Latest news with #JamesBarker
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burghley Capital: Singapore Tech Spending Set for Growth
SINGAPORE, SG / / May 26, 2025 / Singapore-based asset management firm Burghley Capital have identified strong resilience in Singapore's technology spending over the past 12 months, with projections indicating it will reach USD $19 billion (SGD $25.5 billion) by the end of 2025. Despite economic uncertainties and rising trade tensions in the region, the city-state continues to distinguish itself as a leading destination for digital investments within Asia Pacific, driven largely by substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. AI investment remains a key growth driver, supported by the Singapore government's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Approximately USD $134 million (SGD $180 million) has been dedicated to AI research and development, resulting in AI integration in over half of Singaporean businesses, significantly surpassing the global average of 35%. Prominent sectors embracing AI include financial services (68%), healthcare (56%), and manufacturing (47%). James Barker, Director of Private Equity at Burghley Capital, identifies structured equity investments as essential tools for managing market volatility. These investment structures offer "flexible capital solutions that substantially reduce risk while enabling sustained growth," typically achieving returns in the mid-teens on an IRR basis. Barker further points out that structured equity allows companies to "maintain valuations more effectively during market shifts, greatly reducing dilution compared to conventional equity financing." Cloud computing and cybersecurity services are experiencing rapid demand growth, with annual increases of 12.5% and 15.2%, respectively, in the current fiscal period. In 2025, Singapore's cloud services market is projected to reach approximately USD $2.8 billion (SGD $3.8 billion), boosted by recent expansions in data centre capacity. Strong economic fundamentals continue to underpin Singapore's attractiveness. These include a notably low banking sector non-performing loan ratio of 1.3%, substantial international reserves, and record foreign direct investment levels at 31.8% of GDP in the preceding fiscal year. Barker emphasises that Burghley Capital integrates AI extensively into investment decision-making. The firm's "data-driven methods ensure early identification of strategic opportunities," positioning clients effectively within Singapore's evolving technology ecosystem. Singapore's focused investment strategies and significant infrastructure development reinforce its appeal to investors. Burghley Capital aligns client portfolios with critical growth sectors, including technology, healthcare, logistics, and green finance, thus enhancing returns in one of Asia Pacific's most stable technology markets. About Burghley Capital Established in 2017, Burghley Capital Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 201731389D) equips investors with insightful market analysis and strategic foresight. To learn more, visit or contact Martin Wei for media enquiries at SOURCE: Burghley Capital Pte. Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
How to turn your DPP requirements into retail opportunities
Checkpoint Systems is a Business Reporter client James Barker, Director of Global Product Solutions at Checkpoint Systems, reveals how the right DPP solution can yield real business benefits for clothing retailers. Have you started planning your digital product passport (DPP) rollout? At the time of writing, the legislation will come into effect by 2028 and will impact all retailers putting apparel into the European market. The new legislation won't just fundamentally change the future of retail from the consumer's perspective; it'll irrevocably alter business infrastructure too. And each day brings the deadline closer. However daunting DPP implementation may seem, there are plenty of sustainability and business benefits to be gained as part of the transformation. Investing in the right digital platform and labelling combination could expedite ROI, improve efficiency, lower costs and achieve sustainability goals. What is DPP legislation and how will it impact apparel retailers? DPP legislation is part of the European Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and a fundamental pillar of the European Green Deal. CEAP aims to promote circular economy processes by encouraging thoughtful product and packaging design and waste reduction. To help keep things transparent, some of this information will be available to customers through DPPs. A Digital Product Passport has two components: a centrally stored, digital source of product information and a DPP 'carrier' that is permanently attached to the product. Shoppers can scan the DPP carrier label with a smartphone and access that item's digital product information. This information should be easy to access on the shop floor and available until the end of that product's lifespan. To comply with DPP legislation, you'll need to gather environmental data on new and existing products, completely overhaul garment labelling and find a secure digital platform to store all that information for a decade or more. Given the dual challenge of compliant labelling and secure infrastructure, retailers should aim to find a partner experienced in both, with the proven ability to help secure a fast return on investment. With that in mind, our apparel labelling team developed CheckLINQ. CheckLINQ is Checkpoint System's data-centric answer to the digital component of DPP legislation and sits alongside our various compliant labelling options to give Checkpoint clients a scalable end-to-end solution. The platform, which we've already successfully piloted with an international apparel retailer, offers encrypted, GDPR-compliant information storage for millions of item-level data points. It uses robust APIs to pull product information from almost anywhere and sorts it into a compliant, customer-ready format. Although details on specific DPP data points aren't expected until late 2025, CheckLINQ's back-end can easily be modified to accommodate new information – as a CIRPASS2 member, we're well-placed to understand the requirements as and when they happen. Adopting now can help future-focused retailers get ahead while being flexible enough to give compliance for other environmental legislations, such as France's AGEC (currently live), which CheckLINQ has already been successfully piloted for. CheckLINQ's data-first, flexible back-end is what sets it apart from other DPP solutions on the market. We used our years of experience managing data connections through our CheckNet platform – which currently processes data from 14 million radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels per week – to create a platform capable of reliably meeting DPP requirements with seamless ease. Order less, sell more It's possible to reduce your carbon footprint and stock costs by using intelligent labelling solutions such as RFID as part of your DPP labelling overhaul. RFID inlays can provide quality data and inventory transparency with up to 99 per cent accuracy throughout your supply chain. Knowing exactly what you have and where can facilitate more accurate forecasting, smarter ordering and better allocation while allowing location-based merchandising, faster replenishment and reallocation. You'll send less deadstock to landfill, potentially reduce your carbon footprint and unlock the full value of your stock. Product authentication Your DPP labelling overhaul could also be an excellent opportunity to stamp out grey market activities, safeguard your brand and inspire consumer confidence. By integrating our NFC dual technology inlays or anti-clone QR codes into your new labels, you can empower consumers and authorised pre-loved resellers with the