Speaking from the stage principal Pat McTaggart said, “We in St Aidan’s and indeed the wider community need people of the calibre of Kevin Lunney.”

Mr McTaggart is the latest in a series of locals from the south Fermanagh area to speak out about the savage attack in which Mr Lunney’s leg was broken in two places, his fingernails pulled, and he received knife wounds to his face and neck. 

He branded the abduction of Mr Lunney a “brutal attack” and extended well wishes for his full recovery.

Mr Lunney was due to be present at the school’s event which was sponsored by Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH). Liam McCaffrey, chief executive at QIH stepped in to represent the firm at the event. 

Mr McTaggart said, “Kevin should have been present here this evening presenting the Quinn Cup, but is unable to do so as he was subjected to a brutal attack which has resulted in serious injuries. Kevin has been a strong advocate for this school for many years and this was especially the case when the school was under threat of closure,” he added.

He said that Mr Lunney is a close friend of all at the school and is someone who understands the importance of retaining a post-primary education the area, “not just from an educational viewpoint but he also knew it would have a negative impact on the community and on south-west Fermanagh. 

 “He used his considerable expertise and fought for the successful retention of the school which has gone from strength to strength.”

 “On behalf of the school community, I hope that Kevin is soon restored to full health, because we in St Aidan’s and indeed the wider community need people of the calibre of Kevin Lunney. We offer our best wishes to his family and we look forward to seeing him back in the community and back on this stage next year,” he concluded.