Council Chair hosts reception to acknowledge achievements of six young people from the District

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff, hosted a reception at the Townhall, Enniskillen on Monday 15 December 2025 to celebrate the achievements of six young people – Jenson Lindsay, Conor Phair, Alfie Thompson, and Mackenzie Wilson, students from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, emerged as the overall winners of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge and Shay Murphy and Caedin Doherty members of Team Ireland Youth Fly Fishing.

Speaking at the event, the Council Chair said:

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all to the Townhall in Enniskillen to celebrate the outstanding achievements of this incredible group of young people from our District. This event provides us with an opportunity to recognise your achievements and the valuable contributions you have made to your schools, clubs, and communities.

It is my great pleasure to begin this celebration by recognising the incredible success of Jenson Lindsay, Conor Phair, Alfie Thompson, and Mackenzie Wilson, who, while representing Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, emerged as the overall winners of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

The Angus Youth Challenge is a skills-based competition run by ABP in association with the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group. It is open to Year 11 pupils who have a strong interest in agriculture or the agri-food industry. In total, 28 teams from schools across the North of Ireland competed in the competition.

From creating a video application in 2024 to rearing five Aberdeen Angus calves, these young men embraced every challenge. They raised over £6,500 for charity, hosted community events, and launched an innovative Soil Analysis Guide to help farmers improve soil health. Their project, One Health: The Link Between Animal, Human and Plant Health, reflects their innovative spirits and forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

Whether cooking the perfect steak at CAFRE, presenting research at the European Parliament, engaging with farmers at the Clogher Show, or taking part in media training, they excelled, communicated with impact, and approached every challenge head-on. Their efforts have strengthened intergenerational and community links, showcased the importance of agriculture in a future-facing economy, and confirmed that the future of farming is in good hands.

I would like to commend the team on their showcase of leadership, innovation and confidence. You have displayed an undeniable commitment to this industry and are exemplary of how young people can get involved and contribute to the agricultural industry.

I would now like to recognise the incredible success of Shay Murphy and Caedin Doherty, whose angling ability led to each representing Ireland in the 2024 and 2025 International Fly Fishing Competitions at Grafham, England, and Menteith, Scotland, where they won two gold medals. This achievement marked Team Ireland’s fifth consecutive victory.

From his early days in the Garrison Anglers Club summer fishing scheme, Shay’s passion for angling was clear. Those formative experiences taught him invaluable lessons and gave him the chance to explore diverse fishing locations. Shay’s determination saw him progress from fishing along the shores of Lough Melvin to mastering boat fishing, a skill he quickly excelled at. His commitment and talent led him to compete in local club competitions, steadily building confidence and expertise. Shay, your journey is a testament to hard work and dedication, and your success is truly deserved.

Caedin’s fishing story began much the same way, through the Garrison Anglers Club summer scheme, where his enthusiasm and natural ability was evident. Summers spent cycling around Lough Melvin and fishing from the shore soon gave way to boat fishing, a challenge Caedin embraced and mastered with ease. His drive and perseverance saw him enter local competitions, gaining experience and proving his skill time and time again. Caedin, your achievements reflect your passion and promise an exciting future in the sport.

With the unwavering support of their club and mentors, Shay and Caedin qualified for the Irish Youth Team trials on their very first attempt, a true testament to their talent and the guidance they received. I would like to commend both Shay and Caedin for displaying calm under pressure, honing their skills through dedicated practice and individually securing their places as champions.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our young people have the best start in life and lifelong opportunities to fulfil their potential. That is why I am so happy that we could organise this event as a way to recognise your achievements and extend our best wishes for your continued successes.

Before I come to a close, I would like to take a moment to thank the parents, guardians, coaches and schools for supporting these young people and for giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Your encouragement and dedication of time have made these individual journeys possible.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to again congratulate each of you on your achievements. You have all shown exceptional focus in the pursuit of your goals, and have done yourselves, your family, school, club and District proud. I encourage you all to continue to work hard and I wish you every success for the future.”