Council Chair hosts reception to celebrate 25th anniversary of Drumquin Women’s group

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, hosted a reception on Thursday 16 October 2025 at the Grange Council Offices, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Drumquin Women’s group.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening to the Grange, Omagh, for this reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Drumquin Women’s group.

Drumquin Women’s Group is a vibrant, community-focused organisation always striving to bring new, meaningful and engaging events to the local area. Established in 2000, under the leadership of Chairperson Mary O’Kane, the group evolved from the Drumquin Developmental Association. It quickly became evident that there was a genuine need for social interaction within such a rural community. In response, the group facilitated a variety of classes and events aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of Drumquin women. Initiatives have included multiple visits from the Action Cancer Big Bus and a variety of opportunities to develop new skillsets – all aimed at empowering and supporting women in the Drumquin area.

Throughout the years, Drumquin Women’s Group have delivered a wide range of craft classes including pottery, flower arranging, pebble art and sewing, alongside weekly needlework groups, chair yoga and line dancing. These activities have provided local people with valuable opportunities to come together, share experiences and build connections.

A notable achievement for the Drumquin Women’s Group was the creation of their first patchwork quilt, depicting Langfield Townlands, which received international acclaim when it was showcased at the Smithonian Exhibition in America in 2005. The group also published a cookbook in 2011, and organised a Christmas Tree Festival in 2015, with proceeds going to Chest, Heart and Stroke, as well as, the N.I Children’s Hospice.

The Council is committed to ensuring our communities are strong, thriving, resilient and the needs of rural communities are addressed. Community organisations like Drumquin Women’s Group are vital to achieving this vision.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to sincerely commend Chairperson Bernadine McCrory, along with past and present members, for making Drumquin Women’s Group the cherished organisation it is today. You have made an invaluable contribution to your community and I wish you every success for the future.”