The Enniskillen Model Primary School Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA)’s 5k Run and Walk in memory of the late Shirley Rowland – a much-loved colleague and friend who passed away on October 30, 2020 – was a huge success, with around 350 participants on the evening. 

Taking place on Friday, September 23 at 6pm, the sun shone all evening as family, friends, colleagues, the local community and running clubs participated in the event.

Conditions were perfect and the relatively flat and scenic route, which travelled through Castle Coole Estate, proved very popular with runners and walkers alike.

The atmosphere was great and the refreshments served back in the Model School playground at the end of the event were extremely well received by participants and supporters.

The race had chipped timing, there were cash prizes for the top three males and females, spot prizes, and all participants received a beautiful bespoke wooden medal.

A full list of race results and official photos by Eustace Tierney have been published on Enniskillen Model’s Facebook Page.

Cheryl Clarke, Chairperson of Enniskillen Model Primary School PTA, said: “This event was organised to honour our dear friend Shirley’s memory.

“All profits raised through this event will go towards Enniskillen Model PTA’s resources fund and Fermanagh BrightStarz – a local charity chosen by Shirley’s family.”

Local runner, Irene Clements was involved in helping the PTA plan the route. She said: “As I’m a runner myself, I wanted to make sure it was a scenic route, and a fast route for the runners, so that they would enjoy it and get good times.

“We wanted to have it finishing at the school because it was in memory of Shirley. She lived near Castle Coole, so she would have enjoyed walking around [the estate].

“It was obviously meaningful for that reason as well, because that was special to her and her family.”

Shirley Rowland (nee Kee) worked as a Classroom Assistant at Enniskillen Model Primary School where she was also Chairperson of the School’s PTA for several years.

She was extremely dedicated, highly-respected, and a much-loved member of staff, who successfully organised a large number of the school’s events and fundraising activities, including the school’s first 5k running races, which took place in 2018 and 2019.

The event was originally scheduled to take place on Friday, September 9 but was postponed following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

The PTA would like to thank everyone involved for their understanding and support.

Enniskillen Model PTA would like to thank the following local businesses, organisations, and families and individuals for their support of this event: the Rowland and Kee Families, A1 Transport (NI) Ltd, Belmore Court & Motel, Cassidy Hospitality, Cassidy & McCreesh Orthodontic Practice, Cooper Wilkinson Solicitors, Crossfit Enniskillen, Donaldson’s Snooker Hall, Franco’s Restaurant, Kettyle Irish Foods, Kesh & District Golf Society, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Kalm Spa, Kolor-N-Kuts, Lakeland Tyres, Rebecca’s Coffee Shop, Safe Haven, S. D. Kells, System Signs, TMC Electrical, T. Dickey & Co, and the Crawford Family.

The PTA would also like to thank individuals and families who were unable to attend for their generous donations.