THE judging panel has been announced for the Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards 2024, in association with Encirc.

The much-anticipated event will take place at the Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen on Thursday, June 27, and aims to honour the unsung heroes within our community.

Inspirational people, including those involved in business, sport, youth, charity will be recognised, and a judging panel of seven have the tough job of deciding who will named this year’s community champions.

First up on the judging panel is Impartial Reporter editor, Rodney Edwards.

Remarking on the upcoming ceremony, he said: “These awards are about celebrating the essence of community spirit and the remarkable individuals who make our communities thrive,.

“I look forward to holding our awards ceremony, where we’ll have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes and express our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contributions to Fermanagh and South Tyrone.”

Next up is Gemma Martin, from event sponsor, Encirc. As Reporting and Sustainability Manager at the local company, Mrs. Martin has advocated for gender diversity and played a role in driving positive change in male-dominated sectors.

She has also served on Encirc’s Biodiversity Committee and has been closely involved in promoting careers within the industry to young people.

‘Significant impact’ “Celebrating the heroes within our community is vital, because their contributions often go above and beyond, making a significant impact on the lives of others,” she said.

“Volunteers, in particular, play a crucial role, and it’s important to recognise both their individual efforts and the organisations they represent.

“By acknowledging these heroes, we not only express gratitude for their selflessness but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Also judging the awards will be Aideen McGinley, who has over 35 years local and central government experience, including as CEO of Fermanagh District council, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, and subsequently the Department of Employment and Learning.

She was awarded OBE in the Queen’s Millennium honours, and also holds a number of high-profile voluntary positions at local and regional levels.

“I am honoured to be on the judging panel for this special recognition award,” she remarked.

“The Impartial Reporter is a great supporter of the community and voluntary sector in the county. One such example is highlighting annually the Ashling centres hope, healing and growth event “I am therefore delighted to be a panel member and know we will have a mammoth task ahead in our selections with such a wealth of community endeavour and commitment throughout the district.”

Also on the judging panel is retired teacher, Frances Boyd.

Having worked as head of Head of the RE Department at Fivemiletown High School from 1984 to 2002, she also served an Assistant Advisory Officer at the Western Education and Library Board, and later as a Transferor Representative at the Education Authority.

Community life In addition, she has been involved in community life in Fermanagh for several years.

“It will be a privilege to be involved in this process,” she said.

“Given the unprecedented difficulties currently being faced, I feel that it is of key importance that we celebrate those heroes within our community who selflessly give of their time, experience, gifts, skills and energy to make life even a little bit better for those most in need.”

And also joining the panel will be the Very Rev Kenneth Hall, who has served as Rector of Enniskillen Parish and as Dean of Clogher Diocese for some 14 years.

During that time he has been actively involved in community affairs and endeavouring to help out and build good relations among all.

“Those who do are often working and helping behind the scenes are the unknown heroes within our community,” he said, speaking on his admiration for local folk.

“These are people that many depend on to live and survive in fast-moving, and often uncaring world.

“Therefore it is important to recognise and celebrate those heroes within our community.”

Rev. Hall will be joined by the highly-respected priest, broadcaster, and Impartial Reporter columnist, Fr. Brian D’Arcy.

Speaking on his task of judging the awards, Fr. D’Arcy said: “During Covid, we learned about the value of community. No one is an island. We depend on one another.

“Individuals who make sacrifices for the good of others are the glue which holds society together. Volunteerism is essential and must not only be praised, but rewarded. Communities which benefit from volunteerism must show their appreciation.

“When we celebrate heroes within our community, we encourage others to share their gifts too.”

Passionate about the local community and the people within it, the enduring impact of Fr. Brian D’Arcy’s writings is shown by the numerous heartfelt interactions from readers who continue to draw solace and inspiration from his works.

Royalties from his most recent work – ‘Best of Brian’ – has helped raise money for charities dedicated to aiding the less fortunate and the homeless.

And last, but not least, is one of Enniskillen’s most prominent solicitors. Gary Black, of GRB Solicitors.

Serious cases Having previously worked as a Public Prosecutor in the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), in 2015 Mr. Black took up the post of Senior Public Prosecutor which involved working on more serious and complex criminal cases.

In April 2017 he has brought his professional career back to his native Fermanagh when he opened GRB Solicitors.

Mr. Black has also been involved in community life within the local area, serving as Chairman of Lisbellaw Primary School Board of Governors.