Two more Fermanagh people, a Garrison-born senior youth worker and a Maguiresbridge-born former GAA star who is now managing director of an internationally-known Belfast engineering company, are also known to have received Queen's Birthday Honours.

Yvonne Maguire has been awarded an MBE for her services to young people in Northern Ireland. A senior youth worker, based at the Patrician Youth Centre, Downpatrick, she has devoted 20 years of her career to youth services particularly in the Diocese of Down and Connor.

Dr Mark Sweeney, the managing director of F. G. Wilson (Engineering) Ltd, who is currently the President of the NI Chamber of Commerce, received an OBE for services to business and commerce in Northern Ireland.

On hearing the news, Yvonne recalls she was shocked, yet honoured, but was quick to steer the limelight away from herself.

"I was very surprised but also delighted because it is a recognition not just for me but of the organisation as a whole, and a recognition of the services to young people throughout the years".

Yvonne's involvement with youth services officially dates back to when she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Community Youth Work but, it was when she was a young person herself that she first registered an inkling of things to come.

"Well, really it all started at home in Garrison when, as kids we went to Brollagh Youth Club, it was the hub of activity and acted as a centre in the locality for young people to socialise every Friday night, so that was my first involvement with youth services as such."

After obtaining her first degree, Yvonne went on to obtain a Diploma in Education, a Masters in Education and a Postgraduate degree in Education and Management.

"My remit is working as a Senior Youth worker in the Downpatrick area and throughout the Down and Connor Diocese", she explained. "I manage the provisions for the young people in the area and am responsible for the development of the curriculum. I am also a Child Protection Trainer for the diocese and at a parochial level, which is a recent development."

Furthermore, Yvonne works as an Education and Training Inspector which involves her in examining schools, and the wider youth provision. While the age group of people she works with ranges from five to 25, she spends most of her time working with young people up to the age of 18.

It can be a hectic job, she admitted: "A typical day varies depending on what I am doing or where I am. If I am in Downpatrick, for example, I will be managing staff and resourcing, programming and delivering."

But the hard work put in has been justly rewarded.

"It is a privilege to be employed by a successful organisation and facility that is rated highly for its youth provision in Northern Ireland", she added.

(A full interview with Dr Sweeney will appear in next week's issue).