John Irvine, who is well known throughout the county, being former head of business and finance at Fermanagh College of Further Education, is to receive the MBE for voluntary service to cancer charities and the community in Northern Ireland.

John, from Woaghternerry, Enniskillen, said he was delighted with the award.

“It has been an immense pleasure and privilege for me to serve and still serve on numerous committees and in particular to have served for over 25 years on the Enniskillen branch of the Ulster Cancer Foundation (now Cancer Focus) both as Chairman and fundraiser. I know the valuable work carried out and the benefits accruing to local sufferers, me being one in the early 90s,” he said.

John’s voluntary work also includes Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer support, the Fermanagh Talking Newspaper, as former Chairman of the Fermanagh branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Bands Association and member of Tamlaght Pipe Band for 40 years and pipe major for 10 years.

However, he said one of his most rewarding aspects of life is visiting those who are feeling unwell or lonely and says conversation with them helps to make the difference for them.

He has helped with the restoration of the lime kiln at Topped Mountain and was given an award for services to the Scout movement.

A member of Garvary Parish Church, he is a member of the Vestry and choir for over 56 years, and Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for 25 years. 

He has been a pastoral visitor in the Clogher Diocese and has served on numerous committees. He has been a Diocesan Reader for 31 years.

He says he devoted his life to service in the church and community following a cancer operation in 1991.

John and his wife, Winifred have four children; Adrian, Marion, Nigel and Alison, all of whom are living locally as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.