In their words: Omagh families describe love and loss

Even through the sirens, the smoke, the shock - the world seemed to stand still.

So recalled Jim Sharkey who spoke to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry about the aftermath of the deadliest attack in the history of the Troubles.

By the time the sirens subsided and the smoke cleared, 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, had been murdered in the Real IRA attack.

The world remained at a standstill for those families left behind and many more.

A blinding moment when nothing was the same again.

For almost three decades, those families have fought, campaigned and lobbied to be given the painful, poignant chance to stand up and speak their loved ones' lives into the public record.

When the long-awaited inquiry began its hearings four weeks ago, finally that chance came.

Relative after relative gave tender testimonials to the people behind the names reported so often since that day.

For many it was the first time they had spoken publicly in 26 years.

Here we remember every one of the 29, in the words of those who knew them best.

James Barker was "a very fun-loving" child, who enjoyed golf and fishing.

He was just 12 when he died in the bombing.

His father Victor told the inquiry that his son had been "robbed" of his bright and happy future, which was "full of promise despite the learning difficulties that he had".

James' mother purchased a holiday home in Buncrana, County Donegal, which Mr Barker said turned into a "more permanent residence in pursuit of a more idyllic life for her and her children".

James always said how much he enjoyed it there, but always missed his father who had to stay in England for work.

"The fulfilment of my wife's dream to return to Ireland and give her children a better life seemed so close to fruition," he said.

"As he left the house that morning, he had a life full of possibilities before him."

Fernando Blasco Baselga lived in Madrid, Spain, with his family, including his six brothers and sisters.

The 12-year-old had travelled to Ireland for a language exchange with children from Buncrana and had been visiting Omagh as part of the trip.

A statement from his family said he was "a good, happy and generous child with a love of handball and a love of food".

"His favourite dish was rice salad, and his family would playfully tease him about his choice."

Fernando grew friendships and took part in activities that, his family said, "made him grow as a person and as a Christian".

"When his catechism group had asked what was important to him, his response was 'to reach heaven', pointing with an arrow upwards toward the word God.

"That's what he wanted for his future. He didn't consider anything else."

Geraldine Breslin was an "absolute class act".

The 43-year-old worked as a shop assistant at Wattersons drapers in the town, and died alongside colleagues Ann McCombe and Veda Short.

Her only child, Gareth McCrystal, said she was "an Omagh woman through-and-through".

"She was authentic, she was genuine, she was kind and she was loved."

Looking back to 1998, their life as a family was "filled with contentment", Mr McCrystal said.

"She wanted our home to be warm and a place we could invite people into."

This was a sentiment echoed by Geraldine's sister Rosemary Cooney.

From a childhood marked by "kindness and energy" to becoming a wife and mother with a greeting card to send for every occasion and a phone call home every night at 21:00.

Geraldine was the "cornerstone of our family", Ms Cooney said.

Debra-Anne Cartwright was working in a beauty salon on the day of the bombing.

The 20-year-old was a former Omagh High School pupil, who was "full of life and energy".

She had been involved in "cross-community work" when she was at school and "had been to Denmark as part of a student exchange", a statement from the Cartwright family read.

Debra-Anne was waiting for her A-level results and hoped to study textile design at Manchester University.

"Her results, which arrived on the day of her funeral, confirmed that she had been successful," the family recalled.

"A young man with so much promise, kindness and love."

That is the legacy left by 18-year-old Gareth Conway, according to his sister Shawneen Conway.

Despite his young age, Gareth was a "diligent, conscientious and humble young man who approached everything he did with a sense of care and precision", she said.

Alongside his love of playing "soccer and Gaelic football", Ms Conway recalled her brother's passion for woodwork.

One of Gareth's most cherished accomplishments was building a replica of the village chapel out of wooden clothes pegs.

He had recently been accepted into university to study engineering.

"He left behind a legacy of love, hard work and quiet strength that continues to be felt by those who knew him."

Breda Devine was just 20 months old when her life was ended.

She was from Donemana, County Tyrone, where her family lived, and had three siblings.

Breda had been born three months prematurely.

She was said to have "clung to life in hospital and had grown to be a healthy little girl", a statement from the Devine family read.

"She was due to be the flower girl at the wedding of her uncle and auntie which was due to take place the following weekend."

The family had travelled to Omagh town centre for a shopping trip to buy Breda shoes for the wedding.

Eight-year-old Oran Doherty dreamed of playing for Celtic or becoming a shopkeeper.

He was visiting Omagh from Buncrana on the day of the bombing and was killed alongside his friends Shaun McLaughlin and James Barker.

Described by his mum, Bernie, as "happy go lucky and fun-loving", Oran was the fifth of seven children and loved going fishing with his dad, brother and friends.

