Jean McFarland, who was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the New Years Honours list, with her husband Robert RMG109
FERMANAGH woman Jean (Mary Jane) McFarland was the oldest person to be included in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List, which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary individuals across the UK.
A total of five local people were among almost 1,200 people honoured in this year’s list, including the 89-year-old great-grandmother from Enniskillen who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her voluntary work over the past 25 years. Since 1985 Ms McFarland was a well-known figure who volunteered at the out-patients’ tea bar at the former Erne Hospital, providing a welcoming cuppa for patients. She has also volunteered at the local Methodist Church and in the local community.
Also honoured in the list was Enniskillen man Geoffery Allister, who picked up an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his services to highway engineering in the North. The former chief executive of Roads Service was appointed as executive director of the Highway Term Maintenance Association in 2012.
There was a MBE (Member of the British Empire) award for Trillick man Gilbert Tunney, who runs GT Exhausts which has its headquarters in Enniskillen. Mr Tunney was recognised for his services to the motor industry and to the community in Trillick.
Fermanagh woman Pamela Gunn was awarded a BEM for her services to first aid through the St John Ambulance Service, Enniskillen Division.
Ms Gunn is the superintendent of the local division, which is run on a voluntary basis and has trained countless Fermanagh young people and adults in first aid over the past three decades.
The ambulance is also provides its services at local community events, as well as larger concerts and sporting occasions across the North.
Maud Cunningham from Florencecourt was also awarded a BEM, in recognition of her outstanding work in the local community. Among other activities, Ms Cunningham has been volunteering with the North West Mountain Rescue Team for almost 20 years, and is involved with the girl guides, and is secretary of St John’s Parish, Florencecourt.
A total of 1,196 people were honoured in this year’s list, with just over three-quarters of recipients recognised for work undertaken in their local communities.
Amongst the more well-known of those honoured was Co Antrim jockey AP McCoy, who becomes Sir Tony after receiving a knighthood for services to racing, and former Eastenders landlady Barbara Windsor, who was made a dame for services to charity and entertainment.
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