Latest News | Belfast News Letter

Tue, 28th May 2024

Education Minister Paul Given pictured with pupils from Bangor Central Integrated Primary School. The school is to benefit from a £10 million new build.Photo: Press Eye - Belfast - Darren Kidd

Education minister gives green light to 15 school construction projects
Fifteen school building projects across Northern Ireland have been given the green light to proceed to construction.

Five Things To Read

  • 1The two Rangers imminent signings, ten exiting players and four in no-man's land
  • 2Spending cuts in healthcare service will still leave a deficit: Swann
  • 3Heartbroken father opens up on past experiences on World Blood Cancer Day
  • 4Funeral service for young stock car champion Jack Morrow held in Co Down
  • 5Robin Swann to step down as health minister ahead of Westminster election
    • BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - Palestinian solidarity murals on the International Wall on the Falls Road, March 18, 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As of May 28, the Irish government has formally recognised the State of Palestine

    FULL TEXT: Irish government statement saying it recognises Palestine

    Oran Kearney (left) is set to stand down as Coleraine manager to become Director of Football, whilst Dean Shiels will become first-team manager at The Showgrounds

    Oran Kearney set to stand down as Coleraine manager with replacement lined-up

    An image from the Dublin pro-Israel demo, as circulated by Ireland Israel Alliance (like the video appended to this story)

    Irish chief rabbi draws cheers saying 'we support Israel defending itself'

    .The 24-year-old is a dedicated renal nurse at Belfast City Hospital.

    Here are even more photographs of the New Miss Northern Ireland 2024

    Feature Video: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denies Tory government's legacy is Northern Ireland's detachment from UK

    Rishi Sunak on the election trail in Belfast

    View more

    Puzzles

    Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

    SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

    WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

    Cost Of Living

    The owners of a quaint café in Coleraine, which is set to close next week, have urged the community to ‘make these final days memorable’. Babs Roeshaw, owner of Blackheath Pottery, highlighted the bright future ahead for the pottery business (Credit: facebook)

    Owners urge community to make final days of beloved NI café 'memorable’

    The owners of the much-loved Blackheath Pottery Café in Blackhill, Coleraine announced the eatery will be closing its doors for the final time on Friday, May 31

    Quaint NI café reveals plans to close due to 'unsustainable' running costs

    In rural communities across Northern Ireland, a pressing issue lurks beneath the serene façade of farmlands: a shortage of hands to tend to the crops

    Urgent call for young people in NI to get involved in farming during holidays

    Chairman of the largest independently owned catering, cleaning, events and support services company in Northern Ireland has revealed that the business almost went under during the Covid-19 pandemic. However Trevor Annon (pictured), who founded Mount Charles in 1988, also told how the company fought its way out of crisis following the darkest days during which they were forced to lay off some 500 staff

    NI boss: ‘Covid nearly killed our business but, somehow, we came back stronger’

    Opinion

    Letters to editor

    Letter: Two-state solution is nonsensical, only a one-state solution will work

    A letter from Dennis Golden:Letters
    Letters to editor

    Letter: Widdecombe speech made clear that TUV isn't preserve of any religion

    Morning View

    Editorial: ​There are other reasons for the NHS crisis in Northern Ireland

    Letter: Instead of stability, hardline unionists in 1974 stupidly chose protests

    Letters

    The 1974 Ulster Workers Council Strike

    My memory of living in Belfast during the 1974 loyalist workers’ strike

    Gavin Robinson told the BBC last month that the deal removed the Irish Sea border for UK goods. He now says the new government will have much more to do about the barrier yet the DUP had said it had removed key difficulties

    Owen Polley: Election to be held before Tory deal with DUP is fully delivered

    Morning View

    Editorial: National service for the young is good idea but it has come too late

    Sport

    Tuesday's practice sessions at the Isle of Man TT were called off due to deteriorating weather

    Second night of TT practice called off due to declining weather conditions

    Promoter Frank Warren. (Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

    Northern Ireland event by Frank Warren with 'Belfast Brawl' confirmation

    Adam McLean is set to ride a Yamaha Supertwin for Flitwick Motorcycles at the Isle of Man TT

    Adam McLean in TT return for first time since 2018

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

    Fermanagh's Kieran McKenna set to sign Ipswich deal despite Premier League links

    Northern Ireland's Declan Brennan. (Photo by Ultimate Pool Group)

    Northern Ireland's Declan Brennan in Champions League pool joy

    Michael Dunlop was fastest in Superbike qualifying on the Hawk Racing Honda as the 2024 Isle of Man TT got underway

    Michael Dunlop leads early Superbike times at TT 2024

    Gareth Steenson. (Photo by City of Armagh Rugby Club)

    Gareth Steenson returns home for City of Armagh coaching role

    Irish League Football

    Enniskillen Rangers celebrate success by 2-0 in the fonaCAB Craig Stanfield Junior Cup final against Cleary Celtic at Dungannon's Stangmore Park. (Photo by Irish FA)

    Enniskillen Rangers defeat Cleary Celtic in Irish Junior Cup final

    Commitment from both sets of players in the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership clash between Linfield Women and Lisburn Rangers Ladies at Midgley Park, Belfast. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

    Lisburn Rangers sitting top as Glentoran Women net double-figure victory

    Irish League referee

    Irish FA 'working behind the scenes' to resolve referee registration issue

    Loughgall have announced the signing of goalkeeper Nathan Gartside after his release from Cliftonville

    Dean Smith delighted with Loughgall's transfer business after three new arrivals

    Peter McCann in Boxing Day action against Glentoran's Big Two rivals Linfield in 2006. PIC: Press Eye/Andrew Paton

    Premiership winner on cusp of another crack at the Irish League aged 42

    Eating Out

    Historic Northern Ireland school has ‘cooked up’ a surprising sponsorship link with a fourth generation family butchers. Pictured are Mrs Emma Beverland (Rainey Endowed Home Economics teacher), Mr Mark McCullough (Rainey Endowed Principal) and Mr Paul Gibson (McKee's managing director)

    Historic Northern Ireland school strikes up community links with family butchers

    Brett Martin Marlon CST Heatguard sheet produced 70% reduction in predicted loss of milk yield caused by heat stress in the cows. Pictured is leading UK specialist in the effects of heat stress on cattle, Dr Tom Chamberlain, head of strategic development at Brett Martin, Robin Black and chairperson of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Rebecca McConnell

    NI plastic fabrication firm offers future proofed roofing for dairy farmers

    Crime

    A boy stands on a balcony with a view of billowing smoke due to renewed Israeli strikes in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip on May 28, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

    DUP MP writes to Irish government over its 'premature' recognition of Palestine

    Troubles victims have reacted with extreme scepticism to Irish Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin, after he said that all Irish files relating to the Troubles should be opened up to public inquiries. Photo: PA/Brian Lawless

    Terror victims dismiss Micheal Martin over files pledge

    ​A bail hearing for Sean Norris will be heard on Thursday

    Collie puppy that was driven over by its owner ‘found alive and seemingly well’

    An unhappy woman

    Appeal to locate woman seen with two men only wearing her underwear

    Police are appealing for information following criminal damage to a number of buildings in the Cookstown area

    Police investigating racially-motivated hate crime in Cookstown

    Court report

    Belfast man accused of smashing ornaments over his father's head

    Your World

    Exams not gone to plan? - Animal News Agency

    Belfast students could get dream animal care job a different way

    Comber Chamber of Commerce members recognised at the inaugural Funeral Awards Northern Ireland.

    Comber businesses recognised at inaugural Funeral Awards NI

    RAF Sergeant Terence McCorry

    New archive unveils rare WWII tales and artefacts from Belfast

    Retro

    Donal McAnallen, Frank Ferguson, Kathryn Thomson and William Blair at the launch of the Ulster-Scots trail at the Ulster Folk Museum

    New Ulster-Scots trail at Ulster Folk Museum
    An educational trail – Rhymin Rab’s Ramble – has been introduced at Ulster Folk Museum. The trail is part of National Museums NI’s ‘Languages of Ulster’ programme which aims to expand visitors’ ability to explore the rich heritage and diverse traditions associated with all languages and dialects of Ulster.
    Helen McGurk

    In this video we see the tractors leaving the square for their tractor run during the Ballyeaston Vintage Tractor Club gathering at Ballyclare Square. Picture: Darryl Armitage

    Watch: Tractors leaving Ballyclare Square for their tractor run

    John Ryan takes his horse for a walk during the traditional Ballyclare May Festival and Horse Fair in May 2006. Picture: News Letter archives/Gavan Caldwell

    Bygone Days: Ulster farmers ‘apprehensive’ about proposals in milk bill (1934)

    In this video we see Myles Williams and David Lyle, both members of the Ballyeaston Vintage Tractor Club showing how to cut wood using one of the old tractors. Picture: Darryl Armitage

    Myles Williams and David Lyle cutting wood during the gathering at Ballyclare

    The Southfork Ranch, made famous by the TV series Dallas

    House envy: The Ewings Southfork Ranch

    Homes & Gardens

    "Northways", 138 Warren Road,Donaghadee, BT21 0PQ

    This is a rare opportunity to buy one of North Down’s most iconic homes
    This is a rare opportunity to buy one of North Down’s most desirable and iconic homes, according to Propertypal.From both ground and first floor levels stunning views of Donaghadee Sound, Copeland Islands, Irish Sea and beyond can be enjoyed making this one of the coast's most prestigious locations and addresses.
    Gemma Murray

    Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes has announced the commencement of construction on its newest housing development, Rockview Lane, located at 55 North Road, Carrickfergus

    NI construction firm starts £1.9m residential development, creating jobs

    Belfast's New Leaf Compost named official compost provider for Ireland’s largest gardening and horticulture festival, Bord Bia Bloom. Pictured is New Leaf Compost business development director Stephen Mackle with Bord Bia Bloom’s Garret Buckley, ahead of the event set to draw over 100,000 visitors to Dublin’s iconic Phoenix Park later this month

    NI firm named compost provider of one of largest local gardening festivals

    ‘Clonaslee’ was built in 1901 by architect Henry Hobart and has been home for four generations of the Ferguson family in Banbridge.

    Magnificent Victorian-style villa looking for a new family

    'Avalon', 53 Station Road,Saintfield, BT24 7DZ

    This Northern Ireland property is minutes from Belfast with room for four ponies

    Lifestyle

    Hotel management partner Focus Hotels has announced that it has taken over the operation of the Holiday Inn Express in Londonderry

    Hotel management group takes over operation of NI city centre Holiday Inn

    The winners of the 2024 NIHF Receptionist Awards have been revealed. Pictured are Sarah Box from Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor, winner of the ‘Receptionist of the Year’ award, Robyn McGarrigle from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Londonderry, winner of the ‘Reception Team of the Year’ category and Austeja Ramutyte from Crowne Plaza Belfast, winner of the ‘Most Promising Receptionist’ category with compere Pamela Ballantine

    The competition to find the best receptionists in NI reveals the winners

    Northern Ireland distribution firm GM Marketing is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisburn man Brian Magennis as the new commercial director

    Lisburn man appointed new director of Northern Ireland distribution firm

    What's the best pub in Belfast in your opinion? Credit: Stuart Monk - stock.adobe.com

    The results are in...what's the best pub in Belfast revealed

    People

    D-Day landings veteran George Horner with a beacon lit to symbolise the 'passing of the torch’ to a new generation. Photo: Michael Cooper

    D-Day veteran passes commemorative torch to pupils to mark 80th anniversary
    A D-Day veteran from Northern Ireland passed a torch of commemoration to primary school pupils at an event at Stormont ahead of the 80th anniversary of the landings.
    David Young

    657 Seacoast Road,Downhill, Limavady, BT49 0LH

    This will cost you just £99,950 and is just 300 yards from Downhill beach

    A traffic jam

    £450,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on Creighton Road to start May 31

    Business

    Rachel Gleeson, founder of The Esme Edit pictured at Carrickfergus Marina wearing the brand's Florence co-ord. Photo: Rachel Gleeson

    The Esme Edit to hold pop-up in Carrickfergus

    A commercial development opportunity at Ballee Road East in Ballymena, with full planning permission for a petrol filling station, drive-thru restaurant, EV Fast Charging and an internet café, has been brought to the market for £1.25 million

    High-profile NI commercial development on the market for £1.25million

    Proposed location for the storage and distribution facility. Pic supplied by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

    Application for a fireworks storage and distribution facility deferred

    Local tyre dealer and automotive maintenance centre, Lurgan Tyres has enhanced its service to its local community as part of the Point S network. The service operates in 11 A One Tyres centres across Northern Ireland

    Northern Ireland tyre dealer enhances service with global Point S network

    Recommended

    Families enjoying 'Summer of Play' activities at National Trust's Attingham Park, Shropshire. Picture: National Trust Images/James Dobson

    For affordable days out National Trust membership is our saviour

    Heading to Mallorca this summer? You need to visit this dreamy beachfront beach club that, to me, was a paradise haven. (Photo: Isabella Boneham/NationalWorld)

    The dreamy beachfront beach club you need to visit this summer

    This luxury five-star London hotel in Kensington was divine - and perfect for visiting the most popular attractions including the Victoria and Albert Museum. (Photo: Isabella Boneham)

    Luxury London hotel with access to the best cultural sights

    I went to the summer opening of racy cabaret club Lío Mallorca in the heart of Palma and it was a night I won’t forget. (Photo: Lio Opening @Neoist.eu)

    Racy cabaret club opens in Spanish hotspot - a night I won't forget

    UK Trending

    Boy, 5, rides scooter hours after being fitted with bionic arm.

    Watch: Boy, 5, rides scooter hours after being fitted with bionic arm

    The 'Godfather of Punk', Iggy Pop discusses his new pleasures in life

    The 'Godfather of Punk', Iggy Pop discusses his new pleasures in life

    Schoolgirl ate only Yorkshire puddings for dinner for 7 years.

    Watch: Schoolgirl ate only Yorkshire puddings for dinner for 7 years

    Couples urged to take 'compatibility test' before buying property

    Couples urged to take 'compatibility test' before buying property

    Plane’s engine catches fire as black smoke billows from wing.

    Watch: Plane’s engine catches fire as black smoke billows from wing

    Tom McMeakin and his view from a paraglider of the Pyramid stage at the Glastonbury Festival site.

    Watch: Aerial footage shows Glastonbury Festival site

    Must Read

    Since 2000, the bishops of Clogher have come together, along with members of their parish communities, for Pentecost

    Service at Lough Derg to mark Pentecost Sunday

    Ad Feature Speedo teams up with Dacre Montgomery for new campaign

    Garret Kavanagh, Director at Openreach in Northern Ireland and Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber)

    Ad Feature Openreach investment offers 97% of NI properties Ultrafast Full Fibre

    Ad Feature Vrbo announces the UK holiday homes of 2024