Two Enniskillen post-primary schools have been awarded the Best Post Primary School in County Fermanagh award at the Families First NI Education Awards.

The ceremony, held in Titanic Belfast on May 20, saw St. Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen and Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) claim the award.

It was a double celebration for St. Fanchea’s as their principal, Maurice Collins was awarded the Principal’s Award.

“All of the staff in the college are delighted to have received awards for the Best Post Primary School in County Fermanagh and the Principal’s Award at the Families First NI Awards ceremony,” said Mr. Collins, who also paid tribute to St. Fanchea’s teachers who were nominated for awards.

“We also congratulate members of our teaching staff who were nominated for teacher awards on the night - Mr. Thomas Cox, Mr. James Duffy and Mrs. Catherine Harron.

Impartial Reporter: L-R: Teachers James Duffy and Roisin Gallagher, Principal Maurice Collins and teacher Catherine Harron.L-R: Teachers James Duffy and Roisin Gallagher, Principal Maurice Collins and teacher Catherine Harron.

“The nominations for the college came from current and past pupils, parents, and external agencies who liaise with the college on a day-to-day basis.”

Mr. Collins also added that these awards reflect and recognised the dedication of all the staff in St. Fanchea’s at all levels, from teachers, classroom assistants, technicians, office staff, lunchtime supervisors, cleaning staff and building supervisors.

Elizabeth Armstrong, principal of ERGS, said the school was described as “an exceptional place of learning with every student supported to be the best they can be. The school offers every student the opportunity to excel individually and as part of a wider community. The young people have a strong sense of identity, and they demonstrate commitment to the values of respect, kindness, integrity and honour which have been instilled throughout their time in school”.

Impartial Reporter: ERGS principal, Elizabeth Armstrong (centre) with staff at the Families First NI Awards held in Belfast in May.ERGS principal, Elizabeth Armstrong (centre) with staff at the Families First NI Awards held in Belfast in May.

Mrs. Armstrong, who won a Special Recognition Award in the Best Principal in Northern Ireland Category, also paid tribute to teachers at the school who picked up awards.

“Warmest congratulations too to Mr. Stephen Gaston who won Best Teacher in Fermanagh Award and to Mrs. Sheena Dolan and Mrs. Sally Rees who were awarded Special Recognition Awards in this Category.

“Pride of place goes to Mrs. Dorothy Maguire, who was awarded a Special Award of Achievement in recognition of her outstanding service to teaching and the care of young people which has been a consistent hallmark of her 50 years of service to the good of the young people in her care. A worthy winner indeed!”