A range of young musicians and performers from across Fermanagh have been awarded support through the latest round of the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards, continuing its work to support emerging talent in music, performance and Irish culture. The Awards, administered by Fermanagh Trust, honour the legacy of Enniskillen born composer and musician Joan Trimble and are designed to help young people access high-quality training and development opportunities.
This latest group of recipients reflects a broad range of artistic ambition, from traditional Irish music and choral singing to musical theatre and professional performance development.
(Back L-R) John Cathcart and Lorcán McManus. (Front L-R) Ava Owens, Chairperson of the Awards Liz McVey and Dáire John Dunne
Lorcán McManus has been awarded support towards participation in a British Youth Musical Theatre residential project in Hull, involving intensive rehearsal and performance training. Dáire John Dunne will attend Scoil Éigse during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast for advanced fiddle masterclasses, building on strong competition and examination results. Ava Owens is supported to attend a traditional fiddle summer school during the All-Ireland Fleadh, continuing her progression in traditional music performance.
Dathí Ó Maonaile will attend the Meitheal summer school for specialist uilleann pipe tuition, addressing limited local access to advanced training. John Cathcart is supported to take part in “West Side Story in Concert” at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, a high-level orchestral and theatrical performance opportunity. Cahir Ó Maonaile will also attend Meitheal, focusing on Irish traditional music development across ensemble and composition work.
Loveday Beeson, Zinnia Beeson and Solenn Beeson
In choral music, Solenn Beeson, Zinnia Beeson and Loveday Beeson will all attend the Charles Wood Girls Choir residential course in Armagh, gaining intensive vocal training, repertoire experience and ensemble singing development.
Speaking on behalf of the Awards, Chairperson Liz McVey said: “We are delighted to see such a strong and diverse group of successful applicants this year. Each recipient demonstrates real commitment to their chosen discipline, and it is a privilege to support their development as they take part in high-quality training and performance opportunities. We wish them every success and look forward to seeing their continued progress.”
The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards support individuals up to and including 25 years of age, helping to fund specialist training, summer schools, masterclasses and wider creative opportunities in music, performance and Irish cultural practice. Applicants must be resident in Fermanagh, have been educated in the county, or be in higher education while officially from the area.
For more information or to download an application form, CLICK HERE or contact secretary@fermanaghtrust.org. The next closing date for applications is Friday 20th November 2026.