APPEAL FOR VISITORS AS BLAST TOWN FIGHTS BACK
Appeal for visitors as blast town fights back
UTV chat show host Gerry Kelly urged people to visit Omagh which has turned into "a ghost town" since the devastating bomb in the town in August.
The celebrity launched the Give a Day to Omagh campaign in Belfast which is aimed at encouraging people from all over Ireland to "do what they can to help the town".
Since August 15, business in Omagh has been "slow" with many traumatised people staying away from the centre where 29 people lost their lives in the horrific bomb blast.
A spokesman from Omagh Traders' Association said thousands of people had contacted traders, counsellors and church leaders in Omagh asking what they can do to help the town.
"Now those well wishers are being invited to spend a day in Omagh town centre to support the local community in the run-up to Christmas," said the spokesman.
Appealing for support, Michael Gaine, President of the Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "The rebuilding of Omagh cannot be done by businesses in isolation, the task is simply too great.
"It must be tackled by the entire community, with the leadership of the business organisations and the goodwill of the people.
"People have been afraid to return to the town and we must lay that ghost of terror. Give a day to Omagh is the first step in this process.
Patrick Bogues from Omagh Traders' Association said: "The sheer size of the atrocity virtually decimated the commercial heart of Omagh. While still living with the terrible human tragedies, we are rebuilding and reclaiming the town.
"Visiting Omagh town and its beautiful surroundings for just one day will show solidarity with the people, the traders and the entire community.
"People are being encouraged to visit Omagh as individuals or as groups and will receive a badge saying I Gave a Day to Omagh."
The first organised visit has been planned by church leaders and will take place on Saturday.
UTV chat show host Gerry Kelly urged people to visit Omagh which has turned into "a ghost town" since the devastating bomb in the town in August.
The celebrity launched the Give a Day to Omagh campaign in Belfast which is aimed at encouraging people from all over Ireland to "do what they can to help the town".
Since August 15, business in Omagh has been "slow" with many traumatised people staying away from the centre where 29 people lost their lives in the horrific bomb blast.
A spokesman from Omagh Traders' Association said thousands of people had contacted traders, counsellors and church leaders in Omagh asking what they can do to help the town.
"Now those well wishers are being invited to spend a day in Omagh town centre to support the local community in the run-up to Christmas," said the spokesman.
Appealing for support, Michael Gaine, President of the Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "The rebuilding of Omagh cannot be done by businesses in isolation, the task is simply too great.
"It must be tackled by the entire community, with the leadership of the business organisations and the goodwill of the people.
"People have been afraid to return to the town and we must lay that ghost of terror. Give a day to Omagh is the first step in this process.
Patrick Bogues from Omagh Traders' Association said: "The sheer size of the atrocity virtually decimated the commercial heart of Omagh. While still living with the terrible human tragedies, we are rebuilding and reclaiming the town.
"Visiting Omagh town and its beautiful surroundings for just one day will show solidarity with the people, the traders and the entire community.
"People are being encouraged to visit Omagh as individuals or as groups and will receive a badge saying I Gave a Day to Omagh."
The first organised visit has been planned by church leaders and will take place on Saturday.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/367
Published Date: 11-Nov-98
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