Joe Corrigan, legendary Manchester City goalkeeper, has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding contributions to charitable fundraising as part of the 2025 New Year Honours. Having played for City from 1967 to 1983, Corrigan is renowned for his impressive 603 appearances— only Alan Oakes has played for the club more times. Affectionately known as ‘Big Joe,’ he earned international recognition with England, featuring nine times between 1976 and 1982.
Since his retirement, Corrigan has remained deeply involved with Manchester City, serving as a goalkeeping coach for various clubs before taking on the role of ambassador for his beloved team. He currently chairs the Manchester City Former Players’ Association, which aims to unite former players and raise funds through events like End of Season Dinners and Golf Days. Fans continue to admire him for his contributions both on and off the field, regularly spotting him at matches at the Etihad Stadium.
The MBE award recognizes remarkable service to the community, and Corrigan exemplifies this through his lifelong dedication to the club and charitable efforts. "I was just doing my job,” he stated during a reflection on his career. “From the first day I can ever recall, I always wanted to be a goalkeeper, and I had some fantastic teachers.” His humility reflects the spirit of the award, celebrating those who inspire others.
Corrigan’s football career is one marked by notable achievements. He debuted for Manchester City at age 18 and quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the 1969/70 season. His first year was pivotal, as the team claimed the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Later, under the management of Tony Book, City would again capture the League Cup, with Corrigan earning accolades, including being named Man of the Match in the 1981 FA Cup final.
On the other side of the honours list, Sarah Ann Bucks from Ilminster has also been awarded an MBE for her pivotal role in advocating public rights of way. Her dedication to improving access to the countryside through her work with the South Somerset Bridleways Association and the British Horse Society spans over thirty years.
Bucks expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am pleased my work has been acknowledged.” She highlighted the mental and physical health benefits of accessible natural environments, which have become increasingly relevant as the government focuses on enhancing access to the countryside. “This award isn’t merely for me but pays tribute to the many volunteers working tirelessly to preserve our historic rights of way network,” she explained.
Her commitment to change is about securing thousands of miles of often-overlooked footpaths and bridleways, which provide important connections for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Many of these routes, remnants of our heritage, are not protected by law because they have yet to be recognized on official maps. Bucks is dedicated to preserving these routes, believing their loss would mean losing part of our historical legacy. “Losing these routes would be losing some of our heritage,” she added.
The collaborative efforts between various organizations, including The Ramblers and The British Horse Society, aim to document these routes to secure their future. She has praised the recent steps taken by highway authorities, including the South West National Highways team, for creating new bridleways during upgrades of major roads, noting their importance for non-motorized users.
These two honorees reflect the diversity of contributions celebrated by the New Year Honours, recognizing both sports achievements and community service. Whether through athletic prowess or community advocacy, individuals like Corrigan and Bucks remind the public of the impact one can have through dedication and service.
Both Joe Corrigan and Sarah Ann Bucks personify the spirit of the New Year Honours by demonstrating how personal dedication can lead to broader social benefits. Their stories inspire others to contribute to their communities, embodying the essence of service and commitment recognized through these prestigious awards.