Christmas Light Switch-On is being supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme The Programme had its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflected the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society Approximately £6.9m has been invested in the Woodside Avenue Woodbrook and Camowen Woods shared housing developments in Omagh and their associated five-year good relations plans Arbour and Radius Housing continue to work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver a good relations plan for the area Translink has installed a new bus shelter in Coolnagard Estate Omagh following a request by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on behalf of residents the Council had identified a number of areas in Enniskillen and Omagh where bus shelters could be located due to the number of residents using public transport The Council submitted a request to Translink for the provision of a bus shelter in Coolnagard Estate the installation was completed in January 2025 “The Council is committed to working partnership with and lobbying organisations for the provision of services and infrastructure to help ensure that our District is a healthy accessible and accessible place for residents and visitors Bus shelters are important assets for the public to ensure they have a safe and comfortable place to wait for the bus I would like to thank Translink for  the provision of the bus shelter which will benefit residents and visitors alike in the Coolnagard area of Omagh.” Translink’s Service Delivery Manager said: “We are delighted to have installed this bus shelter at Coolnagard Hollow at its junction with Coolnagard Avenue Omagh in collaboration with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council This is in response to growing passenger demand as more people choose public transport options creating a more sustainable and healthier Northern Ireland “It is a welcome provision to the local community ensuring protection to passengers from the elements” The Council is committed to achieving a Net Zero District by 2042 and encouraging people to choose a more sustainable form of transport can help to contribute to the achievement of this important to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to encourage people to choose public transport as a means of travel Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. 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Read our Privacy notice Agreement has been reached between the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and the Irish Government over cooperation The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed by the Irish Cabinet in Dublin on Tuesday morning following months of back and forth between officials and inquiry staff It comes ahead of the resumption of public hearings in the inquiry which is probing whether the Real IRA bomb attack in 1998 could have been prevented The MoU has been welcomed as a “significant step forward” and potentially the first such agreement between a UK public inquiry and a foreign state However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said it “falls well short of what is required” and has urged a full and independent inquiry to be set up in the Republic of Ireland which killed 29 people including a woman who was pregnant with twins is the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland The bomb was prepared in the Republic of Ireland and transported from that state by the Real IRA members who then fled back across the border after planting the bomb in the heart of Omagh on a Saturday afternoon The MoU is to allow the inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull and members of his team to access to material held by the Irish administration and has been described as a “significant step” It outlines the arrangements for the provision of information and materials from the Irish Government and its agencies to the inquiry with a central point of contact to be established in the Department of Justice The MoU also outlines the process of disclosure materials to the inquiry’s core participants In a statement the inquiry said it will “continue to discuss further cooperation with the Government of Ireland such as taking evidence from witnesses from the Republic of Ireland” Secretary to the Inquiry Sam Hartley said such agreements are not commonplace in inquiries “This formal agreement between the inquiry and the Government of Ireland marks a significant step forward in allowing the Inquiry access to material information and assistance from the Government and agencies in Ireland,” he said “Agreements of this nature are not commonplace in inquiries I express my gratitude to the Government of Ireland for its repeated commitment to assist the Inquiry.” Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that “security sensitive” information will be redacted and that legislation may be needed for witnesses such as gardai to appear before the inquiry “What will happen is a request will come in for documentation “If there is any detail in that documentation that is very security sensitive from the Irish State’s point of view the inquiry will be able to come down and see the unredacted aspect of it and there will be engagement between the inquiry and the State in respect of it “The good news is the inquiry is satisfied with the memorandum of understanding.” He added: “It’s my intention and the intention of government to ensure that witnesses from Ireland to provide evidence that can be used by the inquiry it’ll also require another memorandum and that’s something that I will be bringing forward to Government in due course.” Ireland had been under pressure to establish its own public inquiry into the 1998 outrage Dublin has said it will fully co-operate with the UK inquiry into the bombing but stopped short of committing to a separate public inquiry Mr Robinson described the MoU as “a contortion of state control masquerading as co-operation” no ability to compel witnesses and no guarantee of full disclosure,” he said “The Irish Government’s continued refusal to establish its own parallel inquiry undermines the search for truth and leaves a significant blind spot in the pursuit of justice “I stand with the families in calling for a full and independent inquiry in the Republic of Ireland Anything less is an abdication of responsibility and a disservice to the memory of those who were murdered on that tragic day in 1998 “The path to justice must not be shaped by political convenience or constrained by jurisdictional limits It must be complete and worthy of the lives that were lost.” Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said he had written to the Irish Justice Minister in March about the Omagh bombing “Not only has the Irish Justice Minister not replied to my letter but now we have a hollow Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that goes nowhere close to meeting the Irish Government’s responsibilities nothing allowing victims and their legal representatives to see unredacted material It’s a staggering jumble of words and platitudes that centre around if TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the MoU was an example of Ireland’s “historic record of covering up its harbouring of terrorists” “Instead of the parallel Dublin Inquiry that is needed the Republic is fobbing the victims off with promises but lacking enforceable obligations to ‘open its books’ on what is known.” All those who were killed were remembered during commemorative hearings at the inquiry earlier this year and evidence was also heard from those injured and emergency workers who responded including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and former chief constable Ronnie Flanagan Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the agreement of the MoU. He said: “This is a very positive step that will help enable the independent Inquiry to do its job and provide answers for families. “The Omagh bombing was a heinous atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when communities in Northern Ireland were looking forward to peace and stability. “It caused immense pain and suffering to the many families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured. They will always be in our thoughts.” The fire at a property in Riverview Park was reported to emergency services at about 02:55 GMT on Saturday. Det Sgt Bell said: "It is believed that an accelerant had been poured through the letter box and set alight causing significant damage to the front door." Police are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life. Seven Showman's engines, which used to power travelling fairgrounds, provided a focal point at the event. Ildiko Veres received the Silver Cross of Merit of Hungary for her dedication to helping children with cerebral palsy. People who heat their homes with oil have been advised to buy now despite the upcoming summer months. Hundreds of people have lined the streets in Dungannon after the Swifts won their first ever Irish Cup. John Allen was a founding director of the Belfast City Marathon in 1982 and served as chair in recent years. The Department of Education is seeking the views of local people in the Omagh area on the Strule Shared Education Campus Today it has launched an online survey to gather opinions It wants to ensure that the perspectives and expectations of all stakeholders can be considered by the team delivering the Strule Shared Education Campus Omagh residents will receive a postal flyer about the survey and there will be a number of in-person engagement opportunities to ensure the widest possible participation The survey is open to anyone who has an interest in the development of the shared education campus and the responses will be used to inform public engagement and information campaigns during the construction. Participants can access the survey online at: Strule.org/haveyoursay Encouraging local residents to take part in the survey “I want to ensure that local residents have a strong voice in shaping the future of shared education in Omagh I would therefore encourage everyone to participate in the survey and share their views I believe community involvement will be crucial to success and I want hear from as many people as possible as we work to deliver a state-of-the art educational facility for the communities of Omagh and its surrounding areas.”  Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 by hosting a range of free events that celebrate Irish language across the District Seachtain na Gaeilge is a global celebration of the Irish language and provides an opportunity to highlight its links to local heritage and impact within the Fermanagh and Omagh areas The Council’s Seachtain na Gaeilge programme was officially launched with a ‘Comhrá Cois Tine’ or ‘Fireside Chat’ at Dún Uladh featuring special guests and Irish speakers Mark Harte and Séamas Mac Annaidh accompanied by a performance from An Cór Gaelach an Irish language choir based in Donaghmore “Seachtain na Gaeilge is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to engage with the Irish language and enjoy the cultural richness it brings to our District Several community groups have been awarded funding from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support their own Irish language initiatives For those eager to explore local Townlands Enniskillen Castle will be hosting the Townland’s Trail throughout March allowing visitors to engage with the history and heritage of place names while exploring the Castle’s collections For more information and a full schedule of events, visit https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/community/irish-language/seachtain-na-gaeilge-le-energia-2021/ which begins by hearing from survivors and bereaved families The Omagh bombing was the single worst atrocity of the Troubles As the journalist Shane Harrison explains, it was carried out when hopes were high in Northern Ireland that the country would never experience such violence again – four months after the signing of the Good Friday agreement in April 1998 The car bomb on 15 August killed 29 people and about his two-decade legal struggle since: to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and to persuade the government to launch a public inquiry into whether anything could have been done to prevent it There have been years of investigations and allegations about what the authorities knew beforehand – for example that the police ignored crucial tip-offs that something was imminent in Omagh The Real IRA a public inquiry will begin on Tuesday to hear from bereaved families and survivors about those Hugh Southey KC Called: 1996 Silk: 2010 Called (Northern Ireland): 2010 Called (Ireland): 2023 Court of Appeal holds serious disruption regulations unlawful Edward Kemp KC elected to the Industrial Law Society Executive Committee Chris Kaba: firearms officer to face misconduct hearing Matrix Chambers has a stellar range of exceptional The support staff at Matrix Chambers are very helpful and friendly and the calibre of barristers both at the senior and junior level is exceptional Nothing is too much trouble and you always receive a helpful response The 'outstanding' Matrix Chambers is 'a stellar set and provide excellent representation to clients as well as support to solicitors through excellent training Their clerking teams really are a cut above: extremely capable We the family of the late Patricia would like to express our deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all those who sympathised and supported us through our recent sad bereavement Patricia was a widely respected lady and the dearly loved wife of the late Keith We would like to acknowledge all those who paid their respects in any way  Thank you to those who sent Mass or sympathy cards and to those who left messages on line or via social media Thank you to those who called to the wake house friends and neighbours who helped us in so many ways A special word of thanks to Father Joseph Varghese for his spiritual support and the comforting requiem Mass and to Father Eugene Hasson PP for his spiritual support We convey our appreciation also to the sacristan and our musician Sinead Taggart who provided the beautiful music Thank you to McAtee Funeral Directors for the dignified and professional manner in which the funeral arrangements were carried out and to Pat for being so helpful and taking the time to explain everything Thanks also to the gravedigger for preparing Patricia’s final resting place And finally we send our grateful thanks to all the health professionals who helped with Patricia’s care especially the doctors and staff of Drumragh Family Practice and the Palliative Care Team with special thanks to Community Nurse Martina Donaghy As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a gesture of our family’s deepest gratitude generous soul be granted peace and eternal rest Her Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church The 49-year-old Fermanagh Lakeland Forum is set to undergo a major redevelopment to create a state of the art sports and wellbeing facility on its existing site Fermanagh and Omagh District Council approved the transformative project at a Special Council meeting tonight The highly innovative project includes funding of £20m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and represents the most significant capital investment ever undertaken by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council with a total project cost of £70million located on the water’s edge of the River Erne will see the current Lakeland Forum replaced with a modern leisure facility designed to support healthy lifestyles and community activities providing inclusive and accessible spaces for people of all ages It will be the first Passivhaus standard leisure facility in Northern Ireland bringing the highest environmental and sustainability standards to the design and build which was developed following extensive public engagement will provide economic and social benefits to the local area during construction through job creation skills development and school engagement initiatives In addition to delivering the state of the art facility the project will also deliver a wide range of long-lasting benefits to the District including new opportunities for leisure and recreation while supporting the local environment through sustainable development “The redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum reflects the Council’s ambition and commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of residents creating inclusive accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy and a healthier more connected and vibrant district This is a landmark investment for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and we are delighted to have secured £20millon from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to help build the new centre the Council is ensuring the people of Fermanagh and Omagh have access to the very best leisure facilities which will set the standard for leisure provision across Northern Ireland and beyond We acknowledge that the redevelopment will be disruptive for Lakeland Forum users during the period of construction and the Council has planned an alternate suite of leisure provision across the district for users.” The construction of the new centre will be undertaken by John Graham Construction Ltd and the new facility will include: The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum will close on Wednesday 30th April 2025 to facilitate the construction works and it is anticipated the new centre will be complete in 2028 A comprehensive programme of alternative leisure provision has been developed to ensure customers of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum have access to a range of leisure facilities during the redevelopment phase The provision of the new Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex DoH Health Estates led the delivery of the new Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, which opened to the public in June 2017. The new facility (costing £105 million) replaced the Tyrone County Hospital (in existence since 1899) and the Omagh Health Centre. The new complex offers a full range of services on one site, including: The contract was preceded by several phases of works to make the site ready - including drainage, power and water infrastructure upgrades and the construction of new roads.  The building includes two and three storey pavilions connected by a 'hospital street' enclosing a series of courtyard gardens. This design approach introduces natural daylight and an outside view to almost all of the rooms in the building. The two storey atrium inside the entrance provides an enjoyable public space, with differing heights, functions and views, with large glazed lanterns. Internal courtyards provide external seating areas adjacent to the 'hospital street' and cafe. The wards are on the first floor, providing single bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, the majority of which have access to a balcony overlooking the Camowen River and surrounding countryside. Patient rooms are grouped together to offer maximum supervision from staff bases. The hospital and GP staff and patients are delighted with the facilities in the new hospital. life is getting harder'13 February 2025SummaryThe inquiry has this week moved into a new phase and is hearing from witnesses and people injured in the attack along with statements from Lisa McGonigle and Nichola Donnelly The inquiry is examining whether the worst atrocity of the Troubles could have been prevented were murdered in the Real IRA attack on 15 August 1998 Relatives have had the opportunity to speak or provide statements in memory of those who died Warning: This page contains distressing details That's our live coverage finished for the day We'll continue our coverage on BBC News NI when the inquiry resumes at 11:00 GMT on Monday Today's live page was written by Stephen Greer and Holly Fleck Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingWhat the inquiry heard todaypublished at 16:40 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:40 GMT 13 FebruaryToday we heard from six witnesses and survivors of the Real IRA attack Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Challenging' timepublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:29 GMT 13 FebruaryLord Turnbull says he is "grateful" for Ms Donnelly's strength and her account provides the inquiry with a further understanding of how "awful" it was to be caught up in the explosion He says it provides an insight into those who needed treatment and the "challenging" time for the medical staff Lord Turnbull says in the evidence Ms Donnelly and other witnesses have given the inquiry have become aware of the mental health issues they have endured and they intend to give thought to them in due course Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingSent home with a wheelchairpublished at 16:26 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:26 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Donnelly says they also closed the wounds on both feet She says the "two large gashes