Enniskillen bomb: : 'It is painful but we remember, and with dignity'

A new memorial to the victims of the IRA bomb that exploded without warning 30 years ago will be a symbol of the "hope and example" of the people in Enniskillen, a survivor has said.

The devastation suffered during the Remembrance Day ceremony on November 8, 1987, was yesterday recalled with poignancy.

Relatives of those who lost their lives witnessed the unveiling of the monument bearing the names of the 11 people who were lost on the day, as well as Ronnie Hill, who died from his injuries.

Presbyterian minister Rev David Cupples welcomed relatives, survivors and the hundreds of people who came to show their support and remember the "untimely and unjust ending of the lives of 12 innocent people, slain by the hands of wicked men".

Tears fell from the faces of those gathered as the words of a Remembrance Day poem penned by Anna Dixon in the aftermath of the tragedy was read out by Sharon Harrington Gault, whose father-in-law Samuel Gault was among the victims.

The soulful voice of Jessica Murray, the great-granddaughter of two more victims, Wesley and Bertha Armstrong, delivered the hymn Nearer My God To Thee perfectly.

Stephen Ross, who was among the dozens left badly injured when the explosion buried him under a mound of rubble, recognised the importance of the commemoration organised by the Ely Centre.

He said: "This is a symbol of not just the terrible tragedy but also of the hope and example of the people, the bereaved and the families that have come through this and stand tall and realise they are not forgotten.

"It is painful, but we remember, and we remember with dignity.

"I don't feel angry or bitter that there still has been no justice brought.

"We still look for that and hope there will be justice, but forgiveness is not in my power to give.

"I hold no grudges, I am able to ask God to forgive those people, but whether they get it or seek it is up to them." Poppy wreaths were left on the memorial by family members, as well as Viscount Brookeborough, who represented the Queen, and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire before a bugler from the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment played the Last Post.

Those gathered then fell silent for two minutes in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the atrocity.

With quiet dignity, they then left the site for a special service at the local Presbyterian Church.

Belfast Telegraph