By John Carney A FERMANAGH hen is hoping to knock her rivals off their perch in an All Ireland battle of the pets. Minnie the hen will be the county’s representative in this year’s Nose of Tralee, an annual competition to find the best pet in the land, and egg-pectations are high. In the blurb supporting […]
Fermanagh musicians excel in Mullingar!
By Mark McGoldrick SHAUNEEN Maguire and Odhran Harbinson were the big winners at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar which took place at the weekend. Maguire, from Comhaltas Derrylin, took first place in the over-18 piano accordion competition, winning the ‘Christopher Niland Cup’. Derrygonnelly’s Harbinson, meanwhile, was part of the 15-18 Ceilidh Band, under the leadership of […]
Sheep dung has comedian spitting at Lady of the Lake
By John Carney A MIXTURE of sheep dung and poteen left a German comedian with a bad taste in his mouth at this year’s Lady of the Lake Festival in Irvinestown. Last Wednesday a large crowd turned out at Castle Irvine Estate, Necarne, for the Fair Day where the World Sheep Dung Spitting contest took centre stage. The event had […]
Actor Adrian Dunbar has revolutionary idea for new book
By John Carney AFTER playing a police officer, it’s an Irish revolutionary that Enniskillen actor Adrian Dunbar now has his sights set on. Speaking on the “Out for Lunch, with Jay Rayner” podcast, Mr Dunbar revealed he was considering writing a script about Easter Rising leader James Connolly. After starring as Superintendent Ted Hastings in […]
Balcas celebrates 60th anniversary
By John Carney ONE OF Fermanagh’s most well-known businesses is celebrating its 60th anniversary with many community-orientated events over the next 12 months. On August 17, 1962, Balcas was established and since then it has become one of Britain and Ireland’s largest wood product suppliers and renewable energy providers, with just over 380 direct employees. In addition, […]
Tributes are paid to ‘spirited young lady’ Jenny
TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘spirited young lady’ Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Kavanagh who passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen on Monday, surrounded by her family. Erne Integrated College expressed its ‘great sadness’ on social media. “Many of us remember Jenny as a spirited young lady with a winning personality,” they said. […]
Everybody needs good ‘Neighbours’, says Derek
By John Carney FANS of Neighbours were upset last Friday after the final episode aired on Channel 5 on Friday, and a 66-year-old dairy farmer from outside Kilskeery could be the most heartbroken of all. Derek Edgar has been watching the popular Aussie soap opera since it first began on BBC1 in March 1985. “When it first came on in 1985 there was an advertisement […]
Carter’s new single is a big hit!
By Mark McGoldrick COUNTRY music singing sensation Nathan Carter has released a new single, ‘Keg of Brandy.’ The classic song was first written in the early 1700s, but was re-written by Irish singer-songwriter Robbie O’Connell. The High Kings also recorded their own version of the song. Carter recorded the single and released it on Wednesday last […]
Menopause stigma must end to help local women at work
By John Carney EMPLOYERS’ lack of support for menopausal symptoms is pushing “highly skilled and experienced” local women out of work a new report has revealed. The cross-party House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee study also highlights the negative knock-on effects of the gender pay gap, pension gap, and the number of women in senior […]
Tribute paid to ‘true’ gentleman Harold Montgomery
HAROLD Montgomery, one of Enniskillen longest established estate agents has been described as ‘a true and honest gentleman’ by his former business colleague and partner Terry Finlay. The pair had been in partnership in the business of Montgomery Finlay in Belmore Street, Enniskillen, for 36 years. Mr Montgomery passed away peacefully last week. Announcing the sad news the […]