Omagh Bombing Inquiry: Brenda Logues Murder Caused Irreversible Damage Mum Said

Brenda Logue was just seventeen. She died in the Omagh bombing in 1998, along with twenty-eight others. A mother carrying twins also perished that day. Her old school still remembers her, as does her GAA club. Even her county holds tournaments in her memory.

On Wednesday, Brenda’s brothers spoke at the ongoing inquiry at Strule Arts Centre. Cathal read a statement aloud, written by their mother, Mary. Mary, who died last November from cancer, shared her last memory of Brenda in the statement.

Brenda had just left a shop when a huge bomb exploded nearby. Mary recalled Brenda’s ponytail swishing as she walked outside. The blast knocked Mary unconscious. When she awoke, she knew Brenda was dead, but she searched for her daughter anyway.

Mary described a terrible scene filled with sounds and screams. These things haunted her dreams. Brenda’s body came home five days later, and her family buried her that Friday. Reliving the grief was incredibly hard. Brenda’s death deeply hurt everyone.

Mary bagged Brenda’s things and put them in the attic. Everything Brenda touched remained there. Karl often slept in Brenda’s bed, where her scent lingered on the sheets. He would not let Mary change them. Her first grandchild arrived soon after this.

The birth should have been a happy occasion, but Brenda’s death cast a shadow. August 15th changed their family forever. They are now “that family,” and the shockwaves affected them all. Friends watched their world fall apart.

Medical staff were confused because Mary did not react as they expected. She learned she had cancer last year. She said it wasn’t her worst news. Losing Brenda was every parent’s nightmare, and she lived that nightmare for twenty-six years.

Mary praised her talented daughter. Brenda loved being with people and was a youth club leader. Her mum said she made lasting impressions on others. Brenda fought for girls’ rights at school, advocating for trouser options because skirts felt too cold to her.

Football was Brenda’s passion, inspired by her brothers. She had a short but gifted career. Brenda was a fearless goalkeeper. She was picked for Tyrone’s teams, playing on both minor and senior panels.

Tyrone’s ladies won All-Ireland in 2018. Would Brenda have played then? Would she have held up the trophy? Her county honored her regardless. They named a cup after Brenda Logue, and Mary presented it to Brenda’s old teammate.

The local GAA also honors Brenda. They hold a memorial tournament yearly. Her namesake, Brenda Logue, is her granddaughter, who lifted the cup, presented to her by her own father. The team took the cup to Brenda’s grave. Mary could not attend because of chemo.

Cathal shared Mary’s words, emphasizing the lasting effects of the bomb. It robbed her of many chances, including seeing Brenda grow into a woman. She missed Brenda finding love and never got to plan a wedding.

Her sons coped with loss differently, each suffering irreversible damage, according to Mary. James Barker and the others who died that day will never be forgotten by anyone.