Garrison, a village on the shores of Lough Melvin in County Fermanagh, continues to see community-led developments and cross-border connections, according to residents.

Devenish GAA club, one of the most decorated in the county, has expanded its facilities. Club historian and auctioneer Sean Treacy said the club has won ten county championships and thirteen league titles. The club purchased a former holiday centre and converted it into a gym, which now has 400 members. A resource centre also serves cross-community and cross-border purposes.

Artist Michelle Duffy opened Camlake art shop in 2015 and has completed commissions for Princess Anne and former prime minister Tony Blair. She cited Lough Melvin sunsets as a source of inspiration, saying the light over the lake is unlike anywhere else.

Gabriel Keown, who has run the Riverside Bar since 1997, described the village as therapeutic and noted the local accent has a West of Ireland quality. He recalled the loss of many local characters over the years.

Joy Graham volunteers for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland following the death of her son Neil in 2018. She highlighted the challenges of the village’s remote location for emergency services. Graham is also an actress with the Gilaroo Players and teaches cookery classes in Cashel and Mullaghdun.

Publican Mickey Gilroy, in business since the 1970s, recalled smuggling alcohol by boat across Lough Melvin to the Republic of Ireland in the 1970s. He won a perfect pint of Guinness competition in 1992 and helps organise an international fishing competition on the lake each August. Gilroy once lined out for Devenish GAA alongside five first cousins in defence.

Inventor Willie Allingham manufactures Quadcrate attachments for quad bikes at his home near the border, selling them worldwide. He developed the product fifteen years ago after working on the family farm.