A BEAM of light shone across Enniskillen last week as a sign not only of a community coming together in celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday, but of a community united. 


The poignant crossing of lights between St. Macartin’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church brightened up the dark night sky and symbolised Her Majesty’s short walk across the street from the two churches in 2012, a moment that still resonates with very many four years on.


Viscount Brookeborough, The Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, also lit a birthday beacon while Enniskillen Castle bathed in purple light for the special occasion.


Nearby there were Royal-themed refreshments from The Jolly Sandwich Bar with Elderflower shortbread, scones with Highgrove strawberry jam, cream cheese and cucumber, and salmon sandwiches and little cupcakes with photographs of The Queen on top of them.


There was a feel good atmosphere on Darling Street as the brass bands of St. Michael’s College and Portora Royal School played music while hundreds of people ate, drank and laughed with friends and family. 
The Very Rev. Kenneth Hall, The Dean of Clogher, conducted a thanksgiving service at St. Macartin’s which he said gave the community an opportunity to bring people together.


“This is about building community, bringing people together. Just like The Queen did in 2012, we are trying to show tolerance and respect to all. We walk the same street, we breathe the same air, we share the same feelings. There is more that unites us than divides us,” he said, as the church’s 10 bells, installed almost 175 years ago in 1842, rang out.


Assisting Dean Hall during the service were representatives from all the main churches in the county, including Reverend David Cupples of the Presbyterian Church, Reverend Stephen Woods of the Methodist Church and Right Rev. Monsignor Peter O’Reilly of St. Michael’s Church.


“Of course, The Queen knew very well what she was doing when she came here in the crossing of the street,” said Monsignor O’Reilly.


“She symbolised a commonality, a sort of togetherness, bringing us together. It fills me with pride to see so many people turn out for this event. Not only pride, but a certain joy as well. My hope is that we will continue the community we already are, and that the best of it will flourish through events like this,” he said.


The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Reverend John McDowell, who delivered the sermon, described taking part in the service as “a pleasure.”


“This event is a tremendous example of how, when everybody pulls in the same direction, things work out and people are contented and happy,” he said. 


Ken Rainey, President of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen, which helped organise the event, said seeing the streets filled with people “symbolised what true community spirit is all about.”


“We are recognising that Her Majesty The Queen is really someone who is special to all of us, to the entire community. Enniskillen has been a place of reconciliation and bridge building, it is lovely to be a part of that. To be here, to witness all of that, is very special,” he said.


Hazel Johnston, the proprietor of the award-winning Jolly Sandwich Bar, said it was “an honour” to prepare the Royal-themed food, including making hundreds of sandwiches and tray bakes. 


“There was a lot of work but every bit of it was well worthwhile, this was an absolutely fantastic event. We all know there is a wonderful bond between everyone in the community,” she said.


First Minister Arlene Foster said the event “represented all of the community.”


“Enniskillen is renowned for being a community that works together. The Queen has shown us to value difference, not to be afraid of difference and to respect the other. We shouldn’t diminish ourselves in our own identities but we should celebrate the fact that we have difference and I believe we do that very well in Enniskillen,” she said. 


There was a nice touch during the street party when Peggy Bogue, who shared her 90th birthday with The Queen, was invited to cut a birthday cake as Mrs. Foster led a singsong to commemorate her big day.

Afterwards, the Tempo woman said: “It was an honour to be here, of course. Everyone did well, I think everyone works well together. I have had a great birthday, I’ll not forget it.”


Selwyn Johnston, who was instrumental in organising almost every part of the occasion, would not take credit for any of it, instead the modest man said: “It was a team effort.”

“People have come out together to celebrate The Queen’s birthday from all across Fermanagh and beyond. It is good to see that connection, it’s a testimony to the legacy The Queen has left behind on everyone in the community,” he said. 

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