Counselling cases rise after collapse of bomb trial

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A SHARP rise in demand for counselling among survivors of the 1998 Omagh bomb has been reported in the six months since the trial of a man charged with the 29 murders collapsed.

In February, the Public Prosecution Service withdrew charges against Seamus Daly from Jonesborough. The decision means it’s unlikely anyone will now be convicted of the worst atrocity of the Troubles which occurred 18 years ago this month.

Now it has emerged that the shock development resulted in an increase in the number of people affected by the bomb seeking help.

Omagh Support and Self Help Group is organising its Memorial Service which takes place at 3pm next Sunday, August 14, in the Memorial Garden on Drumragh Avenue.

“Many of the victims and survivors of the bomb were taken completely by surprise when the case against Seamus Daly was withdrawn. This has led to the rise in the numbers seeking help,” said Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aiden was killed in the bomb.

“This decision by the PPS to withdraw at such an early stage is virtually unheard of legally and sent shockwaves through the community because most were expecting the case to proceed to a full trial.

“It was such a great shock that even the First Minister, Arlene Foster, expressed her concerns to the Director of the PPS, Barry McGrory. So, this wasn’t just something which affected people locally.”

Mr Gallagher added that the circumstances surrounding the failed trial had made this a difficult year.

However, he welcomed the fact that both the Victims Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Judith Thompson, chief executive of the Victims and Survivors Service, Margaret Bateson, and chairperson of the Victims and Survivors Service Oliver Wilkinson would be attending the memorial service.

“Many victims and survivors over the past year have required extra support to get through this difficult time which can re-traumatise and distress those who have been personally affected and indeed the wider community,” he added.

“The personal hardship is still very much evident today with many victims and survivors still requiring counselling, health and wellbeing services, welfare advice and social support.”

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