The Newtownbutler community once again turned out to show great support for the annual ‘Mickey Mac’s Ray of Hope’ weekend of events last Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19.

Now firmly established on the calendar, the weekend – inspired by the memory of the late Micheal ‘Mickey’ McPhillips – continues to build on his legacy, offering a weekend of community-wide events and entertainment that draws people together, as well as emphasising the importance of supporting good mental health.

This year’s weekend followed on the proud tradition of previous years’ Ray of Hope weekends, with a plethora of events for people of all ages to enjoy.

Whether tucking into a cuppa and a chat, enjoying some live Trad music from skilled musicians, laughing along the route in the colour run, or joining in the popular annual walk into Galloon Island, the Ray of Hope weekend offered everyone a great weekend with some important messages of hope to reflect on.

That message was particularly embraced by younger participants, who had plenty of fun events to enjoy, with the Baker of the Year competition for under-16s proving particularly popular.

The well-supported weekend drew to a close with praise from the people of Newtownbutler, who once again embraced its core messages of positivity and caring for mental health, with organisers thanking all who had taken part and added to the ongoing legacy of the ‘Mickey Mac’s Ray of Hope’ weekend.