CK Updates
Northern Ireland honours recipients include gymnast and security guard
PA MediaMore than 50 people from Northern Ireland have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Among those honoured are the director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, who becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to heritage.
Elizabeth Hamilton, a security guard at Stormont Castle, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, from Newtonards, also becomes an MBE, a year after he created history by winning Ireland’s first gold medal in gymnastics at the Paris Olympics.
ReutersMs McGrady, who is originally from Lisburn, said the work of the National Trust was “as vital as ever”.
“I’m so grateful to the thousands of staff, volunteers and supporters who make the National Trust what it is,” she said.
“I’m proud to be part of this organisation and this sector and I’m delighted to receive this award.”
McClenaghan, who triumphed on the pommel horse in Paris, said it was “a huge honour”.
“I previously received a BEM [British Empire Medal] and it was of similar significance to me as well because you’re getting recognised for your achievements in sport and that’s something I’ve worked my whole life towards, getting these achievements in gymnastics,” he said.
PA MediaJanice Bunting, chief executive of Victim Support NI, has been made an MBE for services to victims and witnesses of crime.
She told BBC News NI she was “absolutely delighted, very humbled”.
“This is not my award alone,” she said.
“It belongs as well to my dedicated staff and volunteers who provide support to victims and witnesses to crime in Victim Support Northern Ireland.”
Such an honour’
Ms Hamilton, who has been a security guard at the home of the Northern Ireland Executive for 24 years, said her MBE was “unexpected” but “such an honour”.
“You have people who want to come in to have a look at the castle but they can’t because it’s out of bounds for the public, but you don’t say to them to clear off, but suggest they go up to Parliament Buildings for a cup of tea or a meal,” she said.
“People come from all over the world. They say, ‘what beautiful surroundings’, which it is.”
PA MediaTwo senior Stormont civil servants have been recognised in for their public service.
Colum Boyle, permanent secretary at the Department for Communities, becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
Ronnie Armour, interim permanent secretary at the Department of Education, becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Both have been recognised for their public service.
Mr Armour, a former director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said he was “truly honoured and humbled”.
“My career in public service has always been about one simple thing: trying to make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
“My time as director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service was a hugely significant and rewarding part of my career.”
‘A model for peaceful co-existence’
Senior Orange Order member Noel Liggett has been made an MBE for “demonstrated outstanding determination, tenacity, and drive in promoting good relations and community cohesion in south Belfast for 30 years as district master of the Number 10 District Lodge.
Among his accomplishments noted in the award were that “in 2018, he facilitated a cultural exchange between Ballynafeigh Orange Lodge and Bredagh GAA, believed to be the first of its kind, which was highly commended and seen as a model for peaceful co-existence in south Belfast”.
“You don’t really think somebody from an Orange background, specifically on orange work, would get that type of an award,” he told BBC News NI.
“So it is quite an honour.”
Prof Tara Moore from Ulster University said it was “lovely” to be recognised for her hard work after being made an OBE.
The professor of personalised medicine was recognised for her services to research, innovation and education.
Prof Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor of the university has been made a CBE for services to higher education and public service.
PA Media‘Life-saving connections’
Yvonne Carson, from Ballymena has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to tackling loneliness.
Her award notes she “has raised awareness, enabled collective action, influenced policy and ultimately led countless people in the community to experience life-saving connections with others”.
The oldest Northern Ireland recipient is 82-year-old Florence Victoria Methven for voluntary service to the NSPCC and to the community in Newcastle, County Down.
She has also been awarded a BEM.
‘A profound achievement’
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn sent his congratulations to all the recipients.
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone in Northern Ireland who is receiving a New Year Honour.
“Being recognised in this way is a profound achievement, and is a testament to the extraordinary dedication, resilience and positive impact those individuals have had on their local communities and wider society.
They represent the very best of Northern Ireland, and are an inspiration to us all.”
The honours system
Commonly-awarded ranks:
- Companion of Honour – Limited to 65 people. Recipients wear the initials CH after their name
- Knight or Dame
- CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire
- BEM – British Empire Medal
Read more: Your guide to the Honours
Full list of Northern Ireland recipients of New Year Honours
Companions of the Order of the Bath:
Colum Boyle, permanent secretary, Department for Communities, Northern Ireland Civil Service. For public service.
Order of the British Empire, Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
Ronald William Armour, interim permanent secretary, Department of Education, Northern Ireland Civil Service. For public service.
Prof Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor, Ulster University. For services to higher education and public service.
