King’s Birthday Honours 2026: Enniskillen dean and priest among those recognised in Northern Ireland
The Dean of Enniskillen and the Co Fermanagh town's parish priest are among a host of Northern Ireland residents who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.
The Very Rev Kenneth Hall and Monsignor Peter O'Reilly , who lead churches which face each other, made a very public show of unity in 2012 when they jointly hosted Queen Elizabeth on a visit to the town.
Both have been made OBEs and said they are accepting in recognition of all those who over many years through Northern Ireland's battle with division have chosen friendship over suspicion, and hope over fear.
They are among a wide range of people from Northern Ireland who have been recognised for the contribution they have made to society, from business to recovering the remains of the Disappeared and making football more inclusive.
Former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland Jennifer Bell has been made a companion of the Order of the Bath for services to the administration of justice and Joe O'Neill , chief executive of Belfast Harbour, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to both business and the community.
Mr O'Neill said he was honoured to be acknowledged.
He said: "This is a moment of great pride, not only for myself, but for the passionate and dedicated people who are working hard to make Belfast Harbour a success, ensuring that as a city and region we can continue to thrive.
"In addition, I would like to recognise those working in the third sector organisations I have been involved with, particularly The Simon Community, who have a significant impact on those most in need in our community."
Veteran UTV news reader Rose Neill and BBC sports journalist and broadcaster Stephen Watson are also among those honoured.
Mr Watson described being told of his MBE as a "bit of a shock".
It is recognition of decades of work in sports broadcasting, but also of his support for transplant charities after he spoke publicly about receiving a kidney transplant almost a decade ago.
"Whilst it has come as a great surprise to me, I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this MBE," Mr Watson said.
"I accept this honour with enormous gratitude and share it with my family, colleagues, the charities I work alongside, and the many people whose generosity and courage inspire me every day."
Bert Deane , an investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) which works to find the remaining members of the Disappeared, has been made an OBE.
"It has been a huge privilege to have worked with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains and especially to get to know the families of the Disappeared," he said.
"My heart goes out to those still waiting to have their loved ones found and I know everyone in the ICLVR will do all they can to help end their suffering."