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.

Brendan McCusker - MBE “I’m surprised and delighted by this award.” This was the reaction this week of Mr. Brendan Joseph McCusker, Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School, Maguiresbridge, on learning that he had been recognised with the MBE in the New Year Honours. Brendan’s recognition is ‘for services to Education in Northern Ireland’. Responding to the announcement, he said: “It never occurred to me during my long teaching career that an honour such as an MBE for services to education would have been on the horizon.” He added: “I’ve been a teaching principal for the past 25 years and I am still as enthusiastic today as when I first took the helm.” Brendan, one of the county’s longest serving Principals, acknowledged: “St. Mary’s, Maguiresbridge has always been a great place to work in and it helps to have a great team around you. I have been blessed to lead a wonderful teaching staff, supportive ancillary/auxiliary staff and a dedicated and encouraging Board of Governors.”