A well-known Enniskillen community worker joined a cross-community women's group and a woman dedicated to the prevention of suicide in the winners' enclosure at this year's Community Foundation Awards' night in Belfast.
Sponsored by the Progressive Building Society, they celebrate outstanding achievements by groups and individuals working in the community and voluntary sector.
Patricia Mulhern, from Cornagrade, Enniskillen won the Community Foundation award for an individual's contribution to her local community, displaying leadership.
Mrs Mulhern, who has been a widow since the death in 1981 of her husband, Sean, is the mother of 11, four sons and seven daughters, one of whom, Sinead accompanied her to the awards' night at the Belfast headquarters of the Community Foundation.
The award winners were presented by Sarah Brown, the wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown ('a very down to earth woman and a great speaker').
Mrs Mulhern is a volunteer with the Devenish Partnership, working principally with its women's group: "We do a lot of things and we are involved in a lot of things, all sorts of activities. I have a sneaking feeling it was the Partnership who nominated me", she said.
Mary Black, the Chairperson of Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said the Awards were an ideal opportunity to recognise the important and life-changing work of the many community and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland.
"Our focus this year, on women and women's groups, has highlighted both the impact of groups and individuals across Northern Ireland who work daily to create a more just society. Our winners are excellent examples of this kind of work."
Each of the award winners received a vase donated by Belleek Pottery.
Patricia Mulhern's nominator said in their submission: "Every community needs a person with drive and determination, someone not only with ideas but someone who can make them a reality".
The lady herself was modest about her own achievements, preferring to reflect on the other award winners.
"The people in Northern Ireland are great workers", she stated.
"I think there were five awards altogether and it was interesting listening to what all the other organisations were doing. There was a group who did tremendous work for people with suicidal tendencies. It made me think that the way that things are shaping up, Northern Ireland has a great future.
"I was looking across the room and saw May Blood, and everyone knows all about her, and I thought it's great that people came from all over the community and are working for the community".
Roisin McCusker, of the Devenish Partnership confirmed that her organisation had indeed nominated Mrs Mulhern, and welcomed her prize, the Community Foundation award for an individual's contribution to her local community
"Her 82 years of age belies her motivation and enthusiasm', Eoisin commented. "She believes age should never be a barrier and has dedicated so much of her time to encouraging women to get out of the house, to learn new skills, and to socialise. As she herself says, 'The four walls don't talk to you'.
Roisin went on: "Every community needs a person with drive and determination, someone not only with ideas but someone who can make them a reality. Patricia is a member of the Forget-me-nots womens group which was originally set up by Devenish Partnership and, in 2004, through the assistance of the Partnership, it became a constituted group of which Patricia is the Chairperson.
"She is a relentless volunteer and community activist who is involved in Age Concern, Fermanagh Talking News paper, Fermanagh Voluntary Organisation for the Disabled, and Forget-me-Nots".
