Almost 90 local people and dignitaries attended the launch of the ‘Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place’ project on Thursday, January 31 in Arney Millennium Hall.

Commenting on the launch event, Barney Devine, ‘Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place’ Local Coordinator said: “The evening was well attended with representation from a wide range of heritage, history and community groups in the area, many of whose project ideas had been incorporated into the delivery programme.” He added: “We are now looking forward to delivering on the suite of fifteen exciting locally based activities over the next two and half years involving local schools, community and sporting groups and the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark. Award winning local musicians and a story teller came together to showcase some of the exciting culture that the area has to offer.”

The innovative partnership project was community-led from the outset with the key concept and activities identified through consultation with local community groups. Running until March 2021, the project will continue to engage with communities through locally identified heritage activities and aims to create a strategic Community Trail Network that will shape the future development of the area as a connected place where local people will be proud of their history and culture and where visitors are attracted to visit and explore.

The project received £270,000 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with additional funding by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland. The investment was made possible through the National Lottery’s ‘Great Place Scheme,’ with ‘Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place’ successful in being one of only four projects to receive funding in Northern Ireland.

Barney urged attendees of the launch to get involved by contacting him at his office at Millennium Hall, Arney or via c2c.org.uk.