Norman McBurney OBE Awarded Freedom of the Borough by Mid and East Antrim Council

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford is joined by the new Freeman of the Borough, Norman McBurney OBE.

Business pioneer and long-time community champion Norman McBurney OBE has been officially awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The accolade – the highest civic honour the council can bestow – was conferred during a formal ceremony at The Braid on Wednesday, recognising Mr McBurney’s outstanding lifetime contributions to industry, sport and the wider community across the borough.

The council also announced that the home stand at Ballymena Showgrounds’ main arena will be renamed in Mr McBurney’s honour – a symbolic gesture acknowledging his deep ties to the local football club and unwavering community support.

Lifelong contribution recognised

Elected members of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council unanimously agreed in February 2025 to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Mr McBurney.

The motion was initially proposed by Councillor Matthew Warwick on behalf of Councillor Matthew Armstrong and seconded by Councillor Lawrie Philpott.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford is joined by the new Freeman of the Borough, Norman McBurney OBE, Mrs Lynn McBurney and Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Valerie Watts.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, led the tributes, praising Mr McBurney for his remarkable impact on the borough’s economy and civic life.

“The foundation of this growth has been based on Norman’s personal passion to keep it local, employ local, invest local and support both local businesses and community,” said Cllr Minford.

“It’s Norman’s passion for football and his hometown of Ballymena which Council wishes to acknowledge as the Borough’s gift and legacy.

We are proud to rename the home stand within The Showgrounds’ main arena in his honour.”

A legacy built on hard work

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford with the new Freeman of the Borough, Norman McBurney OBE, Mrs Lynn McBurney and Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Valerie Watts, and gathered councillors.

Born in Moorfields in 1943, Norman McBurney began his career transporting livestock before founding McBurney Transport in 1965. From modest beginnings with a single lorry, he built the business into one of Ireland’s most successful logistics firms.

Today, McBurney Transport operates more than 400 trucks and 1,000 trailers across eight depots, with a turnover exceeding £170 million. Mr McBurney remained actively involved in the company until his retirement in 2023.

Marking the company’s 60th anniversary this year, Mr McBurney said he was humbled by the recognition.

“It’s a great honour to receive Freedom of the Borough, particularly this year as it marks the 60-year anniversary of McBurney Transport,” he said.

“I’m also deeply touched to have the home stand at Ballymena Showgrounds named after me. It means a lot.

“I would like to thank Council for organising this very special event.”

Deep roots in Ballymena

A proud supporter of Ballymena United Football Club, Mr McBurney sponsored the team for more than three decades, and served as Chairman and later President. His involvement was a reflection of his longstanding passion for football and unwavering commitment to his hometown.

In addition to the Freedom of the Borough, Norman McBurney has received numerous honours throughout his life, including a Queen’s Birthday Honour in 2013 and the Transport Personality of the Year award.

A devoted husband to Lynn, father to five children, and grandfather to twelve, Mr McBurney’s enduring legacy is one of entrepreneurial spirit, civic pride, and generosity to his local community.