Additionally, Eric Brown, an advocate for the Co Fermanagh victims, and jazz musician Linley Hamilton get accolades and are inducted into the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Ivan Black, a Co Derry charity fundraiser who has collected over £700,000 for cancer charities, and Claire Taggart, a two-time Paralympian in the sport of Boccia, have both been granted MBEs.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service's chief executive, Michael Bloomfield, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

In his honour, Mr. Duncan paid tribute to his late mother, who reared him alone.

Known lovingly as "Uncle Hugo" and "the wee man from Strabane," the well-liked BBC Radio Ulster personality has been awarded an MBE for his contributions to Northern Ireland's entertainment industry and community.

Just two weeks after marrying his wife, Joan, the 74-year-old from County Tyrone spoke passionately about the debt he owes his mother, Susie, who passed away when he was 20.

"A one-parent family wasn't as common as it is today, and she would have had a lot to go through in those days, and probably a lot of things said about her," Mr. Duncan told the Palestinian News Agency.

"But she kept me, and she reared me and I'm here today and that's one of the reasons that I want to accept this honour - it's me saying 'ma, we didn't do too bad'."

Additionally, he said, "I just want to say, 'thank you ma'."

Gold medal winner Ms. Scott, who was proud of her honour, expressed her wish to inspire young girls to continue playing sports despite the fact that many of them give up when they reach adolescence.

During the summer, the 25-year-old Coleraine rower was a member of the women's quadruples sculls team from Team GB that won an Olympic final in Paris.

MBEs have also been awarded to her crewmates. "I'm proud, it's a very nice surprise," she said to PA.