FESTIVAL ORGANISERS TO STAGE BENEFIT FOR OMAGH VICTIMS
Festival organisers to stage benefit for Omagh Victims
By Chris Ashmore
The organisers of the Letterkenny International Festival are hoping to hold a special benefit day for the families of those who lost loved ones or who were injured in the Omagh bombing.
The 30th festival in the Cathedral Town was due to end on Sunday, but in the aftermath of the Omagh massacre all events that day were cancelled as a mark of respect. However Festival Director. Mr. Gary Cooney, told the Democrat yesterday that they now hope to stage a
benefit day for the people of Omagh and Buncrana.
This is likely to mean that the planned carnival parade, originally scheduled for Sunday, will be staged after all while the Donegal Marching Band Association's Co. Championships may also get the go-ahead. Other entertainment will also be provided.
The festival committee had strong links with both Omagh - a Conestoga Wagon from the Ulster American Folk Park with associated sideshows was due to arrive on Sunday - and Buncrana, where they worked closely with its festival committee.
"The festival ended on a sombre note but we are going to finish it," he said, adding that the committee would welcome any ideas for a benefit day.Reflecting on the rest of the festival programme, he expressed satisfaction with the way things had gone. "There was a good turnout on the streets, there was no trouble and the weather was good, but it ended on a sombre note for us all.'He said.
Looking to the future, he was confident that it will continue but again stressed that there is a need for "fresh faces and new ideas".
He expressed his thanks to all the marching bands, various acts and those preparing for the carnival on Sunday for their co-operation in the circumstances and expressed his sympathy to all those who have suffered as a result of the bombing.
The festival was officially opened last Wednesday at the town's market square by local man Barney Doherty, one of its founder members and a former director for many years. He recalled how the festival has changed over the years - less than 200 people attended the first opening over 1.000 were present this year - and how it has given such joy to so many people.
The festival has seen many changes over the years and one of the most radical departures this year was at the
pre-festival reception where Ballybofey man Mark Mclntyre proved to be a big hit with his comical impressions which range from Elvis and Tina Turner to Daniel O'Donnell. Among the platform party. at the official opening were: Clr. Danny Harkin, chairman. Donegal Co. Council Clrs Tadhg Culbert. Jim Lynch. Sean Maloney and James Larkin. and representatives from former festivals. James Grieve and Jean Curran.
By Chris Ashmore
The organisers of the Letterkenny International Festival are hoping to hold a special benefit day for the families of those who lost loved ones or who were injured in the Omagh bombing.
The 30th festival in the Cathedral Town was due to end on Sunday, but in the aftermath of the Omagh massacre all events that day were cancelled as a mark of respect. However Festival Director. Mr. Gary Cooney, told the Democrat yesterday that they now hope to stage a
benefit day for the people of Omagh and Buncrana.
This is likely to mean that the planned carnival parade, originally scheduled for Sunday, will be staged after all while the Donegal Marching Band Association's Co. Championships may also get the go-ahead. Other entertainment will also be provided.
The festival committee had strong links with both Omagh - a Conestoga Wagon from the Ulster American Folk Park with associated sideshows was due to arrive on Sunday - and Buncrana, where they worked closely with its festival committee.
"The festival ended on a sombre note but we are going to finish it," he said, adding that the committee would welcome any ideas for a benefit day.Reflecting on the rest of the festival programme, he expressed satisfaction with the way things had gone. "There was a good turnout on the streets, there was no trouble and the weather was good, but it ended on a sombre note for us all.'He said.
Looking to the future, he was confident that it will continue but again stressed that there is a need for "fresh faces and new ideas".
He expressed his thanks to all the marching bands, various acts and those preparing for the carnival on Sunday for their co-operation in the circumstances and expressed his sympathy to all those who have suffered as a result of the bombing.
The festival was officially opened last Wednesday at the town's market square by local man Barney Doherty, one of its founder members and a former director for many years. He recalled how the festival has changed over the years - less than 200 people attended the first opening over 1.000 were present this year - and how it has given such joy to so many people.
The festival has seen many changes over the years and one of the most radical departures this year was at the
pre-festival reception where Ballybofey man Mark Mclntyre proved to be a big hit with his comical impressions which range from Elvis and Tina Turner to Daniel O'Donnell. Among the platform party. at the official opening were: Clr. Danny Harkin, chairman. Donegal Co. Council Clrs Tadhg Culbert. Jim Lynch. Sean Maloney and James Larkin. and representatives from former festivals. James Grieve and Jean Curran.
Further Information
Publisher: DONEGAL DEMOCRAT
Ref: DOD/022
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.