CLAIRE INVITED TO WHITE HOUSE TO PLAY ALONGSIDE PHIL COULTER
Claire invited to White House to play alongside Phil Coulter
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
A YOUNG student blinded in the Omagh bombing has been invited to play alongside composer Phil Coulter at next week's St Patrick's Day celebrations in the White House.
Fifteen-year-old Claire Gallagher has been asked along to a special concert to mark the annual 17th March celebrations in the US capital.
The invite was issued by Mr Coulter, who contacted the Gallagher family on Monday evening.
The Derry-born singer-songwriter is due to head an impressive list of guest artistes which includes flautist, James Galway.
During the concert, Claire will 'tinkle the ivories' alongside the world-famous composer, whose hits include Cliff Richards' 'Congratulations' and 'The Town I Loved So Well'.
Speaking to the 'Herald' yesterday evening, Claire's mother said the family had been delighted with the invite.
"Phil Coulter got in touch with us on Monday and asked Claire if she would accompany him to the function.
"She was over the moon. He said he had chosen one of his own pieces specially for the occasion, and he hoped she would play alongside him.
"The invitation has come at a very opportune time and is just what Claire needed at the moment" her mother added.
Attending next week's function will by a specially invited audience of politicians and business leaders from both Ireland and the US.
The annual concert, organised by President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, is one of the highlights on the White House calendar.
The news came as Claire was preparing to accept a special international award on behalf of the people of Omagh.
The young GCSE student will be special guest at tonight's (Thursday) Peace and Justice Awards ceremony due to take place at St Angela's Ursultine Convent in Waterford.
Claire has been nominated for the award following what organisers saw as her "bravery and determination" since being caught up in the bombing.
Investigative journalist, John Pilger will also receive an international award for his documentaries on East Timor and China.
Tonight's ceremony takes place in the 800-pupil school's assembly hall.
Previous award recipients included the late Senator Gordon Wilson from Enniskillen and Graham Turley, who received the accolade on behalf of his wife, journalist Veronica Guerin, who was shot dead in Dublin three years ago.
Throughout the past six months, pupils at St Angela's Convent have forged a special relationship with students from Omagh schools.
Phil Brennan, a teacher at the Waterford college and one of the organisers of tonight's ceremony, told the 'Herald' that last year's bombing had a dramatic effect on everyone within the college.
"Each year, the school's Peace and Justice Group present special awards to people who, by their example, help to create a better world.
"This year we in the school have concentrated very heavily on the aftermath of the Omagh bombing.
"We were especially inspired by Claire's bravery and determination and her desire to get on with her life as best she can.
"The award will be presented to Claire on behalf of the people of Omagh to let them know the solidarity which exists for what they have gone through" he added.
Fifteen hundred people are due to attend the awards night, during which both recipients will be presented with a specially commissioned piece of Waterford Crystal.
Accompanying Claire to the ceremony were her parents, Seamus and Marie.
Omagh Community Youth Choir will also take part in the programme courtesy of a live link up between St Angela's and the local Loreto Convent.
Through the efforts of BT and Telecom Eireann, choir members will perform the title track from their album, 'Across the Bridge of Hope,' from the music room of the Omagh school.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
A YOUNG student blinded in the Omagh bombing has been invited to play alongside composer Phil Coulter at next week's St Patrick's Day celebrations in the White House.
Fifteen-year-old Claire Gallagher has been asked along to a special concert to mark the annual 17th March celebrations in the US capital.
The invite was issued by Mr Coulter, who contacted the Gallagher family on Monday evening.
The Derry-born singer-songwriter is due to head an impressive list of guest artistes which includes flautist, James Galway.
During the concert, Claire will 'tinkle the ivories' alongside the world-famous composer, whose hits include Cliff Richards' 'Congratulations' and 'The Town I Loved So Well'.
Speaking to the 'Herald' yesterday evening, Claire's mother said the family had been delighted with the invite.
"Phil Coulter got in touch with us on Monday and asked Claire if she would accompany him to the function.
"She was over the moon. He said he had chosen one of his own pieces specially for the occasion, and he hoped she would play alongside him.
"The invitation has come at a very opportune time and is just what Claire needed at the moment" her mother added.
Attending next week's function will by a specially invited audience of politicians and business leaders from both Ireland and the US.
The annual concert, organised by President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, is one of the highlights on the White House calendar.
The news came as Claire was preparing to accept a special international award on behalf of the people of Omagh.
The young GCSE student will be special guest at tonight's (Thursday) Peace and Justice Awards ceremony due to take place at St Angela's Ursultine Convent in Waterford.
Claire has been nominated for the award following what organisers saw as her "bravery and determination" since being caught up in the bombing.
Investigative journalist, John Pilger will also receive an international award for his documentaries on East Timor and China.
Tonight's ceremony takes place in the 800-pupil school's assembly hall.
Previous award recipients included the late Senator Gordon Wilson from Enniskillen and Graham Turley, who received the accolade on behalf of his wife, journalist Veronica Guerin, who was shot dead in Dublin three years ago.
Throughout the past six months, pupils at St Angela's Convent have forged a special relationship with students from Omagh schools.
Phil Brennan, a teacher at the Waterford college and one of the organisers of tonight's ceremony, told the 'Herald' that last year's bombing had a dramatic effect on everyone within the college.
"Each year, the school's Peace and Justice Group present special awards to people who, by their example, help to create a better world.
"This year we in the school have concentrated very heavily on the aftermath of the Omagh bombing.
"We were especially inspired by Claire's bravery and determination and her desire to get on with her life as best she can.
"The award will be presented to Claire on behalf of the people of Omagh to let them know the solidarity which exists for what they have gone through" he added.
Fifteen hundred people are due to attend the awards night, during which both recipients will be presented with a specially commissioned piece of Waterford Crystal.
Accompanying Claire to the ceremony were her parents, Seamus and Marie.
Omagh Community Youth Choir will also take part in the programme courtesy of a live link up between St Angela's and the local Loreto Convent.
Through the efforts of BT and Telecom Eireann, choir members will perform the title track from their album, 'Across the Bridge of Hope,' from the music room of the Omagh school.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1229
Published Date: 11-Mar-99
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