The family still have a jar of sweets, which Oran bought on the trip to the Ulster American Folk Park and left on the bus when he got off in Omagh.

His mother recalled him asking about the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed a few months earlier in April 1998.

"Oran had asked me what the agreement meant and I told him it meant there would be no more shootings or bombings in the north."

He was killed four months later.

"Oran would have been 34 years old now," Bernie said in a statement read by Oran's sister Lisa.

"But to us he will always be the wee eight-year-old boy who went on a day trip on August 15, 1998."

Self-employed mechanic Aiden Gallagher was killed in the blast while shopping with a friend in Omagh.

His father Michael said Aiden always had a strong work ethic and from a young age knew the importance of doing things right.

At college he studied car body repair where he enjoyed learning even "how the paint was made" and took "great pride" in his work.

The 21-year-old had a "wide group of friends" from a range of "different backgrounds and interests".

Mr Gallagher said his son would have been "the joker of the pack" who was very funny and would have his friends in "roars of laughter" with his comedic ability.

"He enjoyed fun, he enjoyed company."

He "didn't like bullies" as he had a "sympathetic nature" and preferred to be with people "that valued each other for the person they were".

Aiden had a "very special bond" with his mother Patsy and was very close to his sister Cat.

Esther Gibson lived on her family farm near Beragh, County Tyrone, with her parents and four sisters.

Her family told the inquiry she was a "devoted Christian, who found joy and purpose in her faith".

She was an active member in her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher.

The 36-year-old was known for her "warmth and generosity" and was "looking forward to a future filled with hope and happiness" alongside her fiancé Kenneth.

She was to have been a bridesmaid at her sister Caroline Martin's wedding.

Ms Martin read a poem written by a close relative, which referred to Esther as a "silent, special bridesmaid" at her wedding.

Mary Grimes lost her life on her 66th birthday, alongside her daughter Avril and granddaughter Maura.

A former nurse and midwife, her "ethics" and "values" were woven throughout her life.

"Our mother had a strong Catholic faith, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of family values," said Fearghal, Mary's son.

Mr Grimes recalled that his mother helped out in the milk parlour every day and never stopped cooking.

The last loaf of bread that she baked was placed on the altar at her funeral.

But Mary's biggest focus was to "devote all the time to the family home", said Mr Grimes.

"At the Omagh bomb inquest in September 2000, the coroner, Mr John Leckey, opened the proceedings saying he could not recall any one family suffering such a loss in the history of the Troubles."

Mr Grimes said if it hadn't been for his mother's love and compassion "we would not have been fit to carry on with the quiet dignity and resolve to make society a better place for everyone".

Avril Monaghan was pregnant with twins when she was killed, alongside her mother Mary and her young daughter Maura.

She was 30 years old.

Speaking to the inquiry her daughter Aoibheann recalled the "warm and nurturing environment" her mother created for their family.

"In a life marked by joy, love and loss, our mummy's story remains one of devotion to her family, a dedication to community and a profound love that continues to inspire those she left behind," Ms Monaghan said.

This dedication to community can be seen in a poem about peace written by Avril when she was a young girl in the "farmlands of County Tyrone".

"Oh that we, before it's too late, could cast aside the curse of war and hate.

"Then pray that conflict among men would cease and let the world rejoice in love and peace."

Ms Monaghan said the family was excited to meet the twin girls who were due to be named Eimear and Evelyn. An ultrasound image was shared at the inquiry.

"Unfortunately, that day did not come, and the pictures of the scan are a reminder of the many futures that never became a reality following the bomb on 15 August 1998."

Avril Monaghan's daughter Maura was the third generation of her family to be killed in the attack. She was 20 months old.

She was born in 1996 and "quickly became a source of light and joy to our family and everyone around her" with her "bubbly personality" and "unmistakable head of curly hair", her sister Aoibheann said.

"Though Maura's time with us was brief, her spirit lives on in the stories we share, the laughter we still find and the love that continues to bind our family together," she added.

Ms Monaghan described how her parents had entered Maura into a Bonny Baby competition at the local summer fair.

"Her bright eyes and playful demeanour made her a natural fit," she added.

"Unsurprisingly, her curly hair and infectious laughter easily won the judges over."

Olive Hawkes, 60, was a married mother of two who was killed while doing her Saturday shopping in Omagh.

Her children said as a housewife, farmer's wife and "boss" of the home her priority was always caring for her family.

Her son Mark and daughter Mandy, said she was "the glue that made the family so close", and that they were truly spoiled having her as their mum.

She was a Methodist church treasurer and was highly regarded in both unionist and nationalist communities.

She had been due to celebrate her ruby wedding anniversary just days after the bombing.

"Ours was a céilídh house," said the family.

"A welcoming home where neighbours and friends from all denominations were warmly received."

Julia Hughes was aged 21 and "only beginning to fulfil her immense potential" when she was killed.

