County Armagh has been well represented among the individuals recognised for their achievements and service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for 2022.
The honours have been announced as celebrations begin for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70th anniversary on the throne.
One of the recipients is Co Armagh man Ivan Walker, who has been recognised as a ‘Medallist of the Order of the British Empire’ or ‘BEM’, for “services to the community in Markethill.
Aodhán Connolly, originally from Portadown, receives an MBE for services to the economy. Mr Connolly was, until recently, director of the Norther Ireland Retail Consortium.
He recently left the organisation to take up a post with the Norther Ireland Executive’s office in Brusssels.
In a tweet he said he was ” a bit overwhelmed” and “delighted” to receive the award but added, “it is as much a recognition of the collective work and dedication of NI Business Brexit Working Group as it is for me personally”.
Other recipients include Colin Hayburn, executive director of Almac, for services to philanthropy and economic development, and Mary Paula Jordan, principal of Sperrinview Special School in Dungannon, who has been honoured for services to education.
Both have both been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
In addition, four Birthday Honours have been awarded to police officers and staff from the PSNI, including Sergeant Darren Welsh, who received a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for his service to the Newry and South Armagh area during his 30-year tenure as a police officer.
The citation said that during this period he has been “instrumental in advancing the communities’ confidence in local policing”.
Another notable addition to the Honours is former DUP First Minister Arlene Foster, who has been made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), for service to political and public life.
