DERRY Paralympic champion Jason Smyth has been recognised in New Year Honours List 2022.
In 2021, the Eglinton sprinter notched up an incredible sixth gold medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s greatest athletes.
He has been recognised with an MBE for services to Paralympic Athletics and the Sporting Community in the North of Ireland.
Smyth was among the athletes honoured in October at a special reception hosted in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings by First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, on behalf of Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.
Meanwhile, Mrs Angela Mary Veronica McIntyre also received the MBE For services to the Foyle Hospice and the community in Co Derry.
BEMs have been conferred on Gerard Lynch for services to Education and to the community in Co Derry, Samuel Wesley Atchison, lately Editor, Tyrone Constitution and Strabane Weekly News for services to Journalism and the community in Co Tyrone, William James Rutherford for services to the community in Co Derry during Covid-19, and Alison Wallace, also for services to the community in Co Derry during Covid-19.