Mary Daly from Augher, who has been recognised with a BEM for services to young people and to the community in the Clogher Valley, County Tyrone, has said she is “very humbled by this prestigious award”.

“I’ve worked with young people for most of my life and working with young people has given me immense satisfaction,” said Mary, who has been teaching for more than 45 years in Fivemiletown College, starting as a Geography teacher, and now in Careers.

“My feeling is that we, as adults, advise young people but they in turn inspire us with their energy and enthusiasm,” she said, adding: “It’s been a great honour for me in my life to be able to help so many young people along their route to their many diverse and amazing careers, which are too many to mention.”

In terms of community involvement, Mary is correspondence secretary for Augher WI, which has involved organising speakers and outings, and for more than 40 years, she has served the Clogher Valley Show as a steward, and more recently as a member of the management team.

“I’m also a member of the Board of Governors for St. Patrick’s Primary School, Aughadarragh, and St. Macartan’s Primary School in Clogher,” she told this newspaper.

When she was first told that she was being recognised with a BEM in The King’s Birthday Honours list, Mary said she was in “total shock” and felt unworthy of it.

“I’m actually totally elated now,” she added, noting that she is looking forward to the presentation of her award, which will take place at a later date.

“I am very humbled to accept this prestigious award, and I would like to thank my nominees when I find out who they are,” Mary told The Impartial Reporter.