The Fermanagh Trust has celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a special event in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, recognising three decades of community impact and honouring 30 inspiring local volunteers.
Since its establishment in 1995, when the Barrow Cadbury Trust, which had for decades supported projects in Northern Ireland, endowed the Fermanagh Trust to independently support community work across rural Fermanagh, the Trust has awarded over £4 million in grants to hundreds of local groups and initiatives through 14 dedicated grant programmes, helping to strengthen communities across Fermanagh. From youth and education, to arts, culture, heritage, health and wellbeing, the Trust has been at the heart of empowering local people and organisations to flourish. That work and spirit of giving continues today.
Chairman and Founding Trustee of Fermanagh Trust Jim Ledwith
The anniversary celebration brought together friends, supporters, and partners for an evening of reflection, storytelling and entertainment. The highlight of the night was the recognition of 30 volunteers from across the county, each celebrated for their extraordinary dedication, service and leadership. Among those honoured were individuals who have given over three decades of service to their communities, alongside young people under 30 already making a remarkable impact through their voluntary work. This blend of experience and youthful energy captured both the legacy and the future of volunteering in Fermanagh.
Guests also enjoyed a specially curated programme of music and performance. A moving highlight was a performance by Joan Trimble Bursary Award recipients, Daughters of Ceithleann, who captivated the audience with a traditional piece inspired by Fermanagh’s cultural heritage. Their performance, alongside contributions from other local musicians the Caritas Choir, reflected the Trust’s long-standing support for the arts and for nurturing new talent.
Jim Ledwith, Chairman of the Fermanagh Trust, praised the Civic Honour Recipients:
“Tonight we not only marked 30 years of the Trust’s journey, but we celebrated the people who are the real heartbeat of Fermanagh. Over the years the Trust has supported thousands of local organisations, but it is the volunteers who bring those projects to life. The 30 individuals we recognised this evening show us what true community spirit looks like. Their passion and dedication are an inspiration and it has been an honour to celebrate them.”
The event looked back on key milestones in the Trust’s history, including major grant programmes, the development of its social enterprise Fermanagh House and long-term partnerships which have brought real change to local communities. More importantly, it shone a light on the people who make that impact possible, the volunteers working quietly and tirelessly in villages, towns and neighbourhoods right across the county.
As the Trust enters its fourth decade, the focus is firmly on the future. By supporting new initiatives, encouraging young leaders and continuing to nurture the volunteer spirit that has defined its first 30 years, the Fermanagh Trust is committed to ensuring that the next 30 years are just as impactful.
L-R Carole Graham, Margaret Gallagher, Joe Maguire, Marjorie Aitken, John Carron, Annie McGovern and Kenny Fisher
Back L-R Brian Farry, Joe Brown, Iain Kennedy, Tony Harte, Brian Cosgrove. Front L-R Caroline Campbell, Margaret Noble and Rosemary Breen
Back L-R Louise Leonard, Peter Carty, Brian McCaffrey, David Monaghan, Oliver McCaffrey. Front L-R Pauline Carson, Florence Brunt and Joyce Graham
Back L-R Rachel Browne, Josephine McGoldrick (picking up award on behalf of her sister Grainne McGoldrick), Kieran Kent, Timothy Boyd, Bethany Fleming. Front L-R Emma Kettyles, Rhea Donnell and Astrid Knox