Focus on Trillick: Where farming meets friendliness

In many ways, this piece of agricultural art, commissioned less than three years ago, captures the spirit of this unique village.

The Ferguson tractor sculpture in the heart of Trillick.

Steeped in farming and boasting a rich heritage of faith and fraternity, Trillick is known for its shining community spirit – outshone only by the bright steel squares of the silver Ferguson sculpture.

Situated seven miles from the main road between Omagh and Enniskillen, just one street runs through the village of Trillick.

However, it could be said that one bustling street is better than several silent ones, and indeed, the centre has a healthy offering of shops, businesses and pubs.

Situated at the bottom of Trillick, 'The Bridge Inn' has long been a popular spot for residents and revellers alike.

Richard Jameson, The Bridge Inn.

Owner, Richard Jameson, spoke with pride about his home town, which he supports through his bar and restaurant.

"It's a great wee village and everyone gets on with each other," he said. "There is a good sense of community and everyone helps each other out.

"Any strangers who come here are made feel very welcome. It's a welcoming village and we enjoy the craic."

Mr. Jameson is one of many local individuals who took a chance in business. A former transport planner, he took over the Bridge Inn in 2021, and has been pleased with the support he has received.

"It's been going well so far," he said. "I worked here for 16 years for another lady, so when she sold up, I bought. It's been onwards and upwards from there.

“There are a number of changes coming in the near future with menus, new hours and new services. We offer a homely atmosphere, great food and great craic,

“At the Bridge Inn, everyone will be made to feel welcome and at home!"

Standing in the centre of Trillick, it's not hard to see that farming is at the fore. Farmers drive by in their tractors and pickups, while sheep and cattle graze the nearby fields.

The aforementioned silver Ferguson statue celebrates this, and Trillick man, Davy Faris, explained the significance of the artwork.

Davy Faris.

"It was created a few years ago by a local artist, I believe," he said. "It's a grey Fergie tractor, made from 5mm sheets of steel.”

Mr. Faris added: “It's class, and it marks the farming element of the place. It's nice to look at and gets people talking."

And farming isn't the only industry that has been successful in the locale.

Nearby at the Badoney Road, the team at J F Irvine work hard to provide a range of timber products, fencing and posts.

This business is operated by brother and sister team, Alan Irvine and Jill Wilson, and even has a peculiar claim to fame.

Siblings Alan Irwin and Jillian Wilson, J. F. Irvine Sawmills, Trillick.

"We did a big mast for the Titanic, which was used on a film set, so that was something different," Mr. Irvine explained.

"We also supplied timber for Game of Thrones. These were big bits of timber, 18 inches by 18 inches, and 24 foot long.

"It's strange to think there is timber from Trillick on the big screen!"

Alan added: "While it's great to get these orders, it's more important to look after the community with whatever products they may be needing."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Wilson spoke in glowing terms of the vibrant business community within Trillick, who are ever-supportive of the sawmill.

"There is a great business community, and in fact a lot of the us are around the same age," she said.

"We grew up with each other and have been through it all together. It's a special connection.

"Overall, it's a friendly community and people do all they can to help. There's no shortage of support when it comes to things like fundraisers for local schools. It's a great wee place."

While many of Trillick's residents were born and reared in the village, a select few have moved from far-flung locations to make it their home.

Steven Moore with Max.

Local postman, Steven Moore, moved from Kent 23 years ago, and has never looked back.

"It's a lot quieter than Kent, but that's all part of the charm," said Mr. Moore.

"I have been here 23 years, having moved over for a woman!

"I do the postal route here in the village, and thankfully I don't get chased by too many dogs!

"It's a peaceful, easy-going place, with plenty of places to walk my dog, Max."

Indeed, while life in Trillick is laid-back, it is seldom dull. Come 4 o'clock, the streets come alive with children who have returned home from a long day of school, and their first port of call is one of the two local shops.

There, they are ably served by 21-year-old shopkeeper, Nadia Faris.

Nadia Faris.

"It's always busy in here, especially around schooltime," she said. "It would surprise you who you would see here in the shop. I've served people from all over, including England and America."

Meanwhile, bus driver, Eugene McGrade, is responsible for ferrying the youth of Trillick to and from school.

He lives just a short distance outside of the village in the townland of Killyblunick.

Eugene McGrade.

Mr. McGrade said: "I have lived here 67 years, and never felt the need to move," he said. "I do a bit of beef farming there so that keeps me busy, and I do the bus run as well.

"It's a great place to live, and there is a great football team here as well. Sure, you couldn't beat it!"

He added that while he was "no historian", an interesting local feature are three stones situated at the nearby chapel.

"I know there's an interesting story behind them, but you'd have to ask someone wiser than me!" he joked.

Almost immediately, a passerby helped piece together the mystery.

The stones, he said, are named 'Trí Leacm', Irish for 'three stones'. It is said that the name Trillick derives from this.

In fact, records show that the settlement itself started not far from the stones, near Trillick Castle. The rest, as they say, is history.

Without a doubt, Trillick is a place where a helping hand is never far away!

Trillick Main Street.