Hilary McGrady, director general, National Trust. For services to heritage.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire
Colette Marion Kane, director, Northern Ireland Audit Office and Local Government Auditor. For services to the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Philip Steven McBride, lately managing director, Thales Northern Ireland. For services to the defence industry.
William Martin Wallace McDowell, chair, Odyssey Trust. For services to charity and to public services in Northern Ireland.
Prof Maria McIlgorm, chief nursing officer. For services to nursing and midwifery in Northern Ireland.
Prof Tara Moore, professor of personalised medicine, Ulster University. For services to research, innovation and education.
Pauline Mary Walmsley, chief executive, Early Years – the organisation for young children. For services to education in Northern Ireland.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Prof Michael Peter Alcorn, professor of music and associate pro vice-chancellor for sustainability and strategic projects, Queen’s University Belfast. For services to music and higher education and to the creative industries.
Annette Elizabeth Beaney. For charitable service.
Alison Broderick (Alison Gilchrist), enforcement officer, Trading Standards Service, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland Civil Service. For public service.
Joseph James Brogan, lately head of pharmacy and medicines management, Strategic Planning and Performance Group. For services to pharmacy and to voluntary service.
Janice Ann Bunting, chief executive, Victim Support Northern Ireland. For services to victims and witnesses of crime.
Julie Erskine, chair, Business Services Organisation. For services to health and social care.
Carolyn Phyllis Forster. For services to the community in Northern Ireland.
Dr Kenneth Samuel Gibson, lately director of student and learning services, Stranmillis University College. For services to education.
Elizabeth Hamilton, security guard, Stormont Castle. For public service.
Paula Jennings. For services to adults with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland
Alistair Jinks, director business services, Northern Ireland Water. For services to the environment and to the economy.
Raymond Michael James Kendall, ward manager, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. For services to nursing and healthcare for older people.
Noel Liggett. For services to the community in south Belfast.
Helen Elise Mark, DL. For services to broadcasting.
Rhys Joshua McClenaghan, BEM. For services to gymnastics.
James Wallace McConachie, owner, Westbank Group Ltd. For services to the electrical control industry in Northern Ireland.
Dr Marilyn Avril Courtney McMullan (Marilyn Shanks). For services to education in Northern Ireland.
Elizabeth Anne Meehan, patient demographics service manager, Health and Social Care. For services to healthcare.
Christopher Murdock, chair, St John Ambulance Northern Ireland. For voluntary service to St John Ambulance.
Margaret Peacock. For services to the community in Coleraine, County Londonderry.
Elizabeth Agnes Purdy, business support officer, Education Authority Northern Ireland. For services to education and to the Girls Brigade.
William Desmond Scott, founder and chair, Scott and Ewing Ltd and Woodvale Construction Ltd. For services to Construction in Northern Ireland.
Donald James Millar Starritt, head road safety policy, Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland Civil Service. For services to road safety and to environmental protection.
Richard Elliott Wright, lately police superintendent. For services to the Welfare of police officers.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Joanne Aicken. For public service.
Sally Bridge, student support administrator, Queen’s University Belfast. For services to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Yvonne Carson, health and wellbeing manager, Northern Health and Social Care Trust. For services to tackling loneliness.
Veronica Dougherty, personal secretary, Northern Ireland Policing Board. For public service.
David John Dugal, photographer, The Courier. For services to the community in County Tyrone.
Vivienne Elizabeth Fullerton, registrar. For services to local government in Northern Ireland.
Carmel Pauline Garvey. For services to dance in County Tyrone.
Marjorie Ann Guiler. For services to young people and to the community in County Down.
Thomas Robert Haire. For services to local government and to the community in Belfast.
Mary Teresa Hampson, lately Probation Service officer, Probation Board for Northern Ireland. For services to community safety.
Prof Nigel David Hart. For services to primary care, medical research and training.
Alison Jayne Irwin, lately head of equality, Northern Health and Social Care Trust. For services to health and social care in Northern Ireland.
Samuel Jardine. For public service and to the community in County Armagh.
Niree Kathleen McMorris. For services to the community in Londonderry.
John McMurran, building supervisor, Donaghadee Primary School. For services to education and to the community in Donaghadee, County Down.
Jonathan McNee, senior marine officer, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland). For voluntary service to military aviation archaeology in Northern Ireland.
Florence Victoria Methven. For voluntary service to the NSPCC and to the community in Newcastle, County Down.
Mary Marian Nicholas. For services to people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland.
Eleanor Dorothy Wolfenden-Orr. For services to charitable fundraising and to the community in Northern Ireland.
