Book of condolences opened in Cavan Courthouse for Manchester terror attack victims

 

A Book of Condolence has been opened at the Cavan Courthouse as the outpouring of support for the victims of the Manchester MEN Arena bombing last Monday night continues.

Salman Abedi blew himself up after pop-singer Ariana Grande's concert, thus far killing 22 adults and children and injuring 116 others.

The attack sent shock-waves around the world. But counter to its intended impact of spreading abject fear, it has served only to galvanise those living right at the epicentre and communities around the world against radicalisation.

One of the most poignant moments since the attack was witnessed in Manchester's St Ann's Square, where a perfectly-observed silence was followed by applause, cheers and a spontaneous crowd rendition of the Manchester band Oasis' song 'Don't Look Back in Anger'.

 

 

President Michael D. Higgins released a statement in the wake Monday night's attack, in which he said: “This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space.

“Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity.

“Our thoughts in Ireland are with all of the people of Manchester and our neighbours throughout the United Kingdom at this time,” President Higgins added.

Police believe Manchester-born suicide bomber Abedi (22), from a family of Libyan origin, acted as part of a network.

The bomber's older brother Ismail (23) is among the eight men arrested. Raids involving controlled explosions have been carried out at flats in Manchester city centre, and at an address in the Moss Side area of the city.

In the Libyan capital Tripoli, its been reported that Abedi's younger brother Hashem (20) and their father, Ramadan have been held by special forces linked to the interior ministry.