SOCCER ACE COLE IS KING OF HEARTS IN ULSTER
Soccer ace Cole is king of hearts in Ulster for a day
By Suzanne Rodgers
FEMALE fans jostled with football enthusiasts in Omagh yesterday during the morale-boosting visit by Manchester United star Andy Cole.
And they were not disappointed. The soccer ace happily signed autographs on everything from hands to football shirts and had a word for everyone. He was in Omagh, still trying to come to terms with the August bomb, to meet staff at the accident and emergency unit in Tyrone County Hospital.
There he paid tribute to their work and said he was touched by their courage and selflessness.
And he revealed that he felt compelled to come to Omagh himself after the bomb forced him to stop and re-evaluate the important things in his life.
"At 3pm on the day the bomb went off I was full of hope for the coming season.
"By 3.10pm that day hope had been shattered for the community of Omagh.
"By 5.30pm the result of a football match didn't seem that important."
Cole, Manchester United Supporters Club Player of the Year, said he hoped his visit would contribute, even in a small way, to the community's recovery.
Meanwhile, Omagh singer Dominic Kirwan has raised �21,000 for the Omagh fund through a number of shows in England including �13,000 from a night at the Galtymore Club in London.
By Suzanne Rodgers
FEMALE fans jostled with football enthusiasts in Omagh yesterday during the morale-boosting visit by Manchester United star Andy Cole.
And they were not disappointed. The soccer ace happily signed autographs on everything from hands to football shirts and had a word for everyone. He was in Omagh, still trying to come to terms with the August bomb, to meet staff at the accident and emergency unit in Tyrone County Hospital.
There he paid tribute to their work and said he was touched by their courage and selflessness.
And he revealed that he felt compelled to come to Omagh himself after the bomb forced him to stop and re-evaluate the important things in his life.
"At 3pm on the day the bomb went off I was full of hope for the coming season.
"By 3.10pm that day hope had been shattered for the community of Omagh.
"By 5.30pm the result of a football match didn't seem that important."
Cole, Manchester United Supporters Club Player of the Year, said he hoped his visit would contribute, even in a small way, to the community's recovery.
Meanwhile, Omagh singer Dominic Kirwan has raised �21,000 for the Omagh fund through a number of shows in England including �13,000 from a night at the Galtymore Club in London.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0715
Published Date: 01-Dec-98
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