Sixmilecross woman appointed High Sheriff of Tyrone

A SIXMILECROSS woman with a lifetime of public service and community involvement has been appointed the new High Sheriff of County Tyrone for 2026 by His Majesty The King.

Mrs Linda Anne Brown has been named to the prestigious and historic role, marking a proud moment for her family and the wider local community. She succeeds the 2025 office holder, well-known Omagh businessman and proprietor of the Silverbirch Hotel, Allan Kenneth Duncan.

Linda was born on a farm in the townland of Ballintrain, just outside Carrickmore, and is the youngest daughter of Billy and Anne Armstrong. She attended school in Sixmilecross and Omagh before embarking on a distinguished career in public service. Married to her husband Alistair since 1982, the couple live in Sixmilecross and are parents to Emma, Sam and Lynsey, and grandparents to Noah, Hannah and Abbie.

After more than 30 years of dedicated service as a Police Officer, Linda is now retired, though retirement has done little to slow her commitment to community life. She has served as treasurer and committee member of Cloughfin Youth Club, Sixmilecross, for over 20 years, has been a member of the Board of Governors at Cooley Primary School for more than a decade, and continues her involvement with Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church, where she is currently the Designated Officer for child and vulnerable person protection.

Speaking about her appointment, Mrs Brown said she was “delighted and surprised” to be nominated, adding that she feels “honoured and very privileged” to have been appointed High Sheriff of County Tyrone. She said she is very much looking forward to the year ahead, the challenges the role will bring, and the opportunity to meet new people while carrying out her duties.

The office of High Sheriff is one of the oldest public offices in existence, with origins dating back to Saxon times when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes on behalf of the Crown. Today, the role is independent, non-political and largely ceremonial, with appointments lasting for one year.

In Northern Ireland there are eight High Sheriffs, representing the six counties and the county boroughs of Belfast and Derry. Appointments are made by the Secretary of State on behalf of the King, usually following nomination by the outgoing High Sheriff. The appointment is formally confirmed with a warrant and sworn declaration at an official ceremony.

Linda Brown’s appointment is being warmly welcomed across Tyrone, with many noting her long-standing commitment to public service, her strong community roots and her reputation for integrity and dedication. Her year as High Sheriff promises to be one that reflects both the proud traditions of the role and the values of service and community she has championed throughout her life.