Poignant gathering to mark 35 years since bus bomb attack

THE local community is being urged to support survivors of the Ballygawley bus ahead of a 35th anniversary commemoration service this Sunday.

In August 1988, eight members of the Light Infantry were killed and a further 28 people injured when a roadside bomb detonated as the soldiers returned to the British Army base in Omagh following a short break from operational duty.

The blast took place in the townland of Curr on the main Omagh-Ballygawley road.

This year, a roadside service will commence at 3pm on the actual date of the anniversary – Sunday, August 20 – and will be officiated by Rev Diane Matchett, Rector of Kildress and Altedesert parishes.

Kenny Donaldson, director of services at SEFF, a victims support group, said, “Representatives from across the First Light Infantry Regimental family (bereaved, injured survivors and others within the regimental family) will be present in Omagh over the weekend, marking 35 years since a brutal act of terrorism stole the lives of eight young men in the prime of their lives, ending their hopes and their dreams.

“That bomb also forever changed the direction of the lives of the survivors of that heinous atrocity, perpetrated by Provisional IRA terrorists.

“For the last ten years, soldier survivors from that fateful night have been returning to the site, as have bereaved relatives.

“They have found the welcome of Omagh people to be very special and they are no longer anxious about coming across, they benefit from the connections with the community of this area, and especially with those who came to their aid in the aftermath of the bomb.”

Mr Donaldson added, “We encourage the local community, young and older to come along to the service, showing solidarity with those impacted by terrorist violence within the area. The soldiers and families of the First Light Infantry will be present from 2.15pm onwards and we would encourage the public to come in good time on the day.”