This week, The Impartial Reporter concludes its coverage of the final sections of this year’s Fermanagh Feis, now widely established and recognised as the county’s biggest music festival for young people.

For almost two months, thousands of entrants made their way to the various venues in Enniskillen to compete in the eight main sections. For many, it was almost as if they were competing in an audition for Britain’s Got Talent but in this case it certainly was a case of Fermanagh’s Got Talent.

For hours, and in some cases even days, Feis secretaries and adjudicators sat patiently as young hopefuls took to the stage for their moment of fame and while only a small percentage received top awards, the remainder were acknowledged for not only their participation but their courage and determination to rehearse and perform in front of a hall of parents and friends. Some of the entrants were as young as P1 pupils.

For years, the Fermanagh Feis has proved to be a springboard for future success for many of its young starlets. Many of those who receive bursaries and awards will go on to study music or drama at a higher level and we are already seeing several of them succeed such as Andrew Irwin, who was recently judged runner-up in the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year competition.

The many photographs and results published in our newspaper over the past number of weeks represent just some of the young people who found success in their respective categories at the Feis. But what it does not show are the hours, days and the preparation of the young people, whether it is playing an instrument in the traditional music or classical music sections, giving a recitation or a song, a performance of Irish dancing or drama or simply a demonstration of their history or artistic design skills.

Our coverage also aims to portray the amount of work that goes in each year to allow the Feis to happen. A dedicated management committee and section secretaries come together, devoting many hours of their time voluntarily to allow our young people take the stage and to allow their talents blossom.

It is these volunteers under the chairmanship of Catherine Murphy, who deserve much praise for their support and guidance, who help make our people feel at ease and who help to bring the best out in them.