Fermanagh Rose Mairead McHugh is teaming up with a cause close to heart as she has selected the Stroke Association as her chosen charity for the year. 

The Kinawley woman, who is flying the Erne flag at this year’s Rose of Tralee festival, says she is committed to supporting local people affected by stroke. 

The 25-year-old GAA fan plans to host Know Your Blood Pressure events and support Stroke Association campaigns and fundraisers during her year as Fermanagh Rose. 

Unveiling her chosen charity this week, Mairead said: “The Stroke Association is a cause very close to my heart. As a Speech and Language Therapist I’ve worked with many people affected by stroke and really enjoy using my skills to support them to regain speech and overcome the communication challenges that stroke can bring. I understand the impact that stroke can have and why the Stroke Association plays such an important role in supporting local stroke survivors and their families. 

“During my year as Fermanagh Rose I am delighted to support the Stroke Association and especially the Fermanagh group. Given my job, it’s the perfect partnership for me. It’s been a privilege to meet with the dedicated volunteers who provide information and support to local families affected by stroke. I’m so impressed by their commitment and can’t wait to get involved.” 

Mairead will be supporting the Stroke Association Fermanagh Group at a number of upcoming events including street collections on 5th July and 13th August. The Group will also be attending the Fermanagh Country Show on 2nd and 3rd of August as well as hosting stroke awareness events at Erneside Shopping Centre. 

Alan Davenport, a stroke survivor and Chair of the Stroke Association Fermanagh group, says Mairead’s genuine passion for supporting people affected by stroke and her backing for the group means a lot.

“Mairead will be a brilliant ambassador for Fermanagh and we hope that through her role she will shine a light on the issues affecting local people affected by stroke. Every year more than 4,000 people will have a stroke in Northern Ireland and many survivors are left with challenging symptoms including fatigue, communication problems and difficulty walking. Our group, which meets at Fermanagh House and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, provides peer support for local stroke survivors. The Stroke Association also provides a speech and language therapy programme for recent stroke survivors to help them regain communication skills following stroke and that’s why our partnership with Mairead is such good fit.”

The Rose of Tralee International Festival takes place from 17th –  23rd August. Joining Mairead at the event will be the two Fermanagh Escorts at this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival – John Slowey from Enniskillen and Belcoo man Mark McGovern.