The New Year saw Joanna McVey, former proprietor and managing director of the Impartial Reporter, take up the position of High Sheriff for Co. Fermanagh.

"It is a great honour," said the well-known Enniskillen businesswoman, who follows in the footsteps of her grandfather, William Egbert Trimble who also held the ancient office in 1951. Mr. Trimble had been proprietor and editor of the Impartial Reporter.

Joanna succeeds Fermanagh businessman Terry McCartney, who followed in the footsteps of his late father, Raymond McCartney, to take up the role, which includes ceremonial and administrative duties.

"It is very nice to be given the honour," believes Joanna, a well-known and highly regarded figure in the county, who is looking forward to fulfilling her responsibilities in the year ahead, whatever 2012 holds.

Joanna is actively involved in the community and serves as Chairman of The Fermanagh Trust, Vice President of Enniskillen Soroptimists and also Vice Chairman of Devenish Partnership Forum. In addition she is the Classical and Contemporary Music secretary of Fermanagh Feis, which has its 50th anniversary this year.

Another interest which keeps Joanna busy are her grandchildren, whom she greatly enjoys.