British Queen honours McIlroy & Clarke

Golfers Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke are among dozens of people from Northern Ireland on the British Queen's New Year Honours List.

Earlier this year, 22-year-old McIlroy became the youngest US Open golf champion for 88 years.

McIlroy said he was "delighted" to be named in the New Year Honours List for his service to sport.

"It is quite humbling to be included in such a list of worthy recipients", he said.

His Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) caps what was a spectacular year for the golfer - having recovered from a final round meltdown at the US Masters he went on to win the US Open two months later.

Also joining him on this year's list is fellow golfer Darren Clarke, who was awarded an OBE - Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

A total of 55 people from Northern Ireland were awarded honours.

The youngest was McIlroy, the oldest was 92-year-old Robina Parkes, who was awarded an MBE for community fund raising.

Four New Year Honours were awarded to those working for the police force.