Fintona Methodist Church RUC GC Service
On Sunday 24th November 2024 a special service was held in Fintona Methodist Church for the dedication of a marble memorial in memory of those who had served as police officers in Fintona RUC station and in honour of those who continue to serve in County Tyrone. The service was led by Rev Eleanor Hayden, supported by Rev Canon Charles McCartney, Chaplain to RUC GC Omagh and Canon John T Woods.
The service opened with a welcome to Mr Robert Scott OBE His majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Tyrone and the reception of the Standards of the various Divisions represented at the dedication. Bugler, Mr Chris Burry, sounded the Last Post and Reveille; Piper, Mr Alistair Donaghy, played “The Flowers of the Forest” a lament for the fallen.
The high point of the service was the dedication of the RUC Crest and Memorial Tablet. The honour fell to Mr Aylmer McKinney, a former reserve constable and member of Fintona Methodist Church. Mr Davy Beck, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, PSNI, read the lesson with prayers being offered by the officiating clergy. A thoughtful sermon of remembrance and reflection, perfect for the occasion, was delivered by Rev Eleanor Hayden from Omagh Methodist Church.
Following the service, which was well supported by members of the RUC GC Omagh Association and their families, the congregation repaired to the Presbyterian Church Hall next door for refreshments. Mr Ross Hussey, Chairman of the Omagh Branch of the RUC GC Association, used the occasion to thank to all those who had helped in making the occasion memorable and successful.
