Augher sets example of community and pride for residents

The warmth and friendliness of the staff at McElroy’s Spar is a larger reflection of the community spirit felt in this commuter town.

“People look out for people in Augher”, says Conor McElroy, now the third generation of his family in charge of the shop.

Conor McElroy, McElroy's Spar, Augher.

The business had been in his family for 70 years and has weathered some change: “I am from here, born and bred. My granda started it in 1953, my dad moved it here to the top of the town at the roundabout.

“Me and my wife recently started the coffee shop, Brew and Bia, it has been going a few months and we are really happy.”

There is a sense of pride in his community and the wider area from Mr. McElroy when he speaks and he is especially proud of his sporting associations: “I am a proud Augher person. I am proud to support the local sports clubs, Augher Stars FC, Augher St. Macartans, St. Macartans Ladies and Clogher Valley Rugby Club.”

One of those lined up for the deli is Joyce Stafford who has travelled from neighbouring Clogher for her lunch. Leaning in she says: “I am from Clogher but I love coming to the shop for a wee dinner, this is a brilliant deli counter.”

Joyce Stafford.

Like many from the Clogher Valley area, she mixes between the main hubs.

“There is a great mix between the towns, there has been a lot going on. We did the knitted Cathedral and it was on TV for Clogher and Augher is going to be on TV too [as part of UTV’s Mahon’s Way programming].”

It was a homecoming of sorts for Mrs. Stafford as she recently returned to the area: “I moved back to the area three and a half years ago, I was in Clabby and Fivemiletown for the best part of my life , but ah, I just feel like home, this is where I came from so I’ve come home.”

Out on her messages on the main street is Teresa McConnell who has also come from Clogher, reflecting on the local community and what is like, she said: “It’s very friendly here and everyone is very helpful.

Teresa McConnell.

“I’ve lived here over 50 years and have found everyone very helpful and as I say, that’s what we need, a good community, everybody working together and taking every day as it comes.”

One highlight of the year for the community in Augher and further afield is the Clogher Valley Show.

“The show does be very successful every year, it’s now back on track from after Covid. The weather for that particular day was very bad but there was a very good turnout. People look forward to it, it is a good family day and there is quite a lot of activity for people who come through it,” she said.

Elsewhere, the staff of Animal Health Vision (AHV) are working hard in their office on the entry into the town.

Local man Adam Robinson is the Managing Director of AHV UK and Ireland which is based all over Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. The company has bases all over the world.

“I didn’t know the difference between Augher and Clogher but I do now”, says Cathy McBride from Fintona who works in the busy office.

Rachel Edgar and Cathy McBride, AHV UK.

Chatting with her colleague Rachel Edgar about the high points of the town, Mrs. Edgar said: “We have a lovely shop and the new coffee shop has opened, it is only open a few months. Salon V is a good beautician, it’s great to get your nails done on your lunch break. There is a gym and physio downstairs too.

“I don’t think when we both started here two years ago there was as much in the town. I don’t think it was as bustling.

Ms. McBride added: “There seems to be a lot more in the town, it is growing, it is one of those bypassing towns through to Ballygawley Roundabout and Enniskillen.”

Mrs. Edgar said: “The show is probably the main attraction and Fane Valley down there.

One place at the heart of the community in Augher is Augher Central Primary School. The children still learn in the original building which was built 85 years ago.

Sitting in the staff room in a quintessential country school, Principal Andrea Sawyers notes that Augher has a great “community feel”.

Andrea Sawyers, Principal of Augher Central.

She cites shared education, the Clogher Valley Show and the school’s MUGA pitch as examples of the community working together.

“We have a great MUGA pitch out the back and that was a community venture between Augher Stars FC, the school and the Trustees of Augher village.

“Everyone works well together in Augher. People would say it can be quite laid back, but we get there”, she says with a laugh.

One thing she believes largely contributes to the area is the existing school partnership between Augher Central PS, St. Macartans Primary School in Clogher, and Carntall Primary School Clogher.

“The teachers plan together and share resources, the principals share the workload, the kids are involved in shared education lessons, each class would have six weeks of shared education a year.”

However, she admits the partnership has had some challenges: “Before Covid it probably looked a lot better, since Covid we went from £28,000 to £7,000 so it will look different this year.”

The spirit of togetherness comes right from the beginning for the children, speaking of some of the lovely connections between pupils, Mrs. Sawyers said: “If we took our P1s to meet, you will see them go to their old friends from nursery and that is where you see the real difference and the connection and they will hold hands with their nursery friends going up Knockmanny for a big walk.”

“It’s nice when you walk into McElroy’s or somewhere and see a child from one of the other schools going, ‘well missus’ – it’s genuinely very nice.”

Mrs. Sawyers is grateful for the area which she lives and works in: “Growing up in Ballygawley, I just think the Clogher Valley is a great area.

“It is a very blessed area to grow up in.”

John McVitty - 07771987378 - jmc