THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR UNITED TRIBUTE TO OMAGH
Thousands turn out for United tribute to Omagh
By Alan Erwin
MANCHESTER UNITED had Omagh buzzing last night when the treble winners flew in for a high-profile charity friendly match.
The visit was in aid of the Omagh fund, set up after the bomb which claimed 29 lives last August.
But the carnival atmosphere which gripped the town yesterday was in stark contrast to the horrific scenes a year ago.
The 7,000 fans at the St Julian's Road ground went wild as captain Roy Keane led his team out into the evening sun to face Omagh Town.
Earlier supporters headed to the Silverbirch Hotel in the town where the United team was staying. Hundreds of them waited patiently fur the chance to snatch an autograph from one of their idols.
Some of the stars obliged before they made their way onto the team coach while others ignored the pleas - obviously totally focused on the sterling test before them. Sixteen-year-old Tony Sharkey from Omagh was one of those lucky enough to meet the players.
"It's great to meet the richest club in the world" he said, proudly clutching Denis Irwin's signature.
"I was at the Chelsea game last week but I think Manchester United will score more goals".
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the "indomitable spirit" of the people of Omagh as he told of his pleasure at bringing the team to Northern Ireland.
"It's fitting that Manchester United are here in Northern Ireland because of the tremendous support we have here. I am only sorry that the reason for our visit this time is tinged with such extreme sadness and suffering. But we are nevertheless delighted to be providing the opposition for this fund-raising event".
District council chairman Allan Rainey described the visit as a "very special occasion, almost 12 months on from when we were completely devastated and on our knees".
"The bereaved families are coming through a difficult time, especially as we get closer to the anniversary.
"The tension rises and no doubt they will feel it the most. However it must lift them to know that this calibre of people have found it necessary to come along and lift them so that they can face the next few weeks".
The visit of Manchester United is the second of three high-profiled games to boost the Omagh fund. Chelsea were in Omagh last week while Liverpool are scheduled to come to St Julian's Road in October.
For the record United ran out 9-0 winners.
By Alan Erwin
MANCHESTER UNITED had Omagh buzzing last night when the treble winners flew in for a high-profile charity friendly match.
The visit was in aid of the Omagh fund, set up after the bomb which claimed 29 lives last August.
But the carnival atmosphere which gripped the town yesterday was in stark contrast to the horrific scenes a year ago.
The 7,000 fans at the St Julian's Road ground went wild as captain Roy Keane led his team out into the evening sun to face Omagh Town.
Earlier supporters headed to the Silverbirch Hotel in the town where the United team was staying. Hundreds of them waited patiently fur the chance to snatch an autograph from one of their idols.
Some of the stars obliged before they made their way onto the team coach while others ignored the pleas - obviously totally focused on the sterling test before them. Sixteen-year-old Tony Sharkey from Omagh was one of those lucky enough to meet the players.
"It's great to meet the richest club in the world" he said, proudly clutching Denis Irwin's signature.
"I was at the Chelsea game last week but I think Manchester United will score more goals".
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the "indomitable spirit" of the people of Omagh as he told of his pleasure at bringing the team to Northern Ireland.
"It's fitting that Manchester United are here in Northern Ireland because of the tremendous support we have here. I am only sorry that the reason for our visit this time is tinged with such extreme sadness and suffering. But we are nevertheless delighted to be providing the opposition for this fund-raising event".
District council chairman Allan Rainey described the visit as a "very special occasion, almost 12 months on from when we were completely devastated and on our knees".
"The bereaved families are coming through a difficult time, especially as we get closer to the anniversary.
"The tension rises and no doubt they will feel it the most. However it must lift them to know that this calibre of people have found it necessary to come along and lift them so that they can face the next few weeks".
The visit of Manchester United is the second of three high-profiled games to boost the Omagh fund. Chelsea were in Omagh last week while Liverpool are scheduled to come to St Julian's Road in October.
For the record United ran out 9-0 winners.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0292
Published Date: 04-Aug-99
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