The development of the Termon Complex in the Pettigo and Tullyhommon area is a major sign of progress in this beautifully scenic cross-border location, which is steeped in history and heritage.

The new state of the art centre, at Station Street, Pettigo, which evolved through the efforts of ADOPT (The Association for the Development of Pettigo and Tullyhommon), takes its name from the Termon River, which is seen as something of an icon.

The Termon River forms the border between Co. Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and Co. Fermanagh in Northern Ireland; the portion of the village in Northern Ireland is officially called Tullyhommon, but is known locally as ‘High Street’ due to its hillside position overlooking the village.

Pettigo’s uniqueness is that it is the only village on the island of Ireland which was divided by the Border.

Pettigo, meaning “The Place of the Blacksmith”, and in the past a famous market place, is set in an area rich with rivers, lakes, forestry and boglands. It is officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and an area of scientific special interest. An angler’s dream, there are lakes everywhere including the local Aughafoy Lough, Drumgun Lough, Black Lough and Bannas Lough and the more famous Lough Derg and Lower Lough Erne. Within a few kilometres there are extensive blanket bogland and wet heaths.

Opportunities are afforded for walking trails in the countryside around Pettigo, while the Pettigo History Trail reflects the historical nature of Pettigo and Tullyhommon.

Current businesses in the immediate vicinity include a number of bars - Brittons, Potters, McFarlands, the Pettigo Inn and close by the Cross, while there are two shops, two petrol stations, and a Gardai station. The four main churches in the locality are the Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church and there is one primary school, St. Mary’s. The Cowshed Studio - located close to Tullyhommon’s famous Mulberry Bush - is home to artists Alison Britton and husband Dara Hand.

Among local attractions is Castle McGrath, which dates back to its construction in the 1600s, while another focal point is the 175 year old Station House, situated next to the Termon Complex.

Serving as a lasting reminder of the days of railway travel, it was built in 1840 and opened in 1860 when the Great Northern Railway came to Pettigo. The Station House, an eye-catching building, retaining railway memorabilia, has recently undergone a sympathetic restoration.

Many travelled on the G.N.R., and Pettigo suffered from the railways’ closure in the fifties. The area also suffered as a result of road closures and the Troubles.

“At one stage there were 18 roads in and out of Pettigo,” mentioned Pettigo-born Natasha McGrath, Community Development Officer for ADOPT, who spoke of the “serious knock-on effect” - including businesses closing and people emigrating with the downturn in the economy. “The Celtic Tiger never got the length of here!” she said.

Among the many visitors, over the years, are the large number of Pilgrims, who have been coming from ancient times, to visit St. Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg, situated about four miles from Pettigo. In addition to the long established traditional three day pilgrimages, the small, peaceful island offers one-day retreats, workshops, and other events and activities. (The Three Day Pilgrimage Season is now underway, having opened on May 29, 2015; people can begin their Three Day Pilgrimage on any day up until August 13, 2015.) An active body in the locality is ADOPT (The Association for the Development of Pettigo and Tullyhommon), which was formed in 1991 to address the problem of continuous socio and economic decline of the Pettigo/Tullyhommon area.

A limited company, ADOPT acts as a focal point for activity in Pettigo (population of 450) and Tullyhommon (population of 100) and has a strong history of working with individuals and groups from all religions and backgrounds. It has been active in assessing community needs and instrumental in attracting the attention of government agencies, funding bodies and the media.

The cross border, cross community organisation, over the past 24 years, has had considerable success in terms of the delivery of programmes and activities, most notably through various Peace programmes and as a key partner in the recent successful application to Shared Spaces for the ‘Termon Project’ resulting in capital developments within Pettigo and Tullyhommon.

Its Peace III Termon Project is a multi-faceted physical and recreational regeneration initiative designed to enhance the twin villages of Pettigo in County Donegal and Tullyhommon in County Fermanagh, using the River Termon as a focus for creation of shared public spaces for use by all communities.

ADOPT in partnership with Fermanagh and Donegal Councils were awarded funding of €8.3m by the Special EU Programmes Body under the European Union’s Peace III programme. The funding enabled the redevelopment and revitalisation of the area including: the creation of the aforementioned Termon Complex - a multi-use centre for drama, sports, gym, conferences and local and regional events. Its acting manager is Linda Dunlop. The Centre, which is still in its infancy and opened just over a year ago, has already become the central focus of the area and offers a diverse range of activities. Weekly classes, covering a range of interests, are provided, while a number of clubs and organisations meet at the complex, including the Borderline Players.

Additional developments are a new purpose built playschool and afterschool, Little Smarties, with a secure outdoor play area. Further funding has recently been secured for the provision of a Sensory Room in the facility.

Other facilities include an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA), public playground, community garden and seating area and public toilets.

Another advancement under the umbrella of the Peace III Project has been the extensive refurbishment of the existing Methodist Hall in Tullyhommon for the provision of a youth hub, which is widely used.

The project also included the revitalisation of the Termon riverbank with the development of a riverside park stretching throughout the villages with a newly constructed footbridge spanning over the river Termon.

Improvements of the village centres included footpath renewal, under grounding of services, decorative street lighting, street furniture and the completion of a heritage town painting scheme.

ADOPT has a board of voluntary directors, and in addition to Natasha McGrath, Community Development Officer, office holders include Lisa Monaghan, who serves as financial administrator, while Helen Simms is a part-time youth leader.

Natasha, whose family home is the Station House (formerly home to her late parents) highlights that the Termon Complex - where ADOPT’s office, meeting rooms and conference centre are located - is widely used by a number of different groups. She regards the footbridge, which spans the length of the river, as being of “great benefit” to the community. In reference to the riverside walk, she says it is being very much used by a large number of people. “It’s peaceful to sit down there,” feels Natasha.

She mentions that “the focus behind the bridge and walk is to dilute the border” and she points to the “all inclusive village, Pettigo and Tullyhommon.” Natasha noted that “ADOPT is here to represent the entire community’s interests.” Any revenue generated, she explains, will go back into the betterment of the community.

Summing up, she commented: “I would like to think we have turned a corner. We want to give our community a sense of self pride for living and socialising here.”