Pauline Green still faces a long period of recovery and extensive medical treatment, but she was able to leave Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital on crutches just 14 weeks after losing part of her leg in the blast that nearly killed her.

The car bomb detonated on a packed Omagh shopping street on 15 August, killing 29 people and injuring hundreds.

"I knew something was really badly wrong"

A terrorist group calling itself Real IRA accepted responsibility.

Pauline spoke slowly and appeared shy and hesitant as she described for reporters the moment the bomb exploded.

"I remember lying on the ground and knowing I was trapped," she said.

"It was the engine - the engine of the car [bomb], but I knew I couldn't get out and I was panicking.

"I knew something was really badly wrong."

The aftermath of the Omagh bomb

She had high praise for the staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital who helped her and many of the other survivors cope with the shattering event.

"They've been brilliant. I wouldn't have got through it if it wasn't for their help," she said.

"Every time I cried there was someone there. Every time I laughed it was them making me laugh.

"I've had brilliant times here as well as bad."

Pauline said the resolve and determination shown by other people injured in the bomb spurred her on the road to recovery.

Caroline Green: "It's good to have her home"

"I've seen what they can do it, so they give me great encouragement - to see everyone else getting out and making something of their life too.

"I'll get there in the end."

Pauline's mother Caroline was clearly overwhelmed by the emotion of the occasion.

"It was a long time coming. It's taken so long and she's suffered so much. It's good to have her home," she said.