Huge support for community worker after attack on home

THERE has been a huge public backlash against an egg attack on the home of a respected community worker in Omagh at the weekend.

Dozens of people took to social media to voice their support for Mark McGrath after his house was targeted in Culmore Park on Friday shortly after the security alert. As well as his community work in the Culmore Park and O’Kane Park areas, Mr McGrath is also known for his local history knowledge.

Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, Mr McGrath thanked all who have shown their support. He said, “All the messages on social media and my phone hasn’t stopped ringing, that has helped get me through this.

“It’s good to know that people are behind you and that nobody deserves to have this done to their home.”
Councillor Barry McElduff highlighted the attack on social media, saying, “Mark McGrath is a quiet, creative community leader in Omagh.

“He does a huge amount of work that is unseen. A giver not a taker. A real contributor.”
The councillor added, “He did not deserve to have his house and van egged and vandalised last night (Friday).”

A wave of messages echoing these sentiments were posted in response by local residents.

“Not only an all-round nice guy and great community worker but also a valuable and insightful local historian of ordinary folks lives over several decades,” read one of the many messages.

Another person paid tribute saying, “I have known Mark most of my life and he is very much a pillar of the local community and highly respected. I can’t believe someone could be so spiteful as to do something like that to a man I can only describe as a total gentleman. I hope who ever did this is caught with and dealt with very soon.”