Young musicians and performers from across Fermanagh have benefited from support through the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards, with the next application deadline now approaching.
Administered by Fermanagh Trust, the Awards honour the legacy of Enniskillen-born composer and musician Joan Trimble and support young people to access high-quality training and development opportunities in music, performance and Irish culture.
The most recent group of recipients reflected a broad range of artistic ambition, from traditional Irish music and choral singing to musical theatre and professional performance development.
Lorcán McManus received support towards participation in a British Youth Musical Theatre residential project in Hull, involving intensive rehearsal and performance training. Dáire John Dunne was supported to attend Scoil Éigse during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast for advanced fiddle masterclasses, while Ava Owens received support to attend a traditional fiddle summer school during the All-Ireland Fleadh.
Dathí Ó Maonaile and Cahir Ó Maonaile both received support to attend the Meitheal summer school, with a focus on specialist uilleann pipe tuition and Irish traditional music development. John Cathcart was supported to take part in “West Side Story in Concert” at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, providing a high-level orchestral and theatrical performance opportunity.
In choral music, Solenn Beeson, Zinnia Beeson and Loveday Beeson received support to attend the Charles Wood Girls Choir residential course in Armagh, gaining intensive vocal training, repertoire experience and ensemble singing development.
Chairperson of the Awards, Liz McVey, said: “We are delighted to see such a strong and diverse range of talent benefiting from the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards. These bursaries provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills, gain valuable experience and take part in high-quality training and performance opportunities.
“We would encourage young people from across Fermanagh who are involved in music, performance, the creative arts or Irish culture to consider applying for support.”
The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards are open to individuals up to and including 25 years of age and can support specialist training, education and practical experience in the creative and performing arts and Irish culture. This includes training sessions and courses, masterclasses, summer schools and international cultural programmes.
Applicants must be living in Fermanagh, have been in full-time education in County Fermanagh, or be studying at university or in higher education while officially resident in Fermanagh.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 20 November 2026.
For more information, to read the grant guidelines or to download an application form, CLICK HERE or secretary@fermanaghtrust.org.