UNITED ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR OMAGH BOY
United rolls out the red carpet for Omagh boy
Alastair Toast of Old Trafford
by Kathryn Torney
OMAGH bomb victim Alastair Hall scored a hug from Posh Spice last weekend during a visit to watch his football heroes play at Old Trafford.
Alastair (13) watched the match which secured Manchester United's Premiership title as the special guest of the club's chief executive, Mike Farnan.
Mr Farnan met the brave teenager, who lost his right leg below the knee in the August tragedy, when he was the mascot at the recent Ireland v England rugby match.
During his visit, Alastair met most of the team, including his favourite players David Beckham and Dwight Yorke. He and his parents, Lindsay and Gwen, were also taken to the players' lounge, courtesy of captain Roy Keane.
The all expenses paid trip included a chauffeur-driven journey between Omagh and Dublin and Alastair also got to travel in the cockpit during the flight.
The family watched the match against Tottenham Hotspur from the director's box, attended a VIP lunch and also met Irish premier Bertie Ahern.
Bobby Charlton even asked Alastair to be caddy for him when he comes to play golf in Northern Ireland.
Alastair said: "It was a really good match and it was even better being there because it was just two days after my birthday.
"Posh Spice was very nice but she didn't say very much."
Posh handed her young son Brooklyn over to her sister and parents before putting her arms around Alastair for the photograph.
Alastair returned to school in January and recently began playing football again.
"My leg is quite comfortable and I am not in much pain," he said.
A section of the match programme was dedicated to the Hall family.
Alastair's mum Gwen fractured her skull and suffered compound fractures in the blast. It said: "They have shown tremendous bravery and courage since the time of the outrage."
It ended with: "Best wishes to you and we hope that you will have a wonderful day at Old Trafford and that you will take lots of pleasant and lasting memories back to Northern Ireland." Lindsay said: "It was an unbelievable day which just got better and better.
"Posh Spice was very nice and I thanked her for letting us take a picture.
"We have had a tough time since August, but the goodness of people has got us through it well.
"It is amazing how the bomb, despite the intention of the people who planted it, has brought the communities in Omagh together.
"It was a long winter for us, because it started in August, but the good days are here now and Alastair and Gwen are getting stronger."
Alastair Toast of Old Trafford
by Kathryn Torney
OMAGH bomb victim Alastair Hall scored a hug from Posh Spice last weekend during a visit to watch his football heroes play at Old Trafford.
Alastair (13) watched the match which secured Manchester United's Premiership title as the special guest of the club's chief executive, Mike Farnan.
Mr Farnan met the brave teenager, who lost his right leg below the knee in the August tragedy, when he was the mascot at the recent Ireland v England rugby match.
During his visit, Alastair met most of the team, including his favourite players David Beckham and Dwight Yorke. He and his parents, Lindsay and Gwen, were also taken to the players' lounge, courtesy of captain Roy Keane.
The all expenses paid trip included a chauffeur-driven journey between Omagh and Dublin and Alastair also got to travel in the cockpit during the flight.
The family watched the match against Tottenham Hotspur from the director's box, attended a VIP lunch and also met Irish premier Bertie Ahern.
Bobby Charlton even asked Alastair to be caddy for him when he comes to play golf in Northern Ireland.
Alastair said: "It was a really good match and it was even better being there because it was just two days after my birthday.
"Posh Spice was very nice but she didn't say very much."
Posh handed her young son Brooklyn over to her sister and parents before putting her arms around Alastair for the photograph.
Alastair returned to school in January and recently began playing football again.
"My leg is quite comfortable and I am not in much pain," he said.
A section of the match programme was dedicated to the Hall family.
Alastair's mum Gwen fractured her skull and suffered compound fractures in the blast. It said: "They have shown tremendous bravery and courage since the time of the outrage."
It ended with: "Best wishes to you and we hope that you will have a wonderful day at Old Trafford and that you will take lots of pleasant and lasting memories back to Northern Ireland." Lindsay said: "It was an unbelievable day which just got better and better.
"Posh Spice was very nice and I thanked her for letting us take a picture.
"We have had a tough time since August, but the goodness of people has got us through it well.
"It is amazing how the bomb, despite the intention of the people who planted it, has brought the communities in Omagh together.
"It was a long winter for us, because it started in August, but the good days are here now and Alastair and Gwen are getting stronger."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0934
Published Date: 20-May-99
Related Images