Rebecca Wray. For services to volunteering in Northern Ireland.
King’s Police Medal (KPM)
Supt Robert McGowan, PSNI
Ch Insp John Sayers, PSNI
Sgt Sharon Cromie, PSNI (Retd)
No side will relish coming up against Calvert-Lewin and this aggressive Leeds outfit at Elland Road this season.
In fact, only Arsenal (52), Manchester City (50), Manchester United (45) and Bournemouth (37) have won more Premier League points in 2026 than Leeds United (35), with the Whites suffering just a single defeat across their past 13 league matches.
Yet Newcastle‘s implosion was remarkable as a young team were bullied and outfought.
Newcastle had previously made a good start under head coach Matthias Jaissle, following so much change in the summer, and were unbeaten in their opening five games in all competitions before this reality check.
But they have faced more shots than any other side in the Premier League.
However clinical Newcastle were in the opening weeks of the campaign, they mustered just eight efforts on target against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth before their trip to Elland Road.
That was a dangerous cocktail going into this game.
What was most galling, though, was the visitors’ failure to match Leeds‘ bite at a raucous Elland Road.
Jaissle’s side crumbled and conceded three goals in a chastening 14-minute period in the first half.
It was a night the German manager swore in his post-match news conference to illustrate how low he felt.
“I don’t want to point fingers and point any players out tonight,” he said. “We were not matching as a team the level of intensity, the level of duel behaviours, the level of physicality.
“This is something we need to bring on the pitch in every match. This is non-negotiable. It should be the basic fundamentals of football.
“These are young lads. The learning curve needs to be fast.”
For Calvert-Lewin and Leeds, however, this was a night to remember.
Gary Hamilton has been linked with most Irish Premiership vacancies since he left his role at Glenavon in 2023.
Hamilton made 132 appearances and scored 70 goals for the east Belfast side and is already well respected at the club.
The 45-year-old has always had an eye for bringing in and developing younger talent, a skill which would benefit the Glens.
During his almost 12-year spell at the Lurgan Blues, he won the Irish Cup twice in 2014 and 2016, registered four third-place finishes and European football.
Hamilton currently manages Conference League side Ballymacash Rangers, who have won the Steel and Sons for the first time during his tenure.
A manager such as Hamilton, who has secured plenty of silverware during his career, will certainly tick a lot of the boxes that Glentoran would be hoping for in a new manager.
Whereas players in sports like football earn a salary based on a contract with the team that employs them, and athletes in individual sports like tennis and golf can earn a great deal from prize money at major tournaments, athletics competitors rely much more heavily on personal sponsorships and endorsements.
That is because they are paid no direct annual salary, and the only standardised prize money on offer is $50,000 (£37,000) for winning gold in one of the 48 track and field events at the Olympics.
That prize money was only introduced at the 2024 Games in Paris, and is paltry compared to the potential millions in winnings on offer in other major sports.
Some nations – including the USA – also choose to pay athletes who win medals from their own resources, but Britain does not.
Instead, athletes are awarded funding and grants by UK Sport, with the majority of the money coming from the National Lottery.
UK Sport ranks athletes by how likely they are to win medals at major events, and gives more funding to those whose chances it believes are better.
Athletes typically use that funding to pay for training camps, equipment, travel and, in some cases, personal support staff like physiotherapists, nutritionists and chefs.
So why would athletes be instructed to wear national team kit at the Ultimates?
The Ultimate Championship is billed as three fast-paced evenings with a record $10m (£7.4m) prize pot on offer for the biggest stars in athletics.
The condensed schedule and focus on star names is designed to appeal to viewers on television and social media – the latter likely playing a role in the focus on short, sharp bursts of action which can capture attention online.
Most viewers of athletics are used to watching athletes compete while wearing national kit at the Olympics and World Championships. Put simply, the use of a national kit makes it easier for the casual viewer to quickly spot who they should be rooting for and feel invested in the action.
But Kerr’s comments have highlighted the fact that something which may well improve the viewing experience can be felt as a direct financial negative by the athletes themselves.
With the next edition of the Ultimate Championship set to take place in September 2028, shortly after the Olympics in Los Angeles, the battle between brands and country could continue to heat up.
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CK Updates15 hours agoJosh Kerr: Ultimate Championship 1500m winner ramps up debate over country vs brands kit
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CK Updates8 hours agoIrish Premiership: Who will replace Declan Devine as Glentoran manager?
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CK Updates2 hours agoLeeds 4-1 Newcastle: Is ‘unplayable’ Calvert-Lewin in line for England recall?