PREMIER GIANTS TO PLAY FOR OMAGH
Premier giants to play for Omagh
EXCLUSIVE
By STEVEN BEACOM
THE biggest names in British football have pledged to play Omagh Town to raise money for those who suffered in last weekend's horrific bombing.
Omagh manager, Roy McCreadie confirmed last night that Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic and Rangers have all been in contact about the possibility of playing a friendly with proceeds going to the Trust Fund set up in the aftermath of last Saturday's atrocity, which killed 28 people and injured hundreds of others.
"All of them have European commitments at the moment, but to their credit all five have said they would like to come over when dates allow, to play against Omagh Town with the money raised going to the Trust Fund," said McCreadie.
Officials from Omagh Town FC have held discussions with the local council about the prospect.
And already major airlines have indicated they would fly over any of the five giants free of charge if and when the games take place.
Given the interest such a match or matches would bring it is unlikely at this stage that St Julian's Road, Omagh's home ground, would have the capacity to be the host.
A more likely prospect is to play at St Enda's GAA pitch in the town which has a capacity of around 22,000.
Such is their standing in Northern Ireland, and in sporting mad Tyrone, any one of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic or Rangers would easily fill the ground and all the more-so with gate money going to the Trust Fund.
There's even the possibility in the future that a game may be held at Windsor Park between two of the big five, again in aid of those affected by the Omagh bombing.
Michael McHugh's on-off transfer from Omagh Town to Derry City has finally gone through.
Both clubs agreed to compromise in the matter which entered the courts in a dispute over registra- tion of the player.
The striker was relieved to complete his move to the Brandywell last night.
EXCLUSIVE
By STEVEN BEACOM
THE biggest names in British football have pledged to play Omagh Town to raise money for those who suffered in last weekend's horrific bombing.
Omagh manager, Roy McCreadie confirmed last night that Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic and Rangers have all been in contact about the possibility of playing a friendly with proceeds going to the Trust Fund set up in the aftermath of last Saturday's atrocity, which killed 28 people and injured hundreds of others.
"All of them have European commitments at the moment, but to their credit all five have said they would like to come over when dates allow, to play against Omagh Town with the money raised going to the Trust Fund," said McCreadie.
Officials from Omagh Town FC have held discussions with the local council about the prospect.
And already major airlines have indicated they would fly over any of the five giants free of charge if and when the games take place.
Given the interest such a match or matches would bring it is unlikely at this stage that St Julian's Road, Omagh's home ground, would have the capacity to be the host.
A more likely prospect is to play at St Enda's GAA pitch in the town which has a capacity of around 22,000.
Such is their standing in Northern Ireland, and in sporting mad Tyrone, any one of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic or Rangers would easily fill the ground and all the more-so with gate money going to the Trust Fund.
There's even the possibility in the future that a game may be held at Windsor Park between two of the big five, again in aid of those affected by the Omagh bombing.
Michael McHugh's on-off transfer from Omagh Town to Derry City has finally gone through.
Both clubs agreed to compromise in the matter which entered the courts in a dispute over registra- tion of the player.
The striker was relieved to complete his move to the Brandywell last night.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH EXTRA
Ref: BT/0209
Published Date: 22-Aug-98
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