THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR LIGHTS CEREMONY
Thousands turn out for lights ceremony
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
OVER ten thousand people who attended last week's switching-on of Omagh's Christmas lights heard that the event was another tentative step towards signalling a new future for the town.
Crowds thronged the main thoroughfares to witness the poignant ceremony, carried out by country singer Daniel O'Donnell.
Some of those seriously injured in the August 15 blast attended the poignant ceremony, which included a spectacular laser lights show.
Stars from the world of showbiz rubbed shoulders with pupils from local schools as they took part in the two hour show on the specially erected Guinness Gig Rig in front of the Courthouse.
The cross-border Corn na nOg choir, made up of primary school pupils from both traditions - including pupils from St Colmcille's and Gibson Primary Schools in Omagh started off the night's programme.
Conducted by musical director, Blanaid Murphy, the choir sang 'Deus Meus' from the recently issued 'Ireland Voices for Peace' CD.
Their performance was followed by an address from Methodist Minister, Rev Peter Good, who urged local people to join in the celebration of Christmas. He added that those injured in the blast had since been a "shining example" during the dark months since August.
His words were echoed by Parish Priest, Fr Michael Keaveny, who felt the opportunity was now right to open the door to a new future for the town.
The night's events were left in the capable hands of Highland Radio DJ, Pio McCann, whose daughter Diane was among those seriously injured in the bombing.
He introduced folk artistes, Dolores Keane and her brother Sean, who have dedicated their new single 'Like the First Time, It's Christmas Time,' to the victims of the atrocity.
Pupils from seven post primary schools who make up Omagh Community Youth Choir sang the title track from the benefit album 'Across the Bridge of Hope.'
The group was conducted by Geraldine Madden and accompanied on piano by Declan McKeever both music teachers at the Christian Brothers
Grammar School.
The thousands who stood shoulder to shoulder from the Courthouse to almost the site of the bombing itself at Market Street, were treated to a spectacular laser lights extravaganza, as cartoon characters, the Teletubbies, Flintstones and Bart Simpson, joined in the fun.
The Chevys brought a Christmassy feel to the evening with a few seasonal numbers.
But the loudest cheer of the evening was reserved for Santa Claus himself, who made an appearance on the roof of the Post Office, before making his way through the throng and onto the snow filled stage.
Star of the evening, Daniel O'Donnell arrived to rapturous applause.
The Donegal singer was welcomed by Pio McCann, without whom, Daniel said, the night's show wouldn't have been possible.
Before launching into his opening number, 'Beyond the Great Divide,' the singer told his audience there were "ears all over Ireland" willing to listen and help the people of Omagh in their time of need.
"Of all the places in the world, you deserve happiness" he added.
The country star was joined by a chorus of voices for his final song of the evening, a moving rendition of 'Silent Night'
Council Chief Executive, John McKinney, thanked everyone who had worked long and hard in preparing for the night's event, and he extended his gratitude to all the artistes "who made tonight very special."
The programme was rounded off by local artiste, Rock Stewart.
Speaking afterwards, Assemblyman Joe Byrne said he welcomed the opportunity whereby the community could come together.
"Obviously it's very difficult for the bereaved families to look forward to the festive season, but I think the wider community and indeed the relatives of the families, want to look forward to a future of peace, and I think Christmas is always a time of hope" he added.
Council Chairman, Sean Clarke, also spoke of his hopes that Christmas would mark a turning point for the town.
"It will certainly be a very difficult time for many, but hopefully the community will find some comfort in the events organised over the next few weeks" he said.
The lights which are illuminating this Christmas are mostly white, symbolising peace.
Most of the lights are new and would not have been possible without the assistance of Supervalu, Omagh, who contributed �25,000 towards the cost.
John Wallace, Manager, said Supervalu was 'privileged to be associated with any effort to try to bring back some brightness and happiness to the town, with the earnest hope of a better future'.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
OVER ten thousand people who attended last week's switching-on of Omagh's Christmas lights heard that the event was another tentative step towards signalling a new future for the town.
Crowds thronged the main thoroughfares to witness the poignant ceremony, carried out by country singer Daniel O'Donnell.
Some of those seriously injured in the August 15 blast attended the poignant ceremony, which included a spectacular laser lights show.
Stars from the world of showbiz rubbed shoulders with pupils from local schools as they took part in the two hour show on the specially erected Guinness Gig Rig in front of the Courthouse.
The cross-border Corn na nOg choir, made up of primary school pupils from both traditions - including pupils from St Colmcille's and Gibson Primary Schools in Omagh started off the night's programme.
Conducted by musical director, Blanaid Murphy, the choir sang 'Deus Meus' from the recently issued 'Ireland Voices for Peace' CD.
Their performance was followed by an address from Methodist Minister, Rev Peter Good, who urged local people to join in the celebration of Christmas. He added that those injured in the blast had since been a "shining example" during the dark months since August.
His words were echoed by Parish Priest, Fr Michael Keaveny, who felt the opportunity was now right to open the door to a new future for the town.
The night's events were left in the capable hands of Highland Radio DJ, Pio McCann, whose daughter Diane was among those seriously injured in the bombing.
He introduced folk artistes, Dolores Keane and her brother Sean, who have dedicated their new single 'Like the First Time, It's Christmas Time,' to the victims of the atrocity.
Pupils from seven post primary schools who make up Omagh Community Youth Choir sang the title track from the benefit album 'Across the Bridge of Hope.'
The group was conducted by Geraldine Madden and accompanied on piano by Declan McKeever both music teachers at the Christian Brothers
Grammar School.
The thousands who stood shoulder to shoulder from the Courthouse to almost the site of the bombing itself at Market Street, were treated to a spectacular laser lights extravaganza, as cartoon characters, the Teletubbies, Flintstones and Bart Simpson, joined in the fun.
The Chevys brought a Christmassy feel to the evening with a few seasonal numbers.
But the loudest cheer of the evening was reserved for Santa Claus himself, who made an appearance on the roof of the Post Office, before making his way through the throng and onto the snow filled stage.
Star of the evening, Daniel O'Donnell arrived to rapturous applause.
The Donegal singer was welcomed by Pio McCann, without whom, Daniel said, the night's show wouldn't have been possible.
Before launching into his opening number, 'Beyond the Great Divide,' the singer told his audience there were "ears all over Ireland" willing to listen and help the people of Omagh in their time of need.
"Of all the places in the world, you deserve happiness" he added.
The country star was joined by a chorus of voices for his final song of the evening, a moving rendition of 'Silent Night'
Council Chief Executive, John McKinney, thanked everyone who had worked long and hard in preparing for the night's event, and he extended his gratitude to all the artistes "who made tonight very special."
The programme was rounded off by local artiste, Rock Stewart.
Speaking afterwards, Assemblyman Joe Byrne said he welcomed the opportunity whereby the community could come together.
"Obviously it's very difficult for the bereaved families to look forward to the festive season, but I think the wider community and indeed the relatives of the families, want to look forward to a future of peace, and I think Christmas is always a time of hope" he added.
Council Chairman, Sean Clarke, also spoke of his hopes that Christmas would mark a turning point for the town.
"It will certainly be a very difficult time for many, but hopefully the community will find some comfort in the events organised over the next few weeks" he said.
The lights which are illuminating this Christmas are mostly white, symbolising peace.
Most of the lights are new and would not have been possible without the assistance of Supervalu, Omagh, who contributed �25,000 towards the cost.
John Wallace, Manager, said Supervalu was 'privileged to be associated with any effort to try to bring back some brightness and happiness to the town, with the earnest hope of a better future'.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1705
Published Date: 03-Dec-98
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