THE widow of a Fermanagh butcher murdered in his Derrylin butcher shop 47 years ago has said she will “continue to encourage peace and reconciliation” as she prepares to host a talk tomorrow night (Friday) by former Impartial Reporter editor Denzil McDaniel.

Betty Leonard says reaching out to others is what her husband Louis would have wanted.

Mr. Leonard was a member of the IRA who was shot in his butcher's shop by loyalists.

Since his death Mrs. Leonard has been engaged in encouraging others to work together.

In 2005 she was part of a peace group that went to South Africa and on Saturday she spoke at a health, hope and healing event in Enniskillen where she received a standing ovation.

Having addressed countless events across Ireland over the years, Mrs. Leonard has felt inspired to continue sharing her story and vision.

“These appearances encouraged me to try again to promote peace and reconciliation in this part of Fermanagh. My brother and law and I had attempted to set up such a group some years ago, we had enlisted people from different religions, but for some reason this did not materialise,” she explained.

She now hopes to hold talks featuring motivational speakers, the first of which takes place tomorrow at St Patrick’s Club House in Donagh at 8pm.

“It is my intention to have ongoing speeches by inspirational speakers, such as Denzil McDaniel on Friday night.

"The Rev. David Latimer has agreed to speak at the same venue on Sunday, February 9 at 3pm. I have also invited Declan Coyle who has agreed but date and venue are to be arranged.

“In this way I hope to continue Louis’ work as he was passionate about civil rights for all, and peace and reconciliation in our country where we can all live side by side peacefully. In this way I am continuing his work,” Mrs. Leonard told The Impartial Reporter.