Council Chair hosts reception for FEARmanagh’s 10th Anniversary

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, hosted a reception for the organisers and volunteers of FEARmanagh in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the event.

The following is a copy of the speech made by the Chair at the reception:

Good evening ladies and gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception in recognition of the 10^th anniversary of FEARmanagh.

FEARmanagh was established in 2013 by Robbie Bryson, who is with us this evening, and it was great to see you winning the King of the Hill title for being the fastest male and also the Male Over 60 category in this anniversary year.

The drive to establish this home grown event was to showcase the landscapes of the West Fermanagh area whilst creating adventurement and excitement.

Over the years, the event has gone from strength to strength attracting hundreds of competitors not only from the District but from across the globe including Ireland, Britain, Europe and Australia.  In 2023 there was a record turnout with over 330 competitors taking on the adventure challenge.

I believe the success of the event is testament to the commitment and contribution by Derrygonnelly and District Community Partnership and Derrygonnelly Community Centre to support the Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.

The support of the various emergency services and organisations including the PSNI, RNLI, Irish Red Cross, North West Mountain Rescue Team, St John’s Ambulance, Lough Erne Amateur Radio, Erne Paddlers, Derrygonnelly Harps, Derrygonnelly Primary School and the various Outriders is also valuable.  The knowledge of local residents and the various organisations is important to plan and manage the routes, ensure the safety of all competitors and to help make the event a success.  This has been achieved over the past 10 years as the event has continued to grow in popularity and it has been a great success.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our people are healthy and well and that our natural and built environment is cherished, sustainably managed and accessible.  FEARmanagh achieves both these outcomes by encouraging people to be active whilst experiencing the beautiful landscapes in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark region.

I would like to commend all the volunteers, organisations and Council staff who have contributed in any way to FEARmanagh over the ten years.  Each and every one of you have played an important part in the success of the event.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate all the volunteers, organisations and staff of FEARmanagh on your achievements and on this special milestone anniversary.

Thank you.