UH/0582

IRFU donation helps push Omagh Fund over £6 million mark
By BARRY O'DONNELL

The Omagh Fund went over the £6 million pound barrier on Monday when the Irish Rugby Football Union made one of the biggest single individual donations to the charity.
President of the IRFU, Billy Lavery, attending a function at Omagh Academicals Rugby Football Club, presented a cheque for IR £250,000 to Councillor Allan Rainey, chairman of Omagh District Council, who received it on behalf of the Fund.
Mr Lavery was accompanied by IRFU Chief Executive, Philip Browne, Honorary Treasurer, John Lyons, and Ulster Branch President, Gerry Drennan.
Cllr Rainey thanked the IRFU President and its representatives in attendance and thanked the national rugby body for its 'exceptionally generous donation'. He said it helped to increase the total raised for the Omagh Fund to over £6 million.
The council chairman spoke of his admiration for those in the world of sport for the positive manner in which they had contributed to the Fund.
"We, in Omagh, have taken great encouragement from the sympathy and support shown by people from all over Ireland, Britain and indeed further afield.
"There has been no greater manifestation of this support than in the world of sport. Already there have been significant contributions from the Gaelic Games Administration and from the Football Associations both North and South.
"Today's cheque presentation from the Irish Rugby Football Union is a magnificent gesture on behalf of the rugby fraternity and I commend you for your efforts."
Speaking on behalf of the Omagh Fund, Sean O'Dwyer, Chairman of the Trustees, praised all involved for their sterling efforts.
"This figure of IR £250,000, raised by the players, members and followers of the IRFU in aid of the Omagh Fund is truly magnificent. Thank you for your overwhelming generosity.
"To raise a six figure sum of this magnitude requires a tremendous amount of planning and hard work and we salute you on your outstanding achievement."
John McKinney, Chief Executive of Omagh District Council, told those assembled that the local public were indebted to their gratitude.
"Despite the fact that we announced the fund would close on the 14th August past, money continues to pour in. We are greatly encouraged by the goodwill that still exists towards Omagh and its people one year on and we are deeply appreciative of this very substantial donation made to the Omagh Fund by the Irish Rugby Football Union."
Billy Lavery thanked Cllr Rainey for his warm welcome and words of appreciation.
"I am very happy, on behalf of the IRFU, to formally hand over the proceeds of the IRFU's Omagh Fund. We too were greatly moved by the terrible happening in August 1998 and it is the sincere hope of the Union, and all who contributed to our Omagh Fund, that some benefits will , as a result, arise for those affected by the tragedy."