Omagh Bomb Inquiry Honors Memory of Teenage Volunteer Samantha McFarland
Seventeen-year-old McFarland remembered for her charitable spirit during the inquiry into the 1998 bombing that claimed her life.
During the ongoing inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing, Samantha McFarland, a teenage volunteer who lost her life in the attack, has been commemorated for her character and contributions to the community.
Chair of the inquiry, Paul Greaney KC, presented a poignant contrast between the young girl's altruism and the actions of those responsible for the bombing.
Samantha McFarland, 17, was described as 'popular, diligent, and a person who passed with flying colours the test of life.' She was the youngest of three siblings and was preparing to be a bridesmaid at her older brother's upcoming wedding.
The inquiry revealed that she was known for her inherent kindness and had a genuine interest in helping others.
At the time of her death, Samantha was volunteering at the Oxfam charity shop in Omagh, where she worked one day a week.
She also occasionally volunteered at the local Barnardo’s shop.
On August 15, 1998, when the shop was evacuated due to the bombing, she expressed hesitation about moving too far from the premises as she held the keys to the store.
She had been a dedicated student, focusing on her A-levels while nurturing a passion for music, literature, and geography, coupled with a curiosity about the wider world.
At her funeral, attendees were left to stand outside due to the large number of mourners, a testament to her popularity and impact on her community.
The inquiry's chair, The Rt Hon Lord Turnbull, highlighted the profound loss of young lives during the Omagh attack, commenting on the senseless nature of such violence, particularly against individuals like Samantha, who sought to enrich the lives of others.
Greaney emphasized the stark moral contrast between her intentions of generosity and the calculated violence of the bombing perpetrators.
Family members of Samantha were in attendance during the inquiry, with her cousin, Gerald, present at the hearing while her father and brother watched remotely.
The inquiry continues to seek answers regarding the 1998 attack, which resulted in 29 civilian deaths, and the broader implications of such tragedies in society.