Hugo Duncan Among Recipients in New Year Honours

Hugo Duncan, a beloved BBC Radio Ulster presenter, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for his contributions to entertainment and the community in Northern Ireland. He dedicated this honour to his late mother, Susie, who raised him as a single parent, expressing gratitude for her sacrifices. Alongside Duncan, Olympic gold medalist Hannah Scott and former football captain Marissa Callaghan also received MBEs, while Michael Bloomfield, head of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, was named an OBE. Additional honorees include charity fundraiser Ivan Black and Paralympian Claire Taggart, both awarded MBEs. Duncan emphasized that his acceptance of the MBE was a personal tribute rather than a political statement, reflecting on the challenges faced by his mother. The list highlights the achievements of over 70 individuals from Northern Ireland recognized for their diverse contributions to society.