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.

David Monaghan - BEM Irvinestown man David Monaghan spoke this week of his ‘surprise’ on learning that he was being recognised with the BEM in the New Year Honours.

The Company Secretary and a Director of Fermanagh Community Transport, David’s recognition is ‘for services to Rural Transport in Northern Ireland’. He said yesterday, Wednesday, he was “over the moon” and excited about the honour, although he admits it has been hard to take it in.

Two years ago, he led FAST Rural Transport Limited through a successful merger with Rural Lift for South West Fermanagh.

FAST (Fermanagh and South Tyrone Transport) was incorporated and established as a charity in 1999 and David was elected as a voluntary Chairperson. Starting with nothing more than an idea or vision of what might be, he shaped the development of the company into a well respected and highly effective community transport provider.

From 1999 to 2013, he served as FAST Director and Chairperson, and from 2013, he has served as Company Secretary and a Director with Fermanagh Community Transport. In addition, David has been a Director of the ARC Healthy Living Centre since 1999 and he is a former Chairperson (2008 to 2013).

In 2005, David was the winner of the Margaret Wilson Award for Outstanding Voluntary Endeavour.

Another major interest is his involvement in the Scouting movement and he has contributed locally, nationally and internationally to the promoting of volunteering and the provision of opportunities for young people.

Currently Group Leader with Irvinestown Scouts, where he has a 30 years’ involvement, he took up service as County Commissioner in November 2014 for a three year term.

For David volunteering is a way of life; he comes from a large family where helping and supporting the community was part of the family values system. His father passed away in December 2013 but his mother Margaret is understandably very proud. His six children are delighted that he has been awarded such an honour and all agree it is well deserved and is testament to the hours of effort he dedicates to helping others.

David is also a Blood Donor with 53 units of blood donated to date.