Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan speaking to reporters today about the Manchester suicide bombing. RollingNews.ie photo.
By Ray O’Hanlon
“Stunned beyond belief here. For so many of these youngsters, it was their very first pop concert. For the survivors, what a terrible memory.”
These were the words of Irish Echo columnist and Manchester resident and native Terry Corrigan in the aftermath of the bombing in Manchester Monday that killed twenty-two people, some just children, and injured dozens during a concert by American singer Ariana Grande.
The bombing, a suicide attack, left Ireland reeling. Manchester is home to many Irish and just a forty minute flight from Dublin.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the hearts and thoughts of all Irish people were with the people in Manchester.
“Those parents who had the privilege to bring children to a concert such as this will know that the excitement goes on for months,” Mr. Kenny said.
"Last night's attack is a reminder that no-one can be considered immune from those whose hatred of our values drives such evil acts.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said: "I am shocked and horrified by the large loss of life in Manchester last night and my thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and we stand by our nearest neighbor, the UK, especially due to the strong links between our country and the city of Manchester.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of Ireland offered prayers for those killed and injured.
“I have sent a message this morning to Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, to express our shock and sorrow at the horrific bombing in Manchester last night,” he said.
“Such a violent and brutal attack inflicts terror and long-lasting trauma on children and families and leaves a wound that can only be healed by compassion, love and solidarity.
“We are praying for the dead, the injured and for all affected by the bombing. Such an awful attack challenges us all to resolve personally to build peace, solidarity and hope everywhere. Only in this way can the hearts of those who plan and perpetrate such violent and pointless attacks be changed.
“I will remember the victims of this attack and their families in my Masses and prayers, and I know that the prayerful solidarity of people across Ireland goes to the people of Manchester at this sad time.”
The Garda Siochana, meanwhile, has that Ireland was “not immune” from the threat of terrorism, though a statement cautioned said that the possibility of an attack in Ireland was unlikely.
In a statement the Irish national police force said: “Ireland is a safe and secure environment. While there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism, An Garda Síochána does not consider that Ireland is immune from this threat.
“All appropriate measures will be taken commensurate with the prevailing threat environment.
“We are providing every assistance to our colleagues in the Greater Manchester Police. As always, we will continue to liaise closely with our security and law enforcement partners in the UK and internationally to share and assess any relevant intelligence.”
Reports in recent years have indicated that as many as forty individuals with possible jihadist sympathies are being monitored by the Garda.
