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| Beginnings |
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Omagh Support & Self Help Group (OSSHG) was founded in the
aftermath of the Omagh Bomb in August 1998 to act as a source
of support and solace for those adversely affected.
Widely acknowledged as the worst single act of terrorism in the
last 30 years, on Saturday 15th August 1998 at 3.10pm a car
bomb exploded in Omagh, County Tyrone, killing 29 people plus
two unborn children, and physically injuring over 200 others.
21 died where they fell while 8 more died on the way to, or in,
hospital. Nine children (5 girls and 4 boys; including an 18
month-old baby), two unborn children, 14 women and 6 men died
at the scene or in hospital. The powerful blast wave was so
powerful that the bodies of several victims were never found.
Further from the epicentre, the blast tore limbs of many
people. The intense heat of the explosion caused severe burns.
As well as the blast, shards of glass and metal sliced through
the crowd of civilians. The bomb not only affected those
directly injured and bereaved, but impacted significantly on
the wider community.
Omagh Support and Self Help Group is a victims group,
made up of victims from all denominations and walks of life.
With a current membership of over 170 victims of the Omagh
Bomb, the group is represented by a Management Committee of 11
members, including Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer and
Secretary. Whilst the group primarily operates within the area
of Omagh District, it retains close alliances with victims of
the bomb located in Buncrana and Spain, as well as a wider
network of victims throughout Ireland. |
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Mr M Gallagher - Chairman |
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Mr K Skelton - Vice-Chair |
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Mr W Jameson - Treasurer |
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Mrs E White - Secretary |
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Mr M Breslin - Assistant Treasurer |
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Ms C Radford - Assistant Secretary |
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Mission Statement
"Our mission is to promote, advocate, and address where
possible, the needs of victims of the conflict in Ireland in
order to achieve health, peace of mind, security and the
foundations for personal growth. We are committed to addressing
the real and practical needs of those bereaved and injured as a
result of terrorist activity, and ensuring that victims are
afforded the respect and consideration they deserve". |
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| A Charity recognised by HM Revenue & Customs
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| Created by Castle Web Solutions Limited |
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