The ancient office of High Sheriff for Fermanagh conferred on well-known Ballinamallard man Kenny Fisher, sees him follow in the footsteps of his late father.

Kenny's appointment - which helped him ring in the New Year - comes exactly 25 years after Tommy Fisher took up office in 1985 - making the honour particularly special for the modest 2010 office holder.

"I feel very honoured," said Kenny, a son of Mrs. Elsie Fisher and the late Tommy, a prominent Ballinamallard figure, who established Fisher Engineering in the village.

Kenny spent 17 years in finance in the Erne Hospital and 17 years in Fermanagh College (later South West College) in Enniskillen before taking early retirement. And in order to keep himself occupied, he works part-time in Beatty's in Ballinamallard and the Marks and Spencer store in Enniskillen.

An active figure in a number of organisations in the community, he has been involved in scouting for almost three decades; he helped to form the Ballinamallard Scout Group 27 years ago. A cub scout leader and group scout leader, he is a former County Commissioner for Cubs.

For the past five years, Kenny has enjoyed membership of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen. Currently the club's secretary, he was previously Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee.

He is actively involved in Magheracross Parish Church, where he serves on the Select Vestry, is a choir member and is a former Sunday School teacher.

In addition, he has been a member of Ballinamallard Silver Band for about 35 years.

Kenny takes a keen interest in rallying; he was a member of Enniskillen Motor Club for 25 years and currently serves as media officer for the Circuit of Ireland rally and the Ulster Rally and was also on the media team on Rally Ireland.

As Kenny continues to be congratulated on becoming this year's High Sheriff, the first person to congratulate him on receiving the letter of announcement was his daughter Karen, who has qualified in medicine and is currently working in a GP practice in Annalong, Co. Down.