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 Pauline Carson, a much-loved figure in Cashel and the steady hand behind the success of Cashel Community Association. As Treasurer for an incredible 34 years, Pauline has played a vital role in transforming a disused schoolhouse into the thriving Cashel Community Hall. A warm, welcoming space now fondly nicknamed ‘Granny’s Hall’ by her grandchildren.
Fermanagh Civic Honour Recipient Pauline Carson
“I was asked to a public meeting back in 1991 about turning the old school into a community hall,” she recalls. “By the end of that same night, I was on the committee.”
She laughs, “I didn’t volunteer myself, I think someone just proposed me! But I had a background in bookkeeping and had worked in an office for years. That was February 1991. 34 years ago. And I’ve been the Treasurer ever since.”
From day one, Pauline’s financial management skills helped steer the newly formed Cashel Community Association through uncertain times. “In those early days, funding came in dribs and drabs from different sources, not like the big grant we got in 2018,” she explains. “So we had to be really organised with the finances.”
Even now, Pauline keeps the books by hand. “I still keep all the records in a book. It’s simple, I don’t need the internet. I just lift it down and everything’s there. It tells the story of this place.”
But Pauline’s contribution goes far beyond numbers. She’s a key figure in organising events, providing hospitality, and supporting countless groups that call the hall home. From bowling and knitting to crafts and women’s groups.
“Besides being Treasurer, I help with the baking and fundraising, and tea receptions too,” she says. “I probably enjoy that more than the books, to be honest. Technology has overtaken me a bit. But I still enjoy it all. It’s the variety of volunteering that I love, doing a bit of everything.”
That dedication is fuelled not by duty, but by joy. “I’m not here to make money. I just get satisfaction out of it. I enjoy it. That’s what keeps me going. There’s something special about seeing people come in to do their class or activity and leaving in a better frame of mind.”
A tireless advocate for community involvement, Pauline encourages others to take that first step. “If you’re thinking about volunteering in your community, just give it a try,” she says. “Try it for six months. You won’t regret it.”
Pauline may have moved to Cashel from Donegal in 1981, but she’s become part of the fabric of the place. “I’m a blow-in to Cashel. But it’s a real rural, tight-knit community,” she says. “There’s always plenty of tea and a bit of craic. The committee is like a second family. We work as a team here.”
As Cashel evolves and welcomes new faces, Pauline sees opportunity. “There’s been a lot of new people moving into the area recently and that’s a good thing. Fresh blood and new ideas. New people bring a different way of thinking. It’s good not to always see the same old faces.”
Asked how she feels about receiving the Civic Honour, Pauline simply says:
“Ah, I just get on with it. But it’s lovely that someone took the time to nominate me, to stop and say well done.”
Now, in her own quiet way, Pauline has become part of the community’s legacy. “I come to the bowls and the crafts, the things that interest me. My grandchildren associate the hall with me. They call it ‘Granny’s Hall.’ I had a hand in this building, it means something.”
Know someone like Pauline?
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.