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 Kenny Fisher, whose extraordinary contribution to life in Ballinamallard has spanned over four decades. A natural organiser and lifelong volunteer, Kenny’s greatest legacy is in reviving and sustaining the 1st Ballinamallard Scout Group, which continues to thrive 43 years later.
Fermanagh Civic Honour Recipient Kenny Fisher
“I was a Cub Scout back in 1964, but the group eventually closed,” Kenny recalls. “Then in 1982, the local minister asked me to start something for young people, so I revived the Scouts, starting with Cubs and Scouts, and later added Beavers.”
That spark in 1982 ignited something much bigger than expected. “We started with about 18 Cubs and Scouts,” he says. “It’s been amazing to see it grow over the years.” Today, Kenny still attends weekly Cub meetings and serves as Group Scout Leader, overseeing all sections from Squirrels to Scouts. His leadership ensures programmes are well planned, leaders are trained, paperwork is handled, and camps and adventures are unforgettable.
Under his watch, the group has gone far. From early trips to Scotland and Galway to later camps in Vienna, Isle of Man, Birmingham and Castle Archdale, Kenny has always believed in giving young people experiences they’ll remember for life. “There’s great satisfaction in setting something up and seeing people enjoying themselves,” he says.
Kenny’s influence on young people in Ballinamallard is profound. Hundreds of local children have come through the group, many earning Bronze, Silver and Gold Chief Scout Awards. Some of those Scouts are now volunteers themselves. “In Scouts, the kids are learning real skills. I’ve been doing this long enough now that I’m seeing former Scouts grown up and coming back to volunteer,” Kenny says. “I wouldn’t say I inspired them but clearly I’ve done something right.”
His service has not gone unnoticed. Kenny received the prestigious Silver Acorn Award in 2005 for his dedication to Scouting. His contribution extends well beyond the movement, including active roles in the Rotary Club of Enniskillen where he served multiple terms as President and, most recently, as District Governor of Rotary Ireland in 2023/24. “During my year as District Governor, I visited 67 of the 69 Rotary clubs in Ireland. 14,000 miles in total. It was fascinating to see the different work each club does.”
He’s also a passionate promoter of community activities, having helped start local boccia and pickleball clubs. “We began with support from the council, and now we’ve set up our own club with around 20 people,” he explains. “One lady who’s 93 comes along to Boccia, it’s wonderful. Great to have an activity for our Senior Citizens to have some fun and a chat”
His love of music and people sees him sing in his Church Choir, perform with the Silver Tones male voice choir, and play in the Ballinamallard Silver Band. “Between things like Fisher Park fundraising and choir events with the Silver Tones, it’s always about doing something that helps the community.”
Kenny’s sense of duty runs deep. A former administrator in the Erne Hospital and later at Fermanagh College, he has served as High Sheriff of Fermanagh, been awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary, and recently became a Community Champion for Cancer Fund for Children. “Back in the late ‘70s, when I was working in the hospital, I was part of a committee that raised £18,000 for a baby scanner. That might’ve been where the fundraising spark started.”
This year, to mark 100 years of Scouting in Ballinamallard, Kenny organised a weekend celebration, complete with memorabilia displays, a community exhibition, refreshments, and a commemorative booklet. “It was a great chance to reminisce and reconnect with people,” he says.
Reflecting on the Civic Honour Award, Kenny shares:
“It is an honour on behalf of the Scout Group leaders and members over the past 40+ years and the other organisations that I have been associated with, that I humbly accept this award.
It has been a privilege to serve all of them. As I have said to people over the years, I wouldn’t be involved in community work if I didn’t get something back from it. I am a people person, I get great satisfaction from planning and organising events which benefit others.”
Know someone like Kenny?
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.