Shirley McCay: MBE award 'very surreal' for Ireland hockey's record caps holder
- Published
Shirley McCay played 316 times for Ireland since making her debut in 2007
Ireland hockey's record caps holder Shirley McCay says she feels "very lucky" to be appointed a MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
McCay has been given the award for services to hockey and the community in Northern Ireland.
The 33-year-old was part of the Ireland side that reached the 2018 World Cup final, before helping them qualify for the Olympics for the first time.
"It feels very surreal - I'm very lucky and very honoured," said McCay.
The Drumquin native played 316 times for Ireland since her debut in 2007.
She was virtually ever-present, missing just 37 of Ireland's capped games in 14-and-a-half years.
McCay final match was Ireland's 2-0 defeat by Great Britain at the Tokyo Games in August and she is now a performance coach with Ulster Hockey.
Alongside her international exploits, the defender also enjoyed a lengthy club career with Randalstown, Ulster Elks, KHC Dragons in Belgium, Old Alexandra and Pegasus, where she was an EY Champions Trophy winner.
"This is a recognition that I never thought I would have got - it was completely unexpected and a really nice surprise," added McCay.
"I feel incredibly lucky to be able to give back to the sport which has given me so much."
Ronnie Smyth, a stalwart of Ulster and Annadale hockey, is appointed a BEM for his services to the sport.
Templepatrick Cricket Club's Andrew McCrea was recognised for his services to the sport and young people with a BEM, while James Morrison and Robert Nesbitt were also appointed BEMs for services to triathlon and football respectively.
Eilish Rutherford, chair of the Mary Peters Trust, has been appointed a MBE for services to sport and charity in Northern Ireland.