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Omagh Fund Breaks £4m barrier

THE OMAGH Fund has broken the £4 million barrier thanks to the determined fundraising efforts of various sporting bodies.
On Tuesday, Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) representatives pushed the victims' fund towards a more substantial total by handing over a cheque for £750,000 to the trustees.
Fund manager, Mr Brian Oliphant, said he was "absolutely delighted" that the £4 million mark had been passed.
"Sporting connections have been very good to us, and this latest donation has given the fund a great boost. It has been a magnificent fundraising effort from every single person involved," Mr Oliphant said.
He added that over £1.4 million had already been paid out to bereaved families and injured people, and the trustees planned to make further substantial payments in mid July.
Meanwhile, a recent celebrity golf tournament and auction in England, organised by a father of one of the Omagh bomb victims, is expected to bring in £70,000 for the fund.
Mr Victor Barker set up the James Barker Memorial Golf Competition in honour of his 12-year-old son who died on August 15.
And three top football clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have confirmed that they will appear in Omagh in the near future to participate in charity football matches.