Connie, as she was known locally, was murdered in May at her Maguiresbridge home by her former partner, Peadar Phair and her brave son Conor was also injured in the devastating attack.

Despite her horrific death, Connie’s friends and neighbours are determined to remember their ‘kind, gentle and fun-loving neighbour’, and the ‘The Road Crew’ have organised ‘Who Dares Wins’ in her memory. The concept of fundraising event is people pledging to do a dare or a challenge and seek sponsorship from their friends and family and all of the money raised will go towards Fermanagh Women’s Aid. 

Speaking about the event, Debbie Armstrong, a Road Crew member said: “The challenge needs to be good fun but also something that you find difficult and challenging. The idea is to stand in solidarity with women experiencing abuse and to get the message across that no matter how scary the dare might be, it will never be as challenging as living with abuse. It may be getting on stage to sing a song for the first time, patting a spider or on a more serious note, calling Fermanagh Women’s Aid and asking for help.”

Any funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the essential service which helps women and children find safety. A special event will be held on Saturday, September 16th in the Enniskillen Hotel at 7.30pm where a number of people will complete their challenges.

Debbie Armstrong continued, “It would not be possible to ever forget Connie and we have her inspirational son Conor to remind us of how beautiful she was as a person. Domestic abuse affects men and women and we would want anyone who is fearful in their own home to seek help.”

More information on the event is available on the Maguiresbridge Who Dares Wins Facebook, and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or from Fermanagh’s Women’s Aid directly. 

“We think Connie would smile if she could see what her ‘Road Crew’ were getting up to in her honour and if what we are doing helps one woman leave an abusive relationship – or even ask for help, then we have done above and beyond what we could have ever hoped. And for that we believe Connie would be proud,” said Debbie.