ENNISKILLEN Lakelanders swimmers recently enjoyed top success at the Swim Ulster’s Aspiring Champions Meet which was held at the Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre in Belfast. In the first Gala of the season, Holly Barkley (14) maintained her time in the 200m Individual Medley and achieved PBs in the 100m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle, where she also […]
River rescue demo drives home the danger of vandalism
With Fermanagh’s rivers and lakes attracting thousands of walkers, anglers and boat users every year, throw-lines are a vital safety measure. Yet since March 2022 more than 500 have been vandalised, stolen or damaged across the district. It was against this backdrop that the River Strule in Omagh recently became the setting for a dramatic […]
Castle Island Charity Swim celebrates 10th year
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THE ANNUAL Castle Island Charity Swim proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Sunday, drawing swimmers and supporters from across the region to raise funds for the RNLI. Originally scheduled for earlier in the summer, the event was postponed due to poor weather, but spirits were high as it finally went ahead under blazing sunshine. With […]
Belcoo doctor conquers the English Channel
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A BELCOO doctor said swimming the English Channel was “one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences” of her life after she repeated a feat last achieved by a local man over 50 years ago. Dr Hannah Gillespie recently became the first woman from Fermanagh to complete the grueling solo swim across the 21-mile stretch […]
Fermanagh swimmer for World Aquatics Championships
ENNISKILLEN’S Ellie McCartney has been selected to represent Ireland at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, joining an impressive 12-strong team that includes Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen and fellow Olympic medallist Mona McSharry. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 20-year-old National Centre Limerick swimmer, who earned her place on the team following […]
Swimming club hits out at Forum ‘uncertainty’
A LOCAL swimming club has said that the ongoing speculation over the future of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum could “destroy the hopes and dreams of our young swimmers” in the county. It recently emerged that the redevelopment project will cost over £57 million, with local councillors set to meet at the Townhall on Tuesday (April […]
Fermanagh swimmer McCartney wins triple gold in Belgium
ENNISKILLEN swimmer Ellie McCartney delivered a statement performance at the Flanders Swim Cup in Belgium over the weekend, securing three gold medals and reaffirming her status as one of Ireland’s brightest swimming prospects. The 19-year-old was in scintillating form across the three-day competition, dominating her breaststroke events – including a new personal best in the 200m Breastroke – and […]
Fermanagh Lakeland Forum closure postponed until 2025
The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum is to remain open until well into the New Year, the Herald understands. Speculation had been mounting that the Forum was set to close next week for its long-anticipated redevelopment. It’s now understood that an extension has been granted to its planned closure. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently met to […]
Invasive zebra mussel still impacting Fermanagh lakes
THE presence of the zebra mussel is still taking its toll on local waterways. Invasive alien zebra mussels have been identified in the Erne system since the 1990s, however recent surveys show their numbers and the sites where they are found have increased significantly, which now includes the Lower Bann. The zebra mussel is a […]
Excitement builds for Enniskillen Castle Island Swim
A LARGE crowd is expected to pull on their swimming gear later this month when the hugely popular Castle Island Charity Swim takes place across Enniskillen, and remember its late founder Pat Blake. The much-loved businessman, who passed away last month, is remembered for establishing the popular Island Swim, which has raised huge funds for charity […]