Mayor congratulates locals honoured by the Queen

Speaking following the release of this year’s list at the weekend, Mayor Johnston said: “I am delighted to see the hard work, dedication and selflessness of so many local people being rewarded in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. “These individuals are making a huge impact on the lives of so many and the communities they live and work in. All too often that unwavering dedication goes without proper recognition and it is wonderful to see it being celebrated. “My heartfelt appreciation and congratulations are extended to everyone who has received these prestigious awards.” Among those named in this year’s honours are Ken Bruce for services to charity and community in Larne, Ballymena woman Muriel Barr for services to the Northern Ireland Hospice, Desmond Graham for services to the community in Carrickfergus, George Irvine for services to education and the community in Carrickfergus, John Monteith for services to adults with learning disabilities and Hazel Bell for her services to Social Housing. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Anne Donaghy, received an OBE in recognition of her services to Local Government and her efforts in the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mayor commended Ms Donaghy for what he described as “an exceptionally well-deserved honour”. He said: “As a Council, we are extremely proud to see Anne’s unparalleled commitment to delivering excellent public services recognised and rewarded with an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen. “Working closely in partnership with our Elected Members, Anne has guided our Council – and, indeed, the wider borough of Mid and East Antrim – through many significant challenges in recent years, and none have been larger than Covid-19. “Anne has led from the front throughout this crisis, providing the full support and backing for our community and businesses from the very beginning, ensuring the delivery of crucial frontline services, and putting measures in place so our residents have access to the very essentials many of us had taken for granted before the pandemic hit. “Through her vision, ambition and leadership, the borough has also benefited from many tremendous opportunities and will continue to do so in the years to come. “We are proud to have a Chief Executive who is so highly regarded as a role model for public service and women in leadership throughout the UK. On behalf of all of my Elected Member colleagues, I offer Anne my sincerest congratulations and every good wish for her continued success in her role at Mid and East Antrim.”