King honours residents

Individuals from Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey have been honoured for contributions in a range of fields.

The chief executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Jacqui Dixon, receives the MBE for services to local government and the community in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on her award, she said: “I am very humbled and honoured to receive this recognition by His Majesty the King. I am extremely fortunate to work for an ambitious and forward thinking council and I want to pay tribute to all our elected members over the years for their support and assistance.

"I am conscious that the achievements which have made such a difference to the residents and businesses in Antrim and Newtownabbey are very much a team effort and this award reflects the hard work and commitment of all our council staff.”

There was an MBE too for Gail Redmond, from Carrickfergus, for services to association football in Northern Ireland.

The Women’s Domestic manager for the Irish FA Foundation told the Association’s media team: “I am humbled and honoured to receive such an accolade. Every year I am always excited to see who’s on the honours list and never in my wildest dreams did I expect to feature on it personally.

“I feel so privileged to work full time in the game I love. I am part of an amazing team with hard working colleagues, as well as brilliant partners and stakeholders, all of whom contribute to the success of women’s football.

“Finally, I would like to pay a special thanks to my family. Their support for me is always unwavering.”

Steven McCourt, from Larne, who is head of reducing reoffending, resettlement and rehabilitation, Department of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive, has been awarded an OBE for public service.

Also honoured was Professor Sonja Jayne McIlfatrick, Dean of the Ulster Doctoral College and Professor of Nursing and Palliative Care, Ulster University. The Larne resident receives the MBE for services to higher education and public health.

Meanwhile, the BEM goes to William John Hutchinson, from Newtownabbey, a volunteer driver, Belfast City Hospital, for services to healthcare; and Alison June Wolfe, senior personal secretary, Labour Relations Agency, for services to employment.