OBE for Greenisland grandfather Jim Boyce

Greenisland grandfather Jim Boyce was speaking following last week’s news that he is to be awarded with an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to football in Northern Ireland.

Jim, who grew up in the Oldpark Road area of north Belfast, has lived on the Shore Road in the borough for the past 39 years.

Best known in his most recent role of FIFA vice-president, the local man has a long standing association with the beautiful game.

A supporter of Cliftonville FC, he began his career as a ballboy at just seven years old, progressing to vice-chairman and eventually chairman of the north Belfast club.

He became involved with the Irish Football Association in 1982, serving as president of the governing body from 1995 to 2007.

Speaking to the Times last week, the father-of-two said he received word of his inclusion in the honours list six weeks ago. “It’s a very nice personal honour but also a great honour for my family; they’re absolutely delighted and are looking forward to coming with me to collect the award,” said Jim. “I don’t actually know who I was nominated by but I’d like to thank those individuals very much.”

With a career spanning some of the worst years of The Troubles, the ability of the sport to rise above the conflict cannot be underestimated, Jim added.

“I’d like to dedicate this award to the people who kept football going throughout some of the worst years in Northern Ireland, be that managers, coaches, or supporters. Locally, David Hilditch and Charlie Johnston have done so much for Carrick Rangers,” he said. “In my opinion football has done an awful lot to bring people together; it’s a cross-community sport and one I’m pleased to have been involved in.

“I’m very fortunate as my career has taken me all over the world, to nearly every country in Europe, and I’ve made some great friends.

“My family have always been very supportive; I met my wife Hazel in 1962 when we worked together in Nationwide Building Society. We’ve been married for 45 years and she has always stood by me.”

The 70-year-old is due to collect the award during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year, accompanied by Hazel and their two daughters, Lisa and Joanne.

Meanwhile, the football boss announced his intention to step down from the FIFA role in May.