BT/0669

Stars out in force for Omagh concert
By Maeve Quigley

ON October 4, a host of celebrities will be gathering in the Waterfront Hall, all thanks to the hard work of Bangor housewife Judith Thurley.
For it was Judith who originally had the idea for A Concert For Omagh, first planning to hold a small event in a church hall.
Now Brian Kennedy and Mary Black will top the Waterfront Hall bill which also features the Ulster Orchestra, Rosemary Woods, Jim and Alex Elder, Siobhan Skates and Christy McGuigan.
Former nurse and mum of two Judith began organising the concert on the Monday after the Omagh bombing took place.
"I just felt I had to do something. The whole idea for the concert came from such a painful experience and it was just something I felt driven to do. Once I began I couldn't stop."
Judith managed to contact a number of people in the music Business who were more than happy to help her to organise the event.
However, it was still no mean feat, juggling a job and a household and getting the concert on the road.
It doesn't matter though - my stress is a very small price to pay if it helps people with what they are going through.
"The idea was to make a gesture, to show the people of Omagh that we cared and I think music is a very healing medium.
"Tickets for the concert sold out within 36 hours and it just goes to show the strength of feeling amongst people across the province.
"However, the fact that we'll raise about £28,000 for the Omagh Fund is a brilliant bonus."
Wonderland Promotions, 20/20 Public Relations, Belfast City Council, British Midland and a host of other organisations have offered their services for Sunday's concert for free, as have all those taking part.
And for Judith herself, Sunday night's event will mark the culmination of a lot of hard work which will have been worth it if even some of those touched by the tragedy know that they are still constantly in the thoughts of the people of Northern Ireland.