Supporting Church Life

In Kinawley there exists a quite a number of vibrant groups and committees that support the Priests and Life of the Parish.  Lay people are now taking their rightful place in Church Life in-line with Vatican II. 

Local Drama

The Kinawley Drama Group formed in 1966 by the late Canon Liam Gaffney, put on a play each year and have on one occasion reached the all-Ireland final. The group continues to travel to different venues, delighting the audiences each year with their witty, original performances. This year (2014) the drama group put on a three act play ‘It’s the Real McCoy’. “It’s a story of love, betrayal and turf” said Hugh Murphy, one of the founding members of Kinawley Drama Group who acts and co-directs the production with John McGovern. ‘It’s the Real McCoy’ is the 48th consecutive production.

Promoting Learning

There are three primary schools in the Parish (St. Mary's Killesher, St. Naile's Kinawley and Scoil Mhuire Swanlinbar) and a Secondary School in the same pastrol Area (St. Aidan's Derrylin).

Promoting Gaelic Games

Swanlinbar Football Club formed in 1904. Over the years it has experience many highs and lows. In 1946 they got to the Minor Final only to be beaten by Belburbet by a point. In the late 1960's because of small numbers they had to amalgamate with Corlough. In 1972 they reorganised as Swanlinbar GFC

Food, Fuel and Friendship

These three things more than anything describe what it takes to help a family or someone living alone out of despair and back to self-sufficiency. Enough food for three decent meals every day and enough light, gas and electricity to keep the house warm and bright, is often all they ask. 

Promoting Gaelic Games

Kinawley G.F.C.: There has been organised football clubs in the area since 1904, and the club in its present form resulted in the amalgamation of Kinawley Brian Boru's and St. Mary's Killesher in the 1960s. The grounds are situated about a mile outside the village, and contain  2 full-size pitches and changing rooms, with plans in motion to incorporate a 1km walking track and play area into the facility. 

Improving Society

17th Fermanagh Scouts, Kinawley: The first official meeting of Kinawley scouts took place in Knawley Hall on Monday 29th May 1995 and was an immediate success. The idea of scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual character, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so that they achieve their full potential and are responsible citizens to improve society.

Music Fever

Swanlinbar has a long tradition of Irish music and heritage. The local branch was 'born' out of the fleadh fever which hit the county after the 'All Ireland' Fleadh in 2010. As a comhaltas branch we are dedicated to the promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance.

The branch continues to grow and has over 100 branch members covering a wide catchment area. Weekly classes are held in Trivia House in a friendly relaxed atmosphere with 6 tutors teaching a wide range of instruments

Kinawley Community Hall (a new £710,000 cross-community centre) was officially opened on 22nd December 2012 by Bishop Leo O’Reilly and Rev. Brendan Mc Carthy. This hall came about after years of deliberation. It was built against all the odds at a time when some felt it would never happen because of the downturn in the economy.  The hall is a valuable asset in the community, with a hall committee in place.