The family of seven who died in the Omagh fire tragedy nearly three weeks ago have been buried after Requiem Mass.
The bodies of Arthur McElhill (39), his partner Lorraine McGovern (30) and their five children, Caroline (13), Seán (7), Bellina (4), Clodagh (18 months) and James (nine months) were released for burial after their families agreed there should be one funeral service and for Mr McElhill to be buried separately from his family.
Monsignor Joseph Donnelly, the main celebrant at the Mass, referred to Omagh's tragic past and the bomb which killed 29 including a woman pregnant with twins in 1998. "A community may have experience of tragedy but it can never become accustomed to tragedy," he told the large congregation at Sacred Heart church in the town centre.
"It is a loss so total that words fail to describe the immensity of the event." Addressing the congregation, which included clergy from other denominations in the town, as well as civic and political representatives, he referred to "the visual impact" of the coffins of Mr McElhill and Ms McGovern before him with the white coffins of their children arranged between them.
He quoted a series of Biblical references to death and bereavement, adding that the people of Omagh and beyond, like those in scripture, felt a sense of being abandoned by God while they sought answers and reasons for the tragedy which had revisited them.
Referring to the need for hope amid such loss, he added however: "I do believe there were many signs of the Lord's presence even as we struggled with our affliction." He praised the fire and rescue services, the police and the range of social services and agencies which had attended the terrible scene at the terraced home at the end of Lammy Crescent on the morning of November 13th.
Their work was ongoing and would remain while people needed help, he said. "This, to me, is a sign of hope and indeed is an indication of the Lord's presence even in the midst of tragedy." Messages of prayer and support for the wider Omagh community continued to arrive, he said.
"They have one theme in common. They all say to the families and to us, 'We are with you in spirit. We pray for you in your time of need. We pray especially that you will find comfort and consolation in the days ahead'." Mgr Donnelly criticised those who had alleged and speculated on events connected to the fire.
Justice required that the truth of what happened on the night of the tragedy be sought in a fair and thorough manner, he said, "usually left to those skilled in investigative means".
"When speculation runs rife in some quarters and allegations are floated, truth is sidelined and justice is multiplied and society as a whole is diminished." He said the people of Omagh had an instinct for fairness which did not ignore the truth and has a deep respect for justice.
The bereaved families mingled as the coffins of the seven were returned to the four hearses outside the church following Mass.
A sister of Mr McElhill carried the simple white coffin of one of the dead babies.
There were scenes of terrible grief as the hearses slowly moved off, with Ms McGovern and her children being taken to Corlough, Co Cavan for burial and Mr McElhill being buried shortly afterwards in Ederney, Co Cavan.