THE North’s MLAs are facing scrutiny after backing a motion that will see a ten per-cent increase in the running costs of the NI Assembly, along with a pay rise for themselves. The decision, which will raise the Assembly’s operational budget from £5.7 million to £64.2 million, is set to take effect from April 2025. […]
Top award for school principal
A LOCAL school principal was recognised for his commitment to pastoral care of his pupils and staff. Brian McCloskey, school principal at St Mary’s Primary School in Fivemiletown, was recently named as the National Association of Pastoral Care in Education Patrol Leader of the Year. In his fourth year as principal of St Mary’s, Mr McCloskey […]
Santa spreads festive cheer at SWAH’s Children’s Ward
IN-PATIENTS at Children’s Ward at the South West Acute Hospital received a special treat recently when Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to stop in and say hello. The special day was organised by the team at Children’s Ward at the SWAH, as well as by representatives from the Continence Team and […]
Fermanagh farmers urged to act against BVD threats
LOCAL farmers are being urged to take precautions against a ‘serious and highly contagious disease’ that poses a growing threat to the agricultural industry. As winter sets in, farmers are being advised to remain vigilant around their cattle, with concerns rising over an increase in Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) cases locally. Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister […]
Enniskillen BID makes ‘positive progress’ in 2024
THE manager of Enniskillen Business Improvement District (BID) has hailed local shop owners and businesses for their commitment and creativity after tens of thousands of people visited the county town in 2024 Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, businesses in the high street have navigated economic challenges and continued to expand, develop, and grow. History was […]
Fermanagh pays tribute to award-winning actress
THE Fermanagh drama community has been plunged into sadness following the death of award-winning actress Rachel O’Connor, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Originally from Brollagh Road in Belleek, Rachel, a mother-of-three aged 61-years-old, died on Sunday in the Palliative Care Unit in Omagh Hospital. She was widely regarded as one of the […]
Les Graydon’s passion for metal detecting unearths hidden gems
By Patrick McKiernan When you think about treasure hunting, your mind might turn to fictional characters like Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, books like ‘Treasure Island’, or the long-running archaeological show ‘Time Team’. But thanks to one man and his detector, Fermanagh may now come to mind. Les Graydon, a Belfast-born man living in Magheraveely […]
Enniskillen bomb survivor recognised in New Year Honour
NATHAN Chambers, a British Red Cross volunteer from Enniskillen, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2025 for more than 25 years of service to his community. Nathan’s journey into first aid began after he was injured in the 1987 Enniskillen bomb at the age of 14, sparking […]
A-Z of a memorable GAA season in Fermanagh
A – Aghadrumsee ended their long wait for championship glory this summer after they defeated Newtownbutler to get their hands on the Junior Football Championship title. B – Belleek will remember 2024 for a long time after their senior men’s team ended their 42-year wait for the New York Cup, following a final replay victory over Enniskillen […]
Concerns raised over new SWAH sub-group formation
ALLIANCE councillor Eddie Roofe has voiced concerns that the creation of a new subgroup within the Strategic Development Group (SDG) for South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) could be an attempt to sideline the Fermanahg & Omagh District Council from discussions. The SDG, established in 2023 following the suspension of emergency general surgery at SWAH, includes […]