GOVERNOR BILL DONATES $50,000 TO OMAGH FUND
Governor Bill donates $50,000 to Omagh Fund
A US Governor has offered hope to those affected by last year's bombing in Omagh, during a visit to the town last week.
Governor of Colorado, Bill Owens was moved to visit the town following the massacre of 25 high school students in Littleton in his own state last April.
During the visit, the Governor presented $50,000 (close to �31,000) to the Omagh Fund, courtesy of the world-wide Ireland Fund. The money will go towards helping those who suffered as a result of last August's attack in Market Street.
Governor Owens also met with victims of the bombing, together with the Duke of Abercorn, council officials and trustees of the Omagh Fund.
He also planted a tree in the grounds of Lisnamallard House - home of the Fund as a sign of unity between the communities of Omagh and Colorado.
Speaking afterwards, the Governor said "We are here to try and bring together some of the grief and pain we have felt in Colorado and you have felt in Omagh, and try to learn from it.
"You and your fellow citizens have shown us the way you can heal and learn from the tragedy you have suffered.
"I regret the circumstances which have brought us together, but I am very hopeful good is going to come from this."
Replying to the Governor's donation, John McKinney, Chief Executive of Omagh District Council said he was heartened that Governor Owens and the Ireland Funds had been committed to building peace in the North and restoring hope to the people of Omagh.
"Our task now is to rebuild not only the physical infrastructure of the town centre, but to restore people's confidence through vigorous, but sensitive, regeneration" he added.
A US Governor has offered hope to those affected by last year's bombing in Omagh, during a visit to the town last week.
Governor of Colorado, Bill Owens was moved to visit the town following the massacre of 25 high school students in Littleton in his own state last April.
During the visit, the Governor presented $50,000 (close to �31,000) to the Omagh Fund, courtesy of the world-wide Ireland Fund. The money will go towards helping those who suffered as a result of last August's attack in Market Street.
Governor Owens also met with victims of the bombing, together with the Duke of Abercorn, council officials and trustees of the Omagh Fund.
He also planted a tree in the grounds of Lisnamallard House - home of the Fund as a sign of unity between the communities of Omagh and Colorado.
Speaking afterwards, the Governor said "We are here to try and bring together some of the grief and pain we have felt in Colorado and you have felt in Omagh, and try to learn from it.
"You and your fellow citizens have shown us the way you can heal and learn from the tragedy you have suffered.
"I regret the circumstances which have brought us together, but I am very hopeful good is going to come from this."
Replying to the Governor's donation, John McKinney, Chief Executive of Omagh District Council said he was heartened that Governor Owens and the Ireland Funds had been committed to building peace in the North and restoring hope to the people of Omagh.
"Our task now is to rebuild not only the physical infrastructure of the town centre, but to restore people's confidence through vigorous, but sensitive, regeneration" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1293
Published Date: 05-Aug-99
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