St Patrick’s Primary School, Mullanaskea won the ‘Best School for Helping All Pupils Achieve Their Best’ award from Families First Northern Ireland. 

The school was nominated by Ellie Nicholl’s parents for the reward as they wanted the school’s staff recognised for their care of little Ellie over the years.

The brave eight-year-old from Cradien, outside Enniskillen, a former pupil at St Patrick’s Primary School, Mullanaskea, lived with a rare progressive neurological condition known as H-ABC Syndrome, which meant she was unable to walk or speak.

Ellie sadly passed away on March 9th 2016, leaving the Nicholl family and the wider Fermanagh community devastated. 

Since her death, Ellie’s mother Ciara, father Billy and brother Arran have been keeping her memory alive and launched ‘Ellie’s Retreat.’ Based at Castle Archdale, the retreat offers free respite to those who have lost a child where they can escape and have some space and time together. 

Commenting on the award win, St Patrick’s PS principal, Louise O’Neill said she felt very humbled for the school to be nominated by the Nicholl family. 

“Caring for Ellie was a pleasure, she was a very special little girl. Ellie was a joy to teach and a joy to know – full of life, energy and happiness. Ellie continues to be very much part of the fabric of Mullanaskea and not a day goes by when she is not mentioned. Ellie’s anniversary, by sheer co-incidence, was on Saturday March 9th, the same date the school received the award. 

“The staff all attended and we all had a great evening. We are honoured to receive this award and everybody at Mullanaskea hopes that Ellie would be proud.”