Snow Patrol frontman and The Priests receive honours
Almost 100 people from Northern Ireland have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, including Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody.
The Bangor-born singer will become an OBE for his services to music and charity.
Gary Lightbody helped establish the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast which supports aspiring musicians, while his Lightbody Foundation helps charities dealing with mental health, depression and youth engagement.
His band's 2006 single Chasing Cars became the most widely played song of the 21st century.
The announcement of the award comes after the 43-year-old revealed his father Jack had passed away just days before Christmas.
In an online post on Friday, Gary Lightbody said his dad had taught him so much and gave him so much.
Fellow musicians The Priests have also been awarded, with fathers David Delargy, Eugene O’Hagan and Martin O’Hagan all receiving MBEs.
The Down and Connor priests hit the big time in 2008 and have performed around the world.
Fr O’Hagan said the honour recognised music’s role in building connections across the community between protestants and catholics.
In the world of sport, former Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes and four-time paralympic champion Michael McKillop were also made MBEs.
McKillop, who is from Co Antrim, told UTV the award is very special for him and his family.
"To be awarded an MBE for my services to disability awareness in Northern Ireland and the athletics achievements that I've had over a number of years, I think it's important for people to understand that us, as disabled people, are competing on the world stage as elite athletes," he said.
For services to business, former Invest NI chief Alastair Hamilton received a CBE.
Meanwhile Tracey Hamilton gets an MBE for her contribution to the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland.
More than 50 local people have been given the BEM medal for the work they do in their local communities.
There was also recognition for the police and fire services, including an MBE for Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Freeburn, and three Queen’s Police Medals.