There are five Honours Recipients in County Londonderry and also one recipient who, although now living in Co. Antrim, has maintained strong affiliations to his home County and is therefore being recognised in County Londonderry for his global sporting achievements.
He is Mr Jason Smyth from Eglinton who receives an MBE. He is currently the fastest Paralympian in the world and holds 6 Paralympic Gold medals. Representing the Republic of Ireland at four Paralympics Games, most recently in Tokyo, he runs also at World Championship level and also for Northern Ireland at Commonwealth level. He has severe visual impairment and his Honour is not just in recognition of his years of sporting success but also for his contribution to the visually impaired communities throughout the whole of Ireland.
Mr Sean McCarry of Portstewart receives an OBE for decades of service in the Coastguard and in regionally developing Community Rescue groups.
Dr Peter Richard Briggs of Portstewart receives an MBE for his work in the sport of Judo not only in Northern Ireland but in the UK. He is President of the NI Judo Federation and actively involved in the Commonwealth Judo Association. He has written an important book on the history of the sport.
Mr Gerard Lynch from Claudy receives a BEM for his services to Education and to community, particularly in the rural parts of the County.
Mr William James Rutherford from Eglinton receives a BEM for his “hands on” COVID contribution to the community of Eglinton and it’s hinterland including through the ‘Eglinton Building Bridges organisation.
Mrs Alison Wallace of Newbuildings receives a BEM for her COVID work in the City and surrounding areas and also for her service to those communities for many years.