Hastings IRA bomb blast victim still in shock 20 years on (From The Argus)

Hastings IRA bomb blast victim still in shock 20 years on

1:00pm Monday 13th July 2009 in

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A victim of an IRA bomb which killed 11 Royal Marines musicians has told how he is still traumatised 20 years later.

Jay O’Neill was staff band leader when the 15lb explosive ripped through the Royal Marines' School of Music in Deal, Kent, on 22 September 1989.

He was one of more than 20 to be injured in the blast.

But he said he still asks himself why he survived.

Mr O’Neill, 57, of Hastings, said: “The biggest thing that goes through your mind is, 'Why?, why?'

"You just cannot get your head round that question at all.

"The memories are always there. They are scarred in your mind.

"Anyone who has a major disaster go through their lives will never forget it.

"I'm one of the fortunate ones. The scars have healed a little bit.

"I suppose the biggest scars are in your head - it's what you remember."

Mr O’Neill joined about 10,000 people at a memorial concert yesterday to mark the 20 years since the blast.

The bomb exploded while the musicians were practicing in the concert hall on Canada Road.

Ten men died instantly when the bomb detonated. An 11th bandsman died almost a month later from his injuries.

Members of the public have since donated about £1.2 million to the victims' families.