on my left leg were left open for a further week to clean the debris from them" She spent the first week in intensive care then spent a week in a surgical ward after the two wounds were closed Ms Donnelly said she had to learn to walk again and was sent home with a wheelchair Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Frozen' to the seatpublished at 16:26 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:26 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Donnelly says she got a seat in casualty and people wrapped in sheets started to come in she says they started to use the corridors but as she sat in the chair the blood was "pooling" A doctor came and briefly assessed everyone to know where to put people She says she was "frozen" to the seat and it was too painful to move to the ward Two men were called to lift her chair and take her to the ward After she assessed she was sent to a hospital in Enniskillen She travelled with a young boy who wouldn't speak Ms Donnelly says when she got to Enniskillen she was on a stretcher for a long time before she was taken to surgery to have shrapnel A nurse had "tried" to get Ms Donnelly into the waiting room Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Almight force'published at 16:16 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:16 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Donnelly says the next thing she remembers was an "almighty force" She says it felt like she was being pulled and there was all these "yellow and orange colours" After that her nose was blocked with dust and debris Ms Donnelly says she started to lift the debris off her She managed to stand up but she was "frozen" she couldn't move she didn't know at the time but she had been blown through the shop window Ms Donnelly says she saw a man she knew tried to lift her up but because of her injuries it hurt and between them they took one leg each and carried her to where the local toilets were She says when she looked down her clothes were ripped to shreds so she took of her sandals and realised her feet had a "large gash" "I was crying and was in total shock," she says She recalls seeing the lady smiling as she walked away Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBeside the car with the bombpublished at 16:07 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:07 GMT 13 FebruaryA statement from Nichola Donnelly is now being read out to the inquiry Ms Donnelly was working in a shop on 15 August 1998 She says a customer told her that police were moving people down to the bottom of the town due to a bomb scare Ms Donnelly says they closed the store and headed in the same direction as the crowd She says they kept waking until they came across a crowd at the bottom of the town As they stood outside the shop they did not realise they were beside the car with the bomb Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Quickly treating' a number of injuriespublished at 16:01 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February16:01 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Murphy says she was "quickly" treating a number of injuries she says she remembers placing three children on mats next to each other Ms Murphy says her area of work cleared by 19:30 to 20:00 GMT She remembers a mother coming in looking for her daughter she says she took her to where casualties were being brought to Ms Murphy says it was then realised the "magnitude" of what was really happening It was there the mother had learned that her daughter had passed away Ms Murphy remembers hugging a community nurse and crying together as the nurse's mother had been injured Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Massive bang'published at 15:51 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February15:51 GMT 13 FebruaryThe inquiry is now hearing from Margaret Murphy who is reading her statement out Ms Murphy was in Omagh visiting her family on the day of the bombing She says while she was sitting in the yard of the home she heard a "massive bang" a passerby shouted up to ask her to go help the people as she was a nurse But Ms Murphy was sceptical as the loud bang had just happened and there was nothing else out of the ordinary She says no one had any injuries as they were so far away and there was no one who knew what had happened in the area Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Worst day of our lives'published at 15:28 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February15:28 GMT 13 FebruaryHaving lived in London in her younger years Ms Travis says her father said relocating back to Northern Ireland was the "worst decision he had ever made" because of the devastation it caused Ms Travis She says not a day goes by where she is not in pain or uncomfortable each day she faces the "grim" reality of putting on a prosthetic leg Ms Travis says it was the "worst day of our lives and would result in my mother and I living with lifelong disabilities" She says the men who carried out the atrocity drove away that day and left behind "carnage "They didn't care they ruined many many lives She calls their actions "cowardly" and "wicked" Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingFear 'flooding back'published at 15:27 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February15:27 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Travis says a consultant has realised leg infections she has been experiencing were becoming more frequent because of the shrapnel in her leg which are being removed at the end of February 2025 She says suffering from PTSD has made life more difficult When a child at Ms Travis' school died she felt scared to go to work as the fear came "flooding back" Since the attack Ms Travis got married and had two children She says as they have grown up they have noticed her injuries and started to ask questions but she didn't go into details as to "shelter them" Only in recent times they have gained more of an understanding "It's only when you can't do something you realise I'm disabled," she says Ms Travis remembers one time being away on holiday and the children wanted to go swimming and it was "hard" because she hadn't swam since the attack so she sat in the viewing gallery because she "didn't have the confidence" She adds how long walks are uncomfortable and you have sit down after "I have just had to learn to live with it," she says Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Nowhere easy as it was before'published at 15:13 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February15:13 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Travis says she has had problems with her prosthetic limb but she says it was "nowhere as easy as it was before sometimes it would hurt so bad I wasn't able to wear it" Over the past 26 years she says she realised this was all part of having an amputated limb When she returned to university in April 1999 she found it difficult leaving her mum but her mother didn't want her missing out Ms Travis graduated with the class she joined university with During her time at