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Sales of bridge of hope album unbelievable
BY: JOHN McCUSKER

SALES of the album dedicated to the victims of the Omagh bombing have been "absolutely unbelievable," with local shops sold out of copies within days of its release.
Demand for the CD -'Across the Bridge of Hope.' -has, locally, far outstripped sales of other top artistes like Garth Brooks, Celine Dion and Boyzone.
And outlets in the area are restocking their shelves with hundreds of extra copies to cater for the expected demand in the run-up to Christmas.
Many customers are purchasing multiple copies of the album - to send to friends and relatives worldwide as Christmas presents.
According to Robert Clarke, proprietor of Route 66, sales locally have already surpassed the demand for last year's bust-seller, Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind" tribute to Princess Diana.
"There's been a phenomenal demand for the CD so far this week.
"Since its official release on Monday, we've sold a total of 400 copies, with some people purchasing three and four copies.
"We have another order arriving today and are expecting further copies before the weekend."
One Belfast wholesaler was completely sold out this week, added Robert, whose premises are close to where the 500lb bomb devastated Market Street on August 15.
"We expect a huge demand between now and Christmas, and hopefully sales are going as well nationwide" he added.
There has also been a frenzy for copies of the album at one of the town's other leading music retailers - the Mews Record Shop - where the CD has been selling like hotcakes.
Proprietor Monica Baxter offered customers the chance to book advance copies - and hundreds who were eager not to miss out on the opportunity, took up the offer.
"We've sold somewhere in the region of 800 copies this week, making it one of the biggest sellers locally for quite a while.
"There has been an absolutely unbelievable demand and we were sold out within days."
"Staff have taken phone calls from people in the US and Canada, requesting copies be sent to them in time for Christmas."
Some of those seriously injured in the blast were among the first customers to purchase the album, and the proprietor acknowledged some "moving occasions" as they listened to some of the more poignant songs.
"A few of them just stood and cried while the music played. I felt so sorry for them" she said.
Monica too expected the album to top the sales list in the run-up to December 25.
"It is currently outselling all other top artistes and the signs look set for a Christmas best-seller" she added.
Issued initially throughout the UK and Ireland, demand worldwide for 'Across the Bridge of Hope' has now surpassed initial expectations, and this week project co-ordinator Ross Graham has been involved in distributing it throughout a number of other countries.
"This album has really taken off and captured people's imagination and sympathy.
"Following its launch, it was only available within these islands, but within the last two days I've had enquiries from Canada, Holland and Germany.
"When the Sony record company in Canada first heard about the project, they decided to promote it, there in light of the huge Irish expatriate population."
Around 20,000 copies of the album have already been sold, and it has been put on Radio 1's playlist with Sinead O'Connor's 'Chiquitita. enjoying major airplay.
The project has also been endorsed by the Prime Minister and top name artistes including Bono, Van Morrison and Ronan Keating of Boyzone.
Tony Blair said: "This album is one way in which those who died in the terrible tragedy at Omagh will be remembered.
"It is a tribute to the courage of the people of the town, who are slowly rebuilding their lives.
"I hope people buy it and help the healing process" he added.
Just this week, Belfast company Black Star set up a web site on the Internet, where the album can be. purchased worldwide.
Anyone logging onto the site - omaghcd.com - can now buy the CD or tape, with all proceeds going directly to the fund.
The title track of the album - based on a poem written by 12-year-old Buncrana schoolboy Shaun McLoughlin - is performed by Omagh Community Youth Choir.
And a verse taken from the poem itself is read by actor Liam Neeson.
Other artistes featured include Boyzone, U2, Sinead O'Connor and the Corrs.
While singer Juliet Turner - who appeared on last week's 'Kelly' show on UTV - sings the touching "Broken Things."
Proceeds from the CD which is priced at £12.99 and the tape at £8.99, will go to the Omagh Fund.
Meanwhile, the fund is to get a boost of somewhere in the region of £620,000 following the recent Late Late Show special.
A spokesperson For RTE told the 'Herald' yesterday that money was still being pledged and an announcement of the final tally was expected to be made shortly.
Fund chairman, Brian Oliphant this week attended a special charity tennis fixture in London, aimed at boosting contributions to the appeal.
A full-house of 1,000 spectators packed the David Lloyd Centre in Raynes Park to watch German ace Boris Becker take on British champion Greg Rusedski.
With VIPs paying over £45 each for tickets, over £30,000 was raised on the night, with the final total expected to exceed that amount.
And local singing star Dominic Kirwan has also raised over £20,000 from a series of shows in recent weeks.
The tally includes a £13,000 contribution from a night at the Galtymore Club in London.