NICK FALDO, the winner of six of golf’s major titles, is to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth. The outgoing Ryder Cup captain is named on the queen’s birthday honours list, revealed last night.
The three-times winner of both the British Open Championship and the US Masters has also appeared on 12 Ryder Cup teams, first playing on the team at the age of 20. He has since branched into golf course development. One of his latest designs is at Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh.
Also honoured is world-renowned concert pianist Mitsuko Uchida, who becomes a dame.
Actor Christopher Lee is to be knighted, as is poet laureate Andrew Motion and the UK permanent representative at Nato Stewart Eldon. He is a former British ambassador in Dublin.
Lord lieutenant for Co Down William Hall is also to receive a knighthood. He is trustee of Narrow Water Castle near Warrenpoint and is cited for his significant community and voluntary work.
Other well-known British figures being awarded Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honours are fashion designer Jeff Banks, celebrity chef and author Delia Smith, rugby commentator Alistair Hignell and actor Jonathan Price.
Many of those receiving so-called higher awards are cited for their charity work in addition to their contribution to their chosen field.
Sue Johnston, known for her role in the TV comedy The Royle Family, receives an OBE, as does writer Kay Mellor.
Heading the 69 people named on the Northern Ireland honours list is Billy Hastings, founder of the hotel chain that bears his name.
Dr Hastings continues to serve on the Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors. But his citation mentions at length his significant contribution to the community and voluntary sector.
He has worked for a series of health charities, arts organisations, youth bodies and tourist initiatives.
Christopher Chivers, the former chief inspector of criminal justice in Northern Ireland, receives a CBE, as does Isabella McNally. She is principal at the Fountain Primary School on Derry’s city side.
The newly appointed deputy chief constable of the PSNI, Judith Gillespie, is awarded an OBE. Her colleague, Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner, receives a Queen’s Police Medal.
Most of those honoured in Northern Ireland receive MBEs, and nearly half have been nominated by members of the public rather than by those working for the state.
Just seven civil servants are honoured, and the vast majority, some 90 per cent, come from the non-state sector. Of those, about half are recognised for their contribution to charitable work or voluntary organisations.
Among the dozens of unsung heroes is Doreen Corcoran, who is honoured for services to heritage.
She chairs the Ulster History Circle, which arranges for the famous blue plaques to be placed on buildings associated with notable individuals, and is a founder member and life president of the Carrickfergus and District Historical Society.