Menu
29/03/2007
U2 star awarded honorary knighthood
Irish rock star Bono has today accepted an honorary knighthood from the Queen at a ceremony in Dublin.
The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
“By the way, you can call me pretty much anything you want except sir,” jokingly adding: “You can call me lord of lords or a demi-god.”
The British Prime Minister referred to Bono – real name Paul Hewson – as an inspiration in the fight against global poverty.
“I’ll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2s music – all I’ll say is that along with millions of others right across the world, I’m a huge fan,” Mr Blair wrote in a letter that was read out to the small gathering.
Bono accepted the award saying: “It has been a great year for this award to happen in and it does feel like this country and Great Britain are closer than they have ever been.”
He revealed he was planning a much quieter affair, however he said the recent developments in the Northern Ireland changed his mind.
“I wasn’t even going to have a bit of a do, I was going to slip it in, keep it very, very quiet,” he said.
“But when I saw Big Ian sitting down there with Gerry Adams I just thought this is the end of an era but the beginning of a much better one.”
(JM/SP)
The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
“By the way, you can call me pretty much anything you want except sir,” jokingly adding: “You can call me lord of lords or a demi-god.”
The British Prime Minister referred to Bono – real name Paul Hewson – as an inspiration in the fight against global poverty.
“I’ll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2s music – all I’ll say is that along with millions of others right across the world, I’m a huge fan,” Mr Blair wrote in a letter that was read out to the small gathering.
Bono accepted the award saying: “It has been a great year for this award to happen in and it does feel like this country and Great Britain are closer than they have ever been.”
He revealed he was planning a much quieter affair, however he said the recent developments in the Northern Ireland changed his mind.
“I wasn’t even going to have a bit of a do, I was going to slip it in, keep it very, very quiet,” he said.
“But when I saw Big Ian sitting down there with Gerry Adams I just thought this is the end of an era but the beginning of a much better one.”
(JM/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2011
NI Engineering Firm In Administration
A major civil engineering firm has gone into administration but it is hoped that the company will survive. According to a report by BBC, PT McWilliams, a civil engineering firm based in County Tyrone, are trying to reach an agreement with creditors.
NI Engineering Firm In Administration
A major civil engineering firm has gone into administration but it is hoped that the company will survive. According to a report by BBC, PT McWilliams, a civil engineering firm based in County Tyrone, are trying to reach an agreement with creditors.
03 January 2013
McGuinness Awarded British Title
Martin McGuinness has been awarded a British aristocratic title following his resignation as a Westminster MP. The deputy First Minister and former IRA member was awarded the title of Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead according to British parliamentary protocol.
McGuinness Awarded British Title
Martin McGuinness has been awarded a British aristocratic title following his resignation as a Westminster MP. The deputy First Minister and former IRA member was awarded the title of Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead according to British parliamentary protocol.
08 March 2010
Legion Remembers Murdered Sappers
Members of the Royal British Legion, flanked by standard bearers, have laid poppy wreaths at the gates of a NI army base where two soldiers lost their lives exactly a year ago. The solemn memorial service was held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans.
Legion Remembers Murdered Sappers
Members of the Royal British Legion, flanked by standard bearers, have laid poppy wreaths at the gates of a NI army base where two soldiers lost their lives exactly a year ago. The solemn memorial service was held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans.
25 August 2009
Sunscreen And Sunbeds Targeted
Possible harm done by both sunbeds and sunscreens are in focus this week. In the same week that a Dáil Minister indicated she would ban sunbeds altogether if regulations permit, academics north of the border are investigating the possibility that the use of sunscreen - to protect from cancer - may induce Alzheimer's.
Sunscreen And Sunbeds Targeted
Possible harm done by both sunbeds and sunscreens are in focus this week. In the same week that a Dáil Minister indicated she would ban sunbeds altogether if regulations permit, academics north of the border are investigating the possibility that the use of sunscreen - to protect from cancer - may induce Alzheimer's.
25 October 2001
NIE receive top business award
Northern Ireland Electricity has received a top business award from the British Quality Foundation. At the award ceremony attended by many of the UK’s top business leaders, winners were presented with their 2001 UK Business Excellence Award by Princess Anne.
NIE receive top business award
Northern Ireland Electricity has received a top business award from the British Quality Foundation. At the award ceremony attended by many of the UK’s top business leaders, winners were presented with their 2001 UK Business Excellence Award by Princess Anne.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
