The newly announced New Year Honours ensured 2015 began on an exciting note for a number of recipients from Fermanagh and Tyrone. MBEs (Member of the British Empire) are going to Mrs. Barbara Brand and Mr. Brendan McCusker, while those to receive BEMs (British Empire Medals) include Mr. David McQuigg and Mr. David Monaghan. Other recipients have connections with the county and include Mr. Nigel Dunlop, an old Portoran, who receives the CBE, and Dr John Fay who achieves recognition with the OBE. Lily Dane reports.

Barbara Brand - MBE Retired Enniskillen teacher, Mrs. Barbara Brand said she was in “total shock” when she heard that she was to receive the MBE in the New Year Honours List. Foundation Stage Co-ordinator, Enniskillen Model Primary School, the popular teacher officially stepped down in August 2013 after 26 years’ service at the school, where she had mostly been a P1 teacher, but also taught other school years. Her recognition is “for services to education and the community in Northern Ireland”.

“Absolutely delighted” about the news, she recalled that she and her husband Gordon had been having breakfast when the surprise letter came through the front door.

Barbara believes “to even be nominated is very humbling”, never mind to get the honour, and she is thankful for her nomination.

She pays tribute to her many supportive colleagues over her 26 years in the Model School under the leadership of past Principal Mr. Henry Keys and the present Principal Mr. Winston Glass.

Delighted that someone in the Model has got the honour, she said it is “such a good school”. She adds: “I hope this reflects the good work done in the Model each year. Everyone works as a team. Everyone supports each other.” She said that she “thoroughly enjoyed working with the children and extremely supportive parents,” whom she said were “fantastic”.

“These things are not done on your own by any means,” indicated Barbara, who also acknowledged the Board of Governors.

Enjoying her retirement, she describes it as lovely to see past pupils. “Some are married and have children of their own,” mentions Barbara, who prior to the Model held a number of teaching posts during a rewarding career.

In addition, Barbara has been involved in Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, Enniskillen Branch since 2005, and recently became Secretary. She pays tribute to the committee members, whom she enjoys working with.

Having been recognised with the MBE this week, it is an exciting development for Barbara and her family, including her husband Gordon and their daughters Heather and Alison, and she is very much looking forward to visiting the Palace. She also believes her late parents, Robert and Pearl Irwin from Ahoghill would have been very proud.

She expresses a “lot of thank-yous to everyone” including her supportive family, the wider family and her friends. In her words, it is “all team work”.