Service
above Self
News
2015/2016
Paul Harris Fellowship
In 1957, the Rotary Foundation launched the Paul Harris Fellowship in memory of it's founder and as an expression of appreciation for those who have contributed to the Foundation's humanitarian and educational programmes. After more than forty years recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow remains a respected and prestigious honour for Rotarians.
The Paul Harris Award to Kenneth Fisher Past President and President-elect.
Kenny spent 17 years in finance in the Erne Hospital and 17 years in Fermanagh College (later South West College) in Enniskillen before taking early retirement. In order to keep himself occupied, he works part-time in Beatty's in Ballinamallard and the Marks and Spencer store in Enniskillen but devotes much of his time to charitable causes.
He is a past President of Enniskillen Rotary Club (2012-13) and is currently president-elect for 2016-17. He has been actively involved in many activities, especially fundraising, since joining Rotary in 2002. He is a former secretary and Chairman of Youth Activities. In 2015 he led a trip to Kenya to deliver the clean water project. He is always willing to assist in the organization of any event run by the Club.
Outside of Rotary he is active in many other fields – none more so than scouting. His interest goes back over 50 years when he was part of a local Wolf Cub pack in his home village of Ballinamallard which met weekly in the primary school but unfortunately that group was to close in 1964.
In 1982 Kenny was instrumental in starting a new Scout Group in the village and has been actively involved in the Group ever since. He is a Cub Scout leader, Group Scout leader and a former County Commissioner for Cubs in Fermanagh.
He was honoured in 2005 with the Silver Acorn for Services to Scouting followed by an invitation to the St. George’s Day service in Windsor Castle later that year. He was also honoured with his appointment as High Sheriff for Fermanagh in 2010 just as his father, the late Tommy Fisher, had been honoured 25 years previous.
Kenny has also a keen interest in music and is active in many other charitable and community groups including Ballinamallard Silver Band and the Silver Tones Vocal Group. He is a member of the choir in his local church where he worships regularly and has served as a member of the Select Vestry and Sunday School teacher. He is a director of the Fisher Charitable foundation set up by his family following the tragic death of his brother Bertie and two members of his family in a helicopter accident. The Fisher Trust regularly supports good causes including missionary work abroad and in the last 15 years has given out over £300,000.
Another pastime is Rallying where he was a member of the Enniskillen Motor Club for over 25 years. He still gives of his expertise serving as media officer in the larger events including the Ulster Rally and the Circuit of Ireland.
It is difficult to know how Kenny finds time to be involved in so many activities as he is; but as they say – if you want a job done right, go to a busy man.
There is no doubt, Kenny Fisher is a very worthy recipient of a Paul Harris Award.
Joe Maguire, President of St Vincent de Paul (Fermanagh) for 16 years.
Joe Maguire is a native of Enniskillen, is married to Rosaline and they have 3 children. He is a great family man and was well known in his butchers business for many years. It came as no surprise when, on April 6th 1998, Joe became President of the Enniskillen branch of St Vincent de Paul. Although it took a lot of thought on his part and promises of help and advice from former presidents -Terence Maguire, Paddy Maguire and Hugh O'Kane he finally agreed to take on the job.
1998 was a very special year for St. Vincent de Paul in Enniskillen, being the 150th year of unbroken service to the people of the town and the Fermanagh area. Joe agreed to take on the position of President for three years but sixteen years later he is still in the job!
In 2008 Joe and the committee of SVP felt that they should move the Thrift Shop which had operated for 12 years in Forthill Street, to new premises on Church Street. This proved to be a great move as they soon trebled their income at a time when support for people in the community was needed more than ever.
The demands on SVP are ever increasing but so far they have managed to cope successfully and have never had to refuse any genuine requests from families or individuals. The requests are not always financial, some ask for assistance with furniture or helping people travel to hospital appointments.
St Vincent de Paul has now been providing a service in Fermanagh for 166 years; a credit to those who started it all those years ago and to all the people who have carried it on, not least to Joe Maguire for the manner in which he has 'steered the ship' over the last 16 years.
Each Christmas Joe (along with a representative from the Salvation Army), receives a cheque from Rotary which is put to good use helping the needy in the run up to Christmas. This fulfils the Enniskillen Rotary commitment to use the Santa-mobile Christmas street collections to help those in need in the local community.
We have no doubt that Joe Maguire would be a worthy recipient of a Paul Harris award for his sterling help to the needy in Fermanagh over the last 16 years.