Survivor Recalls Embracing Sister’s Coffin on Flight After Omagh Bombing
Rocio Abad Ramos, a 23-year-old Spanish woman, found herself entangled in the tragic events of the Omagh bombing that shook the world in 1998. Among the 29 lives lost that fateful day was Rocio, a vibrant young soul from Madrid who was participating in an exchange trip with Spanish children in Buncrana, Co Donegal. They had ventured into Omagh on August 15, where the bomb’s devastating explosion forever altered the course of their lives.
Witnessing the aftermath of such a heinous act of terrorism can leave scars that never truly fade. For Paloma Abad Ramos, Rocio’s sister, the pain of losing her sibling had lingered for 26 long years, a wound that refused to heal. However, the recent commencement of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry brought a glimmer of hope—a chance to finally seek closure and unravel the truth behind that dark day.
As Paloma took the stand to share her testimony during the inquiry’s commemorative hearings, emotions ran high. Speaking through a translator, she candidly expressed her desire for closure, emphasizing the need for transparency and truth. Recalling the restricted media coverage in Spain during the bombing, Paloma acknowledged the inquiry as a beacon of support that her family had longed for, a rare solace in their journey of grief.
Amidst the heart-wrenching accounts, Paloma painted a vivid picture of Rocio’s vibrant persona. A talented long jump champion at 18, academically gifted, and altruistic at heart, Rocio’s zest for life shone through. From her initial disdain for Irish cuisine—complaining about butter and peas—to forging friendships and swapping recipes with newfound acquaintances in Donegal, Rocio’s spirit radiated warmth and curiosity.
Traveling from Spain to the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh to testify, Paloma grappled with the poignant memories that haunted her. While she had anticipated the emotional turmoil of revisiting the town where Rocio’s life was tragically cut short, it was the airport—where she bid her sister farewell for the last time—that bore the weight of unbearable sorrow.
In the wake of the bombing, Paloma and her family were thrust into a whirlwind of disbelief and anguish. Flying on a military plane alongside other Spanish families affected by the tragedy, the stark reality of their loss became painfully evident. Yet, amidst the chaos, Paloma found solace in the kindness of those who shielded her from the horrors of the bomb site and facilitated the repatriation of Rocio’s remains.
The journey back to Madrid, cradling her sister’s coffin on the flight, was a poignant moment etched in Paloma’s memory forever. The solemn return, marked by military honors, a state funeral, and a public outpouring of grief, juxtaposed the private pain that consumed her family. Rocio’s love for Ireland, her deep connections, and her infectious spirit were commemorated in a grand spectacle, a stark reminder of the irreplaceable void left by her absence.
As Paloma reflected on Rocio’s legacy—a beacon of light extinguished too soon—her words echoed the sentiments of all who had loved and lost in the Omagh bombing. In her sister’s unwavering love for Ireland, Paloma found a testament to the enduring bond that transcends tragedy, a bond that time nor distance could sever.
