CHELSEA STARS SHINE FOR OMAGH
Chelsea stars shine for Omagh
By Martin Breen
PEOPLE in Omagh had plenty to smile about nearly one year after Real IRA bombers brought murder to the town.
Nearly 7,000 football fans packed into Omagh Town's small St Julian's Road stadium last night to see the local boys take on the might of Premiership side Chelsea.
But the memory of last August's atrocity in which 29 people and unborn twins were killed was never far away.
Before the match got underway players and fans alike bowed their heads in a solemn minute's silence for the victims of the atrocity.
All proceeds from last night's match, expected to be several thousand pounds, are being donated to the Omagh Fund which is ending active fundraising on August 14, one day before the bomb anniversary.
Chelsea players expressed optimism that their trip to the town could help strengthen the spirit of the people of Omagh in overcoming the events of the past year.
In a personal message to Omagh, team captain Gianluca Vialli said: "I hope you can take heart from Chelsea Football Club. I am delighted and proud to be able to bring the Chelsea team to play in this fundraising event for the families of your Omagh victims."
His words were echoed by Omagh Town manager Roy McCreadie who had welcomed his English counterpart to the town with open arms.
"This is a momentous occasion for Omagh Town Football Club. We're delighted to stage this game,"
Throughout the evening there was a constant stream of autograph hunters who descended on any Chelsea players they could spot standing at the sidelines or mingling among the crowd.
On the field itself there was none of the fierce rivalry one would expect to see when a Premiership team is battling it out with another side.
By the end of the game the Chelsea players were making their way home through a sea of applause as locals showed their gratitude at their presence.
On this occasion they could claim that last night was one of the very few occasions they have left an away ground in such praise after beating the home side 8-0.
By Martin Breen
PEOPLE in Omagh had plenty to smile about nearly one year after Real IRA bombers brought murder to the town.
Nearly 7,000 football fans packed into Omagh Town's small St Julian's Road stadium last night to see the local boys take on the might of Premiership side Chelsea.
But the memory of last August's atrocity in which 29 people and unborn twins were killed was never far away.
Before the match got underway players and fans alike bowed their heads in a solemn minute's silence for the victims of the atrocity.
All proceeds from last night's match, expected to be several thousand pounds, are being donated to the Omagh Fund which is ending active fundraising on August 14, one day before the bomb anniversary.
Chelsea players expressed optimism that their trip to the town could help strengthen the spirit of the people of Omagh in overcoming the events of the past year.
In a personal message to Omagh, team captain Gianluca Vialli said: "I hope you can take heart from Chelsea Football Club. I am delighted and proud to be able to bring the Chelsea team to play in this fundraising event for the families of your Omagh victims."
His words were echoed by Omagh Town manager Roy McCreadie who had welcomed his English counterpart to the town with open arms.
"This is a momentous occasion for Omagh Town Football Club. We're delighted to stage this game,"
Throughout the evening there was a constant stream of autograph hunters who descended on any Chelsea players they could spot standing at the sidelines or mingling among the crowd.
On the field itself there was none of the fierce rivalry one would expect to see when a Premiership team is battling it out with another side.
By the end of the game the Chelsea players were making their way home through a sea of applause as locals showed their gratitude at their presence.
On this occasion they could claim that last night was one of the very few occasions they have left an away ground in such praise after beating the home side 8-0.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0502
Published Date: 29-Jul-99
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