Tour News (posted 21st August 1998)

Pro-Am in memory of Omagh bomb victims

Press Association

Straffan, Ireland. - European golf stars are to fly to Ireland next month to play a special pro-am in memory of those killed in the Omagh bombing.

It is hoped to raise 150,000 for the Omagh Fund and Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke, from County Tyrone where the tragedy took place, said: "We can't bring people back, but we would like to do something to show our support."

The pro-am will be at Portmarnock Links on September 14, the day after the British Masters at the Forest of Arden near Coventry.

Twenty-four teams of one professional and three amateurs will take part. It will cost the amateurs a minimum of 5,000 per team
and anyone interested is asked to contact Clarke's manager Andrew Chandler on 01565 830417.

Clarke added: "I didn't know anybody who died, but I'm from Dungannon and Omagh is not far away. I used to play there as an amateur. "I thought of this at the start of the week. I've a few people I knew in the troubles over the years.

"Not that other atrocities haven't affected me, but this one has hit deeper. Adults and children were just slaughtered it was a senseless, murderous act."
Aer Lingus have already agreed to fly players over and Clarke said "everybody is eager to help".