Ballymena's bumper list of Queen's Birthday Honours

The Ballymena community has swept the boards in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours with a bumper number of local people receiving awards.

The Queen’s annual Birthday Honours recognise the achievements and service of people across the UK.

Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis.  Picture: William Cherry/PressEyeplaceholder image
Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis. Picture: William Cherry/PressEye

Ten residents from the Ballymena and Antrim districts have been honoured with awards in recognition of a wide range of endeavours including sport and charitable services.

Among those picking up gongs is Northern Ireland football captain, Steven Davis, from Cullybackey.

James Perryplaceholder image
James Perry

The 32-year-old has been awarded an MBE for services to football.

Gracehill man James Perry has also been honoured with an MBE.

Mr Perry, who served as High Sheriff of County Antrim in 2016, has been awarded the MBE for services to the community in Ballymena.

Meanwhile, eight local residents have been honoured with British Empire Medals (BEM) which provide recognition to those who have demonstrated a “hands-on” service to the local community.

Fergus Barklie.placeholder image
Fergus Barklie.

Receiving BEMs are:

Fergus Barklie, of Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club, who has been awarded the BEM for services to Tennis;

Jean Clarke, for services to Riding for the Disabled Association, Northern Ireland;

Phillip Gillespie, for charitable services in Northern Ireland;

Phillip Gillespie, pictured receiving the ABF- The Soldier's Charity, Fundraiser of the Year award.placeholder image
Phillip Gillespie, pictured receiving the ABF- The Soldier's Charity, Fundraiser of the Year award.

Alastair Gilmore, for services to Higher Education and to the community in Antrim;

Elizabeth Hueston, for services to the community in Portglenone;

James Duncan McKay McNeill, for services to the community in Broughshane and the Glens;

David Montgomery, member of Ballymena Combat Cancer Group, for services to Cancer Sufferers in Northern Ireland;

Robert Philip Scott, for services to Young People through the Scout Association.

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