8 grants awarded from the Fermanagh Recreational Trust

The Fermanagh Recreational Trust continue to support the County’s sporting talent, recently awarding grants to four organisations and four outstanding young people.

Enniskillen Royal Boat Club is one of Ireland’s most successful rowing clubs with over 140 rowers. The Trust is helping them purchase 5 rowing machines for their Winter gym sessions to maximise results during race season. Hanging Rockers Climbing Club based at Gortatole, one of only a small number of youth climbing clubs in the country will use their funding for new climbing equipment.

Enniskillen Ladies Hockey Club came to a stop during the pandemic but has now relaunched. The Trust is helping their ‘Bring Hockey back to Fermanagh’ project which provides training and a series of come and try hockey sessions. Enniskillen Lakelanders have been supported to keep the swimming club affordable for all members. Due to cost-of-living crisis squeezing disposable incomes within our community, the club are trying to keep the cost of continuing their services as affordable as possible.

 

Bursary recipient Leah Irwin

Fermanagh Recreational Trust is also helping cover travel expenses, training and equipment costs for local sporting talent. Acorn Cassidy has successfully competed in numerous regattas and championships with Enniskillen Royal Boat Club and is hoping to represent Ireland in the Junior Rowing World Championships in Summer 2024. Rhys Owens recently represented Ireland at the European Under 22 Boxing Championships in Azerbaijan and is targeting Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Rugby player Leah Irwin’s dominant demonstrations at training and in games impressed so much that she was called up to the Ulster U18 training squad whilst still an U16 player. Leah has now attracted the attention of the Irish National coaches and is a member of the National Talent Women’s Squad, leading to an intense training schedule travelling regularly to Belfast and Dublin. Accomplished young athlete Jack O’Connor has won multiple provincial and national titles including setting a national championship record in the 100m. Jack hopes to qualify again for UK and International championships

 

Bursary recipient Rhys Owens

 

James Cooper, trustee of the Fermanagh Recreational Trust said “The cost of being involved in sport is expensive, now more than ever, which is why we are delighted to be in a position to support our talented local sports stars with these grant awards. These impressive individuals have already proven so much in their chosen fields and have even greater potential. It’s also important to see these sporting organisations continue to develop their programmes, increasing levels of participation by young people and the wider community. Congratulations and we wish all of them every success."

Administered by Fermanagh Trust, the Fund supports the organisation, development and funding of sporting / arts activities and facilities with particular emphasis on young people and youth development. Constituted Sporting and / or Arts based Organisations or Individuals based in County Fermanagh can apply. Applications for the next round of funding from the Fermanagh Recreational Trust will close 28th February 2024. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE