It has been announced this morning that Paul Moran, Managing Director of Mediaworks, has been awarded an OBE for services to the advertising industry in Ireland.

The OBE – the Order of the British Empire (as opposed to Old Bald Eejit) – is awarded to people who have excelled in a particular field and is granted by the Queen of England. Apart from launching and leading Mediaworks since the mid 1990s, Paul has worked tirelessly in promoting the wider media industry in Ireland, through his work on various representative bodies, contributions to media outlets on industry issues as well as holding various lecturing posts.

Mr. Moran, who has worked in the industry for 30 years is delighted to have received this highly regarded accolade.

"Naturally I am delighted to have been awarded this prestigious tribute. It is the highest possible honour which I could have been bestowed with."

"This is truly a great honour and the proudest moment of my professional life. It is remarkable that the Queen has seen fit to bestow me with this award. I am truly touched," he adds.

"I am very lucky to be honoured for doing something which has given me the greatest pleasure. I very much look forward to meeting Her Majesty in person later in the year at Buckingham Palace to receive my OBE and maybe get her out for a few scoops afterwards. But I would like to dedicate this award to my family who have been a rock of support for me," he says.

Royal observers expressed their surprise with the announcement with one royal watcher, who is close to the Queen, admitting that OBE should have come several years ago.

“Paul really should have got the award back in 2011 when Queen Elizabeth visited Dublin. I think many people were surprised when he was passed over. However, this makes up for it and it’s well deserved,” says the source.