An Omagh football club founded by workers at the town’s two former hospital sites is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
Omagh Hospitals, or the Hossies as they are better known, will mark the occasion with an event in The Coach Inn in the town later this month
Club secretary Sean McCartan told MyTyrone of the club’s pride in having made it to the landmark, and having provided football to local players during difficult periods for the town from a sporting perspective.
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“We are immensely proud of the occasion of our 40th anniversary,” Sean said.
“A lot of footballers from Omagh and surrounding districts, particularly Killyclogher, Beragh and Gortin, have pulled on the Hossies jersey over those 40 years.
“We have been able to give these lads the opportunity to play junior football at a very high level in a very competitive league.
“We pride ourselves in the fact that through many barren years, and we've had our share of them, we kept going and continued to give local lads the chance to play week in week out throughout the football season.
“As a club we are particularly proud of the fact that we are still going strong in a town which has lost several other good junior clubs over the last 20 years as well as the demise of Omagh Town in 2005.”
Sean added club members are looking forward to the night to celebrate the landmark, including some who were at its formation four decades ago.
He added: “Whilst at its formation Omagh Hospitals was represented mostly by staff from the two local hospital sites, there are now over 60 players from the local community registered with the club.
“We have had a lot of interest in the event with many of our former players joining us on the night.
“We’re looking forward to giving everyone a warm Hossies welcome to what promises to be an unforgettable occasion.”
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