High Sheriffs' Association of Northern Ireland

The Association

About The Association

Welcome to the High Sheriffs' Association of Northern Ireland website and we hope that you will find the information we have set out here both informative and interesting.

There is a High Sheriff in every county in Northern Ireland and one each in the County Boroughs of Belfast and Londonderry. The history and tradition of the Shrievalty dates to before the Norman Conquest, with the first recorded Sheriff holding office in Dublin in 1258, and the first recorded Sheriff holding office in County Antrim in 1343. The modern-day High Sheriff has a very different role and function to that of his or her ancient ancestors, but none-the-less plays an important role in our 21st century society.

The Badge of the High Sheriffs' Association of Northern Ireland

The Association was established in 2023 and membership is open to past and present High Sheriffs, and to those In nomination as future High Sheriffs. It was formed with a view to promoting and supporting the Shrievalty in Northern Ireland and developing the unique role of the High Sheriff for the benefit of the community within the historic, statutory and customary activities of the office. The Association also seeks to promote and sustain the role of the High Sheriff in relation to its traditional areas of responsibility which include lending support to the judiciary and to those concerned with law enforcement and crime reduction. The Association continues to develop relationships with voluntary sector organisations working in and for the whole community.

We hope that the website will give you the information you are looking for, but please do contact us if we can help you further.

Officers

The affairs of the Association are managed by a Council consisting of the Chairperson, the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and not more than eight other members of the Association elected in accordance with with the Articles of Association. Ordinary membership of the Association is open to all past and present High Sheriffs, with Associate membership open to the person in nomination as a future High Sheriff for the following year. There is also provision for Affiliate and Honorary membership.