Memoriam tribute to brave Omagh fire hero Caroline

Sometimes following the darkest of tragedies, a glimmer of light and hope can appear, to help grieving families come to terms with their loss. Even though brave Caroline McGovern (13) died together with her parents and four siblings, at the horrific Lammy Crescent fire in Omagh on November 13, 2007, her courage still shines like a bright beacon to this day. That amazing bravery was duly recognised last Wednesday night at Corrick House in Clogher, Co. Tyrone when the Minister for Justice with the Northern Ireland Executive, David Forde presented the grandparents of Caroline McGovern with the very highest civilian bravery award. A coroner ruled last December that Lorraine McGovern (Caroline’s mother) and her five children were burned to death by her partner because she was going to leave him. Lorraine (29) died with her children Caroline (13), Sean (7), Belina (5), Clodagh (19 months) and James (nine months). Her partner and the children’s father, Arthur McElhill, also died in the blaze. Caroline’s family were presented with the ‘In Memoriam’ honour courtesy of the Royal Humane Society for her bravery and courage in trying to save her family from the blaze. The blaze was started by her father, Arthur McElhill and brave Caroline fought against the smoke and flames to raise the alarm. In the early hours of the morning on November 13, 2007, he set the house at Lammy Crescent in Omagh on fire. Later police revealed that the eldest of the children Caroline McGovern made a 999 call minutes before the house was engulfed in flames. The recording was played at the inquest into the deaths and Caroline was heard saying “help me” and “I’m burning”. Caroline’s body was found in the house. She had the phone in one hand and her rosary beads in the other. Following the tragedy, the police in Omagh recommended that Caroline receive a posthumous award for her bravery in the face of death. Caroline’s family are really proud that her amazing efforts in the face of huge adversity have been recognised. Her grandparents Kevin and Theresa McGovern, who reside at Mountview House, Arderra, Bawnboy, told The Anglo-Celt that they are very proud that Caroline has been honoured. Theresa said: “I am honoured to have accepted this award in recognition of how brave a girl she was on that night for her age in trying to save her family. It is only right that she be honoured for that courage.” Theresa told The Anglo-Celt this week “Caroline was our first grandchild”. Kevin McGovern said they were very honoured to have had such a brave grand-daughter. “I will always remember her as a bubbly and joyful young girl - so full of fun. Everyone of them will a lways be remembered.” “Caroline lived with us for two years with her mother Lorraine and she left here when she was just two years of age,” said Theresa. Caroline’s mother, Lorraine, was the eldest daughter of Kevin and Theresa McGovern and Caroline was born in Cavan General Hospital. The Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland, David Forde, speaking after the ceremony said it was a difficult and emotional night for the families. “It is an honour for me to be here to recognise the bravery of young Caroline.” So almost three years after her frantic efforts to save her family, Caroline McGovern’s family have a treasured award recognised what she did that fateful night. Almost three years after the death of Caroline McGovern, a Facebook page has been established, which is dedicated to her memory. The site has been created by her school pal, Claudia McNamee. Hundreds of messages posted on the ‘Gone but not Forgotten’ Facebook site, include: “one of the most amazing friends any1 cud ever ask for.” Three years may have passed but it is clear that her gransparents, family and friends will never forget the courage and bravery of the Omagh girl who, even when her life was in danger, she still put her family first. The award not only acknowledges her selfless act but also keeps her memory even more vivid in the hearts and minds of all who loved Caroline.