The Omagh Basketball Club is a cross community organization that the FFAI Christmas Appeal supports. Eamon Daly, A Hibernian who returned to Ireland is behind this program. Please contact him if you can make a donation or provide some service. They will be in NYC on July 18. Eamon’s email Dalysire@msn.com. Bekow is a letter from Eamon Daly
As you may already know, in July 2010, the Omagh Basketball Club will be making a very exciting, and long-awaited 12-day trip to the United States. Thanks to the overwhelming support of many, especially Hibernians throughout the U.S., we have been able to plan a diverse and wonderful schedule of activities for the team to take part in.
Our travel plans include visiting New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Connecticut and Boston. The team will be going to local landmarks, sporting events and experiencing many other fun activities in each of the cities we visit. Most of our accommodation and entertainment expenses in each of these cities have been generously provided for through fundraising events and sponsors. However, our plans in New York City, the most important and memorable leg of our trip, have not been sponsored by any donations or other charitable support.
On the day we arrive, July 15th, we will be welcomed with a barbeque that is being hosted by and held at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Monmouth University has graciously offered for us to stay in their student dorms and eat at their campus cafeteria for two full days. We will be concluding our trip to New Jersey by taking the ferry from Atlantic Highlands to Manhattan.
At present, our tentative plans in Manhattan consist of exploring the city sights on the famous double-decker tour busses and visiting the Statue of Liberty. There is a WNBA game in Madison Square Garden scheduled for the day we will be in Manhattan, July 18th. Attending this game would be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for all the youth team members from both Catholic and Protestant communities and adult coaches alike.
To say that the trip to America will be a life-changing event in the lives of each child on our team is quite simply an understatement. I feel that the permanent impact the voyage will have will be immeasurable. Through their travels, the members of the Omagh Basketball Club will gain experiences they would otherwise never have. This is doubly important for these children, the future decision makers of Northern Ireland, who will one day guide the North toward continued peace and progress. Before there can be a United Ireland the people must learn to live, work, and play together. The goal of the Omagh
Basketball Club is to have both sides work together for a common goal.
As a fellow member of the Hibernians who holds the dreams of Northern Ireland dear, I hope you will be able to help our team realize our plans in New York City, either through your personal support or by letting others know about our organization and the profound impact this trip will have on everyone attending. Anyone you could put us in contact with that you feel could contribute sponsorship or any ideas for additional activities, would be greatly appreciated.
We are all looking forward to meeting you, and all our other wonderful supporters and hosts, during our time in the United States.
Thank you again for your support; it is a true example of our motto.
Irish unity, Friendship, and true Christian charity
Brother Eamon Daly