Our Founder
About Pat
P at was a tireless advocate for animal rights and animal welfare. He devoted his whole life to the welfare and well-being of all animals that came into his care, often to the detriment of his own health.
Through all the hard times Pat never lost his focus on helping the animals. Each and every one was given the help they needed, despite mounting vet and food bills and very limited funding.
Back in the late 70's Pat and his wife rescued a stray tabby cat to their home in Derrin Park Enniskillen. Little did he know this would be the beginning of his success and a lifelong commitment. By the early 80's Pat had rescued a host of abandoned cats and cared for them in his home on the Kilmacormick estate. His reputation was growing and he earned the respected nickname of 'Pat the cat' . Pat's next move was to a disused farm building in Coa. Pat lived in a cold cramped caravan while the animals, now also dogs, lived in the outbuildings.
Pat's last move was to Killymittan Ballinamallard in 1995. Pat had a good team to support him and turned a dilapidated house and outbuildings to the facilities we see today, very impressive considering he received no formal funding, just generous donations from the public.
Pats dedication was recognised by being awarded a lifetime achievement award from the ' International Fund for Animal Welfare'. Pat sadly passed away in 2013 but his legacy lives on. Pat's ashes now rest here at his beloved sanctuary which he worked so hard to establish. Rest easy friend of animals, your work here goes on.
Through all the hard times Pat never lost his focus on helping the animals. Each and every one was given the help they needed, despite mounting vet and food bills and very limited funding.
Back in the late 70's Pat and his wife rescued a stray tabby cat to their home in Derrin Park Enniskillen. Little did he know this would be the beginning of his success and a lifelong commitment. By the early 80's Pat had rescued a host of abandoned cats and cared for them in his home on the Kilmacormick estate. His reputation was growing and he earned the respected nickname of 'Pat the cat' . Pat's next move was to a disused farm building in Coa. Pat lived in a cold cramped caravan while the animals, now also dogs, lived in the outbuildings.
Pat's last move was to Killymittan Ballinamallard in 1995. Pat had a good team to support him and turned a dilapidated house and outbuildings to the facilities we see today, very impressive considering he received no formal funding, just generous donations from the public.
Pats dedication was recognised by being awarded a lifetime achievement award from the ' International Fund for Animal Welfare'. Pat sadly passed away in 2013 but his legacy lives on. Pat's ashes now rest here at his beloved sanctuary which he worked so hard to establish. Rest easy friend of animals, your work here goes on.
Pat Nolan
1946 - 2013
About Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary
We are based in Co.Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Bright Eyes was established in 1989, formerly registered with HMRC as a charity and reregistered with the Northern Ireland Charity Commission in 2016.
Our main purpose is a reduction in unnecessary suffering and distress of companion animals through the provision of a rescue and re-homing service. We provide a sanctuary for the care, protection, treatment and temporary or permanent accommodation of such animals.
We rely heavily on volunteers to help with the running of the sanctuary and in return we provide social support, education, mental support and animal welfare training (in some cases leading to employment in a related field or academic qualifications). We have undertaken intensive feral cat neutering and spaying over the years resulting in a noticeable reduction in feral cat population. We operate a no kill policy at Bright Eyes and if an animal for any reason cannot get a home it will have shelter here with us for life. We receive no government funding and rely purely on the generosity of the public to help us continue our work. All are microchipped, dewormed and deflead.
Please see our Adoption page for animals that need a home and the related application form.
Our main purpose is a reduction in unnecessary suffering and distress of companion animals through the provision of a rescue and re-homing service. We provide a sanctuary for the care, protection, treatment and temporary or permanent accommodation of such animals.
We rely heavily on volunteers to help with the running of the sanctuary and in return we provide social support, education, mental support and animal welfare training (in some cases leading to employment in a related field or academic qualifications). We have undertaken intensive feral cat neutering and spaying over the years resulting in a noticeable reduction in feral cat population. We operate a no kill policy at Bright Eyes and if an animal for any reason cannot get a home it will have shelter here with us for life. We receive no government funding and rely purely on the generosity of the public to help us continue our work. All are microchipped, dewormed and deflead.
Please see our Adoption page for animals that need a home and the related application form.
An Interview With The Founder
Want to make a donation?In the past 5 years we have rehomed over 1,000 Cats and Dogs. We receive no government funding and rely purely on the generosity of the public to help us continue our work. We would be grateful if you would like to set up a standing order each month or leave a legacy in your will, your contribution will make a huge difference to animal welfare and help us continue to rescue more animals that need us.
