OLD FIRM IS UNITED AS GALA SHOW KICKS OFF
Old firm is united as gala show kicks off
By Michael O'Toole
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night received the first donation for the Scottish/Irish Omagh fund - and appealed for an end to violence, bigotry and sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland.
He was speaking at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre when a �50,000 cheque was handed over at a gala opening of a play on the 110 year history of Celtic FC -The Celtic Story.
Amongst special guests at the gala opening were Aisling Doherty, sister of eight year old bomb victim from Buncrana, Oran Doherty.
Celtic supporter Sean O'Connor, who was seen on video footage helping to rescue bomb victims in Omagh, also attended the opening ceremony, as did young Rangers fan Warren Warnock.
The Scottish/Irish fund was set up by leading Scottish businessmen, including former Celtic director Brian Dempsey, in the Humbert summer school in county Mayo, just after the bomb.
Mr Ahern told the audience that the �50,000 cheque would be put to good use for the people of Omagh.
He said: "we say no more violence, no more bigotry, no more sectarian divisions.
"Let us get on with the peaceful work of building on the Good Friday agreement in peaceful respective dialogue and with good will towards all.
"We will never forget the people of Omagh and the awful price they had to pay because hard hearts would not listen to the people's demand for peace and an end to all violence forever in Ireland.
The presence here tonight of Aisling, Sean and Warren, representing the two traditions, the green and the blue, is proof that they want to ensure an end to the horror of the past and a happy peaceful future.
By creating an atmosphere were green and blue can be worn together rejoicing in the competition but recognising the justified pride of the other person we can greatly assist the drive for peace."
The three young people wore Celtic and Rangers kits for the performance.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent a message of support to the ceremony.
By Michael O'Toole
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night received the first donation for the Scottish/Irish Omagh fund - and appealed for an end to violence, bigotry and sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland.
He was speaking at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre when a �50,000 cheque was handed over at a gala opening of a play on the 110 year history of Celtic FC -The Celtic Story.
Amongst special guests at the gala opening were Aisling Doherty, sister of eight year old bomb victim from Buncrana, Oran Doherty.
Celtic supporter Sean O'Connor, who was seen on video footage helping to rescue bomb victims in Omagh, also attended the opening ceremony, as did young Rangers fan Warren Warnock.
The Scottish/Irish fund was set up by leading Scottish businessmen, including former Celtic director Brian Dempsey, in the Humbert summer school in county Mayo, just after the bomb.
Mr Ahern told the audience that the �50,000 cheque would be put to good use for the people of Omagh.
He said: "we say no more violence, no more bigotry, no more sectarian divisions.
"Let us get on with the peaceful work of building on the Good Friday agreement in peaceful respective dialogue and with good will towards all.
"We will never forget the people of Omagh and the awful price they had to pay because hard hearts would not listen to the people's demand for peace and an end to all violence forever in Ireland.
The presence here tonight of Aisling, Sean and Warren, representing the two traditions, the green and the blue, is proof that they want to ensure an end to the horror of the past and a happy peaceful future.
By creating an atmosphere were green and blue can be worn together rejoicing in the competition but recognising the justified pride of the other person we can greatly assist the drive for peace."
The three young people wore Celtic and Rangers kits for the performance.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent a message of support to the ceremony.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0377
Published Date: 09-Sep-98
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