Omagh bomb victim's sister says Irish government 'defensive' over inquiry

The Republic of Ireland is facing pressure to hold its own public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing, following legal action by families of the victims. Shawneen Conway, the sister of Gareth Conway who was killed in the attack at just 18 years old, criticized the Irish government for being “cold” and “defensive”. The Real IRA bombing, which claimed the lives of 29 people, occurred less than three months after Northern Ireland’s yes vote for the Good Friday Agreement.

The UK inquiry into the bombing started earlier this year, but Shawneen Conway believes that without a parallel inquiry in the Republic of Ireland, the truth will remain elusive. She emphasized the need for both governments to be fully transparent about intelligence and security failures on both sides of the border. With fears that the UK inquiry may only present “half a truth,” Conway stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation involving both nations.

The Conway family is not alone in their pursuit for answers, as another applicant, Emmet Tunney, a survivor of the bomb, has also initiated legal proceedings to compel the Irish government to establish its own inquiry. The Irish government, however, has expressed doubts about the necessity of parallel inquiries, citing potential conflicts in findings and witness testimony. Despite this, families like the Conways are adamant about the need for a full, unvarnished truth regarding the atrocity that continues to haunt them.

As the 27th anniversary of the Omagh bombing approaches, the pain and longing for justice remain fresh for families like the Conways and Taggarts. The devastating loss of Gareth Conway has shattered their family, leaving both parents to pass away without knowing the full truth. The emotional toll of reliving the tragedy each year is an ongoing struggle for the sisters, underscoring the importance of uncovering the truth to bring closure and honor to the memories of their loved ones

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