Larne: Chief Nursing Officer and aerospace company director named in New Year Honours list
Two Larne women have been recognised by the King in the New Year Honours list 2026.
Professor Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in the Department for Health, has been awarded an OBE for services to nursing and midwifery in Northern Ireland.
Joanne Liddle, managing director, Industrial Precision Components Ltd (IPC), receives an MBE for services to the province’s aerospace sector.
Professor McIlgorm has over 40 years of experience in nursing across community and hospital settings and has been CNO since 2022.
In a statement, she said: “I am delighted to be awarded with an OBE. I am humbled and thankful to colleagues I have worked with over the course of my career in Northern Ireland, Scotland and other parts of the UK.
"It is a privilege and an honour to have served as the Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland for the last four years. I am proud to have worked as both a nurse and midwife throughout my career and to have worked alongside so many dedicated and committed teams and individuals who do so much for so many, often beyond the call of duty.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has congratulated Professor McIlgorm on her honour.
Mr Nesbitt said: “I am delighted that Professor Maria McIlgorm has been honoured with an OBE for her services to nursing and midwifery. She has displayed an exceptional level of professionalism and commitment throughout her career, and this is a very well-deserved honour.
“She has made a real difference to health and social care across the United Kingdom. During her time as CNO in Northern Ireland, she has implemented key policies to enhance patient experience and also empowered nurses and midwifery professionals to deliver improvements in the quality of care."
Meanwhile, Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings has congratulated their colleague on her recognition.
In a social media post, the company stated: “ Delighted to see in the New Year Honours list our managing director Joanne Liddle awarded an MBE for services to the aerospace sector. Just wonderful news. Congratulations from all the team at IPC Mouldings.”
The MBE caps a memorable year for Joanne Liddle. In May she was inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame. Having joined the company in 2008, she has directed a programme of change since 2012 putting customer service and quality at the core of the company’s strategy to ensure a sustainable business and future.
Speaking at the time, Joanne said: "Being recognised in the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame, as an SME, is a tremendous privilege. It reflects the commitment and passion of everyone at IPC Mouldings who strive to deliver exceptional quality and service.”