A DREAM COMES TRUE FOR FOUR GENERATIONS
A dream comes true for four generations
Omagh family has cause for celebration
By Sarah Brett
A ROYAL dream of a lifetime came true for four generations of women from the same Omagh family yesterday.
The women of the McCain family were among the hundreds who thronged the streets of Omagh for a glimpse of the Queen on her historic Golden Jubilee visit. Kathleen McCain, her sisters, her daughter Gloria Connell, her grand-daughter Leigh Connell and her great-grandaughters Naomi and Lauren braved the inclement weather for almost four hours to welcome the Royal couple they admire so much.
"We came in before the roads closed this morning," said Kathleen. "I wanted to show my support and didn't want to miss this rare opportunity to celebrate her jubilee. "Describing the Queen's appearance, Gloria Connell commented: "She looked radiant, absolutely beautiful."
Leigh Connell's three-year-old daughter Lauren was undoubtedly one of the youngest fans gathered in the town centre.
"Lauren has been watching a lot of Royal coverage recently since the passing of the Queen Mother and for some reason she's taken a really big interest in the family - so today is very special for all of us."
During a 45 minute visit, incorporating a guided tour of the town library and a brief walkabout to the site of the 1998 bombing atrocity, the Queen was presented with a CD 'To Love and Peace', released by the Omagh Community Youth Choir in conjunction with world-famous composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Damien McNamee, who presented the CD after a rousing rendition of Danny Boy, said the Queen had been very interested in the choir, which was formed in the wake of the bomb to bring together young people from different backgrounds.
"She wanted to know all about the choir and what we had done in the last few years," said Damien.
Daryl Simpson, the choir's musical director, said its young members only had from last weekend to prepare for the performance in front of the Queen. "They were all very excited about the event and we are delighted that everything went so well," he said.
Accompanied by Secretary of State Dr John Reid, the Queen and Prince Philip met library staff, local community groups and the Omagh 2010 regeneration project. Library worker Wilma Armstrong is still recovering from a stroke suffered earlier in the year, but said she would not have missed the Royal audience "for all the world".
In their brief conversation the Queen commented: "You appear to be making a speedy recovery and looking very well."
"And so are you Ma'am," came the reply.
Omagh family has cause for celebration
By Sarah Brett
A ROYAL dream of a lifetime came true for four generations of women from the same Omagh family yesterday.
The women of the McCain family were among the hundreds who thronged the streets of Omagh for a glimpse of the Queen on her historic Golden Jubilee visit. Kathleen McCain, her sisters, her daughter Gloria Connell, her grand-daughter Leigh Connell and her great-grandaughters Naomi and Lauren braved the inclement weather for almost four hours to welcome the Royal couple they admire so much.
"We came in before the roads closed this morning," said Kathleen. "I wanted to show my support and didn't want to miss this rare opportunity to celebrate her jubilee. "Describing the Queen's appearance, Gloria Connell commented: "She looked radiant, absolutely beautiful."
Leigh Connell's three-year-old daughter Lauren was undoubtedly one of the youngest fans gathered in the town centre.
"Lauren has been watching a lot of Royal coverage recently since the passing of the Queen Mother and for some reason she's taken a really big interest in the family - so today is very special for all of us."
During a 45 minute visit, incorporating a guided tour of the town library and a brief walkabout to the site of the 1998 bombing atrocity, the Queen was presented with a CD 'To Love and Peace', released by the Omagh Community Youth Choir in conjunction with world-famous composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Damien McNamee, who presented the CD after a rousing rendition of Danny Boy, said the Queen had been very interested in the choir, which was formed in the wake of the bomb to bring together young people from different backgrounds.
"She wanted to know all about the choir and what we had done in the last few years," said Damien.
Daryl Simpson, the choir's musical director, said its young members only had from last weekend to prepare for the performance in front of the Queen. "They were all very excited about the event and we are delighted that everything went so well," he said.
Accompanied by Secretary of State Dr John Reid, the Queen and Prince Philip met library staff, local community groups and the Omagh 2010 regeneration project. Library worker Wilma Armstrong is still recovering from a stroke suffered earlier in the year, but said she would not have missed the Royal audience "for all the world".
In their brief conversation the Queen commented: "You appear to be making a speedy recovery and looking very well."
"And so are you Ma'am," came the reply.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0857
Published Date: 15-May-02
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