Reacting to the news that he was to receive a BEM, Michael Callaghan said: “I honestly couldn’t believe it! I kept asking myself, ‘Why me?’, but obviously someone or a group of people thought I deserved recognition for the work I did.

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to receive the British Empire Medal.”

Michael is well known and respected for a career in the Housing Executive, but prior to that he worked in Ballycassidy Sawmills, and L E Haslett & Co.

He joined the NIHE in 1975 and worked there for 37 and a half years. “I held several positions, including Health and Safety Advisory Officer, District Maintenance Manager in Omagh and Fermanagh, and finally in 1999, District Housing Manager (Fermanagh). I retired in October, 2012.”

Involved in many different aspects of community life, the father of one and grandfather of two is a previous Director of the Devenish Partnership Forum, and a previous President and Secretary of Fivemiletown Chamber of Commerce.

He has also been involved in Fivemiletown Community Development Association.

With the support of others, Michael has worked on a number of projects including the refurbishment of Fivemiletown’s clock, which was damaged during The Troubles, and St. Mary’s Church, Fivemiletown.

“The clock was erected in 1903 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.”

“With the help of Beverley Weir and Florence Brunt MBE, we obtained a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to refurbish the clock to the original standard. To this day, I wind the clock twice weekly.”

In addition, Michael was also involved in applying for funding from the National Heritage Fund for the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Church, Fivemiletown.

Highlighting others involved, he said: “Michael McCann was responsible for fundraising and financial matters. Beverley Weir, assisted by Margaret Kane and Eilish Monaghan, compiled a booklet on the history of the church and an education pack for use in local primary schools.”

A keen motorsport enthusiast, Michael is a member of Enniskillen Motor Club, where he serves as Treasurer, and Erne Vintage Car Club. His mode of transport is a red 1987 Ford Capri.