Sale resident appointed High Sheriff of Greater Manchester

Buckingham Palace announced the appointment of father-of-three Eamonn O'Neal last week before he takes up the position next month.

Previously, Mr O'Neal was the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester as recently as 2020. It means he has been appointed by two monarchs in what is thought to be a first for the region.

He takes up the position at Wardley Hall, Worsley, Salford, next month at the end of the term of his predecessor Mary-Elizabeth Walker.

Mr O'Neal said: "It is a huge honour and humbling to be chosen for the second time. 

"I am grateful to have the chance to connect with the communities across the county."

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Mr O'Neal was the managing editor of MEN Media for eight years after a career in regional radio and regional TV as well as a stint as the executive producer of ITV's This Morning. 

As High Sheriff of Greater Manchester he admitted his responsibilities are not the same as when the role appeared in Anglo-Saxon times more than a millennium ago.

Mr O'Neal said: "I won't be collecting taxes, or raising an army, but as High Sheriff I'll be proud to represent the King as ceremonial head of the judiciary in the county.

"I regard this royal appointment as recognition of the importance of connection with communities. 

"The Messenger is an example of how quality journalism can have an impact on people’s lives. 

“I would also pay tribute to my colleagues at the various charities I represent."

The High Sheriff-to-be is the chair of cancer charities Dianne Oxberry Trust and Prevent Breast Cancer and a trustee of Caritas, Francis House Children's Hospice and Once Upon a Smile. 

In 2015 he received an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from the University of Bolton for his contributions to charity and the media.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.