We Are Tyrone

Omagh

  • ‘Idiots’ condemned for arson attack on former Omagh barracks

    ‘Idiots’ condemned for arson attack on former Omagh barracks

    THE former St Lucia army barracks in Omagh has once again been targeted by arson, the latest in a series of deliberate fires at the long-vacant site.

    Located along the Derry Road, the derelict buildings have been empty since 2007 and have recently become a frequent focus of anti-social behaviour.

    Police were called to the scene around 7pm on Sunday, after reports of suspicious activity.

    Smoke was visible from one of the buildings, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service swiftly extinguished the blaze.

    Chief Inspector Graham Dodds described the incidents as “very serious” and appealed to those responsible to consider the potentially devastating consequences of their actions.

    “Derelict buildings can conceal hidden hazards and dangerous materials,” he said, adding that firefighters put their lives at risk to keep the community safe.

    Former West Tyrone MLA Ross Hussey said he has asked the Ministry of Defence for permission to survey the damage caused to the site but has not received a response.

    “What do these idiots think they are going to achieve by destroying property?” he said.

    “Arson is a serious offence. As well as putting their own lives in danger, their mindless stupidity could result in severe injury to a firefighter attempting to save the building.

    “There is no excuse for arson, full stop. I don’t know the background of those responsible, but clearly their one working brain cell was on holiday that week. Being stupid is no excuse, and let us hope the PSNI can trace these culprits.”

    Mr Hussey added that he had previously contacted the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) under FOI to request the cost of the damage caused by previous fires but was told the information was unavailable.

    “If my contact with DfI and MoD is any indication of their interest in this site, then ‘none’ would appear to be the honest answer,” he said.

    You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

  • Omagh youth choir holding auditions tomorrow for new members

    Omagh youth choir holding auditions tomorrow for new members

    OMAGH Community Youth Choir are calling on any young people with an interest in singing, meeting new people and travelling to attend an audition tomorrow in the First Omagh Presbyterian Church.

    The auditions are open to pupils of all Omagh district schools who are in Year 12 and above.

    A spokesperson on behalf of the Omagh Community Youth Choir said, “This is your chance to share your talent, meet new friends, and be part of something special.

    “Together, let’s continue to bring our community close through the power of music.”

    The auditions will run from 3.30pm to 5.15pm.

    Potential candidates are asked to prepare a song in any musical style that best shows their vocal capability and personality.

    For more information, check out Omagh Community Youth Choir on Facebook.

  • New Omagh play to encourage open discussion about grief

    New Omagh play to encourage open discussion about grief

    A QUIET room. A body on the table. A voice that shouldn’t still be speaking…

    A powerful new theatre production is coming to Omagh this autumn, tackling the often-unspoken themes of suicide, grief, and mental health in a reflective and emotionally sensitive way.

    ‘Forever & Ever,’ written and produced by Jonathan Burgess, seeks to engage entire communities and create space for meaningful, honest conversation.

    Set in a mortuary, the one-act drama centres on a final, imagined conversation between a woman and a young man who has taken his own life.

    Whilst the play addresses themes relating to suicide and self-harm, organisers have confirmed that it contains no graphic scenes or inappropriate language.

    Post-show learning resources will also be available to help schools and youth audiences reflect on the themes safely and constructively.

    The production, which will be free to attend at venues across the North, is set to begin its tour at New Gate Arts & Culture Centre, Derry on September 23 and 24, before moving to The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh (October 1), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh (October 2), Roe Valley Arts Centre (October 3), and The Alley Theatre, Strabane (October 6 and 7).

    The play’s creator, Jonathan Burgess, explained, “In writing Forever & Ever, I aimed to create a much-needed space for conversations often left unsaid, drawing from my own understanding of the grief and confusion that can accompany profound loss.

    “The play doesn’t seek to explain suicide, but rather to gently explore its impact on those left behind and the unspoken regrets of a life cut short.

    “It’s a quiet, hopeful piece about finding a way to hold on to love and memories, even in the face of immense sorrow.”

    This play is advised for audiences aged 16 and over due to strong language and sensitive themes.

    For booking information and to secutre your ticktes, please visit: www.struleartscentre.com

     

    l ‘Forever & Ever’ will take place at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on October 2, beginning at 7pm.

  • Sheep worth £19,000 stolen from farm between Omagh and Cookstown

    Sheep worth £19,000 stolen from farm between Omagh and Cookstown

    POLICE are investigating a report sheep were stolen from the Keerin Road area between Cookstown and Omagh.

