Council Chair hosts reception for the 70th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen
2nd June 2025
Today, Monday 02 June 2025, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen.
The following is the speech made by the Chair at the repletion which was held in the Townhall, Enniskillen:
Good afternoon Councillors, President, Distinguished Guests, 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 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen.
The Rotary Club of Enniskillen was founded on 30 June 1955 by the well known baker, Cecil Whaley and the first meeting was a Charter Dinner which was held here in the Townhall.
The Club has gone from strength to strength since then with members working tirelessly for the benefit of communities and charities in Fermanagh as well as nationally and internationally.
During the 70 year history of the Club, you have had many significant achievements.
In 1966 you founded Fermanagh Gardening Society and in 1981 you founded a PROBUS Club in Enniskillen and both are still going strong today.
In 1977 Gordon Wilson, as President, was instrumental in raising £1000 for a cardiac monitoring unit and in 1982 the Club raised an impressive £50,000 to buy an ultra sound scanner and cardiac ambulance and these were all for the former Erne Hospital.
The Club provided picnic benches for Round O Park in Enniskillen in 2000 and in 2005, on your 50th anniversary you resumed the Rotary 10K which was later taken over by the Council and it is still a very successful event today thanks to Enniskillen Runing Club.
In 2015 you helped Killadeas Day Care Centre at Lackaboy establish as Sensory Garden Business Centre at a cost of £50,000; provided Willowbridge School with an adapted minibus at a cost of £35,000 in 2017 and established a BOOST Room for 18-25 year olds who are experiencing mental health issues at Action Mental Health in Drumcoo.
In 2019 ten members travelled to Kenya to see a water provision which had been funded by the Club, an example of your work on at a global level.
In 2020 you played an important role during Covid-19 to support the medical profession through the provision of PPE and administering the vaccine centre at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.
The Club made a significant contribution to Polio thanks to the generosity of John Trimble who sold a Morgan Sports Car for £40,000 and this was matched by the Gates Foundation to bring the sum total to a staggering £120,000.
John Trimble was also the brainchild behind the Santa mobile in 2000 and it is now very much part of the Christmas tradition in Enniskillen. Since it started in 2000, you have raised a phenomenal £115,000 for local charities which is truly amazing.
The Club continues to be very active today with 42 members continuing to undertake outstanding work.
The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. The vision is to unite people to take action to create lasting change across the world, in our communities and amongst members.
The Rotary Club of Enniskillen is the epitome of this mission and vision because you have a strong membership of people who are committed to working together in a variety of ways to make a tangible difference to the lives of so many here in Fermanagh, nationally and internationally. The services, facilities and equipment you have provided have made an immense difference and have provided opportunities which otherwise would not have been possible. This is very much appreciated. You are all truly inspirational and exemplary role models for future generations.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the Rotary Club of Enniskillen on your 70th anniversary and wish you every success for the future. I also want to sincerely thank you for everything you have done over the last 70 years to make a difference to so many people and to our District.
Thank you.