Electronics and equine education engaged Her Royal Highness Princess Anne during her visit to Enniskillen last Friday, completing her whirlwind two-day visit to Northern Ireland.

Arriving in Enniskillen on Friday February 8, The Princess Royal’s first stop was Elite Electronics Systems Ltd, an electronics manufacturer based on the edge of the town at Lackaboy Industrial Estate.

During a guided tour of the company’s facilities, The Princess Royal was introduced to various staff members including the Managing Director, Production Manager and Operations Manager. Her Royal Highness also met with customers of the company and a number of students from Mount Lourdes Grammar School, St. Michael’s College and Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, who were also touring the facilities on the day.

Speaking of The Princess Royal’s visit, a spokesman on behalf of Elite Electronics said: “We have over 200 people who work here and we are making products that are going through the length and breadth of Ireland, as well as into the UK and worldwide.”

He continued: “There’s a lot of good stuff going on out here and it meant a lot to the people and the staff to have that level of recognition. It’s certainly done a lot for people here to think that somebody of that magnitude is actually taking an interest, coming to see what we are doing. So we were very happy to receive her.”

Following her engagement at Elite Electronics, The Princess Royal visited the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) campus in Enniskillen and was warmly welcomed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA.)

On arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by CAFRE’s Director Martin McKendry who accompanied her on a tour of the equine facilities where she met with CAFRE staff and students.

Martin McKendry said: “I am delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to the campus today to showcase our facilities at the campus and to introduce her to the students and staff.

“CAFRE has excellent facilities for the delivery of our equine education courses including breeding, racing, equitation and farriery units. These facilities provide students with invaluable experience in managing and riding horses.”

CAFRE BSc student Naoisa Faux, from Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh said: “I was excited to meet The Princess Royal and discuss how I’m really enjoying my time at CAFRE, studying for my Honours Degree and developing a deeper understanding of the academic side of equine management as well as my practical skills.”

She added: “I was delighted to outline how I had the opportunity to lead up one of the College Thoroughbred foals for sale at Goffs recently. I’m now looking forward to travelling to Kentucky, USA with six other students, and three staff to develop my international experience.”