The roles played by the Lords of Fermanagh, Hugh Maguire (died 1600) and his son, Cú Chonnacht (died 1608) in a brave but eventually unsuccessful campaign headed by Hugh O'Neill to drive the English from these shores, and their subsequent self-enforced emigration to the Continent, 'The Flight of the Earls' as it has become immortalised, is the subject of a dramatic re-enactment in Lisnaskea next week-end.

On Friday, 8th June, Lisnaskea Historical Society has arranged an ambitious programme of 'period' talks, entertainment and pageants to mark the 400th anniversary of an event that spelt the end of Gaelic rule, and culture in Ireland. It will be centred around the suitably named, Donn Carragh (the first Maguire chieftain) and their inauguration site, the Moate Ring just outside the town.

The project has been grant aided by Awards For All. The Society's spokesperson, Vicky Herbert explained that the anniversary evening will kick off in the Donn Carragh Hotel on 8th June at 8 o'clock. Refreshments will be served and entry is free.

"There will be a quarter of an hour of harp playing by Deirdre Macklin, then a talk by Goerge Knight on the history of the Moate Ring, more harp music and this will be followed by a demonstration of medieval combat and, finally, a talk by John Cunningham from Belleek on the 'Flight of the Earls' itself".

But, the programme at that stage will be only half over, for local pupils will stage a re-enactment of the inauguration of Donn Carragh Maguire, and its VIP guest list that included The O'Neill himself.

"These two events", Vicky went on, "are hosted by Lisnaskea Historical Society with the backing of Fermanagh District Council, the Fermanagh County Museum, Clogher Historical Society, the Erne Heritage Tour Guides and the Lisnaskea Community and Development Group.