As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Fermanagh Trust is honouring 30 remarkable individuals whose commitment to their communities has made a lasting difference. Each awardee receives a £1,000 bursary to benefit the organisation they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future.
Our latest recipient is Brian Cosgrove, whose decades of voluntary work in Lisnaskea have left a deep and lasting legacy. Originally from County Antrim, Brian moved to Lisnaskea in 1988 to take up a position with Ulster Bank. That same year, he quietly began building a life of service that would span youth sport, business development, mental health support, and community pride.
“I joined the Chamber of Commerce 37 years ago, got roped in at my first meeting and ended up Treasurer within six months,” he laughs. “From there it just kept going.”
Fermanagh Civic Honour recipient Brian Cosgrove
Brian’s list of voluntary roles includes over 30 years with Lisnaskea Emmetts GFC, 15 of those as Treasurer. He helped organise the town’s festival for three decades and was one of the people knocking on doors each year to fund the town’s Christmas lights.
His contributions go far beyond public events. For over 20 years, Brian has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul, discreetly delivering food and furniture to families in need. “I got involved with St Vincent de Paul around 2000. I thought, I’ve had plenty in life, it’s time to give something back,” he says. “We don’t wait for people to come to us. There’s five of us who know the town well. We know who’s struggling and where help is needed.” He adds, “It’s about having that quiet awareness, recognising people who might not ask, especially the elderly, and making sure they don’t go without.”
Brian’s time with the Oak Healthy Living Centre reflects his deep concern for mental health and wellbeing. Since 2014, he has helped organise the annual ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk, acting as Chief Marshal. In more recent years, he has become a familiar face at Oak’s drop-in centre, serving food, doing outreach deliveries, and advocating for those who attend. “There are exciting times ahead. Our new premises will be on the Main Street. On Tuesday mornings, we already have 20–30 people coming in for the drop-in. It’ll only grow.”
Whether chairing meetings, securing sponsorship for health projects, or showing up after everyone else has left to take down posters, Brian leads through consistency, humility and respect. “People always ask, ‘How do you find the time?’ I say, you make time for what matters.”
His motivation runs deep. “I’m originally from Antrim. Growing up there at the start of the Troubles wasn’t easy. You saw things that made you want to help people, if you could,” he says. That early sense of purpose has shaped a lifetime of volunteering. “You have to want to do it. There’s no point in coaxing someone to volunteer.”
He’s used his professional experience, first as Assistant Bank Manager, then as Manager of Lisnaskea Business Complex to great effect. “My background in the bank helped. I’m a good judge of character. I can tell who’s genuine and who’s not.” But he’s quick to credit those around him: “You pick the right people and respect their time. That’s how you keep volunteers, don’t waste their energy.”
In 2025, Brian was one of 70 volunteers who took part in Oak’s film-making awards, starring as the Bird character in the short film The Field. His enthusiasm and commitment shone through, not only in his performance, but also in his fundraising efforts. On the night of the awards, Brian was named the highest-grossing fundraiser. Notably, this total did not include the additional business sponsorship he secured to support the planned Erne East Health and Well-being Hub.
Reflecting on receiving the Civic Honour Award, he says: “After all these years, to be recognised by the Fermanagh Trust really means something. Most of the time you just do the work and stay under the radar. A quiet ‘well done’ now and again is enough but this really does feel special and I’m delighted with the £1,000 bursary for Oak Healthy Living Centre.”
His modest approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. “My granddaughter’s always asking, ‘Who are you helping now?’ That keeps me going, hoping it sparks something in her.”
Know someone like Brian?
Do you know someone whose long-term volunteerism deserves recognition?
Categories for the Civic Honour Awards include:
Inspirational Young Person – for those under 30 making a standout impact
Community Impact & Legacy – for those with 30+ years of service
In light of significant interest in the awards, we encourage all nominations to be submitted by early August.
CLICK HERE or email sonya@fermanaghtrust.org to find out more.