THERE ARE CREMONIES AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE TWICE A YEAR TO PRESENT THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDALS TO RECIPIENTS

In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic all the Honours presentation ceremonies have been postponed. Fortunately in the autumn of 2021 they have resumed @ Hillsborough Castle, although on a reduced basis to comply with Covid-19 regulations.

        Some recipients chose to receive their medals by post & some chose to wait until the ceremonies are resumed. A few have chosen to receive them personally from the Lord Lieutenant.

   The Lord Lieutenant presented an OBE to John Dalzell on 21st September 2021 @ a special ceremony @ the  St John's House Hospice in Newry. John has raised nearly £2M over the last 29 years by holding a Christmas vigil in Newry each year with the funds going to the Southern Area Hospice. 

   The Lord Lieutenant attended a ceremony at Ballywalter Primary School on Friday 16th October 2020 to present Mary Corkum with the British Empire Medal. Mary had been the school building supervisor for 7 years & retired on that day. The Head mistress, Mrs Carolyn Craig shown above, told me that Mary was an absolutely exceptional lady & much loved by the school and all the children who clapped loudly as Mary and the Lord Lieutenant did a tour through the lines of the children. Also present in the picture was the Chairman of the Primary school, Mr Jeff Rogers,

    The Lord Lieutenant attended a ceremony in Gilford on Wednesday 21st October 2020 to present Bernard McComiskey with the British Empire Medal. Also present in the picture is Dr Robert Logan who is a Deputy Lieutenant living in Gilford. Bernard McComiskey was originally a very successful professional boxer. On retirement he has used his talents to set up a boxing club in Gilford which is open to the whole community including boys & girls, old & young & those with physical & mental difficulties. The presentation was made in Mr McComiskey's garden & his whole family & in-laws were all there to make the occasion particularly special.