ability to verify genuine items with the scan of a smartphone. There's even potential to expand into innovative new areas, such as creating one-off digital twins or NFTs for your products. It's all possible with the right labelling partner. Enhanced consumer trust and engagement According to PwC's Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024, nearly a third of respondents felt transparency around environmental, societal and governance matters was crucial in establishing better brand trust. Consumers can use a DPP to verify your green claims at the point of purchase, complete with specific details such as your Higg Index score, which can be integrated easily via CheckLINQ. You could even take things one step further by upgrading to our NFC-enabled DUÉ labels to create new opportunities for interactive smartphone-based in-store experiences. In a future where consumers are increasingly bringing their phones into the purchasing journey, it's an incredible opportunity to upsell, inspire and engage. Big changes need expert guidance For many retailers, the upcoming DPP rollout will be a massive undertaking. If that weren't enough incentive to seek expert guidance, the slew of potential business and customer benefits attached to your label and platform choices certainly are. Partners such as Checkpoint have experience managing data connections with proven data integrity through CheckNet and decades of experience supporting some of the world's largest retailers with apparel labelling projects. We believe DPP legislation goes beyond environmental accountability and transparency; it's also an opportunity to kickstart a new era for your brand. One that drives better value for you, your customers and the planet.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
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. Omagh bomb: The 29 victims Omagh bomb: Timeline of families' bid for justice
BBC News
22-02-2025
- BBC News
Omagh Bombing: The lives lost remembered in their families' words
Even through the sirens, the smoke, the shock - the world seemed to stand recalled Jim Sharkey who spoke to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry about the aftermath of the deadliest attack in the history of the 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 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 after relative gave tender testimonials to the people behind the names reported so often since that many it was the first time they had spoken publicly in 26 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 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 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 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: was the "cornerstone of our family", Ms Cooney said. Debra-Anne Cartwright was working in a beauty salon on the day of 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 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 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 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 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 was from Donemana, County Tyrone, where her family lived, and had three 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 was visiting Omagh from Buncrana on the day of the bombing and was killed alongside his friends Shaun McLaughlin and James 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 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 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 father Michael said Aiden always had a strong work ethic and from a young age knew the importance of doing things college he studied car body repair where he enjoyed learning even "how the paint was made" and took "great pride" in his 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 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 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 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 Grimes recalled that his mother helped out in the milk parlour every day and never stopped last loaf of bread that she baked was placed on the altar at her 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 was 30 years 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 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 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 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 children said as a housewife, farmer's wife and "boss" of the home her priority was always caring for 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 was a Methodist church treasurer and was highly regarded in both unionist and nationalist 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 had been working in a photography shop when the bomb went a statement, her twin brother Justin said they were born four minutes apart, and "remained inseparable" throughout their 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 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 Logue, Brenda's brother, read a statement on behalf of their late mother, which paid tribute to a "sweet-natured girl" with great 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 argument: "It was unfair for the girls to be cold in skirts.""She was always a shepherd and never a sheep," Mr Logue 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 was described as "an exemplary student through her school days".Before her death she had just started driving mother's statement said her daughter was a "very popular member of staff" in her part-time summer 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 48-year-old had two sons and had just celebrated her 25th wedding 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 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 was visiting a chemist in Omagh to have a film developed and to pick up a 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 was a former pupil at Omagh High School and was studying for her A-levels at Strabane 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 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 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 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 the 1980s it secured a deal with Harrods, London to supply Irish 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 was "so excited" about the trip, having been for the previous two before the bombing, he had presented a poem to the then Irish President Mary 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 "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 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 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 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 daughter, Siobhan, said her mum loved craft work and sold what she made in her gift 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 day before the attack, she had met her new grandchild Lee for the first time. She had photos taken and got to hold Short was remembered as a "loving wife, mother and grandmother", in the statement given by her four 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 family said she had "so much to look forward to", only just back from holiday in Alicante with her husband and two close "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 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 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 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 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 Fred's daughter, said her father always had time for people despite how busy he 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 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 was described as "academically minded" with a flair for English, French, home economics and family recalled her love of travel and her artistic and crafty brother said he had held on to some of the toys she had made for him.
