DIGEST

Queen’s birthday Honours
Stanley, along with Sir Donald Murray
and Dean Sammy Crooks, was instrumental
in the launch of the first Black
Santa charity sit-out.
Stanley McIlroy MBE and his wife Noleen.
Congratulations to Cathedral parishioners
Stanley McIlroy and Thomas Hogg,
and to Past Chorister Brian Hunter who
have been made MBEs in the Queen’s
Birthday Honours.
Stanley, 92, a tireless fundraiser for
Cancer Research UK, receives his
Honour for charitable services. He said
he was delighted to accept the MBE on
behalf of his wife Noreen and everyone
who has supported his fundraising
activities over more than half a century.
“If Noreen and the people of east Belfast
had not been behind me I would never
have raised all the money,” Stanley said.
He and Noreen have
raised more than £1
million for charities, with
the lion’s share going to
Cancer Research.
They were married in
St Anne’s Cathedral on
Easter Monday, April
22 1957. Stanley was
a Board member for 33
years, and Noreen’s
father was one of the
sergeants who carried
Lord Carson’s body into
the Cathedral for burial.
He says he has no intention of easing up
on the fundraising as it keeps his brain
active. “Eight years ago I took a heart
attack. I now have a pacemaker and
stents. Through research I am alive
today. I can’t just sit and do nothing,” he
said.
Past Chorister
Brian Hunter,
right, was director
of Canticle, a
group which became
well known
for its television appearances. In the
1990s Brian formed a new singing group
Pavanne, and in 1995 became Director
of chamber choir Rennaissance.
Brian is currently Director of Music at St
Molua’s Parish Church, Stormont, having
previously held posts at Bangor Abbey
and Holywood Parish, and sings with the
Priory Singers, Melisma and Musicus
Amicos. He receives his
MBE for services to music
in Northern Ireland.
Thomas Hogg, left,
has been a member
of Antrim and Newtownabbey
Council
since May 2011 and has
just stepped down as
Mayor. He serves in the
Army Reserve with The
Royal Irish Regiment.
His award is for services
to local government in
Antrim.
4
Cathedral Digest