She had been working in a photography shop when the bomb went off.

In a statement, her twin brother Justin said they were born four minutes apart, and "remained inseparable" throughout their lives.

Julia was a "fearless competitor" proven through her involvement with her school's debating and hockey teams, doing everything with a "great gusto".

Mr Hughes recalled cherished memories of holidays and how they often got to celebrate their birthday in Spain.

Julia always made sure her twin brother felt safe, taking his hand when boarding flights due to his fear of heights.

Although Julia died just before her final year of accountancy, Dundee University awarded her degree to her family in 1999.

To honour her, there is a Julia Hughes Prize at the university for someone who has overcome difficulties and adversity.

Seventeen-year-old Brenda Logue was with her mother and grandmother on the day of the bombing.

Cathal Logue, Brenda's brother, read a statement on behalf of their late mother, which paid tribute to a "sweet-natured girl" with great potential.

She was a talented Gaelic footballer who represented Tyrone at minor and senior level and "was a natural goalkeeper who was tall and strong and, most importantly, had no fear".

Brenda attended Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore, where she fought and won the right for girls to wear trousers.

Her argument: "It was unfair for the girls to be cold in skirts."

"She was always a shepherd and never a sheep," Mr Logue added.

Brenda wanted to become a PE teacher and "she would have followed that dream".

Jolene Marlow, 17, was also a talented Gaelic footballer, winning a county final just one week before the bombing.

"Jolene's future was so bright, with a desire to become a sports physiotherapist," her mother Bridie recalled.

She was described as "an exemplary student through her school days".

Before her death she had just started driving lessons.

Jolene's mother's statement said her daughter was a "very popular member of staff" in her part-time summer job.

She was set to go to university in Belfast for the next chapter of her "education and life".

Ann McCombe, a shop assistant at Wattersons drapers in Omagh, was murdered alongside her colleagues Geraldine Breslin and Veda Short.

The 48-year-old had two sons and had just celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary.

Ann's husband Stanley said "we lost our world that day".

"Ann was a wonderful and very, very caring person and I suppose that is why I fell in love and married her."

Mr McCombe described Ann as a good Christian who loved her church, her family and everyone around her.

Her son Clive recalled how his mother had a positive outlook.

"My mother was rarely seen without a smile on her face," he said.

"She was always happy. She always put herself last. My mother would always say 'if you can be anything, be kind'."

Brian McCrory was described by his daughter as a "gentle giant" whose loss was impossible to convey.

He was visiting a chemist in Omagh to have a film developed and to pick up a prescription.

Louise McCrory said: "My dad was not just a name on a list, he was a loving husband, amazing father, uncle, colleague and neighbour."

She added that the 54-year-old had "a beautiful, warm, comfortable smile that made everyone feel safe".

"My mum lost her one-in-a-million husband, her best friend, confidant and father of her children."

Mr McCrory worked in the family business and drove "his beloved Crafty Catherine crane, which he joked about spending more time fixing than driving".

"He was the best father a son or daughter could ever have," Ms McCrory added.

Samantha McFarland, 17, was killed alongside her best friend Lorraine Wilson, 15, while working as a voluntary shop assistant for the charity Oxfam.

She was a former pupil at Omagh High School and was studying for her A-levels at Strabane College.

Samantha was the youngest of three children and had been due to be a bridesmaid at her older brother's wedding in the month after the bomb, the inquiry was told.

The teenager had "a lovely personality", with a "kind heart and genuine kindness".

She got on with people, had been learning to drive and loved music and books.

She also had a pet pony that she looked after.

She was described as "popular, diligent and a person who passed with flying colours the test of life".

Sean McGrath died in hospital three weeks after the explosion. He was born on the same street 61 years earlier.

The retired businessman and father-of-four was described by one friend as "one of the loveliest men ever to walk the streets of Omagh".

Mr McGrath's daughter, Noeleen, paraphrased Charles Dickens: "He was the best of men and not the worst of men."

The only thing that annoyed him was injustice.

"If my dad had a superpower, he would have been the protector."

His son Conor said his dad's ambition to own his own business led to him opening his own bakery in Omagh.

In the 1980s it secured a deal with Harrods, London to supply Irish bread.

Sean's granddaughter Sara, who was born in 1996, had given him "a new lease of life".

Shaun McLaughlin personified hope on the island of Ireland after the Good Friday Agreement, according to his mother.

The 12-year-old from Buncrana in County Donegal was part of a school excursion to Omagh when the explosion happened.

He was "so excited" about the trip, having been for the previous two years.

Months before the bombing, he had presented a poem to the then Irish President Mary McAleese.

It read: "Orange and green, it doesn't matter, united now won't shatter our dream."

His mother Patricia McLaughlin said Shaun loved playing football and cycling with his friends. He was a "happy, lively and content" boy.

