UH/1232

Agri-food company makes £50,000 contribution to Omagh Fund

IAWS, the internationally known Agri-food organisation recently presented £50,000 to the Omagh Fund on behalf of its customers and employees.
The contribution from IAWS was presented to the Fund for the benefit of the bereaved and injured, to whom tribute was paid by IAWS Chairman, James Moloney, at the offices of Omagh District Council at the presentation ceremony.
For the last 100 years IAWS has had a strong business presence throughout the island of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. Its subsidiary
company, Cuisine de France is a household name supplying bread, confectionery and savory foods to over 600 retail outlets in the North.
Mr. Moloney presented a cheque on behalf of the company to Sean Clarke, Chairman of Omagh District Council. Mr. Clarke accepted the contribution and thanked Mr. Moloney on behalf of the people of Omagh. Also present were Vice Chairman, Allan Rainey; Chief Executive of the Omagh District Council, John McKinney, Chairman of the Omagh Fund, Sean O'Dwyer and the Fund Manager Mr. Brian Oliphant.
Speaking in Omagh, Mr. Moloney said "IAWS is making this contribution firstly as a result of the terrible tragedy which resulted in such a great loss of life, but also out of admiration for the people of Omagh who have embellished all our lives with the way they have responded to the tragedy.
"Everybody involved in IAWS was appalled at the tragedy which claimed 29 lives as well as those of two unborn children. The number of people injured and traumatized exceeds one thousand which is a shocking statistic. The tragedy stunned people across the world as well as affecting the communities of Omagh, Buncrana and Madrid. We all marvelled at the way the people of Omagh coped with the tragedy and their , generosity and humanity has struck a chord with everybody involved in IAWS.
It is therefore appropriate that some of our customers are here with us this evening, as we are also making this contribution on their behalf," he said.
Mr. Moloney paid tribute to the work of the Omagh Fund "The Fund has set itself a very ambitious target. I am confident given the team of people involved, that their target will be met if not exceeded."
Chairman of the Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke said "The people of Omagh have been greatly moved by the support for the Omagh Fund from all over the world. The Fund, which is being used primarily for the benefit of the bereaved and injured, continues to benefit from individual donations and fund raising initiatives. The generosity of IAWS, its employees and customers is indicative of the inherent goodness of all those who have come to the assistance of the people of Omagh in the aftermath of this terrible atrocity."