Norman McBurney OBE awarded Freedom of the Borough for services to industry and community

Mr & Mrs Norman McBurney with Cllr Armstrong and Cllr Philpott, Proposer and Seconder of the Freedom of the Borough Motion

Norman McBurney OBE, a prominent figure in Northern Ireland’s business and sporting circles, has been formally awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Mid and East Antrim, following a special ceremony held at The Braid civic centre.

The prestigious honour was conferred in recognition of Mr McBurney’s outstanding contributions to the logistics industry, community initiatives, and decades of unwavering support for Ballymena United Football Club.

Honouring a lifetime of service

The motion to grant Mr McBurney the Freedom of the Borough was first tabled at the Council’s February 2025 meeting. It was proposed by Councillor Matthew Warwick on behalf of Councillor Matthew Armstrong, and seconded by Councillor Lawrie Philpott.

Norman McBurney OBE, new Freeman of the Borough, signing the Book of Burgess

Freedom of the Borough Scroll and Book of Burgess

Speaking at Wednesday’s ceremony, Councillor Matthew Armstrong said:

“Norman has created a business that has stood the test of time and involved himself in the very fabric of our community life, supporting the community, church and charities and of course, sport.

“Norman was proud to support Ballymena United for over 30 years, still playing an active role in the club to this day.

“Renaming the main stand in Ballymena Showgrounds is a fitting tribute to Norman’s legacy throughout both the business and local community.”

Mayor, Cllr Jackson Minford, Mayoress Mrs Allison Minford welcome Mr Norman and Mrs Lynn McBurney

Celebrating local investment and commitment

Councillor Lawrie Philpott echoed the tributes, stating:

“This Freedom of the Borough award recognises Norman’s commitment to employing local and supporting local businesses.

“The company values its staff and as a result has developed a loyal and dedicated workforce, many of which have stayed with the organisation for well over 20 and 30 years.

“Proud of his Ballymena roots, Norman has always kept the hub of his operations in Moorfields as the organisation has grown, working with many blue chip companies across the whole of the UK.”

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that a council can bestow, traditionally symbolised by the right to drive livestock through the town. Today, it recognises those who have made a lasting impact on civic life.

A legacy rooted in Ballymena

Norman and Lynn McBurney with their five children

Norman and Lynn McBurney with their grandchildren and great granddaughter

Norman and Lynn McBurney joined by all their family for the Freedom of the Borough Ceremony

Born in Moorfields in 1943, Norman McBurney began his entrepreneurial journey by transporting livestock. In 1965, he founded McBurney Transport, which has since grown into one of Ireland’s largest logistics operations.

With more than 400 lorries, 1,000 trailers, eight depots, and an annual turnover exceeding £170 million, McBurney Transport has remained deeply rooted in the Ballymena area. Norman McBurney only retired from the business in 2023.

His leadership extended far beyond logistics. For more than 30 years, he served as a devoted sponsor, Chairman, and later President of Ballymena United FC. His commitment to local sport and business has earned admiration across the region.

Mayor, Cllr Jackson Minford with Mr Norman McBurney OBE Freeman of the Borough

Mr McBurney described the honour as deeply meaningful, particularly in a landmark year for his company:

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

“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.”

Mayor, Cllr Minford with Mr Norman McBurney OBE joined by wife Lynn McBurney, Cllr Armstrong, Cllr Philpott & Interim Chief Executive, Valerie Watts

Mayor, Cllr Jackson Minford, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Tyler Hoey, Norman and Lynn McBurney and children accompanied by the Sword and Mace Bearers