Beech Hill’s Patsy is the new sheriff
Beech Hill Country House Hotel owner Patsy O’Kane MBE has been named Derry-Londonderry’s High Sheriff.
As the city’s new High Sheriff, Patsy attended a recent garden party at Buckingham Palace for her first official engagement in the role. It was Patsy second visit to the palace in two years, having been awarded her MBE there in 2014.
The award-winning hotelier from Magherafelt has dedicated her most recent royal recognition to the sterling efforts of everyone involved in her family-run hotel in Ardmore, which was named LCN’s Hotel of the Year (up to 75 rooms) in 2013.
“It’s really fabulous to be given such an honour and to get the opportunity to once again experience the splendor of Buckingham Palace. It’s recognition for us all at the Beech Hill Country House Hotel,” said Patsy recently. “The appointment is even more fitting given that 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of our family-run establishment.”
The office of High Sheriff has been around since Saxon times in England and was initially a lifetime appointment. The title of High Sheriff is these days transferred annually and although the office retains certain key responsibilities to attend royal visits and promote voluntary and charitable work, it is largely an honorary position.
Patsy’s appointment is also bittersweet, however, following the loss of her father, Leo in April. He was 94 and suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
“Daddy had a strong hand is every success we have achieved at the Beech Hill and still does in many ways,” she remarked. “He always had a great vision and could always see success ahead. He understood the importance of innovation and creativity and being the best at what you do. He was always quietly operating industriously in the background but was so generous with his time, knowledge and expertise. Those are some of the qualities I hope I can bring to my role as High Sheriff for the city.”
