Kesh native honoured with OBE

A WOMAN whose life’s work has helped shape brighter futures for countless children and families has been warmly celebrated across County Fermanagh and beyond after receiving a prestigious honour in the King’s New Year Honours.

Pauline Mary Walmsley, a native of Kesh and chief executive of Early Years, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding services to education and early learning.

Pauline has devoted more than two decades of her professional life to Early Years, joining the organisation in 1997 and rising through senior roles before becoming Chief Executive in 2019. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate and tireless advocate for children, working to ensure that every child and family has the right and opportunity to access high-quality early learning and care.

Speaking after the announcement, Pauline said she was deeply moved by the recognition.

“I am humbled and honoured to receive the OBE,” she said. “This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of my incredible team, the children and families we support, and the many partners across Government and the community, voluntary and independent sector who have supported our mission. I am committed to continuing our work to create positive change in the lives of young children and supporting them to reach their full potential.”

The timing of the honour also holds special significance for Pauline, coming just weeks after the publication of a Draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for consultation - a milestone long campaigned for by the sector.

“I am particularly pleased to be honoured at this moment,” she added. “I hope that when the final strategy is launched it will represent a real step change for early learning and childcare across Northern Ireland.”

Beyond her leadership within Early Years, Pauline is also recognised internationally for her commitment to peacebuilding. She is a founding member of the International Network on Peace Building with Young Children (INPB) and an honorary officer of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium (ECPC), continuing to champion the role of early childhood education in fostering understanding and peace.

Early Years paid tribute to their chief executive, describing the OBE as recognition of Pauline’s “dedication to empowering young children and their families, championing early learning and care, and improving opportunities for future generations”.

Chairperson of Early Years, Nemonie Fulton, said: “We are extremely proud of Pauline for receiving this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership has been transformative within the organisation and the broader community. The OBE highlights her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young children, and we could not be more thrilled for her.”

Warm tributes also poured in from across the early years sector. Francis Loye, Chair of the Day Care Forum, praised Pauline’s professionalism, insight and collaborative spirit, noting the lasting impact she has made on families, staff and children alike.

Others who have worked alongside her over the years described her as a formidable leader, a generous collaborator and an outstanding advocate for early learning and care, both locally and internationally.

The Order of the British Empire is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and fields of expertise. For those who know her work, Pauline Mary Walmsley’s OBE is a fitting tribute to a career defined by compassion, leadership and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.