Sport NI congratulates sporting recipients of New Years Honours 

The Chair of Sport NI has congratulated New Years Honours recipients recognised for their contributions to sport.

George Lucas, Chair of Sport Northern Ireland said; “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all those named on the New Years Honours list with a connection to sport.

“Of course we are delighted to see our high profile stars recognised for their achievements. Dr Bethany Firth was awarded an OBE for her services to swimming, Jonathan Rea awarded an MBE for services to motorcycle racing, and Jason Smyth awarded an MBE for services to Paralympic athletics and the sporting community in Northern Ireland.

“This trio continues to inspire young people across Northern Ireland, instilling a passion for sport that will grow the stars of the future.”

“But for all our stars, the bedrock of our sporting landscape remains those who make sport happen as coaches, volunteers, or administrators. These people help change and shape the lives of our community and are the foundations of our sports. It is fantastic to see their dedication and service recognised and the wide range of people honoured shows the important role that sport plays in our social fabric.”

Amongst those receiving honours are: 

Dr Bethany Charlotte Firth. For services to Swimming.

Mr Jonathan Rea. For services to motorcycle racing.

Dr. Peter Richard Briggs. For services to judo.

Mr Paul Mark Johnston. Head Coach and Project Manager, Monkstown Amateur Boxing Club. For services to sport and to the community in County Antrim.

Mr Frederick George Magee. For services to association football in East Belfast.

Mr Jason Smyth. For services to Paralympic athletics and the sporting community in Northern Ireland.

Mr Kenneth Ian Jones. For services to sport and charity.

Mr George Ivor McCandless. For services to golf in Northern Ireland.

Mr James Samuel McIlroy. For services to athletics in Northern Ireland.

Mr Terence Adams McKeag. For services to agriculture and to equestrian sport in Northern Ireland.