Gerry Mclaughlin

Rose McCluskey of Fivemiletown began painting at the age of 60 after attending classes in Lisnaskea and went on to produce about 500 works, mainly in oils. Her landscapes, seascapes, portraits and other paintings have won prizes at local agricultural shows and placed as high as fourth in an All-Ireland competition. An exhibition of her work is scheduled for September at Fivemiletown and Enniskillen libraries, while her family hopes the recognition will celebrate her long creative career.

Derrygonnelly Harps defeated Erne Gaels 1-13 to 2-9 in a fiercely contested County Fermanagh league match in Belleek. The Harps led 1-11 to 0-8 with ten minutes remaining, but two Erne Gaels goals, including a disputed penalty and a late finish by Luke Ryder, set up a tense conclusion. Ultan Kelm had a chance to win the game with a late two-point attempt that drifted wide. Derrygonnelly had already secured a place in the league final, while Erne Gaels must beat Enniskillen Gaels and hope Derrygonnelly defeat Teemore to qualify.

Derrygonnelly secured a place in the Fermanagh Division 1 League Final after defeating Belnaleck, while Teemore kept its own final hopes alive with a narrow win over Devenish. Erne Gaels must beat Derrygonnelly to qualify. Roslea moved into pole position for the Division 2 final by overcoming Kinawley, though Ederney remains central to the outcome. Tempo and St Patricks Donagh qualified for the Division 3 final, despite Derrylin defeating Tempo; Derrylin will instead face Belcoo in a playoff for Division 2 football. Enniskillen recorded the round’s biggest win, beating Aghadrumsee 6-21 to 1-10, and Coa edged Brookeborough in the Division 3 relegation battle.

The closing stages of the Fermanagh GAA football leagues are finely balanced. Derrygonnelly Harps need to beat Belnaleck to secure a second consecutive League final appearance, while Erne Gaels and Teemore are competing for the remaining top positions. Enniskillen Gaels remain in contention and are highlighted as possible championship dark horses. In Division Two, Ederney have already secured their League final place, with Kinawley and Roslea battling for the other spot. Division Three is led by Tempo, but St Pat’s remain close behind ahead of their upcoming meeting.

Fermanagh captain Shannan McQuade said her team’s disappointing All-Ireland Intermediate final performance against Roscommon may have been affected by nerves and the pressure of playing at Croke Park. Roscommon’s two early goals and clinical play proved decisive, although McQuade acknowledged that Roscommon likely would have won regardless. Despite the defeat, she emphasized Fermanagh’s major progress from the Junior Championship to an All-Ireland Intermediate final, thanked the team’s supporters and families, and expressed confidence that the county will return, with young players such as Sinead Barrett and Cliodhna Martin offering hope for the future.

Fermanagh manager Barry McKenna praised his players despite their 2-12 to 0-6 All-Ireland final defeat by Roscommon at Croke Park. He acknowledged Roscommon’s early scores, soft goals, physical strength and superior transition play, while emphasizing that Fermanagh never stopped competing. McKenna said the team’s first season had exceeded expectations, called for absent players to return, credited the County Board and supporters, and expressed his desire to remain in charge. He believes Fermanagh can use the disappointment as motivation and has the potential to challenge again.

Fermanagh suffered a one-sided defeat to a physically imposing Roscommon side in the Ladies' All-Ireland final at Croke Park. Two fortunate first-half goals gave Roscommon decisive momentum, while Fermanagh struggled to reproduce the resilience shown in their semi-final victory over Down. Despite the disappointment, the young Fermanagh team was praised for bringing pride and joy to the county, with manager Barry McKenna already focused on returning stronger next year.

Roscommon defeated Fermanagh 2-12 to 0-6 in a one-sided All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate final at Croke Park. Aisling Feely scored both Roscommon goals during a dominant first half, which left Roscommon 2-7 to 0-2 ahead at the interval. Fermanagh improved little after the break, while Roscommon controlled the game and secured a comprehensive victory.

Former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown describes his enduring connection to Fermanagh, where his father’s family came from Boa Island. He recalls childhood visits, Irish family traditions, discrimination experienced by his family in 1970s England, and his dual Irish-English identity. Keown discusses why he chose England over the Republic of Ireland, his football career and relationships with managers and teammates, his sons’ links to Ireland, and his continuing work as a television football pundit. He also reflects on England’s World Cup performance, Arsenal’s achievements under Arsène Wenger, and his pride in returning to the Fermanagh community.

A letter from Finance Minister John O'Dowd reaffirmed the Northern Ireland Executive's commitment to the long-delayed A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, including funding through the Mid South West Growth Deal. The project requires £16.2 million from the Executive and £12.5 million from the deal, after £6.6 million previously earmarked for it was reallocated. Sinn Féin councillors welcomed the assurance, while SDLP councillor Adam Gannon questioned its credibility, citing repeated funding withdrawals and calling for the commitment to appear in the next budget. The exchange developed into a dispute over each party's record on the scheme.

Fermanagh forward Sarah Britton is seeking her first All-Ireland Intermediate title after winning three Junior medals. Having joined the team in 2015, she reflects on past finals, Fermanagh’s recent victories and the physical challenge of beating Down in the semi-final. Fermanagh previously held a league lead against Roscommon before conceding late, but Britton believes the team can win the August 2 final if it reproduces its best performance. She also highlights Eimear Smyth’s scoring ability, leadership and versatility while stressing that Fermanagh has other attacking threats.

Old Fair Day at Castle Irvine drew strong crowds, with Joe Mahon praised for his long‑standing role in supporting the event. Local participants highlighted horsemanship, traditional crafts, vintage machinery and community activities, while festival chair Lisa Wallace noted the benefits of the venue and the extensive preparation involved. Alicia Birney was crowned Lady of the Lake, expressing pride in the cultural traditions celebrated during the festival.

Teemore Shamrocks standout Ronan McCaffrey expresses confidence that the young squad can end the club’s long county title drought, emphasising their improving performances and recent key win over Erne Gaels. McCaffrey praises several teammates, highlights his goal in the match, and stresses the team’s determination to push for a championship run after last year’s semi-final exit.

Teemore secured a deserved victory over Erne Gaels with a standout performance from Ronan McCaffrey, whose decisive goal shifted the game’s momentum. Despite strong efforts from Ultan Kelm, Erne Gaels struggled through an interruption-filled second half that disrupted their rhythm. Teemore capitalised on key scoring bursts, including a second-half goal from Ryan McNally, and managed possession effectively to maintain their lead. Missing several key players, Erne Gaels fought on but were unable to overturn the deficit as Teemore climbed to second in the table.

Multiple Fermanagh GAA league matches produced decisive victories, with Belnaleck, Enniskillen, Derrygonnelly and Teemore securing important Division 1 wins that tightened the standings. Division 2 saw strong performances from Ederney, Roslea and Lisnaskea, while Division 3 results kept Tempo, St Patrick's Donagh and Derrylin firmly in contention for league final positions.