ENCIRC Managing Director, Sean Murphy, has paid tribute to the "inspiring and heart-warming" shortlist in the upcoming Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc. 

The Derrylin-based glass manufacturing business is the principal sponsor of the awards, which take place on June 27 at the Lough Erne Resort. 

Speaking on the event, which is less than two weeks away, Mr. Murphy said: "This is a great initiative to honour those selfless people in our community who do such great work, much of which goes totally unnoticed.

"Looking through the many finalists nominated in recent weeks was truly inspiring and heartwarming, and it was not a difficult job for Encirc to partner with The Impartial Reporter in this important celebration."

Mr. Murphy feels it is important to recognise those who do good in our community, adding that the people of Fermanagh make the county "so special". 

He said: "Fermanagh, in particular, maybe because of its rural location and smaller population, seems to miss out on a lot of support services and investment.

"Often that disparity is picked up by volunteers across any number of areas who make things happen and make a difference to counteract that shortfall. 

"I think it is a relevant question to consider when you look at all these wonderful finalists: where would our community be without them?"

As a company, Encirc is committed to supporting the local community, and recognises that a well-supported local workforce is the company's "greatest asset".

"People in Fermanagh care, they care about each other and they care about what is happening," continued Mr. Murphy.

"They want to make this a better place to live for themselves and their neighbours. 

"That is also incredibly important for local businesses that are operating in very competitive markets.

"I believe our people want to go that extra mile. For instance, at Encirc, we recognise that people are our greatest asset and we want to make Encirc a great place to work for all our employees.

"That is an ongoing process, but one we are determined to achieve."

Mr. Murphy concluded: "I congratulate each and every one of the finalists. I thank them for their efforts in our community, and I wish them all the very best of luck on the night."