THE North’s Economy Minister has announced the dates for NI Apprenticeship Week 2026. Dr Caoimhe Archibald has revealed that it will take place from February 2 to 6 next year, and will feature events across all regions and occupational sectors, offering practical insights and real opportunities for potential apprentices and employers alike. She said, “Apprenticeship […]
Fermanagh cleric completes barefoot walk to Dublin
A FERMANAGH cleric said his barefoot walk to Dublin to raise money for a number of organisation was “a spiritual disciple in itself” after he clocked up 180 kilometres in two weeks. Rev Stephen McWhirter, Rector of Rossorry Parish Church, concluded his barefoot walk at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin on Sunday, April 13, where he was […]
400 tractors expected to convene for Fermanagh protest
FERMANAGH farmers are expected to round up as many as 400 tractors for a procession in protest to agricultural inheritance tax changes. According to a recent Parades Commission application submitted by Ulster Farmers Union, the rally is expected to take place on January 25 at 2pm, commencing at the Enniskillen Mart on the Old Tempo Road […]
Health minister vows to cut private spending
THE HEALTH Minister has vowed to reduce the amount being paid to private providers to deliver public services, following a recent report in the ‘Herald. Minister Mike Nesbitt was responding to questions in the Assembly chamber about revelations in this paper that in the past four years £150 million was paid from the public purse to private providers to […]
Fermanagh’s Sue Gray resigns from top post
A PROMINENT member of the British government, with strong connections to Fermanagh, has left her high-profile post just three months after Labour’s landslide election victory. On Sunday it was announced that Sue Gray had resigned from her position as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff. The departure of the top civil servant and ‘Partygate’ investigator comes following weeks of […]
Fermanagh business meets with UK Prime Minister
ENCIRC recently entertained the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Energy Secretary for a major announcement on investment in green energy at their plant in Chester. The meeting highlighted major funding for two carbon capture sites which will inject growth into the industrial heartlands of the North West and North East of England. Fermanagh-based Encirc Managing Director Sean Murphy […]
Minister would ‘consider’ Enniskillen express bus
An application from Hannon Coaches to run an Enniskillen to Belfast express was previously denied by the Department of Infrastructure.
Minister opens new £300,000 jetty on Devenish Island
Minister O’Dowd said the jetty extension will enhance the visitor experience to the Fermanagh island.
COLUMN: Is there anything after this?
IN THE 1980s when I worked as a priest in a town in Fermanagh, I lived next door to a couple who were rather traditional, conservative Catholics. I wouldn’t have thought of myself as their type of priest as I was a product of the post-Vatican 2 church which for a very brief period flirted with some […]
Time for a Helping Hand
RECENTLY a man asked me out of the blue “Why did you leave the priesthood?” I was taken aback by the directness of his question and replied that I wasn’t cut out for the celibate life. He laughed at my response but that evening I reflected on that difficult decision I made 35 years ago. […]