A number of people from Fermanagh have been named in this year’s Queen Birthday Honours’ list just published this week.

Moat Primary School principal Felicity Humphreys was one of three people in Fermanagh to receive the MBE.

The Lisnaskea based teacher admitted it was ‘a real shock’ when she found out. 

“I was absolutely humbled and delighted,” she said. “I didn’t expect anything like this.”

She was given the news five weeks ago and like all the recipients could not divulge to anyone. 

“It was hard to take it in that I was getting the honour, but I am really pleased. It is absolutely amazing.”

She said her school was driven by a strong team and the award was recognition of their work. 

“It’s a real honour for the school,” she said. This week she has been receiving gifts from the pupils were making special cards for her emblazoned with the letters MBE to celebrate.

Others to receive the MBE were Gerard Guckian, chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust for his services to health and social care in Northern Ireland while Thomas Hogg who is from Fermanagh, and is Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, also received the MBE for services to local government in Antrim.

Well known Enniskillen woman Eileen Drumm received the BEM for her services to the disabled community in Enniskillen. 

Eileen, who does sterling work for Shopmobility, the North West Womens Forum and Women of the World among others, was shocked with the news and said she never expected it. 

“It was the hardest thing in the world to keep it quiet,” she admitted. “I couldn’t tell my close friends and I was worrying about it, but I’m calm now that it is out. The panic has gone,” said Eileen who is looking forward to a visit to Hillsborough in September.

Enniskillen’s John McCusker, the chairman of the Royal British Legion, was also honoured with a BEM for his services to the organisation.

But John was late finding out about his honour because the ‘official letter’ was sent to the wrong address, not once, but twice!

“They rang me the first time to see why I hadn’t repliedl and I told them I hadn’t received anything. Then they sent it to the wrong address again, but eventually it all worked out,” he said. 

John and his colleagues were also instrumental in bringing the Taoiseach to Remembrance Sunday this past three years.

“It was something I’ve wanted to do for the past 10 years and the relationships we have built up with our colleagues in the south have been brilliant. So really I’m accepting this honour on behalf of my colleagues in the legion in Enniskillen.”