Iconic ‘90s Omagh disco returns for one night only

AN iconic Omagh disco of the 1990s will be resurrected later this month in memory of a popular local teenager who lost her life in a road traffic collision on the Gortin Road 20 years ago.

The Omagh St Enda’s GAA disco – pronounced ‘The Ja’ by its teenage patrons of the 1990s – holds many happy memories for a generation of local people who came of age in the decade that preceded the turn of the millennium.

And, on Saturday, April 29, it will be brought back to life as the people of Omagh remember and celebrate the life of Paula Murphy, raising money for Mary’s Meals and Strathroy Youth Club in the process.

On the Friday nights that this hugely popular disco ran, buses traveling from far and wide would converge at Healy Park and out would spill teenagers from Dromore, Gortin, Carrickmore and many other towns and villages surrounding Omagh.

But Paula Murphy, who was from Strathroy in the town, would simply walk across the road with her friends.

One of those almost sure to be by her side was her friend, Barry McColgan. We spoke with Barry earlier this week about this night of celebration and nostalgia which has been organised to mark the 20 year anniversary since Paula’s passing.

“Firstly, this is not to be a solemn or sombre affair. It is to be a night of celebration,” began Barry.

“I know that at times like this people always talk about how popular people were, but in Paula’s case it is true,” continued Barry.

“She was loved for her outgoing way and that infectious smile that she carried wherever she went.”

In 2003, aged just 18, Paula was killed after being involved in a road traffic collision on the Gortin Road.

“She had a huge group of friends from the time she spent at St Brigid’s and Omagh Tech,” said Barry, “and we are fully expecting the disco to sell out.”

Barry said that ‘The Ja’ was a focal point for young people in Omagh and its surrounding areas during the 1990s.

“We wanted to do something that Paula loved, and she loved going out to ‘The Ja’,” explained Barry.

Nineties themed, those who held onto their shell-toes and studded belts will find their hoarding has paid off. For those who binned their bygone gear, however, baggy jeans and boob-tubes can still be sourced online.

“DJ2Js will be playing some classic nineties banger, everyone will have their nineties gear on, and we are set to have a night that will go down in history,” said Barry.

Both Mary’s Meals and Strathoy Youth Club have been intentionally chosen to become the benefactors of the charity disco because of Paula’s connection with them.

“Paula’s mum is deeply involved with Mary’s meals,” said Barry, “and her young niece, Paula Rose, who is named after her auntie, is a member of Strathroy Youth Club.

“Both are remarkable organisations who improve the lives of the people they work with,” said Barry.

Get your tickets before they sell out, by contacting Barry on 07885569940.

“Come along and relive your youth,” said Barry.