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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Rutland
Posts: 25,358
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Rutland
Posts: 25,358
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20,000 for Eoghan\'s homecoming
Quote:
20,000 for Eoghan's homecoming 'X Factor' hero Eoghan Quigg was gobsmacked when he heards that crowds of up to 20,000 are expected to welcome him in Dungiven on December 22.
When the ‘Journal’ told him the news, the young idol said: “ Wow, incredible. That’s amazing!”
Limavady councillors agreed on Tuesday that the event will be staged on the town's Main Street, where the teenage idol will be seen from an open top bus, with fans lining the street.
"Let's get behind this and support this," said Sinn Fein Colr. Anne Brolly proposing the event which she said Limavady Council should take ownership of.
"We've given money to festivals where there have been fewer people at. Let's be positive and show the support that's needed for this."
Clement Kennedy of the Western Group told councillors of his experience managing large events, including crowds of up to 55,000 for the Tyrone GAA team's first All-Ireland homecoming. He has also handled crowds of up to 30,000 for a Corrs concert, as well as events to commemorate victims of the Omagh bombing.
Mr. Kennedy had looked at other venues such as the GAA's Owenbeg complex and the local GAA club on Curragh Road.
However, Main Street was chosen as it had the least hassle and was the cheapest, costing a maximum of £10,000.
Limavady councillors have held talks with local statutory agencies such as police and the fire service, and it is understood traffic will be diverted around the busy town on the afternoon of the event.
While most councillors supported the homecoming, UUC Colr. Boyd Douglas asked why should Limavady Council have to pay for it.
Fellow UUC Colr. Leslie Cubitt said he supported the event and Eoghan Quigg, but said maybe Limavady was a better venue as there was lots of parking.
However. Colr. Brolly said: "It's a homecoming. It must be in his own place."
Mayor Brenda Chivers stressed health and safety was a priority, and added: "Homecoming means homecoming. Dungiven is Eoghan's home. That's where it should be."
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Source: Derry Journal
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