BBC News
17-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Omagh Bomb firefighter describes carnage to inquiry
A firefighter who attended the scene of the Omagh bomb has likened its aftermath to an image from the Vietnam Quinn, who is a current commander for the Northern Ireland Fire Service in the Omagh district, was giving evidence to the inquiry into the 1998 Real IRA was an on-call officer at the told the inquiry that in his 29 years as a firefighter he had attended many tragic and horrendous incidents."Nothing I have responded to since the Omagh bomb has ever come anywhere close". 'Total chaos' He heard the explosion while working at his carpet shop and was the first to arrive at the fire said none of the firefighters were anxious as there was no mentions of casualties and they assumed the area had been thought they were going to be dealing with damaged buildings and clearing debris or possibly a was on the first fire engine to go to Market Street and arrived at a scene of "total chaos, devastation, carnage".Referring to a famous photograph from the Vietnam War, he said: "There was a cloud dust and there was a young girl running across the road terrified, and that's just the image I have of people from Omagh."He described to the inquiry the look of "disbelief" and "concern" on the faces of his fire service colleagues. 'Where is my wife?' He said they were local firefighters working in their home town, who were worried their own family members had been caught up in the bomb."They were asking where is my wife, my son, my daughter?" he said."But they continued to do the job they were called to do and that was help others and search for others."He recalled helping an injured woman onto an Ulsterbus and the floor of the bus was red with blood rather than Quinn referred to a saying within the fire service, which he said applies to his and others' experience at Omagh."The saying is, 'The firefighter may leave the incident, but the incident doesn't leave the firefighter'," he told the explained that he has now been trained as to provide help and advice to his colleagues in critical incident stress management and emotional trauma. On Monday the inquiry will hear from the family of James Barker, a 12-year-old student at Buncrana Primary School, who was killed in the attack while on a school family previously described him as a "happy boy with an infectious smile". His mother Donna Maria Barker relocated to England 18 months after the explosion and James's body was then reburied at his former school in Weybridge in said she "never realised how green his eyes were" until she had to identify his body, adding: "That image will stay with me for the rest of my life." What was the Omagh bomb? The bomb that devastated Omagh town centre in August 1998 was the biggest single atrocity in the history of the Troubles in Northern people were killed, including nine children, a woman pregnant with twins, and three generations of one came less than three months after the people of Northern Ireland had voted yes to the Good Friday Agreement. Who carried out the Omagh bombing? Three days after the attack, the Real IRA released a statement claiming responsibility for the apologised to "civilian" victims and said its targets had been 27 years on, no-one has been convicted of carrying out the murders by a criminal 2009, a judge ruled that four men - Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly were all liable for the Omagh four men were ordered to pay a total of £1.6m in damages to the relatives, but appeals against the ruling delayed the compensation process.A fifth man, Seamus McKenna, was acquitted in the civil action and later died in a roofing accident in 2013. The public inquiry After years of campaigning by relatives, the public inquiry was set to up examine if the Real IRA attack could have been prevented by UK phase of the inquiry is continuing to hear powerful individual testimonies from relatives who lost loved ones in the explosion. The bombers planned and launched the attack from the Republic of Ireland and the Irish government has promised to co-operate with the the victims' relatives wanted the Irish government to order its own separate public previously indicated there was no new evidence to merit such a move.
