MONEA woman Catherine Irwin has been appointed as the new High Sheriff for County Fermanagh for 2021.

As the High Sheriff, part of Catherine’s role will be a largely ceremonial role as the Queen’s judicial representative in Fermanagh.

As part of the role, Catherine may have to receive a High Court Judge when they arrive for a Crown Court sitting, plus other duties during the court sitting.

She will be invited to greet any member of the Royal Family or Head of State visiting the county, and to attend other functions by invitation.

Catherine told this newspaper: “This is what I am really looking forward to, if Covid restrictions may allow.

"I recognise that many of the usual events that [High Sheriffs] attend are unlikely to happen due to Covid-19, but I welcome participation in whatever form, when restrictions allow.”

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She continued: "I am very honoured to have been appointed to this role and to serve the county in this respect.

"I look forward to representing Fermanagh, and raising the profile of the county, wherever possible.

"I have a deep interest in all aspects of community life in Fermanagh, and I am looking forward to learning more.”

The Monea woman was recently awarded an MBE for her services to Girlguiding. She currently serves as the Chair of the Girlguiding UK Board of Trustees.

Catherine has also served as Music Director and organist at Rossorry Parish Church for 25 years. She has always had a keen interest in music, back to her school days, and is a long-time member of Magheraboy Silver Flute Band.

She has recently retired, having worked for 32 years with DuPont company, and has also spent the past 20 years in various senior leadership roles in EMEA countries, and globally.

She is now focusing on opportunities in consulting, charity and public sector work.

Catherine succeeds the former High Sheriff, Breda McGrenaghan, who said, reflecting on a very unprecedented year: “The global coronavirus pandemic prevented the performance of a range of functions associated with the role of High Sheriff".

Impartial Reporter:

She added: "Whilst the few events which did occur, with social distancing in place, were mainly ceremonial, I was able to partake in virtual events, such as one of the speakers at the Erne Integrated college’s mental health awareness assembly.

"Moreover, I continued with my voluntary work in the local cancer charity, Cancer Connect NI.

“Before I hand over, I would like to take this opportunity to express my admiration for all the amazing medical teams who worked tenaciously and compassionately throughout a very challenging year, and to the voluntary organisations who reached out with kindness in numerous practical ways to help many in our community.”