Noelle McAlinden has been appointed the new High Sheriff for County Fermanagh.

She will serve in this largely ceremonial role as His Majesty The King’s judicial representative in Fermanagh for 2023, succeeding Pat O’Doherty in the historic role.

As part of her role, Noelle will be invited to greet any member of the Royal Family or Head of State visiting the county, and to attend other functions by invitation.

As part of the role, Noelle may have to receive a High Court Judge when they arrive for a Crown Court sitting, plus other duties during the court sitting.

Noelle – a former teacher – is involved in many aspects of community life in Fermanagh and has had roles across Northern Ireland.

She has been actively involved in many organisations, events and committees during her time living here in Fermanagh – the county that the Co. Armagh native moved to in 1983.

Some of the organisations and causes she is involved in include The Aisling Centre, Cancer Connect NI, Ohana Zero Suicide, Fermanagh Live arts festival and the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts.

Speaking to this newspaper following the announcement of her new role, Noelle said: “I am keen to acknowledge and build on the excellent work of the previous High Sheriff, Pat O’Doherty.

“What struck me [about taking on this role] is continuing to promote the county and the excellent assets of this place, but most of all, the warmth and generosity of the people.

“I only came here in 1983 and I have learnt first-hard the kindness and good humour of the people of this place, and I am very grateful for that.”

Speaking about what she plans to bring to the role of High Sheriff, Noelle said: “I would like to use the role to build on the area and initiatives that I am interested in, which are, creativity, self-expression and the arts in general and the role they can play.

“[I would also like to promote] the environment, in terms of the beautiful assets the county has, and the waterways, and the importance of people sharing their talents and skills – the ‘music within them’ – as that will help all of us with our mental health and wellbeing, without a doubt.

“I have been very lucky and have worked very hard in my voluntary and community work, and that has shaped and directed my professional and personal life.

“I know first-hand that the role we can play as volunteers is for others and our neighbours irrespective of culture, class, religion or heritage – we can make it easier for everybody.”

Referring to herself as a life-long learning advocate, Noelle said: “My teaching experience taught me that we are all life-long learners.

“We all learn as educators and learners; we all have to be receptive to learning, otherwise things stay the same.”