There were plenty of laughs as former participants, organisers and helpers of the Fermanagh Feis recalled fond memories from over the last 60 years as they came together to celebrate the festival's milestone anniversary with a special ceili event.
Enjoying the atmosphere of the Feis Ceili.
Hosted at Bridie's at Pat's Bar in Enniskillen on Monday, there was a great atmosphere at the Feis Ceili as those in attendance enjoyed some live traditional music whilst they reminisced.
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the successful celebratory event, Fermanagh Feis secretary Ann Allen said: "It was a great night.
"John McCann, Chris Maguire and Ciarán Owens, they were the trad musicians. They played the music and they were great."
Reminiscing.
Around 30 to 40 people attended the event and among those in attendance was Lena Corrigan, the Fermanagh Feis president who first joined the Feis committee in 1965. Others included former feis participants, committee members and those who helped make the Feis happen over the years.
To mark the 60 year milestone, the Feis committee had created a booklet which outlined the history of the Fermanagh Feis from 1962 to 2022. This was available to all who attended the Feis Ceili on Monday.
Pictured from left to right: Martha Smyth, who participated in the first Feis in 1962, Ann Allen, Fermanagh Feis secretary and Lena Corrigan who joined the Committee in 1965.
"As well as giving out the Feis book, I made up a booklet of [old] programmes and various bits right from 1963, including three newspaper supplements, so people were looking at those and talking, having a laugh and remembering 'back in the day'," said Ann.
A special celebratory cake was created for the event which featured a model of Devenish Tower to reflect the illustration that has been on the Fermanagh Feis programme over the last number of years. The cake was cut by Lena during the celebrations.
Feis committee chairperson Maeve Jackson thanked all those in attendance but there were no formal speeches during the event as the committee wanted the celebration to be a relaxed, casual get-together.
Enjoying catching up and sharing fond memories of the Fermanagh Feis.
Describing the event as a very enjoyable evening with "lots of laughter", Ann added: "After Covid and everything, it was lovely to [gather together] in that relaxed setting.
"I have to say Bridie's was a great venue, absolutely fabulous. Kerri and the team could not do enough for us, they made everyone feel at home. They were just fantastic, I could not praise them enough."
After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fermanagh Feis is to resume in 2023.
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