Politician puzzled over Healy's honours omission

A Stormont Assembly member today expressed shock that Northern Ireland international football player David Healy was omitted from the UK's New Year’s Honours List.

Northern Ireland supporters had campaigned for the Fulham striker to receive a New Year’s Honour after he set a new international football record for the most goals scored during a European Championship qualifying campaign.

David Healy’s 13-goal tally, which included strikes against Spain, Sweden and Denmark, broke Croatian striker Davor Suker’s record of 12 goals during the Euro 96 qualifying campaign.

The achievement earned him the praise not just of Suker but also the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year award and a pledge from the North’s Sports Minister Edwin Poots that he and his teammates would be honoured at a Stormont reception.

However, Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy was disappointed and puzzled the Killyleagh man was not included on the New Year’s Honours List.

“Many people in Northern Ireland, and not just football fans, will wonder why such a sporting hero and wonderful ambassador for our country has been overlooked in this Honours List,” the Newry and Armagh MLA said.

Mr Kennedy said he was especially puzzled by Healy’s omission due to the fact that England rugby player Jason Robinson and coach Brian Ashton were honoured, despite their sporting achievements having occurred after the June deadline in the Rugby World Cup.

“I very much hope that this oversight and injustice will be rectified by the authorities at the earliest possible time,” the UUP deputy leader continued.

“Both Uefa and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure are planning to honour David for his goalscoring achievements, but I would like to see a a national honour bestowed on him too.”