Mayor congratulates honours recipients

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has congratulated a number of locals who were recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Councillor William McCaughey will write personally to all those who were recognised with the honour.

Among those to be recognised was Dr Jonathan Rea MBE, awarded an OBE for services to Motorcycle Racing; Mr James McIlroy BEM for services to Athletics in Northern Ireland and Mr Colin Neill MBE for services to the hospitality industry.

Also honoured were Mr Sean McCarry OBE, Regional Commander, Community Rescue Service, for services to the community in Northern Ireland; Rev Dr Samuel Grant MBE for services to the community in Carrickfergus; Mr Rey Kirk MBE for services to the North Irish Horse Regimental Association and to the Carrickfergus Community Heritage Project; Mr Robin Scott MBE Chief Executive, Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland for services to Prisoners and their Families in Northern Ireland; Mr Stephen Crawford BEM Founder, Coaching for Christ for services to Young People in County Antrim; Dr Ian Humphreys BEM Chief Executive, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful for services to the Environment; Mr Billy McFarland BEM for services to Music in County Antrim; Mr Ivor McMullan BEM former Head of Parks, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for public service during Covid-19; Mrs Mary Sinnamon BEM for services to education and the community in County Antrim and Mr Crawford Wilson BEM for services to the community in Islandmagee, County Antrim.

Cllr McCaughey, said: “Receiving national recognition through the Queen’s Honours system is a tremendous accolade for anyone who receives it.

“We know there are so many fantastic people and organisations across Mid and East Antrim doing outstanding work and we are always keen to encourage people to nominate others for these awards.

“I would like to commend all the recipients on their achievements and thank them for their tireless efforts in making a difference.”

A full list of the New Year’s honours list can be found here www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/new-year-honours-2022