‘Humbled and honoured’ to receive Queen’s recognition

THE UUP’s candidate for the West Tyrone constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections has said he was “humbled” to be recognised by the Queen in her New Year’s Honours.

Ian Marshall, a former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) who at one time was an independent member of the Irish Seanad, received an OBE for public and political service.

The Armagh-born farmer was controversially selected to stand for the UUP in West Tyrone several months ago, despite opposition from local members of the party.

Mr Marshall said he was “honoured and humbled” to receive the OBE. He said, “Our work to make NI a better place must be underpinned by our desire for long-lasting peace and reconciliation. We must use every opportunity to build on progress made to shape a future where all feel proud of who they are.”

The election hopeful has been congratulated by his party leader, Doug Beattie, who said, “I have got to know Ian well over the past year and he is a unionist who has a positive vision for the future for all the people of Northern Ireland. He is absolutely committed to building a society where everyone feels at home and content in who they are.”

Mr Beattie added, “He has reached out across the community and across these islands to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. This award recognises that work and is very well-deserved.”

The prominent farmer was just one of many people with links to Tyrone to receive recognition in the latest honours list.

Former Omagh police commander, Graham Dodds, who is also a senior officer with the local air cadets, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the community in the North.

Mr Dodds hit the headlines last year after he saved the life of young Fermanagh boy, Joshua Dolan, by giving him a kidney. At the time, the father-of-two said that deciding to donate his organ to Joshua was a “very simple decision”.

A police officer for 24 years, he is currently the PSNI’s head of road policing. His previous district postings in Ballygawley, Dungannon, Castlederg, Strabane, Enniskillen and Omagh.

Mr Dodds also commanded the Omagh and Fermanagh RAF Cadets between 2014 and 2021, before moving on to take on the role of media and communications officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland RAF Air Cadets.

He said, “I am humbled and delighted to receive this honour. It has been my privilege to serve Her Majesty and many communities in my police and RAF roles.

Mr Dodds added, “I have been particularly focused on improving cross-community and cross-border relations. This honour is shared with all those that have supported my efforts and generously given of their time to help me make our communities better.”

He will receive his MBE at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in the year.