university she says she had weekly counselling sessions She says it was hard going back to Liverpool as she had a disability and she was without her family "The reality was setting in then about how my life had changed," she says Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingContinued university studiespublished at 15:05 Greenwich Mean Time 13 February15:05 GMT 13 FebruaryMs Travis says "life had just completely changed" as there was always someone from a caring capacity coming into the house showing her how to get to the toilet or how to wash herself She says the university had been in touch with her family while she was in hospital and her personal teacher had flew over to see her after the attack to "reassure her not to worry" about her degree which she was undertaking at a university in Liverpool Ms Travis says she doesn't remember making the decision but she had conversations about how to make university work so she wouldn't miss anytime in her second year of studying Ms Travis continued to study remotely from Northern Ireland With longer days and more opportunities to get outdoors Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is reminding the public to be careful when walking in the countryside Livestock can be unpredictable and aggressive when you are entering their territory when they have been startled or disturbed and when dogs are present The Council would remind the public that it is particularly important to adhere to this advice during the Spring and Summer months when livestock are due to give birth to their young be mindful that they may behave differently and become excitable around livestock it is important to ensure they are kept under control at all times livestock worrying is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution if the dog owner is identified If you find yourself in an area with livestock keep your distance from the animals and never turn your back on them; give the animals space particularly at this time of year with young and don’t startle them with loud noise or closing in on them; keep dogs under control  Move quickly and quietly away from the livestock On some paths and trails in the countryside there may be signage erected to manage responsible access particularly where access has been granted by through permissive landowner agreement The public is encouraged to adhere to any signage on paths and trails to respect and protect the land and nature it could be challenging to get help if you get into difficulty It is important to let people know where you are going in the event of an emergency In the event of an emergency dial 999 or 112 to access emergency services “The rural nature of our District means that there are numerous opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the countryside it is important to be mindful that much of the countryside is a working environment and not respecting the animals and wildlife or adhering to any signage in place can be dangerous for the public as well as the animals I would encourage everyone to take care when you are out walking and enjoying our beautiful landscapes and be respectful of the countryside so everyone can enjoy it for generations to come.” Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a member of Leave No Trace Ireland and is committed to promoting the Seven Leave No Trace Principles which include respecting animals and wildlife and being considerate of those who live and work in the countryside It is important that we all work together to protect our natural sustainably managed and appropriately accessible For more information on the Leave No Trace Principles, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is proud to announce the Tourism Conference 2025 themed “Tourism through a Regenerative Lens” at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen The event promises to be a dynamic gathering of industry leaders all working together to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to tourism development The conference will offer delegates a unique opportunity to learn about the future of tourism with a focus on regenerative practices that create lasting Attendees will hear from a distinguished lineup of experts and thought leaders who will share their insights and strategies for achieving a more balanced and sustainable tourism economy The conference will be hosted by Pól Ó Conghaile Travel Editor with The Irish Independent and a respected travel expert Pól is a multiple award-winning travel writer and a frequent contributor to National Geographic Traveller and national TV and radio programmes “This conference represents a pivotal moment for the future of tourism in our region and beyond we hope to inspire a more balanced and holistic approach to tourism development—one that supports businesses and preserves our environment for future generations.” The Fermanagh and Omagh Tourism Conference 2025 is expected to draw a diverse range of professionals all of whom will play a key role in shaping the future of the sector For further information about the event and to register, please visit the event page on EventBrite Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is inviting nominations for individuals and teams from the District to be recognised at its annual Young Achievers’ Reception which is hosted annually by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council recognises young people aged 18 years and under who have attained a significant achievement Nominations will be accepted for achievements in a range of categories including The achievement must be obtained between 01 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 Speaking about the Young Achievers’ recognition “The Young Achievers’ event is one of the highlights of the year for the Chair and Vice Chair as it is an opportunity to recognise the positive contribution that our young people make to our District Our young people are regularly gaining achievements and undertaking great work which often goes unnoticed It is important for us to recognise them and give them encouragement as they could inspire others helping to ensure that our District continues to be a great place to live in the future I would encourage everyone to nominate a young person or team whom they feel deserves to be recognised.” The nominee must be resident of and the team must be located within the Fermanagh and Omagh District There will be a shortlisting process and successful nominees will be invited to a reception which will be held in May 2025 The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday 09 April 2025 The nomination form is available online.  