Relatives of the Omagh bomb victims held a memorial service today as a sign of solidarity with those killed in the Madrid blasts.
The families said the train bombings had instigated stark reminders of their own nightmare and the community wanted an opportunity to express its understanding and grief.
The moving service was conducted at the Omagh Memorial Gardens this afternoon and included music, a period of reflection and prayer.
Two Spaniards were among the 29 killed, including a woman pregnant with twins, in the "Real IRA" atrocity of August 1998.
Mr Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed in the blast, said because they had such a strong connection with Spain, they felt a service in the Co Tyrone town would be a fitting tribute.
"This is the first opportunity for the families and the people of Omagh to show solidarity with those who lost their lives and the survivors in Madrid," he said.
"Last week's bombings brought back all the memories of Omagh
the fact these people were just going about their daily business, the hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with devastation and the communications systems cut off.
"I could understand the panic people were having when trying to contact someone they cared about... you always think the worst."
PA