As part of the National Day of Reflection on Thursday last, March 23, relatives of some of those who lost their lives to Covid-19 held a short remembrance event in Lisbellaw for their loved ones with flowers, balloons, pictures and music.

Gathered was Arlene Johnston, who was remembering her mother, Una Ellis; and Hazel Gray,  who was remembering her parents, George and Violet Little.

Also remembering the local couple was their niece, Elizabeth Johnston.

Enniskillen man Basil Elliott was remembered by his sister, Anne, and brother-in-law, Don.

As part of the remembrance event, Don played a rendition of Dana’s ‘All Kinds of Everything’.

In response to a call in last week’s edition by some relatives for a permanent memorial in memory of the victims of the pandemic in the Fermanagh and Omagh district Council area, a Ccouncil spokesperson said: “The Council has not received a formal request for a Covid-19 memorial, either locally or nationally.

“In October, 2020, the Council did receive a request for tree planting to commemorate those who lost their lives as a result of Covid-19, and this is being progressed in accordance with Council procedures.

“Should a request be received for a memorial, this would also be considered in line with Council procedures.”

The statement continued: “The Council illuminated Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh in March, 2022, for the National Day of Reflection at the request of Marie Curie; however, no such request was made to illuminate the buildings in 2023.”

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