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Boyzone brings smiles back to Omagh and boost fund by £20,000
By ROSETTA DONNELLY

POP heartbreakers Boyzone put the smiles back on the faces of the young people of Omagh in a special visit to the town.
The Dublin group spent all day Saturday in the devastated town, putting on two free gigs and meeting those hurt in the August blast.
They played to 2,000 people - including those maimed, burned and ,disfigured in the Real IRA bombing which killed 29 people - and their shows are expected to boost Omagh Fund by £20,000. Lead singer; Ronan Keating said afterwards the two concerts were 'the most special' they have ever performed.
The band wanted to do something for Omagh, he explained. Choosing the best way they knew, they decided to put on two concerts in the Co Tyrone town.
After the matinee performance the group met 150 people injured by the bomb, chatting with the girls and boys - some badly disfigured and many missing limbs. At the concert Boyzone also announced they are donating their Platinum disc to the Omagh Fund: they hope it will raise a substantial victims and families. Pauline Greene (19) who was standing beside the bomb car when it exploded, blowing off a leg at the ankle and severely burning her, said meeting Boyzone was a terrific boost. It was like a dream come true and she was amazed at how genuine and down to earth the lads were they seemed to really care about the people of Omagh.
Teenage idol Mikey said after the concert that people everywhere had a duty to take Omagh to their hearts and help its people whatever way they could.
"I have never felt as proud in all my career with the band as I did playing to the people of Omagh," he added.
Last night talented young musicians from all over the country came together to help raise funds for the Omagh victims, writes Barry Roche.
The National Youth Orchestra gave a special-charity-concert to a packed City Hall in Cork, with all proceeds going to the youth of Omagh.
"The idea for the concert came from Minister for Education Micheal Martin and we hope to raise about £30, 000," said concert co-ordinator Gerry Kelly.