Lace tutor among those on King's Honours list

A lace tutor who has been teaching for over 40 years has been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours list.

Unagh McCullough, who has been made an MBE for services to the art of lacemaking and needlecraft, said she was "totally confused and bewildered" when she received the letter.

More than 80 people from Northern Ireland are honoured on the list which celebrates the public service of individuals across the UK.

McCullough, who is from Bangor, County Down, said needlework or craft had "always been a passion" for her.

"It's a niche craft and an endangered heritage craft," she said.

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

Alan Crooks has been made an MBE for services to disability football, in recognition of his work as disability manager for the Irish Football Association.

He has since moved on to Disability Sport Northern Ireland - and said he was pleased to have "played a small part" in making football more accessible.

"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."

Among others from Northern Ireland to be recognised are former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland Jennifer Bell, who has been made a CB, and Department of Health chief scientific advisor Professor Ian Young, who has been made a CBE.

Joe O'Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, has also been made a CBE for services to both business and the community.

He said it was "a moment of great pride" both for himself and "for the passionate and dedicated people who are working hard to make Belfast Harbour a success".

BBC Sport journalist and broadcaster Stephen Watson and UTV newsreader Rose Neill are also on the list.

Watson described being told of his MBE as a "bit of a shock", adding that he was "truly honoured and humbled".

It is in recognition of his work in sports broadcasting, but also of his support for transplant charities after he received a kidney transplant almost a decade ago.

Neill said she was "genuinely surprised and grateful" to be made an MBE.

"I love being part of such a helpful, professional, hard-working and happy team at UTV," she added.

"Collectively, they deserve a great deal of credit themselves."

The Dean of Enniskillen and the County Fermanagh town's parish priest also feature on the list, with both made OBEs for services to reconciliation and peace-building.

The Very Rev Kenneth Hall and Monsignor Peter O'Reilly, who lead churches which face each other, made a public show of unity in 2012 when they jointly hosted Queen Elizabeth on a visit to the town.

They said they were accepting the honours in recognition of those who over many years have chosen friendship over suspicion and hope over fear.

Bert Deane, an investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) which works to find the remaining members of the Disappeared, has been made an OBE.

The Disappeared are those who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during Northern Ireland's Troubles.

Deane, who is from Wales, said his work had been "a huge 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."

Ulster University academic Dr Susan Lagdon has been made an MBE for her contribution to advancing understanding and prevention of gender-based violence in Northern Ireland.

She said it was a "tremendous honour to receive this recognition and to see the work acknowledged in such a meaningful way".

Geoffrey William Agnew and Martin John Agnew, from the Henderson Group, have both been made MBEs for 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.

Four police officers and staff from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been recognised in the list, receiving awards for their service, dedication and commitment to policing and public safety.

Police staff member Gordon Scott received a BEM while three King's Police Medals (KPMs) have been awarded to Insp Jock McToal, Sgt Elaine McCabe and Sgt Dwayne Stewart.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he was "incredibly proud" to see their "dedication and passion" recognised.

The commonly awarded ranks are as follows:

• Knight or Dame
• CB - Companion of the Order of the Bath
• Companion of Honour - Limited to 65 people. Recipients wear the initials CH after their name
• CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire
• OBE - Officer of the Order of the British Empire
• MBE - Member of the Order of the British Empire
• BEM - British Empire Medal

Click here for a full list of those named in the King's Birthday Honours list.