Rower Hannah Scott has capped a memorable year by being made an MBE in the New Year Honours.

The Coleraine woman achieved a lifelong dream after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games this summer.

Scott was part of the Team GB quadruple sculls who became Olympic champions following their dramatic victory over the Netherlands after a photo finish.

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There were wild scenes of celebration in Paris and Coleraine once the result was confirmed and Scott was given a hero's welcome on her return to her hometown. Her achievements have been further recognised as she has now been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan has also been made an MBE. The 39-year-old has been recognised for her for services to football and the community in Northern Ireland.

Callaghan captained her country 52 times including the European Championship finals in 2022, in May of this year though he decided the time was right to hand the armband to someone else. She continues to play for both Northern Ireland and Cliftonville in the Women's Premiership.

Triple Paralympian Claire Taggart has also been recognised with an MBE for her services to sport. The Larne woman became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete at boccia in the Paralympics following her selection for the GB Paralympic Team for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

Chair of Sport NI, George Lucas, has also been made an MBE in the New Year Honours. Mr Lucas, who is also on the Board of UK Sport, is a keen sportsman and currently plays tennis for Ireland at Veterans level and has competed in 14 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Team Championships, held in a range of countries.

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