Omagh Bombing Inquiry: Family Remembers Elizabeth 'Libbi' Rush as a Moral Compass
Public inquiry hears emotional testimonies from family of shop owner killed in the 1998 Omagh bombing.
The ongoing public inquiry into the Omagh bombing, which claimed the lives of 29 people in 1998, has brought forth poignant testimonies from the family of Elizabeth 'Libbi' Rush, a shop owner who was fatally injured in the attack.
Elizabeth Rush, aged 57 at the time, was described as 'the moral compass' of her family during the inquiry sessions held at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.
Elizabeth Rush, originally from Killyclogher, was working in her shop on Market Street when the bomb exploded on August 15, 1998. Her husband, Laurence Rush, who passed away in 2012, was noted for his persistent quest for accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy, a pursuit recognised by inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull who stated that Laurence was among the first to raise pertinent questions regarding the bombing.
During the inquiry, Elizabeth's daughter, Siobhan Rose, recounted the profound impact her mother had on her family.
'We trusted her judgement implicitly.
She had empathy, respect and compassion for others,' Siobhan stated.
She further emphasised that many believed Elizabeth would have made an excellent counsellor, highlighting her gentle nature and discretion that made her well-regarded in the community.
The chaotic scene on the day of the bombing was vividly described by Siobhan, who recalled arriving on a bus from Belfast to find the aftermath of the bombing.
'Women and children in fancy dress – a parade was scheduled at 3pm – were crying and distressed.
The hospital was in chaos with blood everywhere, children crying and bodies burnt lying in the corner,' she said.
This vivid recollection aligned with reports from that day, when emergency services struggled to cope with the scale of the tragedy.
Elizabeth Rush's family expressed their belief in a culture of silence surrounding the bombing and the years that followed.
Siobhan indicated that her father’s pursuit of the truth was met with avoidance from both the community and political figures.
'We understand that this culture of silence is a method of coping...
But our father was unable to stay silent, because he knew that silence was a lie,' she remarked.
The family's statement included a call for acknowledgment of the profound impact of the violence experienced during decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Siobhan described the Omagh bombing as 'a crime against humanity' and expressed concerns about a deliberate strategy to evade responsibility by the state.
The inquiry featured a video of Mr. and Mrs. Rush’s wedding and a montage of family photographs, illustrating the life that was cut short by violence.
Their son Andrew paid tribute to their father by reading a poem written by him titled 'Petals of Hope', which reflects the enduring nature of their grief and the complexities of moving forward in the wake of such devastation.
As the inquiry continues, it seeks to address crucial questions about accountability and the historical context of the Omagh bombing, amidst the broader discourse on peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Elizabeth Rush, aged 57 at the time, was described as 'the moral compass' of her family during the inquiry sessions held at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.
Elizabeth Rush, originally from Killyclogher, was working in her shop on Market Street when the bomb exploded on August 15, 1998. Her husband, Laurence Rush, who passed away in 2012, was noted for his persistent quest for accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy, a pursuit recognised by inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull who stated that Laurence was among the first to raise pertinent questions regarding the bombing.
During the inquiry, Elizabeth's daughter, Siobhan Rose, recounted the profound impact her mother had on her family.
'We trusted her judgement implicitly.
She had empathy, respect and compassion for others,' Siobhan stated.
She further emphasised that many believed Elizabeth would have made an excellent counsellor, highlighting her gentle nature and discretion that made her well-regarded in the community.
The chaotic scene on the day of the bombing was vividly described by Siobhan, who recalled arriving on a bus from Belfast to find the aftermath of the bombing.
'Women and children in fancy dress – a parade was scheduled at 3pm – were crying and distressed.
The hospital was in chaos with blood everywhere, children crying and bodies burnt lying in the corner,' she said.
This vivid recollection aligned with reports from that day, when emergency services struggled to cope with the scale of the tragedy.
Elizabeth Rush's family expressed their belief in a culture of silence surrounding the bombing and the years that followed.
Siobhan indicated that her father’s pursuit of the truth was met with avoidance from both the community and political figures.
'We understand that this culture of silence is a method of coping...
But our father was unable to stay silent, because he knew that silence was a lie,' she remarked.
The family's statement included a call for acknowledgment of the profound impact of the violence experienced during decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Siobhan described the Omagh bombing as 'a crime against humanity' and expressed concerns about a deliberate strategy to evade responsibility by the state.
The inquiry featured a video of Mr. and Mrs. Rush’s wedding and a montage of family photographs, illustrating the life that was cut short by violence.
Their son Andrew paid tribute to their father by reading a poem written by him titled 'Petals of Hope', which reflects the enduring nature of their grief and the complexities of moving forward in the wake of such devastation.
As the inquiry continues, it seeks to address crucial questions about accountability and the historical context of the Omagh bombing, amidst the broader discourse on peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