"My first-born baby will always be in our minds and in our hearts," she added.

Alan Radford was filled with "endless love and compassion for all".

His sister Claire Hayes told the inquiry the 16-year-old was always willing to help neighbours cook, clean and cut the grass.

Alan's "heart of gold" shone through, but particularly in his relationship with his mother, Ms Hayes added.

"Whereas other teenage boys would have been knocking about the park, he had so much dedication to my mother he went every Saturday with her into town to help carry the shopping home.

"Mum didn't drive, so Alan was there by her side every week."

The lyrics of Michael Jackson's song Heal the World were words Alan lived by.

Ms Hayes said she still had a tape cassette of the song in her bedside drawer.

"Heal the world, make it a better place, for you, for me and the entire human race."

Rocio Abad Ramos from Madrid was supervising a Spanish-Irish language exchange programme with Buncrana Primary School in County Donegal in the summer of 1998.

The 23-year-old's sister Paloma said Rocio was "outgoing" and particularly "drawn to Irish culture".

"She used to say 'I can see butter and peas everywhere' but in time she grew to love Irish cooking and would exchange recipes and make Spanish food for the Doherty family who she was saying with."

Ms Abad Ramon remembered Rocio not only as a keen sportsperson and committed student, but as "an extroverted" woman who would "always be laughing and the first one to make a joke".

"I think there are some people who are special from the moment they are born," she added.

"She was felt as somebody special, that's something my mother used to say."

Elizabeth 'Libbi' Rush was a mother-of-three who owned a shop in Omagh.

She was well known to all and made numerous good friends, according to her family.

She was a "good listener" and many people would call to her shop to seek advice.

Her daughter, Siobhan, said her mum loved craft work and sold what she made in her gift shop.

Libbi was "the glue that held the family together", its "moral compass".

Her love and support carried her family and her husband Laurence's family through many challenging times.

"We trusted her judgment implicitly," said Ms Rush. "She had empathy, respect and compassion for others."

She "loved her family with every bone in her body".

Veda Short, 56, worked at Wattersons drapers in Omagh and was on her lunch break when the bomb went off.

The day before the attack, she had met her new grandchild Lee for the first time.

She had photos taken and got to hold him.

Ms Short was remembered as a "loving wife, mother and grandmother", in the statement given by her four children.

She was very active within her church and the Women's Institute, and took a job with a neighbouring family so she could be at home for the children returning from school every day.

Her family said she had "so much to look forward to", only just back from holiday in Alicante with her husband and two close friends.

She "loved and adored" her eight grandchildren, with it being a family ritual for them to visit their nanny on Sundays.

Philomena Skelton was 39 when she was killed, as she shopped for school uniforms.

Affectionately referred to as "Mena", by her husband Kevin, he said they were like "chalk and cheese".

Philomena liked to stay at home knitting and reading, while he was out working and refereeing sports.

"People used to come and place orders for different things for children for Christmas. That was her full-time job, knitting," he said.

A dedicated family woman, she did everything in the house, while he worked all the hours he could.

"It was just the type of her," he said.

Her husband remarked that they'd been together "two weeks shy of 20 years" when she died.

Bryan White was shopping with his father Fred when they were both killed.

"At the beginning, one the things that was hardest to come to terms with was the quietness of the house," according to Mr White's sister Linda.

She said she and Bryan had a "typical" sibling relationship.

"He was the type of person, no matter of his own personal views and values, he never judged anyone."

The 27-year-old worked with people with disabilities and Ms White said he learned to see the strengths in people.

He had just been promoted and was due to start his new job in Omagh the week of the bombing.

Fred White was 60 when he and his son were killed in the attack.

They were buried together.

Linda, Fred's daughter, said her father always had time for people despite how busy he was.

Fred had interests in gardening and woodwork and was involved in the community before he had a brain haemorrhage in 1989, which forced him to retire from his job.

Fred's wife Edith said "the gardens and bits and pieces in the house would occupy him".

"I used to try to always think he lived in our garage. He was a very active person."

Linda White said she would get "emotional knowing that dad and Bryan aren't there in my children's lives".

"I feel like they should be there at Christmas and birthdays. It's extremely difficult," she added.

Schoolgirl Lorraine Wilson loved hockey and horse riding and dreamed of becoming an air steward and travelling the world.

She was 15 when she was killed volunteering in the town's Oxfam shop alongside her best friend Samantha McFarland.

"An easy-going person, who loved putting others first and would never let an angry word cross her lips," her family said in their statement.

"A real homemaker" from a young age, she loved cooking and nothing made her happier than seeing people enjoy her food.

She was described as "academically minded" with a flair for English, French, home economics and geography.

Her family recalled her love of travel and her artistic and crafty nature.

Her brother said he had held on to some of the toys she had made for him.