Northern Ireland Figures Honoured in King's Birthday List for Services Across Fields

Over 80 individuals from Northern Ireland, including a lace tutor, disability football manager, academics, and police officers, have been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their services across various fields.

Lace Tutor Honoured in King's Birthday List

A lace tutor with over 40 years of teaching experience has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list. Unagh McCullough, awarded an MBE for services to lacemaking and needlecraft, expressed surprise upon receiving the news.

"I was totally confused and bewildered when I received the letter," McCullough said.

More than 80 individuals from Northern Ireland are included in the honours, which celebrate public service across the UK. McCullough, from Bangor, County Down, described needlework as a lifelong passion and highlighted its status as a niche and endangered heritage craft.

"I never expected to receive an honour for doing something I enjoy," she added.

Contributions to Disability Football Recognised

Alan Crooks has been appointed an MBE for his services to disability football, acknowledging his role as disability manager for the Irish Football Association. He has since transitioned to Disability Sport Northern Ireland and reflected on his contributions to making football more inclusive.

"I think the biggest thing we did was start working with clubs to make them all-inclusive.

We felt Irish League clubs should be for the whole community, not just the senior men's team that make all the headlines, but also the women's team, youth teams and a section for disability."

Irish Football Association/PA Wire Alan Crooks in blue IFA jacket, with a black beanie hat. He is looking at the camera, with some boys in the dugout behind him. — Alan Crooks said he was pleased to have played "a small part" in making football more accessible

Other Notable Honourees from Northern Ireland

Among others recognised are Jennifer Bell, former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland, appointed a CB, and Professor Ian Young, Department of Health chief scientific advisor, who received a CBE. Joe O'Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, was also made a CBE for services to business and the community.

"It is a moment of great pride both for myself and for the passionate and dedicated people who are working hard to make Belfast Harbour a success," O'Neill said.

Brian Lawless/PA Wire A man in a black suit with a blue shirt and red patterned tie. He is bald. — Joe O'Neill, the chief executive of Belfast Harbour, has been made a CBE

Media Figures Receive MBEs

journalist and broadcaster Stephen Watson and UTV newsreader Rose Neill were both honoured with MBEs. Watson described the news as unexpected but expressed gratitude for the recognition.

"It was a bit of a shock," Watson said. "I am truly honoured and humbled."

The award acknowledges his sports broadcasting career and his support for transplant charities following a kidney transplant nearly ten years ago.

Neill said she was "genuinely surprised and grateful" to receive an MBE and praised her colleagues at UTV.

"I love being part of such a helpful, professional, hard-working and happy team at UTV," she said. "Collectively, they deserve a great deal of credit themselves."

BBC/Rose Neill/PA Wire Composite image. Left: Stephen Watson in a black jacket holding a microphone on a football pitch. He i swearing a white shirt and blue tie. There are three people on the pitch behind him and two stands are visible. Floodlights are on. Right: Rose Neill with blonde hair. She is smiling at the camera, wearing pearl earrings. — Stephen Watson and Rose Neill have both been made MBEs

Honours for Services to Reconciliation and Peace-Building

The Dean of Enniskillen, the Very Rev Kenneth Hall, and Monsignor Peter O'Reilly, parish priest of County Fermanagh, were both awarded OBEs for their work in reconciliation and peace-building. The two church leaders, whose churches face each other, notably hosted Queen Elizabeth together in 2012 as a public demonstration of unity.

"We are accepting the honours in recognition of those who over many years have chosen friendship over suspicion and hope over fear," they said.

Peter O'Reilly/PA Wire Two men in blue suits wearing dog collars. The man on the left is wearing glasses, with black curly hair. The man on the right has grey hair. — Dean of Enniskillen Kenneth Hall and Monsignor Peter O'Reilly have both been made an OBE

Investigator Honoured for Work with the Disappeared

Bert Deane, an investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR), was made an OBE. The ICLVR works to locate individuals abducted, murdered, and secretly buried by republicans during Northern Ireland's Troubles, known as the Disappeared. Deane, originally from Wales, described his role as a privilege.

"My heart goes out to those still waiting to have their loved ones found and I know everyone in the ICLVR will do all they can to help end their suffering," he said.

WAVE Trauma Centre/PA Wire A woman with brown hair, a blue top and yellow cardigan stands beside a man in a blue jumper. He wears glasses. They are outside. Green fir trees are visible behind them. — Dympna Kerr, the sister of Columba McVeigh, one of the Disappeared, with Bert Deane

Academic Recognised for Gender-Based Violence Research

Dr Susan Lagdon, an academic at Ulster University, received an MBE for her contributions to advancing understanding and prevention of gender-based violence in Northern Ireland.

"It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition and to see the work acknowledged in such a meaningful way," Dr Lagdon stated.

Liam McBurney/PA Wire A woman in a blue shirt with green leaf pattern standing in front of an Ulster University building with glass panels. She has black hair and black glasses. — Dr Susan Lagdon said her MBE was "a tremendous honour"

Business and Community Services Honoured

Geoffrey William Agnew and Martin John Agnew, associated with the Henderson Group, were both awarded MBEs for their services to business and the community.

"We are honoured to accept these awards on behalf of all our colleagues in the Henderson Group and our fantastic retailers, trade customers, and suppliers," they said.

Police Service Honoured for Dedication

Four members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland were recognised for their service and commitment to policing and public safety. Police staff member Gordon Scott received a British Empire Medal (BEM), while three King's Police Medals (KPMs) were awarded to Inspector Jock McToal, Sergeant Elaine McCabe, and Sergeant Dwayne Stewart.