THE Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has congratulated recipients in the area who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for 2021.

Councillor Errol Thompson told members: “Major John Dunlop and Chief Inspector Rory Hoy were awarded MBEs.

“Briege McCusker and Florence Willis, who were awarded BEMs, also deserve recognition.

“Major Dunlop’s citation recognised his exemplary work in the field of peace-building and cross-Border work in Fermanagh.

“Chief Inspector Hoy was recognised for his 27 years of unstinting service to the community on Fermanagh as a police officer.

“Florence Willis, an employee of the Council, was recognised for her services to local government and the community.

“She has given more than 40 years of dedicated service looking after Council facilities at Bellanaleck Marina.

“Briege McCusker’s citation recognised her significant contribution to World War II history in Fermanagh over many years.”

The Chair added: “On behalf of the Council and myself, I offer my congratulations and best wishes on their recognition.”

Concurring, Councillor Alex Baird, Ulster Unionist, thanked the Chair for publicly recognising the recipients “who are from right across every spectrum in the community – social, denominational, political and gender”.

Councllor Baird added: “It’s a great honour to those who received them.”

The Chair confirmed he will be writing to all recipients.

Councillor John Coyle, SDLP, said: “It’s fantastic for Briege from my constituency, and I welcome her getting recognition.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire told members: “As everyone will be well aware, our party doesn’t recognise this award system, but we still are aware of the great work that some people in our district do, and we’d like to acknowledge that.

“Just to remind people there are quite a few more that have not received such acknowledgement, and we certainly welcome any input to our community.”

In response to this, Councillor Baird advised Councillor Maguire: “There is a process that the Council notify on a periodical basis names that should go forward to the Honours System during the year.

“Quite rightly so, as we want to see as many from the area as possible being recognised for the good work they do.”