A reminder of heroism, humanity - and vulnerability

THIS is the story that nobody ever wanted to report. And yet the personal impact of such a monumental enterprise as the Public Inquiry into 'Ireland's September 11th' - as Bob Geldof labelled it - is no surprise.

For there is heroic determination in Michael Gallagher, the former mechanic who threw the proverbial 'spanner into the works' of a broken political and security system to reach for accountability. He produced historic and unimaginable outcomes in securing the Public Inquiry itself, against repeatedly impossible odds.

The sheer weight and toil of that search for justice, across not mere years but decades, took its toll in Belfast last week. The medical warning sounded, reminding everyone of his humanity and vulnerability.

The Omagh campaigner's persistence is legendary: marked by his characteristic warmth, humour and popularity across countries and continents. From those who stop him on the street, to legal, political and media professionals who admire him at work.

And to those around the world whom he inspires and has received support: survivors groups from America to Australia, across Europe, Africa and as far as Colombia. As one of Australia's Ministers told parliament in Canberra in her Maiden Speech following her visit to Omagh: "Michael Gallagher is among the best of humanity."

Despite many refusals from many Secretaries of State, the long-awaited Public Inquiry was finally granted by outgoing Chris Heaton-Harris in 2024. To a large extent this was achieved by the personally-persuasive capabilities of Mr Gallagher and Stanley McCombe upon him, as much as the merits of the case itself.

Now in the hot-house atmosphere of that Inquiry, the devil is in the details and revelations from major names on the stand. Michael Gallagher sits on the front row absorbing it all, which brings both catharsis and concern.

When history is written, including this first draft, it will show that Omagh is now a byword for triumph over adversity, and not merely tragedy. An example to the world of people power and persistence, already celebrated in the 2004 BAFTA-winning movie from a Hollywood director and Oscar-winning actress.

But in real life, we celebrate and continue to admire Michael Gallagher and his close campaigners who in the ongoing Inquiry, despite its pressures, cherish not only the fallen, but protect the well-being of future generations to come.