Community spirit was very much to the fore at Fermanagh House this week as Fermanagh Rural Community Network (FRCN) held their AGM and Celebrating Community Achievement Awards on Monday evening.

Louise McLaughlin, Chairperson of FRCN, welcomed the more 50-fifty people in attendance, as well as those watching online over Zoom, as everyone marked the network’s 28th AGM, and the 21st holding of the Celebrating Community Achievements Awards.

Barry Boyle, Network Co-ordinator, gave an overview of FRCN’s work over the past year, with the local rural support network delivering community development support activities to positively benefit and sustain Co. Fermanagh’s rural communities.

Guest speaker Gráinne O Connor, Geopark Manager, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (see www.cuilcaghlakelands.org), gave a comprehensive presentation on the geopark, and of key activities being delivered across the geopark area to benefit local communities, business, the environment and delivery of events for local residents and visitors.

Of course, the highlight of the evening was the awards section, highlighting some of the people and groups who have done so much to help their communities, some as relative newcomers, and others as stalwarts, but all selflessly giving their time and effort to help other people.

The 2022 Celebrating Community Achievement Awards saw winners announced in two main categories, ‘Local Community Activity’, and ‘An Individual Who Has Made a Difference’, as follows.

Local Community Activity

Winning group: Barnlee Crafts and Activities Charity Shop.This group were nominated for their work on operating Barnlee Crafts and Activities Shop social enterprise located in Derrylin village since 2013, as a means of raising much needed funds to support adults with learning disabilities.

Certificates of Recognition

Enniskillen Light Operatic (ELO). This group are a long-standing amateur theatre group who have performed an annual musical every year in the Ardhowen Theatre.

Lisnaskea Men’s Shed. This group have been operating since 2014 under the Erne East Community Partnership and provide a wide range of activities for men from Lisnaskea and the wider area.

4th Fermanagh Scouts. The group have worked to be a progressive and pro-active group for local young people in the Lisnaskea area and is run by local volunteers who give of their time to assist these young people.

Tea and Tots. This group have recently started to operate in Boho Community Hall to provide activities for parents and toddlers from Boho and the surrounding area.

Magheraveely Community Development Association. This association have been active for a number of years and since the opening of the ‘Sunshine Cabin’ in June, 2021, the facility has become a hub for a wide range of community activity.

An Individual Who Has Made a Difference

The Gabriel D’Arcy Perpetual Cup: Presented to Fergal Trainor from Coa. Fergal was nominated for his ever-present work in Coa Community Association for over 20 years, with it being noted that he has always been willing to lend a hand.

It was particularly noted that Fergal used his skills to organise two lorryloads of aid to assist people in Ukraine, with it said that this project underlines Fergal’s humanity, generosity of spirit and selflessness, which made him a very worthy winner for the award for an individual who makes a very real difference.

Certificates of Recognition

Jacqueline Mullan – Carrowshee Park/Sylvan Hill Community Association. Jackie has been involved with the association since the beginning in 2001 in all activities, with her greatest impact being on children and youth of the area.

Ellie Annon – Magheraveely Community Development Association. Ellie has made significant efforts to consult with local people and then plan a range of activities and schemes with a particular focus on arts and crafts for all ages.

Oliver McLaughlin – Erne East Community Partnership, and Newtownbutler Community Development Association. Oliver was nominated for the key role he has played in the development and ongoing work of Erne East Community Partnership. He was also central to the work of developing The Courthouse Community Centre in Newtownbutler as a key community hub.

Malcolm Glenn – South East Fermanagh Foundation. Malcolm was nominated for his extensive voluntary efforts and use of his skills at developing the SEFF allotments project that now have more than 40 working plots.

George Cathcart – Bellanaleck Community Group. George was nominated for his work with Bellanaleck Community Group since its inception with a particular focus on environmental improvements.

Ross Corrigan – Boho Community Association. Ross was nominated for his work with Boho Community Association, and as a founder member of Boho Youth Club, which delivers a wide range of activities for the younger people of Boho community.

Irene Davis – Kesh Evergreens. Irene was nominated for her work with Kesh Evergreens since 2004, having served as Chairperson for 18 years, only recently retiring from the position.