Yorkshire and Omagh victims to visit city

Victims of Hillsborough, the Omagh bombing, the Loughinisland massacre and the repression of the Orgreave mine picket will be hosted by the Bloody Sunday Trust in Londonderry this week.

In conversation with Paul O’Connor, Director of the Pat Finucane Centre, at An Cultúrlann in Great James Street, at 7.30pm, on Wednesday, June 15, will be Michael Gallagher of the Omagh Bomb Families, and a member of the Loughinisland families, whose Police Ombudsman report was published last week.

Dr Michael Maguire concluded that ‘collusion’ was a significant feature in the deaths of six people and the wounding of five others as they watched an Ireland versus Italy football match in Loughinisland in 1994.

They will be joined by three of the most prominent leaders of the Hillsborough families, Margaret Aspinall, Sue Roberts and Jenni Hicks, who campaigned tirelessly to uncover the truth of the 1989 stadium disaster that claimed 96 lives. The final contributor is Mike McColgan one of the leaders of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign based in Sheffield. June 18 is the 32nd anniversary of the ‘Battle of Orgreave’ when members of the South Yorkshire police attacked miners picketing at Orgreave

Robin Percival, a spokesperson of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said the format of the evening is designed to encourage conversation and discussion.

“Paul O’Connor will be exploring with our guests a number of common issues and themes, which relate to the struggle for truth and justice based on the different experiences which these justice campaigns have faced.

“We are particularly inviting trade unionists and Liverpool FC supporters to come to the meeting as well as those with a broad interest and commitment to Human Rights. Never before has such an admirable group been assembled here in the city. Entry is free,” he said.