The death of a student murdered in the Omagh bomb left a “huge void” in her family, her twin brother has told the inquiry into the atrocity.
Julia Hughes (21) was working in the Express Camera shop in the town on the day of the Real IRA blast on August 15, 1998.
She had been working there during the summer while home from university in Dundee.
A statement compiled by Julia’s twin brother, Justin, was read by John Rafferty KC, counsel to the inquiry. He said Julia was “kind, funny and adventurous”.
“Julia was small, but fire burned in her heart,” he continued.
“She was feisty when she needed to be. She proved this at school by playing goalie for the girls’ hockey team.
‘She was my twin and now I am her voice’ – Justin Hughes
“A fearless competitor, she also loved the camaraderie with her teammates. Her friends stayed with her throughout her life and I’m still in contact with many of them to this day.
“They’ve never forgotten their friendships with Julia and this is testament to the sort of friend that she was — honest, loyal and trustworthy.”
Justin told the inquiry that when Julia left for Dundee in 1995, she had struggled to settle in, but that the pair had kept in touch through letters and phone calls.
“With the help of her lecturers and her year head, Julia really began to enjoy student life in Dundee,” he said.
“Julia was just a year away from gaining her degree when she was killed. After working so hard, she was denied the chance to graduate with her friends and classmates.”
Following her death in the bomb, Dundee University awarded Julia with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. The university also dedicated an award in her memory.
The aftermath of the Omagh bomb in 1998
“The prize is awarded to a student who has overcome difficulties and adversity, someone who goes on to excel in their field of study,” he said.
“On the 25th anniversary of her death, I was fortunate enough to be able to present this prize, on behalf of our family, to the winner in 2023.
“This was the first time the prize was presented in person by a member of our family, such was the grief we felt at her loss.
“None of us had the strength to go to the place where Julia had lived [for] the last three years of her life.”
Justin said the loss of his sister had been “insurmountable” for the family.
“It shattered our very being. Life was never the same again,” he said.
“She was my twin and now I am her voice. I shared an unbreakable bond with her.
“Growing up, we were inseparable, sharing secrets, dreams and countless memories that shaped who we are.
“Her tragic and senseless loss left a huge void in all of our hearts — a void that can never be filled.
“I carry her with me, honouring her memory every day by talking about her. And to this very day, I still talk to her.
“The pain remains and we just cope the best we can.”
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News Catch Up: Monday 10th February