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.
Few embody that spirit more than Peter Carty from Garrison, a man whose life has been defined by service, leadership and loyalty. With over 58 years of continuous voluntary service, Peter’s name is synonymous with Devenish GAA.
“Volunteering was something I inherited from my parents. It was just what you did, helping neighbours out was part of rural life,” Peter explains. “My father was always being called on. Driving the midwife in the middle of the night, taking people to hospital, helping with wills. And our house was always open. Tea for the postman, breadman, anyone who called in.”
Fermanagh Civic Honour Recipient Peter Carty
That strong community spirit led Peter to start volunteering as a teenager. “I got involved with Devenish GAA when I was 16. My older brother brought me along. And I’ve been there ever since.”
In 1965, he became a committee member, rising quickly through the ranks. He has since served as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chairman, a role he held for a total of 29 years over two periods. “The GAA has always had a strong volunteer base. If you needed help, you just had to ask and people showed up.”
But Peter’s commitment goes far beyond Devenish. He has served on the Fermanagh County Board for over 40 years in areas such as fixtures, discipline, development, finance and Scór. In 2006, he was elected Chairman of the County Board, the first person from Devenish to hold the post. His leadership was also recognised in 2012 when he was nominated to serve on the Central Competitions Control Committee. In 2022 Peter was the winner of the O’Neill’s Ulster GAA Lifetime Service Award.
Peter credits volunteering with his own development. “I’ve got so much enjoyment out of volunteering, helping others, leading others. There’s something special about it. I was very shy when I was younger. Volunteering brought me out of myself. Now I could talk to anyone.”
He credits early experiences with the local community group as important in his personal growth. “I got involved with Garrison Community Association in the mid-60s, helping run the local festival. That was a big thing back then, and it taught me a lot.” He also recalls his key role models: “Two men had a big influence on me: Canon McQuaid from the Church of Ireland and Canon Hackett from the Catholic Church. They showed how different backgrounds could work together for the community.”
Peter takes special pride in how his local club has become a welcoming space for everyone. “One thing I’m really proud of is how Devenish GAA became a genuinely cross-community club. People from all backgrounds were welcomed and became part of the team. Once they started playing together, they were just teammates. It didn’t matter what background they came from. Part of it was geography, we’re the only sport around. But it was also about everyone being included and respected.”
Even as he steps back, Peter continues to mentor and stay involved. “I’ve stepped back recently to let younger people take over. But I still have my foot in. I wouldn’t know what to do if I weren’t volunteering. It’s a part of me now.”
Of all his achievements, one of the most meaningful is the redevelopment of the Melvin Centre. “Helping the club purchase and then working in partnership with the wider community to transform the Melvin Centre into a community gym, offices and meeting rooms is one of the things I’m proudest of. Over 300 members use it now. People are getting fitter and healthier. It’s a space for everyone in the community. The public and private sectors couldn’t make that building work. Volunteers did. That’s the power of community. It’s a legacy. Something we’ve created for the whole area.”
Peter’s success lies in his ability to connect people and unlock potential. “I enjoy chatting to people, hearing their stories. My mantra is: ask everyone. Don’t write anyone off. There’s something special in everyone.”
“Sometimes people are just waiting to be asked to volunteer. They won’t step forward on their own. You’d be amazed at what people can do when you give them a chance. Everyone has something to offer.”
Asked what he hopes others take from his story, Peter is clear: “I hope my story inspires others to get involved in their community. It’s rewarding work, and we need more people to step up.”
Know someone like Peter?
Do you know someone whose long-term volunteerism deserves recognition?
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 awards, we encourage all nominations to be submitted by early August.
CLICK HERE or email sonya@fermanaghtrust.org to find out more.