Schools lament bombing charity closure

The cross-community charity was set up following the 1987 Remembrance Day bombing in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, which killed 11 people. A twelfth victim died in 2000.

School principals from across NI lamented the end of the organisation which they said had "helped to build the peace".

A statement said: "We deeply regret the closure of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust with the loss of key staff and several vital programmes.

"What must now happen is that a way be found to ensure that this work continues, although the Trust is gone. The work must go on so that we do not turn back."

The trust was established in 1989 but is closing due to financial reasons.

It was inspired by the words of Gordon Wilson, who lost his daughter in the no-warning IRA blast 25 years ago, but went on to forgive the bombers.

The teachers continued: "The witness of Gordon Wilson has given us a firm foundation on which to build. The challenge now is to take forward that work.

"Financial pressure may have closed Spirit of Enniskillen Trust, but we pledge to keep alive Gordon Wilson's foundation for a better society."

The statement was issued by: Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry~Londonderry; St Joseph's Boys' School, Derry; Lisneal College, Londonderry; Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle; Ballycastle High School; Collegiate Grammar School, Enniskillen; St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel; North Coast Integrated College, Coleraine; Magherafelt High School; Antrim Grammar School; Dunclug College, Ballymena; Ballymena Academy; Kilkeel High School; St Colm's High School, Draperstown.