Kathleen Richey

"It is with great sadness to hear our wonderful friend Kathleen Richey passed away yesterday.

Kathleen was a founding Trustee of the Fermanagh Trust when the Charity was set up in 1995 and served as the Trusts Voluntary Secretary for 21 years until she retired five years ago in 2016. Kathleen’s wonderful wisdom, passion for community endeavour and peace building, alongside her knowledge and understanding of local people and communities, seen Kathleen make an incredible contribution to the Fermanagh Trusts work and the work of countless other initiatives in Fermanagh and Cavan. 

 

  

 

For many of us we remember with great appreciation the work of Kathleen alongside Rev Canon Richey in building 'one community' across the district through their church and civic roles. In darker days they showed courage and leadership, helping build relationships and friendships.     

Kathleen was a driver and focal point for so much of what was good in our community, in Blacklion and Belcoo and surrounding areas of West Fermanagh and North Cavan. Kathleen’s contribution to community life made such a difference, her incredible volunteering promoting Irish Water Safety and helping thousands of young people learn to swim over more than five decades in Lough MacNean is legendary alongside her unstinting commitment to Blacklion / Killinagh Community Council.    Kathleen’s work on behalf of women and rural communities during her time with the Irish Country Women’s Association in Cavan,  Fermanagh Rural Community Network and her leading role on Cashel Senior Citizens group alongside numerous other groups made a huge contribution to people lives across the region.

Kathleen was also a wonderful educator and her interest and love of young people was exemplified by the many years she spent years teaching in the Earl of Erne School in Teemore and Jones Memorial primary school in Enniskillen and her years Girlguiding, while the Christmas children’s parties in the Rectory were a major highlight every year. 

 

  

             

Everything was done with precision, underpinned by a common sense approach and most importantly with great sense of fun.

Our thoughts are with Valerie, Linda, John Helen and Lorna and all the family circle.

Thank you Kathleen rest easy dear friend."

- Message from Trustees and Staff of the Fermanagh Trust -