Celebrating Omagh's Industrial Heritage at 'Remembering Desmonds'

AS part of Positive Ageing Month 2025 and the Strule Arts Centre Heritage Programme, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were delighted to host ‘Remembering Desmonds’, an event that celebrated an important part of Omagh’s rich industrial heritage.

This intergenerational event brought together members of the community, past employees of Desmonds, and local students for a morning of learning, storytelling, and shared memories. Dr. Johnny Hamill opened the event with a detailed overview of the history of the local textile industry, setting the scene for a series of insightful reflections from those who worked in or were connected to Desmonds over the years.

The event concluded with a relaxed panel discussion, a conversation filled with reminiscence, laughter, and heartfelt memories of a workplace that shaped many lives in Omagh.

Cllr Barry McElduff, chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: “The story of Desmonds was always likely to command local people’s attention as it is such a defining part of our local heritage. People lived and worked there in each other's shelter week in, week out; month in, month out and year in, year out. Desmonds became such a big part of people's lives, and I can understand why everyone wanted to reminisce and meet old friends again in the context of local heritage. ''

For details on similar upcoming heritage events, please visit the Strule Arts Centre website.