jazz: Golf hero McIlroy 'humbled' by MBE

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Golf hero McIlroy 'humbled' by MBE

ABOVE: Rory Mcllroy has capped a fine 12 months by receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours list

Rory McIlroy, who this year became the youngest US Open golf champion for 88 years at the age of 22, has said he feels humbled to stand among the "worthy recipients" of New Year Honours as he was made an MBE.

McIlroy is recognised alongside fellow Ulster golfer Darren Clarke and property tycoon Gerald Ronson, who bounced back after being jailed for his part in the Guinness Four share scam.

Veteran funnyman Ronnie Corbett receives a CBE, topping a string of stars honoured for their contributions to the entertainment, media and sporting worlds.

These include TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, actress Helena Bonham Carter and Sky News correspondent Alex Crawford, who won acclaim for her reporting from Libya.

But many of this year's accolades - which come as Britain gears up for the Olympic Games - go to sporting figures.

McIlroy, from Holywood, Co Down, celebrated his latest achievement on holiday.

"I am delighted to be named in the Queen's New Year Honours List. It is quite humbling to be included in such a list of worthy recipients," he said.

Meanwhile, Clarke, who triumphed at this year's Open at the age of 42 and gets an OBE, said: "It is a great honour and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family."

Other big names to make the list include former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell, 58, who is being given a CBE for services to children and young people, while Doug Ellis, who ran Birmingham football club and Aston Villa for more than 20 years, is knighted and rugby union star Chris Paterson, who is Scotland's most-capped player, is being awarded an MBE.

Among the usual unsung heroes, MBEs go to stonemason Alan Horsfield, who is honoured for services to St Paul's Cathedral; Welsh caretaker Robert Owen, who is recognised for services to the community in Holyhead, Anglesey; Mary Watt, who is rewarded for services to highland dance teaching in Ross-shire, Scotland; and Lyndie Wright, of the Little Angel Theatre in Islington, north London, who receives her accolade for services to the craft of puppetry.