Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held a solemn act of remembrance to mark the 37th anniversary of the Lisburn Half Marathon bombing — a tragic event that claimed the lives of six British Army soldiers and injured eleven civilians.
Newly elected Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Alderman Amanda Grehan, led the tribute at the site of the 1988 attack, joined by the families of those killed, representatives from Thiepval Barracks, the Royal British Legion, Director of Leisure and Community Wellbeing, Louise Moore and fellow elected members.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor reflected on the impact of the attack:
“Behind each of these names was a young man with a family, with friendships, with a future. That future was stolen in a moment and the loss is still deeply felt.”
The Mayor also acknowledged the civilians injured in the attack, including a two-year-old child and an 80-year-old man, and offered heartfelt condolences to all those affected.
“Though 37 years have passed, the emotions of that night remain vivid. We remember with sorrow, but also with gratitude and respect,” said the Mayor.
A wreath was laid on behalf of the council as a mark of respect and remembrance. The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by the Mayor’s Chaplain Rev Andrew Thompson.