THE FIELD OF DREAMS
The field of dreams
United heroes' thrilling salute to Omagh victims
By GARY KELLY
UNITED mania swept Omagh last night as the most famous club in the world played the second glamour friendly in aid of the Omagh Memorial Fund.
A minute's silence before the game provided a poignant reminder of the reason for the tie - the memory of the 29 people who lost their lives in the August 15 bomb.
Thousands of fans wearing the famous red shirt crammed into the tiny St Julian's Road ground to see their triple-winning heroes.
Highlight of the night, was when the club put the record-breaking treble trophies on display.
The team that won the Championship, the European Cup and the FA Cup in one season were mobbed by fans upon their arrival at Belfast International Airport and again at their base in the Silverbirch Hotel.
Among the stars brought over by Sir Alex Ferguson were Roy Keane, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Gary Neville and Denis Irwin.
Before kick-off Sir Alex said he was amazed by the level of support from this side of the Irish Sea. "I'm only sorry that the reason for our trip over 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."
As they walked on to the pitch to thunderous applause, the biggest cheer was for skipper Roy Keane, playing his first match since the FA Cup final. And there was a special cheer for Andy Cole, who proved his commitment to the Omagh memorial cause when he made a personal visit earlier this year.
Dozens of fans had waited all afternoon outside United's hotel to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Among them were Anne Lynn and her seven-year-old son Aidan from Omagh. Anne said her entire family were Manchester United daft: "We had 16 tickets for the match. I have sisters, nieces, nephews and a brother-in-law coming to the game.
"It's fantastic to see them here; it's just terrible that they came under such tragic circumstances."
Queuing for an hour before the game were Strabane man Declan Graham, his sons Patrick, 12, and Ronan, 10 and their cousin David, 12. Patrick and Ronan had travelled to Old Trafford three seasons ago to watch their team but were delighted to see them on Irish soil.
Declan said: "We couldn't believe it when we got the tickets, we queued up two hours before they went on sale and got them no problem, it's unbelievable."
But he added that the carnival atmosphere-would be tempered by the memory of the awful events of almost a year ago. "No doubt there will be a lot of sadness during the minute's silence. People won't forget what it's all about amid all the excitement."
Also there was former world snooker champion Alex Higgins, who is battling cancer.
United heroes' thrilling salute to Omagh victims
By GARY KELLY
UNITED mania swept Omagh last night as the most famous club in the world played the second glamour friendly in aid of the Omagh Memorial Fund.
A minute's silence before the game provided a poignant reminder of the reason for the tie - the memory of the 29 people who lost their lives in the August 15 bomb.
Thousands of fans wearing the famous red shirt crammed into the tiny St Julian's Road ground to see their triple-winning heroes.
Highlight of the night, was when the club put the record-breaking treble trophies on display.
The team that won the Championship, the European Cup and the FA Cup in one season were mobbed by fans upon their arrival at Belfast International Airport and again at their base in the Silverbirch Hotel.
Among the stars brought over by Sir Alex Ferguson were Roy Keane, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Gary Neville and Denis Irwin.
Before kick-off Sir Alex said he was amazed by the level of support from this side of the Irish Sea. "I'm only sorry that the reason for our trip over 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."
As they walked on to the pitch to thunderous applause, the biggest cheer was for skipper Roy Keane, playing his first match since the FA Cup final. And there was a special cheer for Andy Cole, who proved his commitment to the Omagh memorial cause when he made a personal visit earlier this year.
Dozens of fans had waited all afternoon outside United's hotel to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Among them were Anne Lynn and her seven-year-old son Aidan from Omagh. Anne said her entire family were Manchester United daft: "We had 16 tickets for the match. I have sisters, nieces, nephews and a brother-in-law coming to the game.
"It's fantastic to see them here; it's just terrible that they came under such tragic circumstances."
Queuing for an hour before the game were Strabane man Declan Graham, his sons Patrick, 12, and Ronan, 10 and their cousin David, 12. Patrick and Ronan had travelled to Old Trafford three seasons ago to watch their team but were delighted to see them on Irish soil.
Declan said: "We couldn't believe it when we got the tickets, we queued up two hours before they went on sale and got them no problem, it's unbelievable."
But he added that the carnival atmosphere-would be tempered by the memory of the awful events of almost a year ago. "No doubt there will be a lot of sadness during the minute's silence. People won't forget what it's all about amid all the excitement."
Also there was former world snooker champion Alex Higgins, who is battling cancer.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/225
Published Date: 04-Aug-99
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