Many of those who were killed and injured on November 8, 1987, when the Enniskillen Bomb exploded on Remembrance Sunday were expecting to head to their churches after the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.
It was fitting then that their families, friends and loved ones came together in their memory in a church service on Tuesday evening.
The Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving to mark the 35th anniversary of the Enniskillen Bomb was held in Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, led by Rev. Lorna Dreaning, Enniskillen Methodist Church, with the address by Rev. David Cupples.
Rev. Lorna Dreaning, Enniskillen Methodist Church, taking part in The 35th, Enniskillen Bomb Remembrance Service.
Rev. Cupples was only a short time in his role in Enniskillen Presbyterian Church when the bomb exploded, with seven members of his congregation killed as a direct result of the bomb.
During his address, he recalled his personal memories of the dead as he knew them; Billy and Nessie Mullan, Ted Armstrong, Jonny Megaw, Kit and Jessie Johnston, and Ronnie Hill (who died 13 years later having never woken from a coma).
Rev. Cupples said: “I was in all their homes; they were all at my prayer meeting. I never got the chance to get to know them well, but I remember them, and I look forward to joining them in that world of perfect love in the Father’s house on high.”
Remembering others who he did not know personally, Rev. Cupples said: “I apologise to the other families that I have no personal memories for you, but I sincerely encourage others present, who do, to share those memories, and to let them know that their loved ones are not forgotten, but always have a place in our hearts.”
The address from Rev. Cupples had a focus on hope, mourning and the comfort found in faith.
He ended his address with one of the eight beatitudes from Matthew 5; “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”.
Rev David Cupples, minister of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, speaking at The 35th Anniversary Service of The Enniskillen Bomb.
During the Act of Remembrance, the names of the 12 victims of the bomb were read by Rev. Dreaning: Wesley Armstrong, Bertha Armstrong, Edward (Ted) Armstrong, Samuel Gault, Ronnie Hill, Richard Kitchener (Kit) Johnston, Jessie Johnston, Johnny Megaw, William Mullan, Agnes Mullan, Alberta Quinton and Marie Wilson.
Rev. Cupples added: “At the request of SEFF [South East Fermanagh Foundation], we add the following.
“Almost every day, there is an anniversary in Northern Ireland where a family grieves the loss of a loved one. We are mindful that tomorrow is yet another of those dates, when The Lambert family will grieve Adam, who was murdered 35 years ago in the High Field estate in west Belfast in supposed retaliation for Enniskillen.
“And tomorrow, and also in this town 40 years ago, two young people were murdered outside the Lakeland Forum: Garry Ewing and Helen Woodhouse. Our prayers are with the Lambert, Ewing and Woodhouse families.”
Attending The 35th Anniversary Service of The Enniskillen Bomb in The Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening.
Family members of the Enniskillen victims took part in the service. The readings were read by Joan Anderson (daughter of William and Agnes Mullan); and Stella Robinson (daughter of Wesley and Bertha Armstrong).
Two pieces of solo music were performed by Jessica Murray (great-granddaughter of Wesley and Bertha Armstrong). Others in attendances included Dean Kenneth Hall, Dean of St. Macartin’s Cathedral; and Monsignor Peter O’Reilly, Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Enniskillen, along with other clergy and local politicians.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here