Garbhán Moriarty

Retrospective planning permission is being sought for a 30-metre polytunnel used for snail farming near Enniskillen, adjacent to 11 Greystone Road. The application to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council also covers a timber quarantine shed for six sheep, an agricultural refrigerated storage shed and related site works. The consultation period is scheduled to close on September 2, and no decision has yet been made.

Pupils at Saint Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea are celebrating their GCSE results. The school praised students for their hard work, determination and dedication, and staff expressed pride in their achievements.

More than 90% of Year 12 pupils at Erne Integrated College achieved five or more A* to C grades in their GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Principal Darron McLaughlin praised the students’ dedication, resilience and hard work, and highlighted their success across academic, vocational and occupational pathways. Most pupils will continue into the school’s Sixth Form, while others will move into further education or specialist training.

New Health Minister Robbie Butler has been invited to Fermanagh and South Tyrone by DUP MLA Deborah Erskine to meet patients, constituents and healthcare staff and hear about rural healthcare challenges. Erskine highlighted waiting lists, staffing pressures, growing demand, transport and distance barriers, access to specialist services, and the sustainability of local provision. She also raised concerns about emergency general surgery and the findings of a Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority report, arguing that safe and timely emergency care is particularly important for geographically isolated communities.

Mount Lourdes Grammar School is celebrating its 2026 GCSE results, with 24 pupils achieving A* and A grades across all nine subjects. Among 96 Year 12 students who sat the examinations, 98% of grades were A* to C and 98% of students achieved at least five A* to C grades. Principal Sinead Cullen attributed the results to students’ dedication and perseverance and praised teaching and support staff. The school said the results would give students a wide range of opportunities as they progress to post-16 study.

Childhood friends Barry Hutchinson and Iona McPhillips from Fermanagh have both secured places at the University of Cambridge after achieving strong A-level results. Barry earned three A*s and will study Human, Social and Political Sciences, while Iona achieved an A* and three As and will study engineering. Having remained close since primary school despite attending different secondary schools, they plan to fly to Cambridge together and begin university life in the same city. Both are excited about the opportunity, with Barry saying Iona's presence will make moving away from home easier.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that could identify or lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the 1973 murder of 18-year-old Marian Beattie. Her body was found at the bottom of Hadden’s Quarry near Aughnacloy after she left a charity dance with a young man. The PSNI’s Legacy Investigation Branch is asking attendees and anyone with relevant information to come forward. A man in his 70s was arrested in July and later released on bail, while the investigation continues.

Kesh Fun Week brought residents and visitors together for a week of activities under an “Under the Sea” theme, including arts and crafts, sports, outdoor events, family competitions, a food bank collection and live music. The programme ran from August 10 to 16 and concluded with performances by John Garrity, known as the Belfast Busker, Matthew Mullin and Jordan Shivers. Organisers credited sponsors and volunteers for making the community event possible.

Ballinamallard photographer Alan Prentice captured two images of a partial solar eclipse from Derryraghan Road despite cloud cover over Fermanagh. Using a Seestar S50 telescope, he photographed the Moon moving across the Sun before and after the eclipse’s 7:08 p.m. maximum, when 94.8% of the Sun was obscured. Cloud prevented him from observing the peak directly, but the location provided a clear view toward the western horizon.

Tara Hall runs Fort Coffee, an independent specialty coffee drive-through in Enniskillen from a shipping container on Forthill Street. Drawing on experience in Australia and her aunt’s coffee shop, she offers Colombian coffee roasted in County Donegal alongside homemade breakfasts and baked goods. The business targets commuters and has seen steadily rising trade despite nearby Costa and McDonald’s outlets. Hall plans to build the brand, potentially open additional locations and hire staff.

A 35-year-old man has been charged with arson endangering life with intent following a fire at a property in the Platers Hill area of Coalisland. He is due to appear before Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court, while a 29-year-old woman arrested during the investigation has been released on police bail. The Public Prosecution Service will review the charges as part of normal procedure.

Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong has joined calls for DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to resign after the Ulster Farmers’ Union extended its vote of no confidence to Muir, Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey and Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher. The union and UUP have criticized the independence and terms of the review into the Fivemiletown cattle operation, calling instead for an independently chaired, transparent investigation with appropriate powers and expert representation. Armstrong said farmers in Fermanagh and South Tyrone had lost trust in DAERA and that the current review should be replaced.

Free outdoor music performances will continue in Enniskillen and Omagh throughout August under Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Seasonal Outdoor Music Programme. Performances are scheduled at The Round O in Enniskillen and Grange Park in Omagh on August 16, 23 and 30, featuring local groups and musicians. The programme is intended to support emerging and established artists while providing entertainment for residents and visitors. The council has also announced a Live n' Local Festive Street Music Programme at venues in both towns on selected Saturdays in November and December.

Police in Omagh seized a quad bike after two riders fled during a patrol on the Termon Road in Carrickmore. Police said the riders left without wearing helmets, with one reportedly climbing onto the back of the other quad bike. The seizure was the third vehicle confiscated by Fermanagh and Omagh police in three days, following incidents involving uninsured drivers. The owner can contact Omagh Police Station to seek the vehicle’s return.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a criminal investigation into a death threat made against DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The threat followed the culling of 51 cattle at a farm near Fivemiletown, a case that has prompted sustained criticism, demonstrations and protests over the minister’s handling of the matter. PSNI condemned intimidation of elected representatives and said its investigation remains ongoing, while Muir described the threat as disgraceful and unacceptable.

Hundreds of farmers and political representatives protested outside Stormont, chanting for Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to resign over the culling of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown. DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said he would submit a cross-party no-confidence motion, while Jim Allister and other speakers condemned the cull and broader farming bureaucracy. Farmer Andrew Keys, who witnessed the operation, rejected the description of the animals as suffering and said Muir had questioned his account. Muir defended the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs at an Assembly committee meeting, condemned threats against him and his family, and said public debate had become toxic. The dispute has intensified calls for an independent review.

A motorcyclist was taken to Sligo University Hospital for assessment after a collision involving a car and motorcycle on the N15 in Laghey, County Donegal. Gardaí and emergency services attended shortly before 2 p.m.; the road remained closed with diversions in place while the circumstances were investigated.

Eleven-year-old Sienna Gormley from Irvinestown travelled to Las Vegas with her family to compete in the World Championships of Performing Arts. She won two bronze medals for acting, a silver medal for singing and a vocal-development scholarship from Water Sign Entertainment. The experience increased her confidence and connected her with international performers, while a one-to-one session with former Michael Jackson backing singer Romeo Johnson led to ongoing singing lessons via Zoom. Sienna, who now intends to focus primarily on singing, is preparing for another international competition in London.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir defended the euthanisation of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown, saying officials had no reasonable alternative after a court order required the removal of animals from a keeper convicted of multiple welfare offences. He said veterinary and safety concerns made transporting the cattle impossible and rejected claims that animals were chased or shot multiple times. Muir announced an independent external review, while DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said significant questions remained about the options considered, the legal basis and the operation’s planning. She called for a genuinely independent investigation, greater transparency and an apology to local residents.

A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud after a retailer reported an attempt to use counterfeit notes. Police say officers found a large quantity of altered “prop notes” bearing stickers that concealed markings showing they were not legal tender. Authorities have warned retailers and the public to check banknotes carefully while the investigation continues.

Petrol and diesel prices have risen again across County Fermanagh, with average Enniskillen prices reaching about 152.5p and 166.4p per litre respectively. Some retailers were charging as much as 155.7p for petrol and 173.7p for diesel. Prices had previously surged toward £2 per litre after the Strait of Hormuz closure before falling following peace deals and a ceasefire between the United States and Iran; the latest increases are attributed to renewed strikes in Iran and the wider Middle East.

Around 300 Unite members at Pilgrim’s Europe’s meat-processing plant in Enniskillen began a four-day strike over pay and unequal break arrangements. Morning-shift workers say they do not receive paid breaks provided to colleagues on other grades and shifts, and the union is seeking a consistent pay increase reflecting inflation and cost-of-living pressures. Pilgrim’s Europe says it has offered a pay rise above inflation and remains committed to discussions, while union officials say management must return with an acceptable offer. Pickets were planned to continue throughout the stoppage.

Dr Brendan Lavery, medical director of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, received total remuneration of £332,500 in the latest financial year, including £232,500 in salary and £102,000 in pension-related benefits. He was the highest-paid executive in the trust and among the highest-paid health officials in Northern Ireland. Chief executive Neil Guckian received £182,500, while the 11 listed Western Trust executives collectively received about £1.74 million. The figures include salary and pension benefits but no performance bonuses, and were published amid financial pressures, recruitment difficulties and continuing debate over services at South West Acute Hospital.

Northern Ireland comedian Jimmy Cricket, whose real name was James Mulgrew, has died aged 80 after a short illness. The Cookstown-born entertainer became known across the UK for his clean comedy, distinctive costume and appearances on television and radio, including And There’s More, Bullseye and Jimmy’s Cricket Team. His family said he died surrounded by loved ones and remained humorous until the end. He is survived by his wife May, four children and four grandchildren.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland says there are currently no plans to close Lisnaskea Police Station or relocate its officers. The clarification follows claims raised by Ulster Unionist peer Lord Elliott, who said he would resist any closure. The PSNI said the station remains an operational base, while noting that its resources and estate are kept under review through consultation with the public and political and statutory partners.

Two men aged 50 and 63 were arrested in connection with a burglary in Drumquin and reports of suspicious activity around businesses and a school in Castlederg. Following searches of two properties in Derry/Londonderry, both men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and fraud by false representation. The PSNI confirmed that they have been released on bail while further inquiries continue.

An Garda Síochána seized an allegedly military-grade explosive after stopping a vehicle south of Carrickmacross in County Monaghan. A woman in her twenties and a man in his forties were arrested, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the operation targeted dissident republicans. Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Diana Armstrong praised the Gardaí, condemned the alleged involvement of New IRA members, and called for continued security cooperation across the border.

RAF Air Cadets Yao Liang and Amos Collis describe meeting Princess Anne at Derryvullen North Church of Ireland near Irvinestown, where they explained the history of graves commemorating victims of a 1943 Sunderland crash involving 423 Squadron from Castle Archdale. The cadets found the encounter nerve-wracking but memorable, and said Princess Anne was friendly, casual and spoke with them longer than expected.

An exhibition on the Irish in Britain features the life story of Fermanagh native Alice Delahunty, highlighting her upbringing near Rosslea, her emigration to England at 17, and the community life she built there. Oral histories recorded by her son bring together memories from Alice and her contemporaries, revealing both joyful and difficult aspects of migration. The exhibition, opening at Queen’s University Belfast, uses personal accounts, archival material and multimedia to explore themes of departure, adaptation, identity and community among Irish emigrants over the past 50 years.

Four endangered curlew chicks rescued from a wildfire on Sliabh Beagh were successfully incubated, reared, and released in Fermanagh through a coordinated effort involving conservation groups and emergency services. The operation, supported by cross‑border PEACEPLUS funding, highlighted the severity of wildfire threats to fragile bird populations and the importance of rapid response and collaboration. Satellite tags will track the chicks to inform future conservation efforts amid declining curlew numbers across Ireland.

Fermanagh Community Transport honours longtime volunteer driver George Alexander Kilpatrick, who died on July 8, highlighting his kindness, dedication and support for residents across the county during 11 years of service. A Thanksgiving service was held at Erne West Evangelical Church, with donations made to Marie Curie and condolences extended to his family.