Masters champion Rory McIlroy
Rhys McClenaghan
Adrianna Wrona and Mark Bain
Today at 19:12
Britain’s King Charles’ New Year Honours brought joy for a well-known Northern Ireland Olympic champion, Rhys McClenaghan, but also a snub for Rory McIlroy.
The Newtownards gymnast, McClenaghan, was among those from Northern Ireland recognised in Charles’ New Year Honours.
He was one of 55 recipients of honours from across Northern Ireland on the list published yesterday.
McClenaghan, who won gold at the Paris Olympics last year, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the sport.
However, Rory McIlroy failed to make the cut and was snubbed in the New Year Honours list.
After a successful sporting year for McIlroy, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year was the most surprising omission from the list.
McIlroy (36) became just the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam when he won the Masters in April.
This year’s honours list includes more than 1,150 people who have contributed to their community and country.
Luther actor Idris Elba and the UK’s new ambassador to the US, Christian Turner were among those knighted.
Barbara Woodward, a diplomat who formerly served as Britain’s permanent representative to the United Nations and ambassador to China and who is now expected to be named deputy national security adviser, was given a damehood.
Recipients ranged from 20-year-old Toby Roberts, who won an Olympic gold medal for sports climbing at the Paris 2024 Olympics and is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, to 102-year-old John Hearn, who receives a British Empire Medal for services to his community and to the sport of judo.