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A NEWTOWNARDS man and a Killinchy woman have both been included in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.
A BEM has been awarded to John (Jack) McMurray, the building supervisor at Donaghadee Primary School for his services to education and the community of the seaside town.
Jack who has been in the role for almost 12 years, retired on New Year’s Eve and says he will ‘miss it terribly’, but is honoured to receive this recognition.
“I really loved it – I had a good rapport with the children, school and the parents,” he said.
“At the end of the day I did everything I could for the kids and just felt I was doing my job; I didn’t think I was doing anything outstanding.”
Jack explained he did things because he enjoyed doing things. “I did anything I was able to do for the benefit of the children, such as making things for them, and fixing things,” he said.
“I would do anything at all for the school.”
Jack played an important backstage role in productions of school plays, providing the sound system and making props.
He was also involved with the school reaching out to the community and organised the school choir to visit Edgewater Care Home in the town to sing for the residents at Christmas.
Jack was also approached by Dee Bloomers, creating a planter for them in the form of Donaghadee Moat which sits in front of the town’s sailing club.
Jack, who lives in Newtownards, enjoyed his time working in Donaghadee, adding he will miss it terribly but promised he will be going back.
“They already have me going back for the P7 play, sports day and other things,” he added.
Similarly, a Killinchy woman, Annette Beaney, has been awarded an MBE for a lifetime of charitable service.
The honour recognises not just one act of service but a lifetime of them. Through her work with disability support, youth leadership, hospice care, senior citizens and Killinchy parish church she has made a lasting difference to countless lives.
One of Annette’s longest commitments was to Brentfield Riding for the Disabled (RDA), where she volunteered from 1975 to 2018 helping to provide therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. During 18 of those years she was co-ordinator of volunteers.
Annette served as a leader with the Killinchy Guides (1984–99) and Killinchy Brownies (1984–2001) helping shape the confidence and character of young girls in the area.
From 1990 to 2020, Annette volunteered weekly at the Beaconsfield Marie Curie Hospice in
Belfast, giving 30 years of service. Alongside patient support, she helped organise events and fundraising efforts, building long-term support for the hospice’s work.
Since 1992, she has also volunteered at the Killinchy Senior Citizens Club, and for many
years has regularly visited residents in local nursing homes – particularly those without family — providing companionship, comfort, and continuity.
Annette has contributed to Killinchy Parish Church for more than 50 years, beginning in
1973. Her roles have included 21 years as a Sunday School teacher (1975–96), church
warden, a member of the select vestry and helper in the youth club.
She said she feels ‘very honoured’ to receive the award for her service.
“I like to help my fellow man and the organisations and people I have been involved
with have always been very appreciative of what I do for them,” Annette said. “There are so many other people deserving of it but I am very pleased to accept it.”
