A woman who recently marked her 90th birthday has spoken about a life defined by emigration, family loss and decades of community involvement in rural Fermanagh. Nano Cavanagh, who lives in Lattone, was born in Corracloona, a townland between Glenfarne and Kiltyclogher. Her mother had returned from Boston in 1932, built a house and opened a shop, later buying a farm in Aghavanny.

Cavanagh attended Mount Lourdes Convent as a boarder in the early 1950s but left when her mother became ill and died in July 1952. She then looked after her father until his death in 1975. In 1960, aged 24, she emigrated to Boston, where she worked looking after children. She had already met her future husband, Patrick Cavanagh, at St Patrick’s Hall in Portadown. They married in Boston in 1961 and had three children there.

Her husband died from a heart attack in Boston in 1970, leaving Cavanagh with children aged eight, seven and four. She returned to Fermanagh in early 1971, bought a house, and split it into two parts, living in one and renting out the other. Of that period, she said she simply had to get on with life. Her children later all became well educated.

Cavanagh became involved with the Belcoo Community Association, serving as secretary for many years. The group converted an old parish hall into a community centre built in 1980, and she travelled widely to raise funds. She was also involved with Fermanagh Rural Community Network for almost ten years, an organisation that promoted rural life and helped groups access grants.

In the 1970s, she joined the Irish Countrywomen’s Association group in Blacklion, which she described as the equivalent of the Women’s Institute. The group promoted swimming in Lough MacNean, an activity that continues today with up to 300 children participating this year. Cavanagh served as secretary and valued the interaction with others.

In 1986, aged 50, Cavanagh emigrated to Boston for a second time, as her children were already living there. She had a Green Card and worked, while also becoming involved with an Irish organisation and enjoying a busy social life. She returned to Fermanagh in 1994 and renovated two houses on Lattone Hill. She then worked as a carer for Lakeland Community Care in Belcoo from 1994 to 2008, travelling around the country in that role.

Cavanagh remains active with the Cashel Senior Citizens Group, which meets twice a month at a local community centre. She organises games and speakers for the group, which has 13 members. Her life has been marked by resilience and a commitment to her local community.