Storytelling is thriving in Killesher, Co. Fermanagh. And when it comes to composing good stories, the locality’s young people appear to have been doing their homework.

They have been finding out all about the olden times – thanks to a competition to discover who could produce the best story.

Florencecourt Primary and Killesher Schools organised the successful venture which attracted over 50 entries, focusing on a range of subjects from The Famine to folk tales. The competition was arranged in memory of the late George Sheridan, a local historian and storyteller, who was born and lived in Gortaree, Killesher, from 1912 to 1998.

The organisers were delighted that storyteller, Liz Weir, of international repute, agreed to judge the entries and to present the winners’ prizes.

A spokeswoman for the event explained that Liz knew George Sheridan personally and was an inspiration to him when she recognised the value of his work and provided encouragement and recognition.

Liz was at Florencecourt Prtimary School last week for a presentation, attended by members of George’s family. The top prizes went to Grace Wallace, who wrote about Famine times, and Brian Corrigan, whose subject was the Salt Man. Liz told traditional tales which were well received by the children and adults.

The spokeswoman went on to explain that the competition was supported by the proceeds of the book, ‘When Turkeys Chewed Tobacco’, a compilation of speech and writing by the late George Sheridan.

Schoolchildren Grace Wallace of Florencecourt Primary School and Brian Corrigan, St. Mary’s Primary School, Killesher, winners of the story writing competition, with Mrs. Raby Bracken, Mrs. Edith Sheridan, storyteller Liz Weir and Mrs. Annie Hassard.