Several people have been recognised on the King's Birthday Honours List for their contributions to their communities.

Locally, Mr. Raymond (Ray) Noel Hall has been awarded an MBE for his services to Pipe Bands and the community in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hall is well regarded in the area and indeed further afield for his skills on the pipes as well as his work with pipe bands.

Kesh farmer, John James Martin has been awarded MBE for services to Agriculture and Dairy Farming in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Martin’s distinguished career in the Northern Ireland dairy industry spans more than 30 years. His career started in the former Milk Marketing Board for Northern Ireland, and in 1997 John was appointed field development officer for the UK-based Holstein Friesian Society, now known as Holstein UK.

Shortly after joining the Holstein Friesian Society John became secretary and treasurer of the NI Holstein Friesian Breeders’ Club. In 1999 he was instrumental in the successful amalgamation of the NI Holstein Friesian Breeders’ Club and the NI Holstein Club. Holstein NI is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.

Kevin James Dolan, a Senior Supervisor with the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Civil Service has been awarded a BEM for services to Forestry.

Former Enniskillen resident Mandy Kilpatrick has been awarded a BEM for services to Justice. Mrs. Kilpatrick gained the honour for her work as principal private secretary to the Lady Chief Justice following a career working across every court in Northern Ireland at various points in her career.

Previously in her judicial career, she served as the Business Manager for the Fermanagh and Tyrone court district.

Viscount Brookeborough, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, spoke of his delight at the Fermanagh residents who were awarded honours.

He told this newspaper: “It is so wonderful to see these people from Fermanagh recognised on the King’s Birthday Honours and what a great credit this is to them and the communities they work within and the county. Everyone congratulates them most wholeheartedly on this recognition.”