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26/11/2007
Burial Of Tragic Omagh Fire Victims Delayed
One of the most tragic stories to have yet emerged in Northern Ireland is getting a further twist as the families of the seven victims of the recent house fire in Omagh are now involved in a bitter dispute over where the bodies should be buried.
Arthur McElhill, from Ederney, Co Fermanagh, Lorraine McGovern, from Bawnboy, Co Cavan, and the five children, Caroline (13), Shaun (7), Belina (4), Clodagh (19 months) and James (nine months), died in the malicious blaze which destroyed their home in Lammy Crescent, Omagh, earlier this month.
The Belfast mortuary in Forster Green hospital - where post-mortem examinations were carried out - have been awaiting confirmation of funeral arrangements before releasing the seven bodies to the families.
Initial plans were for the seven to be laid to rest together, probably in Ederney, where Arthur McElhill's parents and some of his siblings still live.
But this changed following revelations that McElhill, a convicted sex abuser, is the chief suspect in the police investigation into the fire.
Since then, Lorraine McGovern's parents, Kevin and Theresa, have been trying to ensure that Lorraine and her five children are buried in her family home at Corlough, near Bawnboy, Co Cavan.
Negotiations between the two families - assisted by mediators - have to date failed to reach an agreement.
Police investigating the fire which broke out just before 5am on Tuesday, November 13, upgraded it to a murder investigation after discovering a significant quantity of petrol at the scene.
Since then detailed forensic examination has been carried out at the house amid mounting speculation that Arthur McElhill was the chief and only suspect.
(BMcC)
Arthur McElhill, from Ederney, Co Fermanagh, Lorraine McGovern, from Bawnboy, Co Cavan, and the five children, Caroline (13), Shaun (7), Belina (4), Clodagh (19 months) and James (nine months), died in the malicious blaze which destroyed their home in Lammy Crescent, Omagh, earlier this month.
The Belfast mortuary in Forster Green hospital - where post-mortem examinations were carried out - have been awaiting confirmation of funeral arrangements before releasing the seven bodies to the families.
Initial plans were for the seven to be laid to rest together, probably in Ederney, where Arthur McElhill's parents and some of his siblings still live.
But this changed following revelations that McElhill, a convicted sex abuser, is the chief suspect in the police investigation into the fire.
Since then, Lorraine McGovern's parents, Kevin and Theresa, have been trying to ensure that Lorraine and her five children are buried in her family home at Corlough, near Bawnboy, Co Cavan.
Negotiations between the two families - assisted by mediators - have to date failed to reach an agreement.
Police investigating the fire which broke out just before 5am on Tuesday, November 13, upgraded it to a murder investigation after discovering a significant quantity of petrol at the scene.
Since then detailed forensic examination has been carried out at the house amid mounting speculation that Arthur McElhill was the chief and only suspect.
(BMcC)
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29 November 2007
Omagh Fire Victims Funerals This Saturday
The victims of the Omagh fire tragedy, which killed all seven members of the McElhill family, are to be buried on Saturday.
Omagh Fire Victims Funerals This Saturday
The victims of the Omagh fire tragedy, which killed all seven members of the McElhill family, are to be buried on Saturday.
08 December 2009
McElhill Started Horror Blaze
The man at the heart of a sordid sex scandal has been ruled as having killed himself and his family in a tragic house fire in Omagh. Coroner Suzanne Anderson said this morning that convicted sex offender Arthur McElhill burned the family's house down because his partner, Lorraine McGovern, threatened to leave him.
McElhill Started Horror Blaze
The man at the heart of a sordid sex scandal has been ruled as having killed himself and his family in a tragic house fire in Omagh. Coroner Suzanne Anderson said this morning that convicted sex offender Arthur McElhill burned the family's house down because his partner, Lorraine McGovern, threatened to leave him.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
02 July 2008
Policing Board Tackles Omagh Fire Tragedy Aftermath
After this week's damning report by the DHSSPS on the tragic Omagh fire that killed an entire 'at risk' family last November, recommendations are to be made to the NI Policing Board after a review of the case in which a family of nine perished in a Omagh housefire.
Policing Board Tackles Omagh Fire Tragedy Aftermath
After this week's damning report by the DHSSPS on the tragic Omagh fire that killed an entire 'at risk' family last November, recommendations are to be made to the NI Policing Board after a review of the case in which a family of nine perished in a Omagh housefire.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