    It’s understood that 62 animals were taken, valued at £19,000. They were taken sometime between Friday, July 4, and Friday, August 29.

    The sheep have a blue marking on their shoulder.

    A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers investigating this theft are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 387 of 01/09/25.”

    Information can also be provided online.

  • Prominent building in Omagh town centre being sold for £1m

    Prominent building in Omagh town centre being sold for £1m

    A PROMINENT Omagh town centre office building has been put up for sale with a guide price of £1 million.

    Boaz House, located on Scarffes Entry, has gone on the market this week through Mellon Properties.

    The property first emerged in the 1990s as a project by Boaz Properties Ltd, spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Michael McElroy and Bill Reilly.

    According to the sales listing, Boaz House is currently fully let to the Department of Finance and generates an annual rental income of £130,000. The lease is due to expire on April 11, 2028, with a tenant break option on October 11, 2027.

    The department has occupied the building continuously since its construction in the mid-1990s.

    With its scale and prime location, the sales agents note that Boaz House could offer significant redevelopment potential in the future – including residential, hotel, or mixed-use opportunities – subject to planning approval.

  • Unique exhibition on show at Omagh arts centre

    Unique exhibition on show at Omagh arts centre

    A DEEP dive into the psychological trauma, interpersonal relationships, and female agency with striking emotional depth and nuance is what visitors can expect when viewing the new art exhibition at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

    Titled ‘Absinthe & Absence’, the thought-provoking art has been created by acclaimed Dublin-born artist Jackie Hudson Lalor; the pieces rooted in deeply personal, autobiographical themes.

    This compelling solo show, which first premiered at Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda in November 2024 and later travelled to Hamilton Gallery in Sligo in March 2025, encompasses oil painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.

    Describing her work as ‘representational’ and ‘detailed with a surreal sensibility’, grief stands as the central theme of Hudson Lalor’s work – an insight that resonates powerfully throughout the exhibition.

    Speaking at the exhibition launch, Councillor Shirley Hawkes, vice chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, thanked Jackie Hudson Lalor and the Strule Arts Centre team for bringing such a powerful exhibition to the local community.

    In her speech, Councillor Hawkes said, “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to supporting access to arts and culture in the District for both residents and visitors.

    “Art is an important element of community life and offers opportunities for education and personal growth by encouraging self-reflection, expression and creative exploration.”

    Absinthe & Absence runs until Saturday, September 27, 2025. The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 5pm. Admission is free.

  • Sadness at passing of gifted Omagh musician

    Sadness at passing of gifted Omagh musician

    THE neighbouring communities of Omagh and Killyclogher have been left deeply saddened by the death of a talented church organist and much-loved musician, who passed away peacefully last week at the age of 42.

    Damien Conway, late of McIvor Villas, was a gifted organist within Cappagh Parish – which covers Killyclogher and part of Omagh – and a dedicated committee member of Omagh Musical Society. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday at St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher, in a poignant service led by parish priest Fr Kevin McElhennon.

    Reflecting on Damien’s gift for music and the impact he had on the community, Fr McElhennon said, “When we look at Damien’s life, it’s utterly impossible not to see the treasure shining through.

    “Music was the language of his spirit, the language of his soul, his native language.

    “Damien was happiest at the organ leading a choir.

    “He immersed himself in the musical richness and heritage of the Omagh Music Society and far beyond.

    “Wonderfully, he supported young artists at the feis and at parish schools throughout the county.”

    Fr McElhennon further emhpasised that Damien never buried his gift.

    “He used it freely, generously and tirelessly,” he explained.

    “Even when he wasn’t well and his health began to take its toll, he always turned up because he didn’t want to let the parish down.”

    Fr McElhennon also spoke of Damien’s ‘flair’, describing him as ‘far from dull’.

    “He was never just ordinary, he stood out,” he said.

    “He was dapper, he was fashionable, he had good taste in music and style and even, as I’m told, in aftershave.

    “Damien also carried himself, even as ill-health would take its toll, with a certain refinement, but never arrogance.

    “His creativity, his intelligence, his brightness always shone through, and he shared those gifts with warmth and charm.

    “People loved being around him, he was witty, easy to befriend, and he had a softness, a gentleness, a quality of personality that drew people close.

    “He made others feel part of something beautiful.

    “The choir members of our parish, mostly the ladies, doted on Damien, they looked out for him and loved him dearly.”

    The Omagh Music Society also expressed its devastation following his death.

