BOYZONE CONCERT TICKETS SNAPPED UP IN AN HOUR
Boyzone concert tickets snapped up in an hour.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
ALL 1,000 tickets for Boyzone's New Year concert in Omagh were snapped up within an hour of going on sale on Friday last.
Hundreds of fans braved rain and freezing conditions in a bid to book a date with the Irish chart-toppers when they appear at the town's Leisure Centre on 2nd Jan.
Among those who queued for hours to get their hands on the £10 tickets were some who were seriously injured in the Market Street bombing.
In a bid to keep warm, many of those queuing sang along to the band's hit songs - while others wrapped up well against the biting cold:
During the day, police were forced to erect crush barriers along a portion of the street in an effort to keep traffic flowing.
Devoted father Eugene Floyd, from Shandon Park camped out overnight in order to secure tickets for his daughters, one of whom was caught up in the carnage.
Arriving at 9.30 the previous evening - complete with deckchair, flask and sandwiches - he settled in for the long wait, safe in the knowledge he would be guaranteed tickets for the concert.
"I knew tickets would sell like hotcakes, so I made sure I was first in line.
"My youngest daughter Kathy is a Boyzone fanatic, so she'll be over the moon to get to the concert.
"I intend giving the other ticket to my daughter Alison, who received a slight head injury when she was caught up in the bomb."
Prior to his all-night vigil, the father-of-seven had performed with the Gallows Hill Choir, entertaining residents of the town's Gortmore Home.
"I was on my own for most of the night, but around 4am others began joining me and by 10 o'clock in the morning the crowd had swelled to several dozen.
"Although it was very cold, we received a lot of encouragement from people throughout the night" he added.
Chums Kara Lynch (15) and Eimear McHugh (14) from Castlederg were among the first dozen in line for tickets to see their idols. They were joined by Aideen McGinn (14), Rosemary Darcy (14) and 13-year-old Kerrie Beattie from Omagh as they danced and sang to keep the cold at bay.
"We brought blankets and duvets along to keep warm, and our mums and dads are bringing soup to us later on.
"We can't wait until 2nd January. It's going to be a terrific atmosphere" said Kara.
Eighteen-year-old Leona Carson, from Strathroy was keeping her younger sister Korina's place in the queue, while she attended a hospital appointment for injuries received in the bombing. While St Brigid's pupil Arlene Taggart (15) was "lucky 13th" in line for the much sought-after tickets.
Sole ticket outlet, Route 66 in Market Street was besieged from early morning, but this week proprietor Robert Clarke spoke of the good humoured mood among fans.
"It was the first time I've witnessed hysteria on this scale in Omagh for quite a while.
"There was a lot of jumping and screaming when some of the younger fans got their hands on tickets.
"But what was so remarkable was the good humoured behaviour of the crowd."
Boyzone's appearance in the town was not just for the benefit of the bomb victims, he said, but as a special treat for everyone who had been affected by the atrocity.
Unfortunately, due to the huge demand, not enough tickets were available to cater for the massive interest in the show.
"One person offered a young girl £100 for two tickets as she was leaving the shop - but naturally she turned the offer down'' added Robert.
A portion of the total quota of tickets issued for the intimate gig also went on sale in Buncrana this week.
The No 1 boy-band bring their show to Omagh just weeks after surprising 15-year-old bomb victim Claire Gallagher, during the recording of a Noel Edmunds Christmas Day special.
During the programme which was filmed in St Joseph's Hall band members joined the young schoolgirl for an emotional sing-along, as she played one of their hit tunes on the piano.
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