For further information or queries, contact Democratic Services at democratic.services@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone 0300 303 1777 Peter John McLoughlin has received funding in the past from the AHRC Queen's University Belfast provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK View all partners The 1998 Good Friday agreement is commonly seen to have ended what were euphemistically termed “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland just four months after the peace accord was signed an attack on the town of Omagh resulted in the greatest loss of life in any single incident of the conflict killed 29 people and injured an estimated 220 more Among those who lost their lives were nine children and a woman who was pregnant with twins A group called “the Real IRA” claimed responsibility for the atrocity It was one of the so-called “dissident” republican factions which broke away from the mainstream IRA after its political wing The Real IRA’s assault on Omagh was clearly intended to derail the Northern Ireland peace process and destroy the Good Friday agreement The atrocity encouraged Northern Ireland’s politicians to come together and redouble their commitment to the peace process Public outcry over the attack also forced the Real IRA to announce a ceasefire but widespread revulsion against the Omagh atrocity would undermine the support base that any dissident republican faction might draw upon Political representatives of the Real IRA and other such groups have never been able to mobilise electoral support in the way that Sinn Féin was able to The Omagh bombing also aided the ability of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and others to steer mainstream republicans towards purely peaceful politics The atrocity had shown the utter futility of violence Adams’ condemnation of the attack provoked accusations of hypocrisy as he had previously defended IRA violence Adams continued to lead republicanism in ways that would cement its commitment to peaceful methods The indiscriminate nature of the Omagh attack also helps explain the galvanising effect that it had on the peace process People from both sides of the communal divide in Northern Ireland were killed Two Spanish tourists also died visiting a region which the Good Friday agreement seemed to have made safe The visit of Bill Clinton a month after the attack also brought global attention to Omagh The US president had first visited Northern Ireland following the paramilitary ceasefires of 1994 receiving a rapturous reception when he turned on the Christmas lights in Belfast But his return was as sombre as his first visit had been joyous the obvious sincerity of Clinton’s words and actions in Omagh would encourage the people and politicians of Northern Ireland to continue their efforts to build a peaceful society they have largely succeeded in this endeavour serious questions remain about the Omagh atrocity Authorities in both parts of Ireland have been criticised for their response In Northern Ireland, a former policing watchdog has argued that the security services failed to properly act on intelligence that might have prevented the attack In the Irish Republic, where the bomb was constructed, the only person that was ever jailed over the attack would later see his conviction overturned The latter ruling was also seen to result from the mishandling of evidence This explains why survivors and families of those killed and injured in the Omagh bombing have fought long and hard for an independent investigation into the attack Neither the British nor the Irish government seemed eager to allow this but legal action by members of the Omagh families led to a ruling by Belfast’s High Court in July 2021 which found it plausible that the attack might have been prevented by security services This bolstered support for a public inquiry the British government acceded and Lord Turnbull The Irish government has not followed suit but has committed to supporting the British inquiry The inquiry officially opened in July of last year but is only now beginning in earnest with a period of commemorative and personal statement hearings it will receive testimony from people who were injured or who were simply witnesses to the atrocity and its aftermath and he has said that they will “inform the direction and approach of the Inquiry” There has, however, been some controversy regarding contributions to the investigation, and specifically that of a former British Army agent who infiltrated republican paramilitaries. This operative took legal action after being refused key status at the inquiry a role which would have entitled him to make opening and closing statements and the inquiry will naturally be expected to examine evidence relating to information passed on to the police in the time leading up to the bombing Turnbull has sought to assure those who might doubt the value of the investigation: “My inquiry may be the final opportunity to get to the truth of whether the bombing could have been prevented by the UK state.” Survivors and victims’ families will surely hope that this is the last time that that they will have to relive their trauma and that the end result will indeed establish the truth as to what exactly the authorities knew about the Omagh attack the families may finally experience some closure and be able to move on from what remains the deadliest attack in Northern Ireland’s history Maura Monaghan and Avril’s unborn twins died in 1998 attack A family from which women of three generations were killed in the Omagh bombing have spoken about the immeasurable pain caused by the atrocity and said they hope no other family suffers as they have They were speaking at a public inquiry established to determine whether the attack, the worst in the Troubles in Northern Ireland Mary Grimes died in the explosion on her 66th birthday described the impact as an “incomprehensible loss” The inquiry was shown photographs of Grimes who won a “bonnie baby” competition during her short life as well as ultrasound scan pictures of the unborn twin girls Mary and her husband had raised 11 children together Avril and her husband had four children and the twins on the way Avril Monaghan’s daughter Aoibheann described Maura as a “source of light and joy to our family and everyone around her” with a “bubbly personality and unmistakable head of curly hair” “The Omagh bomb stole our mummy from her loved ones leaving behind a grieving husband and three of her children as well as the wide Monaghan and Grimes families,” she said “The loss we as a family have experienced over the last 26 years cannot be measured,” she said adding that they “only hope that no other family has to suffer as we did” a strong work ethic and a “deep sense of family values a chance to pay back the love and affection she had shown to all of [them],” he said siblings of a 16-year-old schoolboy killed in the Omagh bombing told how they had been forced to relocate from the town such was the pain and grief they still feel over his loss “There are no words for the immense grief that I feel how shattered my life had been without him,” she said Free daily newsletterOur morning email breaks down the key stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters She read a statement from her sister Elaine who said their family had been “broken beyond repair” by the bomb Our family has been changed beyond all recognition.” Elaine and Alan’s brother Paul both moved away to avoid the awful reminders of that day “I left home with my husband