INSPIRATIONAL Fermanagh woman Kathleen Breen has picked up the Housing Executive’s inaugural Rural Community Champion award 2020.

Kathleen is a dedicated volunteer with Carrowshee Park and Sylvan Hill Community Association, as well as a number of other local community groups.

She took home a £500 award on behalf of Carrosyl Community Association, that featured in the Large Village category for South Region.

The 2020 Rural Community Awards focused on rewarding the efforts made by both groups and individuals to reach out and support residents within their rural communities throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

Isobel Cleary nominated Kathleen for the award – to be the first individual Community Champion winner – and highlighted the local woman’s qualities as she tirelessly helped the Carrosyl community during the lockdown.

She assisted everyone in the form of providing care packages, support leaflets, activity packs and contact numbers for support services.

Kathleen also participated in the Befriending Project for vulnerable people, and constantly works to recruit volunteers for the community association.

She said: “I was humbled to be nominated for this award, and many thanks to Isobel, Community Development Worker for that.

“I am even more delighted to receive the award for Community Champion, and I take this opportunity to thank all involved.

“In the process, I would also like to applaud the support and help of my fellow dedicated and reliable committee members and volunteers in Carrosyl Community Association.”

Since its formation in 2001, Carrosyl has worked closely with local authorities and agencies to develop and enhance the area.

Oonagh McAvinney, South West Area Manager for the Housing Executive, congratulated Kathleen and Carrosyl Community Association for their excellent efforts during lockdown.

She said: “The Community Champion Award is our first ever individual award, and we introduced it in recognition that very often, one extraordinary community member has a vision and determination to greatly help local communities.

“Kathleen is quite clearly a true example of this and regularly sacrifices her free time to help others, with no requirement for recompense or appreciation.

“I am delighted that Kathleen was chosen as the recipient of this award, as she works hard to improve the community as a whole and is a driving force behind the community group and its outstanding efforts."