Keighley chairman awarded MBE

James Gordon
Mick O'Neill Keighley Cougars chairman

Photo: keighleycougars.uk

Keighley chairman Mick O’Neill has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

O’Neill was one of the originators of the Cougarmania era, along with Mike Smith, back in the 1990s, and returned in 2018 to save the club from extinction.

He has been awarded an MBE for his services to the sport of rugby league, the community in Keighley and to charity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A club statement said: “On behalf of us all here at the Keighley Cougars, we’d like to both thank Mick for his service to both the club and the town and offer our congratulations on this well-deserved honour.”

On the day that he was inducted to the Leeds Rhinos hall of fame, Rob Burrow also received an MBE in recognition of his services to the sport, but also how he has raised awareness of MND.

Meanwhile, former RFL chairman Brian Barwick – now chairman of the National League (football) – was awarded an OBE for services to sport and broadcasting.