Seven Mid and East Antrim residents honoured in King’s Birthday Honours
Monday 15 June 2026
Seven residents from Mid and East Antrim have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, receiving awards for their outstanding contributions to education, community service, military history, the economy, humanitarian work and sport.
Five Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and two Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) were honoured for their dedication and commitment to making a positive difference locally and internationally.
The recipients are:
MBE
- Brian Duff, retired Principal, Carnmoney Primary School, Newtownabbey for services to education in Newtownabbey.
- David Francis Heggarty, Principal, Cregagh Primary School and Deaf Unit for services to education in Northern Ireland.
- Gordon John Kane, Curriculum Area Manager, Advanced Technologies, Northern Regional College for services to Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland.
- Frederick Michael Stewart for services to Military History in Northern Ireland.
BEM
- Valerie Alexander for services to disadvantaged young people in India.
- Roger Frederick Bell for services to local cricket.
- Gregory Walter Thompson McKinley, Operations Director, The Gallaher Trust for services to the economy in Northern Ireland.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon congratulated the recipients on their achievement. He said: “I would like to congratulate residents Brian Duff, David Heggarty and Gordon Kane for their dedication and commitment over many years in helping shape our younger generations. Our young people play an important role in the future of our Borough, and it is wonderful to see educational staff recognised at such a prestigious level.
“Education is far more academic achievement. It also supports social, emotional and creative development, helping young people become confident, well-rounded individuals who can thrive in life.
“Not all education takes place within the classroom. Fredrick Stewart has been recognised for his outstanding work in promoting and preserving military history in Northern Ireland. Through research, education and public engagement he has helped safeguard an important part of our heritage for future generations.
“Greg McKinley played a key role in establishing The Gallaher Trust, an independent charity in Ballymena that has provided significant assistance to disadvantaged adults within our community. Since 2017, The Trust has committed £3.1 million towards project that aim to create 600 jobs, develop skills for over 2,000 adults and provide support for over 3,200 disadvantaged adults by 2028.
“Valerie Alexander, a teacher at Dunclug College, has been recognised for her humanitarian work through the charity ‘asha’, which supports disadvantaged young people in India and helps create opportunities to improve their quality of life.
“As a Borough with a proud sporting tradition, we are delighted to see Roger Bell recognised for his exceptional service to Carrickfergus Cricket Club and the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) for over five decades.
“I commend each of our King’s Birthday Honours recipients and thank them for their outstanding service to our Borough, Northern Ireland and beyond.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and professions, recognising those whose dedication and service have had a lasting and meaningful impact on society.