Northern Ireland

Arise Sir Tony: McCoy knighted in new year honours

Retired jockey AP McCoy who has received a Knighthood 
Retired jockey AP McCoy who has received a Knighthood 
By Staff Reporter

JOCKEY Tony McCoy has said it was an "unbelievable privilege" as he was awarded a knighthood in the new year's honours list - one of dozens of people from the north to be recognised.

The 41-year-old from Moneyglass in Co Antrim retired from racing in April after being crowned champion jockey for a 20th consecutive year.

He heads a list of high-profile names to be honoured, including Belfast boxer Carl Frampton and veteran broadcaster Martyn Lewis, who was educated in Co Antrim.

McCoy, previously awarded an OBE, said: "It is an unbelievable privilege and honour to receive a knighthood. I certainly wasn't expecting it.

"I consider myself lucky to have had a job I loved, every single day. The team around me made it possible for me to achieve my goals and the support from the public and racing community since my retirement has been overwhelming. A knighthood really tops off what's been a crazy and memorable year."

Hover over the image to see some of the injuries AP McCoy suffered in an illustrious racing career

Arise Sir Tony: McCoy knighted in new year honours

Frampton, the IBF super-bantamweight boxing champion, was awarded an MBE.

He said he was privileged to join fellow fighters Barry McGuigan and Paddy Barnes in receiving an honour.

"It came as a big surprise and it was actually Barry who told me the good news. I am happy and proud and I am pleased that my sport of professional boxing has got some recognition."

Welsh-born journalist Martyn Lewis, who was educated in Ballymoney and began his career at BBC Northern Ireland in the late 1960s, was also knighted for services to the voluntary and charitable sectors.

"I would like to share this honour with the thousands of inspirational people in the voluntary sector whom I've had the privilege of working with over the last three decades," he said.

Among PSNI officers recognised, Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw was awarded the MBE for services to policing and the community.

Queen's Police Medals were also given to Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson and Inspector Phil Shepherd.

Meanwhile, Barbara Windsor is one of a host of British stars of stage and screen to be recognised in the latest list.

The former Carry On and EastEnders actress said she was "very honoured, proud and extremely humbled" to be given a Damehood for services to charity and entertainment.

Celebrated thespian Sian Phillips was also made a dame, while Imelda Staunton receives a CBE, and actors David Oyelowo and Hollywood star Idris Elba OBEs.

Sporting stars are also well represented, with footballers Denis Law and Francis Lee receiving CBEs, and two-times Tour de France winner Chris Froome and snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan handed OBEs.

Sports commentator Sue Barker received an OBE, while sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley, who became the first female commentator on Match Of The Day, was awarded an MBE.