A well-known Lisnaskea woman, who enjoys playing an active role in her local community, admitted that she felt “humbled” on hearing of her nomination for Fermanagh’s Community Heroes.

Kathleen Breen serves as secretary of Carrowshee/Sylvan Hill Community Association; she is treasurer of 4th Fermanagh-Lisnaskea Scouting Ireland Group, and she holds office as treasurer for Lisnaskea Feis Committee.  Her long involvement with Carrowshee/Sylvan Hill Community Association has spanned 14 and a half years since its foundation in 2001. Their mission statement, she explains, has been to improve the quality of life for all residents of Carrowshee/Sylvan Hill community irrespective of age, sex, religion, political, ethnic or cultural background.

She recollects that initially, the Community Association was set up with the help of Supporting Communities Northern Ireland, which she points out still provides a supportive role.

Through an initial survey, she said that the main issues included a lack of affordable and accessible activities for children and young people.

She reflected on a traffic issue and spoke about “speeding traffic through the estate” and referred to “the dangers of traffic.” Two years ago, she said, they got ramps which have increased safety for their children and for all residents.

“Speeding traffic was a huge issue; that has been resolved,” said Kathleen.

Another accomplishment was the opening in 2009 of the Carrosyl Community Centre situated in the heart of the community - “in the middle of the estates for the use of everyone in the area.” “We employ a youth worker who organises a lot of activities for children and young people,” explained Kathleen, who mentions they operate youth clubs for different ages. Homework clubs operate for primary school and also secondary school pupils.

In conjunction with South West College, the Association runs computer classes, free and open to anyone wishing to attend. A special needs youth club, Mencap Sunshine Club, meets every other week, and the “2010” Club on Monday mornings is a social event for older people.  “We also have social outings and meet up with other groups,” indicated Kathleen, adding that they work closely with Oak Healthy Living Centre based in Lisnaskea.

Summer schemes are arranged for primary schoolchildren for four weeks in July, finishing each year with a Community Fun Day, while in August, they organise a two week Teen Scheme.

A very active Community Association, they completed the Housing Executive Shared Communities Programme last year.

“Through that we did a lot of activities, involving all of the community, including a fun day outing,” noted Kathleen, who said it was being repeated on August 29 with a trip to Carrick on Shannon.

Designed for all ages of people in the community, she said this time it was funded by the Cohesion Unit of NIHE.

At Christmas, the Community Association distributes over 60 hampers, an initiative which involves everyone. “We fundraise to cover that,” said Kathleen, who mentions that the fundraising involves all. The youth clubs also lend their help with sorting boxes, decorating them and sticking on labels. A huge community effort, the distribution evening becomes “a big night in the area.” She went on to highlight: “Our proudest and most major achievement to date has been winning Big Lottery/UTV Peoples’ Millions in 2007, a very public campaign resulted in us receiving the highest public vote and winning a £80,000 grant which was used to provide a Multi-Sport area alongside Carrosyl Community Centre. These achievements are made possible only with the help of fellow committee members and volunteers who are very supportive, dedicated and willing workers.” Another major passion for Kathleen is her involvement in the Scouts, which stems from her daughters’ membership. She is involved in a parents’ support committee, which she says is there to keep funds going and “to support leaders and to support the unit as a whole.” Despite her girls no longer being in the Scouts, she has continued her association. “I enjoy it and that is why I have stayed with it,” said Kathleen.

She also serves on Lisnaskea Feis committee and has been involved in the yearly Feis for six or seven years.

The mother of four and grandmother of two, says she enjoys volunteering “very much. I feel I get a lot back from it.” Speaking of her surprise on hearing she had been nominated for Fermanagh’s Community Heroes, she admitted she was “taken aback”.

“I feel there are lots of people who should be nominated,” believes Kathleen, who confessed that she is “humbled.” Happy to do what she does, she feels it is nice that people have recognised it.