TONY McCoy, Carl Frampton and Dianne McMillan are among those from the north who have been awarded honours in recognition of their services to sport.
McCoy, from Moneyglass, Co Antrim, has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list in recognition of his services to horseracing.
McCoy (41) retired from racing in April after being crowned champion jockey for a 20th consecutive year.
McCoy's knighthood comes at the end of a glittering racing career which saw him win every major prize in his sport, including a Grand National win at the 15th attempt on Don't Push It in 2010. McCoy, who announced in February his intention to retire at the end of the National Hunt season, rode a total of 4,358 winners.
He picked up another significant prize at this year's Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Belfast when he was handed the Lifetime Achievement award.
McCoy (41) was appointed MBE in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours and OBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours list for his services to racing.
He is only the second jockey in history to have been awarded a knighthood, with Gordon Richards the first in 1953.
IBF super-bantamweight boxing champion Carl Frampton has been awarded an MBE for his services to boxing.
The Jackal made his professional debut in 2009 and is yet to be beaten in 21 fights, winning 14 of them by knock-out.
He is set to fight WBA belt-holder Scott Quigg in a unification bout in Manchester on February 27 next year.
Former Ireland cricketer Roy Harrison, from Co Armagh, has also received an MBE for voluntary service to cricket in the north, while Belfast’s Ian Hugh Beggs was awarded an MBE for services to rugby.
Larne swimmer Dianne McMillan, who won six medals at the Paralympic games, has also received an MBE for services to swimming and disability awareness.
