Nora McElholm, the widow of Fermanagh County Board's longest serving Chairman, John (he held the post continuously for 26 years, from 1958–1984) made an unexpected appearance at last Sunday's annual Fermanagh GAA Convention held in Mahon's Hotel, Irvinestown.
She was introduced to the delegates by the outgoing Chairman, Joe McGurn as 'a very distinguished guest' and he went on, "She has been all down through the years a very loyal supporter of Fermanagh GAA. We can all look back at amazement at the contribution that her husband gave as County Chairman of this county, and I would like you to give a warm welcome to Nora McElholm."
Nora told the Convention that she was delighted to be present and thanked the delegates for their welcome (they gave her a standing ovation).
"It is fantastic that the Convention is held in Irvinestown, in Mahon's Hotel. I am very glad to be here. Thank you very much."
Nora, formerly Mahon, married her husband in 1940. Both were teachers and, after a spell in the old boys' school, now demolished, they transferred to the new St Paul's PS where her husband, the school Principal, taught the art of Gaelic football and hurling to the pupils. He himself was a more than useful footballer.
Nora is one of a family of ten, three of whom became priests, Fr Joe, Fr Dermot and Fr Hugh. Sadly, she has only two siblings alive, Malachy, a former Ulster Council and Fermanagh County Board Secretary (1969–75), and Kevin, who lives in Dalkey, County Dublin.
Nora and John were, in many ways, the First Lady and the First Man of their day, within Fermanagh. They were a very well-known and very much loved couple, who shared two abiding interests, the GAA and going to race meetings.
"But, the GAA was the biggest interest," she told the 'Herald' on Sunday. "John represented Fermanagh on Central Council for a long number of years, so it meant we were down south often".
Today, Nora continues to reside in Mill Street, almost opposite the Delany Rooms of Mahon's Hotel, the venue for last Sunday's Convention.
