POOR CROWD FOR OMAGH GAME
Poor crowd for Omagh game
By Seamus McKinney
THE GAA in Co Tyrone is confident Saturday's compromise rules' game will raise a huge sum for the Omagh bomb fund despite the fact that fewer spectators than expected turned up.
With the best Gaelic footballers in Ireland on display, a huge crowd was anticipated at Omagh's St Enda's GAA grounds.
The game - a trial match between Ulster/Galway and the Rest of Ireland in preparation for compromise rules tests against Australia - was the GAA's response to appeals for help for the Omagh bomb victims.
Last month the organisation's leadership was criticised for refusing to allow Omagh Town soccer club permission to use the large stadium for,a charity soccer match in aid of the bomb fund.
But, despite the attraction of the best footballers in the land, only approximately 3,000 spectators turned out for the match which was won by the Ulster/Galway selection.
After the game, Tyrone county secretary, Dominic McCaughey said the day had been successful despite the low turn-out.
"As the tickets were sold through the clubs, we won't know how much was raised until later. But we believe many people bought tickets to contribute to the fund but didn't intend coming to the game," he explained.
Players from both selections arrived in Tyrone early on Saturday and spent the morning coaching young footballers at four venues across the county, giving them the chance to meet their idols.
As a curtain-raiser to the main event, the All-Ireland winning Tyrone minor team played an Ulster selection with three players from each of the remaining eight counties.
Proudly displaying the Tom Markam Cup, the Tyrone youngsters won the game easily.
The event was also enhanced by the presence of popular band, the Artane Boys' Band who traditionally provide entertainment at All Ireland finals and other key games in the GAA calender.
Following the game, the players remained at St Enda's GAA ground signing autographs for young football fans.
By Seamus McKinney
THE GAA in Co Tyrone is confident Saturday's compromise rules' game will raise a huge sum for the Omagh bomb fund despite the fact that fewer spectators than expected turned up.
With the best Gaelic footballers in Ireland on display, a huge crowd was anticipated at Omagh's St Enda's GAA grounds.
The game - a trial match between Ulster/Galway and the Rest of Ireland in preparation for compromise rules tests against Australia - was the GAA's response to appeals for help for the Omagh bomb victims.
Last month the organisation's leadership was criticised for refusing to allow Omagh Town soccer club permission to use the large stadium for,a charity soccer match in aid of the bomb fund.
But, despite the attraction of the best footballers in the land, only approximately 3,000 spectators turned out for the match which was won by the Ulster/Galway selection.
After the game, Tyrone county secretary, Dominic McCaughey said the day had been successful despite the low turn-out.
"As the tickets were sold through the clubs, we won't know how much was raised until later. But we believe many people bought tickets to contribute to the fund but didn't intend coming to the game," he explained.
Players from both selections arrived in Tyrone early on Saturday and spent the morning coaching young footballers at four venues across the county, giving them the chance to meet their idols.
As a curtain-raiser to the main event, the All-Ireland winning Tyrone minor team played an Ulster selection with three players from each of the remaining eight counties.
Proudly displaying the Tom Markam Cup, the Tyrone youngsters won the game easily.
The event was also enhanced by the presence of popular band, the Artane Boys' Band who traditionally provide entertainment at All Ireland finals and other key games in the GAA calender.
Following the game, the players remained at St Enda's GAA ground signing autographs for young football fans.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0429
Published Date: 05-Oct-98
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