The Rector of Glendermott and Newbuildings, Rev Canon Robert Boyd, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Canon Boyd is one of 70 people in Northern Ireland recognised by the King for their service and achievement.
Canon Boyd’s award was given “for services to the community in County Tyrone and County Londonderry”.
“I am honoured and shocked at the announcement,” Canon Boyd said. “I have been involved in the scouting movement for over 40 years, and served on ten different school boards of governors and sat on various community groups and organisations over the years. But I never, ever thought I would receive such an honour.”
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, said he was delighted by the news. “This honour is thoroughly deserved,” Bishop Andrew said. “Robert is a gifted pastor and a fine church leader who gives of himself unstintingly in his service of God and His people, and indeed of the wider community. We, in the diocese, are well aware of his willingness ‘to go the extra mile’ for people, although Robert rarely steps into the limelight. It is wonderful to see his service to the community recognised now by King Charles. I am delighted for Robert, as, I’m sure, his parishioners will be.”
Among other people from Northern Ireland recognised in this year’s list were Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who is to be made a Companion of Honour “for services to Astronomy and Physics and to Diversity”; road racing legend Michael Dunlop, who gets an MBE “for services to Motor Cycle racing”; and Coleraine centenarian Norman Irwin, awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) “for services to the community in Coleraine, County Londonderry”.