    In a statement, the group said, “The committee and members of Omagh Music Society are devastated to learn of the untimely passing of our former bass, and committee member, Damien,” they said.

    “He was also a talented organist, composer and arranger.

    “Damien was a dearly-loved friend to a number of our choir members and will be sadly missed.”

    Damien was a loving son to Frank and Pauline, a treasured brother of Darren and Rory, brother-in-law to Mary and Andrea, a much-loved uncle to Catháir and Oran, and a beloved godson of Peter and Catherine.

  • Omagh students given the chance to see what careers are out there

    Omagh students given the chance to see what careers are out there

    FOR many young people, the journey to their dream career begins long before they leave school. For others, the path only becomes clear later in life.

    At Omagh High School, pupils were given the chance to explore both possibilities as the school hosted its annual careers fair on Friday.

    The event brought together a wide range of local employers, organisations and universities, offering pupils a snapshot of the opportunities available across the North and beyond.

    From emergency services and engineering firms to agricultural businesses and accountancy, the options were laid out for students as they prepare to take their next steps.

    Head of Careers, Rachel Crawford, described the fair as ‘a fantastic opportunity to encourage and inspire pupils, while giving them a real sense of the career sectors thriving in today’s climate’.

    She added, “We have invited a range of employers, colleges and universities to provide impartial career advice. We’re particularly delighted to have so many STEM-focused organisations here, as it really opens pupils’ eyes to the possibilities in science, technology, engineering and maths.”

    Throughout the morning, students rotated in small groups, spending time with each exhibitor to ask questions and learn about different career paths.

    Among those represented were the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Euro Auctions, PSNI, Army Recruitment, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Institution of Civil Engineers and Abac Chartered Accountants.

    The fair proved both insightful and inspiring, encouraging pupils to think seriously about their ambitions and the opportunities available to them.

    For many, it was the first step towards shaping a future that will impact not only their own lives but the wider Omagh community and the North as a whole.

  • ‘Keep the peace’ orders over Omagh land dispute revoked

    ‘Keep the peace’ orders over Omagh land dispute revoked

    THREE victims of an assault linked to a land dispute outside Omagh have successfully overturned a court order requiring them to ‘keep the peace’.

    Joanne, Adrian and Grace Cathers, of Drumnakilly Road, had appealed the binding over order imposed by District Judge Ted Magill in June, following the sentencing of Richard Hawkes.

    Hawkes pleaded guilty to assaulting the Cathers on May 3, 2024, after attempting to access a field he claimed ownership of. Video evidence played in court showed him using his tractor to push against a gate while the three stood just behind it.

    Although Hawkes was fined, Judge Magill extended the order to all parties, saying he was ‘not happy’ with their conduct.

    However, during the recent appeal hearing, barrister Craig Patton, representing the Cathers, said that the family had ‘no opportunity’ to say anything against the orders when they were imposed.

    He said that the trio had attended as prosecution witnesses for the contested hearing before Hawkes made his plea, however they stayed to witness the sentencing.

    Mr Patton said that, as witnesses, the Cathers were not given an opportunity to say anything against the order, describing the imposition has ‘disproportionate’.

    Judge Martina Connolly KC said that Judge Magill was ‘perfectly entitled’ to impose the order, citing him as ‘one of the most experienced’ judges in the district. However she said that the Cathers were given ‘no forewarning’ of the order and had ‘no opportunity’ to make their own submissions in defence.

    The appeal was granted and the binding over orders were revoked in respect of all three.

  • New support group for carers being launched in Omagh next week

    New support group for carers being launched in Omagh next week

    A COFFEE morning is being held to mark the launch of the new Omagh Carers Hub at the end of this month.

    Unpaid carers from the Omagh area are being invited to the event, which is being organised by the Western Health Trust’s Carers Support Team.

    Geraldine McLaughlin, Carers Coordinator at the Western Trust, said, “If you are looking after a family member or friend who has an illness or a disability we would like to offer you some time out from your caring responsibilities to join our workshop and support group in the new Omagh Carers Hub at Omagh Fire Station on Tuesday, September 30 from 10.30am to 12pm.

    “There is no booking required you can drop in on the day. We warmly welcome unpaid carers to come along and join the support group.”

    Geraldine continued, “Our Carers Support Team provide an opportunity to talk and learn from other carers, try out new activities and referral to other statutory, voluntary and community supports which are available for carers in the local community.”

    For further information, please contact Gabrielle McAloon, Carers Development Worker, by telephoning 028 66344163 or via email at: Carers.Support1@westerntrust.hscni.net