BOXING'S BIG NAMES WEIGH IN FOR OMAGH
Boxing's big names weigh in for Omagh
THE big names of boxing threw their might behind the people of Omagh to show their support for a community trying to rebuild after the bomb.
An audience of over 1,000 people packed Omagh Leisure Centre last night to see former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and the Clones Cyclone Barry McGuigan join Dublin's Celtic Warrior Steven Collins in celebrity bouts.
The last time the Leisure Centre was so full was in the immediate aftermath of the August 15 bomb, when relatives gathered to hear news of their dead and injured family members.
Last night's event, organised by Omagh Boys and Girls Club in aid of the Omagh Bomb Fund, included a minute's silence for the 29 dead and hundreds injured in the Real IRA bomb.
Afterwards, former world champion Steven Collins said he was honoured to be asked to take part.
"I was very happy with the invitation and I didn't hesitate, like everyone else who came up.
"I just hope that the presence or ourselves will continue to give this place the boost that it needs.
"It is great to come up and meet the people and see the positive attitude. It is an example to all of us."
His views were echoed by Frank Bruno, who said: "I feel humbled by the spirit of the people here. It has been tremendous being here. I am glad I could help in some small way, we all feel that."
THE big names of boxing threw their might behind the people of Omagh to show their support for a community trying to rebuild after the bomb.
An audience of over 1,000 people packed Omagh Leisure Centre last night to see former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and the Clones Cyclone Barry McGuigan join Dublin's Celtic Warrior Steven Collins in celebrity bouts.
The last time the Leisure Centre was so full was in the immediate aftermath of the August 15 bomb, when relatives gathered to hear news of their dead and injured family members.
Last night's event, organised by Omagh Boys and Girls Club in aid of the Omagh Bomb Fund, included a minute's silence for the 29 dead and hundreds injured in the Real IRA bomb.
Afterwards, former world champion Steven Collins said he was honoured to be asked to take part.
"I was very happy with the invitation and I didn't hesitate, like everyone else who came up.
"I just hope that the presence or ourselves will continue to give this place the boost that it needs.
"It is great to come up and meet the people and see the positive attitude. It is an example to all of us."
His views were echoed by Frank Bruno, who said: "I feel humbled by the spirit of the people here. It has been tremendous being here. I am glad I could help in some small way, we all feel that."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0508
Published Date: 19-Nov-98
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