Fermanagh residents recognised at Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards

Some classic words from David Bowie (“We can be heroes, just for one day”) filled the air as The Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc, kicked off with the first award of the night last Thursday night, June 27.

However, this newspaper does not believe people can only be heroes ‘for one day’ – instead, we chose to honour as many local heroes as possible at the inaugural awards.

The function room at the Lough Erne Golf Resort was filled to the rafters on the night with deserving people who do their best every single day to make Fermanagh a better place.

Those who champion our society and make it a better place live among us, and last Thursday evening was our chance, as a community newspaper, to recognise them.

The unseasonal June weather did not deter those attending the largely black tie event, where people were dressed in their finery, many wearing bright-coloured gowns of many colours.

Upon arrival, young members of the Knockmore Ceili Band played wonderfully as guests gathered, mingling with friends and neighbours, and enjoying a drinks reception.

The evening’s host, David Blevins, Senior Ireland Correspondent with Sky News, revelled in his role, welcoming everyone and speaking of his great affection for County Fermanagh.

A seasoned professional through and through, he asked the winners about their lives, comforted those who were very surprised at their win, and generated laughs and great interest with his exploratory questions.

Shortlisted finalists for the Music award gave stirring performances, which added to the atmosphere of the night as those in attendance caught up with each other.

A special video message came from the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little Pengelly, who congratulated all of those who had been nominated.

The evening ended with a standing ovation for Michelle [Shelley] Cowan as, aided by her mother and carer, she walked to the stage to collect the Community Champion of the Year Award, in what was an emotional moment for the woman who had previously been wheelchair-bound and bed-bound, but now generates great joy for disabled adults through her and others’ work on the JustUs group.

The applause and delight that range out for her was a testament not only to her as an individual, but a fine representation of the great regard and high esteem that all of the winners and nominees alike are held in.