Jimmy McIlroy MBE - A Special Day

06 August 2011 11:16
This afternoon I'll be witnessing something I never, ever thought I would, the awarding of an MBE, or to give it its full name 'Member of the Order of the British Empire'. Somehow I can't see me ever receiving anything like this and neither do I suspect I'll ever get invited to the palace to see anyone else receive one, but today, in the unlikely surroundings of Burnley Football Club's Turf Moor I'll be witnessing just that as former Claret Jimmy McIlroy receives his from Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire. Jimmy was awarded his MBE in the last New Year's Honours List and has opted for this unique ceremony rather than travelling to Buckingham Palace where he would have been limited on the number of guests he could take. Today's ceremony means both his son and daughter can be present along with his grandchildren and, of course, his wider family who are the supporters of Burnley Football Club. I'm not sure it is unique in football but I can't recall any other ground hosting such a ceremony and I'm certain the Burnley fans will be in the ground early to ensure they don't miss this wonderful occasion. The ceremony, I'm told will take approximately eight minutes and the timetable is as follows: 2.45pm: Mr Jimmy McIlroy, Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mr Peter Robinson OBE, Deputy Lieutenant, and Burnley FC Chairman Mr Kilby make their way to centre circle. Opening remarks by Lord Shuttleworth. 2.47: Citation for Mr James McIlroy MBE read by Mr Robinson.       Lord Shuttleworth presents Award to Mr McIlroy and makes closing remarks. 2.50pm: Mr James McIlroy MBE to make short speech. It's a special day for Jimmy and for our club and again, on behalf of everyone involved with Clarets Mad, I'd like to send him our sincere congratulations on this latest award.

Source: FOOTYMAD