Northern Ireland

Figures from NI music, sport, education and community among those recognised in birthday honours

Jonny Evans, Ian Greer, Michaela Hollywood and Julie Flaherty are all recognised in the King's first Birthday Honours
Jonny Evans, Ian Greer, Michaela Hollywood and Julie Flaherty are all recognised in the King's first Birthday Honours Jonny Evans, Ian Greer, Michaela Hollywood and Julie Flaherty are all recognised in the King's first Birthday Honours

Figures from music, sport, education and the community in Northern Ireland are among those to be recognised in King Charles' first birthday honours.

The vice-chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, Ian Greer, is to receive the only knighthood, which he said was a proud day both for himself and the university.

He said he was "deeply humbled" to be knighted in recognition of his services to education and the economy in the north.

Peter Sheridan, the head of the Co-operation Ireland, is made a CBE for services to peace-building.

He said he was "surprised and honoured" adding that it was "an acknowledgement of all the work that has gone on" by the peace-building organisation.

Singer, director and producer Peter Corry has been made an MBE for his work in the music and entertainment industry.

He said he was "truly humbled and absolutely thrilled".

"It is a tremendous honour to be recognised for my work in the entertainment industry, and it is a career that I have truly loved these last 30 years and one that I look forward to enjoying for many years to come," he said.

Disabilities campaigner Michaela Hollywood from Co Down said being made an MBE was something she had never expected in her life.

The 33-year-old, who lives with a genetic condition called spinal muscular atrophy which limits her mobility, works to improve the world for those with disabilities, including lobbying and fundraising.

"I think that even if I wasn't a disabled person, I'd be doing something like this anyway," she said.

"I love every minute, I get so much from it. There is nothing more special than being able to help others."

Northern Ireland football international Jonny Evans said it was "amazing" when he was informed he is to be made an MBE.

The Leicester City defender, who has been capped 100 times by Northern Ireland, is recognised for services to football.

He told the PA news agency it was a "a really nice thing" to be recognised for his career.

Roisin Marshall, head of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, has been awarded an OBE.

The leading campaigner for integrated education, she said she was "really shocked, very honoured and very surprised that I had been nominated, so very grateful to whoever did that".

A 93-year-old school crossing patrol officer at a Co Antrim school has been awarded the British Empire Medal.

Veronica Hammersley, who has worked at Glengormley Integrated Primary School for 32 years, is recognised for her services to the community. 

Lollipop lady Veronica Hammersley has been awarded the British Empire Medal
Lollipop lady Veronica Hammersley has been awarded the British Empire Medal Lollipop lady Veronica Hammersley has been awarded the British Empire Medal

She said she was so shocked when she received the letter informing her of the honour that she thought it was a scam.

She added that she continues to do the job because "she loves the children and they love me".

Julie Flaherty from Co Armagh is also to receive the Medal of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her work to get the Children's Funeral Fund extended to Northern Ireland.

She campaigned for financial support for grieving parents following the death of her two-year-old son Jake in May 2013 after being struck by the impact that the cost of a funeral can have on bereaved parents amid their grief.

With the help of her party colleagues in the UUP, she got councils across the north to agree to measures such as waiving burial fees for grieving parents before helping to bring the UK Children's Funeral Fund to Northern Ireland.

The fund came into effect last June.

"It's lovely the work is being recognised, but it's been hard, emotional work," she said.

"My arms are still empty and there are many arms in many houses which are also empty.

"I knew it was the right thing to do, I know from letters and mothers that have stopped me, and families that have written to me that I keep private between them and me, I know it has helped families and that makes it worthwhile."

The central role staff in Hillsborough Castle played in events to mark the death of the late Queen Elizabeth has also been recognised.

Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle and head gardener Claire Woods have both been made an MBE, while household steward Kim Diver has been awarded the British Empire Medal.

Claire Woods, Laura McCorry and Kim Dover, three staff members at Hillsborough Castle have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours
Claire Woods, Laura McCorry and Kim Dover, three staff members at Hillsborough Castle have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours Claire Woods, Laura McCorry and Kim Dover, three staff members at Hillsborough Castle have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours

Former footballer Ian Wright, fashion editor Dame Anna Wintour and author Ian McEwan are also among the famous faces recognised.

The highest awards went to Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna and Booker Prize-winning novelist McEwan, who were made Companions of Honour alongside Professor Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford.

Ex-Arsenal footballer-turned-pundit Wright was made an OBE, while late author Sir Martin Amis was knighted a day before he died last month aged 73.

Ian Wright, who has been made an OBE
Ian Wright, who has been made an OBE Ian Wright, who has been made an OBE

Former Rangers footballer and manager John Greig was made a CBE while ex-Lionesses striker Eniola Aluko became an MBE.

In the showbiz world, Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure, television presenter Davina McCall and veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce were made MBEs.