and my three children and we are still living with the repercussions of it all,” she said “My older brother Paul had also to relocate What he had to witness was beyond harrowing.” Clarke - Rasharkin & formerly OmaghThe entire family circle of the late Margaret R.I.P wish to express their sincere thanks to all those who sympathised with them in their recent bereavement Thanks to all those who cared for Margaret during her last few years.A special thanks to Fr pastoral care and for celebrating the Requiem Mass Thanks to Clodagh and Maria for the beautiful music; the church sacristan Henry Quinn and Wishy Drain who prepared the grave The family wish to especially thank the kind relatives neighbours and members of the wider community who helped them during this difficult time sent donations and those who gathered along the route to the Church and attended the funeral Thanks to the McKiernan Family for their kindness understanding and guidance during the wake and funeral The Holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the intentions of all Share this sad news with friends and loved ones Visit Website [email protected] Link Fermanagh and Omagh District Council hosted a successful and inspiring event to mark International Women’s Day bringing together over 60 local women to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the community and beyond The event featured a dynamic panel of accomplished women each sharing their unique experiences and expertise The speakers offered valuable insights on leadership discussed her journey in building an award-winning digital marketing agency that supports small businesses in boosting their online presence Clara also highlighted her work as a mentor with the Go Succeed Programme and during the event she shared key tips on reaching your target audience positively using video editing to create engaging content the only certified ‘Positive Intelligence’ Coach in Northern Ireland discussed how mastering positive intelligence can lead to improved mental fitness Helen shared practical tools to help individuals and teams manage self-doubt and limiting beliefs The event was a celebration of the power of women in leadership and entrepreneurship showcasing the diverse ways women are making a difference in their communities and industries Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Councillor Elaine Brough addressed the room highlighting: “It was a privilege to witness such an inspiring and empowering event that truly showcased the strength We are committed to continuing to provide platforms where local women can share their experiences and support each other in their personal and professional journeys Feedback from attendees highlighted the event as both enjoyable and educational with plenty of opportunities for networking and learning and I left feeling truly motivated.” Claire Bowes concluded the day by highlighting the invaluable mentoring support she received through the Go Succeed service reinforcing the importance of mentorship in empowering women to reach their potential To find out more about the business support you could avail of through the Go Succeed service click here Families of children killed will speak at inquiry into whether Northern Ireland atrocity could have been stopped Victims of the Omagh bombing, the single deadliest atrocity of the Northern Ireland Troubles are to take centre stage at the public inquiry which reopens on Tuesday The car bomb attack that ripped through the town on 15 August 1998, killing 29 people and unborn twins, was carried out by the Real IRA less than three months after voters on both sides of the border had said yes in a referendum on the Good Friday peace deal. The dead included children and victims from both sides of the Irish border, and from England and Spain. No one was ever convicted over the atrocity but the dissident Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt was found responsible in a 2009 civil case while Colm Murphy, who died in 2023, was convicted of being involved in the plot. He was cleared in a retrial. Read moreEstablished in 2024 by the UK government the public inquiry has been asked to consider whether the bombing could have been prevented by UK state authorities The commemorative hearings will be heard at the Strule Arts Centre in County Tyrone wanted to hear directly from those most affected by the bombing so he could “understand the terrible consequences people suffered” “There have been many investigations into the terrible events of 15 August 1998 My inquiry may be the final opportunity to get to the truth of whether the bombing could have been prevented by the UK state The experiences of those most affected on the day will be invaluable in helping me do so,” Turnbull said when inviting victims and their families to participate last year First to be commemorated on Tuesday will be a 12-year-old Spanish boy who died when she was thrown forward in the blast from the 500lb (nearly 230kg) bomb she had been due to return to Spain for her sister’s wedding and was one month from finishing a biology degree Fernando was doing an exchange programme in Donegal and he and other children were on a day trip to Omagh when he was killed instantly after being struck by a single piece of debris including Sean McLaughlin and his friends Oran Doherty and James Barker from Buncrana in Donegal The Wave trauma centre is working with the inquiry to support the victims said there was no doubt that “reliving that day even in the context of a formal public inquiry for whom the bombing was “anything but a distant memory” On Wednesday there will be a commemoration of Breda Devine Her mother had gone into town to buy shoes to match an outfit her daughter was to wear as a flower girl at her uncle’s wedding ushered people into the area where the bomb exploded will be commemorated by his sister on Wednesday morning and her unborn twins will be commemorated by family members along with her mother who had been celebrating her 66th birthday On Thursday the inquiry is expected to hear about the impact on the family of the death of Deborah-Anne Cartwright who was just days away from finding out if she had a place on a textile design course in Manchester Also expected to appear on Thursday are the families of Geraldine Breslin who worked in a clothes shop and had been on a tea break when the bomb exploded who had just been accepted for an engineering degree course at the University of Ulster This phase of the Omagh bombing inquiry specifically examining the personal experience of those affected Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is hosting workshops in Lisnaskea and Omagh for groups supporting children They will offer the opportunity to enjoy a range of nature based and outdoor play activities in accessible spaces The ‘Nature Makes Sense’ workshops will take place in two of the Council’s accessible parks – Grange Park Omagh on Wednesday 19 March 2025 and Smith’s Strand There will be four slots available between 10.15 am and 2.15 pm with two sessions for over 18s and two sessions for under 18s Community