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 David Monaghan BEM, whose tireless dedication to Scouting in Irvinestown spans almost four decades. Instrumental in re-establishing the 6th Fermanagh Scout Group, David has been at the heart of local Scouting ever since. “I started in 1985 when my daughter joined Scouts. That was the first year girls were allowed in,” David recalls. “I began as a committee member. Back then the club had only £20 in the bank, no premises, no equipment. We were using different halls. Now we have our own hall on the Main Street.”
From those modest beginnings, David has helped shape the 6th Fermanagh Scout Group into the thriving organisation it is today. Over the years he has held roles from Venture Scout Leader to Treasurer and Trustee, as well as steering the group’s management and finances to stability. His leadership has ensured that generations of young people in Irvinestown have had the chance to join Scouts, develop skills, and take part in unforgettable adventures.
David’s passion for giving young people opportunities extends well beyond the local level. Within Erne County, he has served as County Commissioner and is currently County Chairperson. At provincial level, he is the Provincial Chairperson for Ulster, helping to guide Scouting across the wider region. “Young people keep me motivated,” he says. “At a camp in Scotland in July we had over 500 young people. They were so grateful. It’s a big responsibility to have the trust to look after a group that size.”
Among his proudest initiatives is the introduction of the Service of the Peace Light to Fermanagh. “It’s ironic now, but the Peace Light starts with Palestinian and Israeli Scouts striking a flame in Bethlehem, and it comes to Ireland before Christmas,” David explains. “It had never been in Fermanagh, so I decided to bring it. It’s a joint venture between Scouts NI and Scouting Ireland. It shows we’re not afraid to work together. We may have different uniforms, but that’s just a dress code.”
David has never shied away from the practical work of Scouting. Hiking, camping, and even climbing Ben Nevis with youth members. “I love the satisfaction the kids get from it. Sometimes the simplest activities are the best. Our trips away are so important. If you’re in the same town all the time, you’re not meeting new people. Trips broaden horizons and build friendships,” he says. He values the structure and discipline Scouts offers, adding: “The Ventures I work with are aged 15–21. At that age they want structure, and it’s good for university applications or their CV.”
His service to Scouting has been recognised at the highest levels, including the Bronze Merit Award, Gold Merit Award, 30 Years Service Award, and the Order of Cú Chulainn Scouting Ireland’s most prestigious honour. Beyond Scouting, David’s volunteering has been equally impressive. He has served for 25 years as a Director of the ARC Healthy Living Centre, received a British Empire Medal for his work as Director with Fermanagh Community Transport, and continues to contribute his expertise to local organisations. “With those roles it’s more about steering the organisation, whereas Scouts is hands-on. I like to be part of organisations making a difference.”
Over the years, David has witnessed how volunteering has changed. “I think there are as many volunteers now as in the past, but there are more groups competing for them,” he reflects. He also recognises the challenges of bureaucracy. “With Access NI, you’re sharing all your personal details again and again for every organisation. It should be like a passport, you do it once and then every group can accept it. Some people are cautious about sharing personal data and you can understand why. It takes time to do the background checks and training before you can even start. It’s more of a challenge now, but I can’t criticise it because we campaigned for years for more protection for adults and young people.”
Looking back, David sees the legacy of his work in the next generation of leaders. “I see a legacy. Young people who were involved years ago are now volunteering or sending their own children to Scouts. I’m not a one-man band, I depend on a lot of people to make it happen. I’m the oldest there now, and I’m trying to step back, give more responsibility to others, and guide the next leaders.”
Receiving the Civic Honour Award, David says: “This award shows people see what we do and the effort we make to organise activities.” For the hundreds of young people whose lives have been enriched by Scouting in Irvinestown and for the many organisations strengthened by his leadership, David’s quiet commitment has been nothing short of transformative.
Please be advised that applications for the Fermanagh Civic Honour Awards are now closed. All 30 recipients have been selected.