Geraldine Breslin, a mother, died in the Omagh bombing, apologizing to her husband before passing away, as her son recalls the tragedy.
Omagh: A mother named Geraldine Breslin was killed in a bombing. She apologized to her husband just before she died, according to a public inquiry.
Her son, Gareth McCrystal, spoke about her for the first time. He described her as “authentic, genuine, kind, and loved.” He shared the moment he learned she had died from her injuries.
At 15, Gareth was told not to see his mother after the bombing. Her coffin was closed during the wake due to her injuries. He found it hard not to see her but has since made peace with that decision.
Gareth said their relationship was fantastic. He adored her and felt she was a protective mother. He called her “one in a million” and an “absolute class act.”
He expressed anger over how she was treated by the terrorists. He mentioned that his stepfather found comfort in seeing her before she passed. Geraldine apologized for being caught up in the incident.
On the day of the attack, she was working at a local shop. She had come home for lunch, and Gareth remembered their last words as she left for work.
Gareth described the family’s experience of grief under intense media scrutiny after the bombing. Geraldine raised him as a single parent until she married Mark Breslin in 1995.
Gareth noted that Mark has struggled to find closure since the bombing. He was excited about their future together, but everything changed after the attack.
Twenty-nine people died in the bombing, including a pregnant woman. Gareth reflected on his struggles after the tragedy, including a severe drinking problem.
He moved to Birmingham to escape the memories but eventually turned his life around. Now sober for over 13 years, he feels grateful for his life.
Gareth is married with three children and feels lucky for what he has. However, he thinks about his mother every day and wishes she could see his achievements.
He feels blessed to have had 15 years with her and is proud to be her son. He wishes they could have had many more years together.
