Enniskillen folk will have the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane in February as a ‘Lodge of Love’ reunion event is set to take place in aid of a local charity.
The Fort Lodge Hotel on Forthill Street in the town holds special memories for many of a certain vintage across Co Fermanagh.
Fondly known as ‘The Lodge of Love’, the reunion will take place on Saturday, February 4, in what is now the Enniskillen Hotel.
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Organisers are looking out for any original bar staff and bouncers from the popular nightlife spot to get in touch, to make it as authentic as possible.
Clare Donohoe, from Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, is the woman in charge of bringing back the memories on the night.
“Having approached the owner of the now ‘Enniskillen Hotel’, Michael Cadden, we were kindly granted permission to host ‘The Lodge of Love Reunion’ on Saturday 4 th February 2023,” Clare told MyFermanagh.
“It’s all in a bid to raise awareness and funds for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI.
“It is sure to be a great evening’s craic, reliving our youth and recreating the 80s/90s vibe.
“Michael is keen for the event to be as authentic as possible, so we would love original bar staff, bouncers etc to come along on the evening also.
“Aidy Kelly has kindly agreed to recreate the ‘Lodge of Love’ vibes as DJ for the event.
“Mention ‘The Lodge of Love’ to any ‘Enniskillener’ or to any Fermanagh folk of a certain age, and the response will be smiles, laughs - even a few expletives.”
Clare added that the reaction to the event’s announcement in a recent Facebook post brought back memories for many who were planning to attend the event, with multiple mentions of the venue’s famous ‘sticky carpet’.
The funds raised from the event will go towards Pulmonary Fibrosis NI. Clare's husband Tom suffers from the condition - a life limiting, irreversible and progressive lung disease where scar tissue builds up in the lungs.
“There is no cure, and limited treatments are available for patients to slow the progression of the fibrosis,” Clare added.
“When my husband Tom was diagnosed with this disease in 2018, we, like many others had never heard of the condition, and when you do your research the harsh reality hits home.”
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