OMAGH MAKE NEW GROUND RULES
Omagh make new ground rules
OMAGH Town have decided to play a benefit game in aid of the Omagh bomb victims at their own St Julian's Road ground rather than Healy Park, home of St Enda's GAA club.
There had been much controversy when the GAA hierarchy refused to bend their rules and allow the high profile match with Manchester United or another top British club - to go ahead at one of their grounds.
Even officials of St Enda's were turning at the GAA ruling and according to Omagh Town director Pat McGlinchey they scheduled a meeting for last night to discuss the possibility of defying the Dublin decision.
Healy Park has a capacity of 20,000 while St Julian's Road can hold 5,000.
McGlinchey said today: "I met with St Enda's chairman Brendan McAleer before their meeting last night and informed him that we did not need the game to be played at Healy Park now.
"It was very kind of St Enda's to support us and the victims "But they could face a lengthy ban or suspension if they defied the original ruling and we weren't happy with that."
Omagh Town officials even intend to investigate the possibility of extra seats to add to the rapacity at St Julian's Road.
Omagh manager Roy McCreadie said:"We are happy to play the game at home but you get the feeling the GAA have scored a terrible own goal."
OMAGH Town have decided to play a benefit game in aid of the Omagh bomb victims at their own St Julian's Road ground rather than Healy Park, home of St Enda's GAA club.
There had been much controversy when the GAA hierarchy refused to bend their rules and allow the high profile match with Manchester United or another top British club - to go ahead at one of their grounds.
Even officials of St Enda's were turning at the GAA ruling and according to Omagh Town director Pat McGlinchey they scheduled a meeting for last night to discuss the possibility of defying the Dublin decision.
Healy Park has a capacity of 20,000 while St Julian's Road can hold 5,000.
McGlinchey said today: "I met with St Enda's chairman Brendan McAleer before their meeting last night and informed him that we did not need the game to be played at Healy Park now.
"It was very kind of St Enda's to support us and the victims "But they could face a lengthy ban or suspension if they defied the original ruling and we weren't happy with that."
Omagh Town officials even intend to investigate the possibility of extra seats to add to the rapacity at St Julian's Road.
Omagh manager Roy McCreadie said:"We are happy to play the game at home but you get the feeling the GAA have scored a terrible own goal."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0443
Published Date: 30-Sep-98
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