Mickey’s legacy shines for all at ‘Ray of Hope’ in Newtownbutler

The weekend-long event ran from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14 in Mickey’s home of Newtownbutler.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about this year’s event, Mickey’s brother, Fr. Jimmy McPhillips, said: “Once again, the Mickey Mac weekend was a great success.

“Several hundred people made their way through the Community Centre to view another 100 of Mickey’s photographs, bringing back many memories for the locals,” he said, in reference to the ‘Faces and Places’ photographic exhibition which featured a brand-new collection of photographs taken by Mickey over the course of his career.

The exhibition was launched on the Friday night by renowned photographer and broadcaster, Bobby Hanvey. On Saturday, the weekend continued with a series of ‘Reflections of Hope’ in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newtownbutler, which included a fantastic line-up of guest speakers.

Declan Lynch and Linda Marshall looking at some of Mickey's photos in a photo exhibition of his work.

They shared some poignant and important life stories and reflections along with important messages with regard to mental health.

Speaking on the day were Rodney Edwards, Denzil McDaniel, Martina Crudden, Chloe Heaslip and Niall Sludden.

Day of Reflection speakers: Niall Sludden, Denzil McDaniel, Rodney Edwards, Martina Crudden and Chloe Heaslip.

Rodney, who worked for The Impartial Reporter for 11 years, leaving in 2020 to take up a job with the Sunday Independent in Dublin, spoke about how during his time at this newspaper, he met all kinds of people, many of whom inspired him.

“In my time at the paper, I had to cover some incredibly difficult stories and more often than not that took me into the homes of those who had suffered in their lives,” he said, adding: “Why anyone facing any kind of trauma would want to speak to a journalist at such a trying time never ceased to amaze me. And it happened almost weekly for many years.

“Did I ever get upset when sitting opposite a mother who had lost a child? You bet I did. Many times.

“I could never understand how those families were able to get through that pain. I always put myself in their shoes, wondering what on earth I would do if that happened to me.

“Those types of situations had an impact on my mental health, and I had to find ways to cope. But that was nothing to how those suffering were feeling,” he said, going on to explain what struck him most during that time was the resilience of Fermanagh people.

“The strength of this community and the determination to find hope amid heartache. This event this weekend is a testament to the McPhillips family. They have found that strength for the second year in a row to help others in Mickey’s memory. We thank them for that,” Rodney said during his speech.

Following Saturday morning’s ‘Reflections of Hope’ event, Fr. Jimmy commented on how the speakers “captured their audience with their hope-filled messages of encouragement” with many more people from all over the world joining online.

AnneMarie McCaffrey from Action Mental Health Enniskillen, and Davina and Patricia from The Oak Healthy Living Centre, Lisnaskea, also attended the event, providing information on their organisations and offering signposting support.

Following ‘Reflections of Hope’, local traditional musicians performed in Newtownbutler.

Musicians performing at the Comhaltas concert.

“The Comhaltas concert on the street again drew quite a large crowd, and the weather was most favourable. The musicians were top-class and entertained their crowd for more than two hours,” said Fr. Jimmy, adding that Sunday’s walk onto Galloon Island also drew a large crowd.

Family and friend of Mickey McPhillips on the walk.

This was followed by the Annual Tractor Run, with proceeds going towards the Mickey Mac charities.

Gerald Clifford with his sister Rachel on the tractor run.

“The organising committee of both family and community would like to sincerely thank all who contributed or supported the weekend in any way.

“All proceeds will now be distributed towards the local charities,” Fr. Jimmy told The Impartial Reporter.