Here’s 18 familiar figures who hail from Newtownabbey borough or are connected to it.
5. Dick Strawbridge
Although born in Burma, Dick Strawbridge grew up in Northern Ireland and attended Ballyclare High School in the early 1970s. After a career in the Army, Strawbridge became a household name, appearing on Scrapeheap Challenge and Escape to the Château. He is pictured on the left with former principal of Ballyclare High David Knox and Dr Robert McMillen at the school's awards ceremony in 2009. Photo: con
6. Jonathan Rea
Jonathan Rea OBE is a Northern Irish professional motorcycle racer. He competes in the Superbike World Championship and is a six-time champion in the series. The Ballyclare man races for Kawasaki Racing Team. Photo: con
7. Stephanie Meadow
Stephanie Meadow is a professional golfer from Jordanstown who played for the University of Alabama and made her professional debut at the 2014 US Women's Open at Pinehurst. (Pic by Press Eye). Photo: Press Eye
8. Dr Michael McKillop MBE
Dr Michael McKillop MBEis an Irish middle distance runner from Glengormley. McKillop, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy, competes in the T37 disability sport classification. He represented Ireland at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, winning a gold medal at the T37 800m. At the London 2012 Paralympics, McKillop won gold for the men's 800m T37 with a time of 1:57.22. He also won the 1,500m T37 race at the London Games. He defended his 1,500m T37 title at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, securing the gold medal. (Pic by Press Eye). Photo: Press Eye