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Date: 13 January 2026
Alderman Frank McCoubrey BEM has been appointed as the new High Sheriff of Belfast for the second time.
The DUP councillor, who represents the Court area, is also only one of four elected members to have held all three civic titles in the city (Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff).
He was sworn in today (Tuesday 13 January) at a special ceremony in City Hall, replacing Councillor Fiona McAteer, to become the 126th High Sheriff.
Alderman McCoubrey said: “I am delighted to take up the role of High Sheriff once again, and be among a select group of individuals to have completed this civic ‘hat trick’.
“I last wore this chain in 2009 and a lot has changed in our city since then, so I’m looking forward to re-engaging with this role, meeting with groups across the city and helping to showcase all that Belfast has to offer, especially in such a crucial year for visitors to our city.”
Alderman McCoubrey has been involved in community development in the west of the city for more than 30 years and is also a member of the West Belfast District Policing and Community Safer Partnership.
A member of the Democratic Unionist Party, he has been a councillor for 27 years and was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in June 2024 for his services to local government and the community in west and north Belfast.
The new High Sheriff will take up office for a full calendar year and joins a team of civic dignitaries that includes Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty.
For more information on the role of the High Sheriff, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/council