Hope Kerr, High Sheriff for Fermanagh.
WELL-KNOWN educationalist and Soroptimist, Hope Kerr, widow of the late Robert (Bob) Kerr, Algeo Drive, Enniskillen is the new Sheriff of County Fermanagh.
She succeeds Henry Robinson, Ballinamallard and is one of only a handful of females to hold down the post which, in a nutshell, means representing Fermanagh when dignitaries come visiting, among them members of the Royal family.
“It’s an honour really”, she told the Herald this week. “The first letter about it came at the beginning of December, asking if I was willing to serve, and on Christmas Eve, I received notification that I had been appointed.”
Both Mrs Hope and her late husband, Robert were equally well-known. He was ‘Mr Cricket’ and she shared his love of the sport and travelled widely with him to events. She is currently an executive member of Cricket Ireland.
That was the body that Robert, a former headmaster of Dungannon PS, was president of when he and Mrs Kerr went out to Jamaica, with the Irish team, for 2007 the World Cup.
“It was the first time ever that Ireland had been in the Cricket World Cup. They had just defeated Pakistan, one of the top teams in the world and were about to meet the West Indies. Robert, of course, was delighted. It was such a big occasion to beat Pakistan but, sadly, he suffered a heart attack and died before their next match.
“In fact, it’s the one regret I have, even though I am looking forward to it, that my husband is not here to share the year.”
Mrs Hope was also a teacher, having taught for a time in Lisnaskea High before moving to Drumglass High in Dungannon. Her late husband was at one time vice principal of Jones Memorial PS.
She is still closely involved in education and works as a chief examiner and as chairman of examiners in the Council of Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Belfast.
On a local level, she is an enthusiastic member of Enniskillen Soroptimist Club and its recent past president.
So, now that her secret is out, what is Mrs Kerr’s next step?
“Probably telling my brother, George (Kidney). He doesn’t know yet”, she said yesterday. “I have to tell him before it appears in the papers. You know, I haven’t told anybody. I literally didn’t tell anybody, but I will tell my brother today.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere