UH/1157

Sporting fixtures set to raise funds for bomb victims
BY: BARRY O'DONNELL

A COUPLE of major sports initiatives to help raise funds for the Omagh bomb victims are to take place over the next fortnight.
On Tuesday this week the GAA announced that Ireland's final trial game ahead of next month's International two-match test series with Australia will take place at Healy Park in Omagh, while earlier in the week stylish French soccer star David Ginola confirmed that he would play in a benefit match at Derry City's Brandywell ground.
Ireland's final trial in preparation for the Aussies, involving a match against a star-studded Ulster select to be played under International rules, will form part of an attractive promotion at the Gortin Round venue on Saturday week (Oct 3).
Tyrone's minor side will also be in action against an Ulster select XV on the day in what could prove to be a spectacular homecoming for them if they can capture the All-Ireland title at the expense of Laois this Sunday.
Former Meath star and current TV pundit, Colm O'Rourke, will select both the Ireland team and the Ulster select to take part in the International Rules runout. The Australians visit these shores later in the month for two test matches at Croke Park and this provides manager O'Rourke with the last real opportunity to assess players before the showdown with the tourists.
Ulster's team will be drawn from Tyrone and other northern counties, and will also include a number of Kildare and Galway players from this weekend's All-Ireland senior decider. A squad of 25 will be selected afterwards.
Clubs within Tyrone are to be brought together over the next couple of days to market the fund-raising project, which is sure to draw considerable support. They will be taking in the region of 100 tickets each to sell.
Tickets will also be on sale to the general public, while anyone interested in attending can also pay at the turnstiles on the day.
This major fund-raising initiative by the GAA follows their decision to channel the substantial proceeds from the refixed All-Ireland hurling semi-final replay between Clare and Offaly last month to the GAA's fund for the Omagh Victims.
The organisation's higher echelons have been criticised locally though for their stance regarding any use of Healy Park as a proposed venue for a soccer charity match involving the likes of Glasgow Celtic and Manchester United, which Omagh Town FC are currently arranging.
Tickets for next Saturday's promotion cost £5.00 each. Ireland's match with Ulster will have a start time of 3.00, with the Tyrone-Ulster minor game beginning at 1.30pm.
In addition the Association has asked all its clubs, of which there are approximately 1,800, to appropriate initiatives to raise money for the Victims GAA Fund. They said that clubs across the country will be contacted in this context shortly and will have until December 8 to complete their fund raising projects.
The administration of monies raised will take place centrally at Croke Park and the Association hopes that 'collectively its initiatives will raise a very significant amount' for the Omagh fund.
Meanwhile also in the aftermath of the tragedy Derry City FC have arranged a benefit game with the proceeds to go to the local Relief Fund. With the backing of the 'Star' newspaper the match will take place at the Brandywell on Tuesday October 6 and will feature a Derry City select side against a Mick McCarthy XI.
The participation of Spurs ace Ginola, who has agreed to pull on the famous candy-striped jersey for the Brandywell club, is undoubtedly a major coup for the organisers and should ensure a packed house for the match.
Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson has also promised to send one his superstar players to appear in the fund-raising game for Felix Healy's team.
The Mick McCarthy select will consist of players from the National League as well as guests including former Irish internationals Packie Bonner, Kevin Sheedy and John Aldridge who have all volunteered their services.
Republic Of Ireland national boss McCarthy said "I am only too delighted to lend my support to such a worthy cause and I am sure that those involved in the game here will make it a success."
"Derry City's initiative in organising the benefit match is to be commended and I would ask for everyone to throw their full weight behind this deserving cause," stated McCarthy.
One of the stands at the Brandywell will be used exclusively on the night for invited guests, including relatives of the dead and injured from Omagh and Buncrana, members of the emergency and health services
Tickets priced at £6.00 and £5.00 are available for the game (which kicks-off at 7.30pm) at any of the following outlets:
Omagh Alexander's, Campsie Shop, Gormley's Newsagents, Castle Street, Michael McCrory, John Street, Book Shop, Bus Depot, Brian Baxter, tel: 01662 252193 and Pat Chesters, tel: 01662 246755.
Strabane- Paperchase, Main Street; Haughey's, Ballycolman Avenue and McFadden's,Bridge Street.
The match kicks-off at 7.30pm