PEACE GIRL SHARON GREETS PRESIDENT
Peace girl Sharon greets President
By JOY ROLSTON
AN Armagh teenager who once wrote a moving letter to Bill Clinton about the peace process was one of the first people to meet the President when he arrived in the city for last night's Gathering for Peace.
Sharon Haughey, 17, of Tassagh, an A-level student at Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry, had her letter, written for a competition, quoted by the President in a speech at Belfast City Hall on his visit in 1995.
The President chose to read out a few lines from what she had written: "Nothing will replace the dead. Both sides have been hurt. Both sides must forgive. We must unite."
Last week, Sharon received a phone call from the .American Consulate inviting her to be a guest during Mr Clinton's speech at the Waterfront Hall.
Sharon said: "On Saturday I was working in the Rainbow Cafe in Armagh and some American guys came in and sat down.
"I noticed they had folders with the American crest on them, so I asked if they were connected to the White House.
"I introduced myself and told them I would be going to the Waterfront Hall and they said 'Oh, we've read your letter'.
"I was so shocked. They excused themselves and started talking on their mobile phones and I went back to work.
"Next thing I knew they told me Bill Clinton wanted to meet me when he was in Armagh and that they would contact me again in the next few days."
But Sharon heard nothing more until she went to collect her tickets from the Waterfront Hall. She then discovered there had been several phone calls for her.
"I had to buy a whole new outfit. It was a great honour to meet someone so powerful."
Sharon's family have suffered in the troubles. Her mother Anne's three cousins, Brian, Anthony and John Reavey, were shot dead in their South Armagh home 22 years ago.
Armagh mayor Robert Turner, welcoming President Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair, told them that to have the two leaders of the democratic world share in their Gathering for Peace in the Christian Capital of Ireland, inspired hopes for a better future - a future free of violence and terrorism when; human tragedy such as the Omagh atrocity will be no more.
The mayor said it was his prayer that with their support people in Northern Ireland could build together a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland with mutual respect for all traditions and beliefs.
Family gifts of Irish Linen Damask tablecloths and napkins made by Ulster Weavers were presented to the Clintons and Blairs.
A hand-made porcelain brooch painted with a Celtic design was presented to Mrs Clinton. A bracelet, in similar style, was given to Mrs Blair.
Both were made by local girl Caroline O'Hare who has been making jewellery for eight years and exhibits all over Ireland. She exports to Japan, Australia and America.
President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair took away locally crafted blackthorn walking sticks.
By JOY ROLSTON
AN Armagh teenager who once wrote a moving letter to Bill Clinton about the peace process was one of the first people to meet the President when he arrived in the city for last night's Gathering for Peace.
Sharon Haughey, 17, of Tassagh, an A-level student at Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry, had her letter, written for a competition, quoted by the President in a speech at Belfast City Hall on his visit in 1995.
The President chose to read out a few lines from what she had written: "Nothing will replace the dead. Both sides have been hurt. Both sides must forgive. We must unite."
Last week, Sharon received a phone call from the .American Consulate inviting her to be a guest during Mr Clinton's speech at the Waterfront Hall.
Sharon said: "On Saturday I was working in the Rainbow Cafe in Armagh and some American guys came in and sat down.
"I noticed they had folders with the American crest on them, so I asked if they were connected to the White House.
"I introduced myself and told them I would be going to the Waterfront Hall and they said 'Oh, we've read your letter'.
"I was so shocked. They excused themselves and started talking on their mobile phones and I went back to work.
"Next thing I knew they told me Bill Clinton wanted to meet me when he was in Armagh and that they would contact me again in the next few days."
But Sharon heard nothing more until she went to collect her tickets from the Waterfront Hall. She then discovered there had been several phone calls for her.
"I had to buy a whole new outfit. It was a great honour to meet someone so powerful."
Sharon's family have suffered in the troubles. Her mother Anne's three cousins, Brian, Anthony and John Reavey, were shot dead in their South Armagh home 22 years ago.
Armagh mayor Robert Turner, welcoming President Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair, told them that to have the two leaders of the democratic world share in their Gathering for Peace in the Christian Capital of Ireland, inspired hopes for a better future - a future free of violence and terrorism when; human tragedy such as the Omagh atrocity will be no more.
The mayor said it was his prayer that with their support people in Northern Ireland could build together a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland with mutual respect for all traditions and beliefs.
Family gifts of Irish Linen Damask tablecloths and napkins made by Ulster Weavers were presented to the Clintons and Blairs.
A hand-made porcelain brooch painted with a Celtic design was presented to Mrs Clinton. A bracelet, in similar style, was given to Mrs Blair.
Both were made by local girl Caroline O'Hare who has been making jewellery for eight years and exhibits all over Ireland. She exports to Japan, Australia and America.
President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair took away locally crafted blackthorn walking sticks.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/265
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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