Seven Mid and East Antrim residents honoured in

Seven residents from Mid and East Antrim have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their outstanding service to education, military history, the local economy, humanitarian work and sport. The honours include five MBEs and two BEMs, celebrating people who have made a lasting difference locally, nationally and internationally.

Mid and East Antrim Residents Honoured in King’s Birthday Honours

Seven residents from Mid and East Antrim have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, receiving awards for their exceptional contributions across education, community service, military history, the economy, humanitarian work and sport.

The honours include five Members of the Order of the British Empire, known as MBEs, and two British Empire Medals, known as BEMs.

Each recipient has been recognised for years of dedication and service, with their work making a meaningful impact both within Northern Ireland and further afield.

Who Received Honours in Mid and East Antrim?

The residents recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List are:

MBE Recipients

• Brian Duff, retired Principal of Carnmoney Primary School, Newtownabbey, for services to education in Newtownabbey.
• David Francis Heggarty, Principal of Cregagh Primary School and Deaf Unit, for services to education in Northern Ireland.
• Gordon John Kane, Curriculum Area Manager for Advanced Technologies at Northern Regional College, for services to further and higher education in Northern Ireland.
• Frederick Michael Stewart, for services to military history in Northern Ireland.
• Gregory Walter Thompson McKinley, Operations Director of The Gallaher Trust, for services to the economy in Northern Ireland.

BEM Recipients

• Valerie Alexander, for services to disadvantaged young people in India.
• Roger Frederick Bell, for services to local cricket.

Mayor Congratulates King’s Birthday Honours Recipients

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, congratulated the seven recipients on their achievements.

He praised Brian Duff, David Heggarty and Gordon Kane for their dedication to education and their work in helping shape younger generations across Northern Ireland.

Mayor Gordon said education was about more than academic achievement. He highlighted its role in supporting social, emotional and creative development, helping young people become confident and well-rounded individuals.

He also paid tribute to Frederick Stewart for his work in promoting and preserving military history in Northern Ireland. Through research, education and public engagement, Mr Stewart has helped protect an important part of local heritage for future generations.

Recognition for Economy, Charity and Community Impact

Mayor Gordon also recognised the important work of Greg McKinley, who played a key role in establishing The Gallaher Trust in Ballymena.

The independent charity has provided significant support to disadvantaged adults in the local community. Since 2017, The Gallaher Trust has committed £3.1 million towards projects aiming to:

• Create 600 jobs
• Develop skills for more than 2,000 adults
• Support over 3,200 disadvantaged adults by 2028

Valerie Alexander, a teacher at Dunclug College, was recognised for her humanitarian work through the charity asha, which supports disadvantaged young people in India and helps create opportunities to improve their quality of life.

Roger Bell Honoured for Service to Cricket

Roger Frederick Bell was recognised for his exceptional service to local cricket.

Mayor Gordon said Mid and East Antrim has a proud sporting tradition and welcomed Mr Bell’s honour for more than five decades of service to Carrickfergus Cricket Club and the Northern Cricket Union.

Mayor Thanks Recipients for Outstanding Service

Speaking about the honours, Mayor Gordon said:

“I commend each of our King’s Birthday Honours recipients and thank them for their outstanding service to our Borough, Northern Ireland and beyond.”

The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and professions.

They recognise people whose dedication, service and commitment have had a lasting and meaningful impact on society.

Why the King’s Birthday Honours Matter Locally

The recognition of seven Mid and East Antrim residents highlights the strength of local service across the borough.

From education and sport to charity work and economic development, the honours show how individuals can make a lasting difference through commitment, leadership and community spirit.

For Mid and East Antrim, the awards are also a reminder of the important work being carried out every day by teachers, volunteers, charity workers, historians, sports leaders and community champions.

Do you know someone in Mid and East Antrim making a positive difference in their community?

Share their story with Northern Ireland Online and help celebrate the people who make our towns, villages and communities stronger.