and Wellbeing and Access and Inclusion Teams will be joined by staff from Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and The Conservation Volunteers to deliver the activities Participants will explore the local environment learn about nature and develop skills whilst having fun along the trail It is also hoped that the workshops will empower group leaders to lead on activities in outdoor spaces near them It is widely recognised that learning and socialising in the outdoors is beneficial to health and wellbeing and these events aim to showcase this “I welcome this new initiative organised and delivered by the Council which demonstrates that nature matters and it is there for everyone to enjoy and explore I would encourage groups to sign up for the workshops as they create an opportunity to get outdoors be active and connect with nature which can have positive benefits for overall health and wellbeing I commend the Council teams for working together to plan these workshops to ensure they are fun and practical with the opportunity to learn whilst being accessible and inclusive.” The workshops have been made possible with funding from the Public Health Agency To register a group for one of the workshops, or to find out more information, contact the Climate Team at climate@fermanaghomagh.com or 0300 303 1777 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is hosting a Community Funding and Advice Fair on Thursday 6th February 2025 from 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm in St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall The Community Funding and Advice Fair will provide an excellent opportunity for groups and individuals from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area to drop in and meet with representatives from a wide range of funding and support agencies More than twenty funding and advice agencies from across Northern Ireland will be in attendance Anyone attending the event will be able to discuss the funding available Community Support staff from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will also be available to provide information and advice on grants There will also be an opportunity for new groups who require support during their formative phase to find out in how the Council and other agencies can provide help and guidance on a practical level For further information on the Community Funding and Advice Fair Fermanagh and Omagh District Council by telephone on 0300 303 1777 or by email at communitysupport@fermanaghomagh.com To mark International Songwriters Day on 9 April 2025 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is proud to share a remarkable collection of works to celebrate the extraordinary musical legacy of one of Omagh’s most influential songwriters has enabled the development of an online education programme accessible to all via the Strule Arts Centre website the creative mind behind timeless classics such as The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and The Hokey Cokey Omagh has subtly paid tribute to his legacy through the annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Grange Park the Council has been able to take this recognition a step further by cataloguing and providing digital access to an extensive collection of Kennedy’s song sheets showcasing the breadth of his contributions to music “Thanks to the generosity of Mr Tohill we are now able to share Jimmy Kennedy’s legacy in a meaningful way Aligning with a Council commitment to conserve this new digital resource will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about his contributions to music.” For more information and to access the Jimmy Kennedy education programme, visit: https://struleartscentre.co.uk/your-visit/roof-top-museum/ The Fermanagh and Omagh Labour Market Partnership on behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is excited to announce the launch of the Female Entrepreneur Programme a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and empower women who are eager to start their own businesses This comprehensive programme provides aspiring female entrepreneurs with the essential skills and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment Participants will have access to highly experienced trainers and mentors who will provide tailored advice and hands-on guidance to help them take the critical steps toward launching a successful business those who start their own business will be eligible for support costs of up to £1,000 (T&C’s apply) This initiative is more than just a training programme; it’s an opportunity for women to build confidence and develop strong networks that will support them on their entrepreneurial journey By breaking down barriers and fostering innovation the programme will help women contribute to the local economy and bring about positive change in their communities “This programme is designed to empower women to enter or re-enter the workforce by supporting them in launching their own businesses we are excited about the incredible opportunities this initiative will create for women eager to utilise their skills and build successful enterprises We encourage every woman in our district with a business idea to seize this outstanding opportunity and turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.” “We are delighted to be working with Fermanagh and Omagh Labour Market Partnership to deliver this Female Entrepreneur Programme and support they need to turn their business ideas into reality we are creating new opportunities for women to thrive and drive positive change in our communities.” Interested candidates can apply here Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to participate in a public consultation on its Draft Heritage Plan 2025-2030 There are a number of ways to engage in the consultation: Complete an online survey – visit the Consultation Section on the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com 4 March 2025 – Enniskillen Castle Enniskillen 11th March 2025 – The Patrician Hall 27th March 2025 – Strule Arts Centre 2nd April 2025 – The Ecclesville Centre Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a £406,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on A5 Great Northern Road Omagh “This substantial investment of £406,000 for the Omagh area will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.” Night-time working will be in operation to minimise inconvenience to businesses To facilitate safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement full road closures during the works between 8.00 pm and 6.00 am between 14 November 2024 and 29 November 2024 During these times signed diversionary routes will be in place – The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience while steps have been taken to accommodate local access throughout the scheme road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions the works will be substantially complete by Friday 29 November 2024 however the Department will keep the public informed of any change For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni.