",{"_163":10738,"_165":10739},"All departments said they work to ensure all expenditure follows guidance and represents value for money.",[],{"_163":10741,"_165":10742},"Figures obtained by the TUV’s Timothy Gaston via a series of Assembly questions reveal the scale of this spending among the various Stormont departments, with the total between 2021 to 2025 coming out at £28,421.",[],"159450225",{"_163":10745,"_165":10746},"External experts are often brought in by public-facing bodies, political parties and private entities to train staff on how to be media-savvy.",[],{"_163":10748,"_165":10749},"Media training involves preparing staff to communicate effectively with journalists and news outlets, and ensuring they don’t say the “wrong” thing and fail to toe the relevant minister’s line.",[],{"_163":10751,"_165":10752},"Stormont departments have forked out almost £30,000 on “media training” for staff in recent years, it can be revealed, with the biggest spenders being those often attracting the most criticism. ",[],"Image: Belfast Telegraph graphics",{"_81":10755,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":10756,"_213":10753,"_223":10757,"_106":10758,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":10759,"_218":88,"_232":10758,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3uhqr6-stormont-departments.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/stormont_departments.jpg",[10760],"stormont_departments.jpg","160107846","All Stormont departments have paid external experts to media train staff. © PA RadarImage: Belfast Telegraph graphics",{"_235":7739,"_237":7740,"_239":7739,"_240":7741},{"_163":10612,"_165":10762},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":8251,"_237":8252,"_240":8253},{"_81":10769,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":10770,"_213":10753,"_223":10757,"_106":10758,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":10759,"_218":88,"_232":10758,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3uhqr6-stormont-departments.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/stormont_departments.jpg",[10771],{"_235":7739,"_237":7740,"_239":7739,"_240":7741},{"_250":10796,"_106":10797,"_275":10798,"_276":280},{"_250":10793,"_106":10794,"_275":10795,"_276":280},{"_250":10790,"_106":10791,"_275":10792,"_276":280},{"_250":10787,"_106":10788,"_275":10789,"_276":280},{"_250":10433,"_106":10434,"_275":10435,"_276":280},{"_250":1678,"_106":1679,"_275":1680,"_276":280},{"_250":10784,"_106":10785,"_275":10786,"_276":280},{"_250":8010,"_106":8011,"_275":8012,"_276":280},{"_250":10782,"_106":10783,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":7761,"_106":7762,"_275":7763,"_276":280},"Timothy Gaston","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:timothy-gaston","Department for Infrastructure","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:department-for-infrastructure","Department for Infrastructure – Responsibility for all aspects of infrastructure in Northern Ireland","Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs - (DAERA)","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:department-of-agriculture-environment-rural-affairs-daera","Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs - (DAERA) has responsibility for food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland.","Department for the Economy","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:department-for-the-economy","Responsibility for all aspects of economic policy in Northern Ireland","Department of Justice","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:department-of-justice","Department of Justice – The Department is responsible for the resourcing, legislative and policy framework of the justice system.","Department of Finance (DoF)","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:department-of-finance","Department of Finance - DoF helps the Northern Ireland Executive secure the most appropriate and effective use of resources and services.",195287022,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/heather-humphreys-still-bruised-over-questions-about-orange-order-during-irish-presidential-campaign/a/160084936.html",[10940,10941],"Heather Humphreys ‘still bruised’ over questions about Orange Order during Irish presidential campaign",{"_264":10936,"_266":10927,"_267":10804},[10935],[10931,10932,10933,10934],"160084936",{},[],"2026-08-16T11:00:00Z","2026-08-16T11:04:49Z",[10817,10818,10819,10820,10821,10822,10823,10824,10825,10826,10827,10828,10829,10830,10831,10832,10833,10834,10835,10836,10837,10838,10839,10840,10841],{"_140":10,"_141":10816,"_143":10},"Reporter","691bdea5-9955-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":10929,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":10926,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":8785,"_213":10917,"_215":10918,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":10914,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":10911,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":10908,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":10905,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":10902,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":10899,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":10896,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":10893,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":167,"_586":10884,"_588":10885,"_590":-5,"_592":10886,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":10881,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":10878,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":10875,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":10872,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":10869,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":10863,"_215":10864,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":10860,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":10857,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":10854,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":10851,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":10844,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":650,"_106":10843,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":10843,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":646,"_106":10842,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":10842,"_233":92},"159393168","159841702",{"_163":10845,"_165":10846},"Tickets for the two-day D’Arcy McGee summer school event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford are available here. ",[10847],{"_85":192,"_157":10848,"_194":206,"_196":10849},112,{"_198":10850,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/15th-annual-darcy-mcgee-summer-school-culture-identity-and-inclusion-tickets-1994608448563?aff=oddtdtcreator",{"_163":10852,"_165":10853},"Catherine Connolly won the election with 63pc of the vote. Ms Humphreys polled in second place with 29pc of the vote. ",[],{"_163":10855,"_165":10856},"Ms Humphreys previously served as a TD for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency from 2011 to 2024 and had several roles in cabinet, including Minister for Justice. ",[],{"_163":10858,"_165":10859},"Ms Humphreys put her name into the presidential race after securing the support of all 55 Fine Gael TDs, stepping in for Mairead McGuinness who withdrew from the election due to health concerns. ",[],{"_163":10861,"_165":10862},"Unionist fears over identify and inclusion in a united Ireland will be a discussion point at the conference, as well as issues like immigration and racism. ",[],"Wallace Thompson speaks during a pro-unity group Ireland’s Future event at the SSE Arena, Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)",{"_81":10865,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":10866,"_213":10863,"_223":10867,"_106":10868,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":10863,"_218":88,"_232":10868,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/trdz8-wallace-thompson-speaks-during-a-pro-unity-group-irelands-future-event-at-the-sse-arena-belfast-b/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/226674948%2F3773ac0b012422f280b7eb48e1f8de4fe0fde523bb5cd3ee2dac18ca17007ad1.jpg",[],"226674948%2F3773ac0b012422f280b7eb48e1f8de4fe0fde523bb5cd3ee2dac18ca17007ad1.jpg","108806430",{"_163":10870,"_165":10871},"“The momentum for it may have gone away a little but it’s still there and it won’t go away.”",[],{"_163":10873,"_165":10874},"“I do think there will be some form of a united Ireland in my grandchildren’s lifetime, and I’d like to think I can contribute in some way to breaking down barriers. ",[],{"_163":10876,"_165":10877},"“It wasn’t her Presbyterian faith but her link to what’s perceived as a sectarian organisation – you can see how that would cause annoyance, but it’s also scary for northerners who see their identity rights under threat,” he said.",[],{"_163":10879,"_165":10880},"Mr Thompson (73), who recently revealed that he had suffered from a stroke, said that Ms Humphreys was “singled out over her links to the Orange Order”.",[],{"_163":10882,"_165":10883},"As part of the event, DUP founder Wallace Thompson will share the stage with former UUP councillor Linzi McLaren - both of whom have called for unionists to be more open minded towards discussions of Irish reunification. ",[],{"_163":10891,"_165":10892},{"_163":10889,"_165":10890},{"_163":10887,"_165":10888},"DUP Founding Member",[],"Wallace Thompson",[],"It wasn’t her Presbyterian faith but her link to what’s perceived as a sectarian organisation – you can see how that would cause annoyance, but it’s also scary for northerners who see their identity rights under threat. ",[],{"_163":10894,"_165":10895},"Heather Humphreys is expected to speak at the first day of the conference which will feature panel discussions from several perspectives on “culture, identity and inclusion in a turbulent world.”",[],{"_163":10897,"_165":10898},"Throughout the campaign, Ms Humphreys said that her experiences as an Ulster Presbyterian alongside a former Cabinet member in the Dail would make her a candidate that would represent everyone. ",[],{"_163":10900,"_165":10901},"This included her husband’s past membership of the Orange Order, as well as criticism of her attendance of Orange demonstrations as a child in the 1960s prior to the outbreak of the Troubles. ",[],{"_163":10903,"_165":10904},"Ms Humphreys, who was a Credit Union manager before entering frontline politics, faced questions throughout the campaign over her family’s links to the Orange Order in Co Monaghan.",[],{"_163":10906,"_165":10907},"Meanwhile, a source close to Heather Humphreys told the Belfast Telegraph that she remains hurt by what was described as “a vitriolic response from some quarters to her standing as president.”",[],{"_163":10909,"_165":10910},"Ms Humphreys said she is “looking forward to engaging with the theme of the conference” as well as “sharing some insights as a former Minister and presidential campaign.”",[],{"_163":10912,"_165":10913},"It comes as she is expected to make her first public appearance since the campaign at the D’Arcy McGee two-day panel event in Carlingford, Co Louth later in August. ",[],{"_163":10915,"_165":10916},"Former Irish presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys has been described by an insider as “still bruised”, following her defeat in the 2025 election. ",[],"Heather Humphreys makes her concession speech after Catherine Connolly was named as the new President of Ireland in October 2025 ",{"_81":10919,"_212":8785,"_220":395,"_97":10920,"_213":10917,"_223":10921,"_106":10922,"_226":227,"_228":10923,"_230":10924,"_218":88,"_232":10922,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nsism5-01k8eaq3y61pdnvge4gs7evfb7.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/01K8EAQ3Y61PDNVGE4GS7EVFB7.jpg",[10925],"01K8EAQ3Y61PDNVGE4GS7EVFB7.jpg","160086114","Niall Carson/PA Wire","Heather Humphreys makes her concession speech after Catherine Connolly was named as the new President of Ireland at St Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle to replace Michael D Higgins, who has served the maximum two seven-year terms. Picture date: Saturday October 25, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire ",{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_163":10927,"_165":10928},"Ms Humpheys lost out on the race in October 2025 to Catherine Connolly",[],{"_163":10804,"_165":10930},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_240":7296},{"_81":10937,"_212":8785,"_220":395,"_97":10938,"_213":10917,"_223":10921,"_106":10922,"_226":227,"_228":10923,"_230":10924,"_218":88,"_232":10922,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nsism5-01k8eaq3y61pdnvge4gs7evfb7.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/01K8EAQ3Y61PDNVGE4GS7EVFB7.jpg",[10939],{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_250":10942,"_106":10943,"_275":10944,"_276":280},{"_250":2181,"_106":2182,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Fine Gael","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:fine-gael","Fine Gael is an Irish political party.",195278422,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/former-irish-president-mary-mcaleese-says-queen-elizabeth-abhorred-ian-paisley-and-his-politics/a/160066521.html",[11113,11114,11115],"Former Irish President Mary McAleese says Queen Elizabeth ‘abhorred’ Ian Paisley and his politics",{"_264":11109,"_266":11095,"_267":10950},[11108],[11105,11106,11107],"160066521",{},[],"2026-08-15T10:20:00Z","2026-08-15T10:23:05Z",[10962,10963,10964,10965,10966,10967,10968,10969,10970,10971,10972,10973,10974,10975,10976,10977,10978,10979,10980,10981,10982,10983,10984,10985,10986,10987,10988,10989,10990,10991,10992],{"_140":10,"_141":10961,"_143":10},"d5388313-988c-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":11103,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":11097,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":11094,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":11091,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":11088,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":11087,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11087,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":11084,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":11081,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":11078,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":11075,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":11066,"_213":11067,"_215":11068,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":11063,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":11060,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":11057,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":11054,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":-5,"_213":11043,"_215":11044,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":11040,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":11037,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":11034,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":11031,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":11028,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":657,"_212":1611,"_213":10054,"_215":11022,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":11019,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":11016,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":11013,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":11010,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":633,"_212":-5,"_213":11003,"_215":11004,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":11000,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":10997,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":10994,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":618,"_106":10993,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":10993,"_233":92},"120618672",{"_163":10995,"_165":10996},"“That is even more the case where both the supposed subject of the conversation and the other person involved are no longer alive. Mrs McAleese’s motivations for making such claims three decades later are a matter for herself.”",[],{"_163":10998,"_165":10999},"A DUP spokesperson said: “Her late Majesty would undoubtedly have taken the dignified position of maintaining the confidence of a private conversation. ",[],{"_163":11001,"_165":11002},"She also spoke a few words in Irish at a state dinner in Dublin Castle, the former seat of British power in Ireland.",[],"The Queen’s 2011 visit to the Republic impressed many nationalists",{"_81":11005,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11006,"_213":11003,"_223":11007,"_106":11008,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11009,"_218":88,"_232":11008,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/atgyj9-royal-praise-the-queens-visit-to-the-republic-impressed-many-nationalists/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1363136553%2F5323d48e-92a9-11ed-a7ca-0210609a3fe2.jpg",[],"1363136553%2F5323d48e-92a9-11ed-a7ca-0210609a3fe2.jpg","117904105","Royal praise: the Queen’s visit to the Republic impressed many nationalists",{"_163":11011,"_165":11012},"During the visit, the Queen laid a wreath in Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance - a park dedicated to Irish people who fought against British rule.",[],{"_163":11014,"_165":11015},"“And of course, it ended up being a four-day visit.”",[],{"_163":11017,"_165":11018},"“So I said, you know, we have to believe in that. And I believe in it. I believe her. So that’s what she did. ",[],{"_163":11020,"_165":11021},"Ms McAleese added: “This would be an historic act of reconciliation. She would not be coming to act as lady of the manor. I knew by then she would be coming as a Christian pilgrim on a pilgrimage of reconciliation, of sorrow, of genuine sorrow for the past.",[],{"_81":11023,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":11024,"_213":10054,"_223":11025,"_106":11026,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":10054,"_218":88,"_232":11026,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/entertainment/news/3hnzev-platinum-jubilee/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/8c2b7d6c-cf34-4e72-a715-6835a451f235",[11027],"8c2b7d6c-cf34-4e72-a715-6835a451f235","160066592",{"_235":8251,"_237":8252,"_239":8251,"_240":8253},{"_163":11029,"_165":11030},"The former Irish President said a diplomat had suggested that the Queen should perhaps visit for just half a day, but Ms McAleese refused.",[],{"_163":11032,"_165":11033},"“Fair dues to her, the minute that my government said, ‘yes, we can do this’, she absolutely cleared her diary and came and it was a great visit.” ",[],{"_163":11035,"_165":11036},"“And we did, but it took 14 years to get to the point where it became feasible and I was almost ready to leave office after two terms.",[],{"_163":11038,"_165":11039},"“Then of course, when I became President, she said, ‘Remember, you made a promise.’ And I said I did and we’ll keep it,” Ms McAleese recalled.",[],{"_163":11041,"_165":11042},"Ms McAleese also spoke of how the Queen told her, before she became president, that it was one of her “great sorrows” that she had never visited the Republic at the time and she felt that, because of this, “her contribution to peace was, in a sense, incomplete”.",[],"Mary McAleese at Queen's University Belfast in 2019.",{"_81":11045,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11046,"_213":11043,"_223":11047,"_106":11048,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11049,"_218":88,"_232":11048,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/z01xs0-7-mary-mcaleese-at-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/7_Mary_McAleese_at_.jpg",[11050],"7_Mary_McAleese_at_.jpg","145515760","Mary McAleese at Queen's University Belfast in 2019.\n",{"_235":11051,"_237":11052,"_239":11051,"_240":11053},"niamh.campbell@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Campbell","Niamh",{"_163":11055,"_165":11056},"“But so we were talking about him, and Queen Paola said to us, ‘Who is this man Paisley you were talking about? I don’t know him.’ And the Queen looked at her and said, ‘Oh, lucky you!’”",[],{"_163":11058,"_165":11059},"“She abhorred him and his politics, and he had never been very nice to her anyway. He was quite scathing about her, [he] said some terrible things when she went and saw the Pope and that sort of thing.",[],{"_163":11061,"_165":11062},"“And she was really… she had no time for him whatsoever.",[],{"_163":11064,"_165":11065},"Ms McAleese said: “We also mentioned Paisley, of course, because he, of course, was not in. This was 1998, November, and he had stayed out of the Good Friday Agreement, stayed out for seven years, incidentally. ",[],"Brian Little/PA","The late Ian Paisley ",{"_81":11069,"_212":11066,"_220":395,"_97":11070,"_213":11067,"_223":11071,"_106":11072,"_226":227,"_228":11066,"_230":11073,"_218":88,"_232":11072,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/pzhujh-ian-paisley/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-830322860.jpg",[11074],"GettyImages-830322860.jpg","145202198","The late Ian Paisley (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)",{"_235":2166,"_237":2167,"_239":2166,"_240":2168},{"_163":11076,"_165":11077},"The conversation then turned to Ian Paisley, who at the time was still railing against the Good Friday Agreement, which had been signed and endorsed just a few months earlier.",[],{"_163":11079,"_165":11080},"“She loved shinty and she loved hurling, she knew a lot about both of them,” the former Irish President said.",[],{"_163":11082,"_165":11083},"Ms McAleese, who was Irish President from 1997 to 2011, said she and Queen Elizabeth had a wide-ranging conversation in which she “started talking about shinty and hurling”.",[],{"_163":11085,"_165":11086},"Also travelling in the car were then King of Belgium, Albert II, and his wife Queen Paola.",[],"157319289",{"_163":11089,"_165":11090},"Ms McAleese, who is from Belfast, told The Ireland Podcast of sitting next to the Queen during a car journey in November 1998 in Belgium for the opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park, a memorial to Irish soldiers who died during the First World War.",[],{"_163":11092,"_165":11093},"In a new interview, Ms McAleese also spoke of the late monarch’s love of hurling and her historic state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.",[],{"_163":11095,"_165":11096},"Former Irish President Mary McAleese has said Queen Elizabeth II “abhorred” the late DUP leader Ian Paisley and his politics.",[],{"_81":11098,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11099,"_213":88,"_223":11100,"_106":11101,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":11101,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/89oot7-inset-template-32-77.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032%20(77).jpg",[11102],"Inset%20template%2032%20(77).jpg","160067359",{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_163":10950,"_165":11104},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_235":8251,"_237":8252,"_240":8253},{"_81":11110,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11111,"_213":88,"_223":11100,"_106":11101,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":11101,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/89oot7-inset-template-32-77.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032%20(77).jpg",[11112],{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_250":10054,"_106":10055,"_275":10056,"_276":280},{"_250":11116,"_106":11117,"_275":11118,"_276":280},{"_250":8593,"_106":8594,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Ian Paisley Senior","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:ian-paisley-senior","Ian Paisley Senior was leader of the DUP from 1971 to 2008, and First Minister of Northern Ireland in 2007 and 2008. He also co-founded the Free Presbyterian Church and was its leader until 2008. He died in September 2014.",195212697,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/uup-leader-insists-causeway-hospital-surgery-removal-does-not-have-my-support/a/160045908.html",[11295],"UUP leader insists Causeway Hospital surgery removal ‘does not have my support’",{"_264":11291,"_266":11274,"_267":11124},[11290],[11286,11287,11288,11289],{},[],"2026-08-15T06:30:00Z","2026-08-14T15:30:12Z",[11135,11136,11137,11138,11139,11140,11141,11142,11143,11144,11145,11146,11147,11148,11149,11150,11151,11152,11153,11154,11155,11156,11157,11158,11159,11160,11161,11162,11163,11164,11165,11166,11167,11168,11169,11170],{"_140":10,"_141":11134,"_143":10},"5f76bd72-97e8-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":11284,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":11276,"_215":11277,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":11273,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":11270,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":11267,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":11266,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11266,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":11263,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":11260,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":11257,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":11254,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":1611,"_213":11251,"_215":11252,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":11248,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":11245,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":11242,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":11239,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":11236,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":11233,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":-5,"_213":11227,"_215":11228,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":11224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":11221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":11218,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":657,"_586":11209,"_588":11210,"_590":-5,"_592":11211,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":11206,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":11203,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":11200,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":11197,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":11196,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11196,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":11193,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":11190,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":11187,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":11184,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":11181,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":11178,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":11175,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":11172,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":580,"_106":11171,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11171,"_233":92},"112249846",{"_163":11173,"_165":11174},"“In considering the future model for general surgery across the Northern Trust, the Trust is required to follow the Guidance on the Change and Withdrawal of Services.”",[],{"_163":11176,"_165":11177},"They noted that any decision made will be backed up by “relevant data”. ",[],{"_163":11179,"_165":11180},"“We recognise that the health needs of our population are constantly evolving and need to consider a dynamic approach to maintaining our health and social care services.",[],{"_163":11182,"_165":11183},"A Department of Health spokesperson added: “Every hospital is needed and Causeway Hospital continues to have a crucial role in providing appropriate care to our population. ",[],{"_163":11185,"_165":11186},"“Our ambition is to further develop Causeway Hospital as an elective and diagnostic hub for the entire north-west area.”",[],{"_163":11188,"_165":11189},"“Our recommendation to centralise emergency general surgery and complex colorectal surgery at Antrim Area Hospital, with elective general surgery being delivered at Causeway Hospital, is aimed at ensuring our Trust can continue to deliver a safe, stable and sustainable service, and followed a 14-week public consultation on our proposals.",[],{"_163":11191,"_165":11192}," “Causeway Hospital’s status as an acute hospital will not change and it will continue to be an important part of the region’s Trauma Network. It will also continue to operate a 24/7 consultant-led Emergency Department,” they said. ",[],{"_163":11194,"_165":11195},"A spokesperson for the Northern Trust said it is understood there is a “strength of feeling around proposals”, but the operation of two EGS services on both Causeway and Antrim would be unsustainable in the long run.",[],"158992995",{"_163":11198,"_165":11199},"“We would also love to see births come back to Causeway to support, we have heard so many horrific stories which have come from staff and patients. We were told that Antrim can cope, we now see that they can’t.”",[],{"_163":11201,"_165":11202},"“We would absolutely love to see this decision dropped. We want to see emergency surgery maintained.",[],{"_163":11204,"_165":11205},"“What we need now is those politicians who were here to go back and lobby the Health Minister, lobby the Northern Trust to work and look out further than the Northern Trust to help solve the problems in Antrim Hospital and stop stripping them away from Causeway to support Antrim.",[],{"_163":11207,"_165":11208},"“The Northern Trust made the decision they approved it, even in the face of over 1,400 consultation responses who asked them not to do this.",[],{"_163":11216,"_165":11217},{"_163":11214,"_165":11215},{"_163":11212,"_165":11213},"SOS Causeway chairperson",[],"Gemma Brolly",[],"The Northern Trust made the decision they approved it, even in the face of over 1,400 consultation responses who asked them not to do this.",[],{"_163":11219,"_165":11220},"“This has actually grown so much bigger than the words that are coming from the Northern Trust board. The writing is on the wall so we have lots of hope that we can overturn this.",[],{"_163":11222,"_165":11223},"“We do believe in people power, people have the power to do anything, especially in the upcoming months. We refer to the people who know best, the medics, we are also hearing from the staff.",[],{"_163":11225,"_165":11226},"“We have to have hope that the services will remain, if we don’t, we’re done for. I think it is clear today that there is hope by the numbers in the room,” she said.",[],"SOS Causeway chairperson Gemma Brolly",{"_81":11229,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11230,"_213":11227,"_223":11231,"_106":11232,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11227,"_218":88,"_232":11232,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/j2an3g-sos-causeway-chairperson-gemma-brolly/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/15cca6cc-f3da-4943-881c-69640e116131",[],"15cca6cc-f3da-4943-881c-69640e116131","117319774",{"_163":11234,"_165":11235},"Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph Ms Brolly said the numbers who attended “show that there is hope” the services will remain.",[],{"_163":11237,"_165":11238},"The public meeting on Thursday saw attendees in the low hundreds. It was chaired by both the trade union, Unison, as well as SoS Causeway Hospital, which is chaired by Gemma Brolly.",[],{"_163":11240,"_165":11241},"The board at the Northern Trust backed the move in a public meeting in Ballymena last year. This followed a 14-week consultation and requires the approval of the Health Minister and DoH before it can be implemented.",[],{"_163":11243,"_165":11244},"“The recommendation of the Trust to close the emergency surgery in Causeway Hospital does not have my support. I do not agree with it and I will never agree with it, I can’t be any clearer than that.”",[],{"_163":11246,"_165":11247},"“We learn by the experts by experience, that is where we learn, not in Stormont, but listening to people like you and listening to the medics and the experts.",[],{"_163":11249,"_165":11250},"“I think we sometimes listen to all the wrong people. We need to listen to those who are experts by experience, not the quangos or the bureaucrats.",[],"UUP leader Jon Burrows MLA ",{"_81":7958,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":11253,"_213":11251,"_223":7960,"_106":7961,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7962,"_218":88,"_232":7961,"_233":92},[],{"_163":11255,"_165":11256},"“That is the lens through which I look at this proposal from the Trust to remove the emergency surgery from this wonderful hospital.",[],{"_163":11258,"_165":11259},"“I was in public service for many years before I entered politics. I believe that the duty of everyone in public service is to protect the public,” he said.",[],{"_163":11261,"_165":11262},"Jon Burrows, whose Ulster Unionist Party holds the health ministry, told those gathered that the importance of close-at-hand emergency surgery services are important, given his previous experience as a senior officer in the PSNI.",[],{"_163":11264,"_165":11265},"If successful, the only surgery taking place at Causeway would be diagnostic and elective.",[],"159883832",{"_163":11268,"_165":11269},"Attendees raised their concerns over the transfer of emergency general surgery (EGS) from the local hospital to Antrim Area Hospital. The proposal may also see the relocation of the 20-bed Ross Thomson Unit, which focuses on mental health care provision.",[],{"_163":11271,"_165":11272},"The meeting took place on Thursday evening at the town hall. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was invited to attend, though could not due to being at a constituency election meeting in Strangford.",[],{"_163":11274,"_165":11275},"The leader of the UUP has attended a public meeting over Causeway Hospital in Coleraine where he said the removal of emergency general surgery “does not have my support”. ",[],"The meeting about the removal of Causeway Hospital services took place on Thursday evening. ",{"_81":11278,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11279,"_213":11276,"_223":11280,"_106":11281,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11282,"_218":88,"_232":11281,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/21ppke-causeway-hospital-in-coleraine.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Causeway%20Hospital%20in%20Coleraine.jpg",[11283],"Causeway%20Hospital%20in%20Coleraine.jpg","158715780","The man was a patient at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":11124,"_165":11285},[],{"_250":7290,"_106":7291,"_253":8,"_254":7292},{"_250":8577,"_106":8578,"_253":10,"_254":8579},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":3273,"_237":3274,"_240":3275},{"_81":11292,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11293,"_213":11276,"_223":11280,"_106":11281,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11282,"_218":88,"_232":11281,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/21ppke-causeway-hospital-in-coleraine.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Causeway%20Hospital%20in%20Coleraine.jpg",[11294],{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_250":8010,"_106":8011,"_275":8012,"_276":280},195178178,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/news-analysis/savage-stormont-showdown-could-produce-some-big-casualties-heres-how-nis-political-map-may-change/a/160016823.html",[11632,11633,11634,11635,11636,11637,11638,11639,11640,11641,11642,11643,11644,11645,11646,11647,11648,11649,11650,11651,11652,11653,11654,11655,11656,11657,11658,11659,11660,11661,11662,11663,11664,11665,11666,11667,11668,11669,11670,11671],"Savage Stormont showdown could produce some big casualties – here’s how NI’s political map may change",{"_264":11628,"_266":11619,"_267":11301},[11627],[11623,11624,11625,11626],{},[],"2026-08-15T06:00:00Z","2026-08-14T12:53:18Z",[11312,11313,11314,11315,11316,11317,11318,11319,11320,11321,11322,11323,11324,11325,11326,11327,11328,11329,11330,11331,11332,11333,11334,11335,11336,11337,11338,11339,11340,11341,11342,11343,11344,11345,11346,11347,11348,11349,11350,11351,11352,11353,11354,11355,11356,11357,11358,11359,11360,11361,11362,11363,11364,11365,11366,11367,11368,11369,11370,11371,11372,11373,11374,11375,11376,11377,11378,11379,11380,11381],{"_140":10,"_141":11311,"_143":10},"7467f117-979b-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":11621,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":11618,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":11611,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":11608,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":11605,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":11602,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":11601,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11601,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":11598,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":11595,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":11592,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":11586,"_215":11587,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":11583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":11580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":11577,"_161":162},{"_155":876,"_157":694,"_356":11571,"_161":878},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":11568,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":11565,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":11562,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":11559,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":669,"_163":11558,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":11555,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":11552,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":11549,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":11546,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":11543,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":11540,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":11537,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":633,"_212":11529,"_213":11530,"_215":11531,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":11526,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":11523,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":11520,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":11517,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":11514,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":11511,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":11508,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":11505,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":580,"_212":1611,"_213":11498,"_215":11499,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":11495,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":11492,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":11489,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":11486,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":11483,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":11480,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":548,"_212":-5,"_213":10318,"_215":11474,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":11471,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":11468,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":11465,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":11462,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":529,"_159":11459,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":525,"_212":2434,"_213":11451,"_215":11452,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":513,"_159":11448,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":509,"_159":11445,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":505,"_159":11442,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":501,"_159":11439,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":497,"_159":11436,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":493,"_212":7253,"_213":11427,"_215":11428,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":489,"_159":11424,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":485,"_159":11421,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":481,"_159":11418,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":479,"_159":11415,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1251,"_159":11412,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1249,"_159":11409,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":9671,"_159":11406,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":9667,"_159":11403,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":9665,"_212":1611,"_213":11396,"_215":11397,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":8289,"_159":11393,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":11389,"_159":11390,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":11385,"_159":11386,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":8074,"_106":11384,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11384,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":11382,"_106":11383,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11383,"_233":92},70,"159229797","159202538",68,{"_163":11387,"_165":11388},"The latest polling figures indicate that voters are frustrated and volatile. Elections in Northern Ireland can be brutal, but expect next year’s Assembly campaign to be particularly cutthroat, with no shortage of surprises in a savage Stormont showdown.",[],67,{"_163":11391,"_165":11392},"The SDLP believes Sinn Féin’s third seat in Fermanagh and South Tyrone could be vulnerable to Adam Gannon. That constituency has historically seen some long Westminster counts with exceptionally slim margins of victory.",[],{"_163":11394,"_165":11395},"Sinn Féin’s Deirdre Hargey topped the poll in the last Assembly election, and it’s unclear whether the party will run one or two candidates in May.",[],"Deirdre Hargey ",{"_81":11398,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":11399,"_213":11396,"_223":11400,"_106":11401,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":11402,"_218":88,"_232":11401,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/6pyo7c-5050-policing-policy/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/760131cd-c828-409f-9457-5aa1a4e3a8ee",[],"760131cd-c828-409f-9457-5aa1a4e3a8ee","136388452","Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey speaking to the media at Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast ahead of a meeting with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher regarding the 50:50 policing policy, a process which was introduced as part of the Patten policing reforms to increase the number of Catholic officers. Picture date: Monday February 23, 2026.",{"_163":11404,"_165":11405},"It is understood that the leadership is behind a female candidate joining O’Toole on the ticket. The SDLP’s chances will be enhanced if the UUP selects a strong candidate who could take support from Alliance.",[],{"_163":11407,"_165":11408},"The SDLP isn’t talking up its chances of a second seat in South Belfast, but this is the constituency where it should be best poised to challenge. It’s the home turf of Hanna — the most popular party leader in Northern Ireland — and of its Assembly leader Matthew O’Toole who enjoys a massively high profile.",[],{"_163":11410,"_165":11411},"North Belfast joins Strangford and Lagan Valley as one of the SDLP’s main target seats. Councillor Carl Whyte is expected to be the candidate. The party believes Alliance’s Nuala McAllister is vulnerable, although she significantly outpolled Whyte in the 2024 Westminster election.",[],{"_163":11413,"_165":11414},"On paper, they will have an uphill battle but, with the party on a historic 5pc high in the last LucidTalk poll due to the Zack Polanski effect and disillusionment with Naomi Long’s party, nothing can be ruled out.",[],{"_163":11416,"_165":11417},"The Greens are gunning for Alliance’s second seats in East Belfast and South Belfast where Brian Smyth and Aine Groogan will run. ",[],{"_163":11419,"_165":11420},"Sinn Féin has got out of the traps early by announcing its candidate first. The party is already putting considerable effort into Declan Lynch’s campaign. SDLP veteran Pat Catney wants to stand again, but it is understood that the party leadership is keen to run a new candidate.",[],{"_163":11422,"_165":11423},"A nationalist quota now exists in Lagan Valley due to boundary changes with the expectation that votes lent to Sorcha Eastwood in 2024 will return.",[],{"_163":11425,"_165":11426},"The Greens hope to regain the Assembly seat they lost last time with Belfast councillor Anthony Flynn selected as the candidate. ",[],"Anthony Flynn of the Green Party",{"_81":11429,"_212":7253,"_220":395,"_97":11430,"_213":11427,"_223":11431,"_106":11432,"_226":227,"_228":11433,"_230":11434,"_218":88,"_232":11432,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lh9g02-gettyimages-1256563784.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-1256563784.jpg",[11435],"GettyImages-1256563784.jpg","159724872","PA Images via Getty Images","Anthony Flynn from the Green Party giving an acceptance speech at Belfast City Hall during the Northern Ireland council elections. Picture date: Saturday May 20, 2023. (Photo by Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images)",{"_235":6191,"_237":6192,"_239":6191,"_240":6193},{"_163":11437,"_165":11438},"Alliance will be under massive pressure in North Down. Stephen Farry’s vote in the last Westminster election would be enough to see both Andrew Muir and Connie Egan elected, but the party’s popularity has fallen significantly since then.",[],{"_163":11440,"_165":11441},"Neither party has announced who they are running, and their candidate choices will be key. Strangford is a target seat for both Claire Hanna’s and Michelle O’Neill’s parties.",[],{"_163":11443,"_165":11444},"Alliance second seats are under threat in Strangford, North Down, East Antrim, Lagan Valley, South Belfast and even East Belfast. Kellie Armstrong is a big loss in Strangford. Boundary changes bringing in a chunk of Downpatrick mean that a nationalist seat is on the cards. It seems only a question of whether it goes to Sinn Féin or the SDLP.",[],{"_163":11446,"_165":11447},"If Sinn Féin takes a second seat here, it will likely be at his expense. But Tennyson’s profile is markedly higher now than last time, and his party is well organised in this constituency.",[],{"_163":11449,"_165":11450},"Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson faces a big battle in Upper Bann where he was the final candidate elected in 2022. ",[],"Alliance leader Naomi Long and deputy leader Eoin Tennyson",{"_81":11453,"_212":2434,"_220":395,"_97":11454,"_213":11451,"_223":11455,"_106":11456,"_226":227,"_228":2434,"_230":11457,"_218":88,"_232":11456,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/i7wk0o-696d5458-aa40-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/696d5458-aa40-.jpg",[11458],"696d5458-aa40-.jpg","151227522","Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson (left) and Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long during a press conference at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, after meeting Taoiseach Micheal Martin during the Taoiseach's two-day visit to Northern Ireland. Picture date: Thursday May 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire",{"_235":2443,"_237":2444,"_239":2443,"_240":2445},{"_163":11460,"_165":11461},"However, the controversial culling of 51 cows in Co Tyrone and opposition from the farming community will hardly help Mulholland in this heavily rural constituency.",[],{"_163":11463,"_165":11464},"Naomi Long’s party was more confident of holding North Antrim. Boundary changes moving the staunchly unionist Braid area into East Antrim assist Alliance. It has been argued that Sinn Féin’s surplus and transfers from the eliminated SDLP candidate will assist bringing Sian Mulholland home.",[],{"_163":11466,"_165":11467},"Despite the DUP’s difficulties, Alliance seems at an even greater risk of seat loss across Northern Ireland. It’s almost impossible to see it holding onto South Down. Sinn Féin could have had three MLAs returned last time but ran only two candidates. It won’t make the same mistake in May.",[],{"_163":11469,"_165":11470},"In Upper Bann, Cat Nelson will join John O’Dowd on the Sinn Féin ticket. She’s a strong candidate, but the party is disadvantaged by boundary changes which moved Aghagallon into Lagan Valley.",[],{"_163":11472,"_165":11473},"She has a high social media presence, and party headquarters has put resources into supporting her over the past two years. ",[],{"_81":11475,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11476,"_213":10318,"_223":11477,"_106":11478,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11479,"_218":88,"_232":11478,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/f4807e-sdlp-mla-cara-hunter/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/8362fd1f-f25c-4e36-8205-59af72810c7f",[],"8362fd1f-f25c-4e36-8205-59af72810c7f","128711393","SDLP MLA Cara Hunter",{"_163":11481,"_165":11482},"Michelle O’Neill’s party will be targeting gains in Upper Bann and East Londonderry. Kathleen McGurk went very close in the latter last time. However, current polling suggests that the SDLP’s Cara Hunter should keep her seat.",[],{"_163":11484,"_165":11485},"People Before Profit’s Gerry Carroll was elected on the final count last time so, technically, he’s most at risk. However, his strong stance on Gaza and opposition to MLA pay could mean that a DUP win will be at Sinn Féin’s expense.",[],{"_163":11487,"_165":11488},"On the other side of the political divide, the greatest threat to Sinn Féin is in West Belfast. Bringing four MLAs across the line will be challenging given those boundary changes that make a unionist seat more likely. ",[],{"_163":11490,"_165":11491},"Former Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly was expected to run with Poots to maximise support for him by bringing out the working-class loyalist vote, but sources suggest that plan may be revisited.",[],{"_163":11493,"_165":11494},"The party is hampered by not having a strong grassroots organisation: it hasn’t a single councillor in the Belfast part of the constituency. The chances of success depend on a big ‘Burrows bounce’ and an appealing candidate.",[],{"_163":11496,"_165":11497},"The DUP’s Edwin Poots is the sole unionist MLA in South Belfast and Mid Down. He won twice as many votes as his UUP rival last time. Burrows will be looking for a professional female candidate to challenge here.",[],"Edwin Poots",{"_81":11500,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":11501,"_213":11498,"_223":11502,"_106":11503,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":11504,"_218":88,"_232":11503,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/518knm-pope-francis-death/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/940b00f3-8f12-4b47-98f9-a10bfd7bbe77",[],"940b00f3-8f12-4b47-98f9-a10bfd7bbe77","157656930","Assembly Speaker and former DUP leader Edwin Poots.",{"_163":11506,"_165":11507},"Councillor Kyle Savage will be the UUP’s sole candidate in that constituency, and he should hold the seat Doug Beattie won for the party last time. ",[],{"_163":11509,"_165":11510},"TUV sources think they can go close in Newry and Armagh where Keith Ratcliffe will go head-to-head with the DUP’s Gareth Wilson for the sole unionist seat. Insiders are also talking up their chances in Upper Bann, although a candidate has not been announced yet.",[],{"_163":11512,"_165":11513},"If Jackson succeeds, it could be at the expense of one of the DUP’s two MLAs or the UUP’s Richard Smart, who replaces Mike Nesbitt. Expect Jon Burrows to spend considerable time canvassing for his man in this constituency.",[],{"_163":11515,"_165":11516},"Despite a 13pc first-preference vote last time, the party failed to win a seat due to a lack of transfers. However, the TUV no longer seems to be transfer-toxic as it was.",[],{"_163":11518,"_165":11519},"One of TUV’s best chances is in Strangford where young Trinity College Dublin graduate Jonathan Jackson, who works for his party leader at Westminster, is running.",[],{"_163":11521,"_165":11522},"The DUP’s biggest enemy will be voter apathy so it will aim to create as much noise as possible here to regain the seat it lost two decades ago. The party will also be trying to regain the second seat it lost last time in North Antrim, where it may be battling with Alliance and TUV at the end.",[],{"_163":11524,"_165":11525},"West Belfast is the DUP’s best hope of a gain in 2027 with boundary changes increasing unionist numbers. It declared Frank McCoubrey as its candidate early. His roots in the Shankill run deep, and he has an appeal beyond his party.",[],{"_163":11527,"_165":11528},"TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell is in with a real chance of taking the DUP’s second seat in North Belfast if he runs there. Phillip Brett is as safe as houses, with Brian Kingston at risk.",[],"Liam McBurney/PA","Ron McDowell of TUV",{"_81":11532,"_212":11529,"_220":395,"_97":11533,"_213":11530,"_223":11534,"_106":11535,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11536,"_218":88,"_232":11535,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/yaynb4-ron-mcdowell-from-the-traditional-unionist-voice-condemned-the-shooting-liam-mcburneypa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/b2a447a3-83e9-47be-b2fa-aadef47e29c0",[],"b2a447a3-83e9-47be-b2fa-aadef47e29c0","116741354","Ron McDowell from the Traditional Unionist Voice condemned the shooting (Liam McBurney/PA)",{"_163":11538,"_165":11539},"The UUP has still to pick a second candidate to run with John Stewart, and dividing the constituency evenly will be key if it’s to have two MLAs elected. The TUV polls well in East Antrim — one of its main targets — although a skeletal local organisation is a weakness.",[],{"_163":11541,"_165":11542},"The Ulster Unionists believe the DUP’s second seat in East Antrim is vulnerable. Sammy Wilson lost 5,000 votes in the last Westminster election. However, the DUP believes that a Gordon Lyons-Cheryl Brownlee ticket will have stronger appeal than Wilson.",[],{"_163":11544,"_165":11545},"East Londonderry is another target seat for the UUP which hasn’t had a seat there for 15 years.",[],{"_163":11547,"_165":11548},"Independent unionist Claire Sugden is also vulnerable. Her vote fell from 12pc to 9pc last time, and she has a considerably lower profile now. Signing Gerry Carroll’s motion of no confidence in Education Minister Paul Givan following his trip to Israel could cost her votes.",[],{"_163":11550,"_165":11551},"This constituency is one of the TUV’s best bets with party chairman Allister Kyle. He secured 11pc in the Westminster election — no mean feat given the DUP’s Gregory Campbell was engaged in a close battle with Sinn Féin for the seat.",[],{"_163":11553,"_165":11554},"The DUP’s second seat in East Londonderry is at risk from the TUV. Maurice Bradley seems safer than Alan Robinson who was 1,500 votes behind him last time.",[],{"_163":11556,"_165":11557},"Unionism will be stretched to maintain representation in Foyle, and People Before Profit’s Shaun Harkin could be in the running for that fifth seat.",[],"

",{"_163":11560,"_165":11561},"Its candidate in May will be councillor Darren Guy. He’s well thought of locally, although it’s a tough ask for him to pull off what Ryan McCready — who has since left politics — almost managed four years ago in a first-class campaign.",[],{"_163":11563,"_165":11564},"This is a UUP target constituency. It came within fewer than 100 votes of taking the seat from the DUP last time. ",[],{"_163":11566,"_165":11567},"The DUP’s seat in Foyle is at risk due to boundary changes which have seen the number of unionist voters fall as Eglinton moves into East Londonderry. Gary Middleton resigned as an MLA due to mental health issues, with his wife Julie replacing him. ",[],{"_163":11569,"_165":11570},"The TUV’s Mel Lucas will fancy his chances of a seat. Just 600 first preference votes behind Clarke in 2022, he’s well positioned to cross the line this time.",[],{"_85":878,"_359":11572,"_361":880,"_212":88,"_363":880,"_213":88,"_365":11573,"_106":11574,"_368":369,"_370":11575,"_232":11576,"_233":92},"UIRFDpnCAn6E","00:39:12","1957639","39:12","159353852",{"_163":11578,"_165":11579},"It’s yet to select a running-mate for Steve Aiken. Jon Burrows would have loved for last year’s young Antrim and Newtownabbey mayor Leah Kirkpatrick to be on the ticket, but she has ruled out Stormont until her children are older. ",[],{"_163":11581,"_165":11582},"Both the Ulster Unionists and TUV hope for a gain here. Robin Swann stormed to victory in the 2024 Westminster election, and the UUP will be aiming to retain as many votes lent to it as possible.",[],{"_163":11584,"_165":11585},"The DUP is most vulnerable in South Antrim where it’s currently hard to see both Pam Cameron and Trevor Clarke being re-elected. The latter would appear to be more at risk.",[],"Pam Cameron",{"_81":11588,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11589,"_213":11586,"_223":11590,"_106":11591,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11586,"_218":88,"_232":11591,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3kzx1v-pam-cameron/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/f5756d27-943a-47e7-be3c-9e92f17638cc",[],"f5756d27-943a-47e7-be3c-9e92f17638cc","111109596",{"_163":11593,"_165":11594},"There are numerous big battlegrounds for the DUP, with threats looming from both the UUP and TUV. In some constituencies, it’s impossible to tell which of those parties is the greatest danger to Gavin Robinson’s.",[],{"_163":11596,"_165":11597},"A poll is a snapshot in time, and the election is eight months away. But if these trends broadly hold then we are looking at a cull of sitting MLAs where multiple seats are no longer safe, and the political map of Northern Ireland is redrawn.",[],{"_163":11599,"_165":11600},"Resurgent under Jon Burrows on 16pc, the UUP is now the most popular unionist party, while the SDLP at 13pc is on the rise, and the TUV on 12pc is eyeing up seats that have so long eluded it.",[],"159202536",{"_163":11603,"_165":11604},"The DUP has crashed to 15pc in the wake of the Jeffrey Donaldson scandal. At 10pc, Alliance is heading back to territory Naomi Long’s leadership had once taken it from.",[],{"_163":11606,"_165":11607},"The headline numbers are harsh for the main Executive players. Sinn Féin may comfortably remain Northern Ireland’s largest party, but it has slumped to a five-year low of 22pc.",[],{"_163":11609,"_165":11610},"Our politicians better buckle up. If the latest LucidTalk poll is replicated at the ballot box next May, then some Executive parties are facing serious casualties. ",[],{"_81":11612,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":11613,"_213":88,"_223":11614,"_106":11615,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11616,"_218":88,"_232":11615,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/e2o034-image-2026-08-15t072047.868.png/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/image%20-%202026-08-15T072047.868.png",[11617],"image%20-%202026-08-15T072047.868.png","160064021","The election is eight months away, and the political map of Northern Ireland could be redrawn.",{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_163":11619,"_165":11620},"Latest LucidTalk poll suggests our political scene is facing a major shake-up in next May’s Assembly election",[],{"_163":11301,"_165":11622},[],{"_250":2474,"_106":2475,"_253":8,"_254":2476},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":7263,"_237":7264,"_240":7265},{"_81":11629,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":11630,"_213":88,"_223":11614,"_106":11615,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":11616,"_218":88,"_232":11615,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/e2o034-image-2026-08-15t072047.868.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/image%20-%202026-08-15T072047.868.png",[11631],{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":7592,"_106":7593,"_275":7594,"_276":280},{"_250":7587,"_106":7588,"_275":7589,"_276":280},{"_250":7781,"_106":7782,"_275":7783,"_276":280},{"_250":2001,"_106":2002,"_275":2003,"_276":280},{"_250":11720,"_106":11721,"_275":11722,"_276":280},{"_250":11717,"_106":11718,"_275":11719,"_276":280},{"_250":11714,"_106":11715,"_275":11716,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":7778,"_106":7779,"_275":7780,"_276":280},{"_250":1684,"_106":1685,"_275":1686,"_276":280},{"_250":7309,"_106":7310,"_275":7311,"_276":280},{"_250":1995,"_106":1996,"_275":1997,"_276":280},{"_250":11711,"_106":11712,"_275":11713,"_276":280},{"_250":11708,"_106":11709,"_275":11710,"_276":280},{"_250":11706,"_106":11707,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":7470,"_106":7590,"_275":7591,"_276":280},{"_250":11586,"_106":11705,"_275":11704,"_276":280},{"_250":11702,"_106":11703,"_275":11704,"_276":280},{"_250":7581,"_106":7582,"_275":7583,"_276":280},{"_250":7584,"_106":7585,"_275":7586,"_276":280},{"_250":11700,"_106":11701,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11697,"_106":11698,"_275":11699,"_276":280},{"_250":11694,"_106":11695,"_275":11696,"_276":280},{"_250":11691,"_106":11692,"_275":11693,"_276":280},{"_250":10427,"_106":10428,"_275":10429,"_276":280},{"_250":1681,"_106":1682,"_275":1683,"_276":280},{"_250":11689,"_106":11690,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11686,"_106":11687,"_275":11688,"_276":280},{"_250":6232,"_106":6233,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11684,"_106":11685,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11682,"_106":11683,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11680,"_106":11681,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11677,"_106":11678,"_275":11679,"_276":280},{"_250":7306,"_106":7307,"_275":7308,"_276":280},{"_250":11498,"_106":11675,"_275":11676,"_276":280},{"_250":11672,"_106":11673,"_275":11674,"_276":280},{"_250":7764,"_106":7765,"_275":7766,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"John O'Dowd","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:john-odowd","John O'Dowd is a Sinn Fein politiican in Northern Ireland","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:edwin-poots","Edwin Poots is a Northern Irish politician and member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).","Eoin Tennyson","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:eoin-tennyson","Eoin Tennyson is an Alliance Party politician who has served as an MLA for Upper Bann since the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election.","Nuala McAllister","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:nuala-mcallister","Sorcha Eastwood","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:sorcha-eastwood","Brian Kingston","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:brian-kingston","John Stewart","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:john-stewart","UUP MLA for East Antrim","Cheryl Brownlee","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:cheryl-brownlee","Gregory Campbell","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:gregory-campbell","DUP MP for East Londonderry","Gerry Carroll","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:gerry-carroll","People Before Profit Alliance MLA for Belfast West","Claire Sugden","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:claire-sugden","Independent Unionist MLA for East Londonderry","Gary Middleton","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:gary-middleton","Trevor Clarke","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:trevor-clarke","DUP MLA for South Antrim.","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:pam-cameron","Jeffrey Donaldson","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:jeffrey-donaldson","Sammy Wilson","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:sammy-wilson","Sammy Wilson is a politician in Northern Ireland and is the current DUP MP for East Antrim.","Jim Allister","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:jim-allister","Jim Allister is a TUV politician in Northern Ireland","LucidTalk poll","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:lucidtalk-poll","The LucidTalk Northern Ireland tracker polls are published by the Belfast Telegraph on a quarterly basis.","People Before Profit","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:people-before-profit","People Before Profit is an Irish political party.","Green Party","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:green-party","The Green Party is an Irish political party.",195170635,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/opinion/piddingtons-independence-vote-shows-that-posh-postcodes-can-fight-back-too/a/160032101.html",[11886,11887,11888,11889,11890,11891],"Piddington’s independence vote shows that posh postcodes can fight back too",{"_264":11882,"_266":11867,"_267":11728},[11879],[11871,11872,11873,11874,11875],"160032101",{},[],"2026-08-15T16:00:00Z","2026-08-14T12:24:26Z",[11740,11741,11742,11743,11744,11745,11746,11747,11748,11749,11750,11751,11752,11753,11754,11755,11756,11757,11758,11759,11760,11761,11762,11763,11764,11765,11766,11767,11768,11769,11770],{"_140":10,"_141":11739,"_143":10},"8e097444-97cd-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":11869,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":11866,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":11860,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":11857,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":11854,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":11851,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":11848,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":11845,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":11842,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":11839,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":11834,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":167,"_106":11833,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11833,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":11830,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":11827,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":11824,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":11821,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":11818,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":11815,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":11812,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":11811,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11811,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":11808,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":11805,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":11802,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":650,"_212":1611,"_213":11795,"_215":11796,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":646,"_1772":-5,"_159":11792,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":11789,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":633,"_1772":-5,"_159":11786,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":11783,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":622,"_356":11777,"_161":358},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":1007,"_1772":-5,"_159":11774,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":11771,"_161":162},{"_163":11772,"_165":11773},"In Northern Ireland, this week’s magical “once-in-a-generation” solar eclipse was shrouded in cloud. It’ll be over 60 years before we get to see another total eclipse (well, you might., I won’t). Let’s hope the weather forecast for September 2090 is more auspicious. Despite warnings to those skywatchers who were able to see Wednesday’s eclipse not to stare directly at the sun, a trending online search the next day was “eyes sore”. Millions of the recommended cardboard and polymer glasses had been sold — some traded to last-minute panickers for mad money. So, will they be recycled? Or will those who paid through the nose hold on to them for the next six decades?",[],{"_163":11775,"_165":11776},"Excitement eclipsed by the clouds",[],{"_85":358,"_359":11778,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":11779,"_106":11780,"_368":369,"_370":11781,"_232":11782,"_233":92},"xQZAD_3TNWaw","02:56:00","1999057","2:56","159959444",{"_163":11784,"_165":11785},"While we’re on the topic of Trump, sadly, both he and his Reformer mate, Nigel Farage, deprived the world of two unmatchable memes this week. A pic of Donald himself, hiding in the catering truck which ferried him between planes as a security measure, would have been priceless. But we’ve been spared the sight of the president hunkering down amid the meal deals just as we also have missed out on an official photo of victorious Mr Farage lining up with the 30-plus other contenders in the Clacton by-election, many of them dressed as bonkers as Binface. Still, the internet has been doing its best to pick up the slack. Not since Boris Johnson hid out in a fridge have the meme makers been so prolific.",[],{"_163":11787,"_165":11788},"Meme madness for Don and Nigel",[],{"_163":11790,"_165":11791},"Karoline Leavitt, the White House’s brilliant but shouty press secretary, is standing down from her role as Donald Trump’s spokesperson to spend more time with her family. She was only 27 when she was appointed — becoming the youngest ever in the role. She has two young children and, given the pressures of the day job, it’s understandable that she might feel she wants to scale back and devote more time to the babies. Her work with Trump and co. will have provided some invaluable experience there. But will she be the only White House staffer to rethink their future? An intriguing aspect of the story of how President Trump, fearing an Iranian assassination attempt, switched planes at the last minute, is that apparently certain aides and the press corps were left to travel on it oblivious to the danger. That’s maybe not the reason Leavitt is leaving, but wouldn’t you also think it was time to jump ship?",[],{"_163":11793,"_165":11794},"Leavitt presses the exit button",[],"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt",{"_81":11797,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":11798,"_213":11795,"_223":11799,"_106":11800,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":11801,"_218":88,"_232":11800,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/uk/3r4epe-trump/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3b0f034d-2c20-4229-a805-d43001ae7a76",[],"3b0f034d-2c20-4229-a805-d43001ae7a76","158844102","White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)",{"_163":11803,"_165":11804},"Like the Piddington Popular Front, Andy needs to start at the borders to tackle the migrant crisis. Repurposing Number 10 as an HMO isn’t the answer.",[],{"_163":11806,"_165":11807},"Can you just imagine the general backlash there will be if it’s discovered that someone undocumented, who came over yesterday, is being accommodated in, say, swish Kensington and Chelsea where you can’t buy a shoebox for less than three-quarters of a mil?",[],{"_163":11809,"_165":11810},"The middle class have more clout than their poorer counterparts. And even if Andy does manage to relocate a number of newly arrived migrants to more upscale addresses? ",[],"159730684",{"_163":11813,"_165":11814},"So this is primarily about bolstering Burnham’s man-of-the-people image. However, as Piddington shows, not only are middle-class voters just as likely to feel aggrieved if there’s a sudden, large-scale surge of new arrivals into their own backyard, but they have the resources and the follow-on capacity to mount headline-catching counter campaigns.",[],{"_163":11816,"_165":11817},"Seemingly, he thinks this will be worth it, if it demonstrates to the working-class electorate — previously Labour, but now swinging towards Reform — that he understands how they feel unfairly put upon.",[],{"_163":11819,"_165":11820},"And it should not be verboten to be able to say that out loud without being dismissed as a racist bigot.\nOne major, obvious problem with Andy’s plan to spread the load into posh postcodes is that the PM, scrabbling to pay for just about anything these days (he can’t even afford to keep killers behind bars), has conceded that it will cost more to source migrant accommodation in upmarket areas.",[],{"_163":11822,"_165":11823},"But that savagery is not representative of the majority of people in working-class communities whose anger is not targeted at the migrants per se, but at the impact an unprecedented increase in newcomers to their area has had on local services, housing, health and education.",[],{"_163":11825,"_165":11826},"It’s easier to throw open your arms in welcome when the actual welcome mat is on somebody else’s doorstep. Yes, there are some racists in a number of areas where migrants have been housed; the horrific, mindless violence we’ve seen locally is testament to that.",[],{"_163":11828,"_165":11829},"The well-heeled, he argues, need to take their “fair share” of the influx. But will they? The middle class, and those even further up the food chain, not only have hitherto been spared their “fair share” of pressure on neighbourhood services, but are also often the most vocal in decrying what they see as “racism” in less advantaged localities.",[],{"_163":11831,"_165":11832},"The local MP is Lib Dem. This is not a Reform stronghold. And it’s also the sort of affluent area in which Prime Minister Andy Burnham now says he wants to house more migrants in order to take some of the pressure off working-class areas.",[],"159449475",{"_163":11835,"_165":11836},"You don’t have to have been to the village to get the picture. That very name “Piddington” says it all. Basically it’s Midsomer Murders without the murders.",[11837],{"_85":2073,"_157":11838,"_194":685,"_196":-5},119,{"_163":11840,"_165":11841},"Piddington is described in media reports as “charming”, “quaint” and a place where “everybody knows everybody”.",[],{"_163":11843,"_165":11844},"Donald, I think it’s fair to say, already has that particular armament and has used it frequently. Even if there may be a whole lot of tongue-in-cheekiness involved in tiny Piddington’s campaign, it is certainly doing the business in drawing attention to the case villagers have been making against a migrant camp which would house three times the current number of local residents.",[],{"_163":11846,"_165":11847},"“I want to give Donald Trump the armament of saying: ‘What are you doing to your people?’” he declared.",[],{"_163":11849,"_165":11850},"Elon Musk has saluted the Piddington resistance movement on X. And Tim McNally, the chair of the parish council (he sees himself as a bit of a George Washington figure), says Piddingtonians intend to present a declaration of independence to the US embassy.",[],{"_163":11852,"_165":11853},"Unfortunately, for the unlikely revolutionaries of Piddington parish council, that’s about as far as it goes. They can’t legally break away, and their ballot box gesture will be just that — a PR stunt, albeit an exceptionally clever one that has already garnered interest and support across the globe.",[],{"_163":11855,"_165":11856},"The independent republic of Piddington, a little village in leafy Oxfordshire, population circa 400, is set to vote to secede from the UK in protest at plans to house over 1,250 asylum seekers in a nearby disused army barracks.",[],{"_163":11858,"_165":11859},"As Western countries grapple with the greatest political challenge of the age — how to respond to increasing illegal migration and the knock-on pressure on taxpayer-funded services — the smallest, newest, wannabe state has proclaimed it’s had enough and is closing down its borders.",[],{"_81":11861,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11862,"_213":88,"_223":11863,"_106":11864,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":11864,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/siriw1-mcdowell-lindy-13.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/McDowell%2C%20Lindy%20(13).jpg",[11865],"McDowell%2C%20Lindy%20(13).jpg","160066526",{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_163":11867,"_165":11868},"PM says wealthy areas of Britain must play a part in housing asylum seekers — but one Oxfordshire village has said ‘sod that’ and staged a bid for independence",[],{"_163":11728,"_165":11870},[],{"_250":1970,"_106":1971,"_253":8,"_254":1700},{"_250":9320,"_106":9321,"_253":10,"_254":9322},{"_250":11876,"_106":11877,"_253":10,"_254":11878},{"_250":5497,"_106":5498,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},"life","4331","Life",{"_235":-5,"_237":11880,"_240":11881},"McDowell","Lindy",{"_81":11883,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":11884,"_213":88,"_223":11863,"_106":11864,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":11864,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/siriw1-mcdowell-lindy-13.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/McDowell%2C%20Lindy%20(13).jpg",[11885],{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_250":11897,"_106":11898,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":9908,"_106":9909,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11894,"_106":11895,"_275":11896,"_276":280},{"_250":1504,"_106":1505,"_275":1506,"_276":280},{"_250":1502,"_106":1503,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":11892,"_106":11893,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Nigel Farage","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:nigel-farage","Labour Party","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:labour-party","The Labour Party is a political party","Lindy McDowell","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:lindy-mcdowell",195124650,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":12074,"_283":10,"_275":12075,"_285":10,"_286":12076,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/news-analysis/cia-no-longer-believes-israeli-intel-where-does-that-leave-trumps-fragile-relationship-with-netanyahu/a/160025074.html",[12062,12063,12064,12065],"CIA no longer believes Israeli intel – where does that leave Trump’s fragile relationship with Netanyahu?",{"_264":12056,"_266":12050,"_267":11904},[],[12054,12055],"160025074",{},[],"2026-08-14T09:21:11Z","2026-08-14T09:22:02Z",[11917,11918,11919,11920,11921,11922,11923,11924,11925,11926,11927,11928,11929,11930,11931,11932,11933,11934,11935,11936,11937,11938,11939,11940,11941,11942,11943,11944,11945,11946,11947],"Maira Butt",{"_140":10,"_141":11916,"_143":10},"a57c67b2-97be-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12052,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":12049,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":12043,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12040,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12037,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12034,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":12031,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":12028,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":12027,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12027,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12022,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12018,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":167,"_586":12009,"_588":12010,"_590":-5,"_592":12011,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12006,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12003,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12000,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":11995,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":681,"_106":11994,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11994,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":11991,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":11988,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":11985,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":665,"_212":11974,"_213":11975,"_215":11976,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":11971,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":11968,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":11965,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":11962,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":11959,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":11956,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":11953,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":11950,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":622,"_106":11949,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11949,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":1007,"_106":11948,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11948,"_233":92},"159909795","159323370",{"_163":11951,"_165":11952},"“It may have been done to reassure the public that there was no threat, but also indicates that confidence in Israeli intelligence is not as unquestioned as it once was – a recurring theme since the October 7 attacks which Israeli intelligence failed to predict.” He added: “I don’t think we’ll see Trump pull back from Israel, but the relationship is becoming less predictable.”",[],{"_163":11954,"_165":11955},"“Moving the president was a precaution they simply couldn’t ignore given the potentially catastrophic consequences, but publicly questioning the assessment is a bold move.",[],{"_163":11957,"_165":11958},"“Israeli intelligence has long been viewed as the gold standard, so it’s notable that US officials reportedly acted on the warning whilst simultaneously signalling they didn’t believe it was credible,” Prof Moran said.",[],{"_163":11960,"_165":11961},"This came after Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms.",[],{"_163":11963,"_165":11964},"Earlier this week, a US state department official said a permanent Israeli military presence in south Lebanon was not consistent with commitments set out in Israel’s US-backed deal with Lebanon’s government. ",[],{"_163":11966,"_165":11967},"Nevertheless, a shift is underway on a broader level, said Professor Andrew Moran, head of politics and international relations at London Metropolitan University.",[],{"_163":11969,"_165":11970},"However, with Trump facing a set of mid-term elections likely to deliver bruising results for the Republicans and Netanyahu battling for his survival at a crunch election in October, experts say their relationship will inevitably come under further strain.",[],{"_163":11972,"_165":11973},"Prof Mekelberg points to Trump’s silence on Netanyahu’s public rejection of his peace plan for Gaza and his assertion that there will never be a Palestinian state as evidence of the strength of their relationship.",[],"Anadolu via Getty Images","US President Donald Trump meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at White House in Washington DC",{"_81":11977,"_212":11974,"_220":395,"_97":11978,"_213":11975,"_223":11979,"_106":11980,"_226":227,"_228":11974,"_230":11981,"_218":88,"_232":11980,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/431968-gettyimages-2287382140.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages_2287382140.jpg",[11982],"GettyImages_2287382140.jpg","159806719","WASHINGTON DC, USA - JULY 28: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY â\" MANDATORY CREDIT - 'MA'AYAN TOAF / GPO / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) U.S. President Donald Trump meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at White House in Washington DC, United States on July 28, 2026. (Photo by Maâayan Toaf (GPO)/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)",{"_235":11983,"_237":11984,"_239":11983,"_240":7265},"suzanne.byrne@independent.ie","Byrne",{"_163":11986,"_165":11987},"Last month, Netanyahu made an eighth state visit to the US, demonstrating that the relationship remains strong despite tensions over Israel’s continued bombing campaign in Lebanon, which they have maintained is aimed at defeating Hezbollah.",[],{"_163":11989,"_165":11990},"He said it is also important to note that Trump retains a “soft spot” for Netanyahu, despite details being leaked to the press about furious phone calls between the pair.",[],{"_163":11992,"_165":11993},"“The CIA may be feeling it is sidelined and trying to regain influence,” he said. “There have been so many failures in intelligence, analysis and decision-making,” in the war so far, he added, referring to the Minab school attack that killed over 170 children in Iran which is currently being investigated by the US government.",[],"159735476",{"_163":11996,"_165":11997},"Professor Yossi Mekelberg, an expert on US-Israeli relations at the Chatham House think-tank, told The Independent that intelligence reported in the media may not be as credible as they first appear.",[11998],{"_85":2073,"_157":11999,"_194":694,"_196":-5},99,{"_163":12001,"_165":12002},"“At the same time given previous attempts on Trump’s life and at least one previous uncovered IRGC plot in November 2024 to kill Trump, there was no way the Secret Service was going to take any chances, whatever CIA doubts about Israeli intelligence.”",[],{"_163":12004,"_165":12005},"“Netanyahu often plays fast and loose with intelligence assessments to further his agenda especially when it comes to bad actors like Iran and Hamas,” he said.",[],{"_163":12007,"_165":12008},"Aaron David Miller, an American diplomat who served as an advisor on the Middle East to six US secretaries of state between 1978 and 2003, said Israel’s “extreme confidence” in February that a US-Israeli bombing campaign would pave the way for regime change in Iran will have triggered scepticism in the CIA about the reliability of their intelligence.",[],{"_163":12016,"_165":12017},{"_163":12014,"_165":12015},{"_163":12012,"_165":12013},"US diplomat",[],"Aaron David Miller",[],"Netanyahu often plays fast and loose with intelligence assessments to further his agenda especially when it comes to bad actors like Iran and Hamas",[],{"_163":12019,"_165":12020},"Experts told The Independent that the strong bond between Trump and Netanyahu has been put under immense strain by domestic politics. Both leaders have failed to meet their military and political targets in Iran, whilst struggling to manage internal divisions.",[12021],{"_85":2073,"_157":158,"_194":685,"_196":-5},{"_163":12023,"_165":12024},"Trump’s own intelligence agencies were unconvinced by the tip-off. On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that the CIA had “low confidence” in the intel – but US officials decided to act on them anyway.",[12025],{"_85":2073,"_157":12026,"_194":673,"_196":-5},81,"159865211",{"_163":12029,"_165":12030},"The extraordinary operation involved the US president being moved between aircraft in a catering truck, to safely leave the Nato summit in Ankara for Britain.",[],{"_163":12032,"_165":12033},"Earlier this week, it emerged that Trump took a secret military flight from Turkey to flee an Iranian assassination threat based on Israeli intelligence. ",[],{"_163":12035,"_165":12036},"Cracks in the relationship between Trump and his long-time friend Benjamin Netanyahu have emerged in the past three months, with the US president privately lashing out at the Israeli prime minister for attacks on Lebanon and jeopardising a peace deal with Iran.",[],{"_163":12038,"_165":12039},"But six months into the conflict, he is struggling to find an exit strategy from a war that has upended the global economy and shrunk his domestic popularity. Israel, who once urged him to act, is no longer striking Iranian targets.",[],{"_163":12041,"_165":12042},"Donald Trump launched his war on Iran after receiving an intelligence briefing from ally Israel that Iran was on the brink of acquiring a nuclear weapon.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":12044,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":12045,"_106":12046,"_368":369,"_370":12047,"_232":12048,"_233":92},"ywQE8LlSIrey","00:42:00","1995010","0:42","159900511",{"_163":12050,"_165":12051},"Two leaders were good friends – but relationship under pressure as Iran war continues",[],{"_163":11904,"_165":12053},[],{"_250":2474,"_106":2475,"_253":8,"_254":2476},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_81":12057,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12058,"_213":88,"_223":12059,"_106":12060,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12060,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/7an92z-maira-butt.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Maira%20Butt.jpg",[12061],"Maira%20Butt.jpg","160026351",{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_250":1504,"_106":1505,"_275":1506,"_276":280},{"_250":12071,"_106":12072,"_275":12073,"_276":280},{"_250":12069,"_106":12070,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":12066,"_106":12067,"_275":12068,"_276":280},"Israel","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:israel","Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.","Iran","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:iran","Benjamin Netanyahu","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:benjamin-netanyahu","Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician.","Maira Butt: CIA no longer believes Israeli intel – where does that leave Trump’s fragile relationship with Netanyahu?","Trump’s war on Iran strains his bond with Benjamin Netanyahu and trust in Israeli intelligence","https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/trump-us-israel-intelligence-netanyahu-assassination-iran-b3032400.html",194918652,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/executive-writes-to-burnham-seeking-meeting-to-discuss-fair-funding-for-stormont/a/159992860.html",[12196,12197,12198,12199,12200,12201,12202],"Executive writes to Burnham seeking meeting to discuss fair funding for Stormont",{"_264":12192,"_266":12183,"_267":12082},[12191],[12187,12188,12189,12190],"159992860",{},[],"2026-08-13T18:00:00Z","2026-08-13T18:11:41Z",[12094,12095,12096,12097,12098,12099,12100,12101,12102,12103,12104,12105,12106,12107,12108,12109,12110,12111,12112,12113,12114,12115],{"_140":10,"_141":12093,"_143":10},"33b096e6-971e-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12185,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":12182,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":12174,"_213":12175,"_215":12176,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12171,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12168,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12165,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":12162,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":12159,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12156,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12153,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12150,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":167,"_586":12142,"_588":12143,"_590":-5,"_592":12144,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12139,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12136,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12133,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":12130,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":12127,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":12124,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":12121,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":12118,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":12117,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12117,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":661,"_106":12116,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12116,"_233":92},"159946247","159992972",{"_163":12119,"_165":12120},"“The Prime Minister has again talked about devolution and I would hope that he would want to fund that on the same basis as everywhere else. What we are asking for is fairness.",[],{"_163":12122,"_165":12123},"He added: “Wales and Scotland are funded much better than Northern Ireland, and if we were treated equally we wouldn’t be in the budgetary position that we are in. ",[],{"_163":12125,"_165":12126},"“However, there are not many things that are truly game changers in politics, but this is one of them. This would allow us to make a real difference to the Housing Executive.”",[],{"_163":12128,"_165":12129},"“I have come up with a plan that will help us achieve our targets. I’m doing everything I can on that to stretch the money we do have to make it go further and build more homes. ",[],{"_163":12131,"_165":12132},"“I’m trying to make it easier, simpler and more affordable to build homes across all tenures. ",[],{"_163":12134,"_165":12135},"“If the Prime Minister is serious about that, then my message is the same as what it has been for the last two years: allow the Housing Executive to borrow so that it can build.",[],{"_163":12137,"_165":12138},"“What we’re saying is that if you want to do something, and you care about devolution and housing, allow us to borrow. Give us that role and clarification from the Treasury that we can go ahead and do that because then we can invest in our stock. ",[],{"_163":12140,"_165":12141},"“It’s something that comes at no additional cost to the government and that housing associations and local government authorities in the rest of the UK can do. ",[],{"_163":12148,"_165":12149},{"_163":1681,"_165":12147},{"_163":12145,"_165":12146},"Communities Minister",[],[],"There are not many things that are truly game changers in politics, but this is one of them. This would allow us to make a real difference to the Housing Executive. ",[],{"_163":12151,"_165":12152},"Mr Lyons said: “Additional borrowing powers is my single biggest ask of the UK Government.",[],{"_163":12154,"_165":12155},"Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Transforming our public services and delivering real change for the people of Northern Ireland is our priority, but we cannot do this alone.”",[],{"_163":12157,"_165":12158},"“People here deserve high-quality public services, but we cannot deliver the transformation they need without the necessary investment.”",[],{"_163":12160,"_165":12161},"First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “We have repeatedly made the case to the British Government for a fair and sustainable funding package, but our calls have consistently not been met.",[],{"_163":12163,"_165":12164},"It also calls for funding parity with the other devolved nations. ",[],{"_163":12166,"_165":12167},"The letter says the Executive is “committed to achieving a budget position that is balanced and sustainable”, but “a fair funding envelope” is needed to “enable transformation and support the delivery of the high-quality public services that our citizens rightly expect and deserve”.",[],{"_163":12169,"_165":12170},"Communities Minister Gordon Lyons was speaking as a joint letter signed by all Executive ministers was sent to Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling on him to meet with them to “address mounting financial pressures”.",[],{"_163":12172,"_165":12173},"Whitehall has been urged to give the Housing Executive in Northern Ireland new borrowing powers so more homes can be built.",[],"Kyle Frazer","Gordon Lyons ",{"_81":12177,"_212":12174,"_220":395,"_97":12178,"_213":12175,"_223":12179,"_106":12180,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12180,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/4xbl3u-photo-13-08-2026-12-37-31.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Photo%2013-08-2026%2C%2012%2037%2031.jpg",[12181],"Photo%2013-08-2026%2C%2012%2037%2031.jpg","160004542",{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_163":12183,"_165":12184},"Communities Minister says his ‘biggest ask’ is new borrowing powers for Housing Executive so it can build more social homes ",[],{"_163":12082,"_165":12186},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_240":7296},{"_81":12193,"_212":12174,"_220":395,"_97":12194,"_213":12175,"_223":12179,"_106":12180,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12180,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/4xbl3u-photo-13-08-2026-12-37-31.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Photo%2013-08-2026%2C%2012%2037%2031.jpg",[12195],{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":7761,"_106":7762,"_275":7763,"_276":280},{"_250":9908,"_106":9909,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":9341,"_106":9342,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1681,"_106":1682,"_275":1683,"_276":280},{"_250":9571,"_106":9572,"_275":9573,"_276":280},194915943,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":12344,"_283":8,"_275":12345,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/lyons-welcomes-no-intention-of-executive-collapse-but-accuses-sinn-fein-of-mixed-messaging-theyre-blaming-everyone-but-themselves/a/159992972.html",[12337,12338,12339,12340,12341,12342,12343],"Lyons welcomes ‘no intention’ of Executive collapse but accuses Sinn Féin of mixed messaging: ‘They’re blaming everyone but themselves’ ",{"_264":12333,"_266":12325,"_267":12208},[12332],[12329,12330,12331],{},[],"2026-08-14T06:42:00Z","2026-08-13T17:59:26Z",[12219,12220,12221,12222,12223,12224,12225,12226,12227,12228,12229,12230,12231,12232,12233,12234,12235,12236,12237,12238,12239,12240,12241,12242,12243,12244],{"_140":10,"_141":12218,"_143":10},"594d7f09-971e-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12327,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":12324,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":12317,"_215":12318,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12314,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12311,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12308,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":1611,"_213":12301,"_215":12302,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":12298,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12295,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12292,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12289,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":12286,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":158,"_586":12279,"_588":12280,"_590":-5,"_592":12281,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12276,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12273,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":12270,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":12267,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":12264,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":12263,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12263,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":12260,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":12257,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":12254,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":12251,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":12248,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":12245,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":646,"_106":12116,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12116,"_233":92},{"_163":12246,"_165":12247},"“But our party is seeing out the end of this mandate and getting as much as we can for people, because that is what this job should be all about. ",[],{"_163":12249,"_165":12250},"“There will be time for the election and for debate around that. My focus right now is getting things done. If others want to start the election campaign early, that’s up to them. ",[],{"_163":12252,"_165":12253},"“Now is the time for getting as much out of this mandate as we can. How about we work together to get things done? I am more than happy for people to look at what has happened in Education and Communities, where you can see delivery. ",[],{"_163":12255,"_165":12256},"He said the party was too distracted with the prospect of next May’s election.",[],{"_163":12258,"_165":12259},"Mr Lyons accused Sinn Féin of blocking several of his plans as Communities Minister, including ringfencing cash to tackle antisocial behaviour in social housing and clamping down on benefit fraud. ",[],{"_163":12261,"_165":12262},"“All of those issues are under their own control, and they haven’t been able to deliver. So there is no point in coming and blaming other people.” ",[],"159944579",{"_163":12265,"_165":12266},"“The A5 isn’t down to the Ulster Plantation. It’s down to Sinn Féin not being able to compromise with the DUP on climate legislation that would allow that to go ahead. ",[],{"_163":12268,"_165":12269},"“Nobody has caused the Economy Minister to take the decisions she has made and the potential loss of 1,700 student places in Magee. ",[],{"_163":12271,"_165":12272},"“Nobody forced John O’Dowd to go ahead with the plans for pubs and restaurants around their ratings that would cause so many problems,” Mr Lyons said. ",[],{"_163":12274,"_165":12275},"East Derry MLA Dr Caoimhe Archibald is the Economy Minister, Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd is the Finance Minister and Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins is the Infrastructure Minister. ",[],{"_163":12277,"_165":12278},"Sinn Féin have four Executive seats, including the First Minister. ",[],{"_163":12284,"_165":12285},{"_163":1681,"_165":12283},{"_163":12145,"_165":12282},[],[],"Sinn Féin have been found out, and they are trying to blame other people [for] it",[],{"_163":12287,"_165":12288},"“The reality is that the public are seeing through this, and they see that Sinn Féin haven’t been able to deliver.",[],{"_163":12290,"_165":12291},"“They have blamed the courts, the Deputy First Minister, the Education Minister, the Communities Minister. It seems as if they are blaming everyone but themselves. ",[],{"_163":12293,"_165":12294},"“Sinn Féin has blamed Labour governments, Tory governments, the Treasury, austerity, the DUP, the Ulster Plantation it seems now as well. ",[],{"_163":12296,"_165":12297},"“They have been found out, and they are trying to blame other people [for] it. ",[],{"_163":12299,"_165":12300},"“There has been a real lack of delivery in Sinn Féin-led departments, and they have not been able to make a tangible difference to people’s lives here. ",[],"First Minister Michelle O’Neill speaks to the media in Londonderry, where she said that she has ‘no intention’ of bringing down powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland after concerns were raised about the state of relations in the Executive",{"_81":12303,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":12304,"_213":12301,"_223":12305,"_106":12306,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":12307,"_218":88,"_232":12306,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/g6kgo2-michelle-oneill-comments/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/18379a3d-8b34-49cf-afa9-8dcc7b2e05ce",[],"18379a3d-8b34-49cf-afa9-8dcc7b2e05ce","159987825","First Minister Michelle O’Neill speaks to the media in Co Londonderry, where she said that she has ’no intention’ of bringing down powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland after concerns were raised about the state of relations in the Executive. Picture date: Wednesday August 12, 2026.",{"_163":12309,"_165":12310},"Speaking exclusively to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Lyons said that whilst he welcomes the commitments from Michelle O’Neill and John O’Dowd, he accused Sinn Féin of being inconsistent with their messaging, adding: “They are blaming other people for their problems.”",[],{"_163":12312,"_165":12313},"Gordon Lyons made the comments amid speculation that Sinn Féin would pull out of the Executive after former minister and MLA Conor Murphy said “the institutions were in a precarious position”.",[],{"_163":12315,"_165":12316},"The Communities Minister has said he is pleased to hear commitments from both the First Minister and Finance Minister that Sinn Féin will not collapse the institutions before the next election. ",[],"Communities Minister Gordon Lyons",{"_81":12319,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12320,"_213":12317,"_223":12321,"_106":12322,"_226":227,"_228":4195,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12322,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5cquki-file8714ja2f34n1mhp8rg92/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/d5d1a199-9b25-4c77-934c-7c72ce82f5e7_mhie-beltel-online_urn_newsml_pressassociation_io_1a6b3ac8-7855-41f6-929c-4d9ea889d509-featureimage.jpg",[12323],"d5d1a199-9b25-4c77-934c-7c72ce82f5e7_mhie-beltel-online_urn_newsml_pressassociation_io_1a6b3ac8-7855-41f6-929c-4d9ea889d509-featureimage.jpg","159996295",{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_163":12325,"_165":12326},"Communities Minister takes aim at ‘a real lack of delivery in Sinn Féin-led departments’",[],{"_163":12208,"_165":12328},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_240":7296},{"_81":12334,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12335,"_213":12317,"_223":12321,"_106":12322,"_226":227,"_228":4195,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12322,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5cquki-file8714ja2f34n1mhp8rg92/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/d5d1a199-9b25-4c77-934c-7c72ce82f5e7_mhie-beltel-online_urn_newsml_pressassociation_io_1a6b3ac8-7855-41f6-929c-4d9ea889d509-featureimage.jpg",[12336],{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_239":7294,"_240":7296},{"_250":1681,"_106":1682,"_275":1683,"_276":280},{"_250":1678,"_106":1679,"_275":1680,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":11672,"_106":11673,"_275":11674,"_276":280},{"_250":9571,"_106":9572,"_275":9573,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},"Sinn Féin delivery under fire: Communities Minister attacks party","Gordon Lyons blasts Sinn Féin over stalled delivery, Executive tensions and blocked Communities plans",194879532,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":12529,"_283":8,"_275":12530,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/if-the-wheels-are-coming-off-anything-its-sinn-fein-says-dup-minister-amid-stormont-collapse-fears/a/159994663.html",[12518,12519,12520,12521,12522,12523,12524,12525],"If the wheels are coming off anything, it’s Sinn Féin, says DUP Minister amid Stormont collapse fears",{"_264":12510,"_266":12502,"_267":12351},[],[12506,12507,12508,12509],"159994663",{},[],"2026-08-13T15:02:22Z","2026-08-13T15:04:11Z",[12364,12365,12366,12367,12368,12369,12370,12371,12372,12373,12374,12375,12376,12377,12378,12379,12380,12381,12382,12383,12384,12385,12386,12387,12388,12389,12390,12391,12392,12393,12394,12395,12396,12397,12398,12399],"Mark Bain and Kyle Frazer",{"_140":10,"_141":12363,"_143":10},"78a51c08-9720-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12504,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":12501,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":12500,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12497,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12494,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12491,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":12488,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":4195,"_213":12481,"_215":12482,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12478,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12475,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12472,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":12469,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12466,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12463,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":694,"_106":12462,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12462,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":12459,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":12456,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":12453,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":12450,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":12447,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":12446,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12446,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":12443,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":12440,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":12437,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":650,"_212":12428,"_213":12429,"_215":12430,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":12425,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":12422,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":12419,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":12416,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":12414,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":12411,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":12408,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":12405,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":12402,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":606,"_106":12401,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12401,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":585,"_106":12400,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12400,"_233":92},"159927507","159966429",{"_163":12403,"_165":12404},"“I have no intention of trying to bring Stormont down, I am determined to try and make it work,” she said, adding that the DUP’s “approach to everything is to delay and frustrate progress” and calling the DUP “anti-Irish and anti-equality”.",[],{"_163":12406,"_165":12407},"Speaking in Derry on Tuesday, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that comments from the DUP that her party was “inserting instability” at Stormont “reflect the DUP’s tactics of distraction from internal issues”.",[],{"_163":12409,"_165":12410},"“The reality is that the public are seeing through this, and they see that Sinn Féin haven’t been able to deliver.”",[],{"_163":12412,"_165":12413},"“They have blamed the courts, the deputy first minister, the education minister, the communities minister. It seems as if they are blaming everyone but themselves. ",[],{"_163":12293,"_165":12415},[],{"_163":12417,"_165":12418},"“They have been found out, and they are trying to blame other people on it. ",[],{"_163":12420,"_165":12421},"“There has been a real lack of delivery in Sinn Féin led departments, and they have not been able to make a tangible difference to people’s lives here. ",[],{"_163":12423,"_165":12424},"Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Lyons accused Sinn Féin of being inconsistent and said “they are blaming other people for their problems.”",[],{"_163":12426,"_165":12427},"Minister Givan’s comments were echoed by Minister for Communities and party colleague Gordon Lyons.",[],"Claudia Savage","First Minister Michelle O'Neill speaks to the media to deny Sinn Féin are planning to collapse Stormont",{"_81":12431,"_212":12428,"_220":395,"_97":12432,"_213":12429,"_223":12433,"_106":12434,"_226":227,"_228":12428,"_230":12435,"_218":88,"_232":12434,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2649tb-michelle-oneill-comments/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Michelle_ONeill_comments.jpg",[12436],"Michelle_ONeill_comments.jpg","159995771","First Minister Michelle O'Neill speaks to the media in Co Londonderry, where she said that she has \"no intention\" of bringing down powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland after concerns were raised about the state of relations in the Executive. Picture date: Wednesday August 12, 2026.",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":12438,"_165":12439},"“Sinn Féin are blocking that. They are frustrating these institutions. They are politicking around these things. If that’s the message that they are going to take with them into the election I don’t think that’s a positive one. I want to take positive messages forward.",[],{"_163":12441,"_165":12442},"“I have legislation to try and improve our controlled schools so they can have a managing authority similar to CCMS and how it is managing the maintained sector.",[],{"_163":12444,"_165":12445},"“I have legislation that they have been blocking when it comes to young people being in formal education up to the age of 18. That legislation is ready to be introduced into the Assembly. Sinn Féin haven’t let it out of the Executive.",[],"159701269",{"_163":12448,"_165":12449},"“I think it would be unforgivable if they were to bring down the institutions. But they are frustrating the work of the Executive.",[],{"_163":12451,"_165":12452},"“But I can only commit, as my party leader already has, that the DUP is committed to devolution and we are committed to making sure we support the people in the departments that we are responsible for by better public services.",[],{"_163":12454,"_165":12455},"“We can show what we’ve done,” said Mr Givan. “But because they are struggling to demonstrate what they have been trying to do they embark upon distraction, they embark upon grievance politics. I don’t think that’s good for the institutions and the people of Northern Ireland deserve better.",[],{"_163":12457,"_165":12458},"“We look at the challenges around the A5, they made over-commitments when it came to Casement Park, built up huge expectations despite all of the different challenges that they were aware of in the background, and what do they have to take to their electorate?",[],{"_163":12460,"_165":12461},"“Sinn Féin have been inconsistent on their messaging, the wheels are coming off that public messaging, and that’s not helpful because that can bleed into confidence around the institutions,” he said.",[],"159914484",{"_163":12464,"_165":12465},"“When it comes to their messaging, is it Michelle O’Neill, is it John O’Dowd or is Conor Murphy that’s speaking for them? I think that’s a sign that Sinn Féin are struggling to demonstrate what they’ve actually done in government",[],{"_163":12467,"_165":12468},"“When I look at the failings happening in infrastructure, the challenges in Translink, the challenges over Magee university and in the economy ministerial portfolio and when I listen to the Sinn Féin messaging of ‘the wheels coming off’ at Stormont, it’s not that the wheels are coming off the institutions, it’s that the wheels are coming off Sinn Féin.",[],{"_163":12470,"_165":12471},"“Sinn Féin ministers certainly aren’t.",[],{"_163":12473,"_165":12474},"“I am a DUP minister delivering in a devolved institution, but not all ministers are as effective as the DUP.",[],{"_163":12476,"_165":12477},"“When you look at what I’ve been able to do as education minister, no direct rule minister would have embarked on the transformation I have been able to do,” Mr Givan said as he visited Friends’ School Lisburn on A-level results day.",[],{"_163":12479,"_165":12480},"While both Finance Minister John O’Dowd and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have since denied their party is preparing to collapse Stormont, Mr Givan said the fact Sinn Féin is now engaging in a policy of distraction from the real issues shows they are struggling to stand over their record in government.",[],"DUP Education Minister Paul Givan",{"_81":12483,"_212":4195,"_220":395,"_97":12484,"_213":12481,"_223":12485,"_106":12486,"_226":227,"_228":4195,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12486,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hel0n-file8754daw6m071cabg889z/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/e3bbec01-6fb6-46d1-bd60-b881e8b17395_mhie-beltel-online_urn_newsml_pressassociation_io_97de8708-b349-454e-b479-0533c60d5fda-featureimage.jpeg",[12487],"e3bbec01-6fb6-46d1-bd60-b881e8b17395_mhie-beltel-online_urn_newsml_pressassociation_io_97de8708-b349-454e-b479-0533c60d5fda-featureimage.jpeg","159995588",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":12489,"_165":12490},"Mr Murphy said power-sharing at Stormont is in a “precarious place”, stating that the DUP “don’t have the political will to make it work”.",[],{"_163":12492,"_165":12493},"It comes two weeks after Sinn Féin’s former Economy Minister Conor Murphy warned “there is a danger that the wheels could come off” Stormont if institutions are not reformed.",[],{"_163":12495,"_165":12496},"Education Minister Paul Givan said it would be “unforgivable” if Northern Ireland’s largest political party brought down the institutions at Stormont as the row between the two main parties over who is blocking progress intensified.",[],{"_163":12498,"_165":12499},"A DUP Stormont Minister has said Sinn Féin should look to its own record in government if it believes the ‘wheels are coming off’ anything.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":8488,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":748,"_106":8489,"_368":369,"_370":750,"_232":8490,"_233":92},{"_163":12502,"_165":12503},"Paul Givan: ‘Unforgivable’ if party collapses Stormont",[],{"_163":12351,"_165":12505},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":3169,"_106":3170,"_253":10,"_254":3171},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_81":12511,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12512,"_213":88,"_223":12513,"_106":12514,"_226":227,"_228":12515,"_230":12516,"_218":88,"_232":12514,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tryper-file87540r909nan9zmv8hr/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/14fe9745-acca-4722-a12b-a3fb8b252d03.jpg",[12517],"14fe9745-acca-4722-a12b-a3fb8b252d03.jpg","159996128","Claudia Savage/PA Wire","DUP Education Minister Paul Givan speaks to the media, stating that the 'wheels are coming off' Sinn Féin's public messaging regarding Stormont. Picture date: Thursday August 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Claudia Savage/PA Wire ",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_250":10427,"_106":10428,"_275":10429,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":11672,"_106":11673,"_275":11674,"_276":280},{"_250":12526,"_106":12527,"_275":12528,"_276":280},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":9571,"_106":9572,"_275":9573,"_276":280},{"_250":9574,"_106":9575,"_275":9576,"_276":280},"Conor Murray","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:conor-murray","Conor Murray is an Irish rugby union player.","Stormont collapse risk? Paul Givan attacks Sinn Féin tactics","Stormont faces fresh DUP–Sinn Féin clash as Paul Givan warns collapse would be 'unforgivable' and accuses rivals of blocking reforms. Read the full story.",194642052,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":12627,"_283":8,"_275":12628,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/andy-allen-reselected-to-run-for-uup-in-east-belfast/a/159950864.html",[12619,12620,12621,12622,12623,12624],"Andy Allen reselected to run for UUP in East Belfast",{"_264":12615,"_266":12600,"_267":12536},[12614],[12611,12612,12613],"159950864",{},[],"2026-08-12T18:38:19Z","2026-08-12T18:11:12Z",[12548,12549,12550,12551,12552,12553,12554,12555,12556,12557,12558,12559,12560,12561,12562,12563],{"_140":10,"_141":12547,"_143":10},"145f0fc4-966a-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12609,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":12602,"_215":12603,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12599,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12596,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12593,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":12590,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":183,"_356":12584,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12581,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12578,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":171,"_106":11601,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":11601,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":12575,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12572,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12569,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12566,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":685,"_106":12565,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12565,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":681,"_106":12564,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12564,"_233":92},"159135238","159588703",{"_163":12567,"_165":12568},"On 22pc, Sinn Féin remains the largest party in Northern Ireland. The SDLP is in fourth spot on 13pc with the TUV on 12pc and Alliance in sixth place on 10pc.",[],{"_163":12570,"_165":12571},"In last month’s LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph, the UUP was on 16pc — up three points from April — with the DUP down three points to 15pc.",[],{"_163":12573,"_165":12574},"The UUP has enjoyed a considerable bounce under Mr Burrows. It has overtaken the DUP — which is under pressure in the wake of the Jeffrey Donaldson scandal — to become the most popular unionist party in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":12576,"_165":12577},"He is a known champion of veterans, housing and social welfare issues.",[],{"_163":12579,"_165":12580},"A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, he was left a double above-knee amputee and partially blind as a result of a Taliban attack in Helmand using an improvised explosive device.",[],{"_163":12582,"_165":12583},"The UUP MLA was co-opted into Stormont in 2015 to replace Michael Copeland, who had resigned on health grounds. Mr Allen previously served in the Royal Irish Regiment for six years.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":12585,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":12586,"_106":12587,"_368":369,"_370":12588,"_232":12589,"_233":92},"syYIjJ3Da-SU","00:53:00","1996061","0:53","159912855",{"_163":12591,"_165":12592},"The party’s second candidate in 2022 gained 1,300 votes and was eliminated on the eighth count. It isn’t known whether Mr Allen will be the party’s sole candidate this time, or if he will have a co-runner.",[],{"_163":12594,"_165":12595},"However, he beat two contenders on Tuesday to stand in the May 2027 poll. He has represented the constituency at Stormont for 11 years, securing 5,300 votes in the last Assembly election.",[],{"_163":12597,"_165":12598},"There had been intense speculation that Mr Allen, who has at times had a stormy relationship with party leader Jon Burrows, was at risk of deselection.",[],{"_163":12600,"_165":12601},"Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen has been reselected as his party’s East Belfast candidate for next year’s Assembly election.",[],"Andy Allen",{"_81":12604,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12605,"_213":12602,"_223":12606,"_106":12607,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12607,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/eamjqb-rs--liam-mcburneypa.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/rs__Liam_McBurneyPA.jpg",[12608],"rs__Liam_McBurneyPA.jpg","159954547",{"_235":2443,"_237":2444,"_239":2443,"_240":2445},{"_163":12536,"_165":12610},[],{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":8,"_254":1660},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_235":7263,"_237":7264,"_240":7265},{"_81":12616,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12617,"_213":12602,"_223":12606,"_106":12607,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":12607,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/eamjqb-rs--liam-mcburneypa.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/rs__Liam_McBurneyPA.jpg",[12618],{"_235":2443,"_237":2444,"_239":2443,"_240":2445},{"_250":7592,"_106":7593,"_275":7594,"_276":280},{"_250":12602,"_106":12625,"_275":12626,"_276":280},{"_250":7309,"_106":7310,"_275":7311,"_276":280},{"_250":7770,"_106":7771,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":7764,"_106":7765,"_275":7766,"_276":280},"tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:andy-allen","UUP MLA for Belfast East","Andy Allen reselected as UUP East Belfast Assembly candidate","Reselection drama in East Belfast as Andy Allen defeats rivals amid UUP surge and DUP turmoil. Explore what this means for the 2027 Assembly race.",194636269,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/michelle-oneill-sorry-for-every-loss-of-life-but-insists-everyone-has-a-right-to-remember-their-dead/a/159914484.html",[12820,12821,12822],"Michelle O’Neill ‘sorry for every loss of life’ but insists ‘everyone has a right to remember their dead’ ",{"_264":12816,"_266":12798,"_267":12634},[12815],[12810,12811,12812,12813,12814],{},[],"2026-08-13T05:00:00Z","2026-08-12T17:45:32Z",[12645,12646,12647,12648,12649,12650,12651,12652,12653,12654,12655,12656,12657,12658,12659,12660,12661,12662,12663,12664,12665,12666,12667,12668,12669,12670,12671,12672,12673,12674,12675,12676,12677,12678,12679,12680,12681],{"_140":10,"_141":12644,"_143":10},"5f07d0d3-9625-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":12808,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":3321,"_213":12800,"_215":12801,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":12797,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12794,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12791,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":12790,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12790,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":12787,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12784,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12781,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12778,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":-5,"_213":12770,"_215":12771,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":12764,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12761,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":12758,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":12755,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":12752,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":673,"_586":12744,"_588":12745,"_590":-5,"_592":12746,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":12741,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":12734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":12731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":12728,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":12725,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":646,"_356":12719,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":12716,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":12713,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":12710,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":12707,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":12704,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":12701,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":12698,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":12697,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12697,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":12694,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":12691,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":12688,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":12685,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":12682,"_161":162},{"_163":12683,"_165":12684},"On the potential for US President Donald Trump to visit Northern Ireland as part of his trip to the Republic next month, Ms O’Neill said there are no plans and she has made her position clear in terms of engaging with the Trump administration because of its role “in the genocide in Gaza”.",[],{"_163":12686,"_165":12687},"“And I think that it was right and proper that this material was removed.”",[],{"_163":12689,"_165":12690},"“None of us want to see these anti-social bonfires,” she said, “we need to find ways to celebrate our culture and mark occasions, but don’t do so in a way that endangers your community, that endangers homes around you.",[],{"_163":12692,"_165":12693},"She also commended Department for Infrastructure workers who removed bonfire material, with the PSNI present.",[],{"_163":12695,"_165":12696},"Ms O’Neill pointed to the welcoming nature of the Fleadh in Belfast, saying “that is how we should celebrate culture” and the party will follow through on complaints.",[],"159815416",{"_163":12699,"_165":12700},"Other matters were also raised, including Sinn Féin saying it would report alleged incidents that occurred at the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade to the PSNI and Parades Commission, as well as the removal of material from a bonfire linked to dissident republicans in the Bogside.",[],{"_163":12702,"_165":12703},"She said the DUP’s “approach to everything is to delay and frustrate progress” and they are “anti-Irish and anti-equality”.",[],{"_163":12705,"_165":12706},"Ms O’Neill said those comments “reflect the DUP’s tactics of distraction from internal issues” and gave an assurance that “I have no intention of trying to bring Stormont down, I am determined to try and make it work”.",[],{"_163":12708,"_165":12709},"DUP claims that Sinn Féin is “inserting instability” at Stormont by saying the “wheels could come off” were put to the First Minister.",[],{"_163":12711,"_165":12712},"She said the party recognises it isn’t enough and it “needs to do more” and where there is opposition they “will try to find ways around it” as she “believes the north west needs its fair share”.",[],{"_163":12714,"_165":12715},"On whether there is opposition to Magee expansion within the Executive itself, Ms O’Neill said: “I think there has been down through the years and that has come from unionist quarters, which is documented and evident”.",[],{"_163":12717,"_165":12718},"The Sinn Féin Vice President said she intends to put those points to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, adding if he really cares about “taking money out of London” to support the regions, then he should “put his money where his mouth is”.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":12720,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":12721,"_106":12722,"_368":369,"_370":12723,"_232":12724,"_233":92},"JwJMo9jIU_ay","01:19:00","1977540","1:19","159644906",{"_163":12726,"_165":12727},"She said she is committed to “building” on that positivity, but pointed to the budget and need for “fair funding” from Westminster to allow Stormont to invest in universities and public services.",[],{"_163":12729,"_165":12730},"Ms O’Neill spoke of “record investment” at the campus under a Sinn Féin economy minister in the past two years.",[],{"_163":12732,"_165":12733},"UU has made it clear that the absence of an Executive budget has put projects in doubt and the First Minister was pressed on whether she can give “certainty” that money is in place to facilitate the promised expansion to 10,000 students by 2032.",[],{"_163":12735,"_165":12736},"However, the announcement of 450 jobs being cut at Ulster University (UU) has been quickly followed by news that a planned sports dome will be scrapped and both the UU and the Department for the Economy have admitted that the scale and scope of a long-awaited medical school is now under review.",[12737],{"_85":192,"_157":12738,"_194":513,"_196":12739},100,{"_198":12740,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ulster-university-told-plan-to-scrap-sports-dome-a-kick-in-the-teeth-for-people-in-north-west/a/159815416.html",{"_163":12742,"_165":12743},"As she was visiting the North West, Ms O’Neill was challenged on the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus, which her party has hailed as a game-changer for the city.",[],{"_163":12750,"_165":12751},{"_163":12748,"_165":12749},{"_163":88,"_165":12747},[],"Michelle O’Neill",[],"I’m very aware there have been many tragedies and injustices in our past and I’m sorry for every single loss of life",[],{"_163":12753,"_165":12754},"“I am consistent in my position and I think it is others who are trying to take political potshots who are not being (consistent).”",[],{"_163":12756,"_165":12757},"“I have always said this, this is not something new, this is my consistent position.",[],{"_163":12759,"_165":12760},"“And that’s what I did on Sunday, whenever I was speaking with the McElwee family.",[],{"_163":12762,"_165":12763},"“We should create space to allow people to do so in a respectful way.",[],{"_163":12765,"_165":12766},"“I’m very, very mindful of all those people. I’m equally mindful that everyone has the right to remember their dead.",[],{"_163":12768,"_165":12769},"The First Minister said: “I’m very aware there have been many tragedies and injustices in our past and I’m sorry for every single loss of life, any family who lost a loved one, who has been hurt, who has been grieving all these years and had to carry that every day.",[],"Michelle O’Neill took part in an event commemorating Thomas McElwee in Mid Ulster.",{"_81":12772,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":12773,"_213":12770,"_223":12774,"_106":12775,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":12776,"_218":88,"_232":12775,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2vt80b-file873kilzb0r5dsea921ve/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6496.JPG",[12777],"bt_kscott_2025_6496.JPG","159842727","Michelle O’Neill took part in an event commemorating Thomas McElwee in Mid Ulster.\n\n",{"_235":4388,"_237":4389,"_239":4388,"_240":4390},{"_163":12779,"_165":12780},"While attending Feile Derry on Wednesday, Ms O’Neill was asked about victims who would be “desperately hurt” by her actions.",[],{"_163":12782,"_165":12783},"Emma Little-Pengelly — who heads the Executive with Ms O’Neill — said her presence could not be justified and called on her to apologise.",[],{"_163":12785,"_165":12786},"Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the victim’s son Geoffrey said he was disappointed in Sinn Féin and First Minister Michelle O’Neill for attending the commemoration on Sunday in Bellaghy.",[],{"_163":12788,"_165":12789},"McElwee was arrested with two other IRA men when a bomb they were transporting exploded prematurely.",[],"159868329",{"_163":12792,"_165":12793},"Thomas McElwee from Bellaghy was sentenced to 20 years for possession of explosives and manslaughter.",[],{"_163":12795,"_165":12796},"Yvonne Dunlop (27) was killed when an incendiary device exploded in the shop where she worked in Ballymena on October 9, 1976.",[],{"_163":12798,"_165":12799},"The First Minister said “everyone has a right to remember their dead” as she addressed criticism that the family of an IRA victim would be “desperately hurt” by her attendance at a commemoration for a hunger striker.",[],"First Minister Michelle O’Neill who was in Derry at the “Women’s Voices Hopes for a New Ireland”, event in Cultúlann Uí Chanáin as part of the annual Gasyard Féile",{"_81":12802,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":12803,"_213":12800,"_223":12804,"_106":12805,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":12806,"_218":88,"_232":12805,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/g8pi8z-file874mew2i8ki14pyjsi2c/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/MichelleONeillDerry12082613.jpg",[12807],"MichelleONeillDerry12082613.jpg","159949390","First Minister Michelle O’Neill who was in Derry at the, “Women’s Voices Hopes for a New Ireland”, event in Cultúlann Uí Chanáin as part of the annual Gasyard Féile. Picture Martin McKeown. 12.08.26",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":12634,"_165":12809},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":256,"_106":257,"_253":10,"_254":258},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_240":1664},{"_81":12817,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":12818,"_213":12800,"_223":12804,"_106":12805,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":12806,"_218":88,"_232":12805,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/g8pi8z-file874mew2i8ki14pyjsi2c/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/MichelleONeillDerry12082613.jpg",[12819],{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":8593,"_106":8594,"_275":-5,"_276":280},194622093,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":13050,"_283":8,"_275":13051,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/francie-molloy-does-not-represent-sinn-fein-says-party-after-former-mp-blames-a5-failure-on-plantation-of-ulster/a/159944579.html",[13037,13038,13039,13040,13041,13042,13043],"‘Francie Molloy does not represent Sinn Féin’ says party after former MP blames A5 failure on Plantation of Ulster",{"_264":13033,"_266":13014,"_267":12828},[13032],[13020,13021,13022,13023,13024,13025],{},[13018,13019],"2026-08-12T18:58:05Z","2026-08-12T16:43:18Z",[12839,12840,12841,12842,12843,12844,12845,12846,12847,12848,12849,12850,12851,12852,12853,12854,12855,12856,12857,12858,12859,12860,12861,12862,12863,12864,12865,12866,12867,12868,12869,12870,12871,12872,12873,12874,12875,12876,12877,12878,12879,12880],{"_140":10,"_141":12838,"_143":10},"bb8226fb-965d-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":13016,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":13013,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":9873,"_213":13005,"_215":13006,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":13002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":12999,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":12996,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":1611,"_213":7410,"_215":12994,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":12990,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":12987,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":12984,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":12981,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":12978,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":12975,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":3321,"_213":12967,"_215":12968,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":12964,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":12961,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":12958,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":677,"_356":12952,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":12949,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":12946,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":12943,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":12940,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":12937,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":12934,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":12931,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":12928,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":12918,"_213":12919,"_215":12920,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":12915,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":12912,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":12909,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":12906,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":618,"_106":12565,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12565,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":12903,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":12900,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":12897,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":12894,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":12891,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":12888,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":12885,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":12882,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":564,"_106":12881,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12881,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":556,"_106":12540,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12540,"_233":92},"159917604",{"_163":12883,"_165":12884},"Since the upgrading project was first announced in 2007, almost 60 people have lost their lives as a result of collisions along the 58-mile route.",[],{"_163":12886,"_165":12887},"Running from the outskirts of Londonderry to Aughnacloy, most of it remains a single carriageway and has been unchanged since the 1960s.",[],{"_163":12889,"_165":12890},"The A5 has been labelled Northern Ireland’s most dangerous road.",[],{"_163":12892,"_165":12893},"“Given the sectarian campaign of the IRA against Protestant farmers along the border, there is a deeply troubling element to what Francie Molloy came out with.”",[],{"_163":12895,"_165":12896},"“They seek to lecture others, yet here we have someone who held a senior position in republicanism for decades applying the old ‘Brits out’ logic to farmers because of their religion.",[],{"_163":12898,"_165":12899},"“Sinn Féin are a party which is currently seeking to stir up controversy around the entirely peaceful Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry at the weekend. ",[],{"_163":12901,"_165":12902},"“Once again Sinn Féin’s sectarian mask slipped,” he said.",[],{"_163":12904,"_165":12905},"TUV leader Jim Allister MP said the remarks were “deeply troubling”.",[],{"_163":12907,"_165":12908},"“This is about competence, not the Plantation. Sinn Féin should stop blaming everyone else and take responsibility for its own record.”",[],{"_163":12910,"_165":12911},"“People in West Tyrone want the A5 delivered, not another Sinn Féin excuse.",[],{"_163":12913,"_165":12914},"“The Department’s approach to compulsory purchase and vesting has been appallingly poor. Landowners are entitled to exercise their legal rights without being attacked or having their ownership linked to events four centuries ago.",[],{"_163":12916,"_165":12917},"“Unattainable net-zero targets, which Sinn Féin supported and continues to defend, has blocked the scheme. There have also been serious failures in the treatment of landowners,” he added.",[],"Kelvin Boyes / Press E","West Tyrone DUP MLA Tom Buchanan",{"_81":12921,"_212":12918,"_220":395,"_97":12922,"_213":12919,"_223":12923,"_106":12924,"_226":227,"_228":12925,"_230":12926,"_218":88,"_232":12924,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/au292o-103621678.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/103621678.JPG",[12927],"103621678.JPG","159946460","Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press E","West Tyrone DUP MLA Tom Buchanan\nPhoto by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":12929,"_165":12930},"“The reasons for the delays are multifaceted, but the Plantation is not one of them.",[],{"_163":12932,"_165":12933},"“Reaching back more than 400 years to explain Sinn Féin’s inability to deliver a road in 2026 is the hallmark of a party that is increasingly divorced from reality and becoming ever more ridiculous in its attempts to blame others. ",[],{"_163":12935,"_165":12936},"“We should be told whether the First Minister agrees with these extraordinary comments.",[],{"_163":12938,"_165":12939},"“Until two years ago, Francie Molloy was a Sinn Féin MP and constituency colleague of Michelle O’Neill,” he added.",[],{"_163":12941,"_165":12942},"West Tyrone DUP MLA Tom Buchanan said the comments from Mr Molloy were “a desperate attempt to avoid responsibility for its own failures.",[],{"_163":12944,"_165":12945},"“It’s not a sectarian statement at all. It’s a statement that actually was given to me by a DUP member at one stage”.",[],{"_163":12947,"_165":12948},"“Remember, this all goes back to the Plantation of Ulster. You’ve got it back to the history of it.",[],{"_163":12950,"_165":12951},"“On the A5, you have an obstruction from the landowners, the people who got this land originally under strange circumstances in some cases — they are the people who are now blocking.”",[],{"_85":358,"_359":12953,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":12954,"_106":12955,"_368":369,"_370":12956,"_232":12957,"_233":92},"dwRAq9VD63-w","02:37:00","1995255","2:37","159928368",{"_163":12959,"_165":12960},"“And I think the responsibility again is not just on the British Government, but on the other parties to ensure that those structures are put in place.",[],{"_163":12962,"_165":12963},"Discussing his former party’s inability to deliver either the A5 project, or the building of a new stadium at Casement Park, Mr Molloy added: “Yeah, it hasn’t, and that’s a regrettable situation.",[],{"_163":12965,"_165":12966},"Mr Molloy said Sinn Féin hadn’t delivered the A5 “because the courts have come in the way, and people are using the courts to obstruct the political process”.",[],"The A5 outside Derry-Londonderry",{"_81":12969,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":12970,"_213":12967,"_223":12971,"_106":12972,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":12973,"_218":88,"_232":12972,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/a8mx10-108274057.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/108274057.JPG",[12974],"108274057.JPG","159946893","The A5 outside Derry-Londonderry. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 07.08.17",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":12976,"_165":12977},"Objections had been brought forward by the Alternative A5 Alliance, a group of campaigners, farmers, and landowners, marking last year’s decision the third time in 18 years that approval for the road has been overturned in court",[],{"_163":12979,"_165":12980},"In June 2025, the High Court quashed the Department for Infrastructure’s decision to proceed with the £1.7bn A5 dual-carriageway upgrade, ruling that the approval breached the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and citing an inadequacy of information regarding greenhouse gas emissions and human rights.",[],{"_163":12982,"_165":12983},"He rejected the claim that his comments were sectarian, and added that he believed the courts had been used to obstruct the political process in delivering the upgrades to the road.",[],{"_163":12985,"_165":12986},"Mr Molloy also blamed some of the landowners along the proposed route, claiming some had obtained the land “under strange circumstances. This all goes back to the Plantation of Ulster”.",[],{"_163":12988,"_165":12989},"Former First Minister Baroness Arlene Foster was also quick to slam the comments, saying: “Sinn Féin likes to blame the DUP, the Brits, securocrats, the institutions, etc etc for their own failures, but this is a new one.”",[],{"_163":12991,"_165":12992},"Speaking on the BBC’s Nolan Show yesterdayWednesday, Mr Molloy, who guided First Minister Michelle O’Neill through her early political career, cited the 17th century arrival of protestants in Ulster as among the reasons why his former party has not delivered a major road project.",[12993],{"_85":1065,"_157":556,"_194":179,"_196":-5},{"_81":8474,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":12995,"_213":7410,"_223":8476,"_106":8477,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7962,"_218":88,"_232":8477,"_233":92},[],{"_163":12997,"_165":12998},"Sinn Féin has now distanced itself from the comments, stating: “Francie Molloy does not represent Sinn Féin.”",[],{"_163":13000,"_165":13001},"Jon Burrows MLA said the comment made by former Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy on the 1609 arrival of protestants in Ulster was “beyond parody”.",[],{"_163":13003,"_165":13004},"The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party said he “nearly choked on my cornflakes” after a former Sinn Féin MP blamed delays in upgrading the A5 on the Plantation of Ulster.",[],"Former Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy at the constituency office of Michelle O’Neill MLA in Cookstown",{"_81":13007,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":13008,"_213":13005,"_223":13009,"_106":13010,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13011,"_218":88,"_232":13010,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bizuuf-101199169.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/101199169.JPG",[13012],"101199169.JPG","159946690","Former SInn Feinn MP Francie Molloy at the the Constituency office of Michelle O Neill MLA in Cookstown. Picture by Peter Morrison",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":13014,"_165":13015},"Unionists slam former Mid Ulster MP for citing 1609 arrival of protestants in Ulster as a reason why A5 scheme has not been delivered",[],{"_163":12828,"_165":13017},[],"BT47","BT70",{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":13029,"_106":13030,"_253":10,"_254":13031},{"_250":921,"_106":922,"_253":10,"_254":923},{"_250":13026,"_106":13027,"_253":10,"_254":13028},{"_250":3172,"_106":3173,"_253":10,"_254":3174},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},"regional_tyrone","4414","County Tyrone","regional_derry-londonderry","4408","County Londonderry/Derry",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_240":2406},{"_81":13034,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":13035,"_213":13005,"_223":13009,"_106":13010,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13011,"_218":88,"_232":13010,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bizuuf-101199169.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/101199169.JPG",[13036],{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_250":7309,"_106":7310,"_275":7311,"_276":280},{"_250":5174,"_106":5175,"_275":5176,"_276":280},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":7587,"_106":7588,"_275":7589,"_276":280},{"_250":13047,"_106":13048,"_275":13049,"_276":280},{"_250":13044,"_106":13045,"_275":13046,"_276":280},"Francie Molloy","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:francie-molloy","Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster","Ulster Unionist Party","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:uup","The Ulster Unionist Party is a Northern Ireland political party","A5 Northern Ireland dangerous road delays: Unionists attack Francie Molloy over Plantation comments","Unionist leaders condemn Francie Molloy’s Plantation of Ulster remarks amid A5 upgrade delays, court battles and safety fears on Northern Ireland’s deadliest road",194275921,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":13248,"_283":8,"_275":13249,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/an-apology-is-required-deputy-first-minister-slams-michelle-oneill-for-attending-ira-hunger-striker-commemoration/a/159868329.html",[13236,13237,13238,13239,13240,13241,13242,13243,13244],"‘An apology is required’: Deputy First Minister slams Michelle O’Neill for attending IRA hunger striker commemoration",{"_264":13232,"_266":13215,"_267":13057},[13231],[13227,13228,13229,13230],{},[],"2026-08-12T10:03:00Z","2026-08-11T14:40:19Z",[13068,13069,13070,13071,13072,13073,13074,13075,13076,13077,13078,13079,13080,13081,13082,13083,13084,13085,13086,13087,13088,13089,13090,13091,13092,13093,13094,13095,13096,13097,13098,13099,13100,13101,13102,13103,13104,13105,13106,13107],{"_140":10,"_141":13067,"_143":10},"6ab2e3d7-9565-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":13225,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":13217,"_215":13218,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":13214,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":13211,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":13208,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":13205,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":-5,"_213":7885,"_215":13203,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":13200,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":13197,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":13194,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":13191,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":13188,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":698,"_106":13187,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13187,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":13184,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":13181,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":13179,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":13176,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":13173,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":669,"_356":13172,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":13169,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":13166,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":13163,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":13160,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":13157,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":13154,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":13151,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":13148,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":13147,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13147,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":13144,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":13141,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":13138,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":13135,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":13132,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":606,"_586":13124,"_588":13125,"_590":-5,"_592":13126,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":13121,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":13118,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":13115,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":13112,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":13109,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":564,"_106":13108,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13108,"_233":92},"159879404",{"_163":13110,"_165":13111},"The Executive Office has been contacted for comment. ",[],{"_163":13113,"_165":13114},"A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Everyone has a right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.” ",[],{"_163":13116,"_165":13117},"“Michelle O’Neill cannot credibly present herself as a First Minister for all while participating in commemorations which cause such understandable hurt to innocent victims and their families,” Ms Forsythe added. ",[],{"_163":13119,"_165":13120},"She believes many people have been left frustrated by Sinn Féin’s attendance at the event. ",[],{"_163":13122,"_165":13123},"“It simply does not stack up. You cannot ride both horses. Either violence against women is wrong, terrorism is wrong and there is always an alternative to violence, or there are circumstances in which Sinn Féin still believes such violence can be excused or justified.” ",[],{"_163":13130,"_165":13131},{"_163":13128,"_165":13129},{"_163":88,"_165":13127},[],"Sinn Fein",[],"Everyone has a right to remember their dead with dignity and respect",[],{"_163":13133,"_165":13134},"“Michelle O’Neill jointly leads an Executive, which has made tackling violence against women and girls a priority, yet she attends a commemoration for Thomas McElwee, who was convicted of the manslaughter of Yvonne Dunlop,” she said.",[],{"_163":13136,"_165":13137},"South Down DUP MLA Diane Forsythe also condemned Ms O’Neill’s appearance at the event. ",[],{"_163":13139,"_165":13140},"“We should honour the victims, not the victim makers. My thoughts are with the family of Yvonne Dunlop.”",[],{"_163":13142,"_165":13143},"“Sinn Féin cannot credibly claim to represent everyone while continuing to honour those responsible for murder.",[],{"_163":13145,"_165":13146},"“Looking forward does not mean excusing terrorism, glorifying its perpetrators or disregarding the lifelong suffering of innocent victims and their families.",[],"159722257",{"_163":13149,"_165":13150},"Mr Burrows said Sinn Féin’s appearance has caused pain to the Dunlop family and other victims’ families. ",[],{"_163":13152,"_165":13153},"“This is atrocious conduct from a First Minister who asks to be judged as a First Minister for all. Standing at a commemoration that honours Thomas McElwee is not the conduct of a First Minister for all, and it has inflicted fresh hurt on a family who have already lost everything,” he said.",[],{"_163":13155,"_165":13156},"Mr Burrows also condemned Ms O’Neill’s appearance at the commemoration.",[],{"_163":13158,"_165":13159},"“People are rightly sick of hypocrisy and those who talk from both sides of their mouth. An apology is required.”",[],{"_163":13161,"_165":13162},"“Lots of talk of our ‘ending violence against women and girls’ strategy - how on earth can anyone, never mind the First Minister, justify turning up to commemorate a man who took the life of a woman so brutally and terribly. ",[],{"_163":13164,"_165":13165},"“The First Minister should absolutely not have been at a commemoration of one of the men convicted of causing her death. ",[],{"_163":13167,"_165":13168},"Ms Little-Pengelly said: “Yvonne Dunlop was a wee mummy, just 27 years old. Her life brutally taken by IRA terrorism at the age of 27. ",[],{"_163":13170,"_165":13171},"He died on August 8 that year at the age of 23 after 62 days without food.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":12720,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":12721,"_106":12722,"_368":369,"_370":12723,"_232":12724,"_233":92},{"_163":13174,"_165":13175},"McElwee joined the IRA’s blanket protest in the Maze before taking part in the 1981 hunger strike.",[],{"_163":13177,"_165":13178},"The three men were thrown from the car in the blast, with McElwee losing an eye and another man losing part of his leg.",[],{"_163":12788,"_165":13180},[],{"_163":13182,"_165":13183},"“They claim one of their core policies is (ending) violence against women and girls. What about our mummy’s life?”",[],{"_163":13185,"_165":13186},"He added: “We just can’t understand why Sinn Féin continue to think it is okay to hurt our family.",[],"159831232",{"_163":13189,"_165":13190},"Earlier this week, another son, Geoffrey, said he was disappointed in Sinn Féin and Ms O’Neill for attending the gathering on Sunday in Bellaghy.",[],{"_163":13192,"_165":13193},"Her nine-year-old son escaped, but Ms Dunlop burned to death.",[],{"_163":13195,"_165":13196},"The 26-year-old mother of three was checking a shopping bag left by two women when the device went off.",[],{"_163":13198,"_165":13199},"Ms Dunlop was killed when an incendiary device exploded in the Ballymena shop where she worked on October 9, 1976.",[],{"_163":13201,"_165":13202},"McElwee was sentenced to 20 years for possession of explosives and the manslaughter of Yvonne Dunlop. ",[],{"_81":7887,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13204,"_213":7885,"_223":7889,"_106":7890,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7891,"_218":88,"_232":7890,"_233":92},[],{"_163":13206,"_165":13207},"Ms O’Neill and senior members of Sinn Féin were photographed at Thomas McElwee’s annual commemoration at the weekend.",[],{"_163":13209,"_165":13210},"It came as UUP leader Jon Burrows branded the First Minister’s appearance at the event as “atrocious”.",[],{"_163":13212,"_165":13213},"Emma Little-Pengelly - who heads the Executive with Ms O’Neill - said her attendance could not be justified and called on her to apologise.",[],{"_163":13215,"_165":13216},"The Deputy First Minister has criticised Michelle O’Neill over her presence at a commemoration for an IRA hunger striker who killed a young mother.",[],"First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin at the commemoration for Thomas McElwee, who was sentenced for the manslaughter of Yvonne Dunlop (inset)",{"_81":13219,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13220,"_213":13217,"_223":13221,"_106":13222,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13223,"_218":88,"_232":13222,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/85d6b2-inset-template-32-15.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032%20(15).jpg",[13224],"Inset%20template%2032%20(15).jpg","159856759","Michelle O’Neill and Emma Sheerin attended the commemoration for Thomas McElwee, who was sentenced for the manslaughter of Yvonne Dunlop (inset)",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":13057,"_165":13226},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":1158,"_106":1159,"_253":10,"_254":1160},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":4388,"_237":4389,"_240":4390},{"_81":13233,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13234,"_213":13217,"_223":13221,"_106":13222,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13223,"_218":88,"_232":13222,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/85d6b2-inset-template-32-15.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032%20(15).jpg",[13235],{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_250":9352,"_106":9353,"_275":1173,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":7592,"_106":7593,"_275":7594,"_276":280},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},{"_250":10051,"_106":10052,"_275":10053,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":13245,"_106":13246,"_275":13247,"_276":280},{"_250":7309,"_106":7310,"_275":7311,"_276":280},{"_250":9571,"_106":9572,"_275":9573,"_276":280},"Diane Forsythe","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:diane-forsythe","Diane Forsythe is a Democratic Unionist Party MLA. She was elected in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election for South Down. She is the first female unionist to represent the area.","Michelle O’Neill IRA commemoration: Anger from victims’ families","Michelle O’Neill faces fierce backlash over attending Thomas McElwee IRA commemoration and hurt to Yvonne Dunlop’s family",194270856,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":13379,"_283":8,"_275":13380,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dup-mp-praises-fleadhs-cross-community-spirit-but-warns-against-political-exploitation-by-republicans/a/159886795.html",[13369,13370,13371,13372,13373,13374,13375],"DUP MP praises Fleadh’s cross-community spirit but warns against political exploitation by republicans",{"_264":13365,"_266":13351,"_267":13255},[],[13362,13363,13364],"159886795",{},[3148],"2026-08-11T14:16:00Z","2026-08-11T14:17:13Z",[13268,13269,13270,13271,13272,13273,13274,13275,13276,13277,13278,13279,13280,13281,13282,13283,13284,13285,13286,13287,13288,13289,13290,13291],"Teddy Bingham",{"_140":10,"_141":13267,"_143":10},"88da3aa1-9588-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":13360,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":10923,"_213":11691,"_215":13353,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":13350,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":13347,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":13344,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":13343,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13343,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":13340,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":13337,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":13334,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":13331,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":167,"_356":13325,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":13322,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":13319,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":13316,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":13313,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":13310,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":677,"_106":13147,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13147,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":13307,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":13304,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":13301,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":13298,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":13295,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":13292,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":650,"_106":10843,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":10843,"_233":92},{"_163":13293,"_165":13294},"“Enjoy the sounds, the music, the culture and the parading that many have done for generations as we don’t forget or rewrite the past, while building a better future for all our people in Northern Ireland.”",[],{"_163":13296,"_165":13297},"“Ulster British and Irish culture are enjoyed by many here in Northern Ireland,” he said.",[],{"_163":13299,"_165":13300},"Mr Campbell, who attracted criticism in 2014 for mocking the Irish language with his “curry my yoghurt” jibe, said he supported opportunities to showcase “Ulster British culture and music” alongside Irish culture.",[],{"_163":13302,"_165":13303},"The comments represent a notable acknowledgement from a senior DUP figure of the Fleadh’s potential to bring different traditions together ahead of next year’s festival and other cultural events.",[],{"_163":13305,"_165":13306},"Mr Campbell’s praise comes months after Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the DUP as “anti-Irish”.",[],{"_163":13308,"_165":13309},"His comments come after the DUP took an active role in this year’s Fleadh, with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly addressing the opening ceremony and DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley playing a Lambeg drum in Belfast city centre.",[],{"_163":13311,"_165":13312},"Mr Campbell argued that positive loyalist participation in Irish cultural events, funding for projects in unionist areas and efforts to resolve contentious parades should not be used as “political negotiating tools”.",[],{"_163":13314,"_165":13315},"“Irish republicans then use such participation as tangible tokens of how unionists would be treated in the future as they toil towards their never-never land of an ‘agreed/shared/united Ireland’,” he said.",[],{"_163":13317,"_165":13318},"He contrasted the Fleadh with events at Féile an Phobail, claiming that Sinn Féin representatives had been “lauding an expression of Irish culture and seeking to weaponise it politically”.",[],{"_163":13320,"_165":13321},"In a letter to the Belfast Telegraph, he said that while he supported loyalist participation in the Fleadh, “the participation itself should not prove problematic”, and warned that it could become divisive if people sought to “make political capital out of the nature of the event for the future”.",[],{"_163":13323,"_165":13324},"However, Mr Campbell criticised what he described as attempts by republicans to use such participation for political purposes.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":13326,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":13327,"_106":13328,"_368":369,"_370":13329,"_232":13330,"_233":92},"p4RE2NjDJf-S","01:04:00","1991572","1:04","159852911",{"_163":13332,"_165":13333},"“Those efforts are important because genuinely shared cultural events do not happen simply by putting the word ‘shared’ on a poster. They require respect and a willingness to ensure that different traditions have a meaningful place,” he said.",[],{"_163":13335,"_165":13336},"He named former Belfast Lord Mayor and DUP councillor Tracy Kelly, the Belfast Bands Forum, and the DUP group on Belfast City Council, led by Sarah Bunting, for helping to maximise the “shared element” of the festival.",[],{"_163":13338,"_165":13339},"“The Fleadh demonstrated how culture can be shared across traditional boundaries,” he said.",[],{"_163":13341,"_165":13342},"Mr Campbell, the DUP MP for East Londonderry, welcomed the “shared element” of the Fleadh and praised those who had worked to make the Belfast event more inclusive.",[],"159815762",{"_163":13345,"_165":13346},"Throughout the week, traditional uilleann pipes could be heard alongside Scottish bagpipes, while Ulster-Scots featured in promotional campaigns for the festival.",[],{"_163":13348,"_165":13349},"Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann included performances from loyalist bands, Highland dancing groups and members of the South Asian community, in a landmark display of cross-community participation.",[],{"_163":13351,"_165":13352},"DUP MP Gregory Campbell has praised the Fleadh for demonstrating how “culture can be shared across traditional boundaries”, while warning that participation by unionists must not be used as a “political weapon” in future constitutional debates. ",[],{"_81":13354,"_212":10923,"_220":395,"_97":13355,"_213":11691,"_223":13356,"_106":13357,"_226":227,"_228":10923,"_230":13358,"_218":88,"_232":13357,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/l88re6-gregory-campbell/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/GettyImages-1188141403.jpg",[13359],"GettyImages-1188141403.jpg","145202207","DUP East Londonderry Gregory Campbell at Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt Co Londonderry as counting begins Westminster election. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images)",{"_235":2166,"_237":2167,"_239":2166,"_240":2168},{"_163":13255,"_165":13361},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":3181,"_106":3182,"_253":10,"_254":3183},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_81":13366,"_212":10923,"_220":395,"_97":13367,"_213":11691,"_223":13356,"_106":13357,"_226":227,"_228":10923,"_230":13358,"_218":88,"_232":13357,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/l88re6-gregory-campbell/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-1188141403.jpg",[13368],{"_235":2166,"_237":2167,"_239":2166,"_240":2168},{"_250":780,"_106":781,"_275":782,"_276":280},{"_250":11691,"_106":11692,"_275":11693,"_276":280},{"_250":1687,"_106":1688,"_275":1689,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":9341,"_106":9342,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":13376,"_106":13377,"_275":13378,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},"Jonathan Buckley","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:jonathan-buckley","DUP MLA for Upper Bann.","DUP MP Gregory Campbell warns Fleadh Irish culture not used as political weapon","DUP MP Gregory Campbell backs a more inclusive Belfast Fleadh but warns against politicising unionist participation",194238831,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":13532,"_283":8,"_275":13533,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-to-lodge-formal-complaints-with-psni-and-parades-commission-over-alleged-incidents-at-apprentice-boys-parade/a/159840613.html",[13525,13526,13527,13528],"Sinn Féin to lodge ‘formal complaints’ with PSNI and Parades Commission over alleged incidents at Apprentice Boys parade",{"_264":13521,"_266":13505,"_267":13386},[13520],[13516,13517,13518,13519],"159840613",{},[],"2026-08-11T11:48:00Z","2026-08-11T11:48:40Z",[13398,13399,13400,13401,13402,13403,13404,13405,13406,13407,13408,13409,13410,13411,13412,13413,13414,13415,13416,13417,13418,13419,13420,13421,13422,13423,13424,13425,13426],{"_140":10,"_141":13397,"_143":10},"3a89f10b-94c6-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":13514,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":13507,"_215":13508,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":13504,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":13501,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":13498,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":13495,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":183,"_356":13494,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":13491,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":3321,"_213":13483,"_215":13484,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":13480,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":13477,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":13474,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":13471,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":13468,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":13465,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":13462,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":13459,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":13456,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":13453,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":13450,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":13447,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":13444,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":13441,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":13438,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":13435,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":13432,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":13429,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":13428,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13428,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":622,"_106":13427,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13427,"_233":92},"159683888","159802394",{"_163":13430,"_165":13431},"The Apprentice Boys of Derry has been contacted.",[],{"_163":13433,"_165":13434},"“In the event that any information regarding the Associated Clubs General Committee parade (PAR\\109015) held in Derry/Londonderry on 8 August 2026 is received by the Commission, it will be given due consideration in respect of any future notifications.”",[],{"_163":13436,"_165":13437},"“Suspected breaches of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 are subject to investigation by the PSNI. ",[],{"_163":13439,"_165":13440},"The Parades Commission said: “The Parades Commission takes all information available to it into account when deciding whether to exercise any of its statutory functions in relation to a notified public procession.",[],{"_163":13442,"_165":13443},"They include a 47-year-old man arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 who was charged with the offence of wearing clothing or having article[s] as member or supporter of proscribed organisation.",[],{"_163":13445,"_165":13446},"The PSNI also pointed to a statement from the weekend where it noted that a number of men have been charged to court following their arrests during Saturday’s policing operation. ",[],{"_163":13448,"_165":13449},"Addressing bands marching under the bridge in an area that was not part of the parade route, the PSNI said: “For safety reasons, while the main parade was ongoing, the area around the Craigavon Bridge was used for a short time to facilitate egress and return to buses on Victoria Road.”",[],{"_163":13451,"_165":13452},"Police said they are aware of the bannerette in honour of Mr Lynch being carried at the parade, but, “after consideration, it has been determined at this stage that no criminal offence has been committed”.",[],{"_163":13454,"_165":13455},"The PSNI said it has not yet received reports about offensive songs being played.",[],{"_163":13457,"_165":13458},"“Derry has long been an example of how events like this can take place in a respectful way, and it would be very disappointing to see that undermined by the actions of a small number of people.”",[],{"_163":13460,"_165":13461},"“The SDLP has engaged directly with the Apprentice Boys to try to address these issues, and we welcome their ongoing efforts to resolve them. ",[],{"_163":13463,"_165":13464},"“However, respect is a two-way street, and it is disappointing that over the past few years a small minority have caused issues, whether through singing songs, making comments or showing a lack of regard for local businesses and the public.",[],{"_163":13466,"_165":13467},"SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: “Every year Derry welcomes the Apprentice Boys and other similar parades in a spirit of respect and tolerance, recognising that while we may have different cultures and traditions, there is room for everyone in our city and on this island.",[],{"_163":13469,"_165":13470},"“We will be engaging with both the Parades Commission and the PSNI, outlining formal complaints in relation to these incidents.”",[],{"_163":13472,"_165":13473},"Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said: “We are aware of several incidents that occurred in both Derry and Rasharkin during parades by Apprentice Boys last Saturday.",[],{"_163":13475,"_165":13476},"Police officers were situated a short distance away as they managed traffic under the bridge on the day.",[],{"_163":13478,"_165":13479},"A video shows one band playing No Pope of Rome in the middle of the road under the bridge.",[],{"_163":13481,"_165":13482},"Bands also went off the designated parade route by walking under the Craigavon Bridge where motorists had been diverted to accommodate marchers on top of the bridge.",[],"The annual Apprentice Boys’ Relief of Derry parade in Londonderry marking the end of the Siege of the city which began in 1688 and ended in 1689. ",{"_81":13485,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":13486,"_213":13483,"_223":13487,"_106":13488,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13489,"_218":88,"_232":13488,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dd3uo4-derryrelief08082622.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/DerryRelief08082622.jpg",[13490],"DerryRelief08082622.jpg","159802893","The annual Apprentice Boys' Relief of Derry parade in Londonderry marking the end of the Siege of the city which began in 1688 and ended in 1689. The parade brings 10,000 members of the organisation to the city. The event begins in the morning with a parade round the city’s walls followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph in The Diamond and a church service. The afternoon begins with a pageant at he Craigavon Bridge before the main parade makes its way from the Waterside to the city centre returning to the Waterside. Picture Martin McKeown. 08.08.26",{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_163":13492,"_165":13493},"Mooney was a member of the UDA who died when a bomb that he was transporting to Kirk’s Bar in Lifford, Co Donegal — which was packed with St Patrick’s Day revellers in 1973 — exploded prematurely.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":13326,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":13327,"_106":13328,"_368":369,"_370":13329,"_232":13330,"_233":92},{"_163":13496,"_165":13497},"Videos also emerged of the Sgt Lindsay Mooney Memorial Flute Band marching through the city.",[],{"_163":13499,"_165":13500},"The East Bank Protestant Boys also carried a banner with the image of UDA man Gary Lynch around the city. ",[],{"_163":13502,"_165":13503},"Videos shared online showed bands playing anti-Catholic songs No Pope of Rome and the Billy Boys, which contains the lyrics, “We’re up to our knees in Fenian blood, surrender or you’ll die”, with spectators heard singing along.",[],{"_163":13505,"_165":13506},"A Sinn Féin councillor has said the party will be making formal complaints to the PSNI and Parades Commission about incidents that occurred at the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in the city at the weekend.",[],"Image of a band playing in the middle of the road under the Craigavon Bridge, which was not part of the parade route. There were traffic jams under the bridge as the top deck was closed to accommodate the march.",{"_81":13509,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13510,"_213":13507,"_223":13511,"_106":13512,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":13512,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/c6m5oq-point-blur-aug102026-173635.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Point%20Blur_Aug102026_173635.jpg",[13513],"Point%20Blur_Aug102026_173635.jpg","159850760",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":13386,"_165":13515},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":256,"_106":257,"_253":10,"_254":258},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_240":1664},{"_81":13522,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13523,"_213":13507,"_223":13511,"_106":13512,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":13512,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/c6m5oq-point-blur-aug102026-173635.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Point%20Blur_Aug102026_173635.jpg",[13524],{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_250":13529,"_106":13530,"_275":13531,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":7781,"_106":7782,"_275":7783,"_276":280},"Apprentice Boys of Derry","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:apprentice-boys-of-derry","The Apprentice Boys of Derry are a Protestant loyal order and fraternal society based in Derry / Londonderry","Apprentice Boys Derry parade complaints: PSNI and bands under fire","Controversial Apprentice Boys of Derry parade sparks sectarian song row and PSNI scrutiny in Derry and Rasharkin. Read the full story.",194188195,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":-5,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":-5,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/article159862271.ece",[],"HtmlBlock","Politics Unplugged Newsletter Signup box",[13552],"unknown",[13551],"159862271",{},[],"2026-08-11T07:38:13Z",[13549],{"_155":3079,"_157":880,"_163":13550,"_161":3081},"

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It has been a difficult and challenging few weeks, but I’m looking forward to the summer school in Carlingford.",[],{"_163":13619,"_165":13620},"“I can’t begin to tell you how mad my life has been since then,” said the former Ards councillor. ",[],{"_163":13622,"_165":13623},"Ms McLaren resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party last autumn over the party’s direction on the Irish language, the redevelopment of Casement Park and women’s representation.",[],{"_163":13625,"_165":13626},"Meanwhile, Linzi McLaren has described the response to her comments in the Belfast Telegraph on being open to joining the SDLP, under Claire Hanna’s leadership, as “challenging”.",[],"159770807",{"_163":13629,"_165":13630},"“I do think there will be some form of a united Ireland in my grandchildren’s lifetime, and I’d like to think I can contribute in some way to breaking down barriers. 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The Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride will moderate.",[],{"_163":13653,"_165":13654},"“Linzi handles the name-calling well; she calls herself a ‘Happy Lundy’. Although when I saw kids setting fire to a ‘Lundy’ in Banbridge at the weekend, I thought that was sinister. They were keen to see it burn. Wrong time of year, too, so it was even out of context.”",[],{"_163":13656,"_165":13657},"“My left side is still affected, and I can’t write very well — I’m left-handed — but it’s manageable. I have to be careful not to get too caught up in things. Those trolls online have no mercy.",[],{"_163":13659,"_165":13660},"“My son’s a doctor and he said I was high-risk and have to avoid stress,” he said. ",[],{"_163":13662,"_165":13663},"A lifelong civil servant and political advisor to the DUP from 2007 to 2009, Mr Thompson was prescribed medication to help keep his blood pressure levels down.",[],{"_163":13665,"_165":13666},"“And that night, I had an awful headache, like you’d get in a thunderstorm, then my leg cramped and I could feel my left side going. Miriam, my wife, got me to the Ulster Hospital and they diagnosed a bleed on the brain.”",[],{"_163":13668,"_165":13669},"“I’ve been called names too, and I was advising her not to follow up on any of it. But it was spreading like wildfire, and I was online with it all day, stressed out. I could feel my blood pressure rising. ",[],{"_163":13671,"_165":13672},"“It was appalling. This is a lovely girl who served on the police force, and the abuse she was suffering on Twitter, or X, which is a cesspit, was dreadful,” he said. ",[],{"_163":13674,"_165":13675},"Mr Thompson, who has urged unionists to discuss the “inevitability” of future Irish unity, said he felt his blood pressure rising sharply as he read some of the vitriolic abuse directed towards Ms McLaren last October on X.",[],"Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX","Former UUP Ards and North Down councillor Linzi McLaren at her home in Bangor",{"_81":13679,"_212":13676,"_220":395,"_97":13680,"_213":13677,"_223":13681,"_106":13682,"_226":227,"_228":13676,"_230":13677,"_218":88,"_232":13682,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qy8wx8-mb-20260131-05a-006.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/MB_20260131_05A_006.jpg",[13683],"MB_20260131_05A_006.jpg","131041399",{"_235":13684,"_237":13685,"_239":13684,"_240":13686},"maxie.swain@sundaylife.co.uk","Swain","Maxie",{"_163":13688,"_165":13689},"The Ballymoney-born evangelist revealed his diagnosis as he prepares to join Ms McLaren and other high-profile commentators in Carlingford on August 26-27 to discuss unionist and immigrant identity and inclusion within “a new Ireland”, as part of the town’s annual D’Arcy Magee Summer School.",[],{"_163":13691,"_165":13692},"The 73-year-old was hospitalised with a bleed on the brain but was released following treatment. 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There will be no storage facilities at the venue.",[],{"_163":13860,"_165":13861},"Strict security checks will be in operation, with all patrons subject to searches permitted under law.",[],{"_163":13863,"_165":13864},"Security and age requirements",[],{"_163":13866,"_165":13867},"For further information please visit Translink.",[],{"_163":13869,"_165":13870},"Adelaide train station will not be available on the days of the Vital concerts.",[],{"_163":13872,"_165":13873},"Bus services must also be booked online in advance, while independent regional coach services can be found and booked through the Evntz app.",[],{"_163":13875,"_165":13876},"Train travel should be booked in advance where possible. ",[],{"_163":13878,"_165":13879},"There will be no parking at the site and partial road closures will be in operation on Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane.",[],{"_163":13881,"_165":13882},"Organisers are encouraging people to plan their return journey in advance and make use of public transport, allowing at least an additional three hours travel time to and from the venue.",[],{"_163":13884,"_165":13885},"Transport",[],{"_85":358,"_359":13887,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":13888,"_106":13889,"_368":369,"_370":13890,"_232":13891,"_233":92},"mYJNC_0BrKyC","00:40:00","1809075","0:40","156830237",{"_163":13893,"_165":13894},"The last entry is at 9.30pm. ",[],{"_163":13896,"_165":13897},"Gates open at 5pm on both nights, with the shows scheduled to begin at 6pm. Organisers have warned that all timings are subject to change and customers should aim to be inside the venue at least 30 minutes before the show starts.",[],{"_163":13899,"_165":13900},"Dublin DJ and singer Jazzy has quickly established herself as one of Ireland’s rising dance music stars. She has already performed several times in Belfast, including recently at Belsonic. ",[],{"_163":13902,"_165":13903},"Calvin Harris is no stranger to headlining Belfast shows, first performing at Boucher back in 2015, and most recently playing in 2022 as part of Belsonic. ",[],"Calvin Harris announces Belfast Vital gig ",{"_81":13906,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13907,"_213":13904,"_223":13908,"_106":13909,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13904,"_218":88,"_232":13909,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dzs940-calvin-harris-announces-belfast-vital-gig/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/7458030%2Fb9cfdbbc-566c-457d-ad9e-1cbdbcba0bdf.jpg",[],"7458030%2Fb9cfdbbc-566c-457d-ad9e-1cbdbcba0bdf.jpg","111227990",{"_163":13911,"_165":13912},"Meanwhile, Loyle Carner will be making his Belfast debut. The hip-hop musician has taken off in recent years, with his unique and innovative sound making waves across the UK festival scene. ",[],{"_163":13914,"_165":13915},"This marks the first time Lewis Capaldi has performed in Belfast since his two-year break from music due to his health. He had been due to play at the Boucher site back in 2023 but the performance was cancelled. ",[],{"_163":13917,"_165":13918},"Lewis Capaldi will perform on Thursday, August 20, alongside Loyle Carner and Dermot Henry, while Calvin Harris will headline on Saturday, August 22, with Jazzy, Robbie Doherty and Tyson O’Brien also taking to the stage.",[],{"_163":13920,"_165":13921},"Belfast is preparing for two major nights of live music this week as Lewis Capaldi and Calvin Harris headline this year’s Belfast Vital in Boucher Road Playing Fields. ",[],"Lewis Capaldi. Picture: Yui Mok/PA",{"_81":13924,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13925,"_213":13922,"_223":13926,"_106":13927,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13928,"_218":88,"_232":13927,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/q2vif2-lewis-capaldi-plays-dublins-3arena-this-weekend.-pic-yui-mokpa/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/736700170%2F96af7d75-c518-47ae-a768-4b8621f83c00.jpg",[],"736700170%2F96af7d75-c518-47ae-a768-4b8621f83c00.jpg","132560592","Lewis Capaldi plays Dublin's 3Arena this weekend. Pic: Yui Mok/PA",{"_163":13766,"_165":13930},[],{"_250":763,"_106":764,"_253":8,"_254":765},{"_250":13936,"_106":13937,"_253":10,"_254":13938},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":383,"_106":384,"_253":10,"_254":385},"entertainment","4346","Entertainment",{"_81":13940,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":13941,"_213":13922,"_223":13926,"_106":13927,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":13928,"_218":88,"_232":13927,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/q2vif2-lewis-capaldi-plays-dublins-3arena-this-weekend.-pic-yui-mokpa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/736700170%2F96af7d75-c518-47ae-a768-4b8621f83c00.jpg",[],{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},195777648,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/male-domestic-abuse-victims-are-not-being-asked-about-injuries-in-healthcare-settings-campaign-warns/a/160212462.html",[14054,14055,14056],"Male domestic abuse victims are not being asked about injuries in healthcare settings, campaign warns",{"_264":14047,"_266":14040,"_267":13948},[],[14044,14045,14046],"160212462",{},[],"2026-08-19T14:10:00Z","2026-08-19T14:06:35Z",[13961,13962,13963,13964,13965,13966,13967,13968,13969,13970,13971,13972,13973,13974,13975,13976,13977,13978,13979,13980,13981,13982],"Andrew Colgan",{"_140":10,"_141":13960,"_143":10},"38b39515-9ba8-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14042,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":14039,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":14035,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14032,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14029,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14026,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14023,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":14020,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14017,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":14014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14011,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":14005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":14002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":13999,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":13996,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":13993,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":13990,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":13987,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":13984,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":7094,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":7094,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":661,"_106":13983,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13983,"_233":92},"160233678",{"_163":13985,"_165":13986},"“We are not sighted on the full extent of male domestic abuse — and, in fact, all domestic abuse. People from many backgrounds experience additional barriers.”",[],{"_163":13988,"_165":13989},"Det Supt Brennan also said there is a need for greater reporting, to allow for a better understanding of the extent of domestic abuse men are facing.",[],{"_163":13991,"_165":13992},"Det Supt Brennan continued: “The challenge for us is getting new victims to recognise it’s a spectrum. Violence doesn’t need to be involved. It can be financial abuse, control and monitoring of your movements.”",[],{"_163":13994,"_165":13995},"The campaign aims to raise awareness of the variety of forms of domestic abuse that can occur.",[],{"_163":13997,"_165":13998},"“There’s sort of an impression that domestic abuse has to involve physical violence and the victim has to be a female. That is absolutely not the case.”",[],{"_163":14000,"_165":14001},"“Domestic abuse is a complex crime because it [can] be hidden and [often] it takes place in secret. It can be the most horrendous thing to happen to someone and can carry great shame,” she said.",[],{"_163":14003,"_165":14004},"Det Supt Brennan said the PSNI is “on the right path” but recognises the difficulties men face when reporting domestic abuse.",[],{"_163":14006,"_165":14007},"Det Supt Kerry Brennan called for men suffering domestic abuse to seek help: “We know that domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. This campaign is about raising awareness and making men aware that we want to hear from you as a service. We know that we are not seeing the full extent. We want to get that confidence [whereby] they can report to the police.”",[],{"_163":14009,"_165":14010},"“The police are doing something which is pretty groundbreaking, coming forward and saying: ‘We see you, we believe you, and we want you to know to come forward.’”",[],{"_163":14012,"_165":14013},"“There is something to be said about the number of victims of domestic abuse who drop out of the criminal justice system. That has a lot to do with how we, as a society, support people suffering from domestic abuse,” she said.",[],{"_163":14015,"_165":14016},"Ms Lusty, saying that male victims can go under-recognised, welcomed the PSNI’s approach in recognising the issue.",[],{"_163":14018,"_165":14019},"“In some A&Es, there are dedicated workers for female victims. That hasn’t been replicated for male victims. There are male victims here who go in with quite significant injuries and don’t get asked about them.”",[],{"_163":14021,"_165":14022},"She said: “Many men who have come to us have tried to speak to GPs and physiotherapists. When they go, they aren’t being asked if there is something going on.",[],{"_163":14024,"_165":14025},"Ms Lusty said there is a greater need for equality in the service provided for individuals presenting with injuries from domestic abuse.",[],{"_163":14027,"_165":14028},"The PSNI says men made up almost a third (32pc) of domestic abuse victims recorded between April 2025 and March 2026, with 19pc of the crimes resulting in a formal police outcome, such as a charge or caution.",[],{"_163":14030,"_165":14031},"PSNI Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan and Men’s Advisory Project CEO Rhonda Lusty were speaking on Wednesday as they launched the ‘Every Victim Matters’ campaign, which outlines the need to challenge misconceptions surrounding male domestic abuse.",[],{"_163":14033,"_165":14034},"Male victims of domestic abuse are often not asked about the origin of their injuries when presenting to healthcare settings, a new campaign launched to raise awareness has highlighted.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":14036,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":14037,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":14038,"_233":92},"JjBgBbiK6bQE","2019752","160228104",{"_163":14040,"_165":14041},"PSNI and Men’s Advisory Project launch ‘Every Victim Matters’ initiative to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions",[],{"_163":13948,"_165":14043},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_81":14048,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14049,"_213":88,"_223":14050,"_106":14051,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":14052,"_218":88,"_232":14051,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/26oky7-file8785twpdi4y1erpwr1jbu/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Launch_of_new_Male_Domestic_Abuse_Awareness_campaign_06.JPG",[14053],"Launch_of_new_Male_Domestic_Abuse_Awareness_campaign_06.JPG","160234752","Pacemaker Press 19-08-2026: Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan & CEO of MenÕs Advisory Project Rhonda Lusty pictured during a Joint media facility to promote the launch of the PSNIÕs new Male Domestic Abuse Awareness campaign at PSNI HQ in Belfast.\nÒEvery Victim MattersÓ PSNI launches campaign highlighting male domestic abuse victims\n The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), in partnership with the MenÕs Advisory Project, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse against men.\nPicture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.",{"_235":2384,"_237":2385,"_239":2384,"_240":1864},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},195776994,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/convicted-co-down-sex-offender-allegedly-filmed-unsuspecting-young-man-at-airport-toilet-court-hears/a/160233678.html",[14171],"Convicted Co Down sex offender allegedly filmed unsuspecting young man at airport toilet, court hears",{"_264":14167,"_266":14150,"_267":14062},[],[14162,14163,14164,14165,14166],{},[],"2026-08-19T13:46:00Z","2026-08-19T13:48:15Z",[14074,14075,14076,14077,14078,14079,14080,14081,14082,14083,14084,14085,14086,14087,14088,14089,14090,14091,14092,14093,14094],"Alan Erwin",{"_140":10,"_141":14073,"_143":10},"1df4683f-9bd2-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14160,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":14152,"_215":14153,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14149,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14146,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14143,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14140,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":14137,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14134,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":14131,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14128,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14125,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":14122,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":14119,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":14116,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":14113,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":14110,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":14107,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":14104,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":14101,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":14098,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":14095,"_161":162},{"_163":14096,"_165":14097},"He told Tinsley: “Even if I were to impose extremely tight conditions, you are either unwilling or unable to comply with those.”",[],{"_163":14099,"_165":14100},"But denying bail due to the risk of re-offending, the judge cited his previous criminal record for voyeurism offences and the admissions made to police. ",[],{"_163":14102,"_165":14103},"Mr Justice Scoffield also heard the father-of-three could work with a cognitive behavioural therapist in a bid to manage his “compulsions”.",[],{"_163":14105,"_165":14106},"“He explained that he had deleted these items trying to make space on his phone,” the barrister said.",[],{"_163":14108,"_165":14109},"Objecting to those claims being made, defence lawyer Patrick Taylor stressed that Tinsley only faces prosecution for allegedly violating his SOPO.",[],{"_163":14111,"_165":14112},"“It can be assumed that while his family were in the airport awaiting their flight home the applicant was in a public toilet committing offences,” she submitted.",[],{"_163":14114,"_165":14115},"Opposing bail, the prosecutor insisted he poses a risk to others despite the suspected incident taking place outside the jurisdiction.",[],{"_163":14117,"_165":14118},"During interviews Tinsley admitted deleting the images and videos, the court heard, telling police about a problem with voyeurism which he had tried not to act on over the past year.",[],{"_163":14120,"_165":14121},"“This was due to the incident occurring in Larnaca Airport in Cyprus,” counsel added.",[],{"_163":14123,"_165":14124},"He was arrested and charged with breaching his SOPO, but released unconditionally for the suspected voyeurism.",[],{"_163":14126,"_165":14127},"“A brief view of the recording person was seen at the end of the clip, and it was confirmed to be (Tinsley),” the barrister said.",[],{"_163":14129,"_165":14130},"The device had allegedly been raised over the partition at public toilets to film an unwitting young male in another cubicle.",[],{"_163":14132,"_165":14133},"According to Crown counsel, one of the clips contained evidence of suspected voyeurism.",[],{"_163":14135,"_165":14136},"The court heard 83 images and two videos were discovered in the phone’s recycle bin when police carried out checks on July 28.",[],{"_163":14138,"_165":14139},"Tinsley is prohibited from erasing photos or footage stored on his device under the terms of a SOPO which remains in force until 2030.",[],{"_163":14141,"_165":14142},"Details emerged as he was refused bail over the incident last month.",[],{"_163":14144,"_165":14145},"The 51-year-old, of Lurgan Road in Dromore, instead faces a single count of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by deleting images from his mobile phone.",[],{"_163":14147,"_165":14148},"Co Down man Andrew Tinsley could not be charged with any new voyeurism offence because the suspected recording took place abroad, prosecutors disclosed.",[],{"_163":14150,"_165":14151},"A convicted sex offender allegedly filmed an unsuspecting young male at airport toilets while returning from a family holiday in Cyprus, the High Court heard today.",[],"Andrew Tinsley 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a third (36pc) said they had no experience of a foreign language at primary school, and 85.4pc said they wanted to see the learning of a foreign language as a mandatory part of the primary school curriculum.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},{"_163":14227,"_165":14228},"And 60.4pc of students said they had limited or no involvement with native speakers while studying languages, while 55.3pc felt they did not receive enough speaking practice to hold a conversation in the country of their chosen language at GCSE or A-Level.",[],"160112623",{"_163":14231,"_165":14232},"The survey showed 64.8pc did not feel languages are viewed as important, with 68.4pc believing schools do not treat languages as important subjects.",[],{"_163":14234,"_165":14235},"The most recent Lost in Translation survey (2025) of pupils here by the Secondary School Students’ Union called for greater efforts to prevent young people falling further behind their European counterparts when it comes to learning a foreign language.",[],{"_163":14237,"_165":14238},"“And there are broader implications of language study: fostering global citizenship, understanding multicultural perspectives and developing empathy. The decision to remove German from the curriculum neglects these critical benefits.”",[],{"_163":14240,"_165":14241},"“Knowledge of German can present significant career opportunities in trade, economics and international relations. Students deserve access to these opportunities as part of a comprehensive education.",[],{"_163":14243,"_165":14244},"“The importance of German in academic and professional fields cannot be overstated. It is the second most commonly used scientific language, often necessary in fields such as engineering, chemistry, and physics. ",[],{"_163":14246,"_165":14247},"“German in particular is a major language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide and is a key language in European trade, politics and culture. ",[],{"_163":14249,"_165":14250},"Dr Collen said: “Modern Languages should be more than optional extras in our collective education. ",[],{"_163":14252,"_165":14253},"GCSE German was taken by 587 students in 2025, with only 49 carrying that subject through to A-level.",[],{"_163":14255,"_165":14256},"A total of 369 students took the A-level in professional business services in 2026, while 206 took the GCSE in engineering and manufacturing in 2025. ",[],{"_163":14258,"_165":14259},"The subjects being removed by CCEA are still being offered as qualifications through English and Welsh exam boards.",[],{"_163":14261,"_165":14262},"CCEA added: “As with all changes to our qualifications offer, we are engaging directly with schools and colleges to ensure they have sufficient notice and are supported through the transition... alternative qualifications are available from other awarding bodies.”",[],{"_163":14264,"_165":14265},"Final courses in the GCSE subjects will begin in 2028, with final awarding of qualifications in 2030. Final courses in the A-levels will begin in 2029, with final awarding of qualifications in 2031.",[],{"_163":14267,"_165":14268},"CCEA said while the decision to remove several subjects from the exams schedule was “difficult”, the decision was based on “candidate entry patterns and the long-term sustainability of these subjects”.",[],{"_163":14270,"_165":14271},"Economics and engineering will disappear at GCSE and A-level too, and GCSEs in leisure, travel and tourism, learning for life, and work and contemporary crafts will also be withdrawn, along with the A-level in professional business services.",[],"159862130",{"_163":14274,"_165":14275},"“It’s a political decision taken against the best interest of educating our children and contrary to world best practice we are told we’re seeking to learn from. Employers constantly tell us that languages matter.”",[],{"_163":14277,"_165":14278},"“I believe this has very little to so with the number of students taking the subject. ",[],{"_163":14280,"_165":14281},"“It’s taken us by surprise. I fear that in a few years’ time French will also disappear, then we’ll have Spanish and Irish as the only two languages fighting for the attention of students.",[],{"_163":14283,"_165":14284},"“It make you worry about the direction of travel our education system is taking, and it’s very unlike CCEA to make such a quick decision without consultation. ",[],{"_163":14286,"_165":14287},"“Our students are only required to learn one, and that goes against research from the Council of Europe and the recommendations of experts on best practice in the education sector.",[],{"_163":14289,"_165":14290},"“When you compare what’s taught in Northern Ireland to the other Celtic nations, in Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, children learn two languages in addition to their native tongue. ",[],{"_163":14292,"_165":14293},"“There was no consultation, nor is there any indication as to how many learners are viable for CCEA to offer a qualification. The obvious question is which subject — and for me most importantly — which language will be next?",[],"Dr Ian Collen",{"_81":14296,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14297,"_213":14294,"_223":14298,"_106":14299,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14299,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/pu5m3z-dr-ian-collen-qub.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Dr%20Ian%20Collen%20QUB.jpg",[14300],"Dr%20Ian%20Collen%20QUB.jpg","160229312",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":14302,"_165":14303},"He said: “This move jeopardises the linguistic and cultural diversity in Northern Ireland’s education system.",[],{"_163":14305,"_165":14306},"Dr Ian Collen, reader in modern languages education at the university, has started an online petition urging exams body CCEA to rethink the decision, with economics and engineering also set to disappear from the schedule by the end of the decade.",[],{"_163":14308,"_165":14309},"A Queen’s expert in modern languages has said a decision to drop German from GCSE and A-level qualifications is “sending the wrong message to students”.",[],"A student in the exam hall",{"_81":14312,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14313,"_213":14310,"_223":14314,"_106":14315,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14315,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wmliqe-student-in-class.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Student%20in%20class.jpg",[14316],"Student%20in%20class.jpg","160229258",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":14318,"_165":14319},"QUB academic fears for future of language learning, with economics and engineering also set to disappear from exams schedule",[],{"_163":14177,"_165":14321},[],{"_250":10417,"_106":10418,"_253":8,"_254":10419},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_240":2406},{"_81":14328,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14329,"_213":14310,"_223":14314,"_106":14315,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14315,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wmliqe-student-in-class.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Student%20in%20class.jpg",[14330],{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_250":14333,"_106":14334,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":10433,"_106":10434,"_275":10435,"_276":280},"Queen’s University","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:queens-university",195775873,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":14441,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/lorry-driver-denies-causing-death-of-fermanagh-father-of-five-by-dangerous-driving/a/160229711.html",[14440],"Lorry driver denies causing death of Fermanagh father-of-five by dangerous driving",{"_264":14437,"_266":14419,"_267":14340},[],[14430,14431,14432,14433,14434],"160229711",{},[],"2026-08-19T12:42:00Z","2026-08-19T13:16:03Z",[14353,14354,14355,14356,14357,14358,14359,14360,14361,14362,14363,14364,14365,14366,14367,14368,14369,14370,14371],"John Cassidy",{"_140":10,"_141":14352,"_143":10},"7089527b-9bcb-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14428,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":14421,"_215":14422,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14418,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14415,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14412,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14409,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":14406,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14403,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":175,"_106":14402,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":14402,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14399,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14396,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":14393,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":14390,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":14387,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":14384,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":14381,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":14378,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":14375,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":14372,"_161":162},{"_163":14373,"_165":14374},"Releasing Connolly on continuing bail, the judge excused the defendant from attending next month’s review hearing.",[],{"_163":14376,"_165":14377},"Judge Sherrard said he would review the case on September 8, 2026, by which time a defence statement would be lodged and the case could be timetabled for a trial date.",[],{"_163":14379,"_165":14380},"He added that Connolly had not driven since the date of the incident and asked that his client be excused from next month’s proceedings as he had to be driven to court hearings by family members.",[],{"_163":14382,"_165":14383},"“This is not a case that we are awaiting legal authority for such a report, so this will not hold up proceedings.”",[],{"_163":14385,"_165":14386},"“A number of expert engineers have been approached. We are awaiting a response from one particular engineer for a timetable to complete his report.",[],{"_163":14388,"_165":14389},"“We are doing a considerable volume of work on that [engineering evidence] at the moment,” said Mr McCann.",[],{"_163":14391,"_165":14392},"However, he told the court there were issues being explored in relation to the “accident history of this particular junction” along with other matters relating to engineering evidence.",[],{"_163":14394,"_165":14395},"Defence barrister Joe McCann, led by Gavan Duffy KC, said work was already underway in regard to the defence statement.",[],{"_163":14397,"_165":14398},"Prosecution counsel Simon Reid KC told Judge Brian Sherrard that the case could be taken to next month, by which time a defence statement would be lodged and a date for the trial could be set.",[],{"_163":14400,"_165":14401},"In court today, around a dozen family members sat quietly in the public gallery to observe the brief arraignment hearing.",[],"112094072",{"_163":14404,"_165":14405},"Mr Lavelle was pronounced dead at the scene and Connolly (49), of Clonshaugh Heights, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17, was arrested on suspicion of causing his death by dangerous driving.",[],{"_163":14407,"_165":14408},"However, at the time, the PSNI said Mr Lavelle (40), from the nearby village of Donagh, was the driver of a car which was involved in a collision with a lorry.",[],{"_163":14410,"_165":14411},"No details surrounding the charge were given in court.",[],{"_163":14413,"_165":14414},"When the sole charge was put to him at Dungannon Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, Connolly replied: “Not guilty.”",[],{"_163":14416,"_165":14417},"Niall Connolly is accused of causing the death of Daniel Lavelle at the junction of the Moughley Road and Crom Road in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh on September 25, 2024.",[],{"_163":14419,"_165":14420},"A lorry driver from the Republic of Ireland has denied causing the death of a father-of-five by dangerous driving almost two years ago.",[],"The late Daniel Lavelle (40)",{"_81":14423,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14424,"_213":14421,"_223":14425,"_106":14426,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":14427,"_218":88,"_232":14426,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lwuur8-daniel-lavelle-40/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/1962157546%2Fbce8376c8f7782e7c4a2ea6b022a1d33fc538e62eeba87fb29e5031fd5ecd906.jpg",[],"1962157546%2Fbce8376c8f7782e7c4a2ea6b022a1d33fc538e62eeba87fb29e5031fd5ecd906.jpg","109082024","Daniel Lavelle (40)",{"_163":14340,"_165":14429},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":3175,"_106":3176,"_253":10,"_254":3177},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":14435,"_106":14436,"_253":10,"_254":1657},"business_republic-of-ireland","4272",{"_81":14438,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14439,"_213":14421,"_223":14425,"_106":14426,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":14427,"_218":88,"_232":14426,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lwuur8-daniel-lavelle-40/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1962157546%2Fbce8376c8f7782e7c4a2ea6b022a1d33fc538e62eeba87fb29e5031fd5ecd906.jpg",[],{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Niall Connolly: Dublin lorry driver denies causing death of Fermanagh father-of-five by dangerous driving",195772481,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/north-belfast-newtownabbey/news/man-arrested-following-north-belfast-knife-robbery/a/160220855.html",[14511,14512],"Man arrested following north Belfast knife robbery",{"_264":14507,"_266":14492,"_267":14447},[14506],[14502,14503,14504,14505],"160220855",{},[],"2026-08-19T10:56:00Z","2026-08-19T10:56:33Z",[14459,14460,14461,14462,14463,14464,14465,14466,14467,14468,14469,14470],{"_140":10,"_141":14458,"_143":10},"3bf1e721-9bb9-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14500,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":14494,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14491,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14488,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14485,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":342,"_356":14484,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":14481,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14478,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":14475,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14472,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":167,"_106":14471,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":14471,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":7142,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":7142,"_233":92},"160216893",{"_163":14473,"_165":14474},"“We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or who might have any CCTV footage which could assist with enquiries, to get in touch. You can contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 179 19/08/26.”",[],{"_163":14476,"_165":14477},"“He remains in police custody at this time.",[],{"_163":14479,"_165":14480},"“A 48-year-old man was subsequently arrested by police on suspicion of robbery and possession of a blade or point. ",[],{"_163":14482,"_165":14483},"“The male ordered a female member of staff to open the till and made off with a sum of money and other items following the incident. The staff member was not injured during the incident.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},{"_163":14486,"_165":14487},"PSNI Detective Inspector Griffin said: “Shortly after 6am, it was reported that a male entered a service station located in the area armed with a knife. ",[],{"_163":14489,"_165":14490},"The incident, which happened in the early hours of this morning, saw a 48-year-old male make off with a sum of money after ordering a female member of staff to open the till. ",[],{"_163":14492,"_165":14493},"A man has been arrested after allegedly using a knife to rob a shop in north Belfast.",[],{"_81":14495,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14496,"_213":88,"_223":14497,"_106":14498,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14498,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/x9gdte-stock-images-badge-psni.jfif/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/STOCK%20IMAGES%20BADGE%20PSNI.jfif",[14499],"STOCK%20IMAGES%20BADGE%20PSNI.jfif","160212669",{"_235":3965,"_237":3966,"_239":3965,"_240":3967},{"_163":14447,"_165":14501},[],{"_250":2899,"_106":2900,"_253":8,"_254":2901},{"_250":1158,"_106":1159,"_253":10,"_254":1160},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":2295,"_237":2296,"_240":2297},{"_81":14508,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14509,"_213":88,"_223":14497,"_106":14498,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14498,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/x9gdte-stock-images-badge-psni.jfif/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/STOCK%20IMAGES%20BADGE%20PSNI.jfif",[14510],{"_235":3965,"_237":3966,"_239":3965,"_240":3967},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},195772242,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/antrim/news/firefighters-launch-major-overnight-rescue-operation-to-save-swans-trapped-in-lough-neagh-algae/a/160216893.html",[14622,14623],"Firefighters launch major overnight rescue operation to save swans trapped in Lough Neagh algae ",{"_264":14619,"_266":14602,"_267":14518},[14618],[14610,14611,14612,14613,14614],{},[],"2026-08-19T10:45:00Z","2026-08-19T10:46:06Z",[14529,14530,14531,14532,14533,14534,14535,14536,14537,14538,14539,14540,14541,14542,14543,14544,14545,14546,14547],{"_140":10,"_141":14528,"_143":10},"942d4f1c-9bb1-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14608,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":14604,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14601,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14598,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":187,"_212":-5,"_213":14555,"_215":14592,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14589,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":14586,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14583,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":-5,"_213":14555,"_215":14577,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14574,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14571,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":14568,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":14565,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":14562,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":685,"_212":6944,"_213":14555,"_215":14556,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":14552,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":14549,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":14548,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":14548,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":7142,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":7142,"_233":92},"160214138",{"_163":14550,"_165":14551},"“Unfortunately, until something is done to significantly control this, it’s going to be worse, year on year.”",[],{"_163":14553,"_165":14554},"“This algae is toxic to birds that feed on it. ",[],"Major rescue operation launched to save two swans in blue-green algae at Lough Neagh in Antrim on August 18th 2026 (Photo by Kevin Scott)",{"_81":14557,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":14558,"_213":14555,"_223":14559,"_106":14560,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":14555,"_218":88,"_232":14560,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/p10ql0-lough-neagh/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6646.jpg",[14561],"bt_kscott_2025_6646.jpg","160220912",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":14563,"_165":14564},"“This is the first major incident, if I'm honest, but I think we are going to see more and more like it. ",[],{"_163":14566,"_165":14567},"“At the six-mile river, where we were last night, there are very famous Kingfishers and an otter who is very popular in the town; they can no longer get to their food source. ",[],{"_163":14569,"_165":14570},"“It’s mainly around Rea’s Wood and Toome, places like that. ",[],{"_163":14572,"_165":14573},"Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, wildlife rescuer Debbie Doolittle said: “In the last few years, we have got quite a few calls about ducks and swans that have been found very weak and starving on the shores of Lough Neagh. ",[],{"_163":14575,"_165":14576},"Sometime overnight, the swans managed to free themselves. ",[],{"_81":14578,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14579,"_213":14555,"_223":14580,"_106":14581,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":14555,"_218":88,"_232":14581,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/mp0aky-lough-neagh/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6654.jpg",[14582],"bt_kscott_2025_6654.jpg","160220905",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":14584,"_165":14585},"A decision was made at around 10:45pm to suspend the operation to daylight. ",[],{"_163":14587,"_165":14588},"Fire crews tried for over an hour to rescue the two swans before they reached a point, too far out for fire crews to safely reach. ",[],{"_163":14590,"_165":14591},"Two fire appliances, including the specialist rescue team, alongside the PSNI, RSPCA, and specialist wildlife rescuer Debbie Nelson - who works under the name Debbie Doolittle - attended the incident. ",[],{"_81":14593,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14594,"_213":14555,"_223":14595,"_106":14596,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":14555,"_218":88,"_232":14596,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fe1o19-lough-neagh/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6656.jpg",[14597],"bt_kscott_2025_6656.jpg","160206012",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":14599,"_165":14600},"Emergency services responded to reports of two swans stuck in the algae shortly before 9pm on Tuesday at the Antrim Lough Shore Park.",[],{"_163":14602,"_165":14603},"A major rescue operation was launched overnight after two swans became trapped in blue-green algae in Lough Neagh. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":14605,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7657,"_106":14606,"_368":369,"_370":7659,"_232":14607,"_233":92},"wgIhzLSaE6ck","2019331","160219092",{"_163":14518,"_165":14609},[],{"_250":1158,"_106":1159,"_253":8,"_254":1160},{"_250":14615,"_106":14616,"_253":10,"_254":14617},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"news_environment","4247","Environment",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_240":3187},{"_81":14578,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14620,"_213":88,"_223":14580,"_106":14581,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":14555,"_218":88,"_232":14581,"_233":92},[14621],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_250":14624,"_106":14625,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Lough Neagh","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:lough-neagh",195754572,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":14705,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/weather/yellow-warning-issued-for-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-across-northern-ireland/a/160214138.html",[14702,14703],"Yellow warning issued for heavy rain and thunderstorms across Northern Ireland",{"_264":14699,"_266":14679,"_267":14631},[14698],[14691,14692,14693,14694],{},[],"2026-08-19T09:15:00Z","2026-08-19T09:15:05Z",[14642,14643,14644,14645,14646,14647,14648,14649,14650,14651,14652,14653,14654],{"_140":10,"_141":14641,"_143":10},"fc0f4d3d-9bab-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14689,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":14681,"_213":14682,"_215":14683,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":14678,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14675,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14672,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14669,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":183,"_356":14668,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14665,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":14662,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14659,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14656,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":7237,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":7237,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":698,"_106":14655,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":14655,"_233":92},"160141743",{"_163":14657,"_165":14658},"And there is also short-term loss of power and other services is likely.",[],{"_163":14660,"_165":14661},"The Met Office warns that driving conditions could be affected by spray and some flooding of homes and businesses likely.",[],{"_163":14663,"_165":14664},"Hail and lightning are also likely in places. ",[],{"_163":14666,"_165":14667},"Within these showers, 15-20 mm of rain is likely in an hour or less, with a few places probably seeing 25-30 mm in a couple of hours. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},{"_163":14670,"_165":14671},"A band of heavy showers is expected to spread across Northern Ireland from west to east late morning and early afternoon, with further slow-moving heavy showers or thunderstorms developing later. ",[],{"_163":14673,"_165":14674},"Heavy showers and thunderstorms have been forecast which are likely to lead to travel disruption and flash flooding in some areas. ",[],{"_163":14676,"_165":14677},"The Met Office has issued the warning for between 12pm on Wednesday August 19 to midnight.",[],{"_163":14679,"_165":14680},"A yellow warning has been issued for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Northern Ireland.",[],"Luke Jervis","Whitehead during Storm Chandra on 27, January 2026",{"_81":14684,"_212":14681,"_220":395,"_97":14685,"_213":14682,"_223":14686,"_106":14687,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":14688,"_218":88,"_232":14687,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2trmpr-whitehead-during-storm-chandra-on-27th-january-2026-luke-jervisbelfast-telegraph/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/a54ea785-c040-48bb-bf05-4351564c0746",[],"a54ea785-c040-48bb-bf05-4351564c0746","128475626","Whitehead during Storm Chandra on 27th January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)",{"_163":14631,"_165":14690},[],{"_250":14695,"_106":14696,"_253":8,"_254":14697},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"weather","4357","Weather",{"_235":2384,"_237":2385,"_240":1864},{"_81":14700,"_212":14681,"_220":395,"_97":14701,"_213":14682,"_223":14686,"_106":14687,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":14688,"_218":88,"_232":14687,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2trmpr-whitehead-during-storm-chandra-on-27th-january-2026-luke-jervisbelfast-telegraph/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/a54ea785-c040-48bb-bf05-4351564c0746",[],{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":14697,"_106":14704,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:weather","Northern Ireland weather: Met Office issues yellow warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms ",195753596,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/uk-world/annual-uk-house-price-growth-slowed-to-2-in-june-says-ons/a/160215097.html",[],"Annual UK house price growth slowed to 2% in June, says ONS","wires-pa-radar",{"_264":14853,"_266":-5,"_267":14711},[],[14844,14845,14846],"160215097",{},[],"2026-08-19T09:05:15Z","2026-08-19T09:12:07Z",[14725,14726,14727,14728,14729,14730,14731,14732,14733,14734,14735,14736,14737,14738,14739,14740,14741,14742,14743,14744,14745,14746,14747,14748,14749,14750,14751,14752,14753,14754],"By Vicky Shaw, Press Association Personal Finance Correspondent",{"_140":10,"_141":14724,"_143":10},"0d5efe43-9bae-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":14842,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":14840,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":14834,"_215":14835,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":14831,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":14828,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":14825,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":183,"_163":14824,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":14821,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":14818,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":14815,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":14812,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":14809,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":14806,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":14803,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":14800,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":14797,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":14794,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":14791,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":14788,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":14785,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":14782,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":14779,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":14776,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":14773,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":14770,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":14767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":14764,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":14761,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":14758,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":14755,"_161":162},{"_163":14756,"_165":14757},"“It’s easy to think we understand property because we live in it, but it’s a very different beast as an investment.”",[],{"_163":14759,"_165":14760},"Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, said of the house price figures: “It’s a useful reminder for anyone considering investing in property that there will be years when your investment doesn’t keep pace with inflation.",[],{"_163":14762,"_165":14763},"“Rents are rising slowly in many big university cities but growth is faster in affordable towns adjacent to big cities.”",[],{"_163":14765,"_165":14766},"Richard Donnell, executive director of research at Zoopla, said: “People are renting for longer, which will support demand for rented homes and steady growth in rents, particularly as we come into the busy time of year for the rental market as students and those starting new jobs compete for a still scarce supply of rented homes.",[],{"_163":14768,"_165":14769},"“If lender competition continues and borrowing costs can gradually ease, activity should remain supported, but a swing the other way could see the market stall once again.”",[],{"_163":14771,"_165":14772},"Ian Futcher, a financial planner at wealth manager Quilter, said: “Looking ahead, mortgage rates will continue to be the key driver of the housing market.",[],{"_163":14774,"_165":14775},"“Price growth is likely to remain modest for the rest of the year, with the market increasingly driven by affordability and local conditions rather than broad national momentum.”",[],{"_163":14777,"_165":14778},"Iain McKenzie, chief executive of the Guild of Property Professionals, said: “Looking ahead to the autumn, we expect activity to pick up as the usual seasonal bounce returns, provided mortgage rates continue to ease and economic uncertainty does not intensify.",[],{"_163":14780,"_165":14781},"Nathan Emerson, chief executive at property professionals’ body Propertymark, said: “While short-term fluctuations are a normal part of the property market, they can influence confidence and lead some homeowners to delay decisions until there is greater certainty about the direction of the market.”",[],{"_163":14783,"_165":14784},"Nicky Stevenson, managing director of Fine & Country, said: “With homes taking longer to sell and more properties competing for buyers’ attention, realistic pricing is becoming increasingly important.”",[],{"_163":14786,"_165":14787},"Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent said: “The rental data confirms what we have seen on the ground – that demand remains strong, particularly for higher-end houses among those returning from holiday seeking accommodation before the new school term.”",[],{"_163":14789,"_165":14790},"The ONS also said the average monthly private rent in the UK was £1,393 in July – around £50 (3.7%) higher than a year earlier.",[],{"_163":14792,"_165":14793},"“The good news is that, because today’s increase in inflation was widely anticipated, it’s less likely for there to be big repercussions in markets that would put more pressure on lenders funding costs in the short term.”",[],{"_163":14795,"_165":14796},"He added: “There remains a volatile backdrop and it’s impossible to rule out more yo-yoing in mortgage rates at this stage.",[],{"_163":14798,"_165":14799},"“Financial markets are already factoring in the threat of interest rates having to climb to combat higher inflation.”",[],{"_163":14801,"_165":14802},"David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, said: “The increase is largely in line with market expectations, which is important from a mortgage borrowers’ perspective.",[],{"_163":14804,"_165":14805},"The figures were released as the ONS said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation accelerated to 2.9% in July, up from a 15-month low of 2.6% in June.",[],{"_163":14807,"_165":14808},"It is the 10th month in a row of annual falls in the capital, mainly caused by decreases in inner London, the report said.",[],{"_163":14810,"_165":14811},"In England, the North West had the highest house price inflation, at 4.7% in the 12 months to June, while the figure was lowest in London at 2.5%, although the rate of fall slowed from 3.1% in the 12 months to May.",[],{"_163":14813,"_165":14814},"This was the highest annual inflation rate for Northern Ireland since the fourth quarter of 2022.",[],{"_163":14816,"_165":14817},"In Northern Ireland, the average was £202,000 in the second quarter of 2026, jumping by 9.2% annually.",[],{"_163":14819,"_165":14820},"Average prices increased in June to reach £293,000 (1.8% annual growth) in England, £213,000 (1.8%) in Wales, and £195,000 (2.3%) in Scotland.",[],{"_163":14822,"_165":14823},"In contrast to early summer 2026, strong price growth was recorded in May and June 2025 as average price levels rebounded after a sharp fall in April 2025, the report said.",[],"

\n \n",{"_163":14826,"_165":14827},"ONS head of housing market indices Aimee North said: ”Annual UK house price inflation slowed significantly in June because price growth was weaker this summer than it was last year following stamp duty changes in England and Northern Ireland.”",[],{"_163":14829,"_165":14830},"Across the UK, the average house price increased by 2.0% to reach £272,000 in the 12 months to June, slowing from 3.0% in the 12 months to May.",[],{"_163":14832,"_165":14833},"Average annual house price growth slowed to 2% in June from 3% the previous month, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.",[],"In contrast to early summer 2026, strong house price growth was recorded in May 2025 and June 2025, the Office for National Statistics said (Yui Mok/PA)",{"_81":14836,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14837,"_213":14834,"_223":14838,"_106":14839,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":14839,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/kgl1wi-ccca9662-2806-4372-9bda-0a2c1bf44382-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-4d01a97b-6e37-413e-af95-7cd9d71f6ba4-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/22f7bee7-6e1d-40ae-8f54-6c814d02e8a6",[],"22f7bee7-6e1d-40ae-8f54-6c814d02e8a6","160215099",{"_163":88,"_165":14841},[],{"_163":14711,"_165":14843},[],{"_250":14850,"_106":14851,"_253":8,"_254":14852},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":14847,"_106":14848,"_253":10,"_254":14849},"news_uk","4252","UK","business_uk-world","4273","UK & 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sector",{"_264":15063,"_266":-5,"_267":14861},[],[15061,15062],"160207689",{},[],"2026-08-19T06:06:31Z","2026-08-19T06:12:55Z",[14874,14875,14876,14877,14878,14879,14880,14881,14882,14883,14884,14885,14886,14887,14888,14889,14890,14891,14892,14893,14894,14895,14896,14897,14898,14899,14900,14901,14902,14903,14904,14905,14906,14907,14908,14909,14910,14911,14912,14913,14914,14915,14916,14917,14918,14919,14920],"By David Young and Rebecca Black, Press 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Nesbitt resigned as health minister (Liam McBurney/PA)",{"_81":14923,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":14924,"_213":14921,"_223":14925,"_106":14926,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7218,"_218":88,"_232":14926,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/hsthqn-regional-obesity-management-service-for-northern-ireland/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/27398d9b-8fbc-4a36-bd34-2fd371f3694f",[],"27398d9b-8fbc-4a36-bd34-2fd371f3694f","160207691",{"_163":14928,"_165":14929},"“I have spoken to Mike and wish him well for the future and thank him again for his service.”",[],{"_163":14931,"_165":14932},"“I look forward to the appointment of a new health minister as soon as possible, so that there is strong leadership in the Department, further progress on reform and continued stability,” he said.",[],{"_163":14934,"_165":14935},"Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant thanked Mr Nesbitt for his service, adding it was “vital for patients across Northern Ireland that this work continues without interruption”.",[],{"_163":14937,"_165":14938},"Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly thanked Mr Nesbitt for “positive engagement on a range of issues, particularly on health waiting lists”, adding “whoever steps in must continue this important work of transformation”.",[],{"_163":14940,"_165":14941},"First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “genuinely sorry” to see Mr Nesbitt resign, describing him having “played a constructive and mature part in the Executive and was making welcome progress in reducing waiting lists”.",[],{"_163":14943,"_165":14944},"Mr Nesbitt was first elected as an MLA in 2011 after a high-profile broadcasting career and he was also commissioner for victims and survivors.",[],{"_163":14946,"_165":14947},"“Previously, I held the record for the shortest time between becoming an MLA and assuming the leadership, but you proved I was only playing at it. Congratulations!”",[],{"_163":14949,"_165":14950},"“Bringing you into Stormont is on me, as is my decision to stand down as party leader, opening the opportunity for you to mount a successful campaign to take the role,” he wrote.",[],{"_163":14952,"_165":14953},"In the barbed resignation letter, Mr Nesbitt thanked Mr Burrows for agreeing to be co-opted as a North Antrim MLA after the election of Robin Swann to Westminster.",[],{"_163":14955,"_165":14956},"He had been health minister since 2024.",[],{"_163":14958,"_165":14959},"Mr Nesbitt was twice UUP leader, from 2013 to 2017 and from 2024 until earlier this year when Mr Burrows was appointed.",[],{"_163":14961,"_165":14962},"“It is, therefore, with no little regret that I have composed this letter of resignation.”",[],{"_163":14964,"_165":14965},"“Being Minister of Health remains the greatest privilege of my political career.",[],{"_163":14967,"_165":14968},"“As I have not received a timely response, and given the shockwaves you have created in the HSC system, this matter needs resolved.",[],{"_163":14970,"_165":14971},"“Yesterday (Monday), I offered you a way to manage this situation.",[],{"_163":14973,"_165":14974},"“I am not the sort of minister who is happy to discover the leader’s view of issues under my purview by having to monitor the media.",[],{"_163":14976,"_165":14977},"“This letter concerns the fact you appear to have introduced a second ‘red line’, regarding emergency general surgery at Causeway Hospital.",[],{"_163":14979,"_165":14980},"“Many Executive colleagues will rightly feel betrayed by my U-turn.",[],{"_163":14982,"_165":14983},"“I accepted that, even though our engagement with Pathways was the price of securing the Executive’s agreement to join GB’s ban on blockers, something most observers thought impossible to achieve.",[],{"_163":14985,"_165":14986},"“When you became leader, you informed me, with your hallmark clarity, that when it came to health, you had but one ‘red line’, namely puberty blockers and your opposition to Northern Ireland participating in the Pathways trial,” he stated.",[],{"_163":14988,"_165":14989},"He wrote that Mr Burrows gave him a “red line” initially over his opposition to puberty blockers, but had recently introduced a second red line on his stance over the Causeway Hospital.",[],{"_163":7235,"_165":14991},[],{"_163":7929,"_165":14993},[],{"_163":14995,"_165":14996},"“There must be genuine engagement with the clinicians and staff delivering services and with the people who depend on them.",[],{"_163":14998,"_165":14999},"“Clinical evidence must be central to decision making, but reform cannot simply be done to communities.",[],{"_163":7935,"_165":15001},[],{"_163":15003,"_165":15004},"“Reform must also address health inequalities and regional imbalance, and recognise that people in different parts of Northern Ireland do not currently enjoy equal access to timely healthcare.",[],{"_163":15006,"_165":15007},"“Safe, sustainable services must be the overriding priority.",[],{"_163":15009,"_165":15010},"“But how we deliver reform is every bit as important as what we ultimately decide.",[],{"_163":15012,"_165":15013},"“The Ulster Unionist Party has never shied away from that.",[],{"_163":15015,"_165":15016},"“There is also no escaping the need for meaningful reform,” he said.",[],{"_163":15018,"_165":15019},"Mr Burrows suggested communities impacted by proposed health service reforms had not been adequately consulted.",[],{"_163":15021,"_165":15022},"“Important work is already under way and a change of minister will not interrupt it.”",[],{"_163":15024,"_165":15025},"“The immediate priority remains putting patients first: reducing waiting lists and improving access to GPs, wait times in A&E, diagnostics, treatment and surgery right across Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":15027,"_165":15028},"“Whoever takes on the role will have the full backing of the Ulster Unionist Party and our Assembly team.",[],{"_163":15030,"_165":15031},"“I will be discussing the health brief with party colleagues over the coming days and expect to confirm a nomination soon.",[],{"_163":15033,"_165":15034},"“The direction he set on reform, on tackling health inequalities and on driving down waiting lists was the right one, and that work will continue.",[],{"_163":15036,"_165":15037},"“He took on arguably the hardest job in government and approached it with seriousness, integrity and a determination to improve our health service,” he said.",[],{"_163":15039,"_165":15040},"In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Burrows thanked Mr Nesbitt for his service as minister.",[],{"_163":7251,"_165":15042},[],{"_163":7267,"_165":15044},[],{"_163":15046,"_165":15047},"Health minister Mike Nesbitt resigned on Tuesday after a fallout with Mr Burrows over the proposed withdrawal of emergency general surgery from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Londonderry.",[],{"_163":15049,"_165":15050},"Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows has criticised how health service reform is being implemented in Northern Ireland after his own party’s minister for the sector quit amid a row with him.",[],"UUP leader Jon Burrows MLA called for reform (Niall Carson/PA)",{"_81":15053,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15054,"_213":15051,"_223":15055,"_106":15056,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15056,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/r2wgs0-c30282c0-a8fa-4ee5-ab52-e61176f9baa0-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-3ede3da9-996b-4277-afae-3a17318a05fa-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/27206f31-71bb-4f56-9d9c-8ea437ea0031",[],"27206f31-71bb-4f56-9d9c-8ea437ea0031","160207690",{"_163":88,"_165":15058},[],{"_163":14861,"_165":15060},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":14847,"_106":14848,"_253":10,"_254":14849},{"_81":15064,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15065,"_213":15051,"_223":15055,"_106":15056,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15056,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/r2wgs0-c30282c0-a8fa-4ee5-ab52-e61176f9baa0-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-3ede3da9-996b-4277-afae-3a17318a05fa-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/27206f31-71bb-4f56-9d9c-8ea437ea0031",[],195681063,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/uk-world/samson-and-goliath-cranes-set-for-3.1m-overhaul-at-harland-wolff/a/160205945.html",[],"Samson and Goliath cranes set for £3.1m overhaul at Harland & Wolff",{"_264":15169,"_266":-5,"_267":15071},[],[15166,15167,15168],"160205945",{},[],"2026-08-18T23:01:00Z","2026-08-18T23:08:07Z",[15084,15085,15086,15087,15088,15089,15090,15091,15092,15093,15094,15095,15096,15097,15098,15099,15100,15101,15102,15103],"By Claudia Savage, Press Association",{"_140":10,"_141":15083,"_143":10},"ac780f93-9b59-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":15164,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":15162,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":15156,"_215":15157,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":15153,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":15150,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":15147,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":15144,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":179,"_163":15143,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":15140,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":15137,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":15134,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":15131,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":15128,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":15125,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":15122,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":15119,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":15116,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":15113,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":15110,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":665,"_212":-5,"_213":15104,"_215":15105,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"A shipyard worker at Harland & Wolff welding materials in the fabrication hall. (Rud Pederson handout)",{"_81":15106,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15107,"_213":15104,"_223":15108,"_106":15109,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15109,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/z2symd-0b0e5ff3-5dee-4a22-9138-5c0aaa3d7f14-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-06703590-b8b1-41ea-8bdc-697e611225a9-embedded12286781.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/d0d1f47e-6df1-4eba-9500-7c965abdae4d",[],"d0d1f47e-6df1-4eba-9500-7c965abdae4d","160205947",{"_163":15111,"_165":15112},"“You can expect to see Samson and Goliath swing into action soon – they are about to be at their busiest for many years.”",[],{"_163":15114,"_165":15115},"“They will need all of their strength to lift blocks for the fleet solid support vessels, and for future ships which we anticipate building in Belfast.",[],{"_163":15117,"_165":15118},"“The cranes are sophisticated pieces of machinery capable of carrying enormous weight.",[],{"_163":15120,"_165":15121},"“We will be replacing parts, updating technology and testing them to see that they can lift at full capacity, and we will be treating them with utmost respect",[],{"_163":15123,"_165":15124},"“We know that the city is proud of them, and this major mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fabric maintenance project will restore them to their absolute best,” he said.",[],{"_163":15126,"_165":15127},"Carlos Lopez Carregado, general manager at Harland & Wolff, described Samson and Goliath as “symbols of Belfast”.",[],{"_163":15129,"_165":15130},"Harland & Wolff has begun a programme to build three fleet solid support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – which will provide supplies to naval ships at sea, and will be the second largest vessels in the armed forces behind the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.",[],{"_163":15132,"_165":15133},"Work on Samson and Goliath is part of a £98.5 million recapitalisation of Harland & Wolff Belfast, which will prepare the yard for naval and commercial shipbuilding projects.",[],{"_163":15135,"_165":15136},"Each crane is capable of lifting 840 tonnes – equivalent to four Boeing 747 jumbo jets.",[],{"_163":15138,"_165":15139},"Once complete, the refurbishment will move to Samson, which is the crane closer to the sea and which was installed in 1974 with a height of 106 metres.",[],{"_163":15141,"_165":15142},"Work has already begun on Goliath, the older of the two cranes, built in 1969 with a height of 96 metres.",[],"

\n \n",{"_163":15145,"_165":15146},"Engineers will make structural and electrical repairs to them both.",[],{"_163":15148,"_165":15149},"The engines of the two cranes will be overhauled and their catenary cables, which supply them with power, are to be replaced.",[],{"_163":15151,"_165":15152},"The yellow gantry cranes, known as Samson and Goliath, will be refurbished to the tune of £3.1 million by owners Navantia UK.",[],{"_163":15154,"_165":15155},"The famous Harland & Wolff cranes in Belfast will be “at their busiest for many years”, after a comprehensive modernisation.",[],"Samson and Goliath dominate the skyline of Belfast’s docks (Rud Pedersen handout/PA)",{"_81":15158,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15159,"_213":15156,"_223":15160,"_106":15161,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15161,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/8i1n2e-0b0e5ff3-5dee-4a22-9138-5c0aaa3d7f14-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-06703590-b8b1-41ea-8bdc-697e611225a9-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/b5745527-7ce4-4869-877a-6bbde5869d57",[],"b5745527-7ce4-4869-877a-6bbde5869d57","160205946",{"_163":88,"_165":15163},[],{"_163":15071,"_165":15165},[],{"_250":14850,"_106":14851,"_253":8,"_254":14852},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":14847,"_106":14848,"_253":10,"_254":14849},{"_81":15170,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15171,"_213":15156,"_223":15160,"_106":15161,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15161,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/8i1n2e-0b0e5ff3-5dee-4a22-9138-5c0aaa3d7f14-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-06703590-b8b1-41ea-8bdc-697e611225a9-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/b5745527-7ce4-4869-877a-6bbde5869d57",[],195680985,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/male-victims-of-domestic-abuse-urged-to-speak-out-and-reclaim-voice/a/160205911.html",[],"Male victims of domestic abuse urged to speak out and ‘reclaim’ voice",{"_264":15296,"_266":-5,"_267":15177},[],[15295],"160205911",{},[],"2026-08-18T23:07:34Z",[15188,15189,15190,15191,15192,15193,15194,15195,15196,15197,15198,15199,15200,15201,15202,15203,15204,15205,15206,15207,15208,15209,15210,15211,15212,15213],{"_140":10,"_141":15187,"_143":10},"98da1638-9b59-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":15293,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":15291,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":15285,"_215":15286,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":15282,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":15279,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":15276,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":15273,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":15270,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":15267,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":171,"_163":15266,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":15263,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":15260,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":15257,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":15254,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":15251,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":15248,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":15245,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":15242,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":15239,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":15236,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":15233,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":15230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":15227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":15224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":15221,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":-5,"_213":15214,"_215":15215,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"PSNI Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said male victims can be ‘made to feel they don’t deserve to be heard’ (PA)",{"_81":15216,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15217,"_213":15214,"_223":15218,"_106":15219,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":15220,"_218":88,"_232":15219,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/ql6orh-mental-health-stock/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/da2cd8a5-eab8-48b4-b7f9-d357e434c693",[],"da2cd8a5-eab8-48b4-b7f9-d357e434c693","160205913","PICTURE POSED BY MODEL A man showing signs of depression.",{"_163":15222,"_165":15223},"“The Men’s Advisory Project are specialists and we are here for you and your needs.”",[],{"_163":15225,"_165":15226},"“Our message to any man experiencing abuse is very simple: what is happening to you matters. You can speak to the police and you can speak to us.",[],{"_163":15228,"_165":15229},"“It is not always physical and it is not somehow less serious because the person experiencing it is male. The consequences can be life-changing and, tragically, they can be life-ending.",[],{"_163":15231,"_165":15232},"“Domestic abuse can happen to any man, at any age and from any background. It can happen within an intimate relationship or within a family.",[],{"_163":15234,"_165":15235},"“Many of the men who come through our doors have lived with abuse, coercive control, fear and isolation for a very long time before they tell anyone what is happening to them.",[],{"_163":15237,"_165":15238},"“We know how difficult that first disclosure can be,” she said.",[],{"_163":15240,"_165":15241},"Rhonda Lusty, chief executive of the Men’s Advisory Project which supports more than 1,000 men and boys affected by domestic abuse across Northern Ireland every year, welcomed the campaign.",[],{"_163":15243,"_165":15244},"The campaign highlights issues including coercive control, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviours, which are often less visible but equally harmful.",[],{"_163":15246,"_165":15247},"“Speaking up is not a failure of strength – it’s the first act of reclaiming it. Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. We will listen, and we will act.”",[],{"_163":15249,"_165":15250},"“So I say this clearly: if you are a man experiencing domestic abuse, you are not weak, and you are not alone.",[],{"_163":15252,"_165":15253},"“When we fail to recognise that, we don’t just fail individuals – we reinforce the very stigma that keeps people trapped.",[],{"_163":15255,"_165":15256},"“Every victim deserves dignity, support, and to know that the law stands firmly on their side.",[],{"_163":15258,"_165":15259},"“As officers, our job is to protect without prejudice. Abuse is abuse. It’s not a lesser crime because the victim is male, and it’s not something to be minimised or joked about.",[],{"_163":15261,"_165":15262},"“Domestic abuse doesn’t wear one face, and it certainly doesn’t check your gender before it destroys your confidence, your safety, and your sense of self.",[],{"_163":15264,"_165":15265},"She said: “Men sitting there, shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on the floor – not because they’ve done something wrong, but because they’ve been made to feel they don’t deserve to be heard.",[],"

\n \n",{"_163":15268,"_165":15269},"PSNI Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said officers have attended incidents and “stood in living rooms where the silence says more than any statement ever could”.",[],{"_163":15271,"_165":15272},"These crimes had a sanction outcome rate of around 19%.",[],{"_163":15274,"_165":15275},"Thirty-two per cent of all victims of domestic abuse crimes recorded in that period were male.",[],{"_163":15277,"_165":15278},"From April 2025 to March 2026, the PSNI recorded 5,817 domestic abuse crimes perpetrated against male victims.",[],{"_163":15280,"_165":15281},"The Every Victim Matters initiative aims to challenge misconceptions, highlight the different forms abuse can take, and encourage men experiencing abuse to seek support.",[],{"_163":15283,"_165":15284},"The PSNI have launched a campaign to support male victims of domestic violence, urging them to “reclaim” their voice by speaking out.",[],"The PSNI’s Every Victim Matters campaign urges male victims of domestic abuse to speak out (PA)",{"_81":15287,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15288,"_213":15285,"_223":15289,"_106":15290,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15290,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/ipo2tz-0b0e5ff3-5dee-4a22-9138-5c0aaa3d7f14-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-c908d675-7675-48db-b6ed-a077ce260bb8-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/9d1b5943-9f11-47f9-a03e-e797ba54a03a",[],"9d1b5943-9f11-47f9-a03e-e797ba54a03a","160205912",{"_163":88,"_165":15292},[],{"_163":15177,"_165":15294},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_81":15297,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15298,"_213":15285,"_223":15289,"_106":15290,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15290,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/ipo2tz-0b0e5ff3-5dee-4a22-9138-5c0aaa3d7f14-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-c908d675-7675-48db-b6ed-a077ce260bb8-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/9d1b5943-9f11-47f9-a03e-e797ba54a03a",[],195670956,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/nesbitts-regret-as-he-resigns-as-health-minister-amid-row-with-uup-leader/a/160205792.html",[],"Nesbitt’s ‘regret’ as he resigns as health minister amid row with UUP leader",{"_264":15463,"_266":-5,"_267":15304},[],[15461,15462],"160205792",{},[],"2026-08-18T21:48:20Z","2026-08-18T21:52:10Z",[15317,15318,15319,15320,15321,15322,15323,15324,15325,15326,15327,15328,15329,15330,15331,15332,15333,15334,15335,15336,15337,15338,15339,15340,15341,15342,15343,15344,15345,15346,15347,15348,15349,15350,15351,15352,15353,15354,15355],"By Rebecca Black, Press 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leader Jon Burrows (left) with his predecessor Mike Nesbitt (PA)",{"_81":15358,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15359,"_213":15356,"_223":15360,"_106":15361,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7261,"_218":88,"_232":15361,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/kowjtv-ulster-unionist-party-leadership/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/9a3e908a-b946-49c5-9ca2-c10e0933d67b",[],"9a3e908a-b946-49c5-9ca2-c10e0933d67b","160205794",{"_163":14943,"_165":15363},[],{"_163":14946,"_165":15365},[],{"_163":14949,"_165":15367},[],{"_163":15369,"_165":15370},"Also in his resignation letter, Mr Nesbitt thanked Mr Burrows for agreeing to be co-opted as a North Antrim MLA after the election of Robin Swann to Westminster.",[],"

\n
As Chair of the Health Committee, I want to pay tribute to @mikenesbittni
\n
His resignation comes at a challenging time for our health system.
\n
Patients & staff need certainty.
\n
Health decisions must be based on clinical evidence & patient outcomes not internal UUP party politics
\n
— Philip McGuigan (@mcguigan_philip) August 18, 2026
\n

\n \n",{"_163":14958,"_165":15373},[],{"_163":15375,"_165":15376},"The spokesman added: “The Ulster Unionist Party will set out further details on next steps shortly.”",[],{"_163":15378,"_165":15379},"“From beginning the shift towards a neighbourhood model of care, to putting health inequalities at the centre of policy, he leaves a significant legacy, not least the progress made on some of Northern Ireland’s longest waiting lists.”",[],{"_163":15381,"_165":15382},"“Mike took on one of the most difficult briefs in government with a genuine determination to make health and social care better for everyone in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":15384,"_165":15385},"“We can confirm that Mike Nesbitt has chosen to resign as minister of health and we thank him sincerely for his service and for the leadership he has given to our health and social care workforce,” the spokesman said.",[],{"_163":15387,"_165":15388},"Earlier a UUP spokesman confirmed the Strangford MLA had “chosen to resign” the health portfolio and the party would set out details on the next steps shortly.",[],{"_163":15390,"_165":15391},"“Being Minister of Health remains the greatest privilege of my political career. It is, therefore, with no little regret that I have composed this letter of resignation.”",[],{"_163":15393,"_165":15394},"“Yesterday (Monday), I offered you a way to manage this situation. As I have not received a timely response, and given the shockwaves you have created in the HSC system, this matter needs resolved.",[],{"_163":14973,"_165":15396},[],{"_163":15398,"_165":15399},"“This letter concerns the fact you appear to have introduced a second ‘red line’, regarding Emergency General Surgery at Causeway Hospital.",[],{"_163":15401,"_165":15402},"“I accepted that, even though our engagement with Pathways was the price of securing the Executive’s agreement to join GB’s ban on blockers, something most observers thought impossible to achieve. Many Executive colleagues will rightly feel betrayed by my U-turn.",[],{"_163":15404,"_165":15405},"In Mr Nesbitt’s letter, he wrote: “When you became leader, you informed me, with your hallmark clarity, that when it came to health, you had but one ‘red line’, namely puberty blockers and your opposition to Northern Ireland participating in the Pathways trial.",[],{"_163":15407,"_165":15408},"The second centres on comments Mr Burrows made to a town hall meeting last week, during which he said he did not support emergency general surgery being removed from Causeway Hospital.",[],{"_163":15410,"_165":15411},"Mr Nesbitt wrote that Mr Burrows gave him a “red line” initially over his opposition to puberty blockers, but had recently introduced a second red line on his stance over the Causeway Hospital.",[],{"_163":7235,"_165":15413},[],{"_163":15415,"_165":15416},"The Department of Health did not comment when approached on Tuesday.",[],{"_163":15418,"_165":15419},"“Whatever the political circumstances surrounding the minister’s resignation, patients and staff must not be left facing uncertainty.”",[],{"_163":15421,"_165":15422},"“This comes at an extremely challenging time for our health and social care system, with major decisions required on transformation, waiting lists, workforce pressures and the future configuration of hospital services,” he said.",[],"

\n
I am genuinely sorry to see Mike Nesbitt resign as Health Minister.
\n
I believe his presence in the Executive will be missed.
\n
He played a constructive and mature part in the Executive and was making welcome progress in reducing waiting lists.
\n
I wish Mike well for the future.
\n
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 18, 2026
\n

\n \n",{"_163":15425,"_165":15426},"Health Committee chairman Philip McGuigan said he would seek an urgent briefing with the permanent secretary of the Department of Health.",[],{"_163":14937,"_165":15428},[],{"_163":14940,"_165":15430},[],{"_163":14928,"_165":15432},[],{"_163":15434,"_165":15435},"“I look forward to the appointment of a new Health Minister as soon as possible, so that there is strong leadership in the Department, further progress on reform and continued stability,” he said.",[],{"_163":14934,"_165":15437},[],"

\n
I’d like to thank Mike Nesbitt for the enormous contribution he has made as Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, in confronting the huge challenges facing the health service and driving forward reform. 🧵 1/3
\n
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) August 18, 2026
\n

\n \n",{"_163":15440,"_165":15441},"Mr Burrows was among those who indicated support for the hospital to keep the service.",[],{"_163":15443,"_165":15444},"He had recently come under pressure from campaigners against the withdrawal of emergency general surgery from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Londonderry.",[],{"_163":15446,"_165":15447},"It emerged on Tuesday that the former UUP leader had quit the portfolio in the Northern Ireland Assembly that he had held since May 2024.",[],{"_163":15449,"_165":15450},"Stormont health minister Mike Nesbitt resigned from his post with “regret” amid a row with Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows.",[],"Mike Nesbitt has resigned as health minister (Liam 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health minister Mike Nesbitt resigns",{"_264":15547,"_266":-5,"_267":15471},[],[15545,15546],"160205321",{},[],"2026-08-18T20:56:58Z","2026-08-18T21:03:07Z",[15483,15484,15485,15486,15487,15488,15489,15490,15491,15492,15493,15494,15495,15496,15497,15498],{"_140":10,"_141":15482,"_143":10},"364ef2a9-9b48-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":15543,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":15541,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":15535,"_215":15536,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":15532,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":15529,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":15527,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":15524,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":15521,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":15518,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":15516,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":15514,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":15512,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":15510,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":15507,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":15504,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":-5,"_213":15356,"_215":15499,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_81":15500,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15501,"_213":15356,"_223":15502,"_106":15503,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7261,"_218":88,"_232":15503,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/c38vhx-ulster-unionist-party-leadership/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/17706640-479f-401d-8273-ebfce5e7e26a",[],"17706640-479f-401d-8273-ebfce5e7e26a","160205323",{"_163":15505,"_165":15506},"He was first elected as an MLA in 2011 following a high-profile broadcasting career and he was also commissioner for victims and survivors.",[],{"_163":15508,"_165":15509},"Mr Nesbitt served twice as UUP leader, from 2013 to 2017 and again from 2024 until earlier this year when Mr Burrows was appointed.",[],{"_163":15375,"_165":15511},[],{"_163":15378,"_165":15513},[],{"_163":15381,"_165":15515},[],{"_163":15384,"_165":15517},[],{"_163":15519,"_165":15520},"A UUP spokesman confirmed the Strangford MLA had “chosen to resign” the health portfolio and the party would set out details on the next steps shortly.",[],{"_163":15522,"_165":15523},"Mr Nesbitt did not make any comment on Tuesday night.",[],{"_163":15525,"_165":15526},"UUP leader Jon Burrows was among those who indicated support for the hospital to keep the service.",[],{"_163":15443,"_165":15528},[],{"_163":15530,"_165":15531},"The former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader has held the portfolio in the Northern Ireland Assembly since May 2024.",[],{"_163":15533,"_165":15534},"Stormont health minister Mike Nesbitt has resigned from his post.",[],"Former health minister Mike Nesbitt 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plenary summons has been filed, but it is unclear when the matter will come before a judge.",[],{"_163":15607,"_165":15608},"Part of one of these properties was subsequently registered in the name of another person later that month. There were some further registration changes in relation to the properties later that year and in 2023.",[],{"_163":15610,"_165":15611},"Land Registry records show three properties held by Mr Downey in the Creeslough area were transferred into the names of other individuals in June 2017, around four months after he was sued by Ms Young.",[],{"_163":15613,"_165":15614},"Much of the focus of the Irish proceedings to enforce those judgments will be on Mr Downey’s property holdings.",[],{"_163":15616,"_165":15617},"Damages awards of £958,328 and £121,500 were made by the London High Court and Court of Appeal respectively in 2020 and 2025.",[],{"_163":15619,"_165":15620},"The judge concluded, on the balance of probabilities, that he was an active participant in the bombing, and that Ms Young was entitled to recover damages from him.",[],{"_163":15622,"_165":15623},"In her ruling, Ms Justice Amanda Yip said Mr Downey’s fingerprints were found on tickets for two car parks where the car was kept, and it was reasonable to infer he was knowingly involved in a concerted plan to detonate the bomb.",[],{"_163":15625,"_165":15626},"The court was satisfied he had chosen not to participate.",[],{"_163":15628,"_165":15629},"The London High Court decided to proceed in his absence, saying arrangements could have been made for him to attend in person or by video link if he so wished. ",[],{"_163":15631,"_165":15632},"At the time he was detained in Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn charged with the murders of two Ulster Defence Regiment members in Enniskillen in 1972, a case that has yet to go to trial.",[],{"_163":15634,"_165":15635},"However, he decided not to come to court for the case when it was heard in 2019, saying he was unable to be represented.",[],{"_163":15637,"_165":15638},"Mr Downey filed a defence challenging identification evidence, which he said had been discredited, and fingerprint evidence, which he described as unreliable.",[],"Sarah Jane Young (centre), the daughter of Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, outside the High Court in London",{"_81":15641,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15642,"_213":15639,"_223":15643,"_106":15644,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":15645,"_218":88,"_232":15644,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/hcq615-file-photo-dated-181219-of-sarah-jane-young-centre-the-daughter-of-lance-corporal-young-a-vict/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1892254309%2Ff871540c-c3a5-11ed-9286-0210609a3fe2.jpg",[],"1892254309%2Ff871540c-c3a5-11ed-9286-0210609a3fe2.jpg","133557865","File photo dated 18/12/19 of Sarah-Jane Young (centre), the daughter of Lance Corporal Young, a victim of the Hyde Park bombing, outside the High Court in London after the families of victims won the first stage of a High Court damages claim against suspect John Downey.",{"_163":15647,"_165":15648},"After the criminal case collapsed, Ms Young decided to bring civil proceedings in 2017 seeking damages for her own psychiatric harm and consequential loss.",[],{"_163":15650,"_165":15651},"The indictment was stayed as an abuse of process after it emerged government officials mistakenly sent him a letter in 2007, as part of a controversial On The Runs scheme, that was effectively a guarantee against prosecution.",[],{"_163":15653,"_165":15654},"However, his trial collapsed the following year.",[],{"_163":15656,"_165":15657},"He would later be arrested in 2013 after travelling voluntarily to Gatwick Airport and was charged with the murder of Lance Corporal Young, Lieutenant Anthony Daly (23), Trooper Simon Tipper (19) and Staff Corporal Roy Bright (36).",[],{"_163":15659,"_165":15660},"Mr Downey, who was convicted of IRA membership in 1974, also emerged as a suspect. During the 1980s, consideration was given to seeking his extradition, but proceedings were not commenced.",[],"Wreckage in the aftermath of the Hyde Park bomb in London",{"_81":15663,"_212":2094,"_220":395,"_97":15664,"_213":15661,"_223":15665,"_106":15666,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":15667,"_218":88,"_232":15666,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/ugwseh-wreckage-in-the-aftermath-of-the-hyde-park-bomb.-photo-pa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/903704758%2F8ddd7e89-a52f-442e-8c33-f31849da6c2e.jpg",[],"903704758%2F8ddd7e89-a52f-442e-8c33-f31849da6c2e.jpg","129465795","Wreckage in the aftermath of the Hyde Park bomb. Photo: PA",{"_163":15669,"_165":15670},"In 1987, Armagh man Gilbert ‘Danny’ McNamee was convicted of conspiring to cause explosions, including the Hyde Park bomb, but his conviction was later quashed.",[],{"_163":15672,"_165":15673},"Seven bandsmen also died when a device exploded in a separate attack at Regent’s Park.",[],{"_163":15675,"_165":15676},"Four soldiers died when an improvised explosive device in the boot of a car was remotely detonated as they rode through Hyde Park for a changing of the guard.",[],{"_163":15678,"_165":15679},"Lance Corporal Young was just a week shy of his 20th birthday when he was killed by the blast.",[],{"_163":15681,"_165":15682},"He has always denied any involvement in the planning or planting of the Hyde Park bomb. The atrocity was one of two carried out by the IRA in central London on July 20, 1982.",[],{"_163":15684,"_165":15685},"Mr Downey, of Creeslough, Co Donegal, and four others named as co-defendants in the civil proceedings have yet to enter an appearance.",[],{"_163":15687,"_165":15688},"The Irish proceedings were initiated on June 30, with Ms Young being represented by Dublin law firm Daly Hempenstall Solicitors LLP. The firm declined to comment.",[],{"_163":15690,"_165":15691},"The Irish Independent has learnt that as part of the case, Ms Young is seeking orders setting aside the transfers of three properties out of Mr Downey’s name, as well as declarations the transfers were made to defraud creditors.",[15692],{"_85":2073,"_157":206,"_194":681,"_196":-5},{"_163":15694,"_165":15695},"She has now initiated proceedings in the High Court in Dublin seeking to enforce the judgments in Ireland. It is understood a sum in the region of €1.8m is now being sought from Mr Downey.",[],"The aftermath of the Hyde Park bombing in 1982",{"_81":15698,"_212":2094,"_220":395,"_97":15699,"_213":15696,"_223":15700,"_106":15701,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":15702,"_218":88,"_232":15701,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/7lkmid-the-aftermath-of-the-hyde-park-bomb-in-london.-photo-pa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/903704758%2F9a525ee09edaacee7f588ca1dffd811d34d65090f9d40d4c56ff675c6753aa20.jpg",[],"903704758%2F9a525ee09edaacee7f588ca1dffd811d34d65090f9d40d4c56ff675c6753aa20.jpg","129465799","The aftermath of the Hyde Park bomb in London. Photo: PA",{"_163":15704,"_165":15705},"Ms Young was awarded more than £1m (€1.17m) in damages in judgments handed down in 2020 and 2025, but the money was never paid.",[],{"_163":15707,"_165":15708},"He was sued by Sarah Jane Young, whose father, Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, died in the Hyde Park bombing in 1982.",[15709,15710],{"_85":192,"_157":880,"_194":618,"_196":15714},{"_85":192,"_157":15711,"_194":646,"_196":15712},89,{"_198":15713,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/hyde-park-bombing-how-a-private-eyes-phone-call-tracked-down-suspect-john-downey/a/112017174.html",{"_198":15715,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/daughter-of-hyde-park-bombing-victim-awarded-further-damages-at-court-of-appeal/a/112121155.html",{"_163":15717,"_165":15718},"John Downey is alleged to have moved the Co Donegal properties out of his own name to put them out of reach, just months after proceedings were initiated against him at the High Court in London.",[],{"_163":15720,"_165":15721},"A former Provisional IRA member held civilly liable for a bomb attack that killed four soldiers, transferred several properties into the names of family and friends after being sued, it is claimed in a new lawsuit.",[],"Charles McQuillan","John Downey.",{"_81":15725,"_212":15722,"_220":395,"_97":15726,"_213":15723,"_223":15727,"_106":15728,"_226":227,"_228":15722,"_230":15723,"_218":88,"_232":15728,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/mx8jnd-john-downey.-credit-charles-mcquillan/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/1831848524%2F8b8144b7-9346-4f66-ad5c-fd4e83a7330f.jpg",[],"1831848524%2F8b8144b7-9346-4f66-ad5c-fd4e83a7330f.jpg","108466164",{"_163":15730,"_165":15731},"John Downey is being pursued for €1.8m by daughter of murdered soldier",[],{"_163":15555,"_165":15733},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_250":14847,"_106":14848,"_253":10,"_254":14849},{"_235":15739,"_237":15740,"_240":15741},"shane.phelan@independent.ie","Phelan","Shane",{"_81":15743,"_212":15722,"_220":395,"_97":15744,"_213":15723,"_223":15727,"_106":15728,"_226":227,"_228":15722,"_230":15723,"_218":88,"_232":15728,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/mx8jnd-john-downey.-credit-charles-mcquillan/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1831848524%2F8b8144b7-9346-4f66-ad5c-fd4e83a7330f.jpg",[],{"_250":9352,"_106":9353,"_275":1173,"_276":280},{"_250":15752,"_106":15753,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":10051,"_106":10052,"_275":10053,"_276":280},{"_250":15749,"_106":15750,"_275":15751,"_276":280},"HM Maghaberry","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:hm-maghaberry","A modern high-security prison located in Lisburn, Northern Ireland","Dublin","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:dublin",195663317,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":15829,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/psni-at-the-scene-of-sudden-death/a/160204091.html",[15828],"PSNI at the scene of sudden death",{"_264":15824,"_266":15805,"_267":15759},[15823],[15819,15820,15821,15822],"160204091",{},[],"2026-08-18T19:59:00Z","2026-08-18T20:14:10Z",[15771,15772,15773,15774,15775,15776,15777,15778,15779],{"_140":10,"_141":15770,"_143":10},"5d2e0da7-9b3f-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":15817,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":15807,"_215":15808,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":15804,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":15801,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":15798,"_161":162},{"_15789":158,"_155":15790,"_157":342,"_15791":15792,"_15793":15794,"_15795":15796,"_161":15797},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":15786,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":7645,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":7645,"_233":92},{"_155":355,"_157":175,"_356":15780,"_161":358},{"_85":358,"_359":15781,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":15782,"_106":15783,"_368":369,"_370":15784,"_232":15785,"_233":92},"GLBggpmZM34A","01:06:00","2015488","1:06","160160801",{"_163":15787,"_165":15788},"“A post mortem will follow in due course.”",[],"zoom","MapStoryElement","mapType","Roadmap","latitude",54.8575891,"longitude",-6.2731967,"Map",{"_163":15799,"_165":15800},"The spokesperson said: “Police are at the scene of a sudden death in the Wakehurst Park area of Ballymena which was reported shortly after 10am today, Tuesday 18th August.",[],{"_163":15802,"_165":15803},"In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said they were currently at the scene at a property in Ballymena. ",[],{"_163":15805,"_165":15806},"Police are currently at the scene of a sudden death in Co Antrim. ",[],"PSNI Stock Image ",{"_81":15809,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15810,"_213":15807,"_223":15811,"_106":15812,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15812,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/a4rehv-stock-image.jfif/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Stock%20image.jfif",[15813],"Stock%20image.jfif","160204183",{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_239":15814,"_240":15816},"Kurtis.Reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Reid","Kurtis",{"_163":15759,"_165":15818},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":1158,"_106":1159,"_253":10,"_254":1160},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_240":15816},{"_81":15825,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":15826,"_213":15807,"_223":15811,"_106":15812,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15812,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/a4rehv-stock-image.jfif/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Stock%20image.jfif",[15827],{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_239":15814,"_240":15816},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Ballymena sudden death: PSNI at scene in Wakehurst Park",195658277,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/the-story-of-samson-and-goliath-how-belfast-cranes-became-symbol-of-greatness...-and-whats-brought-new-life/a/160160190.html",[16086,16087,16088,16089],"The story of Samson and Goliath: How Belfast cranes became ‘symbol of greatness’... and what’s brought new life",{"_264":16083,"_266":16068,"_267":15835},[16082],[16073,16074,16075,16076,16077,16078],"160160190",{},[],"2026-08-19T05:41:00Z","2026-08-18T16:58:56Z",[15847,15848,15849,15850,15851,15852,15853,15854,15855,15856,15857,15858,15859,15860,15861,15862,15863,15864,15865,15866,15867,15868,15869,15870,15871,15872,15873,15874,15875,15876,15877,15878,15879,15880,15881,15882,15883,15884,15885,15886,15887,15888,15889,15890,15891,15892,15893],{"_140":10,"_141":15846,"_143":10},"dac25495-9adb-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16071,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":16070,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16067,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16061,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16058,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16055,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16052,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":16049,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":16046,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":16043,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":16040,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":698,"_161":3487,"_3488":16013,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":16005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":16002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":15999,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":15990,"_213":15991,"_215":15992,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":15987,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":15984,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":15981,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":15978,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":15975,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":15972,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":15969,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":15966,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":15963,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":15960,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":15957,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":15954,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":15951,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":-5,"_213":15944,"_215":15945,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":15941,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":15938,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":15935,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":15932,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":576,"_212":6880,"_213":15924,"_215":15925,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":15921,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":15918,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":15915,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":15912,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":15909,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":15906,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":15903,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":15900,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":15897,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":15894,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":529,"_106":14655,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":14655,"_233":92},{"_163":15895,"_165":15896},"“Management quality is an important consideration. Poor management decisions during the 20th century undermined Harland & Wolff. Better managerial decisions are required in the 21st century.”",[],{"_163":15898,"_165":15899},"“This in turn makes for a more productive local economy, with the firm more efficient with better trained workers. The high wages retain these workers and motivate them to become more productive,” he said. ",[],{"_163":15901,"_165":15902},"Dr Brownlow explained how this is a positive indicator for the future of the shipyard, as apprentices can be hired for higher wages further down the line.",[],{"_163":15904,"_165":15905},"So far, over 60 apprenticeships have been created, with the firm aiming to triple its total staff headcount by 2030.",[],{"_163":15907,"_165":15908},"Mr Thompson was one of 50 apprentices when he joined in 1977. He hopes that this practice can be restored under Navantia.",[],{"_163":15910,"_165":15911},"“You came to the end of a boat and didn’t necessarily know there was another boat to move on to once it was done.”",[],{"_163":15913,"_165":15914},"“We were always happy to get new orders — it was always a bit of a dodgy time,” the west Belfast man said.",[],{"_163":15916,"_165":15917},"Gary Thompson, who worked as an electrician for Harland & Wolff, received a payoff, like Mr Higgins, in the late 1990s after 20 years in the business. ",[],{"_163":15919,"_165":15920},"The last ship built by Samson and Goliath was the Anvil Point for the Ministry of Defence in 2003, before being used sparingly for civil engineering projects.",[],{"_163":15922,"_165":15923},"Despite this, the shipyard continued to struggle against east Asian competition over the next 20 years.",[],"Samson was erected in 1975",{"_81":15926,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":15927,"_213":15924,"_223":15928,"_106":15929,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":15930,"_218":88,"_232":15929,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/n2fla5-harland-and-wolff-shipyard./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8941.jpg",[15931],"0R9A8941.jpg","160196929","Harland and Wolff Shipyard on August 18th 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph) ",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_163":15933,"_165":15934},"However, the company was committed to expanding. Newspaper reports from the 1980s also showed how the shipyard was hoping to expand into international markets. ",[],{"_163":15936,"_165":15937},"Then-Harland & Wolff chairman, John Parker, described the shipyard as “struggling” as Europe strained under “horrendous market conditions”.",[],{"_163":15939,"_165":15940},"Following a consultants’ report at the time, there was talk of up to 1,200 redundancies.",[],{"_163":15942,"_165":15943},"One long-term employee told this newspaper that while “nobody turns out a boat like Harland's”, men at the site were aware of a threat to their jobs.",[],"A feature on the state of the shipyard in 1983",{"_81":15946,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":15947,"_213":15944,"_223":15948,"_106":15949,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":15949,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qvjtsk-hw.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/H%26W.png",[15950],"H%26W.png","160196845",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_163":15952,"_165":15953},"According to a report from the Belfast Telegraph’s newspaper archives, which looked at the state of the shipyard in 1983, morale at the shipyard had notably declined over the years.",[],{"_163":15955,"_165":15956},"“You always had the fear of payoffs. That was always harming us, but most of it didn’t take place.”",[],{"_163":15958,"_165":15959},"“There were fears around losses at the company. But at the same time, there was excitement of potential new contracts, and new contracts that did come through. ",[],{"_163":15961,"_165":15962},"But Mr Higgins said that payoffs — when the company would issue termination pay due to no longer needing staff — were always in the back of people’s minds.",[],{"_163":15964,"_165":15965},"Although the industry was in decline, contracts continued to roll in during his initial years at the firm.",[],{"_163":15967,"_165":15968},"Notable engineering feats constructed at the time included the 1,000-tonne Foyle Bridge, which was hoisted onto a barge bound for Londonderry in 1982.",[],{"_163":15970,"_165":15971},"The former red-leader, who applied red lead to ships, joined Harland & Wolff in 1981 at the age of 21.",[],{"_163":15973,"_165":15974},"“It became part of my personality,” Mr Higgins said.",[],{"_163":15976,"_165":15977},"For Francis Higgins, who was a ship painter for over 20 years at the docks, the twin giants were a symbol of “our industrial greatness”. ",[],{"_163":15979,"_165":15980},"Prof Grant added: “By the time they were commissioned, the industry was entering into its decline phase. I’m speculating now, but I would imagine seeing these huge cranes would be like a boost to anyone thinking, ‘OK, well the talk of decline maybe isn’t as serious as we once thought, because look at this investment’.”",[],{"_163":15982,"_165":15983},"Even though industrialisation in the UK was declining, Goliath’s completion in July 1969, followed by Samson in 1974, represented newfound pride for Belfast.",[],{"_163":15985,"_165":15986},"“Leisure travel shifted significantly in the post-war period. That had a slow-burning impact on the industry. And then the manufacturing and the industrial capacity of the Far East became much more prominent in the post-war period, too.”",[],{"_163":15988,"_165":15989},"“People were less inclined to be travelling via ship and more likely to be taking a flight to their destination,” Professor Grant said. ",[],"Andrew Paton (Ulster University)","Professor Adrian Grant",{"_81":15993,"_212":15990,"_220":395,"_97":15994,"_213":15991,"_223":15995,"_106":15996,"_226":227,"_228":15990,"_230":15997,"_218":88,"_232":15996,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/57mdl8-4735-adrian-grant-headshots-coleraine-2025-0008.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/4735%20Adrian%20Grant%20Headshots%20Coleraine%202025%200008.JPG",[15998],"4735%20Adrian%20Grant%20Headshots%20Coleraine%202025%200008.JPG","160196695","Staff headshots 2025",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_163":16000,"_165":16001},"But traditional shipbuilding in Europe began to slowly decline as air travel became more common, explained Ulster University historian Professor Adrian Grant.",[],{"_163":16003,"_165":16004},"After the Second World War, the dock returned its focus to constructing civilian ships.",[],{"_163":16006,"_165":16007},"The shipyard reached its peak output during the 1940s, when more than 100 Navy vessels were built, ranging from massive aircraft carriers to anti-submarine minesweepers. ",[],{"_163":16009,"_165":16010},"In its heyday at the turn of the 20th century, the Harland & Wolff shipyard was a key factor in Belfast surpassing Dublin as the largest city on the island.",[16011],{"_85":16012,"_157":606,"_194":211,"_196":-5},"Superscript",[16014,16015,16016],{"_157":525,"_212":10575,"_213":16033,"_215":16034,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":513,"_212":10575,"_213":16025,"_215":16026,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":509,"_212":10575,"_213":16017,"_215":16018,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"Navantia UK’s recapitlaisation manager Peter Rusk at the Harland & Wolff shipyard",{"_81":16019,"_212":10575,"_220":395,"_97":16020,"_213":16017,"_223":16021,"_106":16022,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16023,"_218":88,"_232":16022,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/r1033w-peter-rusk./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8923.jpg",[16024],"0R9A8923.jpg","160196494","Peter Rusk at Harland and Wolff Shipyard on August 18th 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph) ",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},"The new automated panel lines in the fabrication halls at the Harland & Wolff shipyard ",{"_81":16027,"_212":10575,"_220":395,"_97":16028,"_213":16025,"_223":16029,"_106":16030,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16031,"_218":88,"_232":16030,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/4ms78l-harland-and-wolff-shipyard./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8882.jpg",[16032],"0R9A8882.jpg","160196663","The brand new automated panel lines in the fabrication halls at Harland and Wolff Shipyard on August 18th 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph) ",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},"Samson and Goliath will be refurbished over the coming months ",{"_81":16035,"_212":10575,"_220":395,"_97":16036,"_213":16033,"_223":16037,"_106":16038,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":15930,"_218":88,"_232":16038,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/k45z5e-harland-and-wolff-shipyard./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8965.jpg",[16039],"0R9A8965.jpg","160196586",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_163":16041,"_165":16042},"Naval shipbuilding is familiar territory for the dry dock, which is said to have constructed at least 174 vessels for the British Army since 1868.",[],{"_163":16044,"_165":16045},"“Obviously, this is an unhappy situation for the world, but it is a commercial opportunity for the shipyard.”",[],{"_163":16047,"_165":16048},"“Given global political shifts, it is pretty clear that European defence spending is going to need to increase, and part of that increase in spending is going to be on naval protection,” he explained.",[],{"_163":16050,"_165":16051},"It marks a rearmament trend seen across Europe as countries boost defence amid unpredictable foreign policy, said economist Dr Graham Brownlow, of Queen’s University.",[],{"_163":16053,"_165":16054},"The first new ships that sail out of Belfast Lough will be support vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary — the second-largest boats in the armed forces.",[],{"_163":16056,"_165":16057},"Before hundreds of tonnes can hang from their gantries once again, a multi-million refurbishment project must take place.",[],{"_163":16059,"_165":16060},"The famous yellow cranes will return to regular use, Harland & Wolff’s owner, Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, have confirmed.",[],{"_163":16062,"_165":16063},"But now Samson and Goliath are waking up.",[16064],{"_85":192,"_157":642,"_194":158,"_196":16065},{"_198":16066,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/belfasts-iconic-hw-cranes-set-for-3m-makeover-and-return-to-true-purpose-of-shipbuilding-after-20-years-out-of-action/a/160141743.html",{"_163":16068,"_165":16069},"Two giants of Belfast’s past have loomed high above the city for decades. Once marvels of its industrial might, these 100-metre-high monuments have more recently been reduced to legend.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},{"_163":15835,"_165":16072},[],{"_250":5497,"_106":5498,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":16079,"_106":16080,"_253":10,"_254":16081},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"life_features","4341","Features",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_240":3197},{"_81":16019,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16084,"_213":88,"_223":16021,"_106":16022,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16023,"_218":88,"_232":16022,"_233":92},[16085],{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_250":16092,"_106":16093,"_275":16094,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":14333,"_106":14334,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":16090,"_106":16091,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Titanic","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:titanic","Ministry of Defence","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:ministry-of-defence","Whitehall department responsible for the military",195657195,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfasts-iconic-hw-cranes-set-for-3m-makeover-and-return-to-true-purpose-of-shipbuilding-after-20-years-out-of-action/a/160141743.html",[16269,16270,16271],"Belfast’s iconic H&W cranes set for £3m makeover and return to ‘true purpose’ of shipbuilding after 20 years out of action",{"_264":16266,"_266":16253,"_267":16100},[16265],[16258,16259,16260,16261],{},[],"2026-08-19T05:14:00Z","2026-08-18T16:08:06Z",[16111,16112,16113,16114,16115,16116,16117,16118,16119,16120,16121,16122,16123,16124,16125,16126,16127,16128,16129,16130,16131,16132,16133,16134,16135,16136,16137,16138,16139,16140,16141,16142,16143,16144],{"_140":10,"_141":16110,"_143":10},"e0c254c3-9a4c-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16256,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":16255,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16252,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16249,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16246,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16243,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16240,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16237,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":175,"_161":3487,"_3488":16222,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":16219,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":16216,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":16213,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":6880,"_213":16166,"_215":16207,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16204,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":16201,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":16198,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":16195,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":6880,"_213":16188,"_215":16189,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":16185,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":16182,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":661,"_106":15839,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":15839,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":16179,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":16176,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":16173,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":646,"_212":6880,"_213":16166,"_215":16167,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":16163,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":16160,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":16159,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16159,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":16156,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":16153,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":16150,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":16147,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":16146,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16146,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":606,"_106":16145,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16145,"_233":92},"158429146","160189664",{"_163":16148,"_165":16149},"As regards future plans, Navantia says that Harland & Wolff also has a “commercial export contract underway to build a large vessel”, while it is also targeting new contracts from the Government’s nearly-£300bn Defence Investment Plan. ",[],{"_163":16151,"_165":16152},"“You can expect to see Samson and Goliath swing into in action soon. They are about to be at their busiest for many years.” ",[],{"_163":16154,"_165":16155},"“The cranes are sophisticated pieces of machinery capable of carrying enormous weight. They will need all of their strength to lift blocks for the Fleet Solid Support vessels, and for future ships which we anticipate building in Belfast. ",[],{"_163":16157,"_165":16158},"“We will be replacing parts, updating technology and testing them to see that they can lift at full capacity, and we will be treating them with utmost respect. ",[],"159689042",{"_163":16161,"_165":16162},"Speaking about the refurbishment of the cranes, Harland & Wolff general manager Carlos Lopez Carregado said: “Samson and Goliath are symbols of Belfast. We know that the city is proud of them, and this major mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fabric maintenance project will restore them to their absolute best. ",[],{"_163":16164,"_165":16165},"Inside the hall, staff are already beginning work on new plates and parts for the Navy ships, while a sign with the decal “1744” reminds workers of where this new ship will factor in the long line of Harland & Wolff’s history (Titanic was number 401; HMS Belfast was number 1,000).",[],"The brand-new automated panel lines in the fabrication hall at Harland & Wolff shipyard on August 18, 2026",{"_81":16168,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":16169,"_213":16166,"_223":16170,"_106":16171,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16031,"_218":88,"_232":16171,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3lrxb3-harland-and-wolff-shipyard./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8864.jpg",[16172],"0R9A8864.jpg","160191975",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":16174,"_165":16175},"While the cranes might be the most interesting update for outsiders, Mr Rusk says the biggest and most important addition to the site is the already completed new fabrication hall, which has been fitted out with new cladding, cranes and welding machines. ",[],{"_163":16177,"_165":16178},"“Everyone is incredibly proud of this. A lot of the people working here, their fathers, their great-grandfathers, they worked here. They maybe helped build the Titanic. I have family members who worked in the yard as well. We’re all proud to work here again.” ",[],{"_163":16180,"_165":16181},"While work has continued at the yard in the past two-plus decades, Mr Rusk says returning to the job of shipbuilding feels like the right thing for Harland & Wolff. ",[],{"_163":16183,"_165":16184},"“So, this is great. It’s fantastic that we are investing this money, and we are going to bring it back to what its true purpose is for.”",[],{"_163":16186,"_165":16187},"“The cranes, yes, they are historic, they are iconic to Belfast, but their true purpose is for shipbuilding — and they haven’t been used for shipbuilding in over 20 years.",[],"Peter Rusk at Harland & Wolff shipyard on August 18, 2026",{"_81":16190,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":16191,"_213":16188,"_223":16192,"_106":16193,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16023,"_218":88,"_232":16193,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/havuq-peter-rusk./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A9038.jpg",[16194],"0R9A9038.jpg","160191938",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":16196,"_165":16197},"“We’re proud of these cranes. You see them everywhere. All over the world, everyone knows that these cranes are symbols of Belfast,” he said.",[],{"_163":16199,"_165":16200},"Peter Rusk, the programme manager at Navantia UK who is overseeing delivery of the recapitalisation at Harland & Wolff, says the whole workforce is excited about the prospect of a revitalised Samson and Goliath and for the company, as a whole, to return to its shipbuilding roots. ",[],{"_163":16202,"_165":16203},"New apprentices are also being hired, with 66 set to arrive in the coming months, while existing staff can also upskill to work on the new machines that are being installed. ",[],{"_163":16205,"_165":16206},"The new project could also deliver a big employment boost to the city, as Navantia plans to increase the workforce from approximately 450 today to 1,500 by 2030. ",[],{"_81":16208,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":16209,"_213":16166,"_223":16210,"_106":16211,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16031,"_218":88,"_232":16211,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hxtme6-harland-and-wolff-shipyard./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8890.jpg",[16212],"0R9A8890.jpg","160192099",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":16214,"_165":16215},"Updating the cranes is part of a near-£100m spend from Navantia on recapitalisation plans for Harland & Wolff, which it says “will prepare the yard for advanced naval and commercial shipbuilding projects”.",[],{"_163":16217,"_165":16218},"From a practical perspective, Samson and Goliath’s huge lifting capacity allows Harland & Wolff to transport the enormous — and heavy — steel and other materials necessary to complete its contracts. ",[],{"_163":16220,"_165":16221},"Staff working on the cranes can spend all day up there, with a kitchen and sitting area giving them room to relax on their breaks. ",[],[16223,16224],{"_157":585,"_212":6880,"_213":16188,"_215":16231,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":580,"_212":6880,"_213":16188,"_215":16225,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_81":16226,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":16227,"_213":16188,"_223":16228,"_106":16229,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16023,"_218":88,"_232":16229,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ck2g8j-peter-rusk./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8908.jpg",[16230],"0R9A8908.jpg","160191894",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_81":16232,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":16233,"_213":16188,"_223":16234,"_106":16235,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":16023,"_218":88,"_232":16235,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fixcn6-peter-rusk./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A9040.jpg",[16236],"0R9A9040.jpg","160192045",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":16238,"_165":16239},"From the very top of Samson, the whole of Belfast is visible, with views down the lough where these new ships will one day sail out to join the rest of the fleet. ",[],{"_163":16241,"_165":16242},"Capable of lifting 840 tonnes (the combined weight of four Boeing 747s), the cranes have the capacity for Harland & Wolff’s current project of building Fleet Solid Support Ships, which are the largest non-aircraft carrier vessels that sail in the Royal Navy. ",[],{"_163":16244,"_165":16245},"Things are already underway with the refit of Goliath, the smaller and older crane built in 1969, with Samson, the larger crane built in 1974, to be worked on afterwards, with the aim of having both back in shipbuilding shape by the end of the year. ",[],{"_163":16247,"_165":16248},"Over £3m is being invested in a “comprehensive refit” of the famous cranes, including replacements for the cables that supply them with power, alongside structural and electrical repairs. ",[],{"_163":16250,"_165":16251},"Work is already underway on Samson and Goliath as the entire yard prepares to deliver a major contract for the Royal Navy — the first ships built in the shipyard since 2003 — and new owner Navantia UK is keen for the symbols of Belfast to be a practical part of this project. ",[],{"_163":16253,"_165":16254},"Belfast’s iconic yellow cranes will be used for shipbuilding for the first time in two decades as part of a near-£100m of investment in Harland & Wolff. 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Mr Lavery subsequently apologised for providing the reference and described doing so as a “serious error of judgment”.",[],{"_163":16346,"_165":16347},"The controversy began after it emerged that Mr Lavery had provided a character reference for William Lloyd-Lavery following his conviction for indecently assaulting four schoolgirls between 1975 and 1979.",[],{"_163":16349,"_165":16350},"The Society has said it cannot disclose the precise outcome because of legal and confidentiality obligations arising from its role as Mr Lavery’s employer.",[],{"_163":16352,"_165":16353},"The Society revealed a retired senior judge had been appointed to conduct an independent fact-finding investigation into Mr Lavery’s actions. ",[],{"_163":16355,"_165":16356},"The Law Society subsequently confirmed the meeting would take place on September 9 and admitted it had “made mistakes” in its handling of the controversy and should have been more transparent with members.",[],{"_163":16358,"_165":16359},"Last week the Belfast Solicitors’ Association formally requested an SGM, citing concerns over transparency, communication and the impact of the affair on the reputation of the profession.",[],{"_163":16361,"_165":16362},"Her resignation follows that of solicitor Philip Armstrong from the Law Society Council as dissatisfaction over the organisation’s handling of the controversy continues.",[],{"_163":16364,"_165":16365},"Ms McCaffrey said she wanted to be able to look back knowing she had “acted with integrity”, even when that required the difficult decision to leave roles she had enjoyed.",[],"159621289",{"_163":16368,"_165":16369},"“However, there comes a point when remaining at the table matters less than remaining true to your principles,” she said.",[],{"_163":16371,"_165":16372},"Ms McCaffrey said she had remained on Council for as long as she felt possible because she believed it was important to have “strong voices at the table”, to constructively challenge decisions and ask appropriate questions.",[],{"_163":16374,"_165":16375},"“Last week, I found myself at a crossroads,” she said.",[],{"_163":16377,"_165":16378},"Her departure also ends her membership of the Education Committee and her position as chair of the Commercial Practice Group.",[],{"_163":16380,"_165":16381},"In a statement, Ms McCaffrey confirmed she had initially resigned from the Society’s Executive and Personnel Committees before ultimately deciding to leave the Council altogether.",[],{"_163":16383,"_165":16384},"The latest exchange comes amid further upheaval within the organisation.",[],{"_163":16386,"_165":16387},"Ms McGuckin has asked Mr Borland to explain why she will not be permitted to address the September meeting.",[],{"_163":16389,"_165":16390},"She added: “This type of appalling error of judgment requires not just words of regret. Actions speak louder than words.”",[],{"_163":16392,"_165":16393},"She also criticised Mr Borland over his public support for the chief executive, describing it as “a further insult to victims and survivors”.",[],{"_163":16395,"_165":16396},"Ms McGuckin said it was important that members had victims and survivors in mind ahead of any discussions or votes at the meeting.",[],{"_163":16398,"_165":16399},"“My group have no confidence in current Law Society leadership and wish to address members before they discuss the issue of David Lavery’s position and the manner in which the society handled it.”",[],{"_163":16401,"_165":16402},"“I appreciate your email, but it unfortunately doesn’t address the issue,” she told Mr Borland.",[],{"_163":16404,"_165":16405},"But Ms McGuckin rejected the offer, saying it did not answer her request to speak directly to solicitors before they discuss Mr Lavery and how the Society dealt with the controversy.",[],{"_163":16407,"_165":16408},"Mr Borland said the Society was committed to listening to victims and survivors, and giving them a “meaningful opportunity” to be heard.",[],"160063948",{"_163":16411,"_165":16412},"“The Law Society’s handling of these matters fell far below the standard that the public expect from us and the standard we should hold ourselves to. I sincerely regret that,” he wrote.",[],{"_163":16414,"_165":16415},"Mr Borland acknowledged the impact the controversy had had on Lloyd-Lavery’s victims and abuse survivors more widely.",[],{"_163":16417,"_165":16418},"However, in correspondence seen by the Belfast Telegraph, Law Society President Mark Borland offered to meet her privately and invited Savia to contribute to a proposed policy forum on the use of character references following conviction.",[],{"_163":16420,"_165":16421},"Ms McGuckin had previously asked to address members at a Special General Meeting (SGM), due to take place at Belfast’s Europa Hotel in September.",[],{"_163":16423,"_165":16424},"She is the latest Council member to step down amid continuing controversy surrounding Mr Lavery, who remains chief executive.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":16426,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":16427,"_106":16428,"_368":369,"_370":16429,"_232":16430,"_233":92},"5TcIY__Rtv4Q","02:13:00","1710178","2:13","151227970",{"_163":16432,"_165":16433},"Ms McCaffrey said she had reached a point where “remaining at the table matters less than remaining true to your principles”.",[],{"_163":16435,"_165":16436},"Her intervention came as solicitor Julie-Ann McCaffrey confirmed that she had resigned from the Law Society Council, as well as a number of other positions within the organisation.",[],{"_163":16438,"_165":16439},"Margaret McGuckin of Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (Savia) said the organisation had “no confidence in current Law Society leadership” and wants to address members before they discuss the position of the Society’s chief executive and its handling of the controversy.",[],{"_163":16441,"_165":16442},"Law Society chief executive Mr Lavery has faced widespread criticism for providing a character reference to a court for his cousin William Lloyd-Lavery, a former teacher convicted of indecently assaulting four schoolgirls.",[],{"_163":16444,"_165":16445},"The Law Society of Northern Ireland has received a request from an abuse survivors’ group to address solicitors directly at a special meeting about the David Lavery controversy, but has instead offered a private meeting with its president.",[],"David Lavery",{"_81":16448,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16449,"_213":16446,"_223":16450,"_106":16451,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16451,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/w4qnai-david-lavery.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/David_Lavery.jpg",[16452],"David_Lavery.jpg","151629626",{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_239":15814,"_240":15816},{"_163":16280,"_165":16454},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_240":15816},{"_81":16461,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16462,"_213":16446,"_223":16450,"_106":16451,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16451,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/w4qnai-david-lavery.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/David_Lavery.jpg",[16463],{"_235":15814,"_237":15815,"_239":15814,"_240":15816},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},195656612,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":16612,"_283":8,"_275":16613,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ex-psni-officer-raises-pursuit-concerns-after-m9-crash-deaths-it-leads-to-criminals-getting-away/a/160191215.html",[16600,16601,16602,16603],"Ex-PSNI officer raises pursuit concerns after M9 crash deaths: ‘It leads to criminals getting away’",{"_264":16597,"_266":16583,"_267":16471},[],[16594,16595,16596],"160191215",{},[],"2026-08-18T19:30:00Z","2026-08-18T15:48:12Z",[16483,16484,16485,16486,16487,16488,16489,16490,16491,16492,16493,16494,16495,16496,16497,16498,16499,16500,16501,16502,16503,16504,16505,16506,16507,16508,16509,16510,16511],{"_140":10,"_141":16482,"_143":10},"c4444bf5-9b13-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16592,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1611,"_213":16585,"_215":16586,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16582,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16579,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16576,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16573,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16570,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16567,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":16564,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":171,"_106":16563,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16563,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":167,"_106":16562,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16562,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":16559,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":16556,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16553,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":16550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":16547,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":16544,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":16541,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":16538,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":665,"_356":16537,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":16534,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":16531,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":16528,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":16525,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":16522,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":16519,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":16516,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":16513,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":622,"_106":16512,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16512,"_233":92},"159187123",{"_163":16514,"_165":16515},"“When training requests are submitted, the aim is to ensure that the most appropriate officers receive this training. For example, a constable in a vehicle every day and therefore those most likely to be on the ground are generally selected, so the benefit of the training is maximised. However, senior ranks are not ruled out of this training if it is suitable for the work they are doing within the service.”",[],{"_163":16517,"_165":16518},"“For tactical phase pursuit, national role profiles can dictate which officers attend, especially for officers in specialised units like roads policing, armed response unit or the headquarters mobile support unit.",[],{"_163":16520,"_165":16521},"“Initial phase pursuit training is open to all response officers within the Police Service of Northern Ireland — depending on the number of training opportunities available.",[],{"_163":16523,"_165":16524},"“The safety of all those involved or affected by these activities is of the highest importance. The PSNI adheres to the UK’s national pursuit policy set out by the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council.",[],{"_163":16526,"_165":16527},"A PSNI spokesman said: “The strategic objective of any police pursuit is to protect life and property, preserve order, prevent the commission of offences and, where an offence has been committed, to take measures to bring the offender to justice.",[],{"_163":16529,"_165":16530},"These challenges come as the PSNI faces a substantial funding shortfall.",[],{"_163":16532,"_165":16533},"It showed stolen vehicles and reckless driving activity called “doughnutting” — where a driver deliberately performs a sustained oversteer manoeuvre in a circular motion.",[],{"_163":16535,"_165":16536},"The first season of Nolan’s BBC documentary series Peelers, which followed frontline PSNI officers, featured several instances in which officers could not continue to follow dangerous road users because they did not have the relevant pursuit training.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7908,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7909,"_106":7910,"_368":369,"_370":7911,"_232":7912,"_233":92},{"_163":16539,"_165":16540},"“Driver training has been on the back foot and not prioritised,” he said, adding that “it will be at least 2027 before training is even rolled out”.",[],{"_163":16542,"_165":16543},"Also on the Nolan Show, Donegal Garda Brendan O’Connor, a former president of GRA, said there is a “critical shortfall” in the capacity of An Garda Síochána.",[],{"_163":16545,"_165":16546},"It is prohibited for PSNI officers to pursue a vehicle across the border.",[],{"_163":16548,"_165":16549},"“That incident in the south… had that car been stopped earlier, we wouldn’t have had that situation… resources and funding are where this starts and ends.”",[],{"_163":16551,"_165":16552},"“Frontline officers are generally the first to come across stolen vehicles and there aren’t enough response officers who are initial pursuit trained. It leads to criminals getting away.",[],{"_163":16554,"_165":16555},"“Obviously, you have your specialist teams that are pursuit trained, but there aren’t enough of them.",[],{"_163":16557,"_165":16558},"Chris Stothers, a former PSNI senior armed response officer, claimed: “There is a massive waiting list within the PSNI. Funding is the biggest issue and the biggest problem.",[],{"_163":16560,"_165":16561},"On the BBC’s Stephen Nolan Show on Tuesday morning, ex-PSNI officers raised questions about the availability of pursuit training for officers in Northern Ireland.",[],"160154961","160156925",{"_163":16565,"_165":16566},"Assistant general secretary of GRA, Tara McManus, told the BBC that officers involved in the M9 incident were given a command to “disengage” with the car after it took “evasive action”.",[],{"_163":16568,"_165":16569},"The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said officers in this case were instructed to disengage from pursuing the car.",[],{"_163":16571,"_165":16572},"Questions have been raised after it was revealed that no Garda officers have pursuit training.",[],{"_163":16574,"_165":16575},"Four relatives — three women and a child — in the other car were seriously injured.",[],{"_163":16577,"_165":16578},"The teenagers have been named locally as Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O’Brien, and Kamil Pustkowski.",[],{"_163":16580,"_165":16581},"It comes after a weekend of horror in the Republic, when five teenagers were killed in a head-on crash while driving a stolen car the wrong way down the M9 in Co Kildare.",[],{"_163":16583,"_165":16584},"A former senior PSNI officer has raised concerns as he claimed there is a “massive waiting list” within the force to complete pursuit training.",[],"The collision occurred on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 at about 3am local time on Sunday",{"_81":16587,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":16588,"_213":16585,"_223":16589,"_106":16590,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":16591,"_218":88,"_232":16590,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/republic-of-ireland/7ugnex-crash-on-m9-in-co-kildare/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/f87e4e9d-229f-4370-a9a0-a2d294dce5b4",[],"f87e4e9d-229f-4370-a9a0-a2d294dce5b4","160162908","The scene on the M9 northbound at Junction 3 in Co Kildare where number of people have died and others have been seriously injured after a head-on collision between two cars. A Gardai spokesperson said the incident on Sunday morning at 3am occurred when one of the cars was travelling in the wrong direction. Picture date: Sunday August 16, 2026.",{"_163":16471,"_165":16593},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_81":16598,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":16599,"_213":16585,"_223":16589,"_106":16590,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":16591,"_218":88,"_232":16590,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/republic-of-ireland/7ugnex-crash-on-m9-in-co-kildare/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/f87e4e9d-229f-4370-a9a0-a2d294dce5b4",[],{"_250":16609,"_106":16610,"_275":16611,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":16607,"_106":16608,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":16604,"_106":16605,"_275":16606,"_276":280},"Stephen Nolan","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:stephen-nolan","Stephen Nolan is Northern Ireland radio and TV presenter","BBC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:bbc","An Garda Síochána","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:an-garda-siochana","An Garda Síochána is the national police service of the Republic of Ireland.","Police pursuit training shortage: PSNI and Garda funding crisis","Deadly M9 crash exposes Garda and PSNI pursuit training gaps, funding problems and long waiting lists, with experts warning of critical shortfalls",195656540,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":16759,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/mum-of-two-urges-new-mothers-not-to-suffer-in-silence-over-postpartum-mental-health/a/160092374.html",[16758],"Mum of two urges new mothers not to suffer in silence over postpartum mental health",{"_264":16754,"_266":16737,"_267":16619},[16753],[16747,16748,16749,16750,16751,16752],"160092374",{},[],"2026-08-19T05:38:00Z","2026-08-18T15:45:06Z",[16631,16632,16633,16634,16635,16636,16637,16638,16639,16640,16641,16642,16643,16644,16645,16646,16647,16648,16649,16650,16651,16652,16653,16654,16655,16656,16657],{"_140":10,"_141":16630,"_143":10},"13f3d524-997b-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16745,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":16739,"_215":16740,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16736,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16733,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16730,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16727,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16724,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":179,"_356":16723,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":16720,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":16713,"_215":16714,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":16710,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":16707,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":16704,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16701,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":16698,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":16695,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":16692,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":16689,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":-5,"_213":16682,"_215":16683,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":16679,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":16676,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":16673,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":16670,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":16667,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":16660,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":16659,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16659,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":16658,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16658,"_233":92},"159396343","159434001",{"_163":16661,"_165":16662},"If you, or anyone close to you, have been affected by issues raised in this article, you can contact the Parent Rooms at the following link: elevateni.org/mentees/the-parent-rooms/",[16663],{"_85":192,"_157":16664,"_194":572,"_196":16665},141,{"_198":16666,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://elevateni.org/mentees/the-parent-rooms/",{"_163":16668,"_165":16669},"“Posts on social media always make family life look really happy, and it’s a highlight reel. I want to show it’s not always like that and people do struggle.”",[],{"_163":16671,"_165":16672},"“There was a moment where I thought it was just me that was feeling like this. And loads of people told me they thought they were going crazy too,” she said.",[],{"_163":16674,"_165":16675},"When people got in touch after Anna’s recent social media post, she said it helped ease the burden for her too. ",[],{"_163":16677,"_165":16678},"“Everybody’s priority is the baby, rather than you. But I have good home support and not everyone is that lucky.”",[],{"_163":16680,"_165":16681},"“For me personally, I fought through the newborn trenches, but found it difficult just after that when people stopped visiting and checking in so much. Trying to figure out a routine at home is difficult too. ",[],"Anna regularly posts on social media about family life ",{"_81":16684,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16685,"_213":16682,"_223":16686,"_106":16687,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16687,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2kvrt8-anna-crawford-3.jfif/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/anna%20crawford%203.jfif",[16688],"anna%20crawford%203.jfif","160177512",{"_235":1862,"_237":1863,"_239":1862,"_240":1864},{"_163":16690,"_165":16691},"“I’m trying to talk about this more on social media. People have different experiences too. Some people have the baby blues after three days, where the hormones just hit them. Nobody at the hospital tells you that’s what might happen when you go home,” she said.",[],{"_163":16693,"_165":16694},"Anna says having poor mental health after having a baby is something that needs to be spoken about more, so women going through it don’t feel they’re on their own. ",[],{"_163":16696,"_165":16697},"“I think too that a lot of women are scared to speak about how they feel. I asked my mum if she thought I’d get the girls taken off me if I told people about my feelings.”",[],{"_163":16699,"_165":16700},"“Women really aren’t prepared for leaving hospital. You get handed a baby and sent home and that’s it,” she said.",[],{"_163":16702,"_165":16703},"This is in part, Anna feels, due to a lack of information about what happens after you give birth. ",[],{"_163":16705,"_165":16706},"Anna said that off the back of a social media post about the issue, she received hundreds of messages from new mums telling her they felt the same way. ",[],{"_163":16708,"_165":16709},"“I’m just lucky that I know this isn’t really me and it’s not how I really feel.”",[],{"_163":16711,"_165":16712},"“I just started crying in the car. I had thoughts that my husband and children would be better off without me. I felt like I was a burden to people,” she said.",[],"Anna Crawford with her two daughters ",{"_81":16715,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16716,"_213":16713,"_223":16717,"_106":16718,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16718,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/yp4khp-anna-crawford-2.jfif/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/anna%20crawford%202.jfif",[16719],"anna%20crawford%202.jfif","160177405",{"_235":1862,"_237":1863,"_239":1862,"_240":1864},{"_163":16721,"_165":16722},"Anna took the photo used at the top of this article after she’d come out of the gym. That week she’d been feeling numb.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},{"_163":16725,"_165":16726},"“I think social media doesn’t help. What tipped me over this time was all these people telling you to eat healthy and get good sleep. I was doing those things, but still wanted to cry,” she said.",[],{"_163":16728,"_165":16729},"Two weeks ago, Anna found herself in the same position, having recently given birth to her second daughter, Sophie.",[],{"_163":16731,"_165":16732},"“I knew that I’d no reason to be crying. I was able to recognise that this shouldn’t be how I was feeling,” she said.",[],{"_163":16734,"_165":16735},"Anna Crawford (29), who makes vlogs on YouTube based around lifestyle and beauty, experienced out-of-the-blue crying when her first daughter was around three months old. ",[],{"_163":16737,"_165":16738},"A Co Armagh content creator and mum of two has said women shouldn’t be afraid to speak out about postpartum mental health issues as she tries to raise more awareness of them. ",[],"Co Armagh content creator Anna Crawford ",{"_81":16741,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16742,"_213":16739,"_223":2886,"_106":16743,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16743,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fmuqwo-inset-template-32.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032.jpg",[16744],"160213004",{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_163":16619,"_165":16746},[],{"_250":7290,"_106":7291,"_253":8,"_254":7292},{"_250":3178,"_106":3179,"_253":10,"_254":3180},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":7557,"_106":7558,"_253":10,"_254":7292},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":1862,"_237":1863,"_240":1864},{"_81":16755,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16756,"_213":16739,"_223":2886,"_106":16743,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16743,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fmuqwo-inset-template-32.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032.jpg",[16757],{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_250":3897,"_106":3898,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Anna Crawford: Mum of two urges new mothers not to suffer in silence over postpartum mental health",195656430,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":16836,"_283":8,"_275":16837,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/three-people-treated-for-smoke-inhalation-following-co-down-house-fire/a/160193716.html",[16832],"Three people treated for smoke inhalation following Co Down house fire",{"_264":16828,"_266":16810,"_267":16765},[16827],[16823,16824,16825,16826],"160193716",{},[],"2026-08-18T15:37:00Z","2026-08-18T15:37:52Z",[16777,16778,16779,16780,16781,16782,16783,16784,16785,16786],{"_140":10,"_141":16776,"_143":10},"aabde287-9b17-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16821,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":16812,"_215":16813,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16809,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16806,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16803,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16800,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":183,"_356":16794,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16791,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":16788,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":171,"_106":16787,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16787,"_233":92},"160158295",{"_163":16789,"_165":16790},"“Firefighters treated 3 casualties with first aid. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition and the incident was dealt with by 2.01pm.”",[],{"_163":16792,"_165":16793},"“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 2 hose reel jets and 1 jet to extinguish the fire. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":16795,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":16796,"_106":16797,"_368":369,"_370":16798,"_232":16799,"_233":92},"kpYsYr2a1O8g","01:11:00","2010156","1:11","160090989",{"_163":16801,"_165":16802},"A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a two-storey terraced house on Churchtown Road, Strangford, Downpatrick, Down. ",[],{"_163":16804,"_165":16805},"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said they sent three appliances to the scene, with two from Downpatrick Fire Station and one from Ballynahinch Fire Station.",[],{"_163":16807,"_165":16808},"The blaze happened at a terraced property on the Churchtown Road in Downpatrick at around 12.10pm.",[],{"_163":16810,"_165":16811},"Three people have been treated for smoke inhalation at the scene of a house fire in Co Down this afternoon.",[],"Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) stock image",{"_81":16814,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16815,"_213":16812,"_223":16816,"_106":16817,"_226":227,"_228":16818,"_230":16819,"_218":88,"_232":16817,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/44y1kl-ar-4905.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/AR_4905.jpg",[16820],"AR_4905.jpg","144529037","Aodhan Roberts","Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) stock image. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph",{"_235":11051,"_237":11052,"_239":11051,"_240":11053},{"_163":16765,"_165":16822},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":2740,"_106":2741,"_253":10,"_254":2742},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_235":6191,"_237":6192,"_240":6193},{"_81":16829,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16830,"_213":16812,"_223":16816,"_106":16817,"_226":227,"_228":16818,"_230":16819,"_218":88,"_232":16817,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/44y1kl-ar-4905.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/AR_4905.jpg",[16831],{"_235":11051,"_237":11052,"_239":11051,"_240":11053},{"_250":16833,"_106":16834,"_275":16835,"_276":280},"Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:northern-ireland-fire-and-rescue-service","The fire and rescue service in Northern Ireland, who respond to fires; road traffic collisions; and specialist rescue incidents including flooding, chemical incidents, collapsed buildings and a wide range of other emergencies.","House fire in Downpatrick: Three treated for smoke inhalation","House fire on Churchtown Road in Downpatrick leaves three people treated for smoke inhalation",195656228,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/concern-expressed-at-reported-death-threats-issued-by-dissident-group/a/160194663.html",[],"Concern expressed at reported death threats issued by dissident group",{"_264":16933,"_266":-5,"_267":16843},[],[16932],"160194663",{},[],"2026-08-18T15:22:53Z","2026-08-18T15:27:54Z",[16855,16856,16857,16858,16859,16860,16861,16862,16863,16864,16865,16866,16867,16868,16869,16870,16871,16872],{"_140":10,"_141":16854,"_143":10},"624591f5-9b19-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":16930,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":16928,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":16922,"_215":16923,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16919,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16916,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16913,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16910,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16907,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":16904,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":16901,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":16898,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":16895,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":16892,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16889,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":16886,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":16883,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":16880,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":-5,"_213":16873,"_215":16874,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"DUP MLA Phillip Brett (PA)",{"_81":16875,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16876,"_213":16873,"_223":16877,"_106":16878,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":16879,"_218":88,"_232":16878,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/m30uk3-good-jobs-employment-bill/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/8d1a4666-4f56-4719-8836-a4f3b0fdcee1",[],"8d1a4666-4f56-4719-8836-a4f3b0fdcee1","160194667","DUP MLA Phillip Brett speaking during a rally organised by Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions ahead of the discussion of the Good Jobs Employment Bill at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Picture date: Monday May 18, 2026.",{"_163":16881,"_165":16882},"“We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.”",[],{"_163":16884,"_165":16885},"“However, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly.",[],{"_163":16887,"_165":16888},"A PSNI spokesperson said: “We do not discuss the security of individuals and no inference should be drawn from this.",[],{"_163":16890,"_165":16891},"“We will not allow them to succeed.”",[],{"_163":16893,"_165":16894},"The DUP MLA added: “Óglaigh na hÉireann can hide behind masks, guns and grandiose statements, but it does not change what they are. Cowards attempting to drag Northern Ireland backwards.",[],{"_163":16896,"_165":16897},"“My thoughts are with my constituent and his family. They should not have to live under this kind of intimidation.”",[],{"_163":16899,"_165":16900},"“There can be no ambiguity about this. Armed republican groups issuing death threats and attempting to terrorise people in their own homes have no place in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":16902,"_165":16903},"“The PSNI must now act swiftly and firmly. Those responsible for issuing these threats and for attempting to intimidate people through the threat of violence must be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.",[],{"_163":16905,"_165":16906},"Mr Brett went on: “One of those threatened by Óglaigh na hÉireann is my constituent. Police have already attended his home and I have spoken directly with senior PSNI officers about the seriousness of this threat.",[],{"_163":16908,"_165":16909},"“These cowards can play dress up, hide under the cover of darkness and issue all the threats they like. We will not be intimidated or dragged backwards,” he said.",[],{"_163":16911,"_165":16912},"On Tuesday, Mr Brett called for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to “take swift and firm action” with regard to the threats.",[],{"_163":16914,"_165":16915},"Óglaigh na hÉireann is among a number of dissident republican groups in Northern Ireland, but has been less active in recent years than other groups.",[],{"_163":16917,"_165":16918},"DUP North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett said one of his constituents was among those threatened by Óglaigh na hÉireann.",[],{"_163":16920,"_165":16921},"Concern has been expressed about reported death threats issued against a number of individuals by a dissident republican group.",[],"A Police Service of Northern Ireland patrol car (PA)",{"_81":16924,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16925,"_213":16922,"_223":16926,"_106":16927,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16927,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/t3wc7q-526201bc-cb82-400b-835a-ed230f8a3d8d-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-09265310-5047-4d90-8eda-632e63f0aada-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/a205339c-b1ff-4ef4-a137-88181d3c6ab1",[],"a205339c-b1ff-4ef4-a137-88181d3c6ab1","160194664",{"_163":88,"_165":16929},[],{"_163":16843,"_165":16931},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_81":16934,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":16935,"_213":16922,"_223":16926,"_106":16927,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":16927,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/t3wc7q-526201bc-cb82-400b-835a-ed230f8a3d8d-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-09265310-5047-4d90-8eda-632e63f0aada-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/a205339c-b1ff-4ef4-a137-88181d3c6ab1",[],195655752,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/psni-issues-warning-to-drivers-after-horror-motorway-crash/a/160179437.html",[17014],"PSNI issues warning to drivers after horror motorway crash",{"_264":17008,"_266":16999,"_267":16941},[17007],[17003,17004,17005,17006],{},[],"2026-08-18T15:20:00Z","2026-08-18T15:22:52Z",[16952,16953,16954,16955,16956,16957,16958,16959,16960,16961,16962,16963,16964,16965,16966],{"_140":10,"_141":16951,"_143":10},"95af2796-9b02-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17001,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":16998,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":16997,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":16994,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":16991,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":16988,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":16985,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":16982,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":16979,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":175,"_106":16563,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16563,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":16976,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":16973,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":16562,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16562,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":16970,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":16967,"_161":162},{"_163":16968,"_165":16969},"“To anyone who engages in dangerous driving, you risk harming so many other people. It is not worth it and an appearance before the court will be the least of your worries if someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of your dangerous driving.\n \n“Think about the choices you make, and what they mean for you and all other road users.\n\n“Remember the Fatal Five – these are the main reasons why so many people are dying on our roads - slow down, stay off your phone, never drink or drug drive, don’t get distracted and always wear your seatbelt.”",[],{"_163":16971,"_165":16972},"Chief Inspector Simpson said it is vital drivers think what their choices mean for others on the roads.",[],{"_163":16974,"_165":16975},"“You need to be focused on the road at all times, with no distractions. To do otherwise can result in a collision as, all it takes, is a few seconds, a lapse of concentration, or a dangerous or high-risk manoeuvre for the worst to happen.”",[],{"_163":16977,"_165":16978},"The PSNI’s Head of Road Policing Unit Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson said: “Anyone who drives dangerously is putting lives at risk. It is reckless behaviour that can have tragic consequences. \n\n“When dangerous driving is detected, officers will consider all available measures to bring the offender to justice, however, the safety of all those involved or affected is of the highest importance, at all times.\n\n“Our message to all drivers is that from the moment you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, you have a massive part to play in keeping yourself, any passengers and all other road users safe. ",[],{"_163":16980,"_165":16981},"It came a week after nine people were injured in a separate head-on collision on the M50 in Dublin with a car travelling in the wrong direction on the motorway.",[],{"_163":16983,"_165":16984},"Four relatives, three women and a child, in the other car were injured in the crash on the M9 motorway in Co Kildare.",[],{"_163":16986,"_165":16987},"They were all aged between 15 and 18 years of age. ",[],{"_163":16989,"_165":16990},"The teenagers have been named locally as Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O’Brien and Kamil Pustkowski.",[],{"_163":16992,"_165":16993},"It comes after a weekend of carnage in the Republic of Ireland which left five teenagers dead after the stolen car in which they were travelling the wrong way down a motorway collided head-on with another vehicle. ",[],{"_163":16995,"_165":16996},"The PSNI has issued a warning to anyone driving dangerously in Northern Ireland saying officers will not hesitate in using “all available measures” available to them.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":15781,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":15782,"_106":15783,"_368":369,"_370":15784,"_232":15785,"_233":92},{"_163":16999,"_165":17000},"Police vow to use ‘all available measures’ against dangerous drivers",[],{"_163":16941,"_165":17002},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":14435,"_106":14436,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_235":2384,"_237":2385,"_240":1864},{"_81":17009,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17010,"_213":88,"_223":17011,"_106":17012,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":17013,"_218":88,"_232":17012,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/republic-of-ireland/hw64o2-crash-on-m9-in-co-kildare/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bd307f52-1f4e-401e-8f3a-39c83f8a66c5",[],"bd307f52-1f4e-401e-8f3a-39c83f8a66c5","160145815","The scene on the M9 northbound at Junction 3 in Co Kildare where a number of people have died and others have been seriously injured after a head-on collision between two cars. A Gardai spokesperson said the incident on Sunday morning at 3am occurred when one of the cars was travelling in the wrong direction. Picture date: Sunday August 16, 2026.",{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},195646741,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":17117,"_283":8,"_275":17118,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/firefighter-to-stand-trial-over-alleged-dangerous-driving-after-fire-engine-and-bus-crash-in-belfast/a/160187712.html",[17116],"Firefighter to stand trial over alleged dangerous driving after fire engine and bus crash in Belfast",{"_264":17111,"_266":17095,"_267":17020},[],[17106,17107,17108,17109,17110],"160187712",{},[],"2026-08-18T14:41:00Z","2026-08-18T14:43:45Z",[17032,17033,17034,17035,17036,17037,17038,17039,17040,17041,17042,17043,17044,17045,17046],{"_140":10,"_141":17031,"_143":10},"fec819fd-9b0e-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17104,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":17097,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17094,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17091,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17088,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":17082,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":17079,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":6944,"_213":17056,"_215":17073,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":17070,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17067,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17064,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":6944,"_213":17056,"_215":17057,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":17053,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":17050,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17047,"_161":162},{"_163":17048,"_165":17049},"Mr Hamill said: “We need all the firefighters we can get.”",[],{"_163":17051,"_165":17052},"But as Shand was released on continuing bail, the judge agreed to relax a residency condition after being told he has to attend a station for work.",[],{"_163":17054,"_165":17055},"No further details about the alleged circumstances were disclosed at the hearing.",[],"Emergency services at the scene of a RTC involving a bus and fire engine on the Finaghy Road in south Belfast on January 16, 2024",{"_81":17058,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":17059,"_213":17056,"_223":17060,"_106":17061,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":17062,"_218":88,"_232":17061,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bpbii9-finaghy-crossroads/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_25777.JPG",[17063],"bt_kscott_25777.JPG","160189509","Emergency services at the scene of a RTC involving a bus and fire engine on the Finaghy Road in south Belfast on January 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":17065,"_165":17066},"Granting the prosecution’s application, Mr Hamill returned the accused for Crown Court trial on a date to be set.",[],{"_163":17068,"_165":17069},"District Judge Mark Hamill backed submissions that he has a prima facie case to answer.",[],{"_163":17071,"_165":17072},"During proceedings Shand confirmed he understood the allegations, but declined to give evidence or call any witnesses at this stage.",[],{"_81":17074,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":17075,"_213":17056,"_223":17076,"_106":17077,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":17062,"_218":88,"_232":17077,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/epkw5c-finaghy-crossroads/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_25781.jpg",[17078],"bt_kscott_25781.jpg","160189493",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":17080,"_165":17081},"He is charged with a single count of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving.",[],{"_163":17083,"_165":17084},"Shand, of Ballydunmaul Road in Randalstown, County Antrim, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary enquiry hearing.",[17085],{"_85":192,"_157":17086,"_194":646,"_196":17087},71,{"_198":199,"_155":200,"_201":8},{"_163":17089,"_165":17090},"On that date a fire engine collided with a double decker bus in the area while crew members were responding to an incident.",[],{"_163":17092,"_165":17093},"Adam Shand, 37, faces prosecution over a crash at Finaghy crossroads on January 16, 2024.",[],{"_163":17095,"_165":17096},"A firefighter is to stand trial accused of seriously injuring a man by alleged dangerous driving in Belfast, a judge ordered today.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":17098,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":17099,"_365":17100,"_106":17101,"_368":369,"_370":17102,"_232":17103,"_233":92},"ES1JxPYYO6EC","Watch: Fire engine and bus involved in south Belfast crash","00:00:38","356655","00:38","111981481",{"_163":17020,"_165":17105},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":3169,"_106":3170,"_253":10,"_254":3171},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_81":17112,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17113,"_213":88,"_223":17114,"_106":17115,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17115,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/un1njd-54c5205b1cc870d709b6f9559de731fbaaf206c02af45ae65b5c4a762a0ad124.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1854119718%2F54c5205b1cc870d709b6f9559de731fbaaf206c02af45ae65b5c4a762a0ad124.jpg",[],"1854119718%2F54c5205b1cc870d709b6f9559de731fbaaf206c02af45ae65b5c4a762a0ad124.jpg","108358974",{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Firefighter (37) to face trial over Belfast bus crash","Firefighter Adam Shand faces Crown Court trial over alleged dangerous driving at Finaghy crossroads in Belfast",195644785,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ombudsman-to-examine-accessibility-of-care-for-those-with-learning-disability/a/160190191.html",[],"Ombudsman to examine accessibility of care for those with learning disability",{"_264":17186,"_266":-5,"_267":17124},[],[17185],"160190191",{},[],"2026-08-18T14:32:55Z","2026-08-18T14:37:32Z",[17136,17137,17138,17139,17140,17141,17142,17143,17144,17145,17146,17147],{"_140":10,"_141":17135,"_143":10},"587efd47-9b12-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17183,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":17181,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":17175,"_215":17176,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17172,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17169,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":17166,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":17163,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":17160,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":17157,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":17154,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17151,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17148,"_161":162},{"_163":17149,"_165":17150},"The final report will be published and laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly.",[],{"_163":17152,"_165":17153},"“I am particularly concerned about cases of avoidable harm to individuals, or when someone has died because of inadequate care and treatment.”",[],{"_163":17155,"_165":17156},"“Nipso (Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman) has identified concerns about the quality of health care and life expectancy for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland, from both our own case work and a range of investigations and studies,” she said.",[],{"_163":17158,"_165":17159},"Ms Kelly said she is particularly concerned around cases of avoidable harm to individuals.",[],{"_163":17161,"_165":17162},"In addition, consideration will be given to how the trusts, the strategic planning and performance group, and the Public Health Agency use information from complaints, investigations, and adverse incidents involving people with a learning disability to prevent issues recurring, and to make improvements.",[],{"_163":17164,"_165":17165},"It will also look at how they are cared for when they are admitted to hospital unexpectedly, including how care plans and other assessment tools are used to meet their individual needs.",[],{"_163":17167,"_165":17168},"It has been described as a system-wide investigation which will look at how trusts record information about a person’s learning disability and how the information is used to provide them with appropriate care.",[],{"_163":17170,"_165":17171},"Public Services Ombudsman Margaret Kelly said her office’s own initiative investigation will examine whether the trusts provide effective, accessible and safe healthcare to people with a learning disability.",[],{"_163":17173,"_165":17174},"The accessibility of Northern Ireland’s health trusts for those with a learning disability is set to be examined.",[],"The care of people with a learning disability will be examined (PA)",{"_81":17177,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17178,"_213":17175,"_223":17179,"_106":17180,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17180,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/9hdegt-ac407278-dde3-46aa-8b15-1db9362eb9f2-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-08966556-e181-4d6b-b934-79991e03e2b7-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/d2b8551a-1336-473c-9e01-58f4a3b0bb5c",[],"d2b8551a-1336-473c-9e01-58f4a3b0bb5c","160190192",{"_163":88,"_165":17182},[],{"_163":17124,"_165":17184},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_81":17187,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17188,"_213":17175,"_223":17179,"_106":17180,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17180,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/9hdegt-ac407278-dde3-46aa-8b15-1db9362eb9f2-mhie-beltel-online-urn-newsml-pressassociation-io-08966556-e181-4d6b-b934-79991e03e2b7-featureimage.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/d2b8551a-1336-473c-9e01-58f4a3b0bb5c",[],195643911,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":17353,"_283":8,"_275":17354,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/bonnie-was-a-superstar-killyclogher-singer-who-opened-one-of-rock-legends-final-concerts-pays-tribute/a/160185267.html",[17351,17352],"‘Bonnie was a superstar:’ Killyclogher singer who opened one of rock legend’s final concerts pays tribute",{"_264":17347,"_266":17331,"_267":17194},[],[17342,17343,17344,17345,17346],{},[],"2026-08-19T05:28:00Z","2026-08-18T14:34:51Z",[17205,17206,17207,17208,17209,17210,17211,17212,17213,17214,17215,17216,17217,17218,17219,17220,17221,17222,17223,17224,17225,17226,17227,17228,17229,17230,17231,17232,17233,17234,17235],{"_140":10,"_141":17204,"_143":10},"e91997ae-9b0b-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17340,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":17333,"_215":17334,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17330,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17327,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17324,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":17323,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17323,"_233":92},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":1611,"_213":17316,"_215":17317,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":17313,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":17310,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":171,"_586":17303,"_588":17304,"_590":-5,"_592":17305,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17300,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17297,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":17294,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":17291,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":685,"_212":1611,"_213":17284,"_215":17285,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17281,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":17278,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":17275,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":17272,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":17269,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":17266,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":17263,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":17260,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":650,"_356":17254,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":17251,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":17248,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":17245,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":17242,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":17237,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":1007,"_106":17236,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17236,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":618,"_106":13815,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13815,"_233":92},"159977792",{"_163":17238,"_165":17239},"Where I Wanna Be by Andrew Dolan is available to pre-save on iTunes.",[17240,17241],{"_85":2073,"_157":880,"_194":618,"_196":-5},{"_85":2073,"_157":614,"_194":606,"_196":-5},{"_163":17243,"_165":17244},"“This song is about working on the musician that I want to be, wanting to work harder and to be in bigger places and bigger stages.”",[],{"_163":17246,"_165":17247},"Discussing his up-and-coming single Where I Wanna Be, Andrew says his music career is showing no signs of slowing.",[],{"_163":17249,"_165":17250},"He added: “It feels as if I have carved my name a bit more into the industry. People have been looking at me more like the lad who opened for Bonnie Tyler as opposed to the lad who only plays pub gigs.”",[],{"_163":17252,"_165":17253},"Since performing with the rock legend, Andrew has performed at a number of sold-out gigs including opening slots for the Bay City Rollers and Showaddywaddy.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":17255,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":17256,"_106":17257,"_368":369,"_370":17258,"_232":17259,"_233":92},"VzRpOfjC86WG","00:41:00","1900150","0:41","158522708",{"_163":17261,"_165":17262},"“The biggest opportunities for me have come from putting myself out there and saying yes to opportunities that have come my way. You don’t necessarily have to choose between getting a degree and chasing your ambition. With the right time management and commitment, you can do both.”",[],{"_163":17264,"_165":17265},"“My course works well as I am treating my music career as a business. Managing my bookings, finances, marketing, travelling and my time, so a lot of what I learn at university is relevant to what I do. On the day of the Bonnie Tyler gig I had a lecture and then went straight to The Waterfront for a soundcheck.\n\n“If there is something you are passionate about, build on it as soon as you can. There are plenty of athletes and musicians juggling intense university degrees alongside tough training schedules who massively inspire me. ",[],{"_163":17267,"_165":17268},"The Queen’s University Belfast business management student admits balancing a degree with a growing music career isn’t always easy, but for him the two go hand in hand.",[],{"_163":17270,"_165":17271},"“I was up in the dressing rooms after the show, and I was just a random teenage lad, but she spent time giving me advice and she really didn’t have to. The whole thing has just made me realise how much of a legacy she has left behind her... the difference she has made to music.”",[],{"_163":17273,"_165":17274},"The Co Tyrone singer said receiving the opportunity has also helped him grow as an artist.",[],{"_163":17276,"_165":17277},"He said: “Bonnie was a superstar. She was not only nice but genuinely very funny. Obviously, the main thing I think people will remember is that raspiness in her voice. I’m sure that her songs are going to live on forever.”",[],{"_163":17279,"_165":17280},"Andrew reflected on what he thinks fans will remember Tyler for.",[],{"_163":17282,"_165":17283},"“It was really inspirational. One minute, you’re sitting in uni. The next, you’re standing on a stage at a sold-out gig opening for someone like Bonnie Tyler. For it to be one of her final shows has made it so much more special to me.”",[],"Bonnie Tyler",{"_81":17286,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":17287,"_213":17284,"_223":17288,"_106":17289,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":17290,"_218":88,"_232":17289,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/entertainment/news/lkgh0m-bonnie-tyler-funeral/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/6995799c-6be2-4146-8a8e-374c3a566b97",[],"6995799c-6be2-4146-8a8e-374c3a566b97","160137168","File photo dated 22/4/2013 of Bonnie Tyler. Bonnie Tyler was ’one of a kind’ and ’loved by millions worldwide’, the talent scout who discovered her has told mourners at her funeral. Fans applauded and shouted ’goodbye’ as the singer´s white coffin, etched with symbols including a microphone and a treble clef, was carried into Swansea Minster on Monday. Issue date: Monday August 17, 2026.",{"_163":17292,"_165":17293},"Tyler had previously likened the artist to her younger brother, with Andrew describing the experience as a “career highlight”.",[],{"_163":17295,"_165":17296},"“Looking back on it, I wish I had stayed a bit longer and got a bit more advice.”",[],{"_163":17298,"_165":17299},"He said: “I think it was nice not having known it was one of her final concerts. She was so alive and everything was so normal. She showed no signs of slowing down. ",[],{"_163":17301,"_165":17302},"The two shared an unexpected but memorable moment when they played back-to-back renditions of Have You Ever Seen the Rain — with Bonnie starting her set with the song after Andrew finished his.",[],{"_163":17308,"_165":17309},{"_163":88,"_165":17307},{"_163":88,"_165":17306},[],[],"I wish I had stayed a bit longer and got a bit more advice",[],{"_163":17311,"_165":17312},"Andrew told the Belfast Telegraph: “I really hope she rests well. I wish I got the chance to thank her for the opportunity. She was genuinely such a nice woman.”",[],{"_163":17314,"_165":17315},"More than 2,000 fans were in attendance in Belfast at what is now known to be one of the rock singer’s final concerts.",[],"The funeral of Bonnie Tyler",{"_81":17318,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":17319,"_213":17316,"_223":17320,"_106":17321,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":17322,"_218":88,"_232":17321,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/entertainment/news/38rgge-bonnie-tyler-funeral/alternates/BASE_FOUR_FIVE/623248f5-8b3a-4f51-aa9d-cf0fc7c0c533",[],"623248f5-8b3a-4f51-aa9d-cf0fc7c0c533","160137171","The coffin is taken from Swansea Minster following the funeral of Bonnie Tyler. The Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, died in July at the age of 75. Picture date: Monday August 17, 2026.","160137158",{"_163":17325,"_165":17326},"Tyler was remembered as “one of a kind” and “loved by millions worldwide” at her funeral on Monday. There has been an outpouring of tributes following her death at the age of 75 on July 8.",[],{"_163":17328,"_165":17329},"Andrew Dolan (20), from Killyclogher, had the opportunity to work closely with Tyler following a request from her team for him to perform as the opening act at her concert in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall in February.",[],{"_163":17331,"_165":17332},"A Co Tyrone singer who supported the late Welsh rock star Bonnie Tyler on one of her last gigs has told of how “inspirational” she was, describing her as “genuine and down to earth”.",[],"Andrew Dolan with Bonnie Tyler",{"_81":17335,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17336,"_213":17333,"_223":17337,"_106":17338,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17338,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/b2fgkw-3b947687-99fa-4412-8190-38f325d77b33.jfif/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/3b947687-99fa-4412-8190-38f325d77b33.jfif",[17339],"3b947687-99fa-4412-8190-38f325d77b33.jfif","160186651",{"_235":2384,"_237":2385,"_239":2384,"_240":1864},{"_163":17194,"_165":17341},[],{"_250":763,"_106":764,"_253":8,"_254":765},{"_250":13936,"_106":13937,"_253":10,"_254":13938},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_81":17348,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17349,"_213":17333,"_223":17337,"_106":17338,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17338,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/b2fgkw-3b947687-99fa-4412-8190-38f325d77b33.jfif/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3b947687-99fa-4412-8190-38f325d77b33.jfif",[17350],{"_235":2384,"_237":2385,"_239":2384,"_240":1864},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Bonnie Tyler final Belfast concert: young support act's emotional tribute","Co Tyrone singer Andrew Dolan recalls opening for Bonnie Tyler in Belfast, sharing emotional memories, career lessons and his new single Where I Wanna Be.",195641487,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/you-never-become-immune-to-whats-happening-nspcc-helpline-receives-record-8448-child-welfare-contacts-from-adults/a/160132205.html",[17498,17499,17500,17501],"‘You never become immune to what’s happening’: NSPCC helpline receives record 8,448 child welfare contacts from adults",{"_264":17492,"_266":17477,"_267":17360},[17491],[17487,17488,17489,17490],"160132205",{},[],"2026-08-19T05:32:00Z","2026-08-18T14:27:27Z",[17372,17373,17374,17375,17376,17377,17378,17379,17380,17381,17382,17383,17384,17385,17386,17387,17388,17389,17390,17391,17392,17393,17394,17395,17396,17397,17398],{"_140":10,"_141":17371,"_143":10},"29ca75a7-9a3e-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17485,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":17479,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17476,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17473,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17470,"_161":162},{"_155":876,"_157":342,"_356":17464,"_161":878},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":17461,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":17450,"_213":17451,"_215":17452,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":17447,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":17444,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17441,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":158,"_163":17440,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":17437,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":17434,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":17431,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17428,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":17425,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":17422,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":17419,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":17416,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":17413,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":17410,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":17407,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":17404,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":17401,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":17400,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17400,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":17399,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17399,"_233":92},"159336002","160179411",{"_163":17402,"_165":17403},"The NSPCC helpline can be contacted for free on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.",[],{"_163":17405,"_165":17406},"Ms Vint said the service provides a safe and non-judgemental space for people to discuss their concerns and can make referrals to other agencies where necessary.",[],{"_163":17408,"_165":17409},"The NSPCC is urging anyone concerned about a child experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse to contact its helpline.",[],{"_163":17411,"_165":17412},"“It’s all well and good asking, ‘But what if I’m wrong?’ I always say, ‘What if you’re right?’”",[],{"_163":17414,"_165":17415},"“This is about a community response. This is about everybody’s responsibility to safeguard.",[],{"_163":17417,"_165":17418},"Ms Vint said it was important that people did not hesitate to raise concerns about a child, even if they were unsure whether their suspicions were correct.",[],{"_163":17420,"_165":17421},"These can include withdrawal, aggression, poor school attendance, not wanting to go home, feeling unwell or complaining of an upset stomach.",[],{"_163":17423,"_165":17424},"She said children may not always have the language to explain what they are experiencing, but can show signs through changes in behaviour.",[],{"_163":17426,"_165":17427},"“But it also gives me reassurance that there are people who are willing to speak up, contact the helpline and seek support and help.”",[],{"_163":17429,"_165":17430},"“It highlights, for me, that home isn’t always the safe place it should be for children.",[],{"_163":17432,"_165":17433},"“You never become immune to what’s happening. These are children, babies and young people who deserve to live in a safe space and be free of abuse,” Ms Vint said of the increase in adults contacting the NSPCC helpline.",[],{"_163":17435,"_165":17436},"She said domestic abuse could take many forms, including coercive control, economic, emotional and psychological abuse, as well as physical and sexual abuse.",[],{"_163":17438,"_165":17439},"Ms Vint said the charity was increasingly seeing people recognise changes in children’s behaviour and that they were identifying signs that something may be wrong.",[],"",{"_163":17442,"_165":17443},"“We recognise that it’s not just about what a child sees in the home; it’s what they experience in the home and what they feel walking into that environment.” ",[],{"_163":17445,"_165":17446},"She said: “In 2021, legislation changed and children started to be recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.",[],{"_163":17448,"_165":17449},"NSPCC helpline service head Paddi Vint said the rise could partly reflect a greater understanding of domestic abuse and the recognition of children as victims.",[],"NSPCC","Paddi Vint, NSPCC helpline service head",{"_81":17453,"_212":17450,"_220":395,"_97":17454,"_213":17451,"_223":17455,"_106":17456,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17456,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/i1l55q-paddi-vint-headshot-nspcc.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Paddi%20Vint%20Headshot%20%20NSPCC.jpg",[17457],"Paddi%20Vint%20Headshot%20%20NSPCC.jpg","160181057",{"_235":17458,"_237":17459,"_239":17458,"_240":17460},"Rhiannon.Muise@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Muise","Rhiannon",{"_163":17462,"_165":17463},"Almost a third of those contacts (2,709) resulted in a referral to local agencies, including police and children’s social services.",[],{"_85":878,"_359":17465,"_361":880,"_212":88,"_363":880,"_213":88,"_365":17466,"_106":17467,"_368":369,"_370":17468,"_232":17469,"_233":92},"rQEJB9_ZTLym","00:28:02","1356555","28:02","123582441",{"_163":17471,"_165":17472},"That represents an 8pc increase on the previous year and is more than 80pc higher than in 2021/22, when the charity began recording the data.",[],{"_163":17474,"_165":17475},"The NSPCC helpline, which is based in Belfast, handled 8,448 child welfare contacts where domestic abuse was the main concern between April 2025 and March 2026.",[],{"_163":17477,"_165":17478},"The number of adults contacting the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a child experiencing domestic abuse has reached its highest level since records began.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":17480,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":17481,"_106":17482,"_368":369,"_370":17483,"_232":17484,"_233":92},"HBZhIJmbiH4g","01:58:00","2017647","1:58","160203951",{"_163":17360,"_165":17486},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":7290,"_106":7291,"_253":10,"_254":7292},{"_250":3169,"_106":3170,"_253":10,"_254":3171},{"_235":17458,"_237":17459,"_240":17460},{"_81":17493,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17494,"_213":88,"_223":17495,"_106":17496,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17496,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/372jwg-nspcc-domestic-abuse-pic1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/NSPCC%20Domestic%20abuse%20pic1.jpg",[17497],"NSPCC%20Domestic%20abuse%20pic1.jpg","160184739",{"_235":17458,"_237":17459,"_239":17458,"_240":17460},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":17450,"_106":17508,"_275":17509,"_276":280},{"_250":17505,"_106":17506,"_275":17507,"_276":280},{"_250":17502,"_106":17503,"_275":17504,"_276":280},"End Violence Against Women and Girls","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:end-violence-against-women-and-girls","EVAWG is a Stormont Strategic Framework designed to focus on healthy relationships and consent, and tackle relationship abuse in NI","Charity","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:charity","Stories related to charities","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:nspcc","The national charity for child protection works in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Channel Islands. The charity, founded in 136 years ago, seeks to protect children from all forms of violence and exploitation, offers support and care, encourages children to reach their potential and challenges inequalities.",195621436,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":17678,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/co-tyrone-man-who-communicated-sexually-with-girl-14-avoids-jail/a/160178977.html",[17677],"Co Tyrone man who communicated sexually with girl (14) avoids jail ",{"_264":17674,"_266":17666,"_267":17515},[],[17670,17671,17672,17673],"160178977",{},[],"2026-08-18T13:20:00Z","2026-08-18T13:20:36Z",[17527,17528,17529,17530,17531,17532,17533,17534,17535,17536,17537,17538,17539,17540,17541,17542,17543,17544,17545,17546,17547,17548,17549,17550,17551,17552,17553,17554,17555,17556,17557,17558,17559,17560,17561],{"_140":10,"_141":17526,"_143":10},"ce71c16d-9b01-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17668,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":17665,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1611,"_213":17658,"_215":17659,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17655,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17652,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17649,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":17646,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":17643,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":17640,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":17637,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":17634,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17631,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17628,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":17625,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":17622,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":17619,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17616,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":17613,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":17610,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":17607,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":17604,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":17601,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":17598,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":17595,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":17592,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":17589,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":17586,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":17583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":17580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":17577,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":17574,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":17571,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":17568,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":17565,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":17562,"_161":162},{"_163":17563,"_165":17564},"The court granted a destruction order for the indecent images and all seized devices.",[],{"_163":17566,"_165":17567},"Kilpatrick was made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order for five years and was placed on the sex offenders register for an identical period.",[],{"_163":17569,"_165":17570},"“I consider this matter is best dealt with by way of a three-year probation order which will protect the public and affect your rehabilitation.’’",[],{"_163":17572,"_165":17573},"“These are difficult cases for the court as they cry out for condign punishment, but the balance in my mind has to be in favour of public protection which is the most important consideration.",[],{"_163":17575,"_165":17576},"“There would be little opportunity for you to address your established and significant deficits after a relatively short custodial sentence and these deficits must be addressed.",[],{"_163":17578,"_165":17579},"“Moreover, those intellectual limitations also impact on the risk of future offending, which is something of profound concern to me,” he said.",[],{"_163":17581,"_165":17582},"Judge Sherrard said he had concluded Kilpatrick had “intellectual limitations’’ which had some impact on his culpability.",[],{"_163":17584,"_165":17585},"The court heard Kilpatrick had encouraged the girl to hide her phone, to create a passcode on the phone and not to disclose the code to her mother. ",[],{"_163":17587,"_165":17588},"In a pre-sentence report compiled by the Probation Board, it was stated Kilpatrick had “limited insight and accountability for his actions’’, which added to the risk of this offending happening again, and it assessed him as a high likelihood of reoffending.",[],{"_163":17590,"_165":17591},"In a further report, a registered intermediary described the defendant as a “significantly vulnerable individual’’.",[],{"_163":17593,"_165":17594},"A report from a clinical psychologist said the defendant had attended a school for pupils with special needs and had a moderate learning difficulty.",[],{"_163":17596,"_165":17597},"He said he had a ‘’raft of papers’’ before him, all dealing with Kilpatrick’s “vulnerabilities’’.",[],{"_163":17599,"_165":17600},"“I am mindful that you did not meet the girl and the offending took place over a relatively short period.’’",[],{"_163":17602,"_165":17603},"The judge added: “This is far from being a victimless crime simply because it occurred online. ",[],{"_163":17605,"_165":17606},"In a victim impact statement to the court, she said the offending had placed limitations on her freedom of movement, had an impact on her education, on her relationships with her peers, and caused “anxiety around men’’.",[],{"_163":17608,"_165":17609},"Judge Sherrard said the impact of Kilpatrick’s offending on the young girl was “significant’’.",[],{"_163":17611,"_165":17612},"The court heard the girl had sent Kilpatrick moving and still images, which related to the two charges of possessing indecent images of a child.",[],{"_163":17614,"_165":17615},"“You also knew, it seems to me, that you might find yourself in legal jeopardy, saying on February 3, 2024, that you ‘hoped the girl didn’t report me on Snapchat’”.",[],{"_163":17617,"_165":17618},"Judge Sherrard told Kilpatrick: “You knew from the outset that you were much too old for this girl who was under the age for any sexual activity and you expressly stated that as early as the October 2023 communications.",[],{"_163":17620,"_165":17621},"The court was told on February 5, 2024, Kilpatrick messaged the victim to say he wanted to see her bra and wanted to see her naked. He also discussed a sex dream about her.",[],{"_163":17623,"_165":17624},"“You said to her that you ‘wished you could join her in the shower and you wanted to see her t**s’. Again, this is just a 14-year-old child,’’ remarked Judge Sherrard.",[],{"_163":17626,"_165":17627},"The court heard Kilpatrick sent his victim a picture of his private parts and asked her to video chat while naked. The following day he asked for a picture of her bra.",[],{"_163":17629,"_165":17630},"“The conversation also turned sexual on February 3, 2024 and it was your assertion that ‘I really want to take you to bed’. You asked if she was a virgin.’’",[],{"_163":17632,"_165":17633},"Said the judge: “You contacted her again in February 2024 and you fostered an inappropriate online relationship, much of this was made up of childish exchanges.",[],{"_163":17635,"_165":17636},"He said in October 2023 the defendant made contact with ‘T’ online and she told him she was 14.",[],{"_163":17638,"_165":17639},"Outlining the facts of the case, Judge Brian Sherrard said the offences came to light on March 20, 2024, when the victim’s mother confiscated her mobile phone and came across live messaging on Facebook from another computer where the defendant and ‘T’ were communicating.",[],{"_163":17641,"_165":17642},"Dungannon Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, heard the offences all related to a girl aged 14 referred to only as ‘T’.",[],{"_163":17644,"_165":17645},"Kilpatrick also pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing indecent images of a child on March 20, 2024.",[],{"_163":17647,"_165":17648},"He further admitted a charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity on dates between February 3 and February 9, 2024.",[],{"_163":17650,"_165":17651},"Kilpatrick had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual communication with a child on dates between February 3 and February 10, 2024.",[],{"_163":17653,"_165":17654},"Matthew Leonard Kilpatrick (31), of Sycamore Avenue in Sion Mills, was instead handed a three-year probation order. ",[],{"_163":17656,"_165":17657},"A Co Tyrone man who sexually communicated with a 14-year-old girl has avoided prison. ",[],"The man admitted seven charges in relation to contact with the child",{"_81":17660,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":17661,"_213":17658,"_223":17662,"_106":17663,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":17664,"_218":88,"_232":17663,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/uk/xdhaos-over-the-shoulder-view-of-a-child-using-a-smartphone-in-a-home-environment/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/fe5cc8a5-996f-4d0d-b2b1-312ec803a83d",[],"fe5cc8a5-996f-4d0d-b2b1-312ec803a83d","157764013","T1TNE1 Over the shoulder view of a child using a smartphone in a home environment",{"_163":17666,"_165":17667},"Offending discovered after mother examined teenager’s phone",[],{"_163":17515,"_165":17669},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":3172,"_106":3173,"_253":10,"_254":3174},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_81":17675,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":17676,"_213":17658,"_223":17662,"_106":17663,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":17664,"_218":88,"_232":17663,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/uk/xdhaos-over-the-shoulder-view-of-a-child-using-a-smartphone-in-a-home-environment/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/fe5cc8a5-996f-4d0d-b2b1-312ec803a83d",[],{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Matthew Leonard Kilpatrick: Co Tyrone man who communicated sexually with girl (14) avoids jail ",195605625,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":17856,"_283":8,"_275":17857,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/derry-londonderry-city/news/carnival-artists-claim-livelihoods-have-been-wiped-out-amid-employment-and-ip-dispute/a/160133123.html",[17850,17851],"Carnival artists claim livelihoods have been ‘wiped out’ amid employment and IP dispute",{"_264":17847,"_266":17823,"_267":17684},[17846],[17834,17835,17836,17837,17838,17839],"160133123",{},[],"2026-08-18T12:24:12Z","2026-08-18T12:29:39Z",[17696,17697,17698,17699,17700,17701,17702,17703,17704,17705,17706,17707,17708,17709,17710,17711,17712,17713,17714,17715,17716,17717,17718,17719,17720,17721,17722,17723,17724,17725,17726,17727],{"_140":10,"_141":17695,"_143":10},"af3f6351-9a3f-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17832,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":3321,"_213":17825,"_215":17826,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17822,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17819,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":187,"_212":-5,"_213":17813,"_215":17814,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":17810,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":17807,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":179,"_356":17803,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":17800,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":17797,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17794,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17791,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":-5,"_213":17785,"_215":17786,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":17782,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":17779,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17776,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":17773,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":17770,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":17767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":17764,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":17761,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":17758,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":195,"_212":-5,"_213":17752,"_215":17753,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":17746,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":17743,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":17740,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":17737,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":17734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":17731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":17728,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":614,"_106":9017,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":9017,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":9053,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":9053,"_233":92},{"_163":17729,"_165":17730},"“The [council’s] priority is to successfully deliver the 40th anniversary Halloween celebrations with planning at an advanced stage.” ",[],{"_163":17732,"_165":17733},"“Any matters relating to industrial tribunal proceedings, employment issues or intellectual property disputes are matters for the parties directly involved, and it would not be appropriate for Council to comment on them.",[],{"_163":17735,"_165":17736},"The council spokesperson added: “While this development was regrettable, Council have since put in place alternative arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of this landmark year for Halloween that strengthens local participation, supports the wider creative sector and ensures that the event continues to be rooted in the community.",[],{"_163":17738,"_165":17739},"The council said it had since put alternative arrangements in place for the 40th-anniversary Halloween celebrations, which it said would strengthen local participation, support the wider creative sector and ensure the event remains rooted in the community.",[],{"_163":17741,"_165":17742},"Derry City and Strabane District Council, which had a Service Level Agreement with the organisation to deliver elements of the programme, said it was informed in May that it was “no longer in a position to fulfil its current agreement” with the council and intended to cease operations.",[],{"_163":17744,"_165":17745},"NWCI did not respond to requests for comment from the Belfast Telegraph.",[],{"_163":17747,"_165":17748},"Meanwhile, in May 2026, North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI), an organisation which has previously been involved in delivering elements of Derry’s Spring and Halloween programmes, revealed it would be entering administration. ",[17749],{"_85":192,"_157":698,"_194":179,"_196":17750},{"_198":17751,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/theatre-arts/popular-arts-organisation-behind-famous-derry-halloween-parade-to-enter-administration/a/151542112.html","Halloween culminated in a spectacular fireworks display in Derry. Photo: Martin McKeown",{"_81":17754,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17755,"_213":17752,"_223":17756,"_106":17757,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":17752,"_218":88,"_232":17757,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/t9x82m-halloween-culminated-in-a-spectacular-fireworks-display-in-derry.-photo-martin-mckeown/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/258192270%2F95a176c1-618d-4559-84fe-f06dfa4cb45e.jpg",[],"258192270%2F95a176c1-618d-4559-84fe-f06dfa4cb45e.jpg","111283186",{"_163":17759,"_165":17760},"“Instead, none of these core local artists are working on the upcoming 40th-anniversary parade, and many are losing the heart to carry on.”",[],{"_163":17762,"_165":17763},"“Ordinarily, this is the time of year these artists would be starting full production-stepping into the workshop to craft the giant puppets, costumes, and installations for Derry’s world-famous Halloween celebrations. ",[],{"_163":17765,"_165":17766},"“Despite attempts to open a line of communication regarding the IP nothing has changed since February. ",[],{"_163":17768,"_165":17769},"“Exhausted, and as an absolute last resort, this step was taken only after every other avenue had failed,” the spokesperson added.",[],{"_163":17771,"_165":17772},"Meanwhile, the spokesperson added that in February 2026, more than 10 contributing artists formally revoked permission for the use of their intellectual property.",[],{"_163":17774,"_165":17775},"The group has not provided details of the current status or outcome of the proceedings.",[],{"_163":17777,"_165":17778},"A spokesperson said: “The human toll has been devastating: artists have suffered severe mental exhaustion and financial distress, with many forced into taking work outside the creative industry just to survive.\n\n“Left with no choice, a number of these artists sought legal representation and lodged a claim at the Northern Ireland Employment Tribunal in August 2025. \n\n“Their case centred on establishing statutory employment rights after many years of continuous service and seeking legal accountability for whistleblower detriment.”",[],{"_163":17780,"_165":17781},"They describe the experience as having been “devastating” for those involved.",[],{"_163":17783,"_165":17784},"The artists say the fallout has caused significant financial distress and mental exhaustion, with some forced to find work outside the creative sector.",[],"Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Derry and the banks of the River Foyle as the city hosted Europe's largest Halloween Carnival. Photo: Martin McKeown",{"_81":17787,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17788,"_213":17785,"_223":17789,"_106":17790,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":17785,"_218":88,"_232":17790,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oqwlk3-tens-of-thousands-of-people-lined-the-streets-of-derry-and-the-banks-of-the-river-foyle-as-the-city/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1732320021%2Fad7b0e7f-47bf-4a07-a9d8-f856eb89a4bc.jpg",[],"1732320021%2Fad7b0e7f-47bf-4a07-a9d8-f856eb89a4bc.jpg","111283215",{"_163":17792,"_165":17793},"It claims a number of artists were subsequently formally removed from their long-standing workshop, handed back their keys and left unemployed “without a viable route to negotiate fair terms”. ",[],{"_163":17795,"_165":17796},"The group says this was followed by nine months of “severe operational friction” and a breakdown in communication.",[],{"_163":17798,"_165":17799},"They claim artists regularly worked late into the night in workshops and at home, sometimes putting in unpaid hours and using their own money to buy tools and materials.\n\nMeanwhile, further concerns relating to workplace safety and operational governance were raised in early 2025, the artists claim. ",[],{"_163":17801,"_165":17802},"According to the statement, concerns about working conditions were first raised with the board and management of the organisation they worked for in September 2024.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":17804,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":16796,"_106":17805,"_368":369,"_370":16798,"_232":17806,"_233":92},"giBANfSCq3e0","1855382","157830857",{"_163":17808,"_165":17809},"The artists have not named the specific organisation in their statement, saying they fear further backlash, but their account relates to the organisation previously responsible for delivering elements of Derry’s biggest carnival events and parades. ",[],{"_163":17811,"_165":17812},"The group issued a statement this week outlining what it describes as a “decade of craftsmanship facing eradication”, following a breakdown in its relationship with the organisation it worked for.",[],"Europe's largest Halloween carnival in full swing in Derry. Pic by Martin McKeown.",{"_81":17815,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17816,"_213":17813,"_223":17817,"_106":17818,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":17813,"_218":88,"_232":17818,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wp532u-europes-largest-halloween-carnival-in-full-swing-in-derry.-pic-by-martin-mckeown./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1732320021%2F2abc0ae4-86fd-4945-a554-7019d90bc59e.jpg",[],"1732320021%2F2abc0ae4-86fd-4945-a554-7019d90bc59e.jpg","111283191",{"_163":17820,"_165":17821},"I Stand With The Artists Of Derry, a collective movement representing carnival artists, costume technicians, prop builders and specialist makers, has spent more than a decade creating giant puppets, costumes, props and installations used in some of the city’s biggest celebrations. \n\nThe dispute centres on employment rights and the use of their intellectual property, with artists claiming their livelihoods have been left in jeopardy.",[],{"_163":17823,"_165":17824},"A group behind some of Derry’s biggest Halloween and Spring Carnival creations has warned that a decade of local craftsmanship is being “wiped out” amid a bitter dispute with the organisation they worked for.",[],"Derry's Halloween Carnival",{"_81":17827,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":17828,"_213":17825,"_223":17829,"_106":17830,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":17831,"_218":88,"_232":17830,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qxh6b0-derrys-halloween-carnival.-picture-martin-mckeown./alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/1732320021%2F5e8e7c94-3a25-4b3e-8168-a9f29ef1b914.jpg",[],"1732320021%2F5e8e7c94-3a25-4b3e-8168-a9f29ef1b914.jpg","111283211","Derry's Halloween Carnival. Picture: Martin McKeown.",{"_163":17684,"_165":17833},[],{"_250":256,"_106":257,"_253":8,"_254":258},{"_250":13936,"_106":13937,"_253":10,"_254":13938},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":17843,"_106":17844,"_253":10,"_254":17845},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":17840,"_106":17841,"_253":10,"_254":17842},"entertainment_theatre-arts","4355","Theatre and Arts","business_jobs","4267","Jobs",{"_235":4960,"_237":4961,"_240":4962},{"_81":17848,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":17849,"_213":88,"_223":17829,"_106":17830,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":17831,"_218":88,"_232":17830,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qxh6b0-derrys-halloween-carnival.-picture-martin-mckeown./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1732320021%2F5e8e7c94-3a25-4b3e-8168-a9f29ef1b914.jpg",[],{"_250":17854,"_106":17855,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":17852,"_106":17853,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Halloween","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:halloween","Derry City and Strabane District Council","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:derry-city-and-strabane-district-council","Derry Halloween parade dispute: artists warn decade of work at risk","Derry carnival artists warn a decade of work is at risk amid NWCI employment and IP disputes. Learn how this impacts the 40th Halloween parade.",195589038,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":18018,"_283":8,"_275":18019,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/distrust-of-artificial-intelligence-could-hold-ni-back-warns-ulster-university-professor/a/160112623.html",[18012,18013],"Distrust of artificial intelligence could hold NI back, warns Ulster University professor",{"_264":18008,"_266":17993,"_267":17863},[18007],[17997,17998,17999,18000,18001,18002,18003],{},[],"2026-08-19T05:35:00Z","2026-08-18T11:31:29Z",[17874,17875,17876,17877,17878,17879,17880,17881,17882,17883,17884,17885,17886,17887,17888,17889,17890,17891,17892,17893,17894,17895,17896,17897,17898,17899,17900,17901,17902,17903],{"_140":10,"_141":17873,"_143":10},"04e11097-9a17-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":17995,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":17992,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1436,"_213":17984,"_215":17985,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":17981,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":17978,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":17975,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":17972,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":17969,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":17966,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":-5,"_213":17956,"_215":17957,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":355,"_157":171,"_356":17955,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":17952,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":17949,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":17946,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":694,"_106":17945,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17945,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":17942,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":17939,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":17936,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":17933,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":17930,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":17927,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":17924,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":17921,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":17918,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":17915,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":17912,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":17909,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":17906,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":17905,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17905,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":622,"_106":17904,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":17904,"_233":92},"160002201","159741589",{"_163":17907,"_165":17908},"It’s open to everyone and will form part of a wider effort to put citizens at the centre of Northern Ireland’s AI journey.",[],{"_163":17910,"_165":17911},"The free public seminar, exploring the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society, will take place in the Guildhall on Thursday, September 10, from 6pm to 7.30pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm. ",[],{"_163":17913,"_165":17914},"“We’ve got to make sure we’re making it available in multi-formats that everybody at every level of society can gain access to it when they’re comfortable to do so and in a safe environment,” she said.",[],{"_163":17916,"_165":17917},"She said the example demonstrated why people need to be given informed choices rather than simply being encouraged to embrace AI.",[],{"_163":17919,"_165":17920},"“The transformation of her life is phenomenal,” Professor Black said.",[],{"_163":17922,"_165":17923},"After eventually trying the technology, her friend was able to have letters read to her, arrange medical appointments and carry out tasks that had previously been difficult.",[],{"_163":17925,"_165":17926},"She pointed to the experience of a visually impaired friend who had initially refused to use AI-powered glasses because she did not trust them.",[],{"_163":17928,"_165":17929},"But Professor Black stressed that distrust should not mean rejecting the technology altogether.",[],{"_163":17931,"_165":17932},"“People should understand why their data is valuable, how it can be used and, crucially, when they should and should not use AI,” she said.",[],{"_163":17934,"_165":17935},"The professor believes accessible AI education, both online and face-to-face, could help address the problem.",[],{"_163":17937,"_165":17938},"“People could be chatting to a chatbot and don’t actually know it’s AI that they’re talking to,” she said.",[],{"_163":17940,"_165":17941},"She also warned that many people may not realise they are already interacting with AI, from online searches to chatbots.",[],{"_163":17943,"_165":17944},"Professor Black said public engagement must be at the heart of Northern Ireland’s approach to AI, arguing that people should not simply be expected to accept new technology without understanding it.",[],"160155226",{"_163":17947,"_165":17948},"Her comments come ahead of a public seminar in the Guildhall aimed at giving citizens an opportunity to question experts and voice their concerns.",[],{"_163":17950,"_165":17951},"“If you don’t really know what’s going on, do you really trust it?” she asked.",[],{"_163":17953,"_165":17954},"Professor Black said that lack of knowledge could undermine confidence in AI at a time when the technology is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":7144,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":7145,"_106":7146,"_368":369,"_370":7147,"_232":7148,"_233":92},"Professor of artificial intelligence Michaela Black, who will be one of the panellists at the seminar",{"_81":17958,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":17959,"_213":17956,"_223":17960,"_106":17961,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":17961,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/b7iomo-professor-michaela-black.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Professor%20Michaela%20Black.png",[17962],"Professor%20Michaela%20Black.png","160166008",{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_239":17963,"_240":17965},"Louise.Doyle@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Doyle","Louise",{"_163":17967,"_165":17968},"“Some citizens don’t even know that they’re using AI on their phone sometimes. Others are using it quite regularly but not fully understanding that their data is very private to them and very personal to them.”",[],{"_163":17970,"_165":17971},"“Our biggest problem is that there is no citizens’ training for AI,” she told the Belfast Telegraph. ",[],{"_163":17973,"_165":17974},"Prof Black said the biggest challenge is ensuring people understand what AI is, how it works and what happens to their personal information when they use it.",[],{"_163":17976,"_165":17977},"Michaela Black, professor of artificial intelligence at Ulster University (Magee Campus), said a lack of public understanding was fuelling fears around AI, with many people using the technology every day without even realising it.",[],{"_163":17979,"_165":17980},"Fears over AI, personal data concerns and confusion about its everyday use will come under the spotlight at a major public seminar in Londonderry. ",[],{"_163":17982,"_165":17983},"Widespread distrust of artificial intelligence (AI) must be tackled if Northern Ireland is to fully embrace the technology, an Ulster University professor has warned. ",[],"The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) at Ulster University, in partnership with AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), will host a free public forum, exploring the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society, in the Guildhall this September",{"_81":17986,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":17987,"_213":17984,"_223":17988,"_106":17989,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":17990,"_218":88,"_232":17989,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6akpwo-bt-kscott-2025-6642.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/bt_kscott_2025_6642.jpg",[17991],"bt_kscott_2025_6642.jpg","160168658","Man interacting with AI chatbot prompt on laptop representing artificial intelligence, generative technology, virtual assistant, smart content creation interface, and modern multimedia innovation",{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_239":17963,"_240":17965},{"_163":17993,"_165":17994},"Academic shares view ahead of public seminar in Derry aimed at giving citizens chance to question experts and voice concerns",[],{"_163":17863,"_165":17996},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":10,"_254":16264},{"_250":256,"_106":257,"_253":10,"_254":258},{"_250":10417,"_106":10418,"_253":10,"_254":10419},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":18004,"_106":18005,"_253":10,"_254":18006},"business_technology","4268","Technology",{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_240":17965},{"_81":18009,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":18010,"_213":17984,"_223":17988,"_106":17989,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":17990,"_218":88,"_232":17989,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6akpwo-bt-kscott-2025-6642.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6642.jpg",[18011],{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_239":17963,"_240":17965},{"_250":18016,"_106":18017,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":18014,"_106":18015,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Artificial intelligence (AI)","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:artificial-intelligence-ai","University of Ulster","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:university-of-ulster","Michaela Black, professor of artificial intelligence at Ulster University warns distrust of artificial intelligence could hold NI back","Michaela Black, professor of artificial intelligence at Ulster University (Magee Campus), said a lack of public understanding was fuelling fears around AI",195583157,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":18132,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/victorian-belfast-property-could-be-knocked-down-for-controversial-apartment-scheme-after-successful-appeal/a/160164394.html",[18125,18126,18127,18128,18129],"Victorian Belfast property could be knocked down for controversial apartment scheme after successful appeal",{"_264":18122,"_266":18105,"_267":18025},[18119],[18116,18117,18118],"160164394",{},[],"2026-08-19T05:16:00Z","Revealed","2026-08-18T11:08:07Z",[18038,18039,18040,18041,18042,18043,18044,18045,18046,18047,18048,18049,18050,18051,18052,18053,18054,18055,18056],{"_140":10,"_141":18037,"_143":10},"89619d2e-9ae5-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":18114,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":18107,"_215":18108,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":18104,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":18101,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":18095,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":18092,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":18089,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":18086,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":18083,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":18080,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":18077,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":18074,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":18071,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":18068,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":18065,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":18062,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":18059,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":18058,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":18058,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":18057,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":18057,"_233":92},"158755062","159580417",{"_163":18060,"_165":18061},"And on the scale and size of the development, the PAC said: “Having regard to this, and also from my on-site observations, I do not consider that the scale, form and massing of the appeal building would represent a discordant feature in the local streetscape context.”",[],{"_163":18063,"_165":18064},"“I have previously concluded that the appellant has demonstrated that the reuse of the existing building is not appropriate or feasible and that the appeal development would minimise waste through the reuse of as much existing building material as possible,” said the PAC, such that it complies with relevant policies.",[],{"_163":18066,"_165":18067},"It said it was also “satisfied that the appeal development demonstrates the highest feasible and viable sustainability standards in the design, construction and operation phases of development in line with prevailing statutory regulations”.",[],{"_163":18069,"_165":18070},"In outlining some of the reasons for the successful appeal, the PAC said: “The existing building is not listed. In that regard, there is no legal requirement upon the appellant to retain any or all of the existing architectural features within the redevelopment proposal.”",[],{"_163":18072,"_165":18073},"The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society also opposed the development, saying it expressed “concern over the proposed development plans in regard to massing and scale, potentially overshadowing existing buildings within the area”.",[],{"_163":18075,"_165":18076},"“In order to support the development of further housing, I would therefore be in agreement that a compromise should be reached that utilises the existing building, retaining the gardens, thereby allowing for provision of housing without damaging the overall area or gardens,” she said in a letter to planners.",[],{"_163":18078,"_165":18079},"Some 23 representations, primarily objecting to the scheme, were received. Among those opposing the plans was SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP. ",[],{"_163":18081,"_165":18082},"It says the main issues of the appeal centred on whether the existing architectural features will be incorporated into the design of the new development, and whether the proposed development would erode the character and appearance of the area.",[],{"_163":18084,"_165":18085},"But now the plans have been granted planning permission, after the case was appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).",[],{"_163":18087,"_165":18088},"The applicant submitted viability information regarding various potential options to retain and convert the existing building to other uses, making the case that retention of the existing building was not feasible. Of six options, the applicant said the only viable one was nine apartments and five townhouses.",[],{"_163":18090,"_165":18091},"That would have involved nine apartments within a three-storey building, and five two-storey terraced dwellings, along with associated landscaping and car parking.",[],{"_163":18093,"_165":18094},"The application — which received a number of objections, including those from prominent politicians — involved the demolition of the existing Victorian building for the construction of a residential development consisting of 14 units. ",[],{"_163":18096,"_165":18097},"The developer, Cregagh Developments Ltd, wanted to knock down the former Bees Knees nursery at 18 Annadale Avenue.",[18098],{"_85":192,"_157":564,"_194":525,"_196":18099},{"_198":18100,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/house-home/victorian-house-in-south-belfast-saved-from-being-turned-into-apartments-after-campaign-victory/a/112208387.html",{"_163":18102,"_165":18103},"The development was initially turned town by Belfast City Council’s planning committee in August last year.",[],{"_163":18105,"_165":18106},"A plan to demolish a Victorian house and former daycare in south Belfast to build apartments has been given the go-ahead following a successful appeal.",[],"CGI image of the proposed development at Annadale Avenue",{"_81":18109,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18110,"_213":18107,"_223":18111,"_106":18112,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18113,"_218":88,"_232":18112,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/769vzj-a-cgi-image-of-the-failed-development-plan-at-annadale-avenue/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/198578694%2F2f450ff6-2176-482c-b4d2-c055caafd9e6.jpg",[],"198578694%2F2f450ff6-2176-482c-b4d2-c055caafd9e6.jpg","110672932","A CGI image of the failed development plan at Annadale Avenue",{"_163":18025,"_165":18115},[],{"_250":5497,"_106":5498,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":383,"_106":384,"_253":10,"_254":385},{"_235":18120,"_237":18121,"_240":1823},"john.mulgrew@mediahuis.co.uk","Mulgrew",{"_81":18123,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18124,"_213":18107,"_223":18111,"_106":18112,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18113,"_218":88,"_232":18112,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/769vzj-a-cgi-image-of-the-failed-development-plan-at-annadale-avenue/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/198578694%2F2f450ff6-2176-482c-b4d2-c055caafd9e6.jpg",[],{"_250":18130,"_106":18131,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":7778,"_106":7779,"_275":7780,"_276":280},{"_250":7767,"_106":7768,"_275":7769,"_276":280},{"_250":1905,"_106":1993,"_275":1994,"_276":280},"Housing","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:housing","Cregagh Developments Ltd, wanted to knock down the former Bees Knees nursery at 18 Annadale Avenue",195551929,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/books/belfast-crime-author-blasts-ai-firm-over-book-piracy-corruption/a/160154652.html",[18324],"Belfast crime author blasts AI firm over book piracy 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of Us is Guilty, published by Headline, is out now.",[18191],{"_85":2073,"_157":880,"_194":497,"_196":-5},{"_163":18193,"_165":18194},"“I was reading this when I was a wee lad so it’s a huge personal circle for me,” says Steve.",[],{"_163":18196,"_165":18197},"“I’m from the Holy Lands and there was a wee second-hand bookshop at the top of Jerusalem Street called War on Want and some of the very first books I got from that shop were the Sherlock Holmes stories.",[],{"_163":18199,"_165":18200},"“This career is full of brilliant moments. I read Stephen Fry’s introduction and he singles out my story among others for praise, so that was a real pinch-me moment. Stephen Fry actually read my story, and liked it and mentioned it.",[],{"_163":18202,"_165":18203},"Despite his own success he says getting a nod from Stephen Fry, who’s written the foreword for Sherlock, was a special moment.",[],{"_163":18205,"_165":18206},"The writer is also taking on another iconic sleuth after he was approached by the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle last year about writing a short story for a new Sherlock Holmes collection, due out in November.",[],{"_163":18208,"_165":18209},"He’s already working on his next novel, a standalone psychological thriller, but promises that Eddie will return.",[],{"_163":18211,"_165":18212},"“But everyone gets rejections, that’s part of the job. John Grisham had his fair share of rejections, Dan Brown’s books were turned down by publishers, it happens to everybody,” he says.",[],{"_163":18214,"_165":18215},"“I was hit hard by that one, but a couple of days later I had offers from two literary agents in London to represent that book. ",[],{"_163":18217,"_165":18218},"“I remember one rejection from a particular agent, the email came in on a Monday and the rejection was ‘you can write, but this book will never be published, throw it away and write something else’. ",[],{"_163":18220,"_165":18221},"Steve was still working as a solicitor when he started writing, and got knocked back by 50 agents before he was signed up.",[],{"_163":18223,"_165":18224},"When Thirteen came out, Waterstones bought just 250 paperback copies for its entire UK shop network, but its sellers loved the tagline - “the serial killer isn’t on trial... he’s on the jury” - and recommended it to customers. Within six weeks it was on their Sunday Times bestseller list.",[],{"_163":18226,"_165":18227},"“This wasn’t an overnight success, the readership was built up over a couple of books.”",[],{"_163":18229,"_165":18230},"“Put it this way, my second book sold 780 copies in its first year in paperback - and I was related to about half of those people,” says Steve.",[],{"_163":18232,"_165":18233},"Its success was a turning point, and he credits booksellers in Waterstones and reader recommendations for the huge boost to his writing career and his incredible sales figures.",[],{"_163":18235,"_165":18236},"Thirteen, his fourth book and the first big seller, won him the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. He’d previously won a Crime Writer’s Association Gold Dagger Award for The Liar, against competition from crime legend Dennis Lehane, and he’s one of just three writers to have won both awards. ",[],{"_163":18238,"_165":18239},"The 49-year-old has also collected a slew of awards since he began writing.",[],{"_163":18241,"_165":18242},"“I made a rod for my own back with him because he’s much smarter than me so I have to rack my brains to come up with a lot of the schemes,” says Steve.",[],{"_163":18244,"_165":18245},"He’s a regular on the Sunday Times bestseller list with a reputation for unexpected twists and getting lawyer Eddie out of tight spots.",[],{"_163":18247,"_165":18248},"“That’s the big acid test for me.”",[],"Steve Cavanagh’s latest book",{"_81":18251,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18252,"_213":18249,"_223":18253,"_106":18254,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18255,"_218":88,"_232":18254,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/t7h5jh-9781035408306-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/9781035408306%20(1).jpg",[18256],"9781035408306%20(1).jpg","159886996","Steve Cavanagh",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":18258,"_165":18259},"“I want to make sure that the readers who get the book in their hands, who have paid the money, who have spent the time reading it, that they have got something really good out of it.",[],{"_163":18261,"_165":18262},"“Authors are told, and will tell other authors, stay away from Goodreads and stay away from online reviews, but that’s the first place I go,” he says.",[],{"_163":18264,"_165":18265},"The writer has earned five million book sales around the world by keeping his readers front and centre, and that includes ignoring the golden rule about not reading reviews.",[],{"_163":18267,"_165":18268},"“That’s a drop in the ocean compared to what that company is worth and the value that company took from its illegal act. To me that settlement is completely useless,” says Steve.",[],{"_163":18270,"_165":18271},"The agreement was reached after a two-year court action which revealed Anthropic stored seven million pirated books.",[],{"_163":18273,"_165":18274},"A US court confirmed last month that AI giant Anthropic must pay out $1.5 billion in a class action for ignoring the copyright on 500,000 written works to train its chatbot Claude, which worked out at compensation of just $3,000 per title.",[],{"_163":18276,"_165":18277},"Dozens of cases have been brought by publishers and authors for copyright infringement by tech firms accused of using books and academic papers to teach chatbots how to respond to human prompts.",[],{"_163":18279,"_165":18280},"He points to the wholesale piracy of books by AI tech firms as a stark example of companies who believe they’re above the law.",[],{"_163":18282,"_165":18283},"“There has always been corruption but now we’re at the stage where they are not trying to hide it anymore.”",[],{"_163":18285,"_165":18286},"“If you look at some individuals and some tech companies across the world they have the wealth of nation states and the laws simply don’t apply to them,” he says.",[],{"_163":18288,"_165":18289},"Steve, a former solicitor, says justice is always at the heart of his books.",[],{"_163":18291,"_165":18292},"Flynn is facing life-or-death decisions when he takes on the case of a billionaire’s son he fears is trying to buy his way out of murder.",[],{"_163":18294,"_165":18295},"The Belfast-born writer has just published the tenth book in his Eddie Flynn series, One of Us is Guilty, featuring his fan favourite New York conman-turned-lawyer.",[],{"_163":18297,"_165":18298},"Crime king Steve Cavanagh has trained his sights on billionaires and companies who believe they’re above the law.",[],"Steve Cavanagh has sold five million books",{"_81":18301,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18302,"_213":18299,"_223":18303,"_106":18304,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18255,"_218":88,"_232":18304,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/e836gk-steve-cavanagh-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Steve%20Cavanagh%20(1).jpg",[18305],"Steve%20Cavanagh%20(1).jpg","159886865",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":18307,"_165":18308},"The bestselling Belfast author has blasted Anthropic over ‘useless’ copyright payout.",[],{"_163":18138,"_165":18310},[],{"_250":18313,"_106":18314,"_253":8,"_254":18315},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"life_books","4332","Books",{"_235":18317,"_237":18318,"_240":18319},"roisin.gorman@sundayworld.com","Gorman","Roisin",{"_81":18321,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18322,"_213":18299,"_223":18303,"_106":18304,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18255,"_218":88,"_232":18304,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/e836gk-steve-cavanagh-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Steve%20Cavanagh%20(1).jpg",[18323],{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},195551289,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/mens-domestic-violence-campaigner-opens-up-on-issue-in-ni-you-name-it-it-has-happened/a/160154539.html",[18521],"Men’s domestic violence campaigner opens up on issue in NI: ‘You name it, it has happened’",{"_264":18517,"_266":18511,"_267":18330},[18516],[18515],"160154539",{},[],"2026-08-18T16:55:00Z","2026-08-17T20:48:51Z",[18342,18343,18344,18345,18346,18347,18348,18349,18350,18351,18352,18353,18354,18355,18356,18357,18358,18359,18360,18361,18362,18363,18364,18365,18366,18367,18368,18369,18370,18371,18372,18373,18374,18375,18376,18377,18378,18379],{"_140":10,"_141":18341,"_143":10},"b14ca175-9a7b-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":18513,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":18510,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":18503,"_215":18504,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":18500,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":18497,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":18494,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":18491,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":18488,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":18485,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":18482,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":18479,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":18476,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":18473,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":18470,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":694,"_212":-5,"_213":18462,"_215":18463,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":18459,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":18456,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":18453,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":18450,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":18447,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":18444,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":18441,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":18438,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":18435,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":18432,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":18429,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":-5,"_213":18421,"_215":18422,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":18418,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":18415,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":18412,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":18409,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":18406,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":18403,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":610,"_212":-5,"_213":18392,"_215":18393,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":18389,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":18386,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":18383,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":18380,"_161":162},{"_163":18381,"_165":18382},"For support go to info@MensAllianceNI.co.uk.",[],{"_163":18384,"_165":18385},"“It’s important to get the reality out there of what is going on because it’s not talked about,” says Carey.",[],{"_163":18387,"_165":18388},"“There are no marches, or campaigns, no protest groups and it’s because of men. Men keep their heads down and women go out and talk about it,” he says.",[],{"_163":18390,"_165":18391},"The group also supports 300 women who have been affected by domestic violence against men, including the family of Tony Browne, murdered by his partner Wiktoria Maksymowicz as he lay in bed in October 2022. The killer, who is currently serving 14 years had subjected the dad of three to regular violence and humiliation.",[],"Wiktoria Maksymowicz was accused of murdering Tony Browne ",{"_81":18394,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18395,"_213":18392,"_223":18396,"_106":18397,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18398,"_218":88,"_232":18397,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/jjfvzc-bf1893223wiktoria-maksymow.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/BF1893223%40Wiktoria%20Maksymow.jpg",[18399],"BF1893223%40Wiktoria%20Maksymow.jpg","160032329","Wiktoria Maksymowicz accused of murdering Tony Browne ",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},"brian.farrell@sundayworld.com","Farrell","Brian",{"_163":18404,"_165":18405},"“They could be from any walk of life, any size and build. I’ve had guys from 19 to 80. Guys who are lorry drivers to solicitors, the whole remit is there. Domestic abuse does not discriminate through age, gender, history, upbringing.”",[],{"_163":18407,"_165":18408},"“I know guys who say, ‘I’m 6’2”. I’m built like a brick shithouse. People will never believe she is abusing me but she makes my life a misery’. There’s an old saying sticks and stones may break my bone but words will never harm me. Wrong. Completely wrong.",[],{"_163":18410,"_165":18411},"“Losing children is one of the main reasons men stay, and to protect them. A lot of these men see themselves as guardians, but who guards the guardians,” says the campaigner.",[],{"_163":18413,"_165":18414},"He says men stay for the sake of their children, or because they don’t recognise their experience as abusive.",[],{"_163":18416,"_165":18417},"Carey believes the issue is a contributor to Northern Ireland’s shocking male suicide rates. Research has shown 71 per cent of male domestic abuse victims have suicidal thoughts.",[],{"_163":18419,"_165":18420},"At the moment there are no facilities for men, who usually find themselves at the bottom of the housing list, ending up in hostels as they deal with the psychological impact of losing their home and often losing contact with children.",[],"\nTony Browne, aged 54, was stabbed to death at his home in 2022.",{"_81":18423,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18424,"_213":18421,"_223":18425,"_106":18426,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18427,"_218":88,"_232":18426,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/gtziry-tony-brown-murder-6.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Tony%20Brown%20Murder%206.jpg",[18428],"Tony%20Brown%20Murder%206.jpg","160032231","\nTony Browne, aged 54, was stabbed to death at his home in 2022. Wiktoria Maksymowicz stabbed the father of three as he lay drunk and unconscious in his bed.",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":18430,"_165":18431},"The group is campaigning for a six-bed facility, and insist they don’t want to divert much-needed resources away from female victims of domestic violence.",[],{"_163":18433,"_165":18434},"“Men live in cars, in the middle of forests, they are sofa surfing, if they’ve still got friends and family. They need somewhere to go with proper care.”",[],{"_163":18436,"_165":18437},"“Many men that we talk to are standing there with broken arms, with blood dripping off them, gashes in their heads and it’s them who are removed from the house, and they never get back.",[],{"_163":18439,"_165":18440},"“A lot of the time the police come out, they separate the two individuals, she will make false allegations about him assaulting her and it’s him that’s removed.",[],{"_163":18442,"_165":18443},"Police have urged male victims to come forward however Carey says the reality is it’s often the men who are removed from the home.",[],{"_163":18445,"_165":18446},"According to PSNI figures for 2024/ 25 there were 5,747 domestic abuse crimes with a male victim, but only a fifth resulted in a sanction outcome, which includes charges, cautions, or community resolutions.",[],{"_163":18448,"_165":18449},"“One man told me his ex would gaslight him. He’d walk into a room and she would call him a f***ing asshole. He’d ask why she called him names and she’d look confused and say, ‘what are you talking about? You are imagining things’. He thought there was something wrong with him. It happened to him every day for years.”",[],{"_163":18451,"_165":18452},"“He has to hand over his wages, he has to report where he’s going to and who he’s going to see, he has to say what time he will be home, he has to come home straight after work, she sits outside events he goes to, waiting for him.",[],{"_163":18454,"_165":18455},"“Abuse is a repeated pattern, it happens on a regular basis. They’re calling you names, putting you down, guys who don’t have a mobile phone and have to ask for a phone. ",[],{"_163":18457,"_165":18458},"“I have spoken to men who have been stabbed, who have had their beds set on fire, attacked with hammers. You name it, it has happened.",[],{"_163":18460,"_165":18461},"The men who seek support usually describe emotional and psychological abuse, as well as physical attacks.",[],"Carey Baxter chairs the Men's Alliance Northern Ireland",{"_81":18464,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18465,"_213":18462,"_223":18466,"_106":18467,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18468,"_218":88,"_232":18467,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/exkymg-carey-baxter-3.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Carey%20Baxter%203.jpg",[18469],"Carey%20Baxter%203.jpg","160032362","Carey Baxter, who chairs the Men's Alliance NI, said there is an urgent need for funding for a refuge to help male victims and survivors of domestic violence",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":18471,"_165":18472},"It’s also helping another 3000 men in the UK and Ireland.",[],{"_163":18474,"_165":18475},"He founded the group in 2018, and it’s currently supporting 2300 men in Northern Ireland. Nearly 1000 members are active every day, offering support and they all have experience of abuse.",[],{"_163":18477,"_165":18478},"“I had to say to him, I’m sorry but I think it is. What I say to these guys is if it upsets you, if it concerns you, especially if it’s repeated, if there’s a pattern to it, if it happens multiple times, potentially it’s abuse.”",[],{"_163":18480,"_165":18481},"“I remember a guy phoning me and saying she spits at me and she shouts at me, but it’s not that domestic abuse you guys deal with,” he says.",[],{"_163":18483,"_165":18484},"He says the stigma is so great that many of the men who come to him don’t class their experience as domestic abuse.",[],{"_163":18486,"_165":18487},"Carey, chairman and founder of Men’s Alliance NI held a high-profile meeting with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt last week calling for government support for the men he works with. The meeting was also attended by officials from the departments of justice and communities.",[],{"_163":18489,"_165":18490},"But the issue receives such little attention in the face of the huge scale of male on female domestic violence there are no specific services or refuges available.",[],{"_163":18492,"_165":18493},"PSNI figures show a third of domestic abuse victims in Northern Ireland are men, largely abused by female partners.",[],{"_163":18495,"_165":18496},"And when they call for help it’s often male victims who will be removed from their homes by police.",[],{"_163":18498,"_165":18499},"Carey Baxter says many of the victims who turn to Men’s Alliance NI don’t realise they’re being abused by their partners.",[],{"_163":18501,"_165":18502},"Men are dying in the gaps in services for male domestic abuse victims, says a Northern Ireland campaigner.",[],"Carey Baxter chairs the Men's Alliance NI.",{"_81":18505,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18506,"_213":18503,"_223":18507,"_106":18508,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18468,"_218":88,"_232":18508,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/birc0t-carey-baxter-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Carey%20Baxter%202.jpg",[18509],"Carey%20Baxter%202.jpg","160032115",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":18511,"_165":18512},"Carey Baxter says the stigma is so great that many of the men who come to him don’t class their experience as domestic abuse.",[],{"_163":18330,"_165":18514},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_235":18317,"_237":18318,"_240":18319},{"_81":18518,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18519,"_213":18503,"_223":18507,"_106":18508,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":18468,"_218":88,"_232":18508,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/birc0t-carey-baxter-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Carey%20Baxter%202.jpg",[18520],{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},195420738,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":18773,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/food-drink/restaurant-reviews/restaurant-review-much-loved-village-pub-is-prettier-than-ever...-and-food-could-match-it-with-a-few-tweaks/a/158357328.html",[18770],"Restaurant review: Much-loved village pub is prettier than ever… and food could match it with a few tweaks",{"_264":18766,"_266":18749,"_267":18527},[18765],[18753,18754,18755,18756,18757],"158357328","Review",{},[],"2026-08-18T18:00:00Z","2026-08-17T09:45:54Z",[18540,18541,18542,18543,18544,18545,18546,18547,18548,18549,18550,18551,18552,18553,18554,18555,18556,18557,18558,18559,18560,18561,18562,18563,18564,18565,18566,18567,18568,18569,18570,18571,18572,18573,18574],{"_140":10,"_141":18539,"_143":10},"f7017100-7974-11f1-aae8-d182fb381781",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":18751,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":18748,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":18741,"_215":18742,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":18738,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":18735,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":18732,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":18711,"_213":18725,"_215":18726,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":18722,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":18719,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":18711,"_213":18712,"_215":18713,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":18708,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":18705,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":18702,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":698,"_161":3487,"_3488":18685,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":18682,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":18679,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":681,"_161":3487,"_3488":18662,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":18659,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":18656,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":-5,"_213":18649,"_215":18650,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":18646,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":18639,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":18636,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":650,"_163":18635,"_161":3081},{"_155":18599,"_157":646,"_18600":18601,"_161":18602},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":18595,"_161":162},{"_18577":18578,"_155":18579,"_157":633,"_18580":211,"_18581":202,"_161":18582},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":18591,"_161":162},{"_18577":18578,"_155":18579,"_157":622,"_18580":206,"_18581":202,"_161":18582},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":18587,"_161":162},{"_18577":18578,"_155":18579,"_157":618,"_18580":202,"_18581":202,"_161":18582},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":18583,"_161":162},{"_18577":18578,"_155":18579,"_157":610,"_18580":211,"_18581":202,"_161":18582},{"_155":328,"_157":606,"_106":18576,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":18576,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":585,"_106":18575,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":18575,"_233":92},"159872249","159922323","icon","star","RatingStoryElement","score","maxScore","Rating",{"_163":18584,"_165":18585},"Vegetarian",[18586],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":175,"_196":-5},{"_163":18588,"_165":18589},"Decor",[18590],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":202,"_196":-5},{"_163":18592,"_165":18593},"Service",[18594],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":342,"_196":-5},{"_163":18596,"_165":18597},"Food",[18598],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":206,"_196":-5},"InfoBlockStoryElement","elements",[18603,18604,18605,18606,18607,18608,18609,18610],"InfoBlock",{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":18632,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":18629,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":18626,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":18623,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":18620,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":18617,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":18614,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":18611,"_161":162},{"_163":18612,"_165":18613},"TOTAL: £78.50",[],{"_163":18615,"_165":18616},"Fudge cake: £9",[],{"_163":18618,"_165":18619},"Chicken stack: £18",[],{"_163":18621,"_165":18622},"Chicken tikka masala: £20",[],{"_163":18624,"_165":18625},"Salmon fishcakes: £10",[],{"_163":18627,"_165":18628},"Chicken wings: £9.50",[],{"_163":18630,"_165":18631},"Guinness x2 £12",[],{"_163":18633,"_165":18634},"The bill",[],"

",{"_163":18637,"_165":18638},"But if the changes so far are anything to go by, the owners will get it right.",[],{"_163":18640,"_165":18641},"New(ish) owner and Portadown man Andrew Robinson has certainly made the restaurant a more modern environment; now the food could do with a similar tweak. Comparing the menu to that of The Anchor in Portstewart (my last Grub Spy trip), it’s missing the fresh adventure of the likes of cod cheeks, chowder or hot honey chicken. ",[18642],{"_85":192,"_157":18643,"_194":665,"_196":18644},211,{"_198":18645,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/restaurant-reviews/restaurant-review-historic-north-coast-pubs-makeover-has-made-it-a-top-spot-to-eat/a/157209125.html",{"_163":18647,"_165":18648},"Up early for work, we opted against staying on for the Thursday evening pub quiz, which packed the front bar as always.",[],"Chocolate fudge cake",{"_81":18651,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18652,"_213":18649,"_223":18653,"_106":18654,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18654,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/phzy6j-img-1374.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IMG_1374.jpg",[18655],"IMG_1374.jpg","158357563",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18657,"_165":18658},"It was very acceptable, a well-presented slice accompanied by smooth Drayne’s ice cream (the creamiest on the market, if you ask me) and strawberries. I’ve certainly had richer, more decadent cakes in my time, this one more chocolate than fudge, but tasty nonetheless",[],{"_163":18660,"_165":18661},"For dessert, when there’s warm chocolate fudge cake available, there’s no decision to be made, although being married into a family of sticky toffee pudding enthusiasts, I realise that I’m straying into contentious territory. ",[],[18663,18664],{"_157":572,"_212":-5,"_213":18672,"_215":18673,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":568,"_212":-5,"_213":18665,"_215":18666,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"Chicken stack",{"_81":18667,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18668,"_213":18665,"_223":18669,"_106":18670,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18670,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/uadbwg-img-1372.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IMG_1372.jpg",[18671],"IMG_1372.jpg","158357560",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},"Chicken tikka masala",{"_81":18674,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18675,"_213":18672,"_223":18676,"_106":18677,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18677,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/soa1kc-img-1373.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IMG_1373.jpg",[18678],"IMG_1373.jpg","158357564",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18680,"_165":18681},"My friend opted for a chicken tikka masala with pilau rice and naan, which arrived on another packed plate. It was delicious — the aromatic flavour packing a punch and going down an absolute treat. Putting his critic’s hat on, my friend said that the naan was a little plain, but then it didn’t market itself as Peshawari, so I concluded that he just wanted to feel like he was critiquing properly.",[],{"_163":18683,"_165":18684},"On to the mains, and I was excited for the filling that no doubt awaited with my chicken stack. So it transpired, as my plate arrived loaded with breaded chicken and tobacco onions, all resting on a bed of mash and drowned in pepper sauce. It was exactly the hefty meal I had been in the market for, with a familiar, comforting taste to match. If I was being critical (and I suppose that’s rather the point here), I’d suggest it was a little too salty, but not enough to steal my enjoyment. ",[],[18686,18687],{"_157":580,"_212":-5,"_213":18695,"_215":18696,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":576,"_212":-5,"_213":18688,"_215":18689,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"Chicken wings",{"_81":18690,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18691,"_213":18688,"_223":18692,"_106":18693,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18693,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/88wcp5-img-1371.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IMG_1371.jpg",[18694],"IMG_1371.jpg","158357559",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},"Salmon fishcake",{"_81":18697,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":18698,"_213":18695,"_223":18699,"_106":18700,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18700,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ctjv6s-img-1370.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IMG_1370.jpg",[18701],"IMG_1370.jpg","158357562",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18703,"_165":18704},"The salmon cake was similarly sized — all in one big cake. There was a salad accompanying it, alongside some lemon and dill mayo, which was the star of the dish and the outstanding flavour alongside the potato-heavy cake which, in truth, I’d have preferred if it tasted a little more, well, fishy. In fairness, that was to be expected with it being a salmon cake rather than a white fish cake.",[],{"_163":18706,"_165":18707},"After a typically delightful Guinness, we opted for chicken wings and a salmon cake to start. The wings were just what you’d expect; a tangy, zingy flavour with a more than decent kick. It was a healthy portion size, too, just the right amount to whet the appetite of hungry men out for a good, traditional, country feed.",[],{"_163":18709,"_165":18710},"But we weren’t there just to admire the surroundings.",[],"Pretty Mary’s","The revamped restaurant",{"_81":18714,"_212":18711,"_220":395,"_97":18715,"_213":18712,"_223":18716,"_106":18717,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18717,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/f4bhk1-668115707-873849209000329-6208984757823015773-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/668115707_873849209000329_6208984757823015773_n.jpg",[18718],"668115707_873849209000329_6208984757823015773_n.jpg","158357555",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18720,"_165":18721},"Not only has the front of the pub gone from drab gray to a burst of raspberry colour, the restaurant in the back of the charming Main Street bar has also been given new life. Wooden panelling, plush bench seating and charming lampshades are features of a cosy interior. It feels like it’s always been this way, such does the look and the layout now match the homely front bar much more seamlessly.",[],{"_163":18723,"_165":18724},"What we do know is that Mary has just got prettier.",[],"Pretty Mary’s new look from Main Street, Moira",{"_81":18727,"_212":18711,"_220":395,"_97":18728,"_213":18725,"_223":18729,"_106":18730,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18730,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/583ilz-726525531-975547858435167-3366325261953854058-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/726525531_975547858435167_3366325261953854058_n.jpg",[18731],"726525531_975547858435167_3366325261953854058_n.jpg","158357554",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18733,"_165":18734},"What I did learn is that the name was borrowed from an ancient fort in the town, which has held the name for over a century. Why? That’s the mystery.",[],{"_163":18736,"_165":18737},"It turns out that nobody really knows who inspired the name of the much-loved community pub.",[],{"_163":18739,"_165":18740},"I’ve been in and out of Pretty Mary’s in Moira dozens of times and, until now, had never once wondered just who Mary was.",[],"The salmon fishcake, and chicken tikka masala",{"_81":18743,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":18744,"_213":18741,"_223":18745,"_106":18746,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18746,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/9w0otx-inset-template-32-46.png/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032%20(46).png",[18747],"Inset%20template%2032%20(46).png","158357561",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":18749,"_165":18750},"Moira staple Pretty Mary’s has had a welcome facelift... now it needs a menu to match the new surroundings",[],{"_163":18527,"_165":18752},[],{"_250":18763,"_106":18764,"_253":8,"_254":18760},{"_250":2740,"_106":2741,"_253":10,"_254":2742},{"_250":18761,"_106":18762,"_253":10,"_254":16081},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":18758,"_106":18759,"_253":10,"_254":18760},"sunday-life_restaurant-reviews","4261","Restaurant Reviews","sunday-life_features","4256","life_food-drink_restaurant-reviews","4337",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_240":5155},{"_81":18767,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":18768,"_213":18741,"_223":18745,"_106":18746,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":18746,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/9w0otx-inset-template-32-46.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032%20(46).png",[18769],{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_250":18771,"_106":18772,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Guinness","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:guinness","Pretty Mary's restaurant review: Moira's much-loved town centre pub is prettier than ever… and food could match it with a few tweaks",195418890,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/co-antrim-man-charged-with-possessing-indecent-images-of-children-and-extreme-pornography/a/159993312.html",[18843,18844],"Co Antrim man charged with possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography ",{"_264":18839,"_266":18818,"_267":18779},[18838],[18833,18834,18835,18836,18837],"159993312",{},[1154],"2026-08-17T09:40:28Z",[18790,18791,18792,18793,18794,18795,18796,18797,18798],{"_140":10,"_141":18789,"_143":10},"c4cdcadc-971e-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":18831,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":10575,"_213":18820,"_215":18821,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":18817,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":18814,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":18811,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":18808,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":18805,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":18802,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":18799,"_161":162},{"_163":18800,"_165":18801},"Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop freed Welsh on his own bail of £750.",[],{"_163":18803,"_165":18804},"The case was sent to the crown court for arraignment on a date to be fixed.",[],{"_163":18806,"_165":18807},"He appeared at Belfast 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could see why boys were tired, but Coleraine wanted to play it and I can see both perspectives.”",[],{"_163":18942,"_165":18943},"“I played 64 minutes against Iberia, so I wasn’t as bad as the other boys,” said Doherty. ",[],{"_163":18945,"_165":18946},"Haveron wanted the Northern Ireland Football League to step in and postpone the fixture to aid European preparations, similar to the approach adopted by the Gibraltar FA. ",[],{"_163":18948,"_165":18949},"The Donegal native and former Institute ace helped the champions frustrate Coleraine on Saturday in a scoreless draw. ",[],{"_163":18951,"_165":18952},"With Ruaidhri Higgins persuading Shelbourne’s title-winning captain Mark Coyle to come to the Showgrounds, Doherty’s game-time was going to become more limited and he was allowed to leave. ",[],{"_163":18954,"_165":18955},"Doherty helped Cliftonville to Irish Cup, League Cup and County Antrim Shield success and was brought to Coleraine in January 2025 by then-boss Dean Shiels. ",[],{"_163":18957,"_165":18958},"“We are proving it in this European journey. We are behind the League of Ireland, but we are catching up with full-time programmes and investment.” ",[],{"_163":18965,"_165":18966},{"_163":18963,"_165":18964},{"_163":88,"_165":18962},[],"Ronan Doherty",[],"We are proving it in this European journey. We are behind the League of Ireland but we are catching up with full-time programmes and investment.",[],{"_163":18968,"_165":18969},"“Further progress would be another big statement from our League, which is getting better. ",[],{"_163":18971,"_165":18972},"“I fancy us because I know how dangerous we can be. Some of the boys have League Phase memories, and when they got it, I was extremely jealous. Now I have an opportunity. ",[],{"_163":18974,"_165":18975},"“We want to get a result out there, but it is hard to know how they are going to compete against us. We will find out when the whistle goes when we are running after one another. ",[],{"_163":18977,"_165":18978},"“We have nothing to fear, Larne beat them two years ago and these are different teams, but you have to respect opponents and be as confident as you can,” added Doherty. ",[],{"_163":18980,"_165":18981},"The Gibraltar side will be looking to secure a second consecutive season in the League Phase of the Conference League and their third overall, with Gibraltar international Dan Bent returning to the Europa Sports Stadium if declared fit. ",[],{"_163":18983,"_165":18984},"In 2024, the first leg was played in Faro, and although Larne lost it, they enjoyed a 4-3 aggregate victory. ",[],{"_163":18986,"_165":18987},"Haveron’s men defeated Tre Flori in the First Round of the Champions League but were well beaten by Red Star Belgrade in the Second Round, and they dropped out of Europa League qualifying after the extra-time loss in Tbilisi to Iberia 1999. ",[],{"_163":18989,"_165":18990},"The Larne players fly out today and must adapt to warm conditions in Gibraltar. ",[],{"_163":18992,"_165":18993},"“Not many people can say they have played at that level, it would be something you would remember and talk about for years.” ",[],{"_163":18995,"_165":18996},"“It’s a massive prize. The boys were very disappointed as we knew we had a massive opportunity in the Europa League. But it’s new experiences for many of us and we are all desperate to get there and say we have done it — it’s very exciting. ",[],{"_163":18998,"_165":18999},"“The team did really well to finish second the last time, and it will be hard, but we have a squad good enough to do it. I’m not looking for excuses and I don’t think any one of us are. ",[],{"_163":19001,"_165":19002},"“We want to win everything. To win the League and play in the League Phase would be massive and tough to do. ",[],{"_163":19004,"_165":19005},"“The key is to recover when you can and try to stay injury-free. ",[],{"_163":19007,"_165":19008},"“When all the boys are fit, it must be a real headache for the manager. If you are playing Thursday-Sunday, it can be challenging but you can’t make it an excuse. ",[],{"_163":19010,"_165":19011},"“You would be lying if you said an extended European run wouldn’t have the potential to disrupt our League campaign, but we have a massive squad and we should be able to deal with that,” argued the midfielder. “Boys that have been left out of the squad are top players and it’s not something I am used to. ",[],"INPHO/Stephen Hamilton","Larne’s Ronan Doherty battles with Coleraine’s Conor McMenamin ",{"_81":19015,"_212":19012,"_220":395,"_97":19016,"_213":19013,"_223":19017,"_106":19018,"_226":227,"_228":19019,"_230":19020,"_218":88,"_232":19018,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nxpbky-eraine-v-larne-032.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/eraine%20v%20Larne%20-032.jpg",[19021],"eraine%20v%20Larne%20-032.jpg","160079464","©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton","BOYLE Sports Premiership, The Showgrounds, Coleraine 15/8/2026\nColeraine vs Larne\n\nColeraine’s Conor McMenamin with Larne’s Ronan Doherty\n\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},"lewis.bennett@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Bennett","Lewis",{"_163":19026,"_165":19027},"Progress will inevitably mean more high-intensity matches and travelling with its associated physical and mental demands, testing squad depth, but Doherty says bring it on. ",[],{"_163":19029,"_165":19030},"Doherty, who joined Larne in January, was jealous of the club’s success two years ago — now he hopes to help mastermind a new European odyssey. ",[],{"_163":19032,"_165":19033},"The east Antrim club defeated the same opposition when they advanced to the League stage in 2024, but this is a new team and new challenge. ",[],{"_163":19035,"_165":19036},"Larne are aiming to make the League stage of the Conference League for the second time in three years, and while it is not dominating their thoughts, there is the added jeopardy of Northern Ireland potentially losing a European spot. ",[],{"_163":19038,"_165":19039},"An extra-time defeat by Georgian side Iberia 1999 in the Europa League Third Qualifying Round second leg was a bitter pill to swallow, but the Invermen remain just two games away from another special achievement in the club’s history. ",[],{"_163":19041,"_165":19042},"Larne are heading to Gibraltar to face Lincoln Red Imps in the Conference League Play-Off first leg on Thursday evening. ",[],{"_163":19044,"_165":19045},"The Invermen are making final preparations for two huge clashes on the continent. ",[],"

",{"_163":19048,"_165":19049},"For Gary Haveron’s side, all thoughts of winning a fourth League title in five seasons have been parked with further European history within reach. ",[],{"_163":19051,"_165":19052},"It’s a formidable mountain to climb, but the 30-year-old believes that with a little fortune, it can be mission possible.",[],{"_163":19054,"_165":19055},"Ronan Doherty and his Larne comrades are aiming to do what no Irish League side has achieved before — reach the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League and win the Premiership title in the same season. ",[],"INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton","Ronan Doherty relishes the prospect of helping Larne return to the League Phase of the Conference League",{"_81":19059,"_212":19056,"_220":395,"_97":19060,"_213":19057,"_223":19061,"_106":19062,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":19063,"_218":88,"_232":19062,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/x0gkh2-95264-3002410.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/95264_3002410.jpg",[19064],"95264_3002410.jpg","160200230","UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round Second Leg, Inver Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland 14/7/2026\nLarne vs Tre Fiori\nLarne’s Sean Graham and Ronan Doherty with Tre Fiori’s Simone Rea \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":18887,"_165":19066},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19077,"_106":19078,"_253":10,"_254":19079},{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":10,"_254":19076},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"sport","4290","Sport","sport_football","4295","Football","regional_antrim_sport","4401","County Antrim Sport","sport_football_irish-league","4297","Irish League",{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},"graham.luney@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Luney",{"_81":19087,"_212":19056,"_220":395,"_97":19088,"_213":19057,"_223":19061,"_106":19062,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":19063,"_218":88,"_232":19062,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/x0gkh2-95264-3002410.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95264_3002410.jpg",[19089],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":19096,"_106":19097,"_275":19098,"_276":280},{"_250":19093,"_106":19094,"_275":19095,"_276":280},"Coleraine FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:coleraine-fc","Coleraine is an Irish League football team","Larne FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:larne-fc","Larne is an Irish League football team","Boyle Sports Premiership","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:boyle-sports-premiership","The Boyle Sports Premiership is the top tier of the Northern Ireland Football League, which was created in 2013 to assume management of the top divisions from the Irish FA.","Larne v Lincoln Red Imps: Conference League play-off mission","Ronan Doherty targets a unique Larne double: Conference League group stage and Premiership title. How will they handle Lincoln Red Imps and fixture strain?",195657587,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":19326,"_283":8,"_275":19327,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/derrys-a-talking-town-coleraine-ace-on-why-hes-avoiding-the-rumours-swirling-around-his-old-side-as-he-eyes-title-charge-with-bannsiders/a/160190141.html",[19309,19310,19311,19312,19313,19314],"‘Derry’s a talking town’: Coleraine ace on why he’s avoiding the rumours swirling around his old side as he eyes title charge with Bannsiders",{"_264":19305,"_266":19286,"_267":19109},[19304],[19299,19300],"160190141",{},[],"2026-08-18T16:33:03Z",[19120,19121,19122,19123,19124,19125,19126,19127,19128,19129,19130,19131,19132,19133,19134,19135,19136,19137,19138,19139,19140,19141,19142,19143,19144,19145,19146,19147,19148,19149,19150,19151,19152,19153,19154,19155,19156,19157,19158,19159,19160],{"_140":10,"_141":19119,"_143":10},"49a20f64-9b12-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":19297,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19288,"_213":19289,"_215":19290,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":19285,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":19282,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":19279,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":19276,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":19273,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":19270,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":19267,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":19264,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":19261,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":19258,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":19255,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":19252,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":19239,"_213":19240,"_215":19241,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":19236,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":19233,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":19230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":19227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":19224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":19221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":19218,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":19215,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":19212,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":19209,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":19206,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":629,"_586":19198,"_588":19199,"_590":-5,"_592":19200,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":19195,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":19192,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":19189,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":19186,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":19183,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":19180,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":19177,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":19174,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":19171,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":19168,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":19165,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":19162,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":556,"_106":19161,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":19161,"_233":92},"160145737",{"_163":19163,"_165":19164},"“On the other hand as well, we all drive each other on.“ ",[],{"_163":19166,"_165":19167},"“But that’s part and parcel of building a squad with that depth that touch wood or if anything happened to anyone, you have someone of the same quality that can step in. ",[],{"_163":19169,"_165":19170},"“I think the quality, even the standard that we train at and the intensity that we train at, I wouldn’t like to be the one picking the team because there is massive strength in the squad. ",[],{"_163":19172,"_165":19173},"“To be fair, that’s all been upheld and I’ve really enjoyed it. ",[],{"_163":19175,"_165":19176},"“Before I came back, I did speak to a few people around the club and there was nothing that was a negative swing on it. Everything was positive and I would really enjoy being a part of it. ",[],{"_163":19178,"_165":19179},"“There was no cutting corners. Everything was done properly and there was no one that really had a bad word to say about things here. ",[],{"_163":19181,"_165":19182},"“I knew a few people within the changing room and you could tell that the club was doing everything in the right way,” added Doherty. ",[],{"_163":19184,"_165":19185},"The Bannsiders are clearly a different side than the one he left in 2021 to join Larne as Conor McKendry moved to Coleraine. ",[],{"_163":19187,"_165":19188},"Doherty was on target in Coleraine’s 3-1 win at Dungannon Swifts and featured in the scoreless draw with Larne. ",[],{"_163":19190,"_165":19191},"“So I understand the position. Frustrated, of course, but it’s a new chapter for me now and it’s one I’m really looking forward to.“ ",[],{"_163":19193,"_165":19194},"“At the end of the day, you’re a number and that’s just how this world works. ",[],{"_163":19196,"_165":19197},"“Unfortunately, injuries and surgeries put a stop to that, but I understand how football works. Time doesn’t stop for anyone. ",[],{"_163":19204,"_165":19205},{"_163":19202,"_165":19203},{"_163":88,"_165":19201},[],"Ben Doherty",[],"Unfortunately, injuries and surgeries put a stop to that, but I understand how football works. Time doesn’t stop for anyone",[],{"_163":19207,"_165":19208},"“So it was something that you took a bit of pride in going back. When I first went back and worked under Ruaidhri, he got the best out of me again and I really thought from there I was going to kick on. ",[],{"_163":19210,"_165":19211},"“I was definitely disappointed, but I’m big and ugly enough to understand that that’s football. It’s a club that’s meant a lot to me. It meant a lot to my family, obviously, with my dad’s (Eamon) connection as well. ",[],{"_163":19213,"_165":19214},"“But it wasn’t really a hard sell for me. With the position I found myself in at Derry the past while, it was a no-brainer for me to make the move. It was just where I was making the move to. ",[],{"_163":19216,"_165":19217},"“I think in January time there were talks ongoing and I was obviously coming to the end of my Derry City contract and there were talks between clubs but nothing really materialised. ",[],{"_163":19219,"_165":19220},"“Coming to Coleraine was definitely something I was keen to pursue,” he added. ",[],{"_163":19222,"_165":19223},"Doherty’s appearances at Derry were curtailed by injury, but he featured 98 times in his second spell, bringing his total appearances for City to 157. ",[],{"_163":19225,"_165":19226},"“I’ve obviously got mates in the changing room and I’ve worked with a lot of the people there and around the club and for the size of the footballing club that it is, it should definitely be doing a lot better and I hope now that the people in there and the people making the decisions can definitely turn the club around and have a good go at it.“ ",[],{"_163":19228,"_165":19229},"“I’ve seen Mark Connolly’s interview there saying that James is a Derry City player, but that’s in the previous chapter and I wouldn’t have any knowledge to give an opinion without adding fuel to the fire or joining the rumours that have been going around. ",[],{"_163":19231,"_165":19232},"“I’m not sure about anyone else, but Derry’s rife for that, Derry’s a talking town and everything just gets twisted and there’s nothing concrete. ",[],{"_163":19234,"_165":19235},"“The way that world works nowadays, one person could say something with no truth to it and it will spread. ",[],{"_163":19237,"_165":19238},"“I just think there’s a lot of whispers and stuff like that going on as well and a lot of rumours going around on Twitter and social media,” said the 29-year-old. ",[],"INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter","James McClean’s future at Derry City remains up in the air",{"_81":19242,"_212":19239,"_220":395,"_97":19243,"_213":19240,"_223":19244,"_106":19245,"_226":227,"_228":19246,"_230":19247,"_218":88,"_232":19245,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/cb17jx-95474-3020477.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95474_3020477.jpg",[19248],"95474_3020477.jpg","160030405","©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter","Derry City Open Training Session, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry, Northern Ireland 11/8/2026\nJames McClean signs autographs for young fans \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter ",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},"conor.mclaughlin@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","McLaughlin","Conor",{"_163":19253,"_165":19254},"While Doherty is focusing on driving Coleraine forward, he hopes his hometown side can find some stability. ",[],{"_163":19256,"_165":19257},"City did, however, manage to book their spot in the FAI Cup Quarter-Finals with a 2-1 victory over UCD at the UCD Bowl. ",[],{"_163":19259,"_165":19260},"It has not been the fairytale return home McClean envisaged and Lynch paid the price for poor form. ",[],{"_163":19262,"_165":19263},"The former Republic of Ireland international attended an open training session amid reports that the club are attempting to find a settlement that will end his time at the Brandywell. ",[],{"_163":19265,"_165":19266},"Derry City interim manager Mark Connolly has reiterated that McClean remains employed by the club. ",[],{"_163":19268,"_165":19269},"There has also been speculation regarding James McClean’s future at the club. ",[],{"_163":19271,"_165":19272},"While Coleraine are gunning for a first Gibson Cup since 1974, Derry sit sixth in their League table and are 21 points behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers amid a poor run of form that cost manager Tiernan Lynch his job. ",[],{"_163":19274,"_165":19275},"In his first full season back at the Brandywell, he was named in the League of Ireland Premier Division Team of the Year. ",[],{"_163":19277,"_165":19278},"After a spell at Larne he moved to hometown club Derry in January 2023 where he worked under current Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins. ",[],{"_163":19280,"_165":19281},"Doherty scored 36 goals in 86 appearances during his first spell at the Showgrounds between January 2019 and the summer of 2021. ",[],{"_163":19283,"_165":19284},"In the summer Doherty returned to the Bannsiders from the Candystripes for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal. ",[],{"_163":19286,"_165":19287},"Coleraine ace Ben Doherty has reflected on his frustrating exit from Derry City and the circus of rumours around the troubled club. ",[],"David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press","Ben Doherty celebrates his goal in Coleraine’s opening game of the season",{"_81":19291,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":19292,"_213":19289,"_223":19293,"_106":19294,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":19295,"_218":88,"_232":19294,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/71up9b-on-v-coleraine-0042.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/on%20v%20Coleraine%200042.jpg",[19296],"on%20v%20Coleraine%200042.jpg","159801744","Pacemaker Press 8826\nDungannon v Coleraine Boyle Sports Premiership\nColeraine's Ben Doherty celebrates his goal during today's game at Stangmore Park, Dungannon. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":19109,"_165":19298},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},"regional_derry-londonderry_sport","4410","County Londonderry/Derry Sport",{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":19306,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":19307,"_213":19289,"_223":19293,"_106":19294,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":19295,"_218":88,"_232":19294,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/71up9b-on-v-coleraine-0042.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/on%20v%20Coleraine%200042.jpg",[19308],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":19093,"_106":19094,"_275":19095,"_276":280},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19321,"_106":19322,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},"James McClean","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:james-mcclean","Footballer James McClean won over 100 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland. He played for Sunderland and West Brom in the Premier League, and also his hometown club Derry City.","Tiernan Lynch","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:tiernan-lynch","Manager of Larne FC","Ruaidhrí Higgins","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:ruaidhri-higgins","Derry City FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:derry-city-fc","Derry City Football Club is based at the Brandywell and plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division","Ben Doherty on James McClean Derry City rumours and Coleraine move","Ben Doherty opens up on his Derry City exit, James McClean rumours and why Coleraine’s ambitious new chapter suits him.",195613645,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/derry-city-handed-home-tie-in-fai-cup-quarter-finals-as-st-patricks-athletic-rewarded-with-bohemians-meeting/a/160179674.html",[19416,19417],"Derry City handed home tie in FAI Cup quarter-finals as St Patrick’s Athletic rewarded with Bohemians meeting",{"_264":19412,"_266":19388,"_267":19333},[19408],[19404,19405],"160179674",{},[],"2026-08-18T12:55:22Z",[19344,19345,19346,19347,19348,19349,19350,19351,19352,19353,19354],{"_140":10,"_141":19343,"_143":10},"fc05467d-9b02-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":19402,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19390,"_213":19391,"_215":19392,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":19387,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":19384,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":19381,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":19378,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":19375,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":19372,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":19369,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":19366,"_161":162},{"_155":18599,"_157":167,"_18600":19355,"_161":18602},[19356,19357],{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":19362,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":19358,"_161":162},{"_163":19359,"_165":19360},"Derry City v Dundalk\nDrogheda United v Galway United\nSt Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians\nWaterford v Sligo Rovers\nGames to be played on the weekend of September 5-6",[19361],{"_85":2073,"_157":10848,"_194":525,"_196":-5},{"_163":19363,"_165":19364},"FAI Cup quarter-final draw",[19365],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":646,"_196":-5},{"_163":19367,"_165":19368},"And in the other last eight ties, Derry City were drawn at home to Dundalk in a repeat of the 1988 final pairings, while Drogheda United will be pleased to have been given a tie at home to a Galway United outfit who needed penalties to oust Bray Wanderers in the third round.",[],{"_163":19370,"_165":19371},"Sligo Rovers, bottom of the Premier Division and in a relegation battle, were handed a draw away to Waterford, the most in-form side in the top flight, as Graham Coughlan hopes to maintain the Cup form he previously showed in his spells as manager in England.",[],{"_163":19373,"_165":19374},"Saints boss Stephen Kenny has won the competition with Derry City (2006) and Dundalk (2015, 2016) but is awaiting his first trophy as Pat’s manager.",[],{"_163":19376,"_165":19377},"Bohs and Pat’s have met twice in the cup final in the last five seasons, the Saints winning on both occasions, in 2021 and 2023. ",[],{"_163":19379,"_165":19380},"This season is the first time since the second tier was introduced 40 years ago that all eight teams left in the draw come from the top flight.",[],{"_163":19382,"_165":19383},"Bohs and Pat’s were matched in the draw for the quarter-final, with home advantage for the Saints. Bohs eased into the last eight with a comfortable win at home over Longford Town.",[],{"_163":19385,"_165":19386},"Pat’s earned their place in the last-eight with a thrilling win over holders Shamrock Rovers on Sunday. Teenager Sam Rooney scored the match-winner in extra-time, but only one club from the capital will make it to the last four.",[],{"_163":19388,"_165":19389},"Derry City will take on Dundalk at the Brandywell in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup, while Dublin rivals Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic have been drawn together in what’s shaping up as another dramatic local derby.",[],"Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile","Sam Rooney of St Patrick's Athletic, left, celebrates with teammate Aidan Keena after scoring his side's third goal during the Club Orange Mens FAI Cup third round match against Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park",{"_81":19393,"_212":19390,"_220":395,"_97":19394,"_213":19391,"_223":19395,"_106":19396,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19398,"_218":88,"_232":19396,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/9d0qeb-is-srooney-17.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/IS%20SROONEY%2017.jpg",[19399],"IS%20SROONEY%2017.jpg","160136120","SPORTSFILE","16 August 2026; Sam Rooney of St Patrick's Athletic, left, celebrates with teammate Aidan Keena after scoring his side's third goal during the Club Orange Mens FAI Cup third round match between St Patricks Athletic and Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile",{"_235":19400,"_237":19401,"_239":19400,"_240":3187},"kevin.nolan@independent.ie","Nolan",{"_163":19333,"_165":19403},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"sport_football_league-of-ireland","4298",{"_235":19409,"_237":19410,"_240":19411},"aidan.fitzmaurice@independent.ie","Fitzmaurice","Aidan",{"_81":19413,"_212":19390,"_220":395,"_97":19414,"_213":19391,"_223":19395,"_106":19396,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19398,"_218":88,"_232":19396,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/9d0qeb-is-srooney-17.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IS%20SROONEY%2017.jpg",[19415],{"_235":19400,"_237":19401,"_239":19400,"_240":3187},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19418,"_106":19419,"_275":19420,"_276":280},"FAI","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:fai","The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for association football in the Republic of Ireland.",195547424,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":19698,"_283":8,"_275":19699,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/david-healy-is-right-we-cant-preach-the-importance-of-mens-mental-health-one-minute-and-ignore-abusive-behaviour-the-next/a/160145737.html",[19689,19690,19691,19692],"David Healy is right: We can’t preach the importance of men’s mental health one minute and ignore abusive behaviour the next",{"_264":19685,"_266":19660,"_267":19426},[19684],[19671,19672,19673,19674,19675],{},[],"2026-08-18T05:00:00Z","2026-08-17T18:51:12Z",[19437,19438,19439,19440,19441,19442,19443,19444,19445,19446,19447,19448,19449,19450,19451,19452,19453,19454,19455,19456,19457,19458,19459,19460,19461,19462,19463,19464,19465,19466,19467,19468,19469,19470,19471,19472,19473,19474,19475,19476,19477,19478,19479,19480,19481,19482,19483,19484,19485,19486,19487,19488],{"_140":10,"_141":19436,"_143":10},"bf0dd0de-9a54-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":19669,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":19662,"_215":19663,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":19659,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":19656,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":19653,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":19650,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":19647,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":19644,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":19641,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":19638,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":19635,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":19632,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":694,"_356":19626,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":19623,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":19620,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":19617,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":19614,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":19611,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":19608,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":19605,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":19602,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":19599,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":19596,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":646,"_586":19589,"_588":19590,"_590":-5,"_592":19591,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":19586,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":19583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":19580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":19577,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":19574,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":618,"_1772":-5,"_159":19571,"_161":1774},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":19559,"_213":19560,"_215":19561,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":19556,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":19553,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":19550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":19547,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":19544,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":19541,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":568,"_212":1611,"_213":19534,"_215":19535,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":19531,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":19528,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":19525,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":548,"_1772":-5,"_159":19522,"_161":1774},{"_155":210,"_157":544,"_212":19288,"_213":19511,"_215":19512,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":19508,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":19505,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":19502,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":529,"_159":19499,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":525,"_159":19496,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":513,"_159":19493,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":509,"_159":19490,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":505,"_106":19489,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":19489,"_233":92},"160095104",{"_163":19491,"_165":19492},"Unfortunately, Saturday was a bit of a one-off. With the Premier League set to return this weekend, so will the 3.00pm broadcast blackout rule.",[],{"_163":19494,"_165":19495},"I don’t subscribe to the theory that streaming matches will stop people from attending. Irish League fans — by their nature — will attend if they can attend. Streaming is a nice fall back when life and work gets in the way.",[],{"_163":19497,"_165":19498},"If anyone is expecting NIFL TV to be a major money-spinner for clubs, they will probably be disappointed, but it’s a nice option for those of us who can’t always get to games.",[],{"_163":19500,"_165":19501},"By contrast, Mark Strange and Jonny Frazer did a professional job on Saturday’s Big Two game.",[],{"_163":19503,"_165":19504},"I prefer the northern set-up to the more established League of Ireland version. The commentary on LOI TV is provided by volunteers from the home club — its partisan nature can grate.",[],{"_163":19506,"_165":19507},"It’s a little rough around the edges, but I enjoyed skipping between the games.",[],{"_163":19509,"_165":19510},"With all six Premiership games available to stream live on NIFL TV, Saturday provided a glimpse into the future of sports broadcasting in Northern Ireland.",[],"The Big Two clash between Linfield and Glentoran was one of six games available for streaming ",{"_81":19513,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":19514,"_213":19511,"_223":19515,"_106":19516,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":19517,"_218":88,"_232":19516,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5gnodq-ld-v-glentoran-0060.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/ld%20v%20Glentoran%200060.jpg",[19518],"ld%20v%20Glentoran%200060.jpg","160147252","Pacemaker Press 15826\nLinfield v Glentoran Boyle Sports Premiership\n/Glentoran's Marcus Kane battles with Linfield's Ethan McGee during today's game at the National Stadium, Belfast. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},"colm.heaney@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Heaney","Colm",{"_163":19523,"_165":19524},"Saturday’s six-game stream a look into the Irish League’s future",[],{"_163":19526,"_165":19527},"But if anyone from Europe has the mentality to break that stranglehold, it’s Hunt.",[],{"_163":19529,"_165":19530},"It will be difficult for Hunt, however, to translate her European golden streak into title success at world level. Sprinting is still dominated by the Americans and Jamaicans.",[],{"_163":19532,"_165":19533},"Some see Hunt as arrogant, but I enjoyed her ‘are you not entertained?’ bravado. I’d rather have a sports star with an ‘iconic’ attitude than another dull, media-trained cliché merchant.",[],"Amy Hunt captured four gold medals at the European Championships",{"_81":19536,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":19537,"_213":19534,"_223":19538,"_106":19539,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":19540,"_218":88,"_232":19539,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wetca7-european-athletics-championships-2026-day-seven-sunday-august-16th/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/119ad34e-2de7-4ffd-9ded-8d3e632cdb53",[],"119ad34e-2de7-4ffd-9ded-8d3e632cdb53","160138272","Great Britain’s Amy Hunt of Great Britain celebrates winning their Mixed 4x100m Relay final on day seven of the 2026 European Athletics Championship at Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. Picture date: Sunday August 16, 2026.",{"_163":19542,"_165":19543},"The star of the show in Birmingham was Great Britain’s Amy Hunt, who won four sprint golds.",[],{"_163":19545,"_165":19546},"Both aged 25, the two women are set to form a titanic rivalry that will straddle next year’s Worlds in China and the LA Olympica in 2028.",[],{"_163":19548,"_165":19549},"The Dundalk-based athlete certainly has everything it takes to reach the pinnacle of her sport, although she faces a tough challenge from American Anna Hall, who is ranked No.1 and won the world title in Tokyo last year.",[],{"_163":19551,"_165":19552},"O’Connor’s father Michael believes there is more to come, and that a world or Olympic title is not out of his daughter’s reach.",[],{"_163":19554,"_165":19555},"The Newry-born athlete completed her golden summer by adding the European heptathlon title in Birmingham on Saturday to the Commonwealth title she won in Glasgow earlier this month.",[],{"_163":19557,"_165":19558},"Kate O’Connor is surely a shoo-in for all major end-of-year Northern Irish and Irish sports awards, which is some achievement when you consider Rory McIlroy won The Masters this year.",[],"Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire","Kate O'Connor added European Championship gold to her Commonwealth Games title earlier in the summer",{"_81":19562,"_212":19559,"_220":395,"_97":19563,"_213":19560,"_223":19564,"_106":19565,"_226":227,"_228":19559,"_230":19566,"_218":88,"_232":19565,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tw6dlp-eeed203e-9a82-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/eeed203e-9a82-.jpg",[19567],"eeed203e-9a82-.jpg","160076635","Kate O'Connor of Ireland reacts after finishing third in the Women's Heptathlon 200m Heat 2 on day five of the 2026 European Athletics Championship at Perry Barr's Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. \n\nPicture date: Friday August 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire.\n\nRESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.",{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},"keith.bailie@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Bailie","Keith",{"_163":19572,"_165":19573},"Kate O’Connor and Amy Hunt stole the show in Birmingham... but massive tests await",[],{"_163":19575,"_165":19576},"As David Healy said, we all need to be ‘careful with our words and with our tone’.",[],{"_163":19578,"_165":19579},"Somewhere along the line, we have lost the ability to criticise someone’s work without becoming personally abusive. That can have horrendous consequences, as recent events across the water have underlined.",[],{"_163":19581,"_165":19582},"In fairness, it’s a societal issue rather than strictly a football matter.",[],{"_163":19584,"_165":19585},"Healy deserves credit for tackling this topic head-on.",[],{"_163":19587,"_165":19588},"There is a strange dichotomy within modern football where we publicly talk about the importance of men’s mental health one day, and then privately turn a blind eye to vicious personal abuse the next.",[],{"_163":19594,"_165":19595},{"_163":88,"_165":19593},{"_163":88,"_165":19592},[],[],"There is a strange dichotomy within modern football where we publicly talk about the importance of men’s mental health one day, and then privately turn a blind eye to vicious personal abuse the next",[],{"_163":19597,"_165":19598},"But we shouldn’t expect those on the field of play to just shrug off abuse without reply when it does come their way.",[],{"_163":19600,"_165":19601},"Incidents like the ones above are increasingly rare and do not reflect the vast majority of football fans.",[],{"_163":19603,"_165":19604},"And players. I witnessed one spectator vault a small fence at a Championship game last season, in an ill-advised attempt to physically confront a footballer following a particularly turbulent match.",[],{"_163":19606,"_165":19607},"It’s not just managers. Referees get some dreadful abuse. Just last year, Ian McNabb reported that he and a colleague were ‘in fear of immediate violence’ after they were confronted by fans in a car park following a top-flight fixture.",[],{"_163":19609,"_165":19610},"There are even managers who have heard the tragic death of a loved one mocked from the terraces.",[],{"_163":19612,"_165":19613},"Some have had to sneak out of grounds with angry fans waiting for them outside. Others have had their cars vandalised while they’ve watched their children play football.",[],{"_163":19615,"_165":19616},"Some managers will recall occasions when family members have been subjected to nasty comments. Others have been confronted in the street while going about their daily business.",[],{"_163":19618,"_165":19619},"Most experienced Irish League bosses will have a horror story or two up their sleeve.",[],{"_163":19621,"_165":19622},"Managers often bear the brunt of it. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen an Irish League coach being guldered at from close quarters by a furious spectator.",[],{"_163":19624,"_165":19625},"But it’s also true that there is a minority of supporters who take it too far and become deeply personal or overly aggressive.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":19627,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":19628,"_106":19629,"_368":369,"_370":19630,"_232":19631,"_233":92},"z7ItN5QZYW4k","02:58:00","2008818","2:58","160078839",{"_163":19633,"_165":19634},"And I think most within football accept that a bit of criticism from the stands, the press and on social media is part of the game.",[],{"_163":19636,"_165":19637},"We all do it. In fact, dishing out a bit of qualified and (hopefully) well-reasoned criticism is part of my job.",[],{"_163":19639,"_165":19640},"There’s nothing wrong with occasionally criticising a referee’s decision, a striker’s miss or a manager’s substitutions.",[],{"_163":19642,"_165":19643},"And one of Irish League football’s selling points is its raw passion. No one wants to see that diluted.",[],{"_163":19645,"_165":19646},"Let’s get it straight from the outset. The vast majority of Irish League fans are brilliant. They actively choose to support a community club when it is so much easier to spend your Saturday afternoon in front of the television.",[],{"_163":19648,"_165":19649},"But I think the Linfield manager has opened up an important discussion about supporter behaviour that others are often scared to tackle for fear of further blowback.",[],{"_163":19651,"_165":19652},"I know some Blues supporters feel that Healy spoiled a good day with his explosive interview, which entirely overshadowed their hard-earned 2-1 victory over Glentoran.",[],{"_163":19654,"_165":19655},"It was a raw and emotionally devastating response from Healy, who labelled the actions of some Linfield supporters as ‘nothing short of disgraceful’.",[],{"_163":19657,"_165":19658},"With a prepared script in hand, Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer lambasted Linfield supporters for the ‘hate that was vented’ in his and his players’ direction following the opening-day loss to Ballymena United.",[],{"_163":19660,"_165":19661},"David Healy delivered one of the most acerbic press conferences in Irish League history on Saturday evening.",[],"Linfield manager David Healy",{"_81":19664,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":19665,"_213":19662,"_223":19666,"_106":19667,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":19667,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/jtxrzq-bailie--keith.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Bailie__Keith.jpg",[19668],"Bailie__Keith.jpg","160152128",{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_163":19426,"_165":19670},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19681,"_106":19682,"_253":10,"_254":19683},{"_250":19679,"_106":19680,"_253":10,"_254":9322},{"_250":19676,"_106":19677,"_253":10,"_254":19678},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"regional_south-belfast_sport","4392","South Belfast Sport","sport_columnists","4330","sport_athletics","4291","Athletics",{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_240":19570},{"_81":19686,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":19687,"_213":19662,"_223":19666,"_106":19667,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":19667,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/jtxrzq-bailie--keith.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Bailie__Keith.jpg",[19688],{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":1998,"_106":1999,"_275":2000,"_276":280},{"_250":19696,"_106":19697,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19693,"_106":19694,"_275":19695,"_276":280},"Kate O'Connor","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:kate-oconnor","Kate O'Connor is a Newry-born athletics star","David Healy","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:david-healy","Irish League: David Healy's Linfield press conference","David Healy’s explosive Linfield rant sparks a wider debate on abusive fan behaviour, mental health and NIFL TV’s future in Irish League football. Read more.",195066665,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/whether-james-mcclean-ever-plays-for-derry-city-again-will-depend-on-a-number-of-factors/a/160017102.html",[19907],"Whether James McClean ever plays for Derry City again will depend on a number of factors",{"_264":19903,"_266":19878,"_267":19705},[19902],[19901],"160017102",{},[],"2026-08-14T08:00:00Z","2026-08-14T05:16:18Z",[19717,19718,19719,19720,19721,19722,19723,19724,19725,19726,19727,19728,19729,19730,19731,19732,19733,19734,19735,19736,19737,19738,19739,19740,19741,19742,19743,19744,19745,19746,19747,19748,19749,19750,19751],{"_140":10,"_141":19716,"_143":10},"d5bcc0d4-979e-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":19899,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19829,"_213":19888,"_215":19889,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":19877,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":19874,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":19871,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":342,"_586":19864,"_588":19865,"_590":-5,"_592":19866,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":19861,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":19855,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":19852,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":19848,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":19845,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":19842,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":19838,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":694,"_212":19829,"_213":19830,"_215":19831,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":19826,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":19823,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":19820,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":19817,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":19814,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":19811,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":19808,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":19805,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":19802,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":650,"_212":19790,"_213":19791,"_215":19792,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":19787,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":19781,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":19777,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":19774,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":19771,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":19768,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":19765,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":19762,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":19758,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":19755,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":19752,"_161":162},{"_163":19753,"_165":19754},"But whether McClean is part of the future or in their past, Derry City FC have bigger and deeper matters to deal with before thinking that a trophy win can heal all ills.",[],{"_163":19756,"_165":19757},"Getting past UCD and onto the FAI Cup final would temporarily lift the clouds and ease the pressure. ",[],{"_163":19759,"_165":19760},"Even the job spec for the head of player recruitment job, on a salary of £60,000 advertised in May, was confusing, even derided.",[19761],{"_85":1065,"_157":1356,"_194":698,"_196":-5},{"_163":19763,"_165":19764},"Derry have so much potential and access to unlimited funds from their billionaire owner Philip O’Doherty but have nowhere near the structures in place at the likes of Shamrock Rovers. ",[],{"_163":19766,"_165":19767},"The saga has exposed deeper issues at Derry. Player recruitment for the last two years had been shoddy, no real pattern or plan: only four of the XI who started the season with a win over Sligo Rovers played in last week’s win over the same opposition.",[],{"_163":19769,"_165":19770},"He also has his pride and if Derry push for divorce, he may not want to hang up the boots but prove a point elsewhere.",[],{"_163":19772,"_165":19773},"James has told confidants that he wants to play for the club again and does not want to line out for another club, so the separation is fixable. ",[],{"_163":19775,"_165":19776},"Decisions beyond the field of play will dictate what happens next, to Derry City FC and McClean. With his brother Patrick in the City team there’s an even bigger need to calm the storm and heal the rift that surely has affected the dressing room. ",[],{"_163":19778,"_165":19779},"That would reduce the need for speed in hiring a manager/head coach to replace Lynch.",[19780],{"_85":1065,"_157":493,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":19782,"_165":19783},"But lose in Belfield — and that’s very possible as UCD’s Donegal-born boss Willie O’Connor has a young side who are high on confidence and capable of scoring wonder goals as they showed in ahaving recently dismissed Cork City 5-2 — and the season’s over. ",[19784,19785],{"_85":1065,"_157":493,"_194":568,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":19786,"_194":497,"_196":-5},135,{"_163":19788,"_165":19789},"If Derry get past UCD, an FAI Cup without the already-dismissed Shelbourne and one of St Pat’s or Shamrock Rovers ousted, is winnable. And with it comes a lucrative return to the Europa League where Derry disappointed this season. ",[],"Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile","Derry City’s James McClean arrives for the UEFA Conference League qualifier with HNK Rijeka at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium ",{"_81":19793,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":19794,"_213":19791,"_223":19795,"_106":19796,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19797,"_218":88,"_232":19796,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/do4p56-3527291.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3527291.jpg",[19798],"3527291.jpg","159999398","30 July 2026; James McClean of Derry City arrives for the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round second leg match between Derry City and HNK Rijeka at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},"barry.lennon@independent.ie","Lennon","Barry",{"_163":19803,"_165":19804},"The recruitment process is in train but should Derry lose to UCD in the Cup on Friday, things could slow down, as a defeat would end their season by effectively closing off the last route to Europe. ",[],{"_163":19806,"_165":19807},"In the background is the fact that Derry City do not have a manager. ",[],{"_163":19809,"_165":19810},"But given that McClean played for City less than a month ago and has this week flooded his social media feed with videos of himself going through intense work in the gym, it’s hard to see that being the outcome.",[],{"_163":19812,"_165":19813},"If the medical expert deems that he is incapable of playing they can report that back. ",[],{"_163":19815,"_165":19816},"That call will be made next week when McClean is assessed by a doctor independent of both parties. ",[],{"_163":19818,"_165":19819},"The club — who have yet to comment on the McClean saga — remain of the belief that the 37-year-old is not physically fit to fulfil his duties, hence their move to sack him on that basis, a view that McClean disputes. ",[],{"_163":19821,"_165":19822},"Whether McClean plays for the club again depends on a number of factors. ",[],{"_163":19824,"_165":19825},"We’ve come to know the notion of burying bad news and Derry certainly tried to bury the McClean saga as the week dragged on. Plonked in the middle of their standard team bulletin ahead of the UCD, with team news that mentioned seven players was the brief line that “James McClean has been managing a chronic hip injury since his return which has limited his game time”.",[],{"_163":19827,"_165":19828},"We know he claims to be available for Friday’s FAI Cup tie away to UCD. We just don’t know if he will be in the squad selected by caretaker manager Mark Connolly (taking on the interim role as well as his director of football role which he only began in June) or even on the bus to Dublin.",[],"Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile","James McClean, left, signs the shirt of brother Patrick, during a Derry City open training session ",{"_81":19832,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":19833,"_213":19830,"_223":19834,"_106":19835,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19836,"_218":88,"_232":19835,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/tc069n-sports3536069.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3536069.jpg",[19837],"Sports3536069.jpg","159999026","11 August 2026; James McClean, left, signs the shirt of brother Patrick, during a Derry City open training session at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_163":19839,"_165":19840},"By Wednesday, after that frenzy of media attention on Derry’s training, the Irish Independent also revealed that the club had withdrawn their letter of contract termination so McClean was in the clear, for now at least. ",[19841],{"_85":2073,"_157":2418,"_194":681,"_196":-5},{"_163":19843,"_165":19844},"McClean’s presence, demeanour and his comments about his club while on punditry duty during the World Cup did no favours to anyone: Derry City, then manager Tiernan Lynch or McClean himself.",[],{"_163":19846,"_165":19847},"Not, we learned, because of McClean’s social media posts and RTÉ TV appearance which were misjudged, as even his defenders will concede. ",[],{"_163":19849,"_165":19850},"That came after it was revealed in the Irish Independent on Monday that McClean’s club had made a move to terminate his contract — sack him, in other words — with two years left to run on that deal. ",[19851],{"_85":2073,"_157":572,"_194":681,"_196":-5},{"_163":19853,"_165":19854},"Talking heads, some of whom have never been to Derry or even watched Derry City play, never mind having seen McClean play for the club this season, couldn’t resist the draw of a microphone and took to podcasts to give their (lack of) insight.",[],{"_163":19856,"_165":19857},"It was a media frenzy rarely seen in theoften-ignored League of Ireland as cameras from the BBC and UTV, stations who haven’t shown a Derry game live in years, scrambled for footageusually attached the likes of Premier League players storming out of training. ",[19858,19859],{"_85":1065,"_157":568,"_194":158,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":19860,"_194":7406,"_196":-5},181,{"_163":19862,"_165":19863},"Camera crews, photographers and reporters gathered at the Brandywell on Tuesday morning, as James McClean — who has clearly replaced Damien Duff as the most talked-about figure in the League of Ireland — drove his jeep into training.",[],{"_163":19869,"_165":19870},{"_163":88,"_165":19868},{"_163":88,"_165":19867},[],[],"‘That call will be made next week when McClean is assessed by a doctor independent of both parties.’",[],{"_163":19872,"_165":19873},"But the country poked its nose into the business of Derry City FC for a few days this week. ",[],{"_163":19875,"_165":19876},"Some say that Derry is a village masquerading as a city, given that everyone knows everyone’s business. ",[],{"_163":19878,"_165":19879},"The noise of the bus door closing and the driver indicating to pull out of the car park to head south onto the A5/N2 will be welcome sounds to the ears of a brittle Derry City camp on Friday when they travel plot a course to Dublin to play an FAI Cup tie after an eventful week. that is laced with potential and peril in equal measures",[19880,19881,19882,19883],{"_85":1065,"_157":19887,"_194":694,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":19886,"_194":167,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":19885,"_194":158,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":19884,"_194":493,"_196":-5},279,208,143,102,"James McClean leaves after a Derry City open training session at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry on Tuesday. ",{"_81":19890,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":19891,"_213":19888,"_223":19892,"_106":19893,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19894,"_218":88,"_232":19893,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/fvs0wv-sports3536083.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3536083.jpg",[19895],"Sports3536083.jpg","159983348","11 August 2026; James McClean leaves after a Derry City open training session at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19896,"_237":19897,"_239":19896,"_240":19898},"joe.davitt@independent.ie","Davitt","Joe",{"_163":19705,"_165":19900},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_235":19409,"_237":19410,"_240":19411},{"_81":19904,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":19905,"_213":19888,"_223":19892,"_106":19893,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19894,"_218":88,"_232":19893,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/fvs0wv-sports3536083.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3536083.jpg",[19906],{"_235":19896,"_237":19897,"_239":19896,"_240":19898},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},194609599,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/james-mcclean-claims-victory-in-derry-city-dispute-as-club-withdraws-letter-sacking-republic-of-ireland-veteran/a/159948623.html",[19994,19995],"James McClean claims victory in Derry City dispute as club withdraws letter sacking Republic of Ireland veteran",{"_264":19990,"_266":19966,"_267":19913},[19989],[19980,19981,19982,19983,19984,19985],"159948623",{},[],"2026-08-12T15:45:00Z","2026-08-12T15:49:11Z",[19925,19926,19927,19928,19929,19930,19931,19932,19933,19934,19935,19936,19937],{"_140":10,"_141":19924,"_143":10},"dafb8ad5-9664-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":19978,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19829,"_213":19968,"_215":19969,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":19965,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":19962,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":187,"_106":19961,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":19961,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":19958,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":19955,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":19951,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":19948,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":19945,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":19942,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":19939,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":698,"_106":19938,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":19938,"_233":92},"159865541",{"_163":19940,"_165":19941},"Derry have backtracked on their plan to essentially sack McClean and have since agreed to abide by a process where McClean will be assessed by a doctor, independent of both parties, to determine his fitness.",[],{"_163":19943,"_165":19944},"Derry could make a move to offer McClean a pay-off to finish his contract and walk away, but clear-the-air talks with a new manager could open the door to a first-team return.",[],{"_163":19946,"_165":19947},"The long-term manager who succeeds Tiernan Lynch, who is yet to be appointed, may ultimately have the final say on McClean’s club future.",[],{"_163":19949,"_165":19950},"It’s understood that McClean insists he’s fit to play and is available for their next game, an FAI Cup tie away to UCD on Friday, but it remains to be seen if caretaker manager Mark Connolly will add McClean to the squad for that test. ",[],{"_163":19952,"_165":19953},"Today, the Belfast Telegraph learned that the club have has withdrawn the notice of contract termination issued to McClean, while the veteran took a full part in a training session with his teammates, including brother Patrick, on Wednesday.",[19954],{"_85":1065,"_157":513,"_194":202,"_196":-5},{"_163":19956,"_165":19957},"Apart from a one-word reply by McClean to a question from a camera crew as to whether he was still a Derry City player, neither party has made a comment.",[],{"_163":19959,"_165":19960},"The former Republic of Ireland international attended an open training session at the club’s Brandywell home on Tuesday morning, the day after the news broke, with a backdrop of huge media interest as McClean posed for photos with fans.",[],"159854703",{"_163":19963,"_165":19964},"McClean (37) and Derry City FC became the subject of intense focus when it emerged on Monday that the club informed the player it would end his contract, which still had two years to run, due to what the League of Ireland Premier Division club claimed was McClean’s physical state and inability to play or train.",[],{"_163":19966,"_165":19967},"James McClean has won the first round of his battle with Derry City after the club today withdrew its threat to terminate his contract.",[],"James McClean during yesterday’s Derry City open training session at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium",{"_81":19970,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":19971,"_213":19968,"_223":19972,"_106":19973,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19974,"_218":88,"_232":19973,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/hrekwz-3536068.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/3536068.jpg",[19975],"3536068.jpg","159946338","11 August 2026; James McClean during a Derry City open training session at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19976,"_237":19023,"_239":19976,"_240":19977},"stephen.bennett@independent.ie","Stephen",{"_163":19913,"_165":19979},[],{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":386,"_106":387,"_253":10,"_254":388},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"regional_derry-londonderry-city_sport","5776","Derry ~ Londonderry (City) Sport",{"_235":19409,"_237":19410,"_240":19411},{"_81":19991,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":19992,"_213":19968,"_223":19972,"_106":19973,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19974,"_218":88,"_232":19973,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/hrekwz-3536068.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3536068.jpg",[19993],{"_235":19976,"_237":19023,"_239":19976,"_240":19977},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},194346473,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/step-aside-derry-girls-as-derry-city-boys-provide-slapstick-worthy-of-lisa-mcgees-classic-comedy/a/159908141.html",[20284,20285],"Step aside Derry Girls as Derry City boys provide slapstick worthy of Lisa McGee’s classic 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as farce.",[],{"_163":20074,"_165":20075},"The mutual adoration of a town loved so well now turning toxic in a Derry City FC where there seems there is no love left at all.",[],{"_163":20077,"_165":20078},"Ultimately, it is a sorrowful tale whatever one’s allegiance. ",[],{"_163":20080,"_165":20081},"One that is continuing to be told as farce. ",[],{"_163":20083,"_165":20084},"From the scene of a remarkable football story catalysed by screen legends known for their romantic comedies, it sparked a poignant image of a slowly unfurling sporting tragedy.",[],{"_163":20086,"_165":20087},"And so, as Derry beat Sligo last weekend, McClean, breaking one of multiple self-imposed social media bans, posted an image of himself watching his previous club, Wrexham, on TV.",[],{"_163":20089,"_165":20090},"When Lynch belatedly paid for poor results with his job, McClean was also deemed surplus to immediate playing requirements by the hastily installed temporary successor, Connolly.",[],"James McClean wearing his ‘Joker’ cap before the recent Uefa Conference League clash ",{"_81":20093,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":20094,"_213":20091,"_223":19795,"_106":20095,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":19797,"_218":88,"_232":20095,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/vgavm1-derry-city-v-hnk-rijeka-uefa-conference-league-second-qualifying-round-2nd-leg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3527291.jpg",[20097],"159463660","Sportsfile",{"_235":20098,"_237":20099,"_239":20098,"_240":20100},"sean.oconnor@independent.ie","O'Connor","Sean",{"_163":20102,"_165":20103},"“If you don’t like it, then you’ll excuse me for not caring about your opinion, given that 99.9% that have a lot to say have never played a professional game in their lives.”",[],{"_163":20105,"_165":20106},"“Given [I] am around it every day and have the CV to give my opinion, I think I’ll give it whether anyone likes it or not.",[],{"_163":20108,"_165":20109},"“If you watch the games,” he declared via Instagram, “the lads aren’t losing these games based on lack of effort. So clearly there is an issue somewhere.",[],{"_163":20111,"_165":20112},"Later, he was left out of the squad for a European tie but posed for pictures wearing a cap that simply said, “Joker.” ",[],"Getty Images for BAFTA","The Derry Girls team and writer Lisa McGee ahead of the 2023 Bafta Television Awards in London ",{"_81":20116,"_212":20113,"_220":395,"_97":20117,"_213":20114,"_223":20118,"_106":20119,"_226":227,"_228":20113,"_230":20120,"_218":88,"_232":20119,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/yp6vk8-gettyimages-1490134510.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages_1490134510.jpg",[20121],"GettyImages_1490134510.jpg","159900334","LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Jamie Lee O’Donnell, Kathy Kiera Clarke and Art Campion, Lisa McGee with the award for Scripted Comedy Award for 'Derry Girls' and Siobhan McSweeney with her award for Female Performance in a Comedy Programme Award for \"Derry Girls\" during the 2023 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shane Anthony Sinclair/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)",{"_235":20122,"_237":20123,"_239":20122,"_240":20124},"noel.twomey@independent.ie","Twomey","Noel",{"_163":20126,"_165":20127},"In tune with his city’s musical lineage, the man who first got his teenage kicks with the club back in 2008 blasted blistering Undertones on one RTÉ appearance when he intimated that his expectations on re-signing were far from what he was experiencing at the time.",[],{"_163":20129,"_165":20130},"Incredibly, for a club of their historic stature and contemporary financial backing, they have not managed to do so since Peter Hutton lifted the trophy in 1997. ",[],{"_163":20132,"_165":20133},"After years of spectacularly finding different ways of falling short in the title race, the portents seemed promising until they somehow navigated another way of falling short of the title race.",[],{"_163":20135,"_165":20136},"It had all started so well with a key contribution to Derry’s President’s Cup win against Shamrock Rovers in a pre-season joust.",[],{"_163":20138,"_165":20139},"And, for those who may have missed his decision to quit Ryan Reynolds’ Hollywood love story in Wrexham for a return to Derry – a Rom-Com without the Rom we now presume – hundreds of thousands of TV viewers were suddenly enraptured by the prodigal son’s prodigious reversal of fortunes.",[20140],{"_85":1065,"_157":20141,"_194":171,"_196":-5},253,{"_163":20143,"_165":20144},"Regardless of one’s opinions on McClean the footballer or, indeed, his stout defiance of England’s maniacal insistence that every one of their residents pin a poppy to their lapel, he remains one of Irish sport’s most compelling figures.",[],{"_163":20146,"_165":20147},"For although this may seem like a merely off-Broadway spat in an oft-neglected corner of Irish sport, RTÉ’s World Cup coverage this summer propelled the provincial squabbles into the national consciousness.",[],{"_163":20149,"_165":20150},"As for material, the possibilities are endless for they have been publicly aired all summer.",[],{"_163":20152,"_165":20153},"Collins would be perfectly played by Ian McElhinney’s wonderfully caustic cynic, Grandpa Joe.",[],{"_163":20155,"_165":20156},"He said to himself – and many thousands more on a podcast – that this affair would never really go so well and really got under McClean’s skin, labelling a player with “no football IQ” the “worst signing” the club ever made.",[20157],{"_85":1065,"_157":15711,"_194":342,"_196":-5},{"_163":20159,"_165":20160},"The larger-than-life former League of Ireland manager, and brother of former world middleweight champ Steve, has played a striking cameo.",[],{"_163":20162,"_165":20163},"And not forgetting Roddy Collins.",[],{"_163":20165,"_165":20166},"Or, perhaps, McClean’s own brother Patrick might be a better fit – he is after all related to the principal character.",[],{"_163":20168,"_165":20169},"The outsider James – “the wee English fella” – could be played by any of Derry’s clutch of imported players, mostly embedded in the group but occasionally wondering quite how they got here.",[],{"_163":20171,"_165":20172},"Nicola Coughlan’s role as Claire might match that of accidentally accelerated interim boss Mark Connolly in the loyal efforts to inject serious levity into a situation that is cartwheeling circus-like out of control.",[],{"_163":20174,"_165":20175},"Perhaps there is something of Louisa Harland’s Orla in now-departed boss Tiernan Lynch in the delusional conviction that there would be absolutely no unforeseen difficulties with managing the return repatriation of a homecoming hero.",[20176,20177],{"_85":1065,"_157":20179,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":20178,"_194":158,"_196":-5},199,94,{"_163":20181,"_165":20182},"Who else could we have mirroring Jamie-Lee O’Donnell’s Michelle other than James McClean himself? Scabrously witty, non-conforming and ebulliently confident in their own ability and skilled at putting in with an ability to put in a crunching tackle.",[20183],{"_85":1065,"_157":20184,"_194":646,"_196":-5},204,{"_163":20186,"_165":20187},"Megabucks owner Philip O’Doherty, for starters, seems akin to Siobhán McSweeney’s Sister Michael, desperately trying to place some order on an increasingly anarchic institution.",[],{"_163":20189,"_165":20190},"Indeed, some of them eerily echo her most famous creations.",[],{"_163":20192,"_165":20193},"After all, she will have a ready-made cast of characters supplied before she attempts to develop a script already laden down with laugh-a-minute material.",[],{"_163":20195,"_165":20196},"Perhaps McGee might be minded to pen a sporting sequel? ",[],{"_163":20198,"_165":20199},"Funnily enough, the character’s name was also called James, who was being asked rather promptly to move along rather hurriedly in that particular scene.",[20200],{"_85":1065,"_157":20201,"_194":694,"_196":-5},80,{"_163":20203,"_165":20204},"You couldn’t write it. Well, McGee might be able to. After all, she had briefly linked the club to her award-winning series when decking out one of her characters with the famous Candystriped shirt.",[],{"_163":20206,"_165":20207},"It was as if Banquo’s ghost had turned up at the feast and asked Macbeth to be a good man and pass the salt. ",[],"James McClean was the centre of attention during a Derry City open training session earlier today",{"_81":20210,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":20211,"_213":20208,"_223":20212,"_106":20213,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":19974,"_218":88,"_232":20213,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/p42s3r-sports3536079.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3536079.jpg",[20214],"Sports3536079.jpg","159899923",{"_235":20122,"_237":20123,"_239":20122,"_240":20124},{"_163":20216,"_165":20217},"So there he was today yesterday at a long-planned open training session among the bosom of autograph-hunting youngsters as if there wasn’t a care in anyone’s world.",[20218],{"_85":1065,"_157":661,"_194":175,"_196":-5},{"_163":20220,"_165":20221},"McClean has revealed before that he had been given advice to retire due to a persistent injury but he subsequently shared a positive update following an appointment with a specialist.",[],{"_163":20223,"_165":20224},"However, this is contingent upon an independent evaluation by a doctor approved by both club and the player, of which there has been none provided as yet.",[],{"_163":20226,"_165":20227},"A clause in a League of Ireland contract does permit a club to terminate a player’s contract with six months’ pay if the player “suffers permanent incapacity”. ",[],{"_163":20229,"_165":20230},"They are allegedly claiming he has been incapacitated by a hip injury but the 37-year-old former international, who has a contract until 2028, disputes this. ",[],{"_163":20232,"_165":20233},"As reported here this week, the Irish Independent understands the club informed McClean, who rejoined his hometown club at the start of the season after a long spell in BritainEngland, that they were ending his contract which had two years left to run.",[20234,20235],{"_85":2073,"_157":618,"_194":677,"_196":-5},{"_85":1065,"_157":20236,"_194":342,"_196":-5},176,{"_163":20238,"_165":20239},"And the drama – or comedy – may have a few more chapters to be added.",[],{"_163":20241,"_165":20242},"The entire episode has cast this proud institution as a laughing stock and at the same time is also very sad. ",[],{"_163":20244,"_165":20245},"As Con Houlihan once memorably opined from a Mulligan’s bar stool as a supposedly departing Irish Press man strode up to the counter, “Forgotten, but not gone.”",[20246],{"_85":2073,"_157":20247,"_194":167,"_196":-5},92,{"_163":20249,"_165":20250},"James McClean’s social media depiction as the sporting equivalent of Enoch Burke – turning up at a workplace when it has been made clear by your bosses that you’re not wanted – has spawned multiple memes.",[],{"_163":20252,"_165":20253},"While the creator of Derry Girls is currently developing her next project Stateside, the comedy fires in her home city are burning brightly thanks to the Derry Boys.",[20254],{"_85":2073,"_157":665,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":20256,"_165":20257},"Derry’s City’s comedy legacy remains in safe hands even if those running Derry City FC have a less-than-certain grip on a soap opera that has developed into slapstick sitcom.",[20258],{"_85":1065,"_157":183,"_194":342,"_196":-5},{"_163":20260,"_165":20261},"Step aside Lisa McGee. ",[],"Derry City’s James McClean signs autographs for fans at the Brandywell on Tuesday during an open training session as part of the Gasyard Feile",{"_81":20264,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20265,"_213":20262,"_223":20266,"_106":20267,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":20268,"_218":88,"_232":20267,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fsukyv-jamesmcclean1108268.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/JamesMcClean1108268.jpg",[20269],"JamesMcClean1108268.jpg","159908180","Derry City’s James McClean signs autographs for fans at the Brandywell on Tuesday during an open training session as part of the Gasyard Feile. Picture Martin McKeown. 11.08.26",{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_163":20001,"_165":20271},[20272],{"_85":2073,"_157":171,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":386,"_106":387,"_253":10,"_254":388},{"_235":20278,"_237":20279,"_240":6763},"david.kelly@independent.ie","Kelly",{"_81":20281,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20282,"_213":20262,"_223":20266,"_106":20267,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":20268,"_218":88,"_232":20267,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/fsukyv-jamesmcclean1108268.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/JamesMcClean1108268.jpg",[20283],{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},194308224,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":20464,"_283":8,"_275":20465,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/james-mcclean-still-the-star-attraction-for-young-fans-as-speculation-swirls-over-his-future-at-derry-city/a/159865541.html",[20462,20463],"James McClean still the star attraction for young fans as speculation swirls over his future at Derry City",{"_264":20457,"_266":20445,"_267":20291},[20456],[20450,20451,20452,20453,20454,20455],{},[],"2026-08-11T17:09:00Z","2026-08-11T17:09:47Z",[20302,20303,20304,20305,20306,20307,20308,20309,20310,20311,20312,20313,20314,20315,20316,20317,20318,20319,20320,20321,20322,20323,20324,20325,20326,20327,20328,20329,20330,20331,20332,20333,20334],{"_140":10,"_141":20301,"_143":10},"d463d553-955f-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":20448,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":20447,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":20444,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":20441,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":20438,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":20435,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":20432,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":20429,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":3321,"_213":20423,"_215":20424,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":20420,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":20417,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":20414,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":698,"_356":20408,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":20405,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":20402,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":20399,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":3321,"_213":20391,"_215":20392,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":20388,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":20385,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":20382,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":20379,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":657,"_212":3321,"_213":20371,"_215":20372,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":20368,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":20365,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":20362,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":20359,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":633,"_212":3321,"_213":20351,"_215":20352,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":20348,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":20345,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":20342,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":20339,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":20336,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":20335,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":20335,"_233":92},"159803143",{"_163":20337,"_165":20338},"“He has come all the way home. I don’t know what he did to annoy everybody. He’s going to sit up there, just keep it private and sort it out. It doesn’t need to be very public. It’s not fair on anybody. He was the golden boy of Derry for a long time and now he’s not.”",[],{"_163":20340,"_165":20341},"“I feel a bit bad for him,” Karen added.",[],{"_163":20343,"_165":20344},"She said Rory would be the man to say whether he wanted McClean to remain at the club. In response, Rory said: “Not really.”",[],{"_163":20346,"_165":20347},"Karen said she had read this morning that his contract might be terminated, but as he turned up today, she thought, “what drama am I walking into?”",[],{"_163":20349,"_165":20350},"Karen McEvoy took young football fan Rory Meenan to the training session.",[],"Karen McEvoy and Rory Meenan",{"_81":20353,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":20354,"_213":20351,"_223":20355,"_106":20356,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":20357,"_218":88,"_232":20356,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/9hfy4w-file874342057ua12tkmgbtf/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/McCleanVox5.jpg",[20358],"McCleanVox5.jpg","159892146","With story by Garrett Hargan James McClean Vox. 11.08.26\nKaren McEvoy and Rory Meehan",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":20360,"_165":20361},"Ava, who plays football, said she would like McClean to stay at the club because “if it’s his last year playing, I think I would like to see him play his last year at his home club”.",[],{"_163":20363,"_165":20364},"“But I don’t understand why it was made public; it should have been done behind closed doors and it should have been argued out there. Because everybody has a little bit of an argument at times.”",[],{"_163":20366,"_165":20367},"She said: “I don’t understand it. I know there was controversy between the manager and James McClean. There was stuff said on Facebook. Then there was a row and the next thing the manager has left.",[],{"_163":20369,"_165":20370},"Ann McFadden was taking young family members to the training session.",[],"Ann McFadden with Gracie, Luke and Ava ",{"_81":20373,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":20374,"_213":20371,"_223":20375,"_106":20376,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":20377,"_218":88,"_232":20376,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ns9pms-file8743440orls1h9ot0gz3/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/McCleanVox3.jpg",[20378],"McCleanVox3.jpg","159892040","With story by Garrett Hargan James McClean Vox. 11.08.26\n\nAnn McFadden wit Gracie, Luke and Ava\n\nKaren McEvoy\n\nRory Meehan ",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":20380,"_165":20381},"“But McClean deserves a chance to see out his contract.”",[],{"_163":20383,"_165":20384},"On whether he has a future with the Candystripes, John added: “He’s still good enough. In terms of the left side, Michael Duffy plays there too.",[],{"_163":20386,"_165":20387},"“He has always spoken up for Derry. I think he’s been harshly treated. Firstly, he’s been played out of position. He shouldn’t be playing in the midfield, he never played there. He was a left back and wing back.”",[],{"_163":20389,"_165":20390},"John Doherty said McClean “deserves more respect”.",[],"John Doherty",{"_81":20393,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":20394,"_213":20391,"_223":20395,"_106":20396,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":20397,"_218":88,"_232":20396,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lzdtxw-file874342joax31frv1ccco/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/McCleanVox2.jpg",[20398],"McCleanVox2.jpg","159891991","With story by Garrett Hargan James McClean Vox. 11.08.26\nJohn Doherty\n",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":20400,"_165":20401},"The Belfast Telegraph asked some fans for their views about McClean’s future.",[],{"_163":20403,"_165":20404},"Standing on Derry City’s new carpet-like surface, interim manager Mark Connolly greeted supporters, many of them young families, stressing the importance of such events to build bonds between club and community.",[],{"_163":20406,"_165":20407},"Derry City sacked manager Tiernan Lynch last week.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":20409,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":20410,"_106":20411,"_368":369,"_370":20412,"_232":20413,"_233":92},"p5YN2JDAP7SW","00:22:00","1993739","0:22","159878886",{"_163":20415,"_165":20416},"Inside, McClean was the star attraction among hundreds of young fans who had gathered for a special open training session as part of Féile Derry.",[],{"_163":20418,"_165":20419},"After a long wait outside, members of the press were told they could enter the grounds, but were not allowed to interview players.",[],{"_163":20421,"_165":20422},"As it happened, McClean arrived at the ground just before 10am. When asked by a journalist if he was still a Derry City player, McClean responded, “Clearly”, as he held his boots aloft.",[],"Derry City’s James McClean signs autographs for fans on August 11",{"_81":20425,"_212":3321,"_220":395,"_97":20426,"_213":20423,"_223":20266,"_106":20427,"_226":227,"_228":3321,"_230":20268,"_218":88,"_232":20427,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/13yzz1-file8742bwwyhja18pd301xsl/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/JamesMcClean1108268.jpg",[20428],"159892428",{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_239":1662,"_240":1664},{"_163":20430,"_165":20431},"On a sunny day at the Brandywell, speculation was rife about whether he would turn up for training, or perhaps be sent home.",[],{"_163":20433,"_165":20434},"McClean (37) has disputed that claim and said he intends to train this week ahead of a weekend FAI Cup tie away to UCD.",[],{"_163":20436,"_165":20437},"This was related to a claim that McClean, who has started just 12 league games this season, lacked the “physical capacity” to fulfil the terms of his contract and was essentially not fit to play or train.",[],{"_163":20439,"_165":20440},"The Belfast Telegraph understands Derry City informed McClean, who rejoined his hometown club at the start of the season after a long spell in England, that they were ending his contract, which had two years left to run.",[],{"_163":20442,"_165":20443},"He arrived at training, insisting he was “clearly” still a player with the club.",[],{"_163":20445,"_165":20446},"James McClean signed autographs and posed for photos with young fans at the Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday amid uncertainty about his future at Derry City.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":20409,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":20410,"_106":20411,"_368":369,"_370":20412,"_232":20413,"_233":92},{"_163":20291,"_165":20449},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":256,"_106":257,"_253":10,"_254":258},{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":10,"_254":19076},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":1662,"_237":1663,"_240":1664},{"_81":20458,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20459,"_213":88,"_223":20460,"_106":20461,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":20461,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ol9w9j-131.jpeg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/ab13a08e-e5fd-4eb4-9407-4447a4027a2e",[],"ab13a08e-e5fd-4eb4-9407-4447a4027a2e","159878876",{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},"James McClean Derry City contract row: Fans react to future","James McClean’s disputed Derry City contract sparks fan backlash and dressing-room drama at Brandywell",193855336,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":20581,"_283":8,"_275":20582,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/bangor-boss-expresses-his-delight-after-trio-sign-new-deals-it-shows-were-not-looking-to-stand-still/a/159808119.html",[20576,20577],"Bangor boss expresses his delight after trio sign new deals: ‘It shows we’re not looking to stand still’",{"_264":20572,"_266":20551,"_267":20471},[20571],[20564,20565,20566,20567],"159808119",{},[],"2026-08-10T08:00:00Z","2026-08-09T22:11:37Z",[20483,20484,20485,20486,20487,20488,20489,20490,20491,20492,20493,20494,20495,20496,20497,20498,20499,20500,20501],{"_140":10,"_141":20482,"_143":10},"737e4c41-942a-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":20562,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19239,"_213":20553,"_215":20554,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":20550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":20547,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":20544,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":20541,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":20538,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":20535,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":20532,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":20529,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":20526,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":20523,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":694,"_212":19288,"_213":20515,"_215":20516,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":20512,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":20509,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":20506,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":20503,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":20502,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":20502,"_233":92},"159801024",{"_163":20504,"_165":20505},"“He’s had a really good pre-season there and his mentality’s as good as any seasoned pro, he’s mature and he showed he’s got what it takes to play at the top level, and I think he’ll only get better the more he plays.” ",[],{"_163":20507,"_165":20508},"“And young Alfie, for me, there’s no one better at his age – he’s brilliant to work with, he’s got a really good attitude. ",[],{"_163":20510,"_165":20511},"“He’s a top pro, top attitude, and football’s been his life – he loves playing the game and he gives us a lot of quality down the right-hand side. ",[],{"_163":20513,"_165":20514},"“Hughesy has been a fantastic signing – he’s got real pedigree, he spent 10 years at Manchester United and came up through their Academy and he was at Leicester City as well, and you can see that with what he gives us on the pitch. ",[],"Bangor captain Lewis Harrison has agreed a new deal to remain at the club",{"_81":20517,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":20518,"_213":20515,"_223":20519,"_106":20520,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":20521,"_218":88,"_232":20520,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6m7wh7-119201154.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/119201154.JPG",[20522],"119201154.JPG","159808393","Pacemaker Press 15-11-25\nPortadown v Bangor - Sports Direct Premiership\nPortadown's James Teelan and Bangor's Lewis Harrison during today's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":20524,"_165":20525},"“He’s been a part of it since we were lower down the Leagues, he’s helped the club move up to where we are now and he’s been an important part of what we’ve been building, and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to stay on. ",[],{"_163":20527,"_165":20528},"“I’m delighted for Lewis – I think him and Ben Arthurs are the only two players left now who were signed before I came in, and I think it’s a reward for him for what he’s given to the club over the years. ",[],{"_163":20530,"_165":20531},"“It’s great for the players as well that they’re enjoying it here and they’re willing to commit. It’s great that they’re enjoying their football and that they want to be a part of it. ",[],{"_163":20533,"_165":20534},"“These new contracts show the direction the club is going in – it shows we’re not looking to stand still, we want to keep progressing,” Feeney told the club. ",[],{"_163":20536,"_165":20537},"Bangor native Mitchell linked up with his home town club at the start of last season and, at the age of just 17, rose in prominence to become a popular performer in the defensive line. ",[],{"_163":20539,"_165":20540},"Right-sided defender Hughes arrived during the January transfer window following a spell at Cobh Ramblers in the League of Ireland First Division and impressed during the second half of the campaign. ",[],{"_163":20542,"_165":20543},"Club captain Harrison has been a mainstay in the middle of the park since he was brought to Bangor by Hugh Sinclair from H&W Welders in January 2020. ",[],{"_163":20545,"_165":20546},"Midfielder Harrison and full-back Hughes have penned two-year deals, while teenage centre-back Mitchell has signed a three-year contract. ",[],{"_163":20548,"_165":20549},"The Seasiders trio have all agreed to extend their stay at Clandeboye Park. ",[],{"_163":20551,"_165":20552},"Bangor boss Lee Feeney has welcomed new deals for Lewis Harrison, Iestyn Hughes and Alfie Mitchell. ",[],"Bangor manager Lee Feeney has welcomed contract extensions for Lewis Harrison, Iestyn Hughes and Alfie Mitchell",{"_81":20555,"_212":19239,"_220":395,"_97":20556,"_213":20553,"_223":20557,"_106":20558,"_226":227,"_228":20559,"_230":20560,"_218":88,"_232":20558,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tzgo6n-122900630.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/122900630.JPG",[20561],"122900630.JPG","159808327","�INPHO/Presseye/JonathanPorter","Sports Direct Premiership, Clandeboye Park, Bangor, Co. Down 10/8/2025 \nBangor FC Vs Cliftonville FC\nBangor manager Lee Feeney\nMandatory Credit �JonathanPorter/INPHO/Presseye",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":20471,"_165":20563},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":20568,"_106":20569,"_253":10,"_254":20570},{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":10,"_254":19076},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"regional_down_sport","4407","County Down Sport",{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":20573,"_212":19239,"_220":395,"_97":20574,"_213":20553,"_223":20557,"_106":20558,"_226":227,"_228":20559,"_230":20560,"_218":88,"_232":20558,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tzgo6n-122900630.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/122900630.JPG",[20575],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":20578,"_106":20579,"_275":20580,"_276":280},"Bangor FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:bangor-fc","Bangor FC s a Northern Irish football club that was promoted back to Premiership in 2025. It won the Irish Cup in 1993.","Irish League: Bangor boss Lee Feeney expresses his delight after trio sign new deals","Seasiders chief delighted to see trio ink fresh terms to stay at Clandeboye Park",193809609,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":20809,"_283":8,"_275":20810,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/derry-city-great-on-why-he-expects-tiernan-lynch-to-lick-wounds-and-get-back-in-game-after-his-candystripes-departure/a/159803143.html",[20799,20800,20801,20802],"Derry City great on why he expects Tiernan Lynch to lick wounds and get back in game after his Candystripes departure",{"_264":20795,"_266":20775,"_267":20588},[20794],[20789,20790,20791,20792,20793],{},[],"2026-08-09T19:42:00Z","2026-08-09T19:37:51Z",[20599,20600,20601,20602,20603,20604,20605,20606,20607,20608,20609,20610,20611,20612,20613,20614,20615,20616,20617,20618,20619,20620,20621,20622,20623,20624,20625,20626,20627,20628,20629,20630,20631,20632,20633,20634,20635,20636,20637],{"_140":10,"_141":20598,"_143":10},"42ba3429-9411-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":20787,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":20777,"_213":20778,"_215":20779,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":20774,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":20771,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":20768,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":20765,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":20762,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":20759,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":20756,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":167,"_586":20742,"_588":20743,"_590":20744,"_592":20745,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":20739,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":20736,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":20733,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":20730,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":19790,"_213":20722,"_215":20723,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":20719,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":20716,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":20713,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":20710,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":20707,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":20704,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":20701,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":650,"_586":20684,"_588":20685,"_590":20686,"_592":20687,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":20681,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":20678,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":20675,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":20672,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":20669,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":20666,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":618,"_212":7409,"_213":20659,"_215":20660,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":20656,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":20653,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":20650,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":20647,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":20644,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":20641,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":20638,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":568,"_106":20502,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":20502,"_233":92},{"_163":20639,"_165":20640},"“Nobody is perfect, and it’s just important they put everything in order.”",[],{"_163":20642,"_165":20643},"“Lessons need to be learned for all involved. You never want to go back to those scenes. ",[],{"_163":20645,"_165":20646},"“It took on a life of its own,” said Hutton. “I think it was more embarrassment than anything else but, thankfully, they got it sorted and we could concentrate on football. ",[],{"_163":20648,"_165":20649},"The proposals were raised following Banbridge Town’s legal challenge after they were not included in the expanded 16-team Championship and were placed in the Conference League, a decision which the Irish FA’s Appeal Board ruled was “unlawful”. ",[],{"_163":20651,"_165":20652},"Should the EGM not have occurred or NIFL failed to gain 75 per cent of the votes, both the chance of the Premiership and Championship seasons starting on Friday would have been in doubt. ",[],{"_163":20654,"_165":20655},"NIFL stated: “The Board acknowledges the procedural error that brought us to this point. We are committed to commissioning an independent review of the process, which will make recommendations to prevent and minimise the risk of any recurrence.” ",[],{"_163":20657,"_165":20658},"The Northern Ireland Football League Board had to call an EGM to see new resolutions passed. ",[],"NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor has been under pressure ",{"_81":20661,"_212":7409,"_220":395,"_97":20662,"_213":20659,"_223":20663,"_106":20664,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":20664,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/j18gr5-gerard-lawlor-4.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Gerard_Lawlor%20(4).jpg",[20665],"Gerard_Lawlor%20(4).jpg","159803887",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":20667,"_165":20668},"Managers, players and fans were relieved to see the action return after an eventful and tense week. ",[],{"_163":20670,"_165":20671},"Padraig Lynch put Institute ahead after 12 minutes before Strabane’s task became more difficult when Callum Doherty was sent off in the 53rd minute. ",[],{"_163":20673,"_165":20674},"Hutton’s Stute secured a 1-0 victory over Strabane Athletic at the Limavady Showgrounds on Friday night in their Championship opener. ",[],{"_163":20676,"_165":20677},"“Whether he slept in Belfast or Derry can be used as an excuse, and it may not have helped him, but it’s not the reason why he left the job.” ",[],{"_163":20679,"_165":20680},"“It comes down to footballing reasons – signings that maybe didn’t work, team selections. They didn’t win enough games. ",[],{"_163":20682,"_165":20683},"“It helps to have a connection with the supporters, but I don’t think that was the reason why he lost his job,” said Hutton, who won three FAI Cups as a player. ",[],{"_163":20699,"_165":20700},{"_163":20697,"_165":20698},{"_81":20690,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20691,"_213":88,"_223":20692,"_106":20693,"_226":227,"_228":20694,"_230":20695,"_218":88,"_232":20693,"_233":92},{"_163":20688,"_165":20689},"Institute manager and Derry City legend",[],"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qzp612-120691552.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/120691552.JPG",[20696],"120691552.JPG","159803861","�INPHO/Donall Farmer","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Dalymount Park, Dublin 24/7/2015.Bohemians vs Derry City.Derry manager Peter Hutton.Mandatory Credit �INPHO/Donall Farmer",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},"Peter Hutton",[],"It comes down to footballing reasons – signings that maybe didn’t work, team selections. They didn’t win enough games. ",[],{"_163":20702,"_165":20703},"Lynch’s popularity with the fans plummeted quickly when things began to take a nosedive on the pitch, but Hutton feels that relationship was not the reason behind his exit. ",[],{"_163":20705,"_165":20706},"“There was a huge turnover of players, and I suppose when you have less money, you are more wary of what you are spending it on.” ",[],{"_163":20708,"_165":20709},"“There can be a multitude of reasons. We will see how Mark does in the role, there’s no need for a rash decision – they need to remain calm and make the right decisions for the club. ",[],{"_163":20711,"_165":20712},"“It didn’t work out for different reasons, maybe he didn’t know his best XI or there were too many changes. ",[],{"_163":20714,"_165":20715},"“Expectations were very high at the start of the season given the way they finished last season. ",[],{"_163":20717,"_165":20718},"“It’s disappointing for Tiernan and none of us like to see someone lose their job,” added Hutton, who was the last Derry City captain to lift the League of Ireland Premier Division trophy in 1997. ",[],{"_163":20720,"_165":20721},"Derry‘s struggles continued on the European stage when they lost to CSKA-Sofia in Europa League qualifying before being knocked out of the Conference League qualifiers by Rijeka. ",[],"Tiernan Lynch has endured a rough ride as manager in the 2026 League of Ireland campaign",{"_81":20724,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":20725,"_213":20722,"_223":20726,"_106":20727,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":20728,"_218":88,"_232":20727,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ny609c-124104940.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/124104940.JPG",[20729],"124104940.JPG","159803823","19 June 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch during the SSE Airtricity Men s Premier Division match between Galway United and Derry City at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":20731,"_165":20732},"“He’s excited to be back involved after a period out of the game.” ",[],{"_163":20734,"_165":20735},"“Paddy (McLaughlin) lost his job at Glenavon and he’s now a good addition with us at Institute. ",[],{"_163":20737,"_165":20738},"“I’m assuming he will have a period of self-reflection, and then once he has had time for himself and his family, licked his wounds, him and Seamus (Lynch) will want to get back involved again. ",[],{"_163":20740,"_165":20741},"“Tiernan is passionate about his football,” said Hutton, who made 663 appearances for City. ",[],{"_163":20754,"_165":20755},{"_163":20697,"_165":20753},{"_81":20747,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20748,"_213":88,"_223":20749,"_106":20750,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":20751,"_218":88,"_232":20750,"_233":92},{"_163":20688,"_165":20746},[],"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/n9fqyp-114948298.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/114948298.JPG",[20752],"114948298.JPG","159803775","19 May 2015; Peter Hutton, Derry City manager. EA Sports Cup Quarter-Final, Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, The Brandywell, Derry. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},[],"It’s disappointing for Tiernan and none of us like to see someone lose their job.",[],{"_163":20757,"_165":20758},"Lynch will be stung by his Derry exit, but Institute boss Hutton believes the former Cliftonville and Glentoran coach can resurrect his managerial career. ",[],{"_163":20760,"_165":20761},"Interim manager Mark Connolly oversaw a 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers in his first match in charge. ",[],{"_163":20763,"_165":20764},"The Candystripes sit sixth in the Premier Division and had won just one of their past seven games when Lynch was axed. ",[],{"_163":20766,"_165":20767},"Despite making big signings such as former Republic of Ireland international James McClean, Derry have struggled to build on last season’s second-placed finish. ",[],{"_163":20769,"_165":20770},"The 50-year-old joined the side on a three-year deal in November 2024 from Larne, who won back-to-back Premiership titles and qualified for major European League Phase action during his tenure. ",[],{"_163":20772,"_165":20773},"Lynch left his position as Candystripes manager by mutual consent after a disappointing run of form. ",[],{"_163":20775,"_165":20776},"Derry City legend Peter Hutton is backing Tiernan Lynch to lick his emotional wounds and return a successful manager. ",[],"Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images","Tiernan Lynch has departed his role as Derry City manager, with the Candystripes enduring a turbulent 2026 campaign",{"_81":20780,"_212":20777,"_220":395,"_97":20781,"_213":20778,"_223":20782,"_106":20783,"_226":227,"_228":20784,"_230":20785,"_218":88,"_232":20783,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/t7spqs-tiernan-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Tiernan%20(2).jpg",[20786],"Tiernan%20(2).jpg","159803734","Sportsfile via Getty Images","Derry , United Kingdom - 26 June 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch before the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":20588,"_165":20788},[],{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":10,"_254":19082},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":20796,"_212":20777,"_220":395,"_97":20797,"_213":20778,"_223":20782,"_106":20783,"_226":227,"_228":20784,"_230":20785,"_218":88,"_232":20783,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/t7spqs-tiernan-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Tiernan%20(2).jpg",[20798],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":20806,"_106":20807,"_275":20808,"_276":280},{"_250":20803,"_106":20804,"_275":20805,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},"Boyle Sports Championship","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:boyle-sports-championship","The Boyle Sports Championship is the second tier of the Northern Ireland Football League, which was created in 2013 to assume management of the top divisions from the Irish FA.","Institute FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:institute-fc","Institute Football Club is a Northern Irish semi-professional football club.","League of Ireland: Derry City great Peter Hutton on why he expects Tiernan Lynch to lick wounds and get back in game after his Candystripes departure","Candystripes hero backs Tiernan Lynch to get back in the game after a period of self-reflection",193655004,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":21016,"_283":8,"_275":21017,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/i-dont-always-agree-with-gerard-lawlor-but-i-could-never-question-his-intentions-or-dedication-to-his-nifl-role/a/159729380.html",[21002,21003,21004,21005,21006,21007],"I don’t always agree with Gerard Lawlor, but I could never question his intentions or dedication to his NIFL role",{"_264":20998,"_266":20981,"_267":20816},[20996],[20992,20993,20994,20995],"159729380",{},[],"2026-08-10T12:00:00Z","2026-08-09T11:04:55Z",[20828,20829,20830,20831,20832,20833,20834,20835,20836,20837,20838,20839,20840,20841,20842,20843,20844,20845,20846,20847,20848,20849,20850,20851,20852,20853,20854,20855,20856,20857,20858,20859,20860,20861,20862,20863,20864,20865],{"_140":10,"_141":20827,"_143":10},"54caf524-9242-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":20990,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":20983,"_215":20984,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":20980,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":20977,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":20974,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":20971,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":183,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":20968,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":20965,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":20962,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":20959,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":20958,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":20958,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":20955,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":20952,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":20949,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":20946,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":20943,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":673,"_586":20936,"_588":20937,"_590":-5,"_592":20938,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":20933,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":20930,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":20927,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":657,"_1772":-5,"_159":20924,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":20921,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":20918,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":20915,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":20905,"_213":20906,"_215":20907,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":20902,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":20899,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":20896,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":20893,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":20890,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":1436,"_213":20882,"_215":20883,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":610,"_1772":-5,"_159":20879,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":20876,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":20873,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":20870,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":20867,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":572,"_106":20866,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":20866,"_233":92},"159708036",{"_163":20868,"_165":20869},"I suppose all we can realistically hope for is that when it comes time for Infantino’s re-election, enough people in power have the guts and backbone to give him the red card - one that won’t be rescinded by political interference this time.",[],{"_163":20871,"_165":20872},"Honestly, it would seem his arrogance knows no bounds. It beggars belief that this man can still lay claim to any form of credence from the football family when he’s been found out to be such a scheming failure.",[],{"_163":20874,"_165":20875},"Despite mounting criticism of Infantino, almost on a daily basis, from around the globe, particularly since he had to scrap his ill-advised notion of selling off shares in the World Cup itself, he still seems hellbent on clinging on.",[],{"_163":20877,"_165":20878},"We’ve seen many examples of failed custodians unashamedly hanging on to their well-paid, high-profile positions, and we’re now getting another glaring example with FIFA President Gianni Infantino desperately holding on to power as an ever-increasing number of associates and members around the world voice their disapproval of his decision making. ",[],{"_163":20880,"_165":20881},"FIFA President clinging on when it’s clear his time is up",[],"If Gianni Infantino doesn’t do the honourable thing and resign, FIFA’s member nations should boot him out at the next election",{"_81":20884,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":20885,"_213":20882,"_223":20886,"_106":20887,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":20888,"_218":88,"_232":20887,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ns2di6-tyimages-2286169359.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/tyImages-2286169359.jpg",[20889],"tyImages-2286169359.jpg","159733690","EAST RUTHERFORD, UNITED STATES - JULY 19: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is seen arriving during the Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images)",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":20891,"_165":20892},"Get the batteries re-charged and get back to what you do best. ",[],{"_163":20894,"_165":20895},"A top class manager doesn’t become a bad one overnight and my advice to Tiernan would be to enjoy his break and catch up on a lot of lost family time, something that can very often take a back seat and suffer for a lot of managers. ",[],{"_163":20897,"_165":20898},"His outstanding success and achievements at Inver Park must not become clouded by his unfortunate spell at Derry. ",[],{"_163":20900,"_165":20901},"However, despite the disappointment of his dismissal, I have no doubt whatsoever that Tiernan will be back in the dugout sooner rather than later. He cut his teeth in coaching at Cliftonville and Glentoran, but it was his part in the fairytale success story at Larne where he played a major role in guiding the Invermen from a struggling Championship one that was practically in freefall into Premiership Champions for the first time in history - and record breakers in Europe as well. ",[],{"_163":20903,"_165":20904},"Although Tiernan manfully carried on amidst growing criticism, it was becoming abundantly clear the writing was on the wall. ",[],"INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic","The axe fell on Tiernan Lynch this week",{"_81":20908,"_212":20905,"_220":395,"_97":20909,"_213":20906,"_223":20910,"_106":20911,"_226":227,"_228":20912,"_230":20913,"_218":88,"_232":20911,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/408xqr-95334-3008964.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95334_3008964.jpg",[20914],"95334_3008964.jpg","159733494","©INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round First Leg, Stadion HNK Rijeka, Croatia 23/7/2026\nRijeka vs Derry City\nDerry manager Tiernan Lynch\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":20916,"_165":20917},"I’m quite sure Tiernan knew he was under pressure, particularly when a section of the supporters turned against him, while one of his high-profile signings, James McClean, didn’t help matters when he practically drove a bus through any semblance of togetherness within the dressing room.",[],{"_163":20919,"_165":20920},"Tiernan was approximately halfway through his three-year contract at the League of Ireland club and although he had a good season last term - finishing second in the League - this campaign has been something of a struggle and disappointment with six wins out of 26 League games and with one win in the last seven.",[],{"_163":20922,"_165":20923},"It’s never nice when a football manager loses his job and this week Tiernan Lynch became the latest to suffer this fate when Derry City called time on his tenure at the Brandywell. ",[],{"_163":20925,"_165":20926},"Tiernan Lynch knew writing was on the wall at Derry",[],{"_163":20928,"_165":20929},"As I said at the outset, opinions differ greatly in football and, given the fact that we all think we are right all of the time, it’s vital to share ideas with the people who matter most in football - the supporters. Consultation is the key for me.",[],{"_163":20931,"_165":20932},"What I will say is that despite the flak Gerard Lawlor gets at times, he works extremely hard at trying to improve football in Northern Ireland and though I don’t always agree with some of his directives and decisions, I could never question his intentions or indeed dedication to his role.",[],{"_163":20934,"_165":20935},"Summer football was also up for discussion and, while old-fashioned yours truly is loathe for change, and although there may well be some negatives as well as positives, in this instance, I would probably be prepared to at least give it a try over a three-year trial period, then take stock and then see if it has been for the betterment of our game. ",[],{"_163":20941,"_165":20942},{"_163":88,"_165":20940},{"_163":88,"_165":20939},[],[],"Despite the flak Gerard Lawlor gets at times, he works extremely hard at trying to improve football in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":20944,"_165":20945},"Although I despise it, I still wouldn’t rule out its introduction in years to come. My argument is that when VAR was applied to football, it was promised that it would be unobtrusive, yet it has proved to be the exact opposite. If it was supposed to help wipe out the resentment towards refereeing decisions, how come respect for referees is currently at an all-time time low?",[],{"_163":20947,"_165":20948},"Gerard Lawlor discussed another of my pet hates - the introduction of Video Assistant Referees, albeit in a somewhat diluted form.",[],{"_163":20950,"_165":20951},"Strangely - in my opinion at least - some of the panel said they didn’t mind the sumo wrestling at set pieces, and actually likened it to “good tactical moves being deployed”, even though I find it yet another totally unwanted embarrassment to the sport of football. ",[],{"_163":20953,"_165":20954},"My view is that, as soon as referees grow a set and start giving penalties, the sooner this wrestling nonsense stops.",[],{"_163":20956,"_165":20957},"My argument was that if these antics were repeated around the centre circle, it would be blown up as a foul, so why is it not a penalty when it’s committed in the box?",[],"158575768",{"_163":20960,"_165":20961},"Mind you, I wasn’t entirely overwhelmed by the support I received from some of the others on the panel when I voiced my despair at the sumo wrestling we now see at corner kicks with players dragging each other to the ground at every opportunity.",[],{"_163":20963,"_165":20964},"Andrew Davey explained in detail some amendments with regards to speeding the game up - particularly at throw-ins, goal kicks and fouls - and I welcome those changes if it can help eliminate the deliberate time-wasting which has been allowed to fester.",[],{"_163":20966,"_165":20967},"However, irrespective of the need for change in some people’s eyes, for me consultation is the key, and during the debate I did my best to get the message across to those who call the shots in Irish League football that when change is being mooted, it needs to be debated with the ordinary supporters.",[],{"_163":20969,"_165":20970},"I don’t mind admitting I come from the more traditional viewpoint on how football should be played and indeed governed, and I can be pretty stubborn when it comes to change - in fact at times I loathe the direction our sport seems to be heading - but without doubt, I feel proper consultation with proper football people is the only way to keep our game on the straight and narrow.",[],{"_163":20972,"_165":20973},"Life in general is one of many differing opinions and, as we all know, football is no different.",[],{"_163":20975,"_165":20976},"It was a healthy debate with several differing views being openly and honestly expressed, but I felt it was also a very constructive meeting as well. ",[],{"_163":20978,"_165":20979},"As well as some highly respected former Irish League players, the discussion, which was chaired by Joel Taggart, also included the Northern Ireland Football League Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor and Andrew Davey from the referees’ association. ",[],{"_163":20981,"_165":20982},"Last Saturday, I was part of a BBC Radio Ulster discussion on Irish League football, not only about the new season just started, but also about some important rule changes to help improve the game and proposals towards the possibility of summer football. ",[],"NIFL Chief Gerard Lawlor",{"_81":20985,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":20986,"_213":20983,"_223":20987,"_106":20988,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":20988,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bm1mth-beckett--liam.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Beckett__Liam.jpg",[20989],"Beckett__Liam.jpg","159792386",{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_163":20816,"_165":20991},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":9320,"_106":9321,"_253":10,"_254":9322},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":-5,"_237":20997,"_240":524},"Beckett",{"_81":20999,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":21000,"_213":20983,"_223":20987,"_106":20988,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":20988,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bm1mth-beckett--liam.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Beckett__Liam.jpg",[21001],{"_235":19568,"_237":19569,"_239":19568,"_240":19570},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":21013,"_106":21014,"_275":21015,"_276":280},{"_250":21010,"_106":21011,"_275":21012,"_276":280},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},{"_250":21008,"_106":21009,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"FIFA","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:fifa","Gerard Lawlor","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:gerard-lawlor","Gerard Lawlor is the Chief Executive of the NI Football League","NI Football League","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:ni-football-league","NIFL is the national football league of Northern Ireland and consists of the top three divisions.","Gianni Infantino under fire: FIFA president refuses to go","Irish League rule changes, VAR fears, summer football and Gianni Infantino criticism spark fierce debate.",192793075,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":21282,"_283":8,"_275":21283,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/the-premiership-is-back-up-and-running...-and-here-are-five-big-questions-to-be-answered-throughout-the-course-of-the-new-season/a/159714444.html",[21269,21270,21271,21272,21273,21274,21275],"The Premiership is back up and running... and here are five big questions to be answered throughout the course of the new season",{"_264":21265,"_266":21245,"_267":21023},[21264],[21257,21258,21259,21260],"159714444",{},[],"2026-08-07T05:00:00Z","2026-08-06T20:19:03Z",[21035,21036,21037,21038,21039,21040,21041,21042,21043,21044,21045,21046,21047,21048,21049,21050,21051,21052,21053,21054,21055,21056,21057,21058,21059,21060,21061,21062,21063,21064,21065,21066,21067,21068,21069,21070,21071,21072,21073,21074,21075,21076,21077,21078,21079,21080,21081,21082,21083,21084,21085,21086],{"_140":10,"_141":21034,"_143":10},"81011219-91c2-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":21255,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19288,"_213":21247,"_215":21248,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":21244,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":21241,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":21238,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":21184,"_213":21230,"_215":21231,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":183,"_1772":-5,"_159":21227,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":21224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":21221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":21218,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":21215,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":21212,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":21209,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":21206,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":21203,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":681,"_1772":-5,"_159":21200,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":21197,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":21194,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":21184,"_213":21185,"_215":21186,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":21181,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":21178,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":21175,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":21172,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":21169,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":21166,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":21163,"_161":162},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":633,"_1772":-5,"_159":21160,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":21157,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":21154,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":21151,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":21148,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":19012,"_213":21140,"_215":21141,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":21137,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":21134,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":21131,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":21128,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":21125,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":572,"_106":21124,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21124,"_233":92},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":568,"_1772":-5,"_159":21121,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":21118,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":21115,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":21112,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":21109,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":21106,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":540,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_1769":1770,"_155":1771,"_157":193,"_1772":-5,"_159":21103,"_161":1774},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":21100,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":529,"_159":21097,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":525,"_159":21094,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":513,"_159":21091,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":509,"_159":21088,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":505,"_106":21087,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21087,"_233":92},"158978110",{"_163":21089,"_165":21090},"I’m rarely shocked when it comes to Irish League football but if the clubs in the top two leagues vote for a change, I will choke on my Corn Flakes. ",[],{"_163":21092,"_165":21093},"The idea of moving the fixtures calendar and keeping the Boxing Day games makes no sense to me. Either you adopt a model similar to the League of Ireland or you stick with the current dates. ",[],{"_163":21095,"_165":21096},"I can understand the argument around European performances and the importance of UEFA funding. But considering the majority of our clubs in the Premiership and Championship are part-time, I would question whether the demand for a summer season is sufficient to make it happen.",[],{"_163":21098,"_165":21099},"So do we stick or twist? The potential loss of a European place is ideal timing for those who call for change. ",[],{"_163":21101,"_165":21102},"Let’s have an EGM to discuss it. Northern Ireland Football League chief executive Gerard Lawlor has reignited the debate by saying a vote could happen in the coming months. ",[],{"_163":21104,"_165":21105},"Will clubs vote for summer football?",[],{"_163":21107,"_165":21108},"Last season, the Ports finished eighth but they will feel they can make the top six. I think the Ports and Ballymena United will be two of the most improved sides this season. I wouldn’t refer to them as surprise packages as DJ and Oran Kearney know their onions. ",[],{"_163":21110,"_165":21111},"It will take time and a few transfer windows before major targets can be hit but the fans are right to be excited about this new era. ",[],{"_163":21113,"_165":21114},"As much as we enjoyed his fantastic Belfast Telegraph column, DJ should be motivating players and managing teams. The man is a vastly experienced serial winner and he will get Portadown moving in the right direction.",[],{"_163":21116,"_165":21117},"In case you missed it, the former Linfield and Ballymena United boss was appointed as Niall Currie’s successor at the end of April. ",[],{"_163":21119,"_165":21120},"Goodness gracious me, what a silly question. ",[],{"_163":21122,"_165":21123},"Will David Jeffrey revive Portadown?",[],"159706983",{"_163":21126,"_165":21127},"His 24 goals from last season are gone and we shall see whether the Shore Road men can make improvements at the back. Their lack of experience remains a concern. ",[],{"_163":21129,"_165":21130},"It’s not easy for sides who can’t splash the cash. Limavady United will show belief and spirit, they won’t be rolled over and, of course, the Crues have lost their goal machine Fraser Bryden. ",[],{"_163":21132,"_165":21133},"Bangor had a tough second half of last season and this campaign could be a real struggle for them. Some fans are worried about the Seasiders but if they can be strong at home, they may comfortably survive again.",[],{"_163":21135,"_165":21136},"Have lessons been learned? Time will tell but the Crues need to show more quality and character this season. ",[],{"_163":21138,"_165":21139},"They got out of jail big time. I’ve plenty of sympathy for Declan Caddell. Here’s a young manager learning the trade in a tough environment with not much experience on the pitch or money to buy it. ",[],"Lee Feeney will be hoping Bangor can avoid the infamous second season syndrome",{"_81":21142,"_212":19012,"_220":395,"_97":21143,"_213":21140,"_223":21144,"_106":21145,"_226":227,"_228":19019,"_230":21146,"_218":88,"_232":21145,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/feien8-84539-2177604.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/84539_2177604.jpg",[21147],"84539_2177604.jpg","159716682","Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup Round Six 3/2/2023 \nBangor vs Crusaders \nBangor’s manager Lee Feeney\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":21149,"_165":21150},"Ballymena United and Bangor did just enough to stay up and what about Crusaders?",[],{"_163":21152,"_165":21153},"That’s a warning to other clubs no matter how well established they are in this League.",[],{"_163":21155,"_165":21156},"The Lurgan Blues had a good manager in Paddy McLaughlin and they were quietly confident of a solid season but they failed to get going and eventually dropped into the Championship. ",[],{"_163":21158,"_165":21159},"This time last year, very few of us thought Glenavon would go down. ",[],{"_163":21161,"_165":21162},"Which team will be relegated?",[],{"_163":21164,"_165":21165},"Healy relishes proving doubters wrong and he’s bounced back in the past. Given the challenge ahead, a title win this time would be his finest hour. ",[],{"_163":21167,"_165":21168},"Healy has brought in Ryan Nolan, Kobei Moore, Aidan Glavin and Dylan Wells but the European loss has deepened fans’ fears. ",[],{"_163":21170,"_165":21171},"Matthew Fitzpatrick’s fitness is key while the returning Kieran Offord and Chris Shields offer fresh hope. ",[],{"_163":21173,"_165":21174},"Healy, who was linked with the vacant Shelbourne job, faces his most formidable challenge, particularly after seeing 10 players leave the club. ",[],{"_163":21176,"_165":21177},"A fourth place finish, 17 points adrift of Larne, was unacceptable with an Irish Cup loss at Limavady United one of many lows. ",[],{"_163":21179,"_165":21180},"At a time when rivals are investing in their squads, the Blues are in danger of falling further behind. ",[],{"_163":21182,"_165":21183},"A trophy success and European football would be a great season for most clubs but Linfield’s poor title defence caused considerable alarm. ",[],"INPHO/Jonathan Porter","Linfield lifted the Bet McLean Cup last term",{"_81":21187,"_212":21184,"_220":395,"_97":21188,"_213":21185,"_223":21189,"_106":21190,"_226":227,"_228":21191,"_230":21192,"_218":88,"_232":21190,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/s4101g-94202-2910385.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/94202_2910385.jpg",[21193],"94202_2910385.jpg","159716602","©INPHO/Jonathan Porter","BetMcClean Cup Final, Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast 15/3/2026\nGlentoran vs Linfield\nA view of Linfield celebrating with the BetMcClean cup \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Jonathan Porter",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":21195,"_165":21196},"If David Healy’s men start slowly then pressure will mount on everyone. ",[],{"_163":21198,"_165":21199},"Should Blues fans be worried? Absolutely. I’m sensing plenty of anxiety around Windsor Park following an underwhelming campaign and limited transfer business. ",[],{"_163":21201,"_165":21202},"Can Linfield return as a title-winning force?",[],{"_163":21204,"_165":21205},"At the moment, I feel it’s a two-horse race between Larne and Coleraine but if the Invermen progress in Europe, the Bannsiders must not let it slip. ",[],{"_163":21207,"_165":21208},"Glentoran have a decent squad but their lack of a big game mentality has been a concern. Linfield may have too much ground to make up. ",[],{"_163":21210,"_165":21211},"Coleraine are serious contenders and they should be with the firepower they have but we have already seen them suffer injury setbacks, losing Mark Coyle and Ryan Schofield. Conor McMenamin is a game changer but can he escape his injury demons?",[],{"_163":21213,"_165":21214},"People are quick to make Coleraine favourites but show the Invermen some respect. Although they have lost Andy Ryan, boss Gary Haveron still has plenty of title winning experience in his panel. That winning mentality and knowledge of what it takes is so important.",[],{"_163":21216,"_165":21217},"Lessons will have been learned but the mental and physical demands on the squad are immense. Larne have won three of the last four Championships and do not deserve to be dismissed as also rans. ",[],{"_163":21219,"_165":21220},"The Invermen struggled to balance European and domestic commitments in 2024/25 and finished well off the pace even though they fought back admirably to finish second. ",[],{"_163":21222,"_165":21223},"If they do then the door opens further for Coleraine, Glentoran and Linfield.",[],{"_163":21225,"_165":21226},"The big unanswered question here is will Larne enjoy another extended European run?",[],{"_163":21228,"_165":21229},"Who will win the League?",[],"Can anyone take the Gibson Cup off Larne?",{"_81":21232,"_212":21184,"_220":395,"_97":21233,"_213":21230,"_223":21234,"_106":21235,"_226":227,"_228":21191,"_230":21236,"_218":88,"_232":21235,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oi8b7o-94582-2941699.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/94582_2941699.jpg",[21237],"94582_2941699.jpg","159716563","Sports Direct Premiership, Inver Park, Larne 25/4/2026\nLarne vs Dungannon Swifts\nThe Larne team celebrate \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Jonathan Porter",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":21239,"_165":21240},"The unpredictable nature of football is part of its huge appeal but it doesn’t stop us from making bold predictions. So ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, we look at five big questions the fans are asking and attempt to answer them. ",[],{"_163":21242,"_165":21243},"The fun starts with a north Belfast derby on Friday night when Cliftonville host Crusaders. As always before a ball is kicked in anger (hopefully quickly in light of new time-wasting laws) there are plenty of talking points to chew over. Even the summer football fire has been restarted just in case you were missing it. ",[],{"_163":21245,"_165":21246},"Here we go again – after some confusion and a hastily arranged EGM, the Boyle Sports Premiership is back. ",[],"David Jeffrey takes charge of Portadown for the most time in competitive action on Saturday",{"_81":21249,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":21250,"_213":21247,"_223":21251,"_106":21252,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":21253,"_218":88,"_232":21252,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/m5nuin-wn-v-home-farm-0017.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/wn%20v%20Home%20Farm%200017.jpg",[21254],"wn%20v%20Home%20Farm%200017.jpg","159716375","Pacemaker Press 1-8-26\nPortadown v Home Farm - Pre Season Friendly\nPortadown manager David Jeffrey during today's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":21023,"_165":21256},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19077,"_106":19078,"_253":10,"_254":19079},{"_250":21261,"_106":21262,"_253":10,"_254":21263},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},"regional_armagh_sport","4404","County Armagh Sport",{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":21266,"_212":19288,"_220":395,"_97":21267,"_213":21247,"_223":21251,"_106":21252,"_226":227,"_228":19288,"_230":21253,"_218":88,"_232":21252,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/m5nuin-wn-v-home-farm-0017.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/wn%20v%20Home%20Farm%200017.jpg",[21268],{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":19101,"_276":280},{"_250":21279,"_106":21280,"_275":21281,"_276":280},{"_250":1998,"_106":1999,"_275":2000,"_276":280},{"_250":21276,"_106":21277,"_275":21278,"_276":280},{"_250":20578,"_106":20579,"_275":20580,"_276":280},{"_250":19096,"_106":19097,"_275":19098,"_276":280},{"_250":19093,"_106":19094,"_275":19095,"_276":280},"Crusaders FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:crusaders-fc","Crusaders is an Irish League football team based in Belfast","Portadown FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:portadown-fc","Portadown FC are a semi-professional football club in Northern Ireland who play their home matches at Shamrock Park in Portadown, County Armagh. They are a member of the Northern Ireland Football League and compete in the Danske Bank Premiership. Read the latest news and articles on Portadown from the Belfast Telegraph.","Boyle Sports Premiership 2026/27: title, relegation and summer football questions","Irish League drama returns as Larne, Coleraine, Linfield and more face title, relegation and summer football questions. Explore the key storylines now.",192692124,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":21383,"_283":8,"_275":21384,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/former-northern-ireland-winger-makes-return-to-former-club-in-coaching-capacity-were-delighted-to-welcome-him-back/a/159702099.html",[21378,21379],"Former Northern Ireland winger makes return to former club in coaching capacity: ‘We’re delighted to welcome him back’",{"_264":21374,"_266":21355,"_267":21289},[21373],[21369,21370,21371,21372],"159702099",{},[],"2026-08-06T14:58:00Z","2026-08-06T15:00:53Z",[21301,21302,21303,21304,21305,21306,21307,21308,21309,21310,21311,21312,21313,21314,21315],{"_140":10,"_141":21300,"_143":10},"262a5b8e-91a4-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":21367,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":21357,"_213":21358,"_215":21359,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":21354,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":21351,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":187,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":21348,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":21345,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":21342,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":21339,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":21336,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":21326,"_213":21327,"_215":21328,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":21323,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":21320,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":21317,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":685,"_106":21316,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21316,"_233":92},"159684088",{"_163":21318,"_165":21319},"His first game in charge of the club, who are sixth in the League of Ireland Premier Division and five points above the Relegation Play-Off, is a clash with bottom-of-the-table Sligo Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night.",[],{"_163":21321,"_165":21322},"Director of Football Mark Connolly, who previously captained the Candystripes and retired from playing at the end of last season following a six-month spell at Coleraine, has taken the reins on an interim basis.",[],{"_163":21324,"_165":21325},"Now he has embarked on a fresh role at Derry City, who are on the search for a new permanent manager following Tiernan Lynch’s exit on Wednesday. McGinn’s former Celtic team-mate Scott Brown has been heavily linked with the vacancy.",[],"INPHO/Declan Roughan","Former Northern Ireland winger Niall McGinn during his spell with Glentoran",{"_81":21329,"_212":21326,"_220":395,"_97":21330,"_213":21327,"_223":21331,"_106":21332,"_226":227,"_228":21333,"_230":21334,"_218":88,"_232":21332,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nxzkoy-107667535.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/107667535.JPG",[21335],"107667535.JPG","159703906","�INPHO/Declan Roughan","Sports Direct Premiership, The Oval, Belfast 2/9/2023\nGlentoran vs Cliftonville\nGlentoran s Niall McGinn celebrates after scoring \nMandatory Credit �INPHO/Declan Roughan",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21337,"_165":21338},"McGinn also earned 72 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring six goals – most famously netting the second goal in the 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lyon at the Euro 2016 Finals in France.",[],{"_163":21340,"_165":21341},"The 39-year-old headed back across the water initially on loan from the Glens at Greenock Morton before joining Peterhead in a player-coach capacity for the 2025/26 campaign.",[],{"_163":21343,"_165":21344},"McGinn enjoyed a successful club career in Scotland with Celtic, Aberdeen – where he spent nine years over two stints, interrupted by a brief spell in South Korea with Gwangju FC – and Dundee before returning to the Irish League with Glentoran. ",[],{"_163":21346,"_165":21347},"“Niall will be available to assist with both the first-team and the Academy and we’re delighted to welcome him back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell.”",[],{"_163":21349,"_165":21350},"“Derry City FC can confirm that former player, Niall McGinn, is joining the club in a coaching capacity,” read a statement.",[],{"_163":21352,"_165":21353},"The winger plied his trade for the Candystripes between 2008 and 2009 after joining from home town club Dungannon Swifts and has now returned to the Brandywell 17 years on as a coach, balancing his responsibilities across both the club’s first-team and Academy.",[],{"_163":21355,"_165":21356},"Former Northern Ireland international Niall McGinn has rejoined his former club Derry City in a coaching capacity.",[],"Uwe Anspach/picture alliance via Getty Images","Niall McGinn (centre) has become part of the coaching staff at Derry City",{"_81":21360,"_212":21357,"_220":395,"_97":21361,"_213":21358,"_223":21362,"_106":21363,"_226":227,"_228":21364,"_230":21365,"_218":88,"_232":21363,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tj86n-122606464.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/122606464.JPG",[21366],"122606464.JPG","159703776","picture alliance via Getty Image","Goal scorer Niall McGinn (2.L.) and Stuart Dallas (L) of Northern Ireland celebrates after the UEFA Euro 2016 Group C soccer match Ukraine and Northern Ireland at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France, 16 June 2016 with his teammates. Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa (RESTRICTIONS APPLY: For editorial news reporting purposes only. Not used for commercial or marketing purposes without prior written approval of UEFA. Images must appear as still images and must not emulate match action video footage. Photographs published in online publications (whether via the Internet or otherwise) shall have an interval of at least 20 seconds between the posting.) | usage worldwide (Photo by Uwe Anspach/picture alliance via Getty Images)",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21289,"_165":21368},[],{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_240":19024},{"_81":21375,"_212":21357,"_220":395,"_97":21376,"_213":21358,"_223":21362,"_106":21363,"_226":227,"_228":21364,"_230":21365,"_218":88,"_232":21363,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tj86n-122606464.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/122606464.JPG",[21377],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":21380,"_106":21381,"_275":21382,"_276":280},"Northern Ireland Football Team","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:northern-ireland-football-team","International football team","International: Former Northern Ireland winger Niall McGinn makes return to former club in new coaching capacity","Niall McGinn joins Derry City in new coaching role",192629988,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":21510,"_283":8,"_275":21511,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/derry-city-plot-ambitious-swoop-for-celtic-legend-to-succeed-tiernan-lynch-as-candystripes-manager/a/159684088.html",[21504,21505,21506],"Derry City plot ambitious swoop for Celtic legend to succeed Tiernan Lynch as Candystripes manager",{"_264":21500,"_266":21480,"_267":21390},[21499],[21494,21495,21496,21497,21498],{},[],"2026-08-06T11:41:00Z","2026-08-06T11:45:41Z",[21401,21402,21403,21404,21405,21406,21407,21408,21409,21410,21411,21412,21413,21414,21415,21416,21417,21418,21419,21420],{"_140":10,"_141":21400,"_143":10},"e12f9389-9187-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":21492,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":21482,"_213":21483,"_215":21484,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":21479,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":21476,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":21472,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":21469,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":21466,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":21463,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":21460,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":21451,"_213":21452,"_215":21453,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":21448,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":21445,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":21442,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":21439,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":19829,"_213":21431,"_215":21432,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":21428,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":21425,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":21422,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":21421,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21421,"_233":92},"159657457",{"_163":21423,"_165":21424},"The 34-year-old’s first game in charge will be the Candystripes’ home clash with bottom-of-the-table Sligo Rovers on Friday night.",[],{"_163":21426,"_165":21427},"Former Derry captain and Coleraine defender Mark Connolly, who returned to the club as Director of Football having retired from playing at the end of the 2025/26 season, will lead the club on an interim basis.",[],{"_163":21429,"_165":21430},"A 1-1 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on Sunday proved to be Lynch’s final game in charge, following on from their European exit at the hands of Croatian club HNK Rijeka at the Conference League Second Qualifying Round stage last Thursday.",[],"Tiernan Lynch is no longer the manager of Derry City",{"_81":21433,"_212":19829,"_220":395,"_97":21434,"_213":21431,"_223":21435,"_106":21436,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":21437,"_218":88,"_232":21436,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/vwobrg-123681288.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/123681288.JPG",[21438],"123681288.JPG","159685694","26 June 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch during the SSE Airtricity Men s Premier Division match between Derry City and Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21440,"_165":21441},"But 2026 has proven to be a campaign to forget with Derry sat in sixth position with 10 matches to go, just five points above the Relegation Play-Off place currently occupied by Waterford. They have won only six of their 26 games in League play.",[],{"_163":21443,"_165":21444},"Replacing Ruaidhri Higgins in the hotseat, Lynch led the north west club to second place in the 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division season, just three points off champions Shamrock Rovers.",[],{"_163":21446,"_165":21447},"Lynch won two Irish League titles as Larne manager in 2023 and 2024 and guided the Invermen to the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League before exiting Inver Park to take the Derry job in November 2024.",[],{"_163":21449,"_165":21450},"Now it appears he is Derry City’s first-choice option to become their new manager after Lynch departed the role following less than two years in charge.",[],"James Baylis - AMA - AMA/Getty Images","Scott Brown during his time in charge of Fleetwood Town",{"_81":21454,"_212":21451,"_220":395,"_97":21455,"_213":21452,"_223":21456,"_106":21457,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":21458,"_218":88,"_232":21457,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nq4jj8-ief91460165.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IEF91460165.jpg",[21459],"IEF91460165.jpg","159685636","FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Scott Brown the head coach / manager of Fleetwood Town during the Sky Bet League One match between Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town at Highbury Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Fleetwood, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA - AMA/Getty Images)",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21461,"_165":21462},"The former midfielder was also capped 55 times by Scotland between 2005 and 2017.",[],{"_163":21464,"_165":21465},"Brown gained legendary status at Celtic, where he made over 600 appearances during a 14-year spell at the club between 2007 and 2021, with the Dunfermline man having made the move to Parkhead from Hibernian.",[],{"_163":21467,"_165":21468},"Prior to that, Brown held the reins at Fleetwood Town between 2022 and 2023 and had a player-coach role in a single season at Aberdeen, retiring from playing at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.",[],{"_163":21470,"_165":21471},"The 41-year-old is currently out of work having departed Scottish Championship club Ayr United in March having had the manager’s job at Somerset Park for just over two years.",[],{"_163":21473,"_165":21474},"According to MirrorSport, Derry have informed Brown of their interest in hiring him for the top job at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.",[21475],{"_85":2073,"_157":158,"_194":158,"_196":-5},{"_163":21477,"_165":21478},"The Candystripes parted company with Tiernan Lynch on Wednesday and are preparing to launch a swoop for the Hoops icon to replace him.",[],{"_163":21480,"_165":21481},"Derry City have set their sights on appointing Celtic legend Scott Brown as their new manager.",[],"Andrew Vaughan - CameraSport via Getty Images","Celtic legend Scott Brown could become Derry City’s next manager",{"_81":21485,"_212":21482,"_220":395,"_97":21486,"_213":21483,"_223":21487,"_106":21488,"_226":227,"_228":21489,"_230":21490,"_218":88,"_232":21488,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nvdgio-ief91454952.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/IEF91454952.jpg",[21491],"IEF91454952.jpg","159685771","CameraSport via Getty Images","LINCOLN, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Fleetwood Town manager Scott Brown during the Sky Bet League One between Lincoln City and Fleetwood Town at LNER Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Lincoln, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Vaughan - CameraSport via Getty Images)",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21390,"_165":21493},[],{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_240":19024},{"_81":21501,"_212":21482,"_220":395,"_97":21502,"_213":21483,"_223":21487,"_106":21488,"_226":227,"_228":21489,"_230":21490,"_218":88,"_232":21488,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nvdgio-ief91454952.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IEF91454952.jpg",[21503],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},{"_250":21507,"_106":21508,"_275":21509,"_276":280},"Celtic FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:celtic-fc","The Celtic Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Glasgow, Scotland.","League of Ireland: Derry City plot ambitious swoop for Celtic legend to succeed Tiernan Lynch as manager","Scott Brown among first-choice options for Candystripes in their hunt for new boss",192281714,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":21839,"_283":8,"_275":21840,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/six-summer-buys-that-will-look-to-shake-up-the-irish-premiership-this-season/a/159650258.html",[21819,21820,21821,21822,21823,21824,21825],"Six summer buys that will look to shake up the Irish Premiership this season",{"_264":21815,"_266":21789,"_267":21517},[21814],[21801,21802,21803,21804,21805,21806,21807],"159650258",{},[],"2026-08-05T19:30:00Z","2026-08-05T17:26:06Z",[21529,21530,21531,21532,21533,21534,21535,21536,21537,21538,21539,21540,21541,21542,21543,21544,21545,21546,21547,21548,21549,21550,21551,21552,21553,21554,21555,21556,21557,21558,21559,21560,21561,21562,21563,21564,21565,21566,21567,21568,21569,21570,21571,21572,21573,21574,21575,21576,21577,21578,21579,21580,21581,21582,21583,21584,21585,21586,21587],{"_140":10,"_141":21528,"_143":10},"64c9d61b-90dc-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":21799,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19012,"_213":21791,"_215":21792,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":21788,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":21785,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":21782,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":21781,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":21778,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":21775,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":21771,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":21768,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":21765,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":21762,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":21759,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":21756,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":21753,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":21749,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":21740,"_213":21741,"_215":21742,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":21737,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":21734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":21731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":21728,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":21725,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":21721,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":650,"_212":21712,"_213":21713,"_215":21714,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":21709,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":21706,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":21703,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":21700,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":21697,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":21694,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":21691,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":21687,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":610,"_212":21184,"_213":21679,"_215":21680,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":21676,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":21673,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":21670,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":21667,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":21664,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":21661,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":21658,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":21655,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":21651,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":548,"_212":21642,"_213":21643,"_215":21644,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":21639,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":21636,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":21633,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":533,"_159":21630,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":529,"_159":21627,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":525,"_159":21624,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":513,"_159":21621,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":509,"_159":21617,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":505,"_212":21607,"_213":21608,"_215":21609,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":501,"_159":21604,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":497,"_159":21601,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":493,"_159":21598,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":489,"_159":21595,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":485,"_159":21592,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":481,"_159":21589,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":479,"_106":21588,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21588,"_233":92},"159603529",{"_163":21590,"_165":21591},"Renowned for his deliveries from wide and his set-piece threat, the Belfast native will relish the challenge of keeping Bangor in the top flight. ",[],{"_163":21593,"_165":21594},"With United, he established himself as one of the league’s most dependable defenders, making 250 appearances across seven seasons and helping the Sky Blues challenge at the top end of the table while reaching several major Cup finals. ",[],{"_163":21596,"_165":21597},"A product of Glentoran’s academy, he also enjoyed a loan spell with Ards before moving to Carrick Rangers in 2016. ",[],{"_163":21599,"_165":21600},"The 31-year-old left-back brings a wealth of Premiership experience to the Seasiders, having represented Glentoran, Carrick Rangers, Ballymena United and the Ports during a distinguished career spanning more than a decade. ",[],{"_163":21602,"_165":21603},"He made 75 appearances for the Ports since arriving in the summer of 2024. ",[],{"_163":21605,"_165":21606},"McCullough left Portadown after a change in his personal circumstances, including work commitments and a desire to be closer to home. ",[],"INPHO/Brian Little","Steven McCullough signed for Bangor after leaving Portadown",{"_81":21610,"_212":21607,"_220":395,"_97":21611,"_213":21608,"_223":21612,"_106":21613,"_226":227,"_228":21614,"_230":21615,"_218":88,"_232":21613,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/p10htc-93179-2828397.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/93179_2828397.jpg",[21616],"93179_2828397.jpg","159652195","©INPHO/Brian Little","Sports Direct Premiership, Shamrock Park, Armagh 15/11/2025\nPortadown vs Bangor\nPortadown’s Steven McCullough and Bangor’s Jay Boyd\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Brian Little ",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21618,"_165":21619},"Steven McCullough, Bangor ",[21620],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":650,"_196":-5},{"_163":21622,"_165":21623},"The one accusation you cannot make of the Gers is that they lack experience and this winger fits into that category. ",[],{"_163":21625,"_165":21626},"Boss Stephen Baxter can help O’Connor get his mojo back.",[],{"_163":21628,"_165":21629}," “I’m a fast, direct attacker who wants to put balls in the box and score goals,” he says. ",[],{"_163":21631,"_165":21632},"The frontman then returned to Scotland to join then Championship side Hamilton, spending the second half of that season on loan at East Kilbride, helping them to win the Lowland Football League, Lowland League Cup and South Challenge Cup.",[],{"_163":21634,"_165":21635},"He left Solitude after an impressive campaign to join Scottish club Ayr before returning to Northern Ireland to join Glentoran. ",[],{"_163":21637,"_165":21638},"After one season at Ballymena United this is a fresh chapter for the 29-year-old who we know can sparkle at this level. O’Connor had spells with UCD and Cork City in the League of Ireland prior to his first spell in the Premiership with Cliftonville. ",[],{"_163":21640,"_165":21641},"Carrick can boast a number of experienced attacking threats and here’s an opportunity for O’Connor to revive his career. ",[],"NIFL","Daire O'Connor joined Carrick Rangers after a season with Ballymena United",{"_81":21645,"_212":21642,"_220":395,"_97":21646,"_213":21643,"_223":21647,"_106":21648,"_226":227,"_228":21642,"_230":21649,"_218":88,"_232":21648,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3r7ud7-daireoconnor.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/daireoconnor.jpg",[21650],"daireoconnor.jpg","159652094","Daire O'Connor",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21652,"_165":21653},"Daire O’Connor, Carrick Rangers ",[21654],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":1007,"_196":-5},{"_163":21656,"_165":21657},"“Just as importantly, he’s a competitor. He enjoys defending, he’s good in both boxes and he has the character to cope with the demands that come with playing for a club like Glentoran.” ",[],{"_163":21659,"_165":21660}," “He’s got all the qualities we wanted,” says boss Declan Devine. “He’s strong, athletic, comfortable on the ball and he’s played a lot of senior football for someone who’s still only 25. ",[],{"_163":21662,"_165":21663},"He had loan spells with Kilmarnock and Dundee before joining Cambridge in 2022. The Englishman moves to The Oval following a loan stint at Shelbourne earlier this year.",[],{"_163":21665,"_165":21666},"He joins the Glens following his departure from Cambridge United. He came through the Brentford, Southampton and Bournemouth academies before signing his first professional deal with the latter. ",[],{"_163":21668,"_165":21669},"Rossi became an instant hit with the Glentoran fans, not only for his goal, but for his defensive powers. ",[],{"_163":21671,"_165":21672},"Rossi, who is of English and Italian descent, only arrived in the city 24 hours before the game — but what an impression he made against a side that had lost only one of its 24 games this season. ",[],{"_163":21674,"_165":21675},"The 25-year-old scored on his debut against Latvian side FK RFS at the BetMcLean Oval and his performances suggest he can shine brightly in our League. ",[],{"_163":21677,"_165":21678},"It’s very early days and European football can be a baptism of fire for a new arrival but Rossi already looks the real deal in east Belfast. ",[],"Zeno Rossi got off to a flying start with Glentoran",{"_81":21681,"_212":21184,"_220":395,"_97":21682,"_213":21679,"_223":21683,"_106":21684,"_226":227,"_228":21191,"_230":21685,"_218":88,"_232":21684,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/igro8u-95222-2998796.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95222_2998796.jpg",[21686],"95222_2998796.jpg","159651837","UEFA Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round First Leg, The Oval, Belfast 9/7/2026\nGlentoran vs RFS\nGlentoran’s Zeno Rossi celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Jonathan Porter",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21688,"_165":21689},"Zeno Rossi, Glentoran ",[21690],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":661,"_196":-5},{"_163":21692,"_165":21693},"Kearney helped to bring Fallon to Coleraine and he knows what he offers the Sky Blues. ",[],{"_163":21695,"_165":21696},"The former Swansea City youngster has looked a bright spark in pre-season and he can be a standout performer in a new-look vibrant United side. ",[],{"_163":21698,"_165":21699},"The move to Coleraine didn’t work out but he did feature for Bangor towards the end of the campaign and that spell would have lifted his morale and confidence. ",[],{"_163":21701,"_165":21702},"Fallon won six Premiership titles, three League Cups and two Irish Cups with the Blues — he’s a winner as well as being a fantastic midfielder. ",[],{"_163":21704,"_165":21705},"The 29-year-old’s career has been derailed by various injuries which must be so frustrating. That just means the former Linfield man is even hungrier to shine when he’s playing. ",[],{"_163":21707,"_165":21708},"When fit and firing, the class act is one of the League’s top midfielders. ",[],{"_163":21710,"_165":21711},"Oran Kearney is overseeing an exciting rebuild on Warden Street and Fallon could be right at the heart of it. ",[],"Ballymena United FC","Stephen Fallon is part of Oran Kearney’s rebuild at Ballymena United",{"_81":21715,"_212":21712,"_220":395,"_97":21716,"_213":21713,"_223":21717,"_106":21718,"_226":227,"_228":21712,"_230":21719,"_218":88,"_232":21718,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nulqg0-stephen-fallon.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Stephen_Fallon.jpg",[21720],"Stephen_Fallon.jpg","159651504","Ballymena United's Stephen Fallon",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21722,"_165":21723},"Stephen Fallon, Ballymena United ",[21724],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":614,"_196":-5},{"_163":21726,"_165":21727},"Reds assistant boss Gerard Lyttle says: “Dean has real quality on the ball and can dictate the game. He has a great range of passing, is technically really good on the ball and has a great eye for a pass.” ",[],{"_163":21729,"_165":21730},"Since emerging through the youth ranks at St Mirren, the 23-year-old has matured into a real creative force and he will be looking to forge an exciting partnership with midfield general Rory Hale. ",[],{"_163":21732,"_165":21733},"He made a total of 134 appearances for Airdrie, including 24 in the Scottish Championship last season, captaining the team on numerous occasions. ",[],{"_163":21735,"_165":21736},"The Scot spent the last four seasons with Airdrieonians and he looks an exciting talent.",[],{"_163":21738,"_165":21739},"Holding midfielder McMaster may be small in stature but he can make a big splash this season. ",[],"SNS Group via Getty Images","Dean McMaster during his time with Airdrieonians",{"_81":21743,"_212":21740,"_220":395,"_97":21744,"_213":21741,"_223":21745,"_106":21746,"_226":227,"_228":21740,"_230":21747,"_218":88,"_232":21746,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/x69kts-tyimages-2262948798.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/tyImages-2262948798.jpg",[21748],"tyImages-2262948798.jpg","159651325","GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Airdrie's Dean McMaster in action during a William Hill Championship match between Partick Thistle and Airdrieonians at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill, on February 21, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland.(Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21750,"_165":21751},"Dean McMaster, Cliftonville ",[21752],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":633,"_196":-5},{"_163":21754,"_165":21755},"Coleraine’s firepower is not in doubt, but title hopes could rise or fall on their defensive strength. Left-back Doherty has plenty to offer in defence and attack. ",[],{"_163":21757,"_165":21758},"Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins says: “He brings real running power and energy, along with goals and assists. Ben is at a stage of his career where he has a real determination to be successful. He is in his prime and joins a club with ambition and a team that is moving in the right direction.” ",[],{"_163":21760,"_165":21761},"In his first full season back at the Brandywell, he was named in the League of Ireland Premier Division Team of the Year. ",[],{"_163":21763,"_165":21764},"During his first stint, Doherty played a key role in the club’s memorable European campaign in 2020, converting the decisive penalty in the UEFA Europa League shoot-out victory over Maribor. ",[],{"_163":21766,"_165":21767},"The 29-year-old doesn’t need much of a settling in period as these are familiar surroundings for the former Derry City ace.",[],{"_163":21769,"_165":21770},"Perhaps he wasn’t Coleraine’s marquee signing over the summer, but brilliant Ben brings considerable quality and experience to the ambitious Bannsiders. ",[],{"_163":21772,"_165":21773},"Ben Doherty, Coleraine ",[21774],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":661,"_196":-5},{"_163":21776,"_165":21777},"Ahead of the new Boyle Sports Premiership swinging into action, we take a look at six of the best summer buys. ",[],{"_163":21779,"_165":21780},"In this era of big expectations and little patience, the fresh arrivals will be looking to show their value. ",[],"\n

",{"_163":21783,"_165":21784},"Past achievements mean nothing now and the new signings must deliver. The new additions will be keen to repay the faith shown in them and perhaps use this opportunity to breathe fresh life into their careers. ",[],{"_163":21786,"_165":21787},"There have been some eye-catching moves but clubs are understandably reluctant to make huge financial gambles. ",[],{"_163":21789,"_165":21790},"The transfer window remains open but this summer’s business has reflected how difficult recruitment has become. ",[],"Coleraine’s Ben Doherty during the Bannsiders’ recent Conference League clash with HJK",{"_81":21793,"_212":19012,"_220":395,"_97":21794,"_213":21791,"_223":21795,"_106":21796,"_226":227,"_228":19019,"_230":21797,"_218":88,"_232":21796,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/7r6c2t-95386-3013549.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/95386_3013549.jpg",[21798],"95386_3013549.jpg","159651122","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg, Inver Park, Larne 30/7/2026\nColeraine vs HJK\nColeraine’s Ben Doherty with HJK’s Emil Levealahti\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Stephen Hamilton",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21517,"_165":21800},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19077,"_106":19078,"_253":10,"_254":19079},{"_250":20568,"_106":20569,"_253":10,"_254":20570},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":21811,"_106":21812,"_253":10,"_254":21813},{"_250":21808,"_106":21809,"_253":10,"_254":21810},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"regional_north-belfast-and-newtonabbey_sport","4389","North Belfast & Newtownabbey Sport","regional_east-belfast_sport","4386","East Belfast Sport",{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":21816,"_212":19012,"_220":395,"_97":21817,"_213":21791,"_223":21795,"_106":21796,"_226":227,"_228":19019,"_230":21797,"_218":88,"_232":21796,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/7r6c2t-95386-3013549.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95386_3013549.jpg",[21818],{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_250":19099,"_106":19100,"_275":21838,"_276":280},{"_250":19093,"_106":19094,"_275":19095,"_276":280},{"_250":21835,"_106":21836,"_275":21837,"_276":280},{"_250":21832,"_106":21833,"_275":21834,"_276":280},{"_250":21829,"_106":21830,"_275":21831,"_276":280},{"_250":21826,"_106":21827,"_275":21828,"_276":280},{"_250":20578,"_106":20579,"_275":20580,"_276":280},"Carrick Rangers","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:carrick-rangers","Carrick Rangers are a semi-professional football club in Northern Ireland who play their home matches at Loughshore Hotel Arena in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. They are a member of the Northern Ireland Football League and compete in the Danske Bank Premiership. Read the latest news and articles on Carrick Rangers from the Belfast Telegraph.","Glentoran FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:glentoran-fc","Glentoran is an Irish League football team based in Belfast","Ballymena United","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:ballymena-united","Ballymena United is an Irish League football team","Cliftonville FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:cliftonville-fc","Cliftonville is an Irish League football team based in Belfast","The top men's football league in NI","Irish League: BoyleSports Premiership summer transfers: six top signings","Six standout Boyle Sports Premiership summer signings, from Ben Doherty to Zeno Rossi, analysed for impact and potential. Read the full breakdown.",192280774,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":22040,"_283":8,"_275":22041,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/failure-to-bond-with-fans-a-homecoming-gone-wrong-and-a-lack-of-results-how-tiernan-lynchs-time-at-derry-city-came-crashing-to-an-end/a/159657457.html",[22037,22038,22039],"Failure to bond with fans, a homecoming gone wrong and a lack of results: How Tiernan Lynch’s time at Derry City came crashing to an end ",{"_264":22033,"_266":22018,"_267":21846},[22032],[22029,22030,22031],{},[],"2026-08-05T18:00:00Z","2026-08-05T17:22:57Z",[21857,21858,21859,21860,21861,21862,21863,21864,21865,21866,21867,21868,21869,21870,21871,21872,21873,21874,21875,21876,21877,21878,21879,21880,21881,21882,21883,21884,21885,21886,21887,21888,21889,21890,21891,21892,21893,21894,21895,21896,21897],{"_140":10,"_141":21856,"_143":10},"277964b4-90ea-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22027,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":20096,"_213":22020,"_215":22021,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22017,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22011,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":22008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":21999,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":21996,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":21993,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":21990,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":21987,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":21984,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":21974,"_213":21975,"_215":21976,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":21971,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":21968,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":21965,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":21962,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":21959,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":21956,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":21953,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":21950,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":21947,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":19397,"_213":21939,"_215":21940,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":21936,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":21933,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":21930,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":21927,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":21924,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":21921,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":21920,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21920,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":21917,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":21914,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":21911,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":21908,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":21905,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":21902,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":21899,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":556,"_106":21898,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":21898,"_233":92},"159635680",{"_163":21900,"_165":21901},"He remains a hard worker, a true professional and he can return a stronger and even hungrier manager. ",[],{"_163":21903,"_165":21904},"Lynch will not be short of options. His managerial CV still commands respect and clubs will seriously consider appointing him should a vacancy arise. ",[],{"_163":21906,"_165":21907},"The new manager has a tough job ahead and although the FAI Cup can still be won, this campaign has been a frustrating, painful and costly one. ",[],{"_163":21909,"_165":21910},"The Candystripes are just five points off the Relegation Play-Off spot with 10 games left to play. ",[],{"_163":21912,"_165":21913},"But managers cannot escape poor results. Lynch had a 50 per cent win rate in his first season, winning 19 of 38 games in all competitions, but that has fallen to 25 per cent in 2026, winning just eight of 32 games in all competitions. ",[],{"_163":21915,"_165":21916},"Perhaps the club felt that the scouting and recruitment wasn’t right and they turned to a former captain for a fresh approach. ",[],{"_163":21918,"_165":21919},"Connolly was named the club’s new Director of Football in June and it was an appointment that surprised many. ",[],"159470698",{"_163":21922,"_165":21923},"The club have made Mark Connolly interim manager and he will be in the dugout when Derry face Sligo on Friday. ",[],{"_163":21925,"_165":21926},"Dressing room relationships appeared strained and that is never a recipe for success. ",[],{"_163":21928,"_165":21929},"Not enough young talent has broken through. Lynch let go of local players like Ronan Boyce, Sam Todd and Sean Patton — the only local player to come through the ranks has been Conor Barr, who has been a success this season, while he has recently given debuts to Liam Kelly and Terence Doherty, but only because of a thin squad. ",[],{"_163":21931,"_165":21932},"Injuries to key players such as Liam Boyce left Derry struggling to kill off opponents and losing Kevin Holt was a big blow. Carl Winchester has barely featured this year due to injury. Adam Frizzell made only eight appearances in seven months. ",[],{"_163":21934,"_165":21935},"The difference between the 2025 squad, which finished second and the squad which started the 2026 season was stark — 15 players left, including most of the defence. ",[],{"_163":21937,"_165":21938},"Expectations were raised but there was no flying start as points were hard to come by and two European defeats poured on fresh misery. ",[],"James McClean and Tiernan Lynch in happier times",{"_81":21941,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":21942,"_213":21939,"_223":21943,"_106":21944,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":21945,"_218":88,"_232":21944,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/85bkfi-3322728.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3322728.jpg",[21946],"3322728.jpg","159657857","17 January 2026; New Derry City signing James McClean, centre, with Chairman Philip ODoherty, left, and Manager Tiernan Lynch during a media event in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21948,"_165":21949},"He stated in June: “You have a lot of conversations on the phone, and then you come home and quickly realise that what you hear on the phone is not what you see in reality. There are a lot of factors that have contributed to that. I’m going to leave them for another day.” ",[],{"_163":21951,"_165":21952},"McClean stated City’s European form was not the result of a “lack of effort” but instead shows an “issue somewhere” within the club. ",[],{"_163":21954,"_165":21955},"The former Republic of Ireland international has expressed views that were interpreted as attacks on the manager. ",[],{"_163":21957,"_165":21958},"There was James McClean‘s homecoming that wasn’t so happy. ",[],{"_163":21960,"_165":21961},"I make it 32 signings in 22 months at the Brandywell and not many could be considered successful. ",[],{"_163":21963,"_165":21964},"Just this week highly regarded League of Ireland defender Rob Slevin rocked up at Coleraine on a season-long loan after Derry recruited him in December. ",[],{"_163":21966,"_165":21967},"Consistency and stability is what clubs crave but it was impossible at Derry given the huge turnover of players. ",[],{"_163":21969,"_165":21970},"The boys from Belfast were unable to instil that passion in the side and retain a strong bond with supporters. ",[],{"_163":21972,"_165":21973},"Stephen Kenny made it feel like it was Derry against the world. He got the Brandywell and the whole town rocking with a local identity. ",[],"INPHO/Tom Maher","Tiernan Lynch departs Derry City after less than two seasons in charge",{"_81":21977,"_212":21974,"_220":395,"_97":21978,"_213":21975,"_223":21979,"_106":21980,"_226":227,"_228":21981,"_230":21982,"_218":88,"_232":21980,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/epu0tk-95404-3014770.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95404_3014770.jpg",[21983],"95404_3014770.jpg","159657808","©INPHO/Tom Maher","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Richmond Park, Dublin 2/8/2026\nSt. Patrick's Athletic vs Derry City\nDerry City manager Tiernan Lynch\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom Maher",{"_235":19519,"_237":19520,"_239":19519,"_240":19521},{"_163":21985,"_165":21986},"There was a feeling, rightly or wrongly, that he never really made an effort to identify with the club in terms of presence or enthusiasm. ",[],{"_163":21988,"_165":21989},"Fans will be patient up to a point. Some felt he was an outsider without an emotional connection to the city. ",[],{"_163":21991,"_165":21992},"Finishing just three points behind champions Shamrock Rovers and securing European football was considered a successful debut season for Lynch. ",[],{"_163":21994,"_165":21995},"He talked a good game but results were going to dictate his future. ",[],{"_163":21997,"_165":21998},"The ambition was to make the Candystripes a title-winning force and the best team on the island. And why not set the bar high? ",[],{"_163":22000,"_165":22001},"When he joined Derry on a three-year deal he was bullish and bold. ",[],{"_163":22003,"_165":22004},"Although he left during that continental journey in November 2024 his history making exploits earned him an exciting opportunity in the League of Ireland. ",[],{"_163":22006,"_165":22007},"The 50-year-old had won back-to-back Irish Premiership titles with Larne and led them to the promised land of major European League Phase action. ",[],{"_163":22009,"_165":22010},"Football is a ruthless, unforgiving business and Lynch knew that stakes were high but this was not how this story was supposed to go. ",[],{"_163":22012,"_165":22013},"Less than two years later the ambitious Brandywell project is up in flames. ",[],{"_163":22015,"_165":22016},"Tiernan Lynch and his brother Seamus had been miracle workers at Inver Park and the time was right to chase bigger targets. ",[],{"_163":22018,"_165":22019},"It felt like the perfect match, a dream partnership bringing a bright new dawn for Derry City. ",[],"Tiernan Lynch couldn’t replicate his success with Larne at Derry City",{"_81":22022,"_212":20096,"_220":221,"_97":22023,"_213":22020,"_223":22024,"_106":22025,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":22025,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/rfzm23-luney-graham-1.png/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Luney%2C%20Graham%20(1).png",[22026],"Luney%2C%20Graham%20(1).png","159660060",{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_163":21846,"_165":22028},[],{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":8,"_254":19076},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":19084,"_237":19085,"_240":6762},{"_81":22034,"_212":20096,"_220":221,"_97":22035,"_213":22020,"_223":22024,"_106":22025,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":22025,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/rfzm23-luney-graham-1.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Luney%2C%20Graham%20(1).png",[22036],{"_235":19022,"_237":19023,"_239":19022,"_240":19024},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch sacked: what went wrong?","Derry City’s Tiernan Lynch era collapses amid poor results, fan unrest and Mark Connolly’s interim step in. Explore the causes and what happens next.",191280145,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/tiernan-lynch-quizzed-on-james-mccleans-latest-outburst-as-derry-city-rescue-a-point-away-to-st-patricks-athletic/a/159523090.html",[22236,22237],"Tiernan Lynch quizzed on James McClean’s latest outburst as Derry City rescue a point away to St Patrick’s Athletic ",{"_264":22232,"_266":22219,"_267":22047},[],[22231],"159523090",{},[],"2026-08-02T20:17:14Z",[22059,22060,22061,22062,22063,22064,22065,22066,22067,22068,22069,22070,22071,22072,22073,22074,22075,22076,22077,22078,22079,22080,22081,22082,22083,22084,22085,22086,22087,22088,22089,22090,22091,22092,22093,22094],"Paul Buttner",{"_140":10,"_141":22058,"_143":10},"e95dfaff-8eae-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22229,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19790,"_213":22221,"_215":22222,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22218,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22215,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22210,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":22207,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22204,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22201,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22198,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22195,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":22192,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22189,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22186,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22183,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22180,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":19790,"_213":22169,"_215":22170,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":22166,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22163,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22160,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22156,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22153,"_161":162},{"_81":22152,"_85":22137,"_155":22138,"_157":195,"_161":22139},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":22149,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":22146,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":22143,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":22140,"_161":162},{"_81":22136,"_85":22137,"_155":22138,"_157":629,"_161":22139},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":22133,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":22130,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":22127,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":22123,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":22120,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":22117,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":22114,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":22111,"_161":162},{"_155":18599,"_157":576,"_18600":22095,"_161":18602},[22096,22097,22098],{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":22107,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":22103,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":22099,"_161":162},{"_163":22100,"_165":22101},"REF: Rob Harvey (Dublin).",[22102],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":202,"_196":-5},{"_163":22104,"_165":22105},"DERRY CITY: Maher; Lyons-Forster, Barr (Smith 66), Stott, Fleming (Slevin 90); Twisk, O’Reilly; Chapman (P McClean 66); Burns (L Boyce 66), Clarke (Olayinka 80), Duffy (Cotter 66).",[22106],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":167,"_196":-5},{"_163":22108,"_165":22109},"ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Anang; Redmond, Hoare, Turner; Brown (Breslin 64), Lennon, Nugent (Sheridan 82), McClelland; Leavy (Baggley 45); Keena (Olusanya 73), Edmondson.",[22110],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":661,"_196":-5},{"_163":22112,"_165":22113},"It dropped for Clarke on the edge of the area, the attacking midfielder taking a touch and driving a rising shot past Anang to the net.",[],{"_163":22115,"_165":22116},"Joe Redmond and Lennon couldn’t properly clear Lyons-Foster’s ball into the area.",[],{"_163":22118,"_165":22119},"It worked as they were rewarded on 73 minutes, though St Pat’s felt there was a handball in the build-up.",[],{"_163":22121,"_165":22122},"Having survived, Derry made a quadruple substitution just past the hour mark, as they chased the game.",[],{"_163":22124,"_165":22125},"Maintaining the pressure on the visitors’ goal, Maher yet again rescued his side with a diving stop from a Keena Kenna free-kick as St Pat’s couldn’t believe they hadn’t added to their lead.",[22126],{"_85":1065,"_157":1356,"_194":187,"_196":-5},{"_163":22128,"_165":22129},"Keena then put Edmondson in behind with Maher getting down smartly to save.",[],{"_163":22131,"_165":22132},"A loose clearance then gifted Jamie Lennon sight of goal. The midfield anchor’s shot arced just past a post.",[],{"_163":22134,"_165":22135},"St Pat’s began the second half as they did the first, James Brown rifling into the side netting when he should have doubled their lead, Maher having parried McClelland’s shot into his path.",[],"https://x.com/LeagueofIreland/status/2083970148050858406","Twitter","EmbedStoryElement","Embed",{"_163":22141,"_165":22142},"Maher did make a terrific save to deny Ryan Edmondson three minutes before half-time following Turner’s galloping run from deep, even if an offside flag had gone up anyway.",[],{"_163":22144,"_165":22145},"Keena’s free-kick into the area deflected into the path of Nugent. And though Maher was quickly off his line, he tripped the St Pat’s midfielder to concede a penalty, which Keena blasted straight down the middle.",[],{"_163":22147,"_165":22148},"Having rescued his side, Maher would contribute to St Pat’s taking a deserved lead on 27 minutes.",[],{"_163":22150,"_165":22151},"Leavy then teed up Keena with a pullback on the right. The striker never got hold of his shot, which was comfortably saved.",[],"https://x.com/LeagueofIreland/status/2083953956858827186",{"_163":22154,"_165":22155},"First the Derry goalkeeper made a fine save to deprive Leavy after a surging counter-attack by Keena and Nugent.",[],{"_163":22157,"_165":22158},"In a lively opening, Maher soon saw action on the doubleback at the Kilmainham end.",[22159],{"_85":1065,"_157":493,"_194":206,"_196":-5},{"_163":22161,"_165":22162},"Ex-Saint Darragh Burns cheekily nutmegged Turner on the right to cross for Clarke, whose header was tipped over for the game’s first corner.",[],{"_163":22164,"_165":22165},"Derry soon settled to work Joseph Anang at the other end for the first time on eight minutes.",[],{"_163":22167,"_165":22168},"Moments later Derry defender Jamie Stott’s header from a Keena free-kick had to be tipped over the top by his own goalkeeper Maher, though referee Rob Harvey had already whistled for a foul by Luke Turner.",[],"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch speaks to media after the 1-1 draw at Richmond Park",{"_81":22171,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":22172,"_213":22169,"_223":22173,"_106":22174,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":22175,"_218":88,"_232":22174,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/eag7yd-st-patricks-athletic-v-derry-city-sse-airtricity-mens-premier-division/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3529844.jpg",[22176],"3529844.jpg","159521140","2 August 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch speaks to media after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":22177,"_237":22178,"_239":22177,"_240":22179},"Ben.Blake@independent.ie","Blake","Ben",{"_163":22181,"_165":22182},"That came after just 20 seconds. Less than a minute later Kian Leavy went on a slalom run, hurdling several challenges before his drive was blocked by the well-positioned Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.",[],{"_163":22184,"_165":22185},"St Pat’s started positively, Darragh Nugent shooting wide after a Jay McClelland shot had been deflected to him.",[],{"_163":22187,"_165":22188},"“I am going to talk about the group that’s in there. Anybody who wants to talk about anything other than today’s game, I’ve not any interest in it.” ",[],{"_163":22190,"_165":22191},"“See this group of players, they’re a fantastic group of players in that dressing room and that’s my concentration, that’s my commitment and that’s what I’m here to talk about.",[],{"_163":22193,"_165":22194},"Pressed on whether he felt undermined by the comments, Lynch refused to say whether McClean had a future at the club or whether he would be disciplined.",[],{"_163":22196,"_165":22197},"“My job is to concentrate on what’s going on on the field,” said Lynch.",[],{"_163":22199,"_165":22200},"Asked to comment on the situation after the game, Derry head coach Tiernan Lynch was non-committal.",[],{"_163":22202,"_165":22203},"Following his social media comments after Thursday’s exit from Europe to Croatian side Rijeka, veteran winger James McClean was left out of the Derry squad and didn’t travel to Dublin.",[],{"_163":22205,"_165":22206},"With just six wins from 26 games now, pre-season title pretenders Derry remain sixth and well off the European qualification places.",[],{"_163":22208,"_165":22209},"A third successive draw means St Pat’s once again failed to make up significant ground on leaders Shamrock Rovers, who remain seven points ahead of them.",[],{"_163":22211,"_165":22212},"Though he committed the foul for that spot-kick, Brian Maher made several big saves between their post as Derry rallied late on to score a fine 73rd-minute equaliser.",[22213],{"_85":1065,"_157":22214,"_194":673,"_196":-5},83,{"_163":22216,"_165":22217},"St Pat’s enjoyed much of the ball for long periods of the game but failed to build on Aidan Keena’s first-half penalty.",[],{"_163":22219,"_165":22220},"James Clarke salvaged a big point for Derry City as they came from behind to frustrate St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.",[],"James Clarke celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Derry City at Richmond Park ",{"_81":22223,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":22224,"_213":22221,"_223":22225,"_106":22226,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":22227,"_218":88,"_232":22226,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/bxxv1h-st-patricks-athletic-v-derry-city-sse-airtricity-mens-premier-division/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/3529722.jpg",[22228],"3529722.jpg","159520123","2 August 2026; James Clarke of Derry City celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":22177,"_237":22178,"_239":22177,"_240":22179},{"_163":22047,"_165":22230},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_81":22233,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":22234,"_213":22221,"_223":22225,"_106":22226,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":22227,"_218":88,"_232":22226,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/bxxv1h-st-patricks-athletic-v-derry-city-sse-airtricity-mens-premier-division/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3529722.jpg",[22235],{"_235":22177,"_237":22178,"_239":22177,"_240":22179},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":22238,"_106":22239,"_275":22240,"_276":280},"St Patrick's Athletic FC","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:st-patricks-athletic-fc","St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a professional Irish association football club based in Inchicore, Dublin, that plays in the Irish Premier Division. Founded in May 1929, they played originally in Phoenix Park but they moved to their current ground Richmond Park in 1930.",191279227,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/james-clarke-stunner-rescues-point-for-derry-city-on-return-to-league-action-at-st-pats/a/159519746.html",[22384,22385],"James Clarke stunner rescues point for Derry City on return to league action at St Pat’s",{"_264":22380,"_266":22374,"_267":22246},[],[22378,22379],"159519746",{},[],"2026-08-02T18:24:00Z","2026-08-02T18:24:41Z",[22259,22260,22261,22262,22263,22264,22265,22266,22267,22268,22269,22270,22271,22272,22273,22274,22275,22276,22277,22278,22279,22280,22281],"Eoin Wilson",{"_140":10,"_141":22258,"_143":10},"24b3f8ed-8e9d-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22376,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":22373,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":21974,"_213":22365,"_215":22366,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22362,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22359,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22356,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22353,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":22344,"_213":22345,"_215":22346,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22341,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22338,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22335,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22332,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":21974,"_213":22324,"_215":22325,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22321,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22318,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22315,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22312,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":21974,"_213":22303,"_215":22304,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":22299,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22295,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22291,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22287,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22282,"_161":162},{"_163":22283,"_165":22284},"Match Rating: 5/10",[22285],{"_85":22286,"_157":880,"_194":158,"_196":-5},"Underline",{"_163":22288,"_165":22289},"Man of the Match: James Clarke (Derry City)",[22290],{"_85":22286,"_157":880,"_194":681,"_196":-5},{"_163":22292,"_165":22293},"Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin)",[22294],{"_85":22286,"_157":880,"_194":183,"_196":-5},{"_163":22296,"_165":22297},"Derry City: Maher, Fleming (Slevin 90), Stott, Barr (Smith 67), Lyons-Foster, Twisk, Duffy (Boyce 67), Ellis Chapman (P McClean 67), O’Reilly, Burns (Cotter 67), Clarke (Olayinka 80).",[22298],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":22300,"_165":22301},"St Patrick’s Athletic: Anang, Redmond, Hoare, Turner, Brown (Breslin 64) Lennon, Nugent (Sheridan 82), McClelland, Leavy (Baggley 45), Keena (Olusanya 73), Edmonson.",[22302],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":661,"_196":-5},"The pressure is still on Tiernan Lynch at Derry City",{"_81":22305,"_212":21974,"_220":395,"_97":22306,"_213":22303,"_223":21979,"_106":22307,"_226":227,"_228":21981,"_230":21982,"_218":88,"_232":22307,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5ccpgk-95404-3014770.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95404_3014770.jpg",[22308],"159520175",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},"adam.mckendry@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","McKendry","Adam",{"_163":22313,"_165":22314},"City debutant Tyler Smith was lively in attack just days after joining the club but, while they finished the stronger, they were unable to force a winner, and it is now just two wins in their last 13 league games for Lynch and his players, who next face Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell on Friday.",[],{"_163":22316,"_165":22317},"It was Derry looking stronger as a result in the closing stages of the game, with the fresh legs having a real impact. All of a sudden it was Pat’s on the back foot, and substitute Barry Cotter forced Anang to tip the ball over the bar after taking on and beating Brown on the edge of the area.",[],{"_163":22319,"_165":22320},"A ball into the area was only half cleared by the Pats’ defence and Clarke brought it down just outside the area, before taking a touch and powering an unstoppable effort into the top corner past a helpless Anang for his sixth goal of the season.",[],{"_163":22322,"_165":22323},"Tiernan Lynch made four changes midway through the second-half in an attempt to reenergise his team after their European exertions in midweek, but it was one of his starters, Clarke, who dragged the visitors back into the game on 71 minutes.",[],"Derry City's Brooklyn Lyons-Foster challenges Jason McClelland of St Patrick's Athletic",{"_81":22326,"_212":21974,"_220":395,"_97":22327,"_213":22324,"_223":22328,"_106":22329,"_226":227,"_228":21981,"_230":22330,"_218":88,"_232":22329,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/8domh0-95404-3014806--1-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95404_3014806__1_.jpg",[22331],"95404_3014806__1_.jpg","159520169","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Richmond Park, Dublin 2/8/2026\nSt. Patrick's Athletic vs Derry City\nDerry City's Brooklyn Lyons-Foster challenges Jason McClelland of St Patrick's Athletic\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom Maher",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22333,"_165":22334},"Pat’s started the second-half with renewed intention and pushed City right back, with Maher having to stop an effort from Edmonson, before also pushing away a brilliant free-kick from Keena as Derry hung on just barely to their 1-0 deficit.",[],{"_163":22336,"_165":22337},"Aidan Keena slammed the ball down the middle to make it 1-0 much to the chagrin of the visitors.",[],{"_163":22339,"_165":22340},"The game sprung into life towards the half-hour when a Pat’s free-kick into a crowded area saw the ball spin towards the back post into the path of Darragh Nugent. The Pat’s midfielder got his shot away but was challenged by Maher in the process, and referee Rob Harvey adjudged it as a late challenge and pointed to the penalty spot.",[],{"_163":22342,"_165":22343},"At the other end, Brian Maher then had to stand strong for his team as Pat’s threatened for the first time through Kian Leavy, who turned past Brandon Fleming onto his left foot to create a shooting opportunity, but he couldn’t beat the City goalkeeper, who pushed the ball away.",[],"Adam Russell/Sportsfile","Derry City’s Brandon Fleming challenges St Pat’s’ Kian Leavy",{"_81":22347,"_212":22344,"_220":395,"_97":22348,"_213":22345,"_223":22349,"_106":22350,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22351,"_218":88,"_232":22350,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/kx53l7-3529688.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/3529688.jpg",[22352],"3529688.jpg","159520156","2 August 2026; Kian Leavy of St Patrick's Athletic in action against Brandon Fleming of Derry City during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Adam Russell/Sportsfile",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22354,"_165":22355},"Derry almost silenced the home side within 10 minutes when Darragh Burns found space to whip a cross into the Pat’s area and Clarke met it with a glancing, looping header which Joseph Anang had to tip over the crossbar.",[],{"_163":22357,"_165":22358},"City went into this game just three days after their European Conference League disappointment against HNK Rijeka, while for Pat’s it was a chance to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.",[],{"_163":22360,"_165":22361},"This was the Candystripes’ first league game in a month after switching their focus to European and FAI Cup action, and it was Clarke who came to their rescue with 18 minutes to go in a fairly low-key contest at Richmond Park.",[],{"_163":22363,"_165":22364},"James Clarke saved a point for Derry City on their return to Airtricity Premier Division action at St Patrick’s Athletic.",[],"Derry City's James Clarke celebrates after scoring against St Patrick’s Athletic",{"_81":22367,"_212":21974,"_220":395,"_97":22368,"_213":22365,"_223":22369,"_106":22370,"_226":227,"_228":21981,"_230":22371,"_218":88,"_232":22370,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ww4gmw-95404-3014832.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/95404_3014832.jpg",[22372],"95404_3014832.jpg","159520127","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Richmond Park, Dublin 2/8/2026\nSt. Patrick's Athletic vs Derry City\nDerry City's James Clarke celebrates after scoring his side's first goal of the match with Patrick McClean\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom Maher",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22374,"_165":22375},"St Patrick’s Athletic 1 Derry City 1",[],{"_163":22246,"_165":22377},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":22381,"_212":21974,"_220":395,"_97":22382,"_213":22365,"_223":22369,"_106":22370,"_226":227,"_228":21981,"_230":22371,"_218":88,"_232":22370,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ww4gmw-95404-3014832.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95404_3014832.jpg",[22383],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":22238,"_106":22239,"_275":22240,"_276":280},191256623,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/there-is-an-issue-somewhere-james-mcclean-reacts-to-derry-citys-europe-exit-in-now-deleted-social-media-post/a/159470698.html",[22504,22505],"‘There is an issue somewhere’: James McClean reacts to Derry City's Europe exit in now-deleted social media post",{"_264":22501,"_266":22489,"_267":22391},[22500],[22498,22499],{},[],"2026-07-31T15:21:00Z",[22401,22402,22403,22404,22405,22406,22407,22408,22409,22410,22411,22412,22413,22414,22415,22416,22417,22418,22419,22420,22421,22422],{"_140":10,"_141":22400,"_143":10},"4c87b6ae-8cf3-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22496,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19790,"_213":22491,"_215":22492,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22488,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22485,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22482,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22479,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":22476,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":-5,"_213":22469,"_215":22470,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22466,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22463,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22460,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":22457,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22454,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22452,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22449,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":-5,"_213":22441,"_215":22442,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":22438,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":22435,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22432,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22429,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22426,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22423,"_161":162},{"_163":22424,"_165":22425},"With their European adventure now at an end, the Candystripes return to league action away to St Patrick’s Athletic on Sunday evening. There’s also an FAI Cup third-round clash away to First Division UCD to come on Monday week. ",[],{"_163":22427,"_165":22428},"“You have a lot of conversations on the phone. Then you come home and realise what you hear on the phone is not what you see in reality. There’s a lot of factors that have contributed to that. We’ll leave them for another day.”",[],{"_163":22430,"_165":22431},"“My family have enjoyed being home. Probably not so much myself, if I’m being honest,” he said.",[],{"_163":22433,"_165":22434},"Last month, while on World Cup punditry duty for RTÉ, McClean also admitted that this season hasn’t turned out exactly as he hoped. ",[],{"_163":22436,"_165":22437},"“[I] am very comfortable being disliked if it means me speaking the truth, what [I] am not comfortable with is being liked by saying nothing and turning a blind eye.”",[],{"_163":22439,"_165":22440},"In a subsequent post, McClean added: “One thing you’ll always get from me is my honest take on things, which in return will bring hate and by the way, that doesn’t mean [I] am always right either, but it’s honest.",[],"James McClean on Instagram ",{"_81":22443,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":22444,"_213":22441,"_223":22445,"_106":22446,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":22446,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/igq88n-762864182-1810444512515691.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/762864182_1810444512515691.jpg",[22447],"762864182_1810444512515691.jpg","159466919",{"_235":22448,"_237":9324,"_239":22448,"_240":19411},"aidan.odoherty@independent.ie",{"_163":22450,"_165":22451},"“If you don’t like it, then you’ll excuse me for not caring about your opinion, given that 99.9pc that have a lot to say have never played a professional game in their lives. Anyways, on to the next.”",[],{"_163":20105,"_165":22453},[],{"_163":22455,"_165":22456},"“If you watch the games, the lads aren’t losing these games based on lack of effort, just like all season, so clearly there is an issue somewhere.",[],{"_163":22458,"_165":22459},"“And sorry, it needs to be said, we have every much as good, if not better, a squad on paper [compared to those clubs], said it already last time out. ",[],{"_163":22461,"_165":22462},"“Rovers, Bohs, Shels, Larne have all progressed through ties in Europe this year. We played four, lost four,” he said in a now-deleted Instagram story.",[],{"_163":22464,"_165":22465},"Afterwards, the Derry native took to social media to share his thoughts on his side’s European exit on a night when Shelbourne and Bohemians both progressed to the next round of the Conference League. ",[],{"_163":22467,"_165":22468},"McClean was an unused substitute for last week’s first leg in Croatia, and was left out of the squad for last night’s return leg at the Brandywell, as he watched on from behind the home dugout. ",[],"James McClean watches the game on Thursday",{"_81":22471,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":22472,"_213":22469,"_223":22473,"_106":22474,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":22474,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/tmv2e4-761462370-1810439371415691.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/761462370_1810439371415691.jpg",[22475],"761462370_1810439371415691.jpg","159466821",{"_235":22448,"_237":9324,"_239":22448,"_240":19411},{"_163":22477,"_165":22478},"Derry then dropped into the Conference League second round and were beaten 1-0 by HNK Rijeka in both legs as their European journey came to an end on Thursday night.",[],{"_163":22480,"_165":22481},"After finishing runners-up last season, the Candystripes entered the Europa League first qualifying round earlier this month, where they were beaten by CSKA Sofia, with McClean playing a total of seven minutes across the two legs. ",[],{"_163":22483,"_165":22484},"The 37-year-old missed several games earlier this season with a chronic hip issue that threatened possible retirement before it was resolved, while in the league, Tiernan Lynch’s team have failed to mount a title challenge, currently sitting 21 points off the top. ",[],{"_163":22486,"_165":22487},"The former Ireland centurion returned to his boyhood club last January, but it has proved a difficult campaign for him personally and his team. ",[],{"_163":22489,"_165":22490},"James McClean has expressed his disappointment at Derry City’s Conference League exit on Thursday night and feels that even though the players are giving everything, “there is an issue somewhere”.",[],"Derry City’s James McClean arrives for the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round, second leg clash against HNK Rijeka at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium ",{"_81":22493,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":22494,"_213":22491,"_223":19795,"_106":20095,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":19797,"_218":88,"_232":20095,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/vgavm1-derry-city-v-hnk-rijeka-uefa-conference-league-second-qualifying-round-2nd-leg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/3527291.jpg",[22495],{"_235":20098,"_237":20099,"_239":20098,"_240":20100},{"_163":22391,"_165":22497},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":20098,"_237":20099,"_240":20100},{"_81":20093,"_212":19790,"_220":395,"_97":22502,"_213":22491,"_223":19795,"_106":20095,"_226":227,"_228":20096,"_230":19797,"_218":88,"_232":20095,"_233":92},[22503],{"_235":20098,"_237":20099,"_239":20098,"_240":20100},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},191243088,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/defensive-disaster-costs-derry-city-as-european-campaign-comes-to-a-disappointing-ending-with-defeat-to-rijeka/a/159429731.html",[22645],"Defensive disaster costs Derry City as European campaign comes to a disappointing ending with defeat to Rijeka",{"_264":22641,"_266":22635,"_267":22511},[],[22639,22640],"159429731",{},[],"2026-07-30T19:37:00Z","2026-07-30T19:37:58Z",[22523,22524,22525,22526,22527,22528,22529,22530,22531,22532,22533,22534,22535,22536,22537,22538,22539,22540,22541,22542,22543,22544,22545],{"_140":10,"_141":22522,"_143":10},"d5182af1-8c4c-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22637,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":22634,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":22561,"_213":22626,"_215":22627,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22623,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22620,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22617,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22614,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":22561,"_213":22606,"_215":22607,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22603,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22600,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22597,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22594,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":22561,"_213":22586,"_215":22587,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22577,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22574,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":22571,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":22561,"_213":22562,"_215":22563,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22558,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22554,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22546,"_161":162},{"_163":22547,"_165":22548},"Referee: Jose Goncalves (Spain)",[22549],{"_85":22286,"_157":880,"_194":183,"_196":-5},{"_163":22551,"_165":22552},"HNK Rijeka: Todorovic; Jankovic (Lasickas 80), Barco, Pavic, Fruk (Cubelic 89), Gojak, Adu-Adjei (Grulovic 90), Orec, Dantas, Devetak, Majstorovic.",[22553],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":22555,"_165":22556},"Derry City: Maher; Lyons-Foster (Cotter 62), Dummigan, P McClean (Stott 80), Fleming; Olayinka (Burns 62), Twisk, O’Reilly, Chapman; Duffy, Boyce (Clarke 45).",[22557],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":22559,"_165":22560},"That was as close as the home side came, with their European campaign fading out quietly and forgettably in the closing stages. The Candystripes now return to domestic matters when they travel to St. Patrick’s Athletic this Sunday. ",[],"INPHO/Ryan Byrne","Derry’s Adam O’Reilly reacts to a missed chance",{"_81":22564,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":22565,"_213":22562,"_223":22566,"_106":22567,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":22569,"_218":88,"_232":22567,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/h9jc46-95385-3013476.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95385_3013476.jpg",[22570],"95385_3013476.jpg","159429891","©INPHO/Ryan Byrne","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 30/7/2026\nDerry City vs Rijeka\nDerry’s Adam O’Reilly reacts to a missed chance\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22572,"_165":22573},"If any City player was going to provide the inspiration the Candystripes needed then it was Duffy, and he very nearly did that on 65 minutes with a 25-yard free-kick which beat Todorovic but hit the frame of the goal.",[],{"_163":22575,"_165":22576},"City finally showed some signs of life in response with Adam O’Reilly getting on the end of Duffy’s cross, but his header landed on the roof of the net. Substitute James Clarke then curled an effort just wide as the Brandywell came to life.",[],{"_163":22578,"_165":22579},"The atmosphere at the Brandywell was not becoming of a European night, with the home side unable to replicate their early endeavour, and yet another chance came Rijeka’s way eight minutes after the restart when Amer Gojak’s low cross found Adu-Adjei on the stretch, but the goalscorer could not double his tally, somehow skewing the ball wide from close range.",[],{"_163":22581,"_165":22582},"The home side needed the half-time whistle, but they were almost caught out again right on the stroke of half-time; Dummigan lost the flight of the ball in the air and Adu-Adjei was in behind again, but he opted to roll it back for Jankovic who shot wildly over.",[],{"_163":22584,"_165":22585},"Moments after a crucial header took the ball away from Ante Majstorovic, Dummigan threw himself in the way of Niko Jankovic’s close-range shot after the ball had fallen kindly for the winger just six yards from goal.",[],"The pressure has ramped up further on Tiernan Lynch",{"_81":22588,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":22589,"_213":22586,"_223":22590,"_106":22591,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":22592,"_218":88,"_232":22591,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/j4f2zk-95385-3013466.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95385_3013466.jpg",[22593],"95385_3013466.jpg","159429882","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 30/7/2026\nDerry City vs Rijeka\nDerry manager Tiernan Lynch \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22595,"_165":22596},"That was a real blow which took the wind out of Derry, and Rijeka came close to killing the tie completely on the half hour but this time Dummigan saved his team twice in a matter of seconds.",[],{"_163":22598,"_165":22599},"Dummigan, playing at centre-back, played the ball backwards but straight to Adu-Adjei, who raced through to slide the ball past Brian Maher and make double Rijeka’s lead on aggregate.",[],{"_163":22601,"_165":22602},"That proved to be a decisive moment in the tie as City then gifted their Croatian opponents a goal just three minutes later.",[],{"_163":22604,"_165":22605},"The City captain showed no fear up against two opponents on the left wing, racing through both before picking out the run of Ellis Chapman in behind the Rijeka defence. Chapman pulled the ball back to Liam Boyce 10 yards from goal, and the striker had time to take a touch before picking his spot, only to be denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Aleksa Todorovic, who stuck out a right hand to keep the ball out.",[],"Derry City’s Michael Duffy tackles Rijeka’s Ante Orec",{"_81":22608,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":22609,"_213":22606,"_223":22610,"_106":22611,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":22612,"_218":88,"_232":22611,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/h4857g-95385-3013424.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95385_3013424.jpg",[22613],"95385_3013424.jpg","159429873","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 30/7/2026\nDerry City vs Rijeka\nDerry’s Michael Duffy and Ante Oreč of Rijeka\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22615,"_165":22616},"Derry could have been level on aggregate as early as 11 minutes following a fast start, with Duffy at the heart of it.",[],{"_163":22618,"_165":22619},"Michael Duffy did his best to inspire a comeback, but few of his teammates were able to match his quality, with the visitors keeping their clean sheet relatively comfortably.",[],{"_163":22621,"_165":22622},"In truth, City didn’t have the quality to break down their Croatian opponents, and when Daniel Adu-Adjei took advantage of a Cameron Dummigan mistake to score the only goal of the game in the first half, there was no way back. ",[],{"_163":22624,"_165":22625},"Derry City’s European adventure is over for another season following another narrow defeat to HNK Rijeka, this time at the Brandywell.",[],"Derry City players are dejected after Rijeka score",{"_81":22628,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":22629,"_213":22626,"_223":22630,"_106":22631,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":22632,"_218":88,"_232":22631,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dp3md7-95385-3013435.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/95385_3013435.jpg",[22633],"95385_3013435.jpg","159429869","UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 30/7/2026\nDerry City vs Rijeka\nDerry’s Michael Duffy dejected after conceding a goal \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22635,"_165":22636},"Derry City 0 HNK Rijeka 1 - Rijeka win 2-0 on aggregate",[],{"_163":22511,"_165":22638},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":22642,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":22643,"_213":22626,"_223":22630,"_106":22631,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":22632,"_218":88,"_232":22631,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dp3md7-95385-3013435.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95385_3013435.jpg",[22644],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_250":19323,"_106":19324,"_275":19325,"_276":280},191151175,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":22772,"_283":8,"_275":22773,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/glentoran-boss-backs-new-boy-to-be-a-huge-player-in-the-season-ahead/a/159122604.html",[22769,22770],"Glentoran boss backs new boy to be a ‘huge player’ in the season ahead",{"_264":22765,"_266":22750,"_267":22651},[],[22762,22763,22764],"159122604",{},[],"2026-08-07T08:00:00Z","2026-07-24T21:31:24Z",[22664,22665,22666,22667,22668,22669,22670,22671,22672,22673,22674,22675,22676,22677,22678,22679,22680,22681,22682,22683,22684,22685,22686],"Alex Mills",{"_140":10,"_141":22663,"_143":10},"deb5f73a-86ac-11f1-8207-1f99fd65e108",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22760,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":21607,"_213":22752,"_215":22753,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22749,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22746,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22743,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":22740,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22737,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22728,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":22725,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":21184,"_213":22717,"_215":22718,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22714,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22711,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22708,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":22705,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":22702,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22699,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22696,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22693,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22690,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":22687,"_161":162},{"_163":22688,"_165":22689},"“The fans are the heartbeat of the club; they make it bounce. We all need to pull together for the domestic season.” ",[],{"_163":22691,"_165":22692},"“We need them to stay with us from start to finish over the course of the next eight months, as they always do. ",[],{"_163":22694,"_165":22695},"“Our home support was magnificent last season and they follow us in big numbers to every away game, including Europe, where hundreds made the journey to Latvia for the second leg tie. ",[],{"_163":22697,"_165":22698},"“In my time at the club, they have been amazing,” he goes on. “As a manager and as a player, it’s something that lives with you. ",[],{"_163":22700,"_165":22701},"Devine believes the Glentoran supporters can also play a big part in the upcoming campaign. ",[],{"_163":22703,"_165":22704},"“Believe me, it’s going to take that for the season ahead.” ",[],{"_163":22706,"_165":22707},"“What pleases me is we have leaders, we have real leadership within the group. ",[],{"_163":22709,"_165":22710},"“Plus the fact that another new signing, Greg Sloggett, has been there and done it in terms of winning trophies and has featured at top clubs like Derry City, Dundalk and Hartlepool. ",[],{"_163":22712,"_165":22713},"“Add his leadership qualities to the senior professionals we have at the club - the Singletons, the Kanes, the Hobans and the McEneffs - I think we will have serious competition for places in the team. ",[],{"_163":22715,"_165":22716},"“Thankfully, he’s with us for the next few years. He will be a huge player for us. ",[],"Zeno Rossi enjoyed a goalscoring debut with Glentoran",{"_81":22719,"_212":21184,"_220":395,"_97":22720,"_213":22717,"_223":22721,"_106":22722,"_226":227,"_228":21191,"_230":22723,"_218":88,"_232":22722,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/718zip-90726jp3football013.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/90726JP3football013.jpg",[22724],"90726JP3football013.jpg","159122929","UEFA Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round First Leg, The Oval, Belfast 9/7/2026\nGlentoran vs RFS\n\nGlentoranÕs Zeno Rossi celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0. \n\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Jonathan Porter",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":22726,"_165":22727},"“His age profile, his leadership qualities, his size, his ability and his presence have been very welcome by everyone at the club. ",[],{"_163":22729,"_165":22730},"“It was a position we were trying to strengthen,” said former Bohemians and Derry City chief Devine. “To get someone of his calibre was a bonus. ",[],{"_163":22732,"_165":22733},"Amazingly, he only arrived in east Belfast less than 24 hours before the European tie - but Devine had no hesitation in pitching him into the heat of the battle. ",[],{"_163":22735,"_165":22736},"Not only did he produce a top class showing against the Latvians, but he also capped his first appearance in the red, green and black shirt with a sensational goal. ",[],{"_163":22738,"_165":22739},"Less than 24 hours later, Rossi made his bow in a UEFA Conference League tie at home to RFS and, as debuts go, he had the BetMcLean Oval crowd eating out of his hand from the off. ",[],{"_163":22741,"_165":22742},"Devine pounced straight away, tying him up on a long-term deal.",[],{"_163":22744,"_165":22745},"He joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne back in February but, on July 9, Rossi learned that his contract at Cambridge had been terminated. ",[],{"_163":22747,"_165":22748},"The 25-year-old central defender had been on the books at Bournemouth and Southampton and had a spell in Scotland – with Kilmarnock and Dundee – before signing for Cambridge United. ",[],{"_163":22750,"_165":22751},"Glentoran manager Declan Devine believes new boy Zeno Rossi will take the Irish League by storm. ",[],"Declan Devine has been keen to add leadership qualities to Glentoran’s squad over the summer",{"_81":22754,"_212":21607,"_220":395,"_97":22755,"_213":22752,"_223":22756,"_106":22757,"_226":227,"_228":21614,"_230":22758,"_218":88,"_232":22757,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qajrsu-94202-2910091.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/94202_2910091.jpg",[22759],"94202_2910091.jpg","159123054","BetMcClean Cup Final, Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast 15/3/2026\nGlentoran vs Linfield\nGlentoran Manager Declan Devine\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Brian Little",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":22651,"_165":22761},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":21811,"_106":21812,"_253":10,"_254":21813},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":22766,"_212":21607,"_220":395,"_97":22767,"_213":22752,"_223":22756,"_106":22757,"_226":227,"_228":21614,"_230":22758,"_218":88,"_232":22757,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qajrsu-94202-2910091.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/94202_2910091.jpg",[22768],{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_250":19099,"_106":22771,"_275":21838,"_276":280},{"_250":21829,"_106":21830,"_275":21831,"_276":280},"tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:sports-direct-premiership","Glentoran transfer news: Zeno Rossi signing and impact","Declan Devine hails Zeno Rossi as a game-changing Glentoran signing and praises fan power ahead of the new Irish League season.",191143257,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":22875,"_283":8,"_275":22876,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/derry-city-players-must-seize-conference-league-opportunity-after-battling-performance-in-croatia-insists-tiernan-lynch/a/159165647.html",[22871,22872],"Derry City players must seize Conference League opportunity after battling performance in Croatia, insists Tiernan Lynch",{"_264":22867,"_266":22852,"_267":22779},[],[22864,22865,22866],"159165647",{},[],"2026-07-24T14:03:00Z","2026-07-24T14:04:11Z",[22791,22792,22793,22794,22795,22796,22797,22798,22799,22800,22801,22802,22803,22804,22805,22806,22807],{"_140":10,"_141":22790,"_143":10},"8c1e8f0c-8767-11f1-9dca-0f033d5f980c",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":22862,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":22821,"_213":22854,"_215":22855,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22851,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22848,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22845,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22842,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":22808,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":22808,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22839,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22836,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22833,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22830,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":22821,"_213":22822,"_215":22823,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22818,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22815,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22812,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22809,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":677,"_106":22808,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":22808,"_233":92},"159123250",{"_163":22810,"_165":22811},"“We were coming into this game blind and it was important that we are going back to the Brandywell still in the game. I’ve been involved in lots of European games where you were going back for the second leg with the tie pretty much wrapped up and, as we showed last week, when we get home and get that crowd behind us, a full house, the Brandywell is a difficult place to play.”",[],{"_163":22813,"_165":22814},"“We were never going to go gung-ho at this because we don’t know a huge amount about them obviously. A new manager came in so we weren’t 100 per cent sure what style they were going to play, what shape they were going to play, or who was going to play, so it was probably very cautious from our end.",[],{"_163":22816,"_165":22817},"“We knew there wouldn’t be a lot of opportunities. This was about staying in the game and making sure that we could take something back to the Brandywell,” he added.",[],{"_163":22819,"_165":22820},"City themselves created only one chance of note, a first half effort from Michael Duffy which squirmed the wrong side of the post, but Lynch knows his team can improve significantly in that regard when playing at the Brandywell.",[],"Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile","Derry City’s Michael Duffy is challenged by HNK Rijeka’s Ante Orec",{"_81":22824,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22825,"_213":22822,"_223":22826,"_106":22827,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22828,"_218":88,"_232":22827,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/s0ayv1-sports3519815.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3519815.jpg",[22829],"Sports3519815.jpg","159133141","23 July 2026; Michael Duffy of Derry City vs Ante Orec of Rijeka in action during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between HNK Rijeka and Derry City at HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica in Rijeka, Croatia. Photo by Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22831,"_165":22832},"“Rijeka are a very good side, with lots of quality and very good players, but we had a very particular gameplan coming here. The longer the game went on, I thought we settled on the ball a lot more and tried to dictate a bit more, so we’re disappointed that we didn’t get something from the game.”",[],{"_163":22834,"_165":22835},"“To be honest, we’re probably a little bit disappointed. I think it’s a great sign of the character of the team that they did come in disappointed,” Lynch reflected.",[],{"_163":22837,"_165":22838},"The game was decided by an early second half strike from Croatian international Toni Fruk, subject of an £8.5million bidding war between Ajax and Hull City. That one moment was the difference and the only slip by Derry on a night of defensive sturdiness.",[],{"_163":22840,"_165":22841},"“A big thing from our end is gaining the confidence that we can have in ourselves and our ability to implement our own game a little bit more. I think sometimes we feel a little bit inferior and that’s the big thing that we have to change.”",[],{"_163":22843,"_165":22844},"“The big thing you can always take from these games is what you can learn from them,” he explained.",[],{"_163":22846,"_165":22847},"In three games played in Europe so far, the two legs against CSKA Sofia and against Rijeka, the Candystripes have yet to be overwhelmed, with only fine margins the difference, and Lynch is hoping his players’ confidence is increasing because of that fact.",[],{"_163":22849,"_165":22850},"City go into their Conference League second qualifying round tie with HNK Rijeka of Croatia a solitary goal behind following a battling display at Stadion Rujevica.",[],{"_163":22852,"_165":22853},"Tiernan Lynch has called on his Derry City players to seize the opportunity ahead of them as they look forward to a huge European night at the Brandywell next Thursday.",[],"Derry City’s Brandon Fleming of Derry City in action during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between HNK Rijeka and Derry City at HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica in Rijeka, Croatia. Photo by Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile",{"_81":22856,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22857,"_213":22854,"_223":22858,"_106":22859,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22860,"_218":88,"_232":22859,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wb1xcl-sports3519814.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3519814.jpg",[22861],"Sports3519814.jpg","159133179","23 July 2026; Brandon Fleming of Derry City in action during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between HNK Rijeka and Derry City at HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica in Rijeka, Croatia. Photo by Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22779,"_165":22863},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":22868,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22869,"_213":22854,"_223":22858,"_106":22859,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22860,"_218":88,"_232":22859,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wb1xcl-sports3519814.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3519814.jpg",[22870],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},"Derry City","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:derry-city","Derry City vs HNK Rijeka: big European night at Brandywell","Derry City trail HNK Rijeka by one goal but believe in a Brandywell comeback on a huge European night. Read how Tiernan Lynch plans the second leg.",191131917,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/derry-city-take-one-goal-deficit-back-to-brandywell-as-rijeka-claim-slender-advantage-in-conference-league-qualifier/a/159123250.html",[23015],"Derry City take one-goal deficit back to Brandywell as Rijeka claim slender advantage in Conference League qualifier",{"_264":23012,"_266":23006,"_267":22882},[],[23010,23011],{},[],"2026-07-23T20:58:00Z","2026-07-23T20:58:47Z",[22893,22894,22895,22896,22897,22898,22899,22900,22901,22902,22903,22904,22905,22906,22907,22908,22909,22910,22911,22912,22913,22914,22915,22916,22917],{"_140":10,"_141":22892,"_143":10},"5a2ee4da-86ae-11f1-aae8-d182fb381781",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23008,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":23005,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":22821,"_213":23000,"_215":23001,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":22997,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":22994,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":22991,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":22988,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":22821,"_213":22980,"_215":22981,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":22977,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":22974,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":22971,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":22968,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":22821,"_213":22964,"_215":22965,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":22961,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":22958,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":22955,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":22952,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":22821,"_213":22944,"_215":22945,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":22941,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":22938,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":22934,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":22930,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":22926,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":22922,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":22918,"_161":162},{"_163":22919,"_165":22920},"Referee: José Luis Munuera (Spain)",[22921],{"_85":22286,"_157":880,"_194":183,"_196":-5},{"_163":22923,"_165":22924},"Subs not used: Norcott, Slevin, J McClean, Grogan, Doherty, Kelly.",[22925],{"_85":2073,"_157":880,"_194":698,"_196":-5},{"_163":22927,"_165":22928},"DERRY CITY: Maher; Cotter, P McClean, Stott (Dummigan 62), Fleming; Lyons-Foster (Barr 75), Twisk (O’Reilly 62), Olayinka (Burns 80); Chapman, Boyce (Clarke 62), Duffy.",[22929],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":22931,"_165":22932},"Subs not used: Kovać, Nwolokor, Zivković, Grulović, Vignato, Cletus, Saho, Husic, Bodetić.",[22933],{"_85":2073,"_157":880,"_194":698,"_196":-5},{"_163":22935,"_165":22936},"HNK RIJEKA: Todorović; Oreć, Majstorović, Barco, Devetak; Dantas, Pavić, Janković; Gojak (Rukavina 79), Adu-Adjei (Jurić 69), Fruk (Lasickas 90).",[22937],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":171,"_196":-5},{"_163":22939,"_165":22940},"O’Reilly ran 60 yards upfield before aiming a cross for the head of Duffy up in support but, just as the City captain shaped to head in an equaliser, the foot of Fruk cleared the ball away, the goalscorer saving his team with a brilliant interception.",[],{"_163":22942,"_165":22943},"City attacks were rare but they showed they were still in this game on 75 minutes when a poor corner routine allowed substitute Adam O’Reilly to lead the visitors away on counter-attack. ",[],"Derry City striker Liam Boyce is fouled by Rijeka’s Ante Majstorović",{"_81":22946,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22947,"_213":22944,"_223":22948,"_106":22949,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22950,"_218":88,"_232":22949,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/10rkeb-sports3519837.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3519837.jpg",[22951],"Sports3519837.jpg","159133185","23 July 2026; Liam Boyce of Derry City is fouled by Ante Majstorovic of Rijeka during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between HNK Rijeka and Derry City at HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica in Rijeka, Croatia. Photo by Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22953,"_165":22954},"The home side, buoyed by that, now looked dangerous for the first time and they came so close to making it two. Niko Janković was sent racing into the area down the right and he pulled the ball back for Adu-Adjei, whose scuffed effort beat Maher but was brilliantly cleared off the line by Lyons-Foster.",[],{"_163":22956,"_165":22957},"Branko Pavić brought the ball forward unchallenged and he simply slipped the ball into striker Daniel Adu-Adjei just inside the area, and the Englishman flicked the ball into the path of strike partner Fruk, who hammered a first-time effort past Maher to make it 1-0.",[],{"_163":22959,"_165":22960},"City were then opened up far too easily as Rijeka opened the scoring on 51 minutes.",[],{"_163":22962,"_165":22963},"A rare break forward into the Rijeka penalty area saw Brandon Fleming turn down the opportunity to shoot and instead find Michael Duffy in space, and the City captain outfoxed Ante Oreć before aiming for the bottom corner, but his effort took a slight deflection and the ball spun agonisingly the wrong side of the post and behind for a corner.",[],"Derry City’s Brandon Fleming drives forward",{"_81":22868,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22966,"_213":22964,"_223":22858,"_106":22859,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22860,"_218":88,"_232":22859,"_233":92},[22967],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22969,"_165":22970},"Despite all their possession, Rijeka survived a huge scare just five minutes before the break, with Derry coming so close to opening the scoring.",[],{"_163":22972,"_165":22973},"City looked calm, composed and disciplined in a first half that was dominated possession-wise by the hosts but without once testing Brian Maher in the visitors’ goal.",[],{"_163":22975,"_165":22976},"Tiernan Lynch was by far the happier of the two managers in the first half as his team stood up well against a squad filled with internationally capped players, one of which, striker Fruk, was in the Croatian national squad in this year’s World Cup.",[],{"_163":22978,"_165":22979},"Despite their league difficulties this season, Derry managed to give a good account of themselves in the two legs against CSKA Sofia in their previous games and, having scored two goals in Bulgaria to keep the tie alive, City were hopeful of coming away from Croatia with something to fight for ahead of next week’s return leg at the Brandywell.",[],"Rijeka celebrate Toni Fruk’s goal",{"_81":22982,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":22983,"_213":22980,"_223":22984,"_106":22985,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22986,"_218":88,"_232":22985,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/viezdw-sports3519845.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3519845.jpg",[22987],"Sports3519845.jpg","159133167","23 July 2026; Rijeka players celebrate after scoring their first goal during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between HNK Rijeka and Derry City at HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica in Rijeka, Croatia. Photo by Vid Ponikvar/Sportsfile",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":22989,"_165":22990},"City gave a debut to full-back Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, formerly of HJK Helsinki, who joined the club late on Wednesday.",[],{"_163":22992,"_165":22993},"For Tiernan Lynch, however, his team are still in with a chance of progressing beyond this Conference League Second Qualifying Round tie after a hard-working display.",[],{"_163":22995,"_165":22996},"Striker Toni Fruk, subject of a bidding war between Ajax and Hull City and valued at £8.5million by his employers, struck the only goal of the game early in the second half to decide a game which was short on quality throughout.",[],{"_163":22998,"_165":22999},"Derry City must overcome a one-goal deficit against HNK Rijeka in next week’s second leg at the Brandywell.",[],"Derry City’s Michael Duffy challenges Rijeka’s Ante Oreć",{"_81":23002,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":23003,"_213":23000,"_223":22826,"_106":22827,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22828,"_218":88,"_232":22827,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/s0ayv1-sports3519815.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3519815.jpg",[23004],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":23006,"_165":23007},"HNK Rijeka 1 Derry City 0",[],{"_163":22882,"_165":23009},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":22824,"_212":22821,"_220":395,"_97":23013,"_213":23000,"_223":22826,"_106":22827,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":22828,"_218":88,"_232":22827,"_233":92},[23014],{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},191103488,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/sibling-rivalry-put-on-hold-as-derry-city-announce-signing-of-coleraine-defenders-brother-from-hjk-helsinki/a/159069977.html",[23082],"Sibling rivalry put on hold as Derry City announce signing of Coleraine defender's brother from HJK Helsinki",{"_264":23079,"_266":23064,"_267":23021},[23078],[23074,23075,23076,23077],"159069977",{},[],"2026-07-22T15:27:00Z","2026-07-22T15:27:32Z",[23033,23034,23035,23036,23037,23038,23039,23040,23041],{"_140":10,"_141":23032,"_143":10},"64d364a5-85e0-11f1-bdb7-2d699b6335df",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23072,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":23066,"_215":23067,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":23063,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":23060,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":23057,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":-5,"_213":23051,"_215":23052,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":23048,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":23045,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":23042,"_161":162},{"_163":23043,"_165":23044},"The 25-year-old, a former youth player at Tottenham Hotspur where he was named on the senior bench on a handful of occasions, will not be available for Derry’s clash with HNK Rijeka on Thursday and may have to wait until August 7 to make his debut against Sligo Rovers.",[],{"_163":23046,"_165":23047},"It is a significant change for Lyons-Foster, who has spent the last two-and-a-half years in Finland with HJK, making over 50 appearances for the club and playing in the Champions League with them.",[],{"_163":23049,"_165":23050},"The move has happened so quickly, in fact, that Brooklyn won’t even be sticking around in Helsinki to support his brother as he has already linked up with his new Candystripes team-mates, who are in the Croatian city of Rijeka for their own second round qualifying tie.",[],"Brooklyn Lyons-Foster playing for Tottenham's Under-21s in 2023",{"_81":23053,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23054,"_213":23051,"_223":23055,"_106":23056,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":23051,"_218":88,"_232":23056,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ab589p-brooklyn-lyons-foster-playing-for-tottenhams-under-21s-in-2023/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1742158115%2Fa6ea7a55-e6b8-4006-8b46-1f3c817d7576.jpg",[],"1742158115%2Fa6ea7a55-e6b8-4006-8b46-1f3c817d7576.jpg","111075437",{"_163":23058,"_165":23059},"However, that will no longer be the case after Derry City confirmed they have signed Brooklyn with immediate effect, adding him to their squad for the remainder of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division campaign.",[],{"_163":23061,"_165":23062},"Coleraine defender Kodi Lyons-Foster was due to face his brother Brooklyn, who played for HJK Helsinki, in their Conference League second qualifying round tie in Finland on Thursday, meaning divided loyalties in the family home.",[],{"_163":23064,"_165":23065},"Thursday could have been a potentially awkward day in the Lyons-Foster household, but a brother v brother clash in the Conference League has been averted at a day’s notice.",[],"Coleraine's Kodi Lyons-Foster with his brother 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job is a footballer and everything else is a bit of noise’ – Pico Lopes on Shamrock Rovers return after World Cup 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dominated the game, they dominated the ball and you are just thinking, if they take their chances they’ll win most games, which they ended up doing.”",[],{"_163":23128,"_165":23129},"“For me I think the best team won. They were really good throughout the tournament. I felt when we played them, if I wanted to play like any particular team it would be Spain. ",[],{"_163":23131,"_165":23132},"“I thought Spain would win, I thought they’d win maybe a lot more comfortably and convert the chances that they managed to create early on. ",[],{"_163":23134,"_165":23135},"“It’s a nice thing to look at but there’s so many memories and nuggets to take from the World Cup apart from playing those two sides.",[],{"_163":23137,"_165":23138},"“I know everyone draws comparisons of us drawing with Spain in their first game but it must be put in perspective that our goalkeeper had an absolute worldie, we defended really well and rode our luck at times.",[],{"_163":23140,"_165":23141},"“I haven’t dwelled on those moments of the two games but it was nice to say I played against them, experienced how good they are and know what it takes to match them,” he said.",[],{"_163":23143,"_165":23144},"Lopes also had a keen eye on Sunday’s World Cup final where Spain – whose tournament began with what was for them the disappointment of a draw with Lopes’ Cape Verde – triumphed. Neither Spain nor Argentina were able to beat Cape Verde over 90 minutes.",[],"Andrew J Clark/Sportsfile","Roberto Lopes of Cape Verde defends valiantly against Spain ",{"_81":23148,"_212":23145,"_220":395,"_97":23149,"_213":23146,"_223":23150,"_106":23151,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23152,"_218":88,"_232":23151,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/iw0lre-is-picoverde-20.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IS%20PICOVERDE%2020.jpg",[23153],"IS%20PICOVERDE%2020.jpg","158980955","15 June 2026; Roberto Lopes of Cabo Verde heads the ball clear during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Photo by Andrew J. Clark/Sportsfile",{"_235":19400,"_237":19401,"_239":19400,"_240":3187},{"_163":23155,"_165":23156},"“The lads were brilliant, getting great goals and we saw it out really well. Everybody was so happy to get through because we know how important that first win on the Champions Path is. This gives is a great opportunity of making the group stage again.”",[],{"_163":23158,"_165":23159},"“You are still on a high and riding a wave but I’m looking forward just to come back and sharing stories with the lads and being part of the group again, trying to help them in our league, European and cup competitions. For me, it is exciting to get back and tell the stories and be part of the team.",[],{"_163":23161,"_165":23162},"“We knew what was ahead of us and that we could overturn it if we hit our levels. We did that last Tuesday. It was a great because I’d been riding a wave for the last two months and didn’t want that wave to crash,” he added.",[],{"_163":23164,"_165":23165},"He says it was vital to keep his focus on the challenge against the Maltese opposition last week where Rovers – with Lopes back in the team for the second leg – overturned a 2-0 deficit to advance. ",[],{"_163":23167,"_165":23168},"“But from a football point of view I was dying to get back. Before I went away I had the injury and you are building up for the tournament. In terms of games I feel quite fresh. It was obviously an intense tournament but you had your rest in between games. Coming back I was just catching up on sleep. I’m ready to go again.”",[],"Roberto Lopes of Cape Verde heads the ball clear against Spain ",{"_81":23171,"_212":23145,"_220":395,"_97":23172,"_213":23169,"_223":23173,"_106":23174,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23152,"_218":88,"_232":23174,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/3njkfb-is-plopess-20.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IS%20PLOPESS%2020.jpg",[23175],"IS%20PLOPESS%2020.jpg","158980891",{"_235":19400,"_237":19401,"_239":19400,"_240":3187},{"_163":23177,"_165":23178},"“I suppose it’s been different and a bit busier coming back, but more from an outside of football point of view. I’m getting lots of opportunities and experiences to do different things, which is great. ",[],{"_163":23180,"_165":23181},"“I’m sick of seeing myself as well. It’s good, it’s a good complaint. I’m getting to try new things, I’m getting to tell stories.",[],{"_163":23183,"_165":23184},"“It’s good, there’s no one coming up pestering you, they are just coming up congratulating you, saying nice things and asking for photos. I haven’t done a full food shop in Dunnes yet, I have to disclose. It’s all been collection, that might be a bit different,” he joked.",[],{"_163":23186,"_165":23187},"“I’m under contract at Rovers so my focus is on here. I have really good people around me who won’t distract me with noise unless there is something more concrete. Where I am now is I’m back with the club and looking forward to Champions League qualification. There are no offers that I’m aware of.",[],"Eston Parker/Sportsfile","Roberto Lopes of Cabo Verde and Lionel Messi of Argentina during their World Cup Round of 32 tie at Miami Stadium in Florida ",{"_81":23191,"_212":23188,"_220":395,"_97":23192,"_213":23189,"_223":23193,"_106":23194,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23195,"_218":88,"_232":23194,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/o0h02t-is-plopesmessi-20.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/IS%20PLOPESMESSI%2020.jpg",[23196],"IS%20PLOPESMESSI%2020.jpg","158980689","3 July 2026; Roberto Lopes of Cabo Verde and Lionel Messi of Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium in Florida, USA. Photo by Eston Parker/Sportsfile",{"_235":19400,"_237":19401,"_239":19400,"_240":3187},{"_163":23198,"_165":23199},"“I’m under no illusions, I know my job is a footballer and everything else is a bit of noise and an extra. I’m a footballer first and I’ll never let anything else get in the way or distract from that,” says Lopes, who was back in the Rovers side for their home win over Floriana in the first round last week, amid some reports that at least one club in Brazil had made an inquiry about the 34-year-old.",[],{"_163":23201,"_165":23202},"Rovers are in action in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, away to Ararat-Armenia on Tuesday (5pm) where the winners of that tie will play either Albanian or Slovenian opposition in the third round, with a guaranteed jackpot of €3m for Rovers if they can at least get into the third round of the Champions League.",[],{"_163":23204,"_165":23205},"And while Lopes admits that since his return from that stunning World Cup run with Cape Verde he still hasn’t had time to do the “big shop” for his family in the local supermarket, he says he’s confident he can strike the right balance between making the most of his global fame and getting on with his day job with the Hoops.",[],{"_163":23207,"_165":23208},"Pico Lopes says he’s keen to keep riding the wave of his success from the World Cup finals but this time in the green and white of Shamrock Rovers as they put their minds on progress in the Champions League.",[],"Roberto Lopes of Cape Verde in action against Pedri of Spain during their World Cup Group H clash at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia",{"_81":23211,"_212":23145,"_220":395,"_97":23212,"_213":23209,"_223":23213,"_106":23214,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23215,"_218":88,"_232":23214,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/aud59o-is-picopedri-20.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/IS%20PICOPEDRI%2020.jpg",[23216],"IS%20PICOPEDRI%2020.jpg","158980500","15 June 2026; Roberto Lopes of Cabo Verde in action against Pedri of Spain during for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. 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Derry City goalkeeper returns from long-term injury as Tiernan Lynch’s men suffer yet another defeat",{"_264":23401,"_266":23382,"_267":23290},[],[23394,23395,23396,23397],"158265872",{},[],"2026-07-04T11:20:00Z","2026-07-04T11:20:56Z",[23303,23304,23305,23306,23307,23308,23309,23310,23311,23312,23313,23314,23315,23316,23317,23318,23319,23320,23321,23322],"Kevin McLaughlin",{"_140":10,"_141":23302,"_143":10},"ac809c90-7798-11f1-bdb7-2d699b6335df",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23392,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":23333,"_213":23384,"_215":23385,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":23381,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":23378,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":23375,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":23372,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":23323,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":23323,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":23369,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":23366,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":23363,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":23360,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":23333,"_213":23352,"_215":23353,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":23349,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":23346,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":23343,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":23333,"_213":23334,"_215":23335,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":23330,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":23327,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":23324,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":23323,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":23323,"_233":92},"158253562",{"_163":23325,"_165":23326},"“Obviously we’ve a tough draw, but one win opens up the whole thing for you and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”",[],{"_163":23328,"_165":23329},"“What we did at the end of last season as a group to finish second was unbelievable, it was a massive achievement, so we want to have a right crack at Europe and see where we can go too.",[],{"_163":23331,"_165":23332},"“We’ve no League game for three or four weeks, so now we can try to see what we can do in Europe.",[],"INPHO/Lorcan Doherty","Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher makes a save against Waterford",{"_81":23336,"_212":23333,"_220":395,"_97":23337,"_213":23334,"_223":23338,"_106":23339,"_226":227,"_228":23340,"_230":23341,"_218":88,"_232":23339,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/suliyl-brian-maher-makes-a-save-372026/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95164_2994365.JPG",[23342],"95164_2994365.JPG","158266064","©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 3/7/2026\nDerry City vs Waterford\nDerry's Brian Maher makes a save\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":23344,"_165":23345},"“We know that the Waterford result and performance wasn’t good enough, but we have to put that behind us and get ready for Sofia.",[],{"_163":23347,"_165":23348},"“It’s a massive month for us,” he insisted. “Especially as the League hasn’t been what we’ve wanted as we’ve not won enough games, and we all know that.",[],{"_163":23350,"_165":23351},"The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international knows with Europe and the Club Orange FAI Cup campaigns getting underway, the next few weeks are big for Tiernan Lynch’s squad.",[],"Derry City's Brian Maher squares up to Waterford’s Jorgen Voilas",{"_81":23354,"_212":23333,"_220":395,"_97":23355,"_213":23352,"_223":23356,"_106":23357,"_226":227,"_228":23340,"_230":23358,"_218":88,"_232":23357,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/llurci-jorgen-voilas-goes-round-brian-maher-to-score-372026/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95164_2994337.JPG",[23359],"95164_2994337.JPG","158266051","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 3/7/2026\nDerry City vs Waterford\nWaterford's Jorgen Voilas goes round Derry's Brian Maher to score\nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty",{"_235":22309,"_237":22310,"_239":22309,"_240":22311},{"_163":23361,"_165":23362},"“You’re probably just more conscious with what you’re eating because you’re not being very active, so I’ve tried to come back as good as I can and, to be fair, I feel like I have done that.”",[],{"_163":23364,"_165":23365},"“My new best friend was the exercise bike in Owenbeg, but you just got to keep the weight down and try to be as fit as you can be whenever you come back, because I didn’t want it to be once I’m ready to start training that I needed to go and get fit, so I did loads of running and loads of biking.",[],{"_163":23367,"_165":23368},"“It hasn’t been easy whenever you can’t help, but you can still try to be a good team-mate.",[],{"_163":23370,"_165":23371},"“I’m not going to lie, it has been tough. I’ve just tried to be around the group since I’ve been out, I’ve not missed many games other than the week of my surgery so, yeah, I’ve just tried to get to every game and try to help as much as I can.",[],{"_163":23373,"_165":23374},"“First off, I’m pleased to be back, but obviously disappointed with the result,” he stated.",[],{"_163":23376,"_165":23377},"Maher, who broke his wrist during pre-season played in the opening win of the season against Sligo Rovers and then was sidelined for some six months, is now only focusing on the future and admits it has been a tough campaign for him.",[],{"_163":23379,"_165":23380},"The 25-year-old got his first 90 minutes under his belt since February as he played in City’s terrible home loss to Waterford on Friday.",[],{"_163":23382,"_165":23383},"Derry City’s number one Brian Maher is hoping the good times are back for him as he looks forward to Thursday’s Europa League first leg clash at CSKA Sofia.",[],"Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher in 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",{"_264":23618,"_266":23608,"_267":23411},[23614],[23612,23613],"158243459",{},[],"2026-07-03T14:55:00Z","2026-07-03T14:40:29Z",[23423,23424,23425,23426,23427,23428,23429,23430,23431,23432,23433,23434,23435,23436,23437,23438,23439,23440,23441,23442,23443,23444,23445,23446,23447,23448,23449,23450,23451,23452,23453,23454,23455,23456,23457,23458,23459,23460,23461,23462],{"_140":10,"_141":23422,"_143":10},"eca2fda7-76ec-11f1-bdb7-2d699b6335df",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23610,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":23607,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":23600,"_215":23601,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":23597,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":23594,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":23591,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":-5,"_213":23583,"_215":23584,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":23580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":23577,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":23574,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":23571,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":23568,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":23565,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":694,"_586":23556,"_588":23557,"_590":-5,"_592":23558,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":23553,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":23550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":23547,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":23544,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":23541,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":665,"_212":23532,"_213":23533,"_215":23534,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":23529,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":23526,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":23523,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":23520,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":23517,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":23514,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":23511,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":23508,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":23505,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":23502,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":618,"_212":23492,"_213":23493,"_215":23494,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":23489,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":23486,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":23483,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":23480,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":23477,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":23474,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":23469,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":23466,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":23463,"_161":162},{"_163":23464,"_165":23465},"“We want the players to enjoy the match but also to be focused, to do everything to go to the next phase,” declared Bubista.\n\nThe journey has been spectacular. Landing in Messi’s backyard adds a daunting element to a dream destination.",[],{"_163":23467,"_165":23468},"The global audience who tune in for this match believe Cape Verde’s adventure will end here. Manager Bubista will want it to continue.",[],{"_163":23470,"_165":23471},"Those sentiments were echoed by the manager Bubista, in a briefing in Miami where the Cape Verdean press officer shut down attempts from media to ask about reports that captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation by police in New Zealand for an incident involving a woman in the team hotel during a visit there in March. Those questions will come up again whenever this adventure ends.",[23472],{"_85":1065,"_157":880,"_194":23473,"_196":-5},384,{"_163":23475,"_165":23476},"“We played against two big teams already, Spain and Uruguay, but this is going to be another amazing test for us.”",[],{"_163":23478,"_165":23479},"“They do an amazing job and give power to the rest of the group, the rest of the team on the pitch. It’s amazing how they are performing.”",[],{"_163":23481,"_165":23482},"“They are so strong defensively,” said Duarte, who earns his living in Hungary. “Against even the biggest teams, we have shown we can keep a clean sheet and defend well. ",[],{"_163":23484,"_165":23485},"Midfielder Laros Duarte praised the Lopes and Borges partnership for the level they have reached so far in this competition. ",[],{"_163":23487,"_165":23488},"Hence, the need for a collective focus. Still, there is a belief in the Cape Verde ranks that a settled defence with cult hero Vozinha behind them in nets has now proved they have a durability to nullify elite performers. Helio Varela, a goalscorer against Uruguay, has described the 34-year-old multiple League of Ireland winner as a “beast.”",[],{"_163":23490,"_165":23491},"The strong-running centre-forward, with Lautaro Martinez ahead of Julian Alvarez in the pecking order, tends to try and stretch the game and occupy the last line of defence, with Messi loitering with intent from deeper.",[],"Reuters","\nCape Verde's Pico Lopes training in Miami this week ",{"_81":23495,"_212":23492,"_220":395,"_97":23496,"_213":23493,"_223":23497,"_106":23498,"_226":227,"_228":23499,"_230":23500,"_218":88,"_232":23498,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/5p17fz-v-preview-13.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/V-PREVIEW%20(13).jpg",[23501],"V-PREVIEW%20(13).jpg","158202663","REUTERS","Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Cape Verde Training - Inter Miami CF Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. - July 2, 2026\nCape Verde's Pico Lopes during training REUTERS/Paul Childs",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_163":23503,"_165":23504},"Argentina’s game-plan does revolve around Messi, and his movement makes neutralising him a team effort. In fact, it’s conceivable that the movement and awareness of Cape Verde’s central defensive midfielders will be equally as important as the back four. ",[],{"_163":23506,"_165":23507},"For Lopes and his centre-half partner Diney Borges, a UAE-based 31-year-old — who has also excelled despite perceptions of where he plays week to week — this will be a demanding test of concentration.",[],{"_163":23509,"_165":23510},"Making it competitive is the ultimate test for the Cape Verde rearguard action that succeeded in nullifying Spain.",[],{"_163":23512,"_165":23513},"But a query around whether he expects Messi to play the 90 minutes highlights that the commentary in Argentina has already declared this tie a foregone conclusion.",[],{"_163":23515,"_165":23516},"“We are facing an opponent we must respect,” he said. “It’s a team that haven’t lost a match and they aren’t here by chance.”",[],{"_163":23518,"_165":23519},"His manager Lionel Scaloni was preaching a similar message. ",[],{"_163":23521,"_165":23522},"“We know in football anything can happen and we are facing a team that played very well in the group stages and played very well against their opponents. We need to be responsible.”",[],{"_163":23524,"_165":23525},"“When the draw was announced, we realised we might have to face two World Cup winners with major players in big leagues,” said De Paul.",[],{"_163":23527,"_165":23528},"Cape Verde were closer to an afterthought, the talking point centred around how Argentina were gearing up to face either Spain or Uruguay at this hurdle.",[],{"_163":23530,"_165":23531},"His presence looms over all Argentina conversations. In the official pre-match preliminaries, the first question pitched at Rodrigo De Paul, a member of the 2022 winning squad who made the same move to Inter Miami last year, was built around his friendship with Messi. Further questions along the theme followed.",[],"AP","Argentina's Lionel Messi during a training session this week",{"_81":23535,"_212":23532,"_220":395,"_97":23536,"_213":23533,"_223":23537,"_106":23538,"_226":227,"_228":23532,"_230":23539,"_218":88,"_232":23538,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/gmyhdh-90bdcf0c-8604-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/90bdcf0c-8604-.jpg",[23540],"90bdcf0c-8604-.jpg","158202617","Argentina's Lionel Messi trains for the World Cup soccer tournament Monday, June 29, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_163":23542,"_165":23543},"The Messi tax and the associated demand means prices have soared out of reach for regular buyers.",[],{"_163":23545,"_165":23546},"Anecdotally, the Cape Verdean diaspora — largely based in Massachusetts — who made their voices heard here for the draw with Uruguay and in the games either side against Spain (Atlanta) and Saudi Arabia have found it harder to get tickets at short notice. ",[],{"_163":23548,"_165":23549},"What’s certain is that they will be greeted onto the pitch like they are the home side, with the atmosphere set to add to the difficulty for the underdogs. ",[],{"_163":23551,"_165":23552},"Because of his exploits with Inter Miami, Messi’s image was visible everywhere before this competition started. That has gone up a notch now, with Argentina shirts the dominant sight on the streets yesterday, although thunder and lightning and heavy showers made it a less picturesque day for the revellers.",[],{"_163":23554,"_165":23555},"Without much hassle, he can do the school run in the morning and spend the afternoon back in his mansion in Fort Lauderdale, 30 miles north of the hustle, bustle and traffic in the city.",[],{"_163":23563,"_165":23564},{"_163":23561,"_165":23562},{"_163":23559,"_165":23560},"Argentina manager",[],"Lionel Scaloni",[],"‘We are facing an opponent we must respect. It’s a team that haven’t lost a match and they aren’t here by chance’",[],{"_163":23566,"_165":23567},"There’s a reason that Messi chose to move his family here after leaving PSG. He could have taken his pick of equally lucrative financial offers, but a city where the majority of the population are Hispanic and speak Spanish has made it feel like home. ",[],{"_163":23569,"_165":23570},"While the underdogs have been one of the stories of this competition, picking up friends and fans along the way, Argentina in Miami will be a different animal.",[],{"_163":23572,"_165":23573},"The blue jerseys are going to be outnumbered, however. ",[],{"_163":23575,"_165":23576},"With Aer Lingus ferrying Pico’s parents Carlos and Judie over again following a brief return to Crumlin, and some other pals making their way from various destinations, the Shamrock Rovers defender will have the most important people in his life in the stadium this evening.",[],{"_163":23578,"_165":23579},"Florida-based Dubliner Seán O’Cuinneagain tapped into a network that includes Barry Shevlin, the Irish-American CEO of Fly USA, whose wife Kathy hails from Cork. They arranged a private plane to bring the seven travellers to Florida yesterday. ",[],{"_163":23581,"_165":23582},"After qualification was secured against Saudi Arabia, Leah, Diego and the travelling contingent that includes her parents Martin and Barbara, brother Christopher and close friends Nadine and Shannon decided to stay on in Texas with no idea how they were going to get back to Miami for tonight’s meeting with Lionel Messi and Argentina. ",[],"Pico Lopes’ wife Leah (right) with (from left) brother Christopher, friends Nadine and Shannon, father Christopher (holding baby Diego) and mother Barbara ",{"_81":23585,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23586,"_213":23583,"_223":23587,"_106":23588,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":23589,"_218":88,"_232":23588,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/qdvebf-e25d38be-b745-4283-b063-e5.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/e25d38be_b745_4283_b063_e5.jpg",[23590],"e25d38be_b745_4283_b063_e5.jpg","158202498","Pico Lopes’ wife Leah (right) with (from left) brother Christopher, friends Nadine and Shannon, dad Christopher, with baby Diego, and mum Barbara \n\n\n\n\n\n\n",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_163":23592,"_165":23593},"They arrived in Atlanta in early June with an itinerary built around three group games that involved hiring a vehicle with six beds and embarking on a budget-conscious whistle-stop tour around the United States. Starting in Georgia, they travelled to Miami and then Houston functioning as the centrepieces of the journey.",[],{"_163":23595,"_165":23596},"Perhaps the easiest illustration of the surreal aspect of Pico Lopes’ story in this World Cup is to point to the travel arrangements of his wife Leah, son Diego and her family.",[],{"_163":23598,"_165":23599},"It started in a campervan and has graduated to a private plane.",[],"Pico Lopes will face Lionel Messi and Argentina tonight",{"_81":23602,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23603,"_213":23600,"_223":23604,"_106":23605,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":23605,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/3wmd1i-0307-pico-v-messi-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/0307%20Pico%20v%20Messi%201.jpg",[23606],"0307%20Pico%20v%20Messi%201.jpg","158203382",{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_163":23608,"_165":23609},"Shamrock Rovers skipper’s family have had quite a journey to Miami for round-of-32 clash",[],{"_163":23411,"_165":23611},[],{"_250":23221,"_106":23222,"_253":8,"_254":23223},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_235":23615,"_237":23616,"_240":23617},"daniel.mcdonnell@independent.ie","McDonnell","Daniel",{"_81":23619,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23620,"_213":23600,"_223":23604,"_106":23605,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":23605,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/3wmd1i-0307-pico-v-messi-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0307%20Pico%20v%20Messi%201.jpg",[23621],{"_235":19799,"_237":19800,"_239":19799,"_240":19801},{"_250":1991,"_106":1992,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":23625,"_106":23626,"_275":23627,"_276":280},{"_250":23231,"_106":23232,"_275":23233,"_276":280},"Lionel Messi","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:lionel-messi","Lionel Andrés Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team.",175068659,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/coleraine-striker-emerges-as-loan-target-for-relegation-threatened-league-of-ireland-side/a/158188855.html",[23678,23679,23680,23681,23682],"Coleraine striker emerges as loan target for relegation-threatened League of Ireland side",{"_264":23675,"_266":23657,"_267":23633},[23672],[23668,23669,23670,23671],"158188855",{},[],"2026-07-02T15:49:00Z","2026-07-02T15:26:19Z",[23645,23646,23647,23648,23649,23650],{"_140":10,"_141":23644,"_143":10},"6fbc15ff-7629-11f1-8207-1f99fd65e108",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23666,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":23659,"_215":23660,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":23656,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":202,"_106":23655,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":23655,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":23652,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":23651,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":23651,"_233":92},"158155371",{"_163":23653,"_165":23654},"Returning to the Showgrounds in January 2024, McGonigle signed a three-and-a-half year contract having previously been a key figure at the club when they won the Irish Cup in 2018.\n\nIn between playing for Coleraine, McGonigle was at Crusaders and Derry City, where they won the FAI Cup.\n\nSligo are currently involved in a relegation battle in the League of Ireland Premier Division and McGonigle would be an astute signing for them.",[],"158125287",{"_163":23657,"_165":23658},"Coleraine striker Jamie McGonigle has emerged as a loan target for Sligo Rovers.\n\nSources suggest that the League of Ireland club are interested in the 30-year-old frontman, who still has 12 months of his contract left with the Bannsiders.\n\nFormer Northern Ireland Under-21 international McGonigle was part of Coleraine’s Irish Cup-winning squad last season and, although not a regular in the starting line-up, he did score some crucial goals for the club as they finished second in the Premiership and qualified for Europe.",[],"Coleraine striker Jamie McGonigle could be on the move",{"_81":23661,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23662,"_213":23659,"_223":23663,"_106":23664,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":23665,"_218":88,"_232":23664,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hi00v3-jamie-mcgonigle-scored-against-carrick-rangers-and-crusaders/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/d5f34e7f-2ec8-440c-af86-2d6ba114030b",[],"d5f34e7f-2ec8-440c-af86-2d6ba114030b","114941299","Jamie McGonigle scored against Carrick Rangers and Crusaders",{"_163":23633,"_165":23667},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":19077,"_106":19078,"_253":10,"_254":19079},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_235":23673,"_237":23674,"_240":2445},"steven.beacom@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Beacom",{"_81":23676,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":23677,"_213":23659,"_223":23663,"_106":23664,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":23665,"_218":88,"_232":23664,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hi00v3-jamie-mcgonigle-scored-against-carrick-rangers-and-crusaders/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/d5f34e7f-2ec8-440c-af86-2d6ba114030b",[],{"_250":19093,"_106":19094,"_275":19095,"_276":280},{"_250":23686,"_106":23687,"_275":23688,"_276":280},{"_250":19099,"_106":22771,"_275":21838,"_276":280},{"_250":23683,"_106":23684,"_275":23685,"_276":280},{"_250":1163,"_106":2911,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"SSE Airtricity","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:sse-airtricity","SSE Airtricity is an energy company founded in Ireland.","Sligo Rovers","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:sligo-rovers","Sligo Rovers Football Club is an Irish soccer club.",158920706,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":23817,"_283":8,"_275":23818,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/familiar-foe-denies-derry-city-victory-at-shamrock-rovers/a/157635531.html",[23816],"Familiar foe denies Derry City victory at Shamrock Rovers",{"_264":23812,"_266":23805,"_267":23694},[],[23809,23810,23811],"157635531",{},[],"2026-06-22T21:22:00Z","2026-06-22T21:23:28Z",[23706,23707,23708,23709,23710,23711,23712,23713,23714,23715,23716,23717,23718,23719,23720,23721,23722,23723,23724,23725,23726],{"_140":10,"_141":23705,"_143":10},"7d07e1f5-6e7a-11f1-99c5-1dd198a3379c",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":23807,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":23804,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19397,"_213":23796,"_215":23797,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":23793,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":23789,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":23786,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":23783,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":23780,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":23777,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":23774,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":23771,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":22561,"_213":23763,"_215":23764,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":23760,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":23757,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":685,"_212":19397,"_213":23749,"_215":23750,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":23746,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":23743,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":23740,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":23728,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":23727,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":23727,"_233":92},"157624578",{"_163":23729,"_165":23730},"Shamrock Rovers: McGinty, Sobawle, Grace, C O’Sullivan (J O’Sullivan 70), Mulraney (Malley 77), Healy, Watts (McGovern 70), Byrne, Brennan, Burke (Razi 70), Noonan (Greene 70).\nDerry: Beach, Cotter, Barr, P McClean, Fleming, Dummigan (Olayinka 56), J McClean (Kelly 73), O’Reilly, Dos Santos (Markey 25 (Winchester 56)), Boyce (Doherty 73’), Duffy.\nReferee: Aaron O’Dowd (Dublin). \nMan of the match: Patrick McClean\nMatch rating: 8/10",[23731,23732,23733,23734,23735],{"_85":6843,"_157":880,"_194":685,"_196":-5},{"_85":6843,"_157":23739,"_194":187,"_196":-5},{"_85":6843,"_157":23738,"_194":179,"_196":-5},{"_85":6843,"_157":23737,"_194":681,"_196":-5},{"_85":6843,"_157":23736,"_194":158,"_196":-5},416,382,349,177,{"_163":23741,"_165":23742},"City now return to the Brandywell after three months away when they host Drogheda United on Friday.",[],{"_163":23744,"_165":23745},"Rovers then nearly nicked the win in added time when Jack Byrne’s free-kick into a crowded area fell kindly for Sobowale, who blasted wide with his left foot with the goal gaping.",[],{"_163":23747,"_165":23748},"Derry’s resistance was finally broken seven minutes from time when two of five Rovers substitutes combined with Conor Malley playing the ball through to Greene, who sent a composed finish past Beach to make it 1-1.",[],"Aaron Greene scores Shamrock Rovers’ leveller",{"_81":23751,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":23752,"_213":23749,"_223":23753,"_106":23754,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23755,"_218":88,"_232":23754,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bet81v-sports3492553.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3492553.jpg",[23756],"Sports3492553.jpg","157636125","22 June 2026; Aaron Greene of Shamrock Rovers shoots to score his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":23758,"_165":23759},"Injuries to both Kevin Dos Santos and Darragh Markey meant more personnel problems for Tiernan Lynch, but it did mean two senior debuts for youngsters Terence Doherty and Liam Kelly, 16 and 15 years old respectively.",[],{"_163":23761,"_165":23762},"Rovers could have been reduced to 10 men just before the 70 minute mark when they gifted Duffy a run on goal and McGinty came right to the edge of the area to clear, with City players claiming the goalkeeper had handled the ball outside the box. Referee Aaron O’Dowd said no and Rovers were able to breathe a sigh of relief.",[],"Liam Boyce reacts after putting Derry in front",{"_81":23765,"_212":22561,"_220":395,"_97":23766,"_213":23763,"_223":23767,"_106":23768,"_226":227,"_228":22568,"_230":23769,"_218":88,"_232":23768,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6rl6a6-95078-2985499.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/95078_2985499.jpg",[23770],"95078_2985499.jpg","157636096","SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 22/6/2026\nShamrock Rovers vs Derry City\nDerry’s Liam Boyce celebrates scoring the first goal of the game \nMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":23772,"_165":23773},"Rovers were more intense in their efforts to get an equaliser in the early stages of the second-half but, regardless, it was Derry who created the next big chance, with the superb O’Reilly almost putting a second goal on a plate for Boyce, with his low cross just eluding the final touch of the former Northern Ireland striker.",[],{"_163":23775,"_165":23776},"The lead was almost short-lived as Barry Cotter gave the ball away in a dangerous position and Michael Noonan went through on goal, only to be denied by a brilliant stop from Eddie Beach, who touched the ball behind for a corner.",[],{"_163":23778,"_165":23779},"The momentum stayed with City and they deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes when James McClean’s cross picked out Boyce, who guided a brilliant header past McGinty and into the net for his first goal since last July.",[],{"_163":23781,"_165":23782},"It was an impressive start from Derry and McGinty was left scrambling again on 10 minutes when the ball fell kindly for Michael Duffy, who tried to whip the ball into the corner, but just sent his effort wide of goal.",[],{"_163":23784,"_165":23785},"The visitors almost got off to a perfect start in the opening three minutes when Olunatunmise Sobawle gave the ball away in his own penalty area. It was far too casual from the Rovers man and Adam O’Reilly almost took advantage with a shot which took a deflection which sent it past Ed McGinty but onto the crossbar.",[],{"_163":23787,"_165":23788},"After such a poor display at Galway at the weekend, little was expected of this struggling Derry team, but they showed plenty of fight and character throughout against the Champions.",[],{"_163":23790,"_165":23791},"Having led the game for almost an hour thanks to Liam Boyce’s first-half header, Derry, featuring two teenage debutants, were pegged back by Aaron Greene’s 14th career goal against the Candystripes.",[23792],{"_85":16012,"_157":8073,"_194":103,"_196":-5},{"_163":23794,"_165":23795},"Derry City were denied an unlikely win by a late Shamrock Rovers equaliser in an enthralling contest at Tallaght.",[],"Derry’s Michael Duffy battles with Matt Healy",{"_81":23798,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":23799,"_213":23796,"_223":23800,"_106":23801,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23802,"_218":88,"_232":23801,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/zdbjob-sports3492481.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3492481.jpg",[23803],"Sports3492481.jpg","157635873","22 June 2026; Michael Duffy of Derry City in action against Matt Healy of Shamrock Rovers during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_163":23805,"_165":23806},"Shamrock Rovers 1 Derry City 1",[],{"_163":23694,"_165":23808},[],{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":8,"_254":19073},{"_250":19986,"_106":19987,"_253":10,"_254":19988},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_81":23813,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":23814,"_213":23796,"_223":23800,"_106":23801,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":23802,"_218":88,"_232":23801,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/zdbjob-sports3492481.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3492481.jpg",[23815],{"_235":19249,"_237":19250,"_239":19249,"_240":19251},{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City: late equaliser drama","Late Aaron Greene goal denies Derry City shock win at Shamrock Rovers in drama-filled draw with teenage debuts and big chances. ",158644984,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":24044,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/hes-part-of-irish-world-cup-history-now...-its-wonderful.-its-what-sport-is-all-about/a/157282633.html",[24042,24043],"‘He’s part of Irish World Cup history now... it’s wonderful. It’s what sport is all about’",{"_264":24037,"_266":24030,"_267":23824},[24036],[24034,24035],"157282633",{},[],"2026-06-16T10:29:48Z",[23836,23837,23838,23839,23840,23841,23842,23843,23844,23845,23846,23847,23848,23849,23850,23851,23852,23853,23854,23855,23856,23857,23858,23859,23860,23861,23862,23863,23864,23865,23866,23867,23868,23869,23870,23871,23872,23873,23874,23875,23876,23877,23878,23879,23880,23881,23882],{"_140":10,"_141":23835,"_143":10},"in Atlanta","f7eef44b-696d-11f1-9d1b-0f0a4283dac2",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24032,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":24029,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":24023,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24020,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24017,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24011,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":24008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24002,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":23532,"_213":23994,"_215":23995,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":23991,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":23988,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":23985,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":23982,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":23979,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":23976,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":23973,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":673,"_586":23965,"_588":23966,"_590":-5,"_592":23967,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":23962,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":23959,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":23956,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":23953,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":23950,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":23947,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":23944,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":23941,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":23938,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":23935,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":23932,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":23929,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":23926,"_161":162},{"_81":23925,"_85":22137,"_155":22138,"_157":614,"_161":22139},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":23922,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":23919,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":23916,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":23913,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":23910,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":23907,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":23904,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":23901,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":23898,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":23895,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":23892,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":23889,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":540,"_159":23886,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":193,"_159":23883,"_161":162},{"_163":23884,"_165":23885},"They’re picking up new friends along the way.",[],{"_163":23887,"_165":23888},"“This was Pico’s dream for a long time,” he says, “Playing in the World Cup. He did very well. Today was a big proud day for all the family and the whole Cape Verdean country.”",[],{"_163":23890,"_165":23891},"Carlos always realised his athletic son could do something with his ability.",[],{"_163":23893,"_165":23894},"“I thought this (football) was great. I’d have an hour’s free babysitting on a Saturday to get the shopping done, little did I think I would be standing on the side of the pitch years later. Or at the World Cup!”",[],{"_163":23896,"_165":23897},"“I remember going to Sundrive Park when there was thunder and lightning during a game and I said ‘Can we not go home?’ and the other parents were saying ‘Are you for real?’ I hadn’t got a clue to be honest but I’ve learned a lot since then,” she says.",[],{"_163":23899,"_165":23900},"She wasn’t too knowledgeable about the game initially. ",[],{"_163":23902,"_165":23903},"Judy recalls Lourdes Celtic, his local club, providing football sessions during the week and then extending an invite to the academy.",[],{"_163":23905,"_165":23906},"Pico started his football steps in Loreto Primary, which is a mixed school for junior and senior infants before the boys go elsewhere.",[],{"_163":23908,"_165":23909},"“Unfortunately I’m going to have to return to work,” she stressed. “It’s the two busiest weeks of the year. I was lucky enough to get a jobsharing partner. I’ll pay her back for the first two weeks of July.”",[],{"_163":23911,"_165":23912},"Judy is adamant that she will be sticking to her original plan if the Blue Sharks can follow up this upset.",[],{"_163":23914,"_165":23915},"“I’m retired,” cuts in Carlos, “I’m in no rush to go home. There’s nice weather here and some rain to cool you down.”",[],{"_163":23917,"_165":23918},"If Cape Verde advance beyond the group stage, Judy will face a problem too. She’s taken two weeks holidays from Loreto Primary in Crumlin, where she is the school secretary.",[],{"_163":23920,"_165":23921},"Miami on Sunday is tempting Jacques to prolong his trip, but work commitments may scupper that.",[],{"_163":23923,"_165":23924},"Jacques was considering another decision in the aftermath. Eldest brother Cristover had to go straight to the airport to fly back to Ireland with a group that included Dundalk midfielder Keith Buckley, Pico’s best friend in football through the connection formed in their early days at Belvedere and Bohemians.",[],"https://x.com/ShamrockRovers/status/2066585330166214964?s=20",{"_163":23927,"_165":23928},"“I think a lot of neutrals today picked the wrong team,” he says. “They went with Spain, they had Lamine Yamal on the back of the jersey, but they should have had Pico.”",[],{"_163":23930,"_165":23931},"Jacques laughs as he speculates that the Spaniards around them in the stands were questioning their jersey choices as the European champions huffed and puffed.",[],{"_163":23933,"_165":23934},"Sometimes, Jacques would prefer if his sibling savoured the opportunities a bit more. He sent him a clip of Pedri saying he’d like a Cape Verde jersey, but Pico had no intention of letting his shirt go anywhere. It’ll be coming back to Kilnamanagh.",[],{"_163":23936,"_165":23937},"“All those European matches have to count for something,” interjects Judy. “Experience.”",[],{"_163":23939,"_165":23940},"“To be fair, there’s a lot of pressure at Rovers as well. That keeps him in good stead. He knows what it is to lead a team and be part of an elite group of players.”",[],{"_163":23942,"_165":23943},"“You don’t have to pat him on the back too much,” he asserts. “You don’t have to hype him up too much. He knows what gets him. He’s self-motivated. You don’t have to dangle a carrot in front of his face. You just have to be supportive if he needs it. Keep him grounded. ",[],{"_163":23945,"_165":23946},"In his eyes, a pair of African Cup of Nations appearances and the responsibility of being skipper for a Shamrock Rovers side that is expected to win titles and qualify for European group stages meant that he wasn’t going to be overawed by facing an opponent with expectations of winning the tournament.",[],{"_163":23948,"_165":23949},"He is quick to point out that some of the previous games that Pico has participated in have been overlooked in the preparations.",[],{"_163":23951,"_165":23952},"Jacques recognises that his brother possesses a temperament that allows him to lock into a mode that gets him through it.",[],{"_163":23954,"_165":23955},"A family visit was allowed on the eve of the game, the first for three weeks. Pico was emotional seeing his eight-month-old son Diego, but committing to this once in a lifetime task means distance from loved ones. ",[],{"_163":23957,"_165":23958},"They spoke with Pico on Facetime from the dressing room after the game. After that, the Cape Verde squad went to the airport to fly back to their base in Tampa ahead of Sunday’s clash with Uruguay.",[],{"_163":23960,"_165":23961},"“He’s part of Irish World Cup history now,” says Judy. “It’s wonderful to have one of our own from Ireland, taking part and getting the country behind him. Representing both Ireland and Cape Verde. It’s wonderful. It’s what sport is all about.”",[],{"_163":23963,"_165":23964},"There were a few bars of ‘Ole Ole’ in the crowd in stoppage time, with the Cape Verdeans who were singing it unaware of how that song strikes a chord in the place where their centre half grew up.",[],{"_163":23971,"_165":23972},{"_163":23969,"_165":23970},{"_163":88,"_165":23968},[],"Judy Lopes",[],"‘It’s wonderful to have one of our own from Ireland, taking part and getting the country behind him. Representing both Ireland and Cape Verde. It’s wonderful. It’s what sport is all about’",[],{"_163":23974,"_165":23975},"Judy and Jacques are firmly in touch with the Irish reaction to the defender – who turns 34 tomorrow – rising to the challenge on the greatest stage.",[],{"_163":23977,"_165":23978},"There’ll be more of that to come. Pico’s day ended with a live video call to James Corden’s late night show on Fox, where he bantered with studio guest Zlatan Ibrahimovic about their Europa League meeting in Tallaght in 2020 while an enthusiastic Los Angeles studio audience applauded every wisecrack.",[],{"_163":23980,"_165":23981},"Carlos was shocked on his last visit home when local TV stations and newspapers sought him out.",[],{"_163":23983,"_165":23984},"Today, he plans to ring his father Tellay, who turned 99 last month and has become a local star in his own right on account of the exploits of his increasingly famous grandson whose story has taken off globally again because of how he was recruited via LinkedIn.",[],{"_163":23986,"_165":23987},"Another sister was amongst the attendance of 67,640 in the arena, having travelled down from Boston, the home for the Cape Verdean diaspora in America.",[],{"_163":23989,"_165":23990},"He had chatted with a sister back home who described scenes of celebration around the ten islands that make up a country with a population of around 500,000 people.",[],{"_163":23992,"_165":23993},"“It is a history that will remain forever,” he says.",[],"Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal goes up against against Cape Verde's Pico Lopes during the World Cup Group H in Atlanta yesterday.",{"_81":23996,"_212":23532,"_220":395,"_97":23997,"_213":23994,"_223":23998,"_106":23999,"_226":227,"_228":23532,"_230":24000,"_218":88,"_232":23999,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/s9bbr5-55db0030-b5c1-.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/55db0030-b5c1-.jpg",[24001],"55db0030-b5c1-.jpg","157273862","Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal (21) heads the ball against Cape Verde's Pico Lopes (4) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)",{"_235":19896,"_237":19897,"_239":19896,"_240":19898},{"_163":24003,"_165":24004},"A mention of what Pico’s achievement has done for the family name back home draws an immediate response.",[],{"_163":24006,"_165":24007},"Carlos grins a little. He chooses his words carefully but, when he speaks, it is apparent that he totally gets the significance of what he has just experienced and witnessed. ",[],{"_163":24009,"_165":24010},"“He’s the coolest man on earth, I’m telling you,” says Judy. “He doesn’t even get out of his seat.”",[],{"_163":24012,"_165":24013},"Not Carlos.",[],{"_163":24015,"_165":24016},"The mistake would be to assume that he’s drained. Judy explains that this is his default position. Everyone around them in the family section of the stunning Atlanta Stadium was on their feet in the dying stages as their son Pico Lopes was in the process of seeing out the draw against Spain that has made the African underdogs a talking point around the globe.",[],{"_163":24018,"_165":24019},"While his wife Judy and his youngest son Jacques speak freely and excitedly about an extraordinary day for their family, the native of Cape Verde sinks back in the couch and lets the others do most of the talking.",[],{"_163":24021,"_165":24022},"In a lively hotel lobby in Atlanta, Carlos Lopes is the calmest presence.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":24024,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":24025,"_106":24026,"_368":369,"_370":24027,"_232":24028,"_233":92},"MRRF9rgIKW2Q","00:10:40","1821591","10:40","157276568",{"_163":24030,"_165":24031},"Family of Pico Lopes beaming with pride after Cape Verde’s Spanish draw ",[],{"_163":23824,"_165":24033},[],{"_250":23221,"_106":23222,"_253":8,"_254":23223},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_235":23615,"_237":23616,"_240":23617},{"_81":24038,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24039,"_213":88,"_223":24040,"_106":24041,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":24041,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/ie8q61-403.jpeg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/555749ce-8d42-466c-a2b1-ba984b25e23b",[],"555749ce-8d42-466c-a2b1-ba984b25e23b","157276552",{"_250":1991,"_106":1992,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":23231,"_106":23232,"_275":23233,"_276":280},"‘He’s part of Irish World Cup history now....It’s wonderful. It’s what sport is all about’ - Family of Pico Lopes beaming with pride",158397840,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/northern-ireland-international-could-return-to-irish-league-as-clubs-line-up-bids-after-winger-rejects-move-to-kazakhstan/a/156679504.html",[24122,24123],"Northern Ireland international could return to Irish League as clubs line up bids after winger rejects move to Kazakhstan",{"_264":24119,"_266":24098,"_267":24050},[24118],[24109,24110,24111,24112,24113,24114],"156679504",{},[],"2026-06-10T15:37:00Z","2026-06-10T15:37:24Z",[24062,24063,24064,24065,24066,24067,24068,24069,24070,24071,24072,24073],{"_140":10,"_141":24061,"_143":10},"a8c33306-64e1-11f1-a2a2-59ae5a04e5fe",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24107,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":24100,"_215":24101,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24097,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24094,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24091,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24088,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":24087,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24087,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24084,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24081,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":24078,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24075,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":24074,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24074,"_233":92},"156640604",{"_163":24076,"_165":24077},"For St Mirren, McMenamin has often operated in a wing-back role and spoken about his desire to return to the Northern Ireland squad having made his most recent appearance at international level in 2024.",[],{"_163":24079,"_165":24080},"There is further interest in the Downpatrick man from England, Scotland and Malta. ",[],{"_163":24082,"_165":24083},"Not surprisingly, given his impressive performances for Cliftonville and Glentoran prior to moving to Scotland, McMenamin has admirers in the Irish League and also in the League of Ireland.",[],{"_163":24085,"_165":24086},"It is understood Kazakhstan Premier League outfit FC Qyzyljar, also known as Kyzylzhar, were keen on McMenamin, though at this moment in time that deal won’t be happening.",[],"156566091",{"_163":24089,"_165":24090},"There have also been testing times due to injury but, when fit, the former Linfield, Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville player has the quality to make a difference in games.",[],{"_163":24092,"_165":24093},"McMenamin, 30, signed for St Mirren in 2023 from Glentoran when compatriot Stephen Robinson was in charge and he has had some memorable moments with the club - the highlight being starting in the League Cup Final victory over Celtic at Hampden Park last season.",[],{"_163":24095,"_165":24096},"The Northern Ireland winger has one year left on his contract with the Scottish Premiership side but a move away from the Buddies could be on the cards over the summer.",[],{"_163":24098,"_165":24099},"St Mirren’s Conor McMenamin is attracting interest from the Irish League and League of Ireland after turning down a chance to join a club in Kazakhstan.",[],"Conor McMenamin could be on his way out of St Mirren",{"_81":24102,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24103,"_213":24100,"_223":24104,"_106":24105,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24106,"_218":88,"_232":24105,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1f4feh-conor-mcmenamin-wants-to-seize-the-opportunity-in-the-scottish-league-cup-final/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/fe2fc75e-3d10-4dd1-b234-cb966c52797c",[],"fe2fc75e-3d10-4dd1-b234-cb966c52797c","113185317","Conor McMenamin wants to seize the opportunity in the Scottish League Cup Final",{"_163":24050,"_165":24108},[],{"_250":19080,"_106":19081,"_253":8,"_254":19082},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":23221,"_106":23222,"_253":10,"_254":23223},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_250":24115,"_106":24116,"_253":10,"_254":24117},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"sport_football_scottish","4300","Scottish",{"_235":23673,"_237":23674,"_240":2445},{"_81":24120,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24121,"_213":24100,"_223":24104,"_106":24105,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24106,"_218":88,"_232":24105,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1f4feh-conor-mcmenamin-wants-to-seize-the-opportunity-in-the-scottish-league-cup-final/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/fe2fc75e-3d10-4dd1-b234-cb966c52797c",[],{"_250":21380,"_106":21381,"_275":21382,"_276":280},{"_250":19099,"_106":22771,"_275":21838,"_276":280},141909974,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":24254,"_283":8,"_275":24255,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/under-fire-derry-city-boss-ive-never-walked-away-from-anything-in-my-life-and-ill-never-walk-away-from-this/a/151799111.html",[24252,24253],"Under-fire Derry City boss: ‘I’ve never walked away from anything in my life and I’ll never walk away from this’",{"_264":24248,"_266":24232,"_267":24129},[],[24244,24245,24246,24247],"151799111",{},[],"2026-05-16T13:05:00Z","2026-05-16T13:19:57Z",[24141,24142,24143,24144,24145,24146,24147,24148,24149,24150,24151,24152,24153,24154,24155,24156,24157,24158,24159,24160,24161,24162],{"_140":10,"_141":24140,"_143":10},"e41d35dc-5127-11f1-91ee-31c53688c441",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24242,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19397,"_213":24234,"_215":24235,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24231,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24228,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24225,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24222,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":24219,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24216,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24213,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":19397,"_213":24205,"_215":24206,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24202,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":24199,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":24196,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":24193,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":24190,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":681,"_212":19397,"_213":24179,"_215":24180,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":24176,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":24173,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":24170,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":24167,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":24164,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":657,"_106":24163,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24163,"_233":92},"151626184",{"_163":24165,"_165":24166},"“There’s lots of things going on. It’s not just quite as simple as saying this is a quick fix because it’s not. And that’s ultimately the bottom line.”",[],{"_163":24168,"_165":24169},"“I definitely think that this team has way more potential than where we are right now.",[],{"_163":24171,"_165":24172},"“I always take responsibility. And if that responsibility, if that’s where we are, that’s where we are. I have full faith in this team.",[],{"_163":24174,"_165":24175},"“I ultimately always take responsibility. I’m the manager. And there’s never a situation where I’ll come out and try and throw players under the bus or blame players,” he explained.",[],{"_163":24177,"_165":24178},"Lynch, whose side face St Patrick’s Athletic next Friday evening at Celtic Park, was forthright that he takes full responsibility for their current form and is backing his players to turn things around.",[],"Brandon Fleming of Derry City in action against Luke Heeney of Waterford",{"_81":24181,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24182,"_213":24179,"_223":24183,"_106":24184,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24185,"_218":88,"_232":24184,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/m66666-sports3458482.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3458482.jpg",[24186],"Sports3458482.jpg","151799251","15 May 2026; Brandon Fleming of Derry City in action against Luke Heeney of Waterford during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Waterford and Derry City at the RSC in Waterford. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile",{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},"paul.ferguson@sundaylife.co.uk","Ferguson","Paul",{"_163":24191,"_165":24192},"“We didn’t do the things that we were meant to do for longer periods. And we got ourselves into trouble by having to deal with it. We called it, and we let the game turn into a ding-dong. And the ding-dong suited Waterford, it didn’t suit us.”",[],{"_163":24194,"_165":24195},"“One million per cent, yeah. One million per cent. There’s no trying to hide away from anything in this,” he conceded.",[],{"_163":24197,"_165":24198},"The Derry gaffer knew that Rylah’s stoppage-time equaliser had spared his side further embarrassment against a team still without a win all season.",[],{"_163":24200,"_165":24201},"“We have to keep believing in ourselves and hopefully start grinding out some results.”",[],{"_163":24203,"_165":24204},"“I came here for a reason and as far as I’m concerned, I’m going to be here.",[],"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch shows his frustration after the draw",{"_81":24207,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24208,"_213":24205,"_223":24209,"_106":24210,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24211,"_218":88,"_232":24210,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/t5r0ne-sports3458674.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3458674.jpg",[24212],"Sports3458674.jpg","151799214","15 May 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch after the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Waterford and Derry City at the RSC in Waterford. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile",{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_163":24214,"_165":24215}," “I’ve never walked away from anything in my life and I’ll never walk away from this,” Lynch stated following their 2-2 draw at the RSC.\n ",[],{"_163":24217,"_165":24218},"Despite a good majority of the Candystripes faithful calling for the Belfast man’s head, he insisted that he wasn’t going anywhere.",[],{"_163":24220,"_165":24221},"City have managed only four victories from their opening 17 games and sit 14 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, but more worryingly they are just four points ahead of second-bottom side Sligo Rovers.",[],{"_163":24223,"_165":24224},"Lynch, who guided Larne to back-to-back NIFL Premiership titles, knows he is under extreme pressure as his big-money squad have failed to produce the goods this season.",[],{"_163":24226,"_165":24227},"Derry led courtesy of Kevin dos Santos’ first-half strike, but again the Brandywell men struggled in the second-half and conceded twice to Tommy Lonergan and Kevin Long before the Charlton Athletic loanee saved them right at the death.",[],{"_163":24229,"_165":24230},"On Friday night, the Candystripes rescued a fortunate point against bottom-of-the-table Waterford thanks to Henry Rylah’s 94th-minute header.",[],{"_163":24232,"_165":24233},"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch has vowed not to “walk away” as pressure continues to mount on him.",[],"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch is feeling the heat",{"_81":24236,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24237,"_213":24234,"_223":24238,"_106":24239,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24240,"_218":88,"_232":24239,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/u9a91s-sports3458682.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3458682.jpg",[24241],"Sports3458682.jpg","151799199","15 May 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch reacts during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Waterford and Derry City at the RSC in Waterford. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile",{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_163":24129,"_165":24243},[],{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":8,"_254":19073},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":19303},{"_250":19074,"_106":19075,"_253":10,"_254":19076},{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":10,"_254":30},{"_81":24249,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24250,"_213":24234,"_223":24238,"_106":24239,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24240,"_218":88,"_232":24239,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/u9a91s-sports3458682.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3458682.jpg",[24251],{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch under pressure after late Waterford draw","Under-fire Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch refuses to quit after a dramatic draw at Waterford and growing fan unrest. Read his defiant reaction now.",126283473,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/tiernan-lynch-eager-for-derry-city-to-keep-reaping-rewards-of-hard-work-as-manager-eyes-continued-resurgence/a/150493620.html",[24357,24358,24359],"Tiernan Lynch eager for Derry City to keep reaping rewards of hard work as manager eyes continued resurgence",{"_264":24354,"_266":24341,"_267":24261},[],[24352,24353],"150493620",{},[],"2026-04-30T20:23:00Z","2026-04-30T20:23:55Z",[24273,24274,24275,24276,24277,24278,24279,24280,24281,24282,24283,24284,24285,24286,24287,24288,24289,24290,24291,24292,24293],{"_140":10,"_141":24272,"_143":10},"64fa8cef-44bf-11f1-8e7f-81dc69e640ad",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24350,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":24343,"_215":24344,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24340,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24337,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24334,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24331,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":24330,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24330,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24327,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24324,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":24321,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24318,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":24317,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24317,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":24314,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":24311,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":24308,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":681,"_106":24307,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24307,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":24304,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":24301,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":24298,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":24295,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":661,"_106":24294,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24294,"_233":92},"148260905",{"_163":24296,"_165":24297},"“Obviously we now have a four-to-six-week period to find out whether the injection has worked.”",[],{"_163":24299,"_165":24300},"“There’s lots of conversations going on in the background with medical people and physios, but the latest news on James was positive,” admitted Lynch.",[],{"_163":24302,"_165":24303},"There was further food news for Derry City this week with the news that James McClean’s hip injury was not as significant as first feared.",[],{"_163":24305,"_165":24306},"“We have to be very well aware of their threats and they’ve good players in their team, but we’ve also got to be aware of where hopefully we can take advantage of their problems, and that’s very much at the forefront of our minds.”",[],"148547438",{"_163":24309,"_165":24310},"“We’re going down there knowing that we’ll be facing a team that’s a wounded animal and, to be honest, we know what that feels like in terms of not getting results.",[],{"_163":24312,"_165":24313},"“They’re still very brave on the ball, they still want to play and, yes, they’re obviously not getting the results that they want, but we’ll not be taking anything for granted.",[],{"_163":24315,"_165":24316},"“They went to Tallaght and dominated, they played St Pat’s and dominated, so they’re not looking like a team that’s struggling too much with confidence at the moment.",[],"148591589",{"_163":24319,"_165":24320},"“I’ve watched a lot of Bohs this week and they’re not getting the results, but they are getting the performances,” he added.",[],{"_163":24322,"_165":24323},"But he warns that the hosts’ recent results have in no way matched their efforts.",[],{"_163":24325,"_165":24326},"Derry City memorably defeated Bohemians 4-3 on their last visit to Dalymount Park last September and, while Bohs got a measure of revenge with a single-goal victory at the Brandywell in February, Lynch is hoping that his team can add to a traditionally good record at the Dublin venue.",[],{"_163":24328,"_165":24329},"“Nevertheless, we’ll be going there with a good bit of confidence and we have to make sure that we embrace and enjoy the game.”",[],"149806473",{"_163":24332,"_165":24333},"“However, we’re no stranger to this and you’re only good as your last game. As I keep saying every week, there’s no easy games in this League and Dalymount Park is a really tough place to go to on Friday night, but we’re well aware of that.",[],{"_163":24335,"_165":24336},"“The last couple of matches I think the boys have reaped their rewards from their work and commitment,” Tiernan Lynch stated.",[],{"_163":24338,"_165":24339},"Since going top of the table in February, Alan Reynolds’ team have slumped massively with just four points from their last seven games. The hosts have lost their last three in succession, which is in stark contrast to a rejuvenated Derry, who have beaten Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in recent weeks.",[],{"_163":24341,"_165":24342},"Tiernan Lynch is hoping that Derry City’s recovery can continue as they travel to Dalymount Park hoping to inflict even more misery on Bohemians.",[],"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch",{"_81":24345,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24346,"_213":24343,"_223":24347,"_106":24348,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24349,"_218":88,"_232":24348,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6nhgts-pre-season-preparations-ahead-of-the-2026-campaign-are-under-way-for-tiernan-lynchs-derry-city-side/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/c85e0443-15d5-48c8-be72-4053e2350125",[],"c85e0443-15d5-48c8-be72-4053e2350125","122950186","Pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026 campaign are under way for Tiernan Lynch's Derry City side",{"_163":24261,"_165":24351},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},{"_81":24355,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24356,"_213":24343,"_223":24347,"_106":24348,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24349,"_218":88,"_232":24348,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6nhgts-pre-season-preparations-ahead-of-the-2026-campaign-are-under-way-for-tiernan-lynchs-derry-city-side/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/c85e0443-15d5-48c8-be72-4053e2350125",[],{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},{"_250":19315,"_106":19316,"_275":19317,"_276":280},110642021,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":24462,"_283":8,"_275":24463,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/league-of-ireland/we-have-been-kicked-in-the-teeth-week-after-week-derry-city-boss-ignores-job-speculation-as-he-backs-players-to-find-form/a/146056034.html",[24460,24461],"‘We have been kicked in the teeth week after week’: Derry City boss ignores job speculation as he backs players to find form",{"_264":24456,"_266":24440,"_267":24365},[],[24452,24453,24454],"146056034",{},[],"2026-04-16T19:39:00Z","2026-04-16T19:39:43Z",[24377,24378,24379,24380,24381,24382,24383,24384,24385,24386,24387,24388,24389,24390,24391,24392,24393,24394],{"_140":10,"_141":24376,"_143":10},"fdd74155-39c1-11f1-be0e-d13c7c7dd474",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24450,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19397,"_213":24442,"_215":24443,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24439,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24436,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24433,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":19046,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":24430,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24427,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24424,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":24421,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24418,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":158,"_586":24411,"_588":24412,"_590":-5,"_592":24413,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":24408,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":24405,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":24402,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":24399,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":24396,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":24395,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24395,"_233":92},"146029863",{"_163":24397,"_165":24398},"“We’ve been down to Shelbourne before and won. We enjoy going to Dublin on the Friday night games and normally big crowds with a good atmosphere, so hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”",[],{"_163":24400,"_165":24401},"“The best indicator of a team is how hard they work and they certainly don’t need to be coaxed day-in, day-out to do the work,” continued Lynch.",[],{"_163":24403,"_165":24404},"Lynch guided Derry to an impressive 1-0 win on his last visit to Tolka Park last season thanks to a Duffy wonder goal, which made amends for his defeat at the Dublin venue in his first official game in charge of the club in February 2025.",[],{"_163":24406,"_165":24407},"“We, as a group, take the criticism. We don’t shy away from any criticism that comes our way. We’ll take it squarely on the chin. We just have to keep working hard to try and put it right.”",[],{"_163":24409,"_165":24410},"“You hope so,” he said. “You make your own luck in this game, we all know that, but this is a group of players who have been kicked in the teeth week after week with a new injury and having to chop and change as often as we’ve had to chop and change. But they roll their sleeves up and get on with it.",[],{"_163":24416,"_165":24417},{"_163":19318,"_165":24415},{"_163":88,"_165":24414},[],[],"We don’t shy away from any criticism that comes our way. ",[],{"_163":24419,"_165":24420},"But Lynch knows a win could well change momentum back in his team’s favour.",[],{"_163":24422,"_165":24423},"James McClean will miss Friday night’s game through suspension after his red card at Dundalk, while talisman Michael Duffy remains absent.",[],{"_163":24425,"_165":24426},"With yet another significant injury to deal with in the absence of Rob Slevin, who has been ruled out for a month with a calf injury, the bad luck seems to continue for Lynch, who has continuously rotated his squad. ",[],{"_163":24428,"_165":24429},"“We’ve done okay down there in the last couple of occasions apart from the first game of last season. But we’re well aware of their threat. They obviously came to our place earlier in the season and we felt a bit hard done by. That’s something we have an opportunity to put right.”",[],{"_163":24431,"_165":24432},"“My job is to try and get Derry City ready for Shelbourne on Friday night and that’s what I intend to do,” said Lynch.",[],{"_163":24434,"_165":24435},"The title hopefuls even dropped to eighth in the Premier Division two weeks ago and, while they have moved up one place since, it is still a world away from where many expected to be at this stage.",[],{"_163":24437,"_165":24438},"The Candystripes may have managed two points from two difficult away tests at Sligo Rovers and Dundalk in recent weeks, but it is now seven games without a win overall for City, with pressure on Lynch incessant. ",[],{"_163":24440,"_165":24441},"Tiernan Lynch is refusing to get caught up in speculation over his future as he prepares to take his Derry City team to face Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night.",[],"Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch is under pressure after a run of poor results",{"_81":24444,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24445,"_213":24442,"_223":24446,"_106":24447,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24448,"_218":88,"_232":24447,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/poxa4n-sports3422708.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Sports3422708.jpg",[24449],"Sports3422708.jpg","146056395","10 April 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch before the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Dundalk and Derry City at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Paul Phelan/Sportsfile",{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_163":24365,"_165":24451},[],{"_250":19406,"_106":19407,"_253":8,"_254":30},{"_250":19301,"_106":19302,"_253":10,"_254":24455},{"_250":19071,"_106":19072,"_253":10,"_254":19073},"County Derry/Londonderry Sport",{"_81":24457,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24458,"_213":24442,"_223":24446,"_106":24447,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24448,"_218":88,"_232":24447,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/poxa4n-sports3422708.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Sports3422708.jpg",[24459],{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_250":22873,"_106":22874,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":19318,"_106":19319,"_275":19320,"_276":280},"Derry City manager under pressure before Shelbourne clash","Under-fire Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch faces injury-hit trip to Shelbourne at Tolka Park as winless run grows. Read how he plans to respond now.",93848863,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":-5,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/i-have-no-qualms-with-the-fans-getting-frustrated...-there-are-no-excuses-derry-city-boss-on-early-season-pressure-at-the-brandywell/a/137653174.html",[24571,24572],"‘I have no qualms with the fans getting frustrated... there are no excuses’ - Derry City boss on early-season pressure at the Brandywell",{"_264":24567,"_266":24552,"_267":24469},[],[24564,24565,24566],"137653174",{},[],"2026-02-27T10:00:00Z","2026-02-27T01:18:40Z",[24481,24482,24483,24484,24485,24486,24487,24488,24489,24490,24491,24492,24493,24494,24495,24496,24497,24498,24499],{"_140":10,"_141":24480,"_143":10},"6b256925-1349-11f1-bdba-7fd2b36fe7d7",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24562,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":19397,"_213":24554,"_215":24555,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24551,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24548,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24545,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24542,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":24539,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24536,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":19397,"_213":24528,"_215":24529,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":24525,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24522,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":24519,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":24516,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":24513,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":24510,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":24507,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":24504,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":24501,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":24500,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24500,"_233":92},"137577576",{"_163":24502,"_165":24503},"“Lonergan and Amond up front are two good players, two handfuls and they play off their strengths, so it won’t be an easy game that’s for sure.”",[],{"_163":24505,"_165":24506},"“We have watched their games and they are a big, strong, physical side. They can be quite direct and they play to their strengths. ",[],{"_163":24508,"_165":24509},"“They will be no different from the other challengers in this league,” he added. ",[],{"_163":24511,"_165":24512},"Waterford are still searching for their first win this year, and come to the Brandywell for the first time since their 7-2 loss there last July. That result will have nothing to do with Friday night’s game, insists Lynch.",[],{"_163":24514,"_165":24515},"“There are things going on in games that others aren’t noticing that are definitely, definitely improving. The thing we’re hugely frustrated with at the moment is that we’re not clinical in that we’re not finishing the chances that we’re creating and we’re conceding stupid, stupid goals.”",[],{"_163":24517,"_165":24518},"“We’ve brought 12 players in but this is definitely not something that’s going to be a quick fix, it’s not going to happen overnight. ",[],{"_163":24520,"_165":24521},"“We have to thrive on those demands as it’s a privilege. The big thing for me and I’ve said this before, there are no excuses. ",[],{"_163":24523,"_165":24524},"“I have no qualms with the fans getting frustrated,” he stated. “It’s part and parcel of being at big clubs; the demands are high. ",[],{"_163":24526,"_165":24527},"Lynch acknowledges that his team have failed to live up to expectations so far.",[],"Right back Barry Cotter will help add balance to the Derry City team",{"_81":24530,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24531,"_213":24528,"_223":24532,"_106":24533,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24534,"_218":88,"_232":24533,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/gl7cbk-barry-cotter.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Barry_Cotter.jpg",[24535],"Barry_Cotter.jpg","137654346","20 February 2026; Incoming Derry City player Barry Cotter arrives for the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Bohemians at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile",{"_235":24187,"_237":24188,"_239":24187,"_240":24189},{"_163":24537,"_165":24538},"A last-gasp Michael Duffy penalty against Dundalk is all that City have to show from their last two home games, with the most recent defeat to Bohemians met with significant criticism from supporters. ",[],{"_163":24540,"_165":24541},"“We’ve chopped and changed but hopefully this now will bring a little bit of balance to what we’re doing and allow us to tweak things and tweak formations as and when required, so it’s a great addition for us.”",[],{"_163":24543,"_165":24544},"“I’m not going to try and make any excuses,” Lynch said. “I think it’s been very clear for people to see that there’s been an imbalance in our team in the first couple of games because we have been playing without a recognised right-back. ",[],{"_163":24546,"_165":24547},"That gap had not been filled until this week, with 27-year-old Cotter, who has League of Ireland experience, finally arriving.",[],{"_163":24549,"_165":24550},"The Candystripes host Waterford on Friday night amidst mounting pressure after just one win in their opening three games with City’s back line in the firing line due to the imbalance in the squad, with no recognised right-back following the departure of Ronan Boyce in the close season. ",[],{"_163":24552,"_165":24553},"Tiernan Lynch is hoping that the signing of former Barnsley defender Barry Cotter will give his side the balance they need after a stuttering start to the season.",[],"Under-fire Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch ",{"_81":24556,"_212":19397,"_220":395,"_97":24557,"_213":24554,"_223":24558,"_106":24559,"_226":227,"_228":19397,"_230":24560,"_218":88,"_232":24559,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/8moszl-tiernan-lynch.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Tiernan_Lynch.jpg",[24561],"Tiernan_Lynch.jpg","137654258","20 February 2026; Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Bohemians at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. 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You can speak to the police and you can speak to us. ",[],{"_163":15228,"_165":24671},[],{"_163":24673,"_165":24674},"“Domestic abuse can happen to any man, at any age and from any background. It can happen within an intimate relationship or within a family. ",[],{"_163":24676,"_165":24677},"“Many of the men who come through our doors have lived with abuse, coercive control, fear and isolation for a very long time before they tell anyone what is happening to them,” she said.",[],{"_163":24679,"_165":24680},"Rhonda Lusty, CEO of the Men’s Advisory Project, a charity that supports more than 1,000 men and boys affected by domestic abuse, welcomed the new campaign’s message that men who come forward will be listened to.",[],"Rhonda Lusty, CEO of the Men’s Advisory Project",{"_81":24683,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24684,"_213":24681,"_223":24685,"_106":24686,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":24686,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5s8z0e-rhonda.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/RHONDA.jpg",[24687],"RHONDA.jpg","160194592",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":24689,"_165":24690},"“Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. We will listen, and we will act.”",[],{"_163":24692,"_165":24693},"“So I say this clearly: if you are a man experiencing domestic abuse, you are not weak, and you are not alone. Speaking up is not a failure of strength — it’s the first act of reclaiming it. ",[],{"_163":24695,"_165":24696},"“Every victim deserves dignity, support, and to know that the law stands firmly on their side. When we fail to recognise that, we don’t just fail individuals — we reinforce the very stigma that keeps people trapped.",[],{"_163":24698,"_165":24699},"“Abuse is abuse. It’s not a lesser crime because the victim is male, and it’s not something to be minimised or joked about. ",[],{"_163":15261,"_165":24701},[],{"_163":24703,"_165":24704},"“Men sitting there, shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on the floor — not because they’ve done something wrong, but because they’ve been made to feel they don’t deserve to be heard. ",[],{"_163":24706,"_165":24707},"“Officers have stood in living rooms where the silence says more than any statement ever could,” she said. ",[],{"_163":24709,"_165":24710},"Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said it was the job of police to “protect without prejudice”.",[],{"_163":24718,"_165":24719},{"_163":24716,"_165":24717},{"_163":24714,"_165":24715},"Detective Superintendent (PSNI)",[],"Kerry Brennan",[],"Every victim deserves dignity, support, and to know that the law stands firmly on their side",[],{"_163":24721,"_165":24722},"Men made up almost a third (32pc) of all domestic abuse victims, with the crimes carrying a sanction rate of around 19pc.",[],{"_163":24724,"_165":24725},"Some 5,817 domestic abuse crimes against men were recorded by police between April 2025 and March 2026.",[],{"_163":24727,"_165":24728},"The PSNI has launched its Every Victim Matters campaign, which aims to challenge misconceptions and encourage men experiencing domestic abuse to seek support.",[],{"_163":24730,"_165":24731},"A new police campaign to highlight the impact of domestic violence against men has been welcomed by a victim support charity.",[],"Men experiencing domestic abuse are encouraged to seek support",{"_81":24734,"_212":88,"_220":3960,"_97":24735,"_213":24732,"_223":24736,"_106":24737,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":24737,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ox1pw0-gettyimages-1196393759.webp/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/GettyImages-1196393759.webp",[24738],"GettyImages-1196393759.webp","160194531",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":24740,"_165":24741},"Police launch new campaign urging victims to seek support",[],{"_163":24615,"_165":24743},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":24748,"_212":88,"_220":3960,"_97":24749,"_213":24732,"_223":24736,"_106":24737,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":24737,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ox1pw0-gettyimages-1196393759.webp/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-1196393759.webp",[24750],{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Domestic abuse against men: police say seek help now","Police highlight male domestic abuse with the Every Victim Matters campaign, sharing support options and how speaking up can be the first step to recovery.",195555015,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/crime/once-feared-uvf-chief-hits-rock-bottom-and-is-sleeping-in-pals-garden-shed/a/160158295.html",[24979],"Once-feared UVF chief hits rock bottom and is ‘sleeping in pal’s garden shed’",{"_264":24975,"_266":24967,"_267":24759},[24974],[24971,24972,24973],{},[],"2026-08-18T11:30:00Z","2026-08-18T07:22:43Z",[24770,24771,24772,24773,24774,24775,24776,24777,24778,24779,24780,24781,24782,24783,24784,24785,24786,24787,24788,24789,24790,24791,24792,24793,24794,24795,24796,24797,24798,24799,24800,24801,24802,24803,24804,24805,24806,24807,24808,24809,24810,24811,24812,24813,24814,24815],{"_140":10,"_141":24769,"_143":10},"2a0b9695-9ad5-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":24969,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":24966,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":24958,"_215":24959,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":24955,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":24952,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":24949,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":24946,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":24943,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":24940,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":24937,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":24929,"_215":24930,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":24926,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":24923,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":24920,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":24917,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":24914,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":24911,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":24908,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":24907,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24907,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":24906,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24906,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":24903,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":24900,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":24897,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":24894,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":24891,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":24888,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":24879,"_213":24880,"_215":24881,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":24876,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":24873,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":24870,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":1007,"_212":-5,"_213":24862,"_215":24863,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":24859,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":24856,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":24853,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":24850,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":24847,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":24844,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":576,"_212":-5,"_213":24836,"_215":24837,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":24833,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":24830,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":24827,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":24824,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":24821,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":24818,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":544,"_106":24817,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24817,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":540,"_106":24816,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":24816,"_233":92},"144726005","138630379",{"_163":24819,"_165":24820},"Moore is now facing the prospect of swapping his garden shed for a prison cell when he returns for sentencing in a few weeks.",[],{"_163":24822,"_165":24823},"Sources say he turned to drugs to deal with the severe pain he still suffers as a result of the attacks and also to combat depression and anxiety.",[],{"_163":24825,"_165":24826},"Five men were convicted and jailed for their involvement in the attack which was described as a “revenge attack.”",[],{"_163":24828,"_165":24829},"He was struck so hard a baseball bat broke in two.",[],{"_163":24831,"_165":24832},"Five years later he suffered a fracture skull and broken ribs after he was attacked as he sat in Co Antrim country pub.",[],{"_163":24834,"_165":24835},"He was abducted, beaten with heavy implements, and left for dead in an underpass before undergoing major surgery with steel rods inserted into his limbs.",[],"Darren Moore pictured in his hospital bed in 2013",{"_81":24838,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24839,"_213":24836,"_223":24840,"_106":24841,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24842,"_218":88,"_232":24841,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/nr8mmg-darren-moore-1-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Darren%20Moore%201-1.jpg",[24843],"Darren%20Moore%201-1.jpg","160068225","Darren Moore pictured in his hospital bed today.\n\nUVF killer Darren' Judas'Moore had both his legs and arms sharttered in a savage attack last night(friday).\n\n",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":24845,"_165":24846},"He was left with broken arms and legs in April 2013 folowing a brutal, savage beating in north Belfast.",[],{"_163":24848,"_165":24849},"He has survived several attempts to kill him and has suffered some severe beatings.",[],{"_163":24851,"_165":24852},"Moore became a hate figure and was hounded wherever he went.",[],{"_163":24854,"_165":24855},"The former RAF man was lured to a meeting at a quarry on the outskirts of Belfast by Moore where he was beaten to death.",[],{"_163":24857,"_165":24858},"Moore was strongly implicated in the murder of Raymond McCord jnr in 1997.",[],{"_163":24860,"_165":24861},"Among those revealed as a state agent was Moore. All senior members of the unit were stood down by the UVF leadership.",[],"Former UVF Godfather Mark Haddock at his lair in England",{"_81":24864,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24865,"_213":24862,"_223":24866,"_106":24867,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24868,"_218":88,"_232":24867,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/nsuqqj-haddock-2-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Haddock%202%20(1).jpg",[24869],"Haddock%202%20(1).jpg","160068186"," The Sunday World tracks down former UVF Godfather Mark Haddock to his lair in England. \n\nMount Vernon loyalist paramilitary leader and British Special Branch informer Haddock, who has been named by various sources in connection with more than twenty-one murders. ",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":24871,"_165":24872},"Initially tasked with examining whether Mount Vernon leader Mack Haddock was a protected RUC agent, she uncovered police collusion in 12 sectarian murders.",[],{"_163":24874,"_165":24875},"He was a leading member of the Mount Vernon unit which was exposed by then Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s 2007 report.",[],{"_163":24877,"_165":24878},"It has been spectacular collapse for ex-footballer Moore, who lifted the Irish League title with Crusaders. ",[],"Pacemaker Press","Darren Moore ",{"_81":24882,"_212":24879,"_220":395,"_97":24883,"_213":24880,"_223":24884,"_106":24885,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24886,"_218":88,"_232":24885,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/ekgsld-bf847726pacemaker-belfast.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/BF847726%40PACEMAKER%20BELFAST.jpg",[24887],"BF847726%40PACEMAKER%20BELFAST.jpg","127942811","PACEMAKER BELFAST 23/09/2011\nDarren Moore arrives at Court as 14 men are appear in Belfast Court charged in connection of the Murder of Tommy English.\nNine alleged UVF men, including former leading member Mark Haddock, are charged with the murder of UDA leader Tommy English in October 2000.\nThey and another five alleged UVF men also face a range of other charges.\nPhoto Pacemaker Press",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":24889,"_165":24890},"He is expected back in court next month when he will be sentenced.",[],{"_163":24892,"_165":24893},"In one instance he made off with 20 legs of lamb and such was his desperation to realise cash to buy coke he even committed an offence on his way to court.",[],{"_163":24895,"_165":24896},"On a number of occasions he has stolen food items, cosmetics, fitness products and household goods such as detergent. ",[],{"_163":24898,"_165":24899},"It is a pattern of behaviour which stretches over a period of years.",[],{"_163":24901,"_165":24902},"On that occasion, he had made off with bottles of booze from a Ballymena supermarket.",[],{"_163":24904,"_165":24905},"The thefts, which occurred earlier this year, came at a time when he was already serving a suspended sentence for similar offences committed around 18 months ago.",[],"159491268","145251749",{"_163":24909,"_165":24910},"In his latest court appearance he admitted pinching groceries from a Spar shop and perfume from a chemists in the town.",[],{"_163":24912,"_165":24913},"He remains a marked man and has many enemies who are more than keen to do him harm.",[],{"_163":24915,"_165":24916},"According to sources, Moore has been “sofa surfing’’ in recent months and on a number of occasions he has spent the night in a friend’s garden shed, partly because he has been so out of it on drugs but also to stay one step ahead of people out to get him.",[],{"_163":24918,"_165":24919},"It was the same at a second address provided to us by sources in the Co Antrim town.",[],{"_163":24921,"_165":24922},"When the Sunday World called to Ballyclug Mews, the address provided in court there was no one home.",[],{"_163":24924,"_165":24925},"Earlier this month the 56-year-old was back at Ballymena Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to a fresh raft of shoplifting charges.",[],{"_163":24927,"_165":24928},"The pair had a rocky relationship with Gray turning his back on him more than once. Ironically, he was growing impatient with Moore’s addiction to cocaine.",[],"Ex-UVF boss Paul Gray ",{"_81":24931,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24932,"_213":24929,"_223":24933,"_106":24934,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24935,"_218":88,"_232":24934,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/h51kon-orange-lilly-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Orange%20Lilly%202.jpg",[24936],"Orange%20Lilly%202.jpg","160068173","Ex-UVF boss Paul Gray has called out a loyalist loon who’s been naming and shaming alleged drug dealers - like him - on social media.\nFor the past two months the vigilante anti-drugs campaigner has been causing more than just a stir under the moniker ‘Orange Lilly’.\n",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":24938,"_165":24939},"Run out of Belfast where he once held sway as a commander in the UVF’s notorious Mount Vernon unit, he found sanctuary in Ballymena where he hooked up with fellow UVF outcast Paul Gray.",[],{"_163":24941,"_165":24942},"Moore has been living the life of a down and out as he has spiralled into hopeless drug addiction.",[],{"_163":24944,"_165":24945},"Like before, it appears he has been stealing household items and selling the to feed his cocaine addiction.",[],{"_163":24947,"_165":24948},"Details of his demise come in the wake of yet another court appearance – the latest in an ever lengthening list of shop lifting offences.",[],{"_163":24950,"_165":24951},"According to sources, he is putting his head down in the outhouse of an associate’s home in Ballymena – representing a new low in the former UVF commander’s dramatic fall from grace.",[],{"_163":24953,"_165":24954},"It is understood that drug addict Moore has been reduced to sleeping in a friend’s garden shed.",[],{"_163":24956,"_165":24957},"Fallen terror chief Darren Moore has hit rock bottom – again.",[],"\nUVF outcast Darren Moore has fallen on hard times",{"_81":24960,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24961,"_213":24958,"_223":24962,"_106":24963,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24964,"_218":88,"_232":24963,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/8lrw4u-darren-moore-5.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Darren%20Moore%205.jpg",[24965],"Darren%20Moore%205.jpg","160068163","\nUVF killer Darren' Judas'Moore had both his legs and arms sharttered in a savage attack last night(friday).\n",{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_163":24967,"_165":24968},"Darren Moore was a leading member of the Mount Vernon unit which was exposed by then Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s 2007 report",[],{"_163":24759,"_165":24970},[],{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":8,"_254":2473},{"_250":1158,"_106":1159,"_253":10,"_254":1160},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_235":390,"_237":391,"_240":392},{"_81":24976,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":24977,"_213":24958,"_223":24962,"_106":24963,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":24964,"_218":88,"_232":24963,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/8lrw4u-darren-moore-5.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Darren%20Moore%205.jpg",[24978],{"_235":18400,"_237":18401,"_239":18400,"_240":18402},{"_250":24980,"_106":24981,"_275":1173,"_276":280},"UVF","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:uvf",195552717,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":25175,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/opinion/irelands-new-generation-of-wannabe-thugs-are-out-of-control...-they-simply-dont-value-life/a/160154961.html",[25168,25169,25170,25171],"Ireland’s new generation of wannabe thugs are out of control... they simply don’t value life",{"_264":25161,"_266":25150,"_267":24987},[25159],[25154,25155,25156,25157,25158],{},[],"2026-08-18T05:26:00Z","2026-08-17T21:41:01Z",[24998,24999,25000,25001,25002,25003,25004,25005,25006,25007,25008,25009,25010,25011,25012,25013,25014,25015,25016,25017,25018,25019,25020,25021,25022,25023,25024,25025,25026,25027,25028,25029,25030,25031,25032,25033,25034,25035,25036,25037,25038],{"_140":10,"_141":24997,"_143":10},"07905a24-9a83-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25152,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":25149,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":25148,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25145,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25142,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":25139,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25136,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":16512,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":16512,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":25135,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25135,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":25132,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":25129,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":25126,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":25123,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":25120,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":25117,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":25114,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":25111,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":677,"_356":25110,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":25107,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":25104,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":25101,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":25098,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":25095,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":25092,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":25089,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":25086,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":25083,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":25080,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":25077,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":25074,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":1007,"_586":25065,"_588":25066,"_590":-5,"_592":25067,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":25062,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":25059,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":25056,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":25053,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":25050,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":25047,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":25044,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":25041,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":568,"_106":25040,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25040,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":564,"_106":25039,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25039,"_233":92},"160145812","160133862",{"_163":25042,"_165":25043},"As the Taoiseach and Justice Minister have said, “it must stop”.",[],{"_163":25045,"_165":25046},"It was an unusually blunt statement for a garda chief. Usually, such political figures rely on platitudes, especially when there are dead young people involved. But it seems this incident means normal rules cannot apply any more.",[],{"_163":25048,"_165":25049},"“That, of course, should be self-evident, but what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social-media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it may have on innocent people and themselves.”",[],{"_163":25051,"_165":25052},"He said: “This horrific incident, following the recent collision on the M50, shows how irresponsible and dangerous driving on the wrong side of the motorway is.",[],{"_163":25054,"_165":25055},"He pointedly said that his thoughts were with the injured family while condemning the reckless behaviour of criminals driving down the wrong side of motorways.",[],{"_163":25057,"_165":25058},"On Sunday afternoon, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly issued a strongly worded statement, described as unprecedented in such a situation, that summed up the feelings of a nation.",[],{"_163":25060,"_165":25061},"Last night it emerged that one of the dead teenagers, who ranged in age between 15 and 18, had posted footage on TikTok of him taking part in car thefts and dangerous driving while being pursued by gardaí.",[],{"_163":25063,"_165":25064},"Two of the women who were the front-seat passengers in the family saloon are said to be in a critical condition in hospital. They have the prayers and good wishes of every decent person in the country.",[],{"_163":25072,"_165":25073},{"_163":25070,"_165":25071},{"_163":25068,"_165":25069},"Garda Commissioner",[],"Justin Kelly",[],"What makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes",[],{"_163":25075,"_165":25076},"That gives an indication of the speed the car was travelling at when it struck the Hyundai car being driven by their victims.",[],{"_163":25078,"_165":25079},"At first, gardaí thought there had been just four males in the car, all of whom had been wearing balaclavas. It was only when the crumpled remains of the car was moved that the fifth body was discovered.",[],{"_163":25081,"_165":25082},"The BMW in which the five dead teens were travelling was so badly mangled that it took emergency crews hours to access the remains in the wreckage.",[],{"_163":25084,"_165":25085},"The now-deceased gang had been reported trying to break into houses and cars parked outside homes in Athy, Co Kildare, in the hours before the fatal crash. Gardaí had been trying to safely intercept the gang, who were well-known to them.",[],{"_163":25087,"_165":25088},"There is very little sympathy for the dead. Many people believe they made their choices and paid the price.",[],{"_163":25090,"_165":25091},"It was always a matter of time before this latest epidemic resulted in the shocking death toll on the M9 motorway. This incident, following on from the one on the M50 a week earlier, has sickened and shocked the public. The first reaction of ordinary citizens is to be hugely sympathetic towards the family who ended up in hospital and were left with serious injuries.",[],{"_163":25093,"_165":25094},"The fact that innocent victims, for whom these thugs have no regard, may lose their lives or suffer appalling injuries in the process rarely bothers them. And of course they spare no thought for the trauma endured by the gardaí, fire crews and paramedics whose job it is to clean up the mess.",[],{"_163":25096,"_165":25097},"So the harsh reality is that the only realistic consequence these youngsters face is to be physically mangled in a crash, and suffer either life-changing injuries or death.",[],{"_163":25099,"_165":25100},"In that environment, they can do what they like because the disorganised justice system has given them impunity from prosecution. The reason is that our failed juvenile justice system has nowhere to incarcerate offenders, or the resources to attempt the process of rehabilitating them from a life of crime.",[],{"_163":25102,"_165":25103},"These delinquents are also aware that the same gardaí are at risk of being suspended and then criminally charged if they try to intervene. Even if gardaí do bring them to a halt, this new generation of thugs know they will face no meaningful consequences from the law.",[],{"_163":25105,"_165":25106},"The teenage gangs have no fear of the law because they know that the majority of patrolling gardaí they encounter during their nocturnal forays are not properly trained to take part in hot pursuits.",[],{"_163":25108,"_165":25109},"Referred to as the Lucky Dip gang – a loose collection of up to 100 youngsters who are clearly allowed to run wild by their parents – they are based in Dublin and surrounding counties. For the last few months of the long hot summer, gardaí have been warning that these thugs have been steadily getting more reckless and chaotic.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":9108,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":9109,"_106":9110,"_368":369,"_370":9111,"_232":9112,"_233":92},{"_163":25112,"_165":25113},"It is the epitome of suicidal madness, and is almost impossible to understand. Even young teenagers must understand the level of risk they are taking.",[],{"_163":25115,"_165":25116},"To make matters worse, the thugs film their antics for social media, showing just how untouchable they feel. Getting likes and clicks seems to be much more important than safety.",[],{"_163":25118,"_165":25119},"The new generation of wannabe Generals or Monks recklessly speed down the wrong side of the motorway in the full knowledge that the gardaí cannot follow them.",[],{"_163":25121,"_165":25122},"The problem is that gardaí have one arm tied behind their backs as they try in vain to quell this latest deadly crime epidemic.",[],{"_163":25124,"_165":25125},"Two gardaí inside the car were lucky to escape without serious injury, although the trauma of the event will stay with them for a long time.",[],{"_163":25127,"_165":25128},"That was followed by a similar incident in Finglas when a high-powered car containing five teenagers deliberately rammed a garda car and flipped it on to its roof. The gang had earlier been making videos of their reckless behaviour for social-media likes.",[],{"_163":25130,"_165":25131},"It was 5.30am, and the gang had spent the night breaking into houses and cars in the area. When gardaí tried to intercept them, the gang drove down the wrong way on an off-ramp on the M50 at Firhouse in south Dublin.",[],{"_163":25133,"_165":25134},"Exactly one week before this latest incident, eight teenagers, at least one of whom was just 13, suffered serious injuries when they crashed a car into another vehicle that was being driven by an innocent, law-abiding young man called Craig Fox (22). He also suffered life-changing injuries.",[],"160108957",{"_163":25137,"_165":25138},"The phenomenon involves gangs of teenagers and young children, some as young as 12, driving around in cars to take part in crime sprees where houses are targeted in a particular area and systematically burgled, leaving traumatised victims in their wake.",[],{"_163":25140,"_165":25141},"That description is a gross misnomer and an insult to the many victims of such madness. It should be called “death-riding”. There is certainly nothing joyful about this pernicious, twisted practice.",[],{"_163":25143,"_165":25144},"Sunday’s incident, in which a BMW driving down the wrong way on the M9 motorway smashed into three women and a seven-year-old boy on their way to Dublin Airport to catch a flight to a wedding in the UK, was the most serious yet in a deadly crime epidemic that is euphemistically referred to as “joyriding”.",[],{"_163":25146,"_165":25147},"The carnage left in the wake of the deaths of five teenagers and the critical injuries caused to four innocent people provides stark evidence that a small cohort of youngsters in Ireland are so out of control that they can be classified as posing a serious threat to public safety.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":15781,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":15782,"_106":15783,"_368":369,"_370":15784,"_232":15785,"_233":92},{"_163":25150,"_165":25151},"Gardaí have their hands tied as a result of a failed juvenile justice system that is not fit for purpose",[],{"_163":24987,"_165":25153},[],{"_250":1970,"_106":1971,"_253":8,"_254":1700},{"_250":2163,"_106":2164,"_253":10,"_254":1977},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_235":-5,"_237":25160,"_240":24189},"Williams",{"_81":25162,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25163,"_213":88,"_223":25164,"_106":25165,"_226":227,"_228":2094,"_230":25166,"_218":88,"_232":25165,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5rfhff-paul-williams.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Paul%20Williams.jpg",[25167],"Paul%20Williams.jpg","160154984","The scene on the M9 northbound at Junction 3 in Co Kildare where the incident took place early on Sunday morning",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_250":15752,"_106":15753,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":16609,"_106":16610,"_275":16611,"_276":280},{"_250":25172,"_106":25173,"_275":25174,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"TikTok","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:tiktok","TikTok is a video-sharing social networking service.","Paul Williams: Ireland’s new generation of wannabe thugs are out of control... they simply don’t value life",195513558,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":25379,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/suspected-crime-boss-daniel-kinahan-looks-to-legal-firms-in-ni-for-representation/a/160138075.html",[25369,25370,25371,25372,25373],"Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan looks to legal firms in NI for representation",{"_264":25365,"_266":25352,"_267":25181},[25361],[25356,25357,25358,25359,25360],"160138075",{},[],"2026-08-18T04:59:00Z","2026-08-17T15:33:24Z",[25193,25194,25195,25196,25197,25198,25199,25200,25201,25202,25203,25204,25205,25206,25207,25208,25209,25210,25211,25212,25213,25214,25215,25216,25217,25218,25219,25220,25221,25222,25223,25224,25225,25226,25227,25228,25229,25230,25231,25232],{"_140":10,"_141":25192,"_143":10},"4b2b2442-9a47-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25354,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":25351,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":25344,"_215":25345,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25341,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25338,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":25335,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25332,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":25329,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":25328,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25328,"_233":92},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":1611,"_213":25321,"_215":25322,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":25318,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":25315,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":25312,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":25309,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":694,"_106":13108,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":13108,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":25306,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":25303,"_161":162},{"_155":876,"_157":677,"_356":25297,"_161":878},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":25294,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":25291,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":25288,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":25285,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":657,"_106":25284,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25284,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":25281,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":25278,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":25275,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":25272,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":25269,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":25266,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":25263,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":25260,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":25257,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":1611,"_213":25250,"_215":25251,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":25247,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":25244,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":25241,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":25238,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":25235,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":572,"_106":25234,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25234,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":568,"_106":25233,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25233,"_233":92},"159819621","159857348",{"_163":25236,"_165":25237},"The Belfast Telegraph has reached out to John Finucane for comment.",[],{"_163":25239,"_165":25240},"The final decision on who he has instructed to represent him may not be known until October, when he is due to appear in court again in Dublin, either in person or via videolink.",[],{"_163":25242,"_165":25243},"To date it has been reported that Daniel Kinahan has been a “model prisoner”, asking for a Koran and prayer mat, having converted to Islam during his time in the Middle East.",[],{"_163":25245,"_165":25246},"The evidence against McGovern is expected to be produced against Kinahan. While similar to EncroChat, it is from a bespoke network alleged to have been used exclusively by members of the Kinahan cartel.",[],{"_163":25248,"_165":25249},"Across Europe, hundreds of people have been charged and convicted on EncroChat evidence, after French intelligence hacked the encrypted network used by criminals and then distributed the data to local law enforcement.",[],"Garda helicopter above Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell, where Daniel Kinahan arrived.",{"_81":25252,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":25253,"_213":25250,"_223":25254,"_106":25255,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":25256,"_218":88,"_232":25255,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/republic-of-ireland/snistp-daniel-kinahan-court-case/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/470ef4e9-5cf5-4989-b1a1-f2f9489eecd4",[],"470ef4e9-5cf5-4989-b1a1-f2f9489eecd4","159804880","Garda helicopter above Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell, where Daniel Kinahan is due to arrive, after being extradited from Dubai, to face a charge of directing an organised crime group. Picture date: Saturday August 8, 2026.",{"_163":25258,"_165":25259},"McGovern’s guilty plea was an acceptance of the prosecution case that he was the person with the pseudonym ‘Knife’ in the encrypted network used by the drug cartel. The prosecution case against Kinahan is that he is ‘Bon’ or ‘Bon New’ in the correspondence between gang members.",[],{"_163":25261,"_165":25262},"Sources say Daniel Kinahan is angry about McGovern’s early guilty plea, believing he should have tried to fight the case.",[],{"_163":25264,"_165":25265},"Crimeworld has reported that Kinahan and McGovern were permitted to meet in the prison yard of Portlaoise jail and that the meeting was “animated”.",[],{"_163":25267,"_165":25268},"The judge said the Kinahan gang was a “particularly large, well-organised, sinister and dangerous organisation”. He said the court had no doubt that McGovern, holding a relatively senior position of the gang, was fully aware of its identity, structure and nature.",[],{"_163":25270,"_165":25271},"McGrath said the court had established that McGovern was a senior member of the Kinahan gang and was a “confidant of those in the higher echelons” in the organisation, who placed a “high degree of trust and competence” in him.",[],{"_163":25273,"_165":25274},"McGovern was sentenced to 10 years for his role in directing activities relating to the planned murder of Gately and 14 years for his role in the lead-up to the killing of Kirwan.",[],{"_163":25276,"_165":25277},"After considering mitigating factors including an early plea, Mr Justice McGrath said the sentences for the separate offences should run consecutively.",[],{"_163":25279,"_165":25280},"McGovern’s charges related to his involvement in the lead-up to the murder of Noel Kirwan, a grandfather who was shot dead in December 2016, and the targeting and monitoring of James Gately with a view to a shooting, which did not take place.",[],{"_163":25282,"_165":25283},"McGovern is serving 24 years in Portlaoise Prison, and his conviction gives an insight into the kind of evidence likely to be produced in the trial of Daniel Kinahan.",[],"160116767",{"_163":25286,"_165":25287},"Last year, Sean McGovern (40) was returned and convicted of directing the activities of a criminal organisation.",[],{"_163":25289,"_165":25290},"The boxing promoter is not the first person to be extradited under the new diplomatic arrangements between Ireland and Dubai. ",[],{"_163":25292,"_165":25293},"He appeared in court last Sunday evening, representing himself, telling the court he had not yet had time to seek legal representation.",[],{"_163":25295,"_165":25296},"After years of diplomatic discussions between the Irish authorities and their United Arab Emirate counterparts, Kinahan was arrested in Dubai in April and was returned to face trial as part of an extradition agreement between the two countries.",[],{"_85":878,"_359":25298,"_361":880,"_212":88,"_363":880,"_213":88,"_365":25299,"_106":25300,"_368":369,"_370":25301,"_232":25302,"_233":92},"fqYFApBCQD6w","00:19:46","1991691","19:46","159849102",{"_163":25304,"_165":25305},"The 2016 attempt on his life, during a boxing weigh-in, started a bloody feud that has claimed the lives of 18 people.",[],{"_163":25307,"_165":25308},"Kinahan was transported back to Ireland over a week ago aboard an Irish Government private jet amid heavy security, 10 years after he fled the county in the wake of the Regency Hotel attack.",[],{"_163":25310,"_165":25311},"KRW Law and Phoenix Law have also been rumoured to have been considered by Kinahan and his wife, Caoimhe Robinson, who is heavily involved in helping source a legal team from her home in Dubai while her husband is behind bars in relative isolation at the high-security prison.",[],{"_163":25313,"_165":25314},"However, he is not the only solicitor in the running. Other Northern Ireland-based firms with experience in handling cases involving encrypted evidence are also being considered by the alleged gang boss.",[],{"_163":25316,"_165":25317},"Like all before the criminal court, Kinahan has a right to have legal representation. A solicitor acting for a defendant can never be equated with or understood as conveying support for activities the defendant is alleged to have been involved in.",[],{"_163":25319,"_165":25320},"His legal work, which is separate from his role as a political representative, caused controversy at the time.",[],"John Finucane",{"_81":25323,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":25324,"_213":25321,"_223":25325,"_106":25326,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":25327,"_218":88,"_232":25326,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/sgrbzr-sir-jeffrey-donaldson-court-case/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/ba685877-c1c2-4aee-ac90-deac7f7ce0f9",[],"ba685877-c1c2-4aee-ac90-deac7f7ce0f9","157617109","Sinn Fein’s John Finucane MP speaking to members of the media in the Great Hall in Stormont, Belfast, following Sir Jeffrey Donaldson being found guilty at Newry Crown Court of 18 historical sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. Picture date: Monday June 22, 2026.","159819018",{"_163":25330,"_165":25331},"Mr Finucane, who is also the Sinn Féin MP for north Belfast, briefly represented Daniel Kinahan in the past in a civil matter.",[],{"_163":25333,"_165":25334},"The solicitor, who is a partner in the firm Finucane Toner, is thought to be high on Kinahan’s list of preferred legal representatives.",[],{"_163":25336,"_165":25337},"It was reported at the weekend that Belfast-based solicitor John Finucane visited the alleged leader of the Kinahan cartel in Portlaoise Prison, where he is being held on remand.",[],{"_163":25339,"_165":25340},"Kinahan has been considering a number of law firms based in Northern Ireland with experience of defending in non-jury courts.",[],{"_163":25342,"_165":25343},"Alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan looks set to hire a law firm based in Northern Ireland to represent him in Dublin’s Special Criminal Court, where he is charged with directing a criminal organisation.",[],"Portlaoise Prison, where Daniel Kinahan is being held on remand",{"_81":25346,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25347,"_213":25344,"_223":25348,"_106":25349,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":25344,"_218":88,"_232":25349,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1i8mly-kinahan2.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Kinahan2.jpg",[25350],"Kinahan2.jpg","160154892",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":25352,"_165":25353},"It’s been reported that Belfast-based solicitor John Finucane visited the alleged cartel leader in Portlaoise Prison last week ",[],{"_163":25181,"_165":25355},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_235":25362,"_237":25363,"_240":25364},"Allison.Morris@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Morris","Allison",{"_81":25366,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25367,"_213":25344,"_223":25348,"_106":25349,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":25344,"_218":88,"_232":25349,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1i8mly-kinahan2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Kinahan2.jpg",[25368],{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_250":25376,"_106":25377,"_275":25378,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":25321,"_106":25374,"_275":25375,"_276":280},{"_250":15752,"_106":15753,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:john-finucane","Sinn Féin MP for Belfast North","Daniel Kinahan","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:daniel-kinahan","Irishman Daniel Kinahan is a boxing promoter who has been described by the US State Department as a leader of the transnational Kinahan Organised Crime Group (KOCG). In April 2022 it was announced that the Dubliner, believed to be resident in Dubai, was being sought for questioning in the US on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms trafficking and murder. A reward of up to $5m was offered by the US authorities for information leading to his arrest.","Daniel Kinahan: Suspected crime boss ooks to John Finucane and legal firms in NI for representation",195289044,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/west-belfast/news/political-wing-of-new-ira-blasts-sinn-fein-and-vows-to-repaint-west-belfast-mural/a/160028424.html",[25544,25545,25546,25547,25548],"Political wing of New IRA blasts Sinn Féin and vows to repaint west Belfast mural ",{"_264":25541,"_266":25526,"_267":25385},[25540],[25531,25532,25533,25534,25535,25536],"160028424",{},[25530],"2026-08-17T05:08:00Z","2026-08-16T14:09:32Z",[25397,25398,25399,25400,25401,25402,25403,25404,25405,25406,25407,25408,25409,25410,25411,25412,25413,25414,25415,25416,25417,25418,25419,25420,25421,25422,25423,25424],{"_140":10,"_141":25396,"_143":10},"c9a5702d-97c5-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25528,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":25525,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":25518,"_215":25519,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25515,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25512,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":187,"_212":-5,"_213":25505,"_215":25506,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25502,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":25499,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":25492,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":25485,"_215":25486,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":25482,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":25479,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":25476,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":694,"_212":-5,"_213":25469,"_215":25470,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":355,"_157":685,"_356":25468,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":25465,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":25462,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":25459,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":25456,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":25453,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":661,"_212":-5,"_213":25446,"_215":25447,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":25443,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":195,"_212":-5,"_213":25436,"_215":25437,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":25433,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":25430,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":25427,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":25426,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25426,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":25425,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25425,"_233":92},"159777144","159446416",{"_163":25428,"_165":25429},"Sinn Féin were contacted but declined to comment.",[],{"_163":25431,"_165":25432},"“Brendan Hughes was an IRA Legend, no matter what way they wish to spin this, they have defaced a mural dedicated to a man that dedicated his life to the Republican Movement. This shows to all what Sinn Féin have become. \nAs we have promised to the Hughes family, the mural WILL go up.”",[],{"_163":25434,"_165":25435},"It continued: “Our activists are out in support of our communities across the city every week and unlike Sinn Féin members, we do not receive a penny for doing so. Genuine community activism done for community activists with a love for their communities at the heart of the reasons for doing so. ",[],"The finished mural before it was again painted over",{"_81":25438,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25439,"_213":25436,"_223":25440,"_106":25441,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25441,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nr97zn-t-kscott-2025-6618.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/t_kscott_2025_6618.jpg",[25442],"t_kscott_2025_6618.jpg","160054038",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":25444,"_165":25445},"The statement goes on to accuse Sinn Féin of working with the police and intelligence services and blames Sinn Féin members for carrying out the 2000 killing of Real IRA man Joe O’Connor.",[],"Saoradh members paint the new Brendan Hughes mural",{"_81":25448,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25449,"_213":25446,"_223":25450,"_106":25451,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25451,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2pae56-t-kscott-2025-6611.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/t_kscott_2025_6611.jpg",[25452],"t_kscott_2025_6611.jpg","160043093",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":25454,"_165":25455},"“Having kept an open mind about those responsible for defacing the mural originally, while our activists continued to prepare the wall this week several Sinn Féin members drove past and attempted to goad our activists from the safety of their cars about the wall and given who this mural was to be dedicated to, there can be no doubt as to who is responsible.”",[],{"_163":25457,"_165":25458},"“For the second time in a week and having waited until the mural was nearing completetion, Sinn Féin members in west Belfast have defaced a mural we had been preparing to unveil dedicated to the memory of IRA legend Brendan ‘The Dark’ Hughes.",[],{"_163":25460,"_165":25461},"Saoradh published a statement on social media blaming Sinn Féin members, and have vowed to repaint it.",[],{"_163":25463,"_165":25464},"However, after finishing the mural of Brendan Hughes on Friday, it was again painted over in the early hours of Sunday morning.",[],{"_163":25466,"_165":25467},"The Belfast Telegraph understands Saoradh’s move to paint a tribute to Brendan Hughes was to prevent further attacks as they felt it was unlikely a mural to the republican icon would be painted over. The previous murals bore slogans warning the police to stay out of the area before they were defaced and covered up.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":8488,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":748,"_106":8489,"_368":369,"_370":750,"_232":8490,"_233":92},"Anti Saoradh graffiti",{"_81":25471,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25472,"_213":25469,"_223":25473,"_106":25474,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25474,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/f4nnwz-t-kscott-2025-6609.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/t_kscott_2025_6609.jpg",[25475],"t_kscott_2025_6609.jpg","160043061",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":25477,"_165":25478},"Attempts to paint murals on Twinbrook gable end walls around the same time have come to nothing with locals defacing the first attempt before they were completely covered in white paint. This is despite a CCTV camera being erected by Saoradh to deter attacks.",[],{"_163":25480,"_165":25481},"Saoradh denied the claims.",[],{"_163":25483,"_165":25484},"They were also accused of trying to intimidate a well-respected community worker in the area who was on the ground trying to calm tensions.",[],"Anti Saoradh graffiti has appeared in recent days",{"_81":25487,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25488,"_213":25485,"_223":25489,"_106":25490,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25490,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5d4jii-t-kscott-2025-6612.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/t_kscott_2025_6612.jpg",[25491],"t_kscott_2025_6612.jpg","160043029",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":25493,"_165":25494},"Last month the New IRA was accused of encouraging young people to get involved in anti-social disorder linked to a tribute to local man TJ Kennedy who passed away after a motorcycle incident on the Shaws Road.",[25495],{"_85":192,"_157":171,"_194":25496,"_196":25497},91,{"_198":25498,"_155":200,"_201":8},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/new-ira-told-teens-to-riot-during-west-belfast-motorcycle-mayhem/a/159102250.html",{"_163":25500,"_165":25501},"Graffiti branding the dissident republican group ‘touts’ has also appeared in recent days.",[],{"_163":25503,"_165":25504},"Sources say the murals are an attempt to build support in the area where other than a few individual members, they have been unable to gain any traction.",[],"Graffiti that appeared on Saturday night",{"_81":25507,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25508,"_213":25505,"_223":25509,"_106":25510,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25510,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/9teqzw-whatsapp-image-2026-08-16-at-10.52.17.jpeg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-08-16%20at%2010.52.17.jpeg",[25511],"WhatsApp%20Image%202026-08-16%20at%2010.52.17.jpeg","160085623",{"_235":6191,"_237":6192,"_239":6191,"_240":6193},{"_163":25513,"_165":25514},"The political wing of the New IRA have blamed Sinn Féin members of removing the mural dedicated to IRA man Brendan ‘The Dark’ Hughes who died in 2008.",[],{"_163":25516,"_165":25517},"A backlash against Saoradh’s latest attempt to establish themselves in the Colin area of west Belfast has seen a mural painted by the dissident republicans defaced and painted over.",[],"A gable is covered in white paint after another attempt to paint a mural",{"_81":25520,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25521,"_213":25518,"_223":25522,"_106":25523,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25523,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/4mr92b-t-kscott-2025-6610.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/t_kscott_2025_6610.jpg",[25524],"t_kscott_2025_6610.jpg","160042975",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":25526,"_165":25527},"Tribute to IRA man Brendan Hughes painted over in latest incident",[],{"_163":25385,"_165":25529},[],"BT10",{"_250":3163,"_106":3164,"_253":8,"_254":3165},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":25537,"_106":25538,"_253":10,"_254":25539},"regional_west-belfast","4393","West Belfast",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_240":4365},{"_81":25507,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25542,"_213":88,"_223":25509,"_106":25510,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25510,"_233":92},[25543],{"_235":6191,"_237":6192,"_239":6191,"_240":6193},{"_250":25551,"_106":25552,"_275":25553,"_276":280},{"_250":25549,"_106":25550,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Saoradh","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:saoradh","New IRA","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:new-ira","Republican paramilitary group",195288511,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":25690,"_283":8,"_275":25691,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/man-caught-with-magic-mushrooms-after-cutting-off-monitoring-tag-and-getting-into-fight-refused-bail/a/159946557.html",[25689],"Man caught with magic mushrooms after cutting off monitoring tag and getting into fight refused bail",{"_264":25685,"_266":25665,"_267":25559},[25684],[25676,25677,25678,25679,25680,25681,25682,25683],"159946557",{},[2731],"2026-08-16T17:00:00Z","2026-08-16T13:31:37Z",[25571,25572,25573,25574,25575,25576,25577,25578,25579,25580,25581,25582,25583,25584,25585,25586,25587,25588,25589,25590,25591,25592],{"_140":10,"_141":25570,"_143":10},"cc5bc960-9660-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25674,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":25667,"_215":25668,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25664,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25659,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25656,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":-5,"_213":25649,"_215":25650,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":25646,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":25643,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":25640,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":-5,"_213":25633,"_215":25634,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":25630,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":25627,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":25624,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":25621,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":25618,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":25611,"_215":25612,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":25608,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":25605,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":25602,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":25599,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":25596,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":25593,"_161":162},{"_163":25594,"_165":25595},"The criminal damage and drug charges against Gibson, from College Drive in south Belfast, will be heard again before the same court next month.",[],{"_163":25597,"_165":25598},"District Judge Rosalie Prytherch denied bail, saying the defendant was before the courts for “very serious matters”.",[],{"_163":25600,"_165":25601},"“Most of his record stems from one set of charges, so it is not as bad as it may seem.”",[],{"_163":25603,"_165":25604},"“He has admitted that, as well as having magic mushrooms on him, but he still has matters to address.",[],{"_163":25606,"_165":25607},"“He was late getting home while subject to curfew and panicked, having previously spent all that time in custody, so he cut the tag off and went to stay at a friend’s house.",[],{"_163":25609,"_165":25610},"They said: “The crown court cases date back to February and July last year, and he has spent 14 months in custody on those matters due to delays in the case, a lot of which was due to the barristers’ strike.",[],"Gibson is due before the same court next month",{"_81":25613,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":25614,"_213":25611,"_223":25615,"_106":25616,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25616,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ivbi8l-screenshot-2026-08-12-162533.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-12%20162533.png",[25617],"Screenshot%202026-08-12%20162533.png","159947272",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25619,"_165":25620},"Applying for bail, defence counsel cited delays in the crown court cases and time already spent on remand.",[],{"_163":25622,"_165":25623},"“He has previous breaches and a record of committing offences while on bail.”",[],{"_163":25625,"_165":25626},"They added: “He is currently on bail for serious crown court matters, and it appears he has no interest in adhering to bail conditions. ",[],{"_163":25628,"_165":25629},"A prosecutor said that when Gibson was interviewed, he admitted cutting the tag off. ",[],{"_163":25631,"_165":25632},"As he was being taken into custody, officers discovered magic mushrooms in his possession.",[],"Gibson was found ‘bleeding profusely’ after being beaten up",{"_81":25635,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25636,"_213":25633,"_223":25637,"_106":25638,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25638,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oin8q5-506854239-2698449490497548-1229805113388882220-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/506854239_2698449490497548_1229805113388882220_n.jpg",[25639],"506854239_2698449490497548_1229805113388882220_n.jpg","159947622",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25641,"_165":25642},"He was arrested a short time later, “bleeding profusely” after being beaten up, and was then taken to hospital. ",[],{"_163":25644,"_165":25645},"Following reports of a fight involving Gibson several days later, police called to his mother’s house, but she was unable to say where he was.",[],{"_163":25647,"_165":25648},"The device, which had been removed with scissors, was found in the vicinity of St Comgall’s church.",[],"Gibson removed his monitoring tag with scissors",{"_81":25651,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25652,"_213":25649,"_223":25653,"_106":25654,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25654,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/irqwr5-748954582-3074755962866897-5250377649058036788-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/748954582_3074755962866897_5250377649058036788_n.jpg",[25655],"748954582_3074755962866897_5250377649058036788_n.jpg","159947280",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25657,"_165":25658},"A warrant was issued for the 24-year-old’s arrest after a member of the public found a discarded monitoring tag in Bangor on August 3.",[],{"_163":25660,"_165":25661},"Shane Gibson appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, charged with breaching bail, possession of class A drugs and criminal damage.",[25662],{"_85":192,"_157":650,"_194":642,"_196":25663},{"_198":199,"_155":200,"_201":8},{"_163":25665,"_165":25666},"A man facing two “very serious” crown court cases has been refused bail after getting into a fight, cutting off his monitoring tag and being caught with magic mushrooms.",[],"Shane Gibson",{"_81":25669,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25670,"_213":25667,"_223":25671,"_106":25672,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25672,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oa4ye5-759803468-3088008848208275-8557084157299902643-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/759803468_3088008848208275_8557084157299902643_n.jpg",[25673],"759803468_3088008848208275_8557084157299902643_n.jpg","159947290",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25559,"_165":25675},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2737,"_106":2738,"_253":10,"_254":2739},{"_250":2740,"_106":2741,"_253":10,"_254":2742},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":25686,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25687,"_213":25667,"_223":25671,"_106":25672,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25672,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oa4ye5-759803468-3088008848208275-8557084157299902643-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/759803468_3088008848208275_8557084157299902643_n.jpg",[25688],{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Man (24) cuts off bail tag, fight and magic mushrooms in Bangor","Shane Gibson is denied bail after cutting off his tag, a fight and drug charges in Bangor and Belfast",195287553,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/down/news/home-ransacked-and-jewellery-stolen-in-afternoon-burglary-in-co-down/a/160087840.html",[25763],"Home ransacked and jewellery stolen in afternoon burglary in Co Down",{"_264":25759,"_266":25745,"_267":25697},[25758],[25749,25750,25751,25752,25753,25754],"160087840",{},[2731],"2026-08-16T12:00:00Z","2026-08-16T12:01:13Z",[25709,25710,25711,25712,25713,25714,25715,25716,25717,25718],{"_140":10,"_141":25708,"_143":10},"f978834e-9964-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25747,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":25744,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":25736,"_215":25737,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25733,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25730,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":25727,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25724,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":25721,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":25720,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25720,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":175,"_106":25719,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25719,"_233":92},"159977906","160083188",{"_163":25722,"_165":25723},"Detectives for the case can be contacted on 101 quoting reference 810 16/08/26.",[],{"_163":25725,"_165":25726},"Police said anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area or who may have access to CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist officers, to get in touch.",[],{"_163":25728,"_165":25729},"A spokesperson for the police said: “At approximately 2:15pm, police received a report of a burglary in the Dublin Road area of the A1, near Banbridge.\n\n“It is believed that sometime after 12:15pm, entry was gained to the property, which was ransacked and a number of items, including jewellery was taken.”",[],{"_163":25731,"_165":25732},"Police said the property in Banbridge was targeted during the afternoon.",[],{"_163":25734,"_165":25735},"A home has been ransacked and jewellery taken following a burglary in Co Down yesterday afternoon.",[],"The property was ransacked in the early afternoon",{"_81":25738,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25739,"_213":25736,"_223":25740,"_106":25741,"_226":227,"_228":25742,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25741,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/16glof-file86aq6cjuisy1n71d8pdn/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/STOCK_IMAGES_BADGE_PSNI.jfif",[25743],"STOCK_IMAGES_BADGE_PSNI.jfif","157397726","Olivia McAteer",{"_235":2295,"_237":2296,"_239":2295,"_240":2297},{"_163":25745,"_165":25746},"No arrests have been made yet ",[],{"_163":25697,"_165":25748},[],{"_250":2740,"_106":2741,"_253":8,"_254":2742},{"_250":25755,"_106":25756,"_253":10,"_254":25757},{"_250":2737,"_106":2738,"_253":10,"_254":2739},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"regional_down_banbridge","5782","Banbridge",{"_235":7294,"_237":7295,"_240":7296},{"_81":25760,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25761,"_213":25736,"_223":25740,"_106":25741,"_226":227,"_228":25742,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25741,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/16glof-file86aq6cjuisy1n71d8pdn/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/STOCK_IMAGES_BADGE_PSNI.jfif",[25762],{"_235":2295,"_237":2296,"_239":2295,"_240":2297},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},195283637,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/suspended-jail-term-handed-to-repeat-offender-who-threatened-to-burn-out-his-mum-and-stepdad/a/160069986.html",[25972],"Suspended jail term handed to repeat offender who threatened to burn out his mum and stepdad",{"_264":25968,"_266":25949,"_267":25769},[25967],[25960,25961,25962,25963,25964,25965,25966],"160069986",{},[3970],"2026-08-16T15:50:00Z","2026-08-15T21:15:03Z",[25781,25782,25783,25784,25785,25786,25787,25788,25789,25790,25791,25792,25793,25794,25795,25796,25797,25798,25799,25800,25801,25802,25803,25804,25805,25806,25807,25808,25809,25810,25811,25812,25813,25814,25815,25816,25817,25818],{"_140":10,"_141":25780,"_143":10},"0741e2ad-98a5-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":25958,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":25951,"_215":25952,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":25948,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":25945,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":187,"_586":25938,"_588":25939,"_590":-5,"_592":25940,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":25935,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":25932,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":25929,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":175,"_212":-5,"_213":25867,"_215":25923,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":25920,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":25917,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":158,"_586":25909,"_588":25910,"_590":-5,"_592":25911,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":25906,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":25903,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":25900,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":681,"_586":25892,"_588":25893,"_590":-5,"_592":25894,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":25889,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":25886,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":-5,"_213":25867,"_215":25880,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":25877,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":25874,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":25871,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":195,"_586":25863,"_588":25864,"_590":-5,"_592":25865,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":25860,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":25857,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":25854,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":25851,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":25848,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":622,"_586":25840,"_588":25841,"_590":-5,"_592":25842,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":25837,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":25834,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":614,"_106":25833,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25833,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":25830,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":25827,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":25824,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":25821,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":576,"_106":25820,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25820,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":572,"_106":25819,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25819,"_233":92},"160068368","159764362",{"_163":25822,"_165":25823},"McGreevy, of Woodstock Road, east Belfast, was handed five months’ custody, suspended for three years. ",[],{"_163":25825,"_165":25826},"“You can’t keep doing this. You will get (the injured parties) killed. This behaviour cannot continue.”",[],{"_163":25828,"_165":25829},"“I am not saying you are a conspiracy nut, but the issues you raise need to be addressed properly.",[],{"_163":25831,"_165":25832},"Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes told the defendant: “I have not discounted anything you have said (about the allegations), but I am not here to make a determination on that.",[],"159943723",{"_163":25835,"_165":25836},"Defence counsel said his criminal record had been “fairly small” before the ill-feeling between him and other family members began.",[],{"_163":25838,"_165":25839},"The court heard Stuart McGreevy was already a sentenced prisoner for similar offending involving the same injured parties and his ex-partner.",[],{"_163":25846,"_165":25847},{"_163":25844,"_165":25845},{"_163":88,"_165":25843},[],"Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes",[],"This behaviour cannot continue",[],{"_163":25849,"_165":25850},"“Upon release, I will be going to my barrister to report it again.”",[],{"_163":25852,"_165":25853},"“I understand the allegations would be defamatory if they were false, but they are true. I have family who are willing to testify against this man.",[],{"_163":25855,"_165":25856},"He said: “This is built-up frustration over years and years... I have been targeted by the Freemasons, who tried to kill me.",[],{"_163":25858,"_165":25859},"Giving evidence to the court, Stuart McGreevy referred to himself in the witness box as ‘Stuart Murphy’ because he “doesn’t want to be associated with those people”.",[],{"_163":25861,"_165":25862},"Donna McGreevy also said she had been forced to “tighten up” security at her home and was on anxiety medication due to her son’s conduct.",[],{"_163":25869,"_165":25870},{"_163":25867,"_165":25868},{"_163":88,"_165":25866},[],"Stuart McGreevy",[],"Upon release, I will be going to my barrister to report it again",[],{"_163":25872,"_165":25873},"“There is no truth whatsoever to the allegations. I sat up all night in the dark after the leaflets went around because I was worried we were going to get burnt out.”",[],{"_163":25875,"_165":25876},"“He then sent a barrage of messages including: ‘Your house won’t be there any more. I am burning it down.’",[],{"_163":25878,"_165":25879},"“I phoned the number the messages were sent from and he told me to f**k off,” she told the court.",[],{"_81":25881,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":25882,"_213":25867,"_223":25883,"_106":25884,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25884,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/mzspny-screenshot-2026-08-15-134620.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-15%20134620.png",[25885],"Screenshot%202026-08-15%20134620.png","160070291",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25887,"_165":25888},"Donna McGreevy also gave evidence to corroborate her partner Colin’s version of events, saying she had been estranged from her son since 2025 due to his behaviour.",[],{"_163":25890,"_165":25891},"During cross-examination, the defendant’s stepfather said he and McGreevy’s mother had been “concerned” about his mental health since childhood, adding: “There came a point where we were more concerned about ourselves.”",[],{"_163":25898,"_165":25899},{"_163":25896,"_165":25897},{"_163":88,"_165":25895},[],"Donna McGreevy",[],"There is no truth whatsoever to the allegations",[],{"_163":25901,"_165":25902},"“It had my name and address on it and accused me of (serious crimes). The picture of me was the same one he had previously used for a poster which was put up outside Laganside Courthouse.”",[],{"_163":25904,"_165":25905},"He told the court: “I saw ruffling outside, which seemed strange. I went to have a look and couldn’t see anyone but found a leaflet in my postbox.",[],{"_163":25907,"_165":25908},"In a subsequent incident the same month, McGreevy’s stepfather said he was painting his hallway when he saw suspicious activity outside his front door as someone deposited items in his postbox.",[],{"_163":25915,"_165":25916},{"_163":25913,"_165":25914},{"_163":88,"_165":25912},[],"Colin McGreevy",[],"There came a point where we were more concerned about ourselves",[],{"_163":25918,"_165":25919},"“He said he was going to burn the house down and that I was being protected by the Freemasons and the British establishment.”",[],{"_163":25921,"_165":25922},"“He also told my wife (the defendant’s mother) to ‘F**k off’ and sent her abusive messages when she called to ask him what it was about.",[],{"_81":25924,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25925,"_213":25867,"_223":25926,"_106":25927,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25927,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/gwhsbf-517182087-10234082582025202-2488242897424457694-n-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/517182087_10234082582025202_2488242897424457694_n%20(2).jpg",[25928],"517182087_10234082582025202_2488242897424457694_n%20(2).jpg","160070193",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25930,"_165":25931},"“It was specific and graphic,” he said, adding: “I took it seriously, as there was a similar incident several years ago which he later apologised for, saying his head was lit.",[],{"_163":25933,"_165":25934},"The defendant’s stepfather, Colin McGreevy, told the court he received a message from the defendant in October last year which said “Karma is coming, you c**t” while threatening to cut his throat.",[],{"_163":25936,"_165":25937},"He was convicted on two charges of harassment, as well as threats to damage property. ",[],{"_163":25943,"_165":25944},{"_163":25913,"_165":25942},{"_163":88,"_165":25941},[],[],"He said he was going to burn the house down and that I was being protected by the Freemasons",[],{"_163":25946,"_165":25947},"Stuart McGreevy, who is already serving time for similar offences, appeared in the dock from custody at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast earlier this month.",[],{"_163":25949,"_165":25950},"A man who threatened to burn down his mother’s home over historic allegations against his stepfather has been given a suspended jail term.",[],"Stuart McGreevy (right)",{"_81":25953,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25954,"_213":25951,"_223":25955,"_106":25956,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25956,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/vrj3yl-517350228-10234009255632088-3353378051526205350-n-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/517350228_10234009255632088_3353378051526205350_n%20(1).jpg",[25957],"517350228_10234009255632088_3353378051526205350_n%20(1).jpg","160070184",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":25769,"_165":25959},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":3976,"_106":3977,"_253":10,"_254":3978},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":25969,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":25970,"_213":25951,"_223":25955,"_106":25956,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":25956,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/vrj3yl-517350228-10234009255632088-3353378051526205350-n-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/517350228_10234009255632088_3353378051526205350_n%20(1).jpg",[25971],{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},195283549,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":26137,"_283":8,"_275":26138,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/pictured-belfast-student-who-openly-fantasised-on-social-media-about-raping-and-killing-woman/a/160012456.html",[26136],"Pictured: Belfast student who openly fantasised on social media about raping and killing woman",{"_264":26132,"_266":26115,"_267":25978},[26131],[26120,26121,26122,26123,26124,26125,26126,26127],{},[26119],"2026-08-16T14:00:00Z","2026-08-15T21:02:19Z",[25989,25990,25991,25992,25993,25994,25995,25996,25997,25998,25999,26000,26001,26002,26003,26004,26005,26006,26007,26008,26009,26010,26011,26012,26013,26014,26015,26016],{"_140":10,"_141":25988,"_143":10},"3a2ce926-9747-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":26117,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":26114,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":26107,"_215":26108,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":26104,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":26099,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":26096,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":26093,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":-5,"_213":26085,"_215":26086,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":26082,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":26079,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":26076,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":158,"_586":26068,"_588":26069,"_590":-5,"_592":26070,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":26065,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":26062,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":26059,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":26056,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":26053,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":26050,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":669,"_586":26042,"_588":26043,"_590":-5,"_592":26044,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":26039,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":26036,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":26033,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":26030,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":26027,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":26024,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":26021,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":26018,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":26017,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26017,"_233":92},"112167956",{"_163":26019,"_165":26020},"The judge also granted a three-year restraining order in respect of the victim. ",[],{"_163":26022,"_165":26023},"After the defendant confirmed he was willing to co-operate with authorities, he was handed a three-year probation order. ",[],{"_163":26025,"_165":26026},"“I am concerned about your deep-seated misogynistic beliefs. You are disturbed and need intervention. You must allow probation to challenge these disturbing beliefs.” ",[],{"_163":26028,"_165":26029},"“She was still deeply affected by it, and you most definitely need to do probation and attend with a psychiatrist. ",[],{"_163":26031,"_165":26032},"“While it was very disturbing, I found the complainant did exaggerate some of it to some degree. ",[],{"_163":26034,"_165":26035},"“You called her (the victim) a slut (and) talked about rape and murder but blamed it all on your medication. ",[],{"_163":26037,"_165":26038},"She told him: “You talked about ‘looksmaxxing’ during evidence, and spoke about the views on women within that community. You thought it was funny. I don’t, at all. ",[],{"_163":26040,"_165":26041},"District Judge Anne Marshall said Kilpatrick’s “disturbing” behaviour illustrated the “dangers of social media”. ",[],{"_163":26048,"_165":26049},{"_163":26046,"_165":26047},{"_163":88,"_165":26045},[],"District Judge Anne Marshall",[],"I am concerned about your deep-seated misogynistic beliefs",[],{"_163":26051,"_165":26052},"During interviews, he told police his intention was to “p**s her off”. ",[],{"_163":26054,"_165":26055},"A previous bail hearing was told he had recorded more than 30 songs about her and uploaded them to YouTube and SoundCloud. ",[],{"_163":26057,"_165":26058},"Kilpatrick, of Florenceville Avenue in south Belfast, was previously charged with stalking the woman, only to be acquitted.",[],{"_163":26060,"_165":26061},"The defendant was suspended by his university after its leaders became aware of one of the many ‘poems’ he had written about his victim.",[],{"_163":26063,"_165":26064},"“This has been hanging over him since last April. He has already suffered a penalty by missing two years of his media studies course at university after the matter was reported to them, which has caused massive disruption to his early life and education.” ",[],{"_163":26066,"_165":26067},"“His mother and father have attended court with him and have been very supportive. He has his own difficulties in terms of his mental health and thought processes. It isn’t quintessentially normal behaviour or thinking for someone of his age. ",[],{"_163":26074,"_165":26075},{"_163":26072,"_165":26073},{"_163":88,"_165":26071},[],"Arlo Kilpatrick",[],"I support the raping and killing of women",[],{"_163":26077,"_165":26078},"Defence counsel conceded the comments were “clearly and wholly offensive and worrying” but added: “He says he was just trying to get a reaction from her after she had previously responded. This was the culmination of the offending. ",[],{"_163":26080,"_165":26081},"Kilpatrick also posted messages online saying “f**k her, she’s an evil b***h”, “rape and murder on my mind 24/7”, “I hope she dies” and “I support the raping and killing of women in real life”.",[],{"_163":26083,"_165":26084},"She joined the forum and asked Kilpatrick to stop, but he continued his campaign of abuse, even taking a photo outside her home. ",[],"Kilpatrick was given probation and a restraining order",{"_81":26087,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26088,"_213":26085,"_223":26089,"_106":26090,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26091,"_218":88,"_232":26090,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ff91xb-arlo-lipatrick-2.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Arlo%20Lipatrick%202.jpg",[26092],"Arlo%20Lipatrick%202.jpg","160012643","For John Toner Sunday Life****\n\nArlo Kilpatrick leaves Laganisde court, Wednesday, August 12, 2026. ",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26094,"_165":26095},"The victim alerted police last June after she discovered her TikTok videos had appeared on a men’s self-improvement website. ",[],{"_163":26097,"_165":26098},"The court heard the 22-year-old had developed an interest in ‘looksmaxxing’, an online sub-culture often associated with extreme misogyny, body obsession and self-harm. ",[],{"_163":26100,"_165":26101},"Arlo Kilpatrick was handed a probation order at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, having earlier been convicted of sending threatening communications. ",[26102],{"_85":192,"_157":533,"_194":642,"_196":26103},{"_198":199,"_155":200,"_201":8},{"_163":26105,"_165":26106},"A “disturbed misogynist” who repeatedly fantasised about raping and murdering a woman on social media has avoided jail. ",[],"Arlo Kilpatrick leaves Laganside Courthouse",{"_81":26109,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26110,"_213":26107,"_223":26111,"_106":26112,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26091,"_218":88,"_232":26112,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/s858lx-arlo-kilpatrick-3.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Arlo%20Kilpatrick%203.jpg",[26113],"Arlo%20Kilpatrick%203.jpg","160012637",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26115,"_165":26116},"Belfast undergraduate (22) avoids jail over his ‘disturbing’ views",[],{"_163":25978,"_165":26118},[],"BT9",{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":26128,"_106":26129,"_253":10,"_254":26130},{"_250":383,"_106":384,"_253":10,"_254":385},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},"regional_south-belfast","4390","South Belfast",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":26133,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26134,"_213":26107,"_223":26111,"_106":26112,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26091,"_218":88,"_232":26112,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/s858lx-arlo-kilpatrick-3.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Arlo%20Kilpatrick%203.jpg",[26135],{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Belfast student avoids jail over disturbing misogynistic social media abuse","Disturbed misogynist Arlo Kilpatrick avoids jail over violent online abuse, exposing toxic 'looksmaxxing' culture and court response",195283333,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":26282,"_283":8,"_275":26283,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/inlas-political-wing-disowns-champion-boxer-charged-over-1.1m-cocaine-plot/a/160031859.html",[26280,26281],"INLA’s political wing disowns champion boxer charged over £1.1m cocaine plot",{"_264":26276,"_266":26262,"_267":26144},[],[26273,26274,26275],"160031859",{},[],"2026-08-16T06:00:00Z","2026-08-15T20:37:46Z",[26157,26158,26159,26160,26161,26162,26163,26164,26165,26166,26167,26168,26169,26170,26171,26172,26173,26174,26175,26176,26177,26178,26179,26180,26181,26182],"Sunday Life Reporter",{"_140":10,"_141":26156,"_143":10},"1229443b-97cd-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":26271,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":26264,"_215":26265,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":26261,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":26258,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":26255,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":26252,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":26249,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":26246,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":26243,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":26233,"_215":26234,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":26230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":26227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":26224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":26221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":26218,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":26215,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":26212,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":-5,"_213":26205,"_215":26206,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":26202,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":26199,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":26196,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":26193,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":26190,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":26187,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":26184,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":26183,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26183,"_233":92},"159941768",{"_163":26185,"_165":26186},"Judge Keown said: “Based on the police case, this was a large-scale drugs operation, organised and involving a number of people handling approximately 14 kilos of cocaine worth between £1m and 2m. The full extent is not yet known.” ",[],{"_163":26188,"_165":26189},"McKee was the only one of the accused not to seek bail. All four deny any wrongdoing.",[],{"_163":26191,"_165":26192},"An application for bail by three of the defendants was refused by District Judge Steven Keown. ",[],{"_163":26194,"_165":26195},"A detective told the court: “The total approximate street value of the 14 kilos of cocaine seized is estimated to be between £1.12m and £1.68m.” ",[],{"_163":26197,"_165":26198},"Police found another six blocks of cocaine, one kilo of herbal cannabis and a pressing machine during a search of an apartment allegedly linked to McMullan. ",[],{"_163":26200,"_165":26201},"He left minutes later with an apparently lighter load, before the suspected handovers. ",[],{"_163":26203,"_165":26204},"CCTV footage showed McMullan entering the apartment complex earlier that evening while struggling to carry a heavy bag. ",[],"£1.1m of cocaine recovered by police",{"_81":26207,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26208,"_213":26205,"_223":26209,"_106":26210,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26210,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ylwhk0-cocaine.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Cocaine.jpg",[26211],"Cocaine.jpg","159942212",{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_163":26213,"_165":26214},"Officers stopped both vehicles, seized the drugs and arrested all four defendants. ",[],{"_163":26216,"_165":26217},"McMullan allegedly passed a further three blocks into a van occupied by McKee and Hassan.",[],{"_163":26219,"_165":26220},"It was claimed Moyes received a package containing five blocks of cocaine while waiting in a car. ",[],{"_163":26222,"_165":26223},"McMullan allegedly left the complex with a large bag before interacting with his co-accused in the neighbourhood. ",[],{"_163":26225,"_165":26226},"A court was told undercover police watched the accused transport items from a city centre apartment block to two vehicles. ",[],{"_163":26228,"_165":26229},"McKee was arrested last Monday alongside Michael Moyes (27), from Stanhope Street, Abdullah Hassan (33) from St James’ Crescent, and 34-year-old Brian McMullan, from Madrid Street, all in Belfast.",[],{"_163":26231,"_165":26232},"Fighting out of the famous Star club, he won Ulster and Co Antrim titles and represented Ireland internationally. ",[],"A younger McKee",{"_81":26235,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26236,"_213":26233,"_223":26237,"_106":26238,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26238,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/necy3a-55914269-2254954964770437-5784946211815424000-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/55914269_2254954964770437_5784946211815424000_n.jpg",[26239],"55914269_2254954964770437_5784946211815424000_n.jpg","160032070",{"_235":26240,"_237":26241,"_239":26240,"_240":26242},"ciaran.barnes@sundaylife.co.uk","Barnes","Ciaran",{"_163":26244,"_165":26245},"McKee, who has an address at Alexandra Terrace in Crumlin but is from the New Lodge area of north Belfast, is well known in amateur boxing circles. ",[],{"_163":26247,"_165":26248},"“Our position is unequivocal. Any member who becomes involved in the alleged supply, distribution or sale of illegal drugs places themselves outside the republican socialist movement and at odds with the communities we seek to defend.” ",[],{"_163":26250,"_165":26251},"After he appeared in court last Wednesday, the IRSP distanced itself from McKee, saying: “The IRSP wishes to comment on a recent incident in Belfast on Monday in which a former member of the organisation was arrested and subsequently charged in connection with alleged drug offences. ",[],{"_163":26253,"_165":26254},"McKee was a member of the IRSP, the political wing of the INLA.",[],{"_163":26256,"_165":26257},"They were arrested during a high-profile operation by the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch in the Market and Divis areas of Belfast last week. ",[],{"_163":26259,"_165":26260},"Lee McKee (26) was among four men remanded in custody, accused of possessing the haul with intent to supply. ",[],{"_163":26262,"_165":26263},"A champion boxer charged in connection with a £1.1m cocaine find is a former member of the political wing of the INLA. ",[],"Lee McKee",{"_81":26266,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26267,"_213":26264,"_223":26268,"_106":26269,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26269,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2u0x4v-241728297-2951198245146102-596013933015693130-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/241728297_2951198245146102_596013933015693130_n.jpg",[26270],"241728297_2951198245146102_596013933015693130_n.jpg","160032041",{"_235":26240,"_237":26241,"_239":26240,"_240":26242},{"_163":26144,"_165":26272},[],{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":8,"_254":1969},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_81":26277,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26278,"_213":26264,"_223":26268,"_106":26269,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26269,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/2u0x4v-241728297-2951198245146102-596013933015693130-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/241728297_2951198245146102_596013933015693130_n.jpg",[26279],{"_235":26240,"_237":26241,"_239":26240,"_240":26242},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Champion boxer Lee McKee (26) charged over £1m cocaine haul in Belfast","Champion boxer Lee McKee and three others deny role in a massive Belfast cocaine operation watched by undercover PSNI officers",195283301,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":26466,"_283":8,"_275":26467,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/no-way-back-for-winkie-irvine-insist-uvf-rank-and-file-as-shankill-chief-fights-to-get-him-reinstated/a/159974352.html",[26462,26463,26464,26465],"‘No way back for Winkie Irvine’ insist UVF rank and file as Shankill chief fights to get him reinstated",{"_264":26459,"_266":26448,"_267":26289},[26458],[26452,26453,26454,26455,26456,26457],"159974352",{},[],"2026-08-15T20:32:03Z",[26300,26301,26302,26303,26304,26305,26306,26307,26308,26309,26310,26311,26312,26313,26314,26315,26316,26317,26318,26319,26320,26321,26322,26323,26324,26325,26326,26327,26328,26329,26330,26331,26332,26333],{"_140":10,"_141":26299,"_143":10},"0e3bb787-96fe-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":26450,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":26447,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":26441,"_215":26442,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":26438,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":26435,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":26432,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":-5,"_213":26425,"_215":26426,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":26422,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":26419,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":26416,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":26413,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":26410,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":158,"_356":26403,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":26400,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":26397,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":26394,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":26391,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":26388,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":26385,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":-5,"_213":26378,"_215":26379,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":26375,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":26372,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":26369,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":26366,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":26363,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":26360,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":642,"_212":-5,"_213":26353,"_215":26354,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":26350,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":26347,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":26344,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":26341,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":26338,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":26335,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":26334,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26334,"_233":92},"112181396",{"_163":26336,"_165":26337},"As B Company boss, Irvine also had his car insurance and mobile phone bill covered by the UVF.",[],{"_163":26339,"_165":26340},"“The £5 totes that B Company’s 400 members have to pay to the organisation per week were earning him £1,000 alone, and that’s before you count all the kickbacks from the protection and money-lending rackets.”",[],{"_163":26342,"_165":26343},"A second UVF source revealed: “Winkie made more from being B Company commander — at least £1,000 per week — than he did from all of his other jobs put together, and he had plenty of those.",[],{"_163":26345,"_165":26346},"The job brought a wage of more than £1,000 per week, which is more than he ever earned in his legitimate positions.",[],{"_163":26348,"_165":26349},"The UVF’s refusal to allow Irvine to resume his B Company commander role will hit the loyalist hard in the pocket.",[],{"_163":26351,"_165":26352},"Prominent loyalist Tommy Harrison — a former close associate of Winkie Irvine who has been pictured leading UVF parades — also sits on the ACT board.",[],"Irvine and Tommy Harrison",{"_81":26355,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26356,"_213":26353,"_223":26357,"_106":26358,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26359,"_218":88,"_232":26358,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/f5yi5w-winkie-irvine-and-tommy-harrison/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1228037685%2F2cf27747-6da4-4a8f-b496-23836000800a.jpg",[],"1228037685%2F2cf27747-6da4-4a8f-b496-23836000800a.jpg","110218723","Winkie Irvine and Tommy Harrison",{"_163":26361,"_165":26362},"It receives millions of pounds of government and charitable funding, and counts among its board of trustees ex-UVF lifers Billy Hutchinson and Ron McMurray. ",[],{"_163":26364,"_165":26365},"The ACT Initiative is a UVF-backed charity set up to help the organisation transition away from criminality. ",[],{"_163":26367,"_165":26368},"An insider said: “When Winkie gets out, the UVF might find him a job working with the ACT Initiative, but there’s not a chance he’s taking over B Company because none of the men will take orders from him.” ",[],{"_163":26370,"_165":26371},"At the same time, he was leading a double life as a UVF boss involved in threats, criminality and gun-running. ",[],{"_163":26373,"_165":26374},"He drew a publicly funded wage, sat on safety partnerships with the PSNI and was about to graduate from Maynooth College, outside Dublin, with a degree paid for by the Irish government. ",[],{"_163":26376,"_165":26377},"Before Irvine was jailed, he spent his days masquerading as a high-profile community worker committed to peace-building, feted by the British and Irish governments. ",[],"A gun found in Irvine's car",{"_81":26380,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26381,"_213":26378,"_223":26382,"_106":26383,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26384,"_218":88,"_232":26383,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/vk0zgm-a-gun-found-in-winston-irvines-car/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1030801590%2F62b0c0cf-7684-4398-8962-101240dee91e.jpg",[],"1030801590%2F62b0c0cf-7684-4398-8962-101240dee91e.jpg","110397814","A gun found in Winston Irvine's car",{"_163":26386,"_165":26387},"UVF insiders said that many of the gang’s members did not trust Irvine. ",[],{"_163":26389,"_165":26390},"“He may forget about taking over B Company again. That isn’t going to happen. Things have been going smoothly with him in prison, and the UVF doesn’t need the hassle of him being put in charge and being in the media again every week.” ",[],{"_163":26392,"_165":26393},"“Winkie will get the money when he gets out, but that’s all he will be getting,” said our source. ",[],{"_163":26395,"_165":26396},"But they insisted that was all Irvine would be when he was freed. ",[],{"_163":26398,"_165":26399},"UVF sources said there was already “thousands” in the kitty, made up from bucket collections during loyalist parades, dos at bars on the Shankill and racketeering. ",[],{"_163":26401,"_165":26402},"Because he is a former ‘commander’ of the UVF’s B Company in the Woodvale area, the paramilitary group has been setting aside cash that will be given to Irvine on his release. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":26404,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":26405,"_365":26406,"_106":26407,"_368":369,"_370":26408,"_232":26409,"_233":92},"jKYpUJPJNfc0","Police bodycam shows the moment Winkie Irvine is arrested_duplicated","00:01:06","855179","01:06","112181395",{"_163":26411,"_165":26412},"The 51-year-old, who is being held on the segregated loyalist Bush House wing of Maghaberry Prison, is due for release at the end of 2027. ",[],{"_163":26414,"_165":26415},"Irvine is serving a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for possessing a cache of firearms discovered in the boot of his car during a June 2022 PSNI stop-and-search operation on Belfast’s Shankill Road. ",[],{"_163":26417,"_165":26418},"“Even the B Company boys don’t want him back, which will come as a shock to him.” ",[],{"_163":26420,"_165":26421},"“The only senior UVF man who is supportive of Winkie taking on a leadership role in the organisation when he gets out of jail is Stockman,” a loyalist source told Sunday Life. ",[],{"_163":26423,"_165":26424},"But when Stockman aired his support at recent UVF meetings, they were rubbished by rival figures. ",[],"Harry Stockman and Irvine",{"_81":26427,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26428,"_213":26425,"_223":26429,"_106":26430,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26431,"_218":88,"_232":26430,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3vkil6-harry-stockman-and-winkie-irvine/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/2134358830%2Fdf843877-205e-4f54-a386-80b64db5cfe5.jpg",[],"2134358830%2Fdf843877-205e-4f54-a386-80b64db5cfe5.jpg","109386882","Harry Stockman and Winkie Irvine",{"_163":26433,"_165":26434},"Loyalist sources told Sunday Life that Harry Stockman — the UVF’s self-titled 1st battalion commander, who made its 2009 arms decommissioning announcement — has backed Irvine’s plans. ",[],{"_163":26436,"_165":26437},"However, other loyalist leaders on his Shankill Road stomping ground are opposed to Irvine’s return. ",[],{"_163":26439,"_165":26440},"Jailed UVF gunrunner Winkie Irvine is trying to plot a way back to the top of the terror gang. ",[],"Winston ‘Winkie’ Irvine in police custody",{"_81":26443,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26444,"_213":26441,"_223":26445,"_106":26446,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26441,"_218":88,"_232":26446,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/o7swyz-winston-winkie-irvine-in-police-custody/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/136582890%2F6c6d8a25-0657-4ed0-8666-7ca8a3d9619c.jpg",[],"136582890%2F6c6d8a25-0657-4ed0-8666-7ca8a3d9619c.jpg","111252668",{"_163":26448,"_165":26449},"Terror gang has set aside thousands of pounds for gunrunner’s release, but former B Company commander has ‘lost trust of his men’",[],{"_163":26289,"_165":26451},[],{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":8,"_254":1969},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":26240,"_237":26241,"_240":26242},{"_81":26460,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26461,"_213":26441,"_223":26445,"_106":26446,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26441,"_218":88,"_232":26446,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/o7swyz-winston-winkie-irvine-in-police-custody/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/136582890%2F6c6d8a25-0657-4ed0-8666-7ca8a3d9619c.jpg",[],{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":24980,"_106":24981,"_275":1173,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"‘No way back for Winkie Irvine’ insist UVF rank and file as Shankill chief Harry Stockman fights to get him reinstat","UVF gunrunner Winkie Irvine faces backlash over his bid to reclaim B Company power and cash benefits",195283219,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":26667,"_283":8,"_275":26668,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/hes-a-very-nice-guy-one-time-owner-of-belfast-eatery-insists-no-hard-feelings-after-conviction-for-harassing-former-manager/a/160069329.html",[26664,26665,26666],"‘He’s a very nice guy’: One-time owner of Belfast eatery insists no hard feelings after conviction for harassing former manager",{"_264":26661,"_266":26647,"_267":26473},[26660],[26651,26652,26653,26654,26655,26656,26657,26658,26659],"160069329",{},[3970],"2026-08-15T20:22:17Z",[26484,26485,26486,26487,26488,26489,26490,26491,26492,26493,26494,26495,26496,26497,26498,26499,26500,26501,26502,26503,26504,26505,26506,26507,26508,26509,26510,26511,26512,26513,26514,26515,26516,26517],{"_140":10,"_141":26483,"_143":10},"ded6950c-98a0-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":26649,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":26646,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":9873,"_213":26640,"_215":26641,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":26637,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":26634,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":187,"_212":6944,"_213":26623,"_215":26624,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":26620,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":26617,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":-5,"_213":26525,"_215":26611,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":26608,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":26605,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":9873,"_213":26548,"_215":26600,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":26597,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":26594,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":694,"_586":26586,"_588":26587,"_590":-5,"_592":26588,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":26583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":26580,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":26525,"_215":26574,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":26571,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":26568,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":665,"_212":9873,"_213":26561,"_215":26562,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":26558,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":26555,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":26552,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":650,"_586":26544,"_588":26545,"_590":-5,"_592":26546,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":26541,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":26538,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":26535,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":26532,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":622,"_212":-5,"_213":26525,"_215":26526,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":26522,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":26519,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":614,"_106":26518,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26518,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":25833,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25833,"_233":92},"159822982",{"_163":26520,"_165":26521},"When contacted by Sunday Life, Alex Huston said he did not want to comment beyond saying he was “happy” the case had concluded.",[],{"_163":26523,"_165":26524},"McCloskey is best known for his Peter Oliver barbershops, as well as the former Oliver’s restaurant and a coffee shop on the Belmont Road of the same name.",[],"Alex Huston",{"_81":26527,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26528,"_213":26525,"_223":26529,"_106":26530,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26530,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/50ddfv-screenshot-2026-08-14-164653.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164653.png",[26531],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164653.png","160069861",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26533,"_165":26534},"“It’s over and done with and I just want to move on. There is no slur on him. He’s a very nice guy. I didn’t mean to harass him.”",[],{"_163":26536,"_165":26537},"“I really liked him and trusted him. I thought he was great. I had no intention of harassing him or causing him harm. I have no ill-feeling towards him. He was very good at front of house.",[],{"_163":26539,"_165":26540},"“It was an absolutely horrific time, and I didn’t want people walking away without discussing it with them. I was busy cutting hair all day up the road, so I had no idea what went on.",[],{"_163":26542,"_165":26543},"He continued: “In 2022, we started losing money and I just couldn’t figure out why. I don’t blame Alex for that, but I wanted to speak to him about it to find out what happened after he left. He said I was harassing him.",[],{"_163":26550,"_165":26551},{"_163":26548,"_165":26549},{"_163":88,"_165":26547},[],"Peter McCloskey",[],"It’s over and done with and I just want to move on",[],{"_163":26553,"_165":26554},"McCloskey said he was “not a chef or a barman” so had initially opened the restaurant with the “brilliant” Thomas Wightman and Ben Tsang, before the pair moved on and he employed a number of new staff including Mr Huston.",[],{"_163":26556,"_165":26557},"Reacting to the outcome of the case, McCloskey told Sunday Life: “There are so many ways you can lose money in a restaurant. I should have read Anthony Bourdain’s book Kitchen Confidential before we opened.”",[],{"_163":26559,"_165":26560},"District Judge Anne Marshall fined McCloskey, of Pembridge Court, east Belfast, £300 and he was ordered to have no contact with Mr Huston for two years.",[],"McCloskey is looking to the future now",{"_81":26563,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":26564,"_213":26561,"_223":26565,"_106":26566,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26567,"_218":88,"_232":26566,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/6urjf5-peter-mccloskey-at-his-barbers-shop-on-upper-newtownards-road-in-east-belfast-peter-morrison/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/904906293%2F6c2694b4a02c96ab9f458847c1aa148dd53785e36e5e77a5bd5d2f1917008791.jpg",[],"904906293%2F6c2694b4a02c96ab9f458847c1aa148dd53785e36e5e77a5bd5d2f1917008791.jpg","111301969","Peter McCloskey at his barber's shop on Upper Newtownards Road in east Belfast (Peter Morrison)",{"_163":26569,"_165":26570},"“He was formerly the owner of several businesses and is now a sole trader at a hairdresser. This has affected his fortunes very much, he makes a profit but not a lot.”",[],{"_163":26572,"_165":26573},"“He was setting out his views as to why he felt poorly treated, but he ought to have known not to send the message (after the letters).",[],{"_81":26575,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26576,"_213":26525,"_223":26577,"_106":26578,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26578,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/jtfgh0-screenshot-2026-08-14-164638.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164638.png",[26579],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164638.png","160069569",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26581,"_165":26582},"“There are around 11 messages which are mostly amicable, but there is a shift in tone towards the end where he calls him a narcissist. It’s not aggressive in any way, shape or form.",[],{"_163":26584,"_165":26585},"Defence counsel described the number of messages as “relatively few”, adding: “The defendant’s business went insolvent and he was under huge pressure, which perhaps negatively affected his judgment.",[],{"_163":26592,"_165":26593},{"_163":26590,"_165":26591},{"_163":88,"_165":26589},[],"Defence counsel",[],"This has affected (McCloskey’s) fortunes very much",[],{"_163":26595,"_165":26596},"The prosecution said he had become “frustrated about the injured party’s online presence as a food influencer”, after leaving Oliver’s.",[],{"_163":26598,"_165":26599},"McCloskey admitted sending the messages and emails in police interview but denied this amounted to harassment.",[],{"_81":26601,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":26602,"_213":26548,"_223":26603,"_106":26604,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26567,"_218":88,"_232":26604,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bqp06c-peter-mccloskey-at-his-barbers-shop-on-upper-newtownards-road-in-east-belfast-peter-morrison/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/904906293%2F6b661f15-747e-4179-8fb8-d752df5d0535.jpg",[],"904906293%2F6b661f15-747e-4179-8fb8-d752df5d0535.jpg","111301971",{"_163":26606,"_165":26607},"The contact stopped after a second legal letter was sent, the court heard, for around a year, before one final email in the winter of 2024.",[],{"_163":26609,"_165":26610},"After Mr Huston blocked the defendant’s number, he continued, the court heard, receiving emails despite a cease-and-desist letter from the complainant’s solicitor to McCloskey.",[],{"_81":26612,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26613,"_213":26525,"_223":26614,"_106":26615,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26615,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/el2f1u-screenshot-2026-08-14-164741.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164741.png",[26616],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20164741.png","160069547",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26618,"_165":26619},"Prosecutors said Mr Huston received unwanted correspondence from McCloskey via text message and email between October 2023 and November 2024.",[],{"_163":26621,"_165":26622},"The court heard McCloskey had pestered former restaurant manager Alex Huston, who goes by Alex Huston Eats on TikTok.",[],"The former Oliver’s in east Belfast",{"_81":26625,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":26626,"_213":26623,"_223":26627,"_106":26628,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26629,"_218":88,"_232":26628,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/3oy99s-olivers.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Oliver's.jpg",[26630],"Oliver's.jpg","160072329","Oliver's Restaurant...Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph\nOliver's Restaurant 405 Upper Newtownards Rd on October 25th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)\n...NEWS",{"_235":26631,"_237":26632,"_239":26631,"_240":26633},"glenda.mccauley@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","McCauley","Glenda",{"_163":26635,"_165":26636},"Barber Peter McCloskey (60), the former owner of Oliver’s in east Belfast, admitted a single count of harassment at the city’s magistrates court on Friday.",[],{"_163":26638,"_165":26639},"A prominent Belfast businessman has been convicted of harassing a former employee turned food influencer after the failure of a popular restaurant.",[],"Peter McCloskey at his barbershop on the Upper Newtownards Road in east Belfast",{"_81":26642,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":26643,"_213":26640,"_223":26644,"_106":26645,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26567,"_218":88,"_232":26645,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/se7qsa-peter-mccloskey-at-his-barbers-shop-on-upper-newtownards-road-in-east-belfast-peter-morrison/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/904906293%2Fbb2383c5-8c8c-4aea-b61d-b8d2ec2b035f.jpg",[],"904906293%2Fbb2383c5-8c8c-4aea-b61d-b8d2ec2b035f.jpg","111301970",{"_163":26647,"_165":26648},"Businessman and barber admits he was stressed at the time as his restaurant’s fortunes took nosedive",[],{"_163":26473,"_165":26650},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":10,"_254":16264},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":3976,"_106":3977,"_253":10,"_254":3978},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":26662,"_212":9873,"_220":395,"_97":26663,"_213":26640,"_223":26644,"_106":26645,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26567,"_218":88,"_232":26645,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/se7qsa-peter-mccloskey-at-his-barbers-shop-on-upper-newtownards-road-in-east-belfast-peter-morrison/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/904906293%2Fbb2383c5-8c8c-4aea-b61d-b8d2ec2b035f.jpg",[],{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":25172,"_106":25173,"_275":25174,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Belfast barber Peter McCloskey convicted for harassing TikTok food influencer","Belfast barber Peter McCloskey is fined for harassing food influencer Alex Huston after Oliver’s collapse",195282853,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":26939,"_283":8,"_275":26940,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/fleadh-bust-up-which-saw-man-threaten-to-shoot-death-driver-not-linked-to-gun-attack-at-his-home-insist-pals/a/160053091.html",[26936,26937,26938],"Fleadh bust-up which saw man threaten to shoot death driver ‘not linked to gun attack at his home’, insist pals",{"_264":26932,"_266":26919,"_267":26674},[26931],[26923,26924,26925,26926,26927,26928,26929,26930],"160053091",{},[25530],"2026-08-15T19:44:28Z",[26685,26686,26687,26688,26689,26690,26691,26692,26693,26694,26695,26696,26697,26698,26699,26700,26701,26702,26703,26704,26705,26706,26707,26708,26709,26710,26711,26712,26713,26714,26715,26716,26717,26718,26719,26720,26721,26722,26723,26724,26725,26726,26727,26728,26729,26730],{"_140":10,"_141":26684,"_143":10},"2e4a3f3d-97f7-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":26921,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":26918,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":26911,"_215":26912,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":26908,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":26905,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":187,"_161":3487,"_3488":26872,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":26869,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":26866,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":26863,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":26860,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":6944,"_213":26853,"_215":26854,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":26850,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":26847,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":26844,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":26841,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":685,"_212":-5,"_213":26834,"_215":26835,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":26831,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":26828,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":26825,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":669,"_212":26781,"_213":26817,"_215":26818,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":26814,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":26811,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":26808,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":195,"_356":26802,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":26799,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":26796,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":26793,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":26790,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":629,"_212":26781,"_213":26782,"_215":26783,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":26778,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":26775,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":26772,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":26769,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":26768,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26768,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":26765,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":26762,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":26759,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":576,"_212":10575,"_213":26751,"_215":26752,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":26748,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":26745,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":26742,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":26739,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":26736,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":26733,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":544,"_106":26732,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26732,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":540,"_106":26731,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26731,"_233":92},"159967410","159947313",{"_163":26734,"_165":26735},"In recent videos posted online, Olali Jnr denied involvement in the fire at Mr Molloy’s business, saying he had proof to back up his claims.",[],{"_163":26737,"_165":26738},"“They were supposedly friends, but it was cuckooing, I realise that now. They were trying to weaken me so they could take my assets.”",[],{"_163":26740,"_165":26741},"“It looked like they did this to me because I had a drug debt but that’s not the case. They did it for my assets.",[],{"_163":26743,"_165":26744},"“I was in shock. I’ve had enough. My life has been hell. They wanted to kill me. They got a Rolex. They tried to get my car and my properties.",[],{"_163":26746,"_165":26747},"When Sunday Life told him several sources had contacted us to blame Olali Jnr’s gang, he said: “That’s what I’ve heard too, and I now believe that to be the case.",[],{"_163":26749,"_165":26750},"He told this newspaper he believed thugs linked to his former friend meant to kill him.",[],"Tim Molloy in his gutted office",{"_81":26753,"_212":10575,"_220":395,"_97":26754,"_213":26751,"_223":26755,"_106":26756,"_226":227,"_228":18826,"_230":26757,"_218":88,"_232":26756,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/tvxkeq-0r9a0008.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A0008.jpg",[26758],"0R9A0008.jpg","159073836","The aftermath of Timothy Molloy’s office and home following being burnt out in Dunmurry on July 22nd 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph)",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26760,"_165":26761},"Mr Molloy’s office, which he lived above in Dunmurry, west Belfast, was torched in May 2025 as he slept. ",[],{"_163":26763,"_165":26764},"Tim ‘Timo’ Molloy (35) claimed people close to the former footballer had attempted to ‘cuckoo’ him — a criminal practice where gangs take over the homes of vulnerable people to exploit them.",[],{"_163":26766,"_165":26767},"Last month, an accountant and former friend of Olali Jnr revealed how criminal associates of the death driver torched his business premises and tried to ruin him financially.",[],"159073084",{"_163":26770,"_165":26771},"Olali Jnr is due to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court on September 4 charged with disorderly behaviour in relation to the Fleadh incident, and again on September 10 in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.",[],{"_163":26773,"_165":26774},"Police have appealed for information about the gun attack which happened several days later.",[],{"_163":26776,"_165":26777},"Eyewitnesses told the Belfast Telegraph the argument at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann started earlier in the evening when someone identified Olali Jnr as being responsible for Mr Boyle’s death.",[],{"_163":26779,"_165":26780},"The 42-year-old was walking his dog on the Stewartstown Road on February 5, 2021, when he was mown down and left for dead by Olali Jnr.",[],"Photopress Belfast","Richard Boyle died in a car accident when he was out walking his dog Junior in west Belfast in February 2021",{"_81":26784,"_212":26781,"_220":395,"_97":26785,"_213":26782,"_223":26786,"_106":26787,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26788,"_218":88,"_232":26787,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/rfvwgj-file87430rkn6onlf0q8i68/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6541.JPG",[26789],"bt_kscott_2025_6541.JPG","159892803","Richard Boyle who died in a car accident when he was out walking his dog Junior in west Belfast in February 2021\n",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":26791,"_165":26792},"Olali Jnr is due for sentencing next month for killing Dunmurry man Richard Boyle and his pet Jack Russell ‘Junior’ in a hit-and-run. ",[],{"_163":26794,"_165":26795},"Police said a 28-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour in connection with an incident on North Street, Belfast, on August 7.",[],{"_163":26797,"_165":26798},"“What was already online doesn’t suit the narrative,” he added.",[],{"_163":26800,"_165":26801},"He also pleaded for podcasters to give him a platform to tell his story “from the horse’s mouth”.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":26803,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":26804,"_106":26805,"_368":369,"_370":26806,"_232":26807,"_233":92},"Y4YEav1BQT62","00:21:00","1993540","0:21","159874751",{"_163":26809,"_165":26810},"In a second online post, he made bizarre claims about a grand conspiracy involving the Belfast Telegraph, police and the Fleadh, to damage his reputation. ",[],{"_163":26812,"_165":26813},"Olali Jnr labelled the shooting a “planned, co-ordinated attack” on his life before adding: “I don’t give statements, and I never will, but listen I’m not going to stay quiet and have my character run through the mud, it’s been going on for five years now and that’s the last I’m going to allow it to happen”.",[],{"_163":26815,"_165":26816},"He also said he was racially abused during the incident on Friday, August 7, and had drink thrown at him prior to the scuffle.",[],"Martin Olali jnr is awaiting sentencing over the death of pedestrian Richard Boyle ",{"_81":26819,"_212":26781,"_220":395,"_97":26820,"_213":26817,"_223":26821,"_106":26822,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26823,"_218":88,"_232":26822,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/79n7bd-file87430rgsibaxsobubp7/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6538.JPG",[26824],"bt_kscott_2025_6538.JPG","159892787","Martin Sean O'Lali who is awaiting sentence on charge arising from the death of pedestrian Richard Boyle on the Stewartstown Road in west Belfast \n",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":26826,"_165":26827},"In a series of TikTok posts, he claimed a bullet narrowly missed him and his child during the shooting. ",[],{"_163":26829,"_165":26830},"Olali Jnr was contacted by the Belfast Telegraph via his solicitors last week but declined to comment on the matter before taking to social media to ramble at length about the incident.",[],{"_163":26832,"_165":26833},"Sunday Life repeatedly made attempts to contact Mr Murphy online and at his businesses but he did not respond to requests for comment.",[],"Sunday Life attempted to contact Sean Murphy",{"_81":26836,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26837,"_213":26834,"_223":26838,"_106":26839,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26839,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/kgpui7-499230599-23929253896691578-3918548342761076222-n.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/499230599_23929253896691578_3918548342761076222_n.jpg",[26840],"499230599_23929253896691578_3918548342761076222_n.jpg","160054703",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26842,"_165":26843},"“Olali has plenty of enemies, he’s a death driver who killed a poor fella and his dog and then drove off from the scene, it (the shooting) could have been anyone.”",[],{"_163":26845,"_165":26846},"“Murph had nothing to do with the shooting at Olali’s house, it’s just unfortunate for him that it happened a few days after he had the row with Olali and threatened him,” said a pal.",[],{"_163":26848,"_165":26849},"Sources close to Mr Murphy say he denies any involvement in the shooting and has a “cast iron” alibi.",[],{"_163":26851,"_165":26852},"CCTV footage shows two men arriving in a BMW before one takes aim and fires several shots at the house, while the other uses a metal object to smash the windows of the car.",[],"Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Breton Court area of Lisburn on August 11th 2026 (Photo by Kevin Scott)",{"_81":26855,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":26856,"_213":26853,"_223":26857,"_106":26858,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":26853,"_218":88,"_232":26858,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qnm918-breton-court/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6534.jpg",[26859],"bt_kscott_2025_6534.jpg","159892966",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":26861,"_165":26862},"Police were called to Breton Court shortly before 1.30am last Tuesday after the upstairs windows of the house were struck by bullets and the vehicle left damaged. ",[],{"_163":26864,"_165":26865},"A later attack on Olali’s home in Lisburn, Co Antrim, saw gunshots fired through windows and a car smashed up in the driveway.",[],{"_163":26867,"_165":26868},"During a face-off between the two men, Mr Murphy, who is from the Ardoyne area, is heard telling Olali Jnr: “I’ll shoot you in the morning, I’ll kill you”, to which the death-driver responds: “You’ll shoot me? I’ll beat the c**t out of you”, before a melee breaks out.",[],{"_163":26870,"_165":26871},"The argument occurred shortly after a close female relative of Mr Murphy had been punched to the ground during chaotic late-night scenes in Belfast city centre.",[],[26873,26874,26875,26876],{"_157":193,"_212":-5,"_213":26898,"_215":26899,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":533,"_212":-5,"_213":26891,"_215":26892,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":529,"_212":-5,"_213":26884,"_215":26885,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":525,"_212":-5,"_213":26877,"_215":26878,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"Olali Jnr and Murphy before the melee",{"_81":26879,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26880,"_213":26877,"_223":26881,"_106":26882,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26882,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/38o5oq-screenshot-2026-08-14-165941.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20165941.png",[26883],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20165941.png","160054362",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},"Olali Jnr and Murphy arguing",{"_81":26886,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26887,"_213":26884,"_223":26888,"_106":26889,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26889,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/k081ft-screenshot-2026-08-14-170020.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170020.png",[26890],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170020.png","160054241",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},"Murphy during the argument",{"_81":26893,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26894,"_213":26891,"_223":26895,"_106":26896,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26896,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/uie1as-screenshot-2026-08-14-170300.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170300.png",[26897],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170300.png","160054387",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},"Olali Jnr and Murphy arguing ",{"_81":26900,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":26901,"_213":26898,"_223":26902,"_106":26903,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26903,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/g9fyv9-screenshot-2026-08-14-170039.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170039.png",[26904],"Screenshot%202026-08-14%20170039.png","160054329",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":26906,"_165":26907},"Sean Murphy, who owns several north Belfast shops, was filmed engaging in a heated exchange with Olali Jnr (28) at the festival in footage which has since been shared widely on social media.",[],{"_163":26909,"_165":26910},"This is the well-known businessman caught on camera threatening to shoot killer driver Martin Olali Jnr during a row at the Fleadh.",[],"Martin Olali Jnr and Sean Murphy arguing. There was later an attack on the home of Olali Jnr (inset)",{"_81":26913,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26914,"_213":26911,"_223":26915,"_106":26916,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26911,"_218":88,"_232":26916,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hcp0tn-inset-template-32-78.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032%20(78).jpg",[26917],"Inset%20template%2032%20(78).jpg","160081458",{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_163":26919,"_165":26920},"Businessman has told friends he has ‘cast-iron alibi’ for night of attack after video of melee went viral",[],{"_163":26674,"_165":26922},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},{"_250":25537,"_106":25538,"_253":10,"_254":25539},{"_250":3163,"_106":3164,"_253":10,"_254":3165},{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":26933,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":26934,"_213":26911,"_223":26915,"_106":26916,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":26911,"_218":88,"_232":26916,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/hcp0tn-inset-template-32-78.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032%20(78).jpg",[26935],{"_235":1937,"_237":1938,"_239":1937,"_240":1939},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":780,"_106":781,"_275":782,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Belfast Fleadh row and Lisburn shooting: Businessman denies attack on death driver Martin Olali Jnr","Violent row at Fleadh, gun attack on Martin Olali Jnr’s Lisburn home and claims of a cast-iron alibi collide in this shocking case",195281751,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27110,"_283":8,"_275":27111,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/loyalist-drugs-boss-could-hold-key-to-solving-case-of-teenager-stabbed-to-death-in-north-belfast-30-years-ago/a/159923640.html",[27107,27108,27109],"Loyalist drugs boss could hold key to solving case of teenager stabbed to death in north Belfast 30 years ago",{"_264":27103,"_266":27093,"_267":26946},[27102],[27097,27098,27099,27100,27101],"159923640",{},[],"2026-08-15T17:00:00Z","2026-08-15T17:02:51Z",[26958,26959,26960,26961,26962,26963,26964,26965,26966,26967,26968,26969,26970,26971,26972,26973,26974,26975,26976,26977,26978,26979,26980,26981,26982,26983,26984,26985,26986,26987,26988,26989,26990,26991],{"_140":10,"_141":26957,"_143":10},"65470ad6-963a-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27095,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":27092,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":27086,"_215":27087,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27083,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27080,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":27077,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27074,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":27071,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27068,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27065,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":-5,"_213":27059,"_215":27060,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27056,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":27053,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27050,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27047,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27044,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27041,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":27035,"_215":27036,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":27032,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27029,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27026,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":27023,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27020,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":27017,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":27014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":27011,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":27008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":27005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":27002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":26999,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":26996,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":26993,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":614,"_106":26992,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26992,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":25820,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25820,"_233":92},"159869115",{"_163":26994,"_165":26995},"“The killers remain free. Thirty years on, John has become one of the invisible victims of the Troubles.”",[],{"_163":26997,"_165":26998},"Linda told the Belfast Telegraph: “My son was knifed up to 10 times and was left lying helplessly in a pool of blood. He was only 200 yards from his own home. We believe it was a sectarian attack. ",[],{"_163":27000,"_165":27001},"They were highly critical of the police investigation, describing it as “wholly inadequate, with not even the taxi driver who found John’s body questioned”. ",[],{"_163":27003,"_165":27004},"On the 30th anniversary of John Molloy’s murder last week, his parents Linda and Pat issued a fresh appeal for information. ",[],{"_163":27006,"_165":27007},"Arrested alongside Mackle Snr as part of the drugs investigation was his son Nick Mackle Jnr, now aged 48, who was handed a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis. ",[],{"_163":27009,"_165":27010},"They linked Mackle Snr to several properties in the Antrim Road and Ballysillan areas, and claimed that aside from the cocaine and cannabis trade, he was heavily involved in the sale of stolen art and expensive jewellery. ",[],{"_163":27012,"_165":27013},"Mackle Snr’s lawyer told a court his client was a man of little means, but this was disputed by loyalist sources. ",[],{"_163":27015,"_165":27016},"The cocaine dealer was arrested in February 2015 when police acting on a tip-off raided the drugs factories. ",[],{"_163":27018,"_165":27019},"Mackle Snr was also convicted of possessing guns and ammunition that were believed to belong to a breakaway UDA faction at two houses in the Tigers Bay area of north Belfast. ",[],{"_163":27021,"_165":27022},"He was freed from prison in 2020 after serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for running two cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine factories worth £125,000. ",[],{"_163":27024,"_165":27025},"Sunday Life called to Mackle Snr’s most recent address, on the edge of the Mount Vernon estate, but no one came to the door.",[],{"_163":27027,"_165":27028},"“He was involved in several fights with John in the weeks leading up to the murder, and if he were to tell the police about those, it could help build a case against those who did.” ",[],{"_163":27030,"_165":27031},"One said: “I’m not saying Nick Mackle Snr killed John — he didn’t — but I believe that he knows who did. ",[],{"_163":27033,"_165":27034},"On the 30th anniversary of John Molloy’s murder, friends still living in north Belfast believe Nick Mackle Snr could provide the PSNI with crucial background as to who was involved. ",[],"Terry Fairfield",{"_81":27037,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27038,"_213":27035,"_223":27039,"_106":27040,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27035,"_218":88,"_232":27040,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/c9czdt-terry-fairfield/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/265056631%2Fbe3f08bf-3bc4-4fdc-91f4-03c5f0fdc743.jpg",[],"265056631%2Fbe3f08bf-3bc4-4fdc-91f4-03c5f0fdc743.jpg","109378189",{"_163":27042,"_165":27043},"Despite Fairfield’s statements, detectives decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute. ",[],{"_163":27045,"_165":27046},"He told his handlers how the Mount Vernon UVF, then led by his former close pal and Special Branch double agent Mark Haddock, protected those involved. ",[],{"_163":27048,"_165":27049},"RUC documents obtained by Sunday Life show the case was among several Fairfield was debriefed on. ",[],{"_163":27051,"_165":27052},"In 1997, a year after the Molloy murder, police were given the names of the killers by UVF informant Terry Fairfield. ",[],{"_163":27054,"_165":27055},"The religiously mixed residential area is on the edge of the Mount Vernon estate, where a violent UVF gang was based at the time. ",[],{"_163":27057,"_165":27058},"A short time later, John was murdered on the Lansdowne Road while walking back to his parents’ home on Taunton Avenue. ",[],"John Molloy was stabbed to death in a sectarian attack in 1996",{"_81":27061,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27062,"_213":27059,"_223":27063,"_106":27064,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27059,"_218":88,"_232":27064,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/rl0tdr-john-molloy-was-stabbed-to-death-in-a-sectarian-attack-in-1996/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1381578199%2Fa4e9e376-ca92-4c2b-bc17-87b28f703e32.jpg",[],"1381578199%2Fa4e9e376-ca92-4c2b-bc17-87b28f703e32.jpg","112951157",{"_163":27066,"_165":27067},"“There was another incident after that in which a younger man was hit with a bottle, and the loyalists from Mount Vernon had it in for John after that.” ",[],{"_163":27069,"_165":27070},"“He got the better of Mackle Snr, who was a wee bully, and that didn’t sit right with him. ",[],{"_163":27072,"_165":27073},"“John was a big lad and, despite only being a teenager, had been involved in several fist fights with Mackle Snr, who was much older, in the weeks before his death,” said a source. ",[],{"_163":27075,"_165":27076},"There is no suggestion that Mackle Snr, now aged 68, wielded the knife. However, loyalists and friends of John Molloy believe he may have information about events leading up to the murder. ",[],{"_163":27078,"_165":27079},"Last Monday, August 10, marked the 30th anniversary of the 1996 killing.",[],{"_163":27081,"_165":27082},"Notorious criminal Mackle Snr — who has convictions for storing suspected UDA guns — was involved in several clashes with John Molloy (18) in the weeks before the teenager was stabbed to death in north Belfast. ",[],{"_163":27084,"_165":27085},"Nick Mackle Snr, a loyalist drug boss, could help solve a 30-year-old sectarian murder.",[],"Linda Molloy holding photographs of her son John and (inset) Nick Mackle Snr",{"_81":27088,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27089,"_213":27086,"_223":2886,"_106":27090,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27090,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oil0j1-inset-template-32.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032.jpg",[27091],"160075791",{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_163":27093,"_165":27094},"Cocaine dealer who clashed with John Molloy in weeks before murder believed to know who wielded blade in fatal attack",[],{"_163":26946,"_165":27096},[],{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":8,"_254":1969},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":2899,"_106":2900,"_253":10,"_254":2901},{"_235":26240,"_237":26241,"_240":26242},{"_81":27104,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27105,"_213":27086,"_223":2886,"_106":27090,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27090,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/oil0j1-inset-template-32.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032.jpg",[27106],{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_250":32,"_106":1516,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1171,"_106":1172,"_275":1173,"_276":280},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"John Molloy murder north Belfast: Cocaine dealer 'knows killer'","Sectarian UVF murder of John Molloy haunts north Belfast 30 years on as focus turns to loyalist dealer Nick Mackle Snr",195280426,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27284,"_283":8,"_275":27285,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/it-student-tried-to-kill-his-mother-with-drugged-coffee-after-becoming-obsessed-with-youtube-murder-documentaries/a/159943723.html",[27283],"IT student tried to kill his mother with drugged coffee after becoming obsessed with YouTube murder documentaries",{"_264":27280,"_266":27267,"_267":27117},[27279],[27271,27272,27273,27274,27275,27276,27277,27278],{},[3148,3970],"2026-08-15T18:00:00Z","2026-08-15T14:37:22Z",[27128,27129,27130,27131,27132,27133,27134,27135,27136,27137,27138,27139,27140,27141,27142,27143,27144,27145,27146,27147,27148,27149,27150,27151,27152,27153,27154,27155,27156,27157,27158,27159,27160,27161],{"_140":10,"_141":27127,"_143":10},"9ce13bbc-965c-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27269,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":27266,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":11529,"_213":27259,"_215":27260,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27256,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27251,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27248,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":27245,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27242,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27239,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27236,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27233,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":27230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27218,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":677,"_586":27211,"_588":27212,"_590":-5,"_592":27213,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":27208,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27205,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27202,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":27199,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27196,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":195,"_586":27189,"_588":27190,"_590":-5,"_592":27191,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":27186,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":27183,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":27180,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":27177,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":27174,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":27171,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":27168,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":27165,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":27162,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":25820,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25820,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":606,"_106":25819,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25819,"_233":92},{"_163":27163,"_165":27164},"Green, from Orangefield Avenue in east Belfast, was remanded in custody to reappear via video-link at Laganside Magistrates Court next month.",[],{"_163":27166,"_165":27167},"“This has come before the court because of your own admission, and I am very concerned about allowing you to live with your parents and managing their safety at the address.”",[],{"_163":27169,"_165":27170},"She said: “This is a very sad set of circumstances where you have made admissions around trying to kill your mother.",[],{"_163":27172,"_165":27173},"However, citing the risk to Green’s parents, District Judge Rosalie Prytherch denied bail.",[],{"_163":27175,"_165":27176},"He also expressed remorse through his solicitor.",[],{"_163":27178,"_165":27179},"The court was told Green was on medication for anxiety and tended to “overthink and over-analyse things”. ",[],{"_163":27181,"_165":27182},"“He appreciates his mum and dad, and the bond is a strong one. This is a close-knit family.”",[],{"_163":27184,"_165":27185},"“He was very candid with officers. All of this really comes from his own mouth.",[],{"_163":27187,"_165":27188},"“It was an unsophisticated attempt which thankfully didn’t cause any harm. ",[],{"_163":27194,"_165":27195},{"_163":26590,"_165":27193},{"_163":88,"_165":27192},[],[],"He appreciates his mum and dad, and the bond is a strong one",[],{"_163":27197,"_165":27198},"“As the months have passed, things have improved. He has moved on, which is evidenced by him telling his mother about what happened. ",[],{"_163":27200,"_165":27201},"“He felt trapped, as though it would be a huge disappointment to his parents (to fail at college). Rather than bring that disappointment on them, he wanted a way out.",[],{"_163":27203,"_165":27204},"They added: “His studies weren’t going well, and his mental health deteriorated. He hadn’t been sleeping for weeks. ",[],{"_163":27206,"_165":27207},"A defence lawyer told the court the student had a clear criminal record and that there had been no issues since the incident nine months ago.",[],{"_163":27209,"_165":27210},"The officer said Green’s mother had made no criminal complaint and had expressed concern for her son’s mental and physical health.",[],{"_163":27216,"_165":27217},{"_163":26590,"_165":27215},{"_163":88,"_165":27214},[],[],"He felt trapped, as though it would be a huge disappointment to his parents",[],{"_163":27219,"_165":27220},"“His mother is willing to move out so he can return home, but there are concerns about the father and the defendant’s reaction to him. He also disclosed suicidal thoughts.”",[],{"_163":27222,"_165":27223},"“He also carried a knife into college earlier this year, which he initially said was for ‘protection’ but later said was for self-harm.",[],{"_163":27225,"_165":27226},"“He freely admits trying to kill his mother. He didn’t know what those tablets were, but he believed they would cause her death. ",[],{"_163":27228,"_165":27229},"An officer said: “We don’t believe they can be properly safeguarded at the same address. ",[],{"_163":27231,"_165":27232},"Police objected to bail because Green had been living with his mother and father, and had no suitable alternative address. ",[],{"_163":27234,"_165":27235},"A prosecution lawyer told the court: “He disclosed he still has ideation of killing his parents but has no plans to do so.”",[],{"_163":27237,"_165":27238},"Green said pressure caused by his studies at Belfast Metropolitan College was a motivating factor.",[],{"_163":27240,"_165":27241},"In discussions with police, he also accepted placing tablets in a drink but said one hadn’t gone it. He also claimed his mother had seen what he was doing.",[],{"_163":27243,"_165":27244},"The court was told Green had made an admission to a social worker carrying out a mental health assessment.",[],{"_163":27246,"_165":27247},"They added: “His mother says it was disclosed to her recently, and she does recall a time when there was a tablet in a drink which she did not consume.”",[],{"_163":27249,"_165":27250},"A prosecutor said the 19-year-old had “become fixated on the idea of killing after watching murder documentaries on YouTube”. ",[],{"_163":27252,"_165":27253},"Jonathan Green appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, charged with the attempted murder of his mother Yvonne last November.",[27254],{"_85":192,"_157":642,"_194":642,"_196":27255},{"_198":199,"_155":200,"_201":8},{"_163":27257,"_165":27258},"An IT student who tried to kill his mum by putting tablets in her coffee after becoming “fixated” with murder documentaries has been remanded in custody.",[],"Laganside Courthouse",{"_81":27261,"_212":11529,"_220":395,"_97":27262,"_213":27259,"_223":27263,"_106":27264,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27265,"_218":88,"_232":27264,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nya3em-laganside-courthouse-liam-mcburneypa/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/be1e64df-bac0-4ab8-bd6d-7b4bce05f499",[],"be1e64df-bac0-4ab8-bd6d-7b4bce05f499","129836215","Laganside Courthouse (Liam McBurney/PA)",{"_163":27267,"_165":27268},"Teenager who made admissions to police and social worker loses bid for bail",[],{"_163":27117,"_165":27270},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":3181,"_106":3182,"_253":10,"_254":3183},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":3976,"_106":3977,"_253":10,"_254":3978},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":27281,"_212":11529,"_220":395,"_97":27282,"_213":27259,"_223":27263,"_106":27264,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27265,"_218":88,"_232":27264,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/nya3em-laganside-courthouse-liam-mcburneypa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/be1e64df-bac0-4ab8-bd6d-7b4bce05f499",[],{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Teenager tried to poison mum with tablets in coffee denied bail","Teenager Jonathan Green admits trying to kill his mother after YouTube murder obsession and loses bail bid over parent safety fears",195279578,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/young-father-harassed-ex-partner-and-her-family-in-row-over-access-to-child-just-weeks-after-she-had-given-birth/a/159764362.html",[27441],"Young father harassed ex-partner and her family in row over access to child just weeks after she had given birth",{"_264":27437,"_266":27412,"_267":27291},[27436],[27424,27425,27426,27427,27428,27429,27430,27431,27432],{},[27423],"2026-08-15T14:00:00Z","2026-08-15T13:01:39Z",[27302,27303,27304,27305,27306,27307,27308,27309,27310,27311,27312,27313,27314,27315,27316,27317,27318,27319,27320,27321,27322,27323,27324,27325,27326,27327],{"_140":10,"_141":27301,"_143":10},"2e70e6ff-9286-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27421,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":4788,"_213":27414,"_215":27415,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27411,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27408,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":27405,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27402,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":4788,"_213":27395,"_215":27396,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27392,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27389,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27386,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27383,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":158,"_586":27375,"_588":27376,"_590":-5,"_592":27377,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27372,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27369,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27366,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27363,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":27360,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":27357,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27354,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27351,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":661,"_212":4788,"_213":27343,"_215":27344,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27340,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":27337,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":27334,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":27331,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":27328,"_161":162},{"_163":27329,"_165":27330},"“You have already admitted this was harassment and if you want to see your child you will have to go through the proper legal channels.” ",[],{"_163":27332,"_165":27333},"“I am concerned about the number of calls made and what is being said. ",[],{"_163":27335,"_165":27336},"She also told him: “This might have started out with good intention in relation to your child, but it went over and above that into criminal conduct. ",[],{"_163":27338,"_165":27339},"District Judge Anne Marshall handed O’Toole, of Antrim Road in north Belfast, two months in prison, suspended for one year, and a two-year restraining order for offending she said was aggravated by domestic abuse. ",[],{"_163":27341,"_165":27342},"Defence counsel said the former painter and decorator was “hoping” to return to his trade in the near future. ",[],"O’Toole was given a suspended sentence and a restraining order",{"_81":27345,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":27346,"_213":27343,"_223":27347,"_106":27348,"_226":227,"_228":18826,"_230":27349,"_218":88,"_232":27348,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/axkw54-0r9a6469.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A6469.jpg",[27350],"0R9A6469.jpg","159764659","Thomas O’Toole leaving Laganside Magistrates Courthouse on August 7th 2026 ",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":27352,"_165":27353},"“His family were forced out of their home in recent years due to a hate campaign unrelated to this case.” ",[],{"_163":27355,"_165":27356},"“He wants to put this behind him and move on. He is in stable accommodation and has self-referred for counselling, as well as being diagnosed with ADHD, which he is medicated for. ",[],{"_163":27358,"_165":27359},"“It would be surprising if he didn’t try to make contact, given they had a child who was weeks old at the time. ",[],{"_163":27361,"_165":27362},"The lawyer said: “There were agreements beforehand. He is sorry and has pleaded guilty on that basis. ",[],{"_163":27364,"_165":27365},"They also stressed there had been no direct contact between O’Toole and the victim since last May. ",[],{"_163":27367,"_165":27368},"Defence counsel said his client contacted members of his ex’s family because he wanted to see his child.",[],{"_163":27370,"_165":27371},"At the same court in July, the defendant was handed a one-month sentence, suspended for two years, after threatening to kill his sister.",[],{"_163":27373,"_165":27374},"O’Toole also sent a message to the victim’s father, saying he would attend his property “if he had to”.",[],{"_163":27381,"_165":27382},{"_163":27379,"_165":27380},{"_163":88,"_165":27378},[],"Defence Counsel",[],"His family were forced out of their home due to a hate campaign unrelated to this case",[],{"_163":27384,"_165":27385},"This included asking people to pass on messages and threats.",[],{"_163":27387,"_165":27388},"The victim cut all ties with him in May last year, but he continued to contact her, or attempt to, via others. ",[],{"_163":27390,"_165":27391},"O’Toole contacted the woman’s aunt via withheld phone numbers, demanding to speak with his ex.",[],{"_163":27393,"_165":27394},"The victim was only a few weeks after giving birth at this stage.",[],"O’Toole admitted harassment",{"_81":27397,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":27398,"_213":27395,"_223":27399,"_106":27400,"_226":227,"_228":18826,"_230":27349,"_218":88,"_232":27400,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/kzr8fg-0r9a6472.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A6472.jpg",[27401],"0R9A6472.jpg","159764632",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":27403,"_165":27404},"Prosecutors said O’Toole was demanding to see his infant child “or there would be consequences”. ",[],{"_163":27406,"_165":27407},"The victim contacted police in December last year to say her ex-partner had been pestering members of her family by phone and social media.",[],{"_163":27409,"_165":27410},"Thomas O’Toole (21) was given a suspended prison sentence at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast after admitting a single charge of harassment. ",[],{"_163":27412,"_165":27413},"A young father who harassed the mother of his child in a row over access just weeks after she gave birth has avoided jail.",[],"Thomas O’Toole outside court",{"_81":27416,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":27417,"_213":27414,"_223":27418,"_106":27419,"_226":227,"_228":18826,"_230":27349,"_218":88,"_232":27419,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1djyw5-0r9a6470.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/0R9A6470.jpg",[27420],"0R9A6470.jpg","159764589",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_163":27291,"_165":27422},[],"BT13",{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":6223,"_106":6224,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":3166,"_106":3167,"_253":10,"_254":3168},{"_250":27433,"_106":27434,"_253":10,"_254":27435},{"_250":2899,"_106":2900,"_253":10,"_254":2901},{"_250":1967,"_106":1968,"_253":10,"_254":1969},"regional_north-belfast-and-newtonabbey","4387","North Belfast & Newtownabbey",{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_240":1823},{"_81":27438,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":27439,"_213":27414,"_223":27418,"_106":27419,"_226":227,"_228":18826,"_230":27349,"_218":88,"_232":27419,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1djyw5-0r9a6470.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A6470.jpg",[27440],{"_235":6394,"_237":6395,"_239":6394,"_240":1823},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},195211198,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27591,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/man-accused-of-exposing-himself-to-nursery-children-said-he-was-relieving-himself-in-the-bushes/a/160035893.html",[27590],"Man accused of exposing himself to nursery children said he was ‘relieving himself’ in the bushes",{"_264":27586,"_266":27576,"_267":27447},[27585],[27580,27581,27582,27583,27584],"160035893",{},[],"2026-08-14T11:43:00Z","2026-08-14T15:10:51Z",[27459,27460,27461,27462,27463,27464,27465,27466,27467,27468,27469,27470,27471,27472,27473,27474,27475,27476,27477,27478,27479,27480,27481,27482,27483,27484,27485,27486,27487],{"_140":10,"_141":27458,"_143":10},"5c28c5df-97d5-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27578,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":27575,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":27569,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27566,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27563,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":27560,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27557,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":183,"_586":27550,"_588":27551,"_590":-5,"_592":27552,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27547,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27544,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27541,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27538,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":27535,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27532,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27529,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27526,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27523,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":27520,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":27517,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27514,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27511,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":27508,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27505,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":27502,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":650,"_356":27498,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":27495,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":27492,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":27489,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":629,"_106":27488,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27488,"_233":92},"160019776",{"_163":27490,"_165":27491},"Wilson was then remanded in custody.",[],{"_163":27493,"_165":27494},"Mr Kennedy adjourned the case for four weeks, ordering the defendant to appear again via video link on September 11.",[],{"_163":27496,"_165":27497},"He noted the defendant was currently awaiting sentencing for a separate matter in the Crown Court.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":27499,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":4160,"_106":27500,"_368":369,"_370":4162,"_232":27501,"_233":92},"4oJAWp3QJ760","2001287","159991652",{"_163":27503,"_165":27504},"Refusing an application for bail, District Judge Kennedy said there was a risk the accused could re-offend.",[],{"_163":27506,"_165":27507},"“This man is always topped up with alcohol,” said the defence counsel.",[],{"_163":27509,"_165":27510},"He added that this had led to numerous breaches of past bail conditions requiring him not to be under the influence of alcohol.",[],{"_163":27512,"_165":27513},"Counsel said Wilson had been in the area to visit his brother’s grave and noted he was a “chronic alcoholic” who consumes large quantities of alcohol on a daily basis.",[],{"_163":27515,"_165":27516},"“There was no indecent exposure at any stage. Both matters are contested. He benefits from the presumption of innocence.”",[],{"_163":27518,"_165":27519},"“The exposure to the constable is denied at this stage,” he added.",[],{"_163":27521,"_165":27522},"The defence counsel said the officer’s version of the facts did not match up with the available CCTV. ",[],{"_163":27524,"_165":27525},"Following a search, police also found a number of tablets, suspected to be a Class C drug, on the defendant’s person.",[],{"_163":27527,"_165":27528},"Police then attended the cemetery and approached the defendant, who exposed himself and walked towards a female officer with his penis out.",[],{"_163":27530,"_165":27531},"When he was approached, the court heard he told the injured party nothing was wrong and made off into the cemetery.",[],{"_163":27533,"_165":27534},"He then knelt down and exposed partially exposed his penis, which the witness said was erect.",[],{"_163":27536,"_165":27537},"When they arrived, they spoke to the injured party, who said the defendant had approached the fence and pulled down his trousers so his underwear was on show.",[],{"_163":27539,"_165":27540},"The officer said police had been called to the scene shortly after 1pm on Wednesday following reports of a male acting strangely outside a nursery school.",[],{"_163":27542,"_165":27543},"He said his client had told police he had been visiting a grave in the adjacent cemetery and had stepped into the bushes to “relieve himself”.",[],{"_163":27545,"_165":27546},"However, a defence counsel for Smith said there was CCTV footage available of the defendant approaching the fence of the nursery on Garvaghey Road, and throwing a football back over it.",[],{"_163":27548,"_165":27549},"Wilson confirmed he understood the charges before a police officer said he could connect the accused to them.",[],{"_163":27555,"_165":27556},{"_163":26590,"_165":27554},{"_163":88,"_165":27553},[],[],"There was no indecent exposure at any stage. Both matters are contested",[],{"_163":27558,"_165":27559},"He is also accused of being in possession of a Class C drug.",[],{"_163":27561,"_165":27562},"The 43-year-old, of Garvaghey Park, Portadown, has been charged with two counts of indecent exposure on August 12 2026; one in relation to a group of school children and one in relation to a police constable.",[],{"_163":27564,"_165":27565},"Philip Smith appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court in connection with the alleged incident at Garvaghey Road, Portadown.",[],{"_163":27567,"_165":27568},"A solicitor for a man accused of exposing his genitals outside a Co Armagh nursery said he was “relieving himself’ in the bushes.",[],{"_81":27570,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27571,"_213":88,"_223":27572,"_106":27573,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27573,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wi5cky-images-11.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/images%20(11).jpg",[27574],"images%20(11).jpg","160049508",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":27576,"_165":27577},"Accused told police he had been visiting a grave in a nearby cemetery",[],{"_163":27447,"_165":27579},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":3178,"_106":3179,"_253":10,"_254":3180},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":27587,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27588,"_213":88,"_223":27572,"_106":27573,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27573,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wi5cky-images-11.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/images%20(11).jpg",[27589],{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Philip Smith: Man accused of exposing himself to nursery children said he was ‘relieving himself’ in the bushes",195210781,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27710,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/delay-in-forensic-inquiries-into-alleged-murder-of-man-in-east-belfast-court-hears/a/160049636.html",[27709],"Delay in forensic inquiries into alleged murder of man in east Belfast, court hears",{"_264":27705,"_266":27689,"_267":27597},[],[27700,27701,27702,27703,27704],"160049636",{},[],"2026-08-14T15:06:56Z","2026-08-14T15:07:04Z",[27609,27610,27611,27612,27613,27614,27615,27616,27617,27618,27619,27620,27621,27622,27623,27624,27625,27626,27627,27628,27629,27630],{"_140":10,"_141":27608,"_143":10},"e5705250-97ee-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27698,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":27691,"_215":27692,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27688,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27685,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":27682,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27679,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":27676,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27673,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27670,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27667,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27664,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":27661,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27658,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27655,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27652,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27649,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":27646,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":27643,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27640,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27637,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":27634,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27631,"_161":162},{"_163":27632,"_165":27633},"Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor adjourned the case until next week, when Nobes and Matthews are both expected to mount applications for bail. ",[],{"_163":27635,"_165":27636},"Pressed by defence solicitor Mark Austin, Mr Conlon was unable to provide any further details on the outstanding material.”",[],{"_163":27638,"_165":27639},"“Unfortunately there is no timescale for that.”",[],{"_163":27641,"_165":27642},"Barrister Mark Conlon said: “Work is continuing on the file, but what is holding things up is (police) are awaiting forensic results.",[],{"_163":27644,"_165":27645},"At Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, prosecutors indicated that the investigation remains uncompleted.",[],{"_163":27647,"_165":27648},"A fingerprint attributed to Nobes which was found on a door frame at Mr Gordon’s apartment also forms part of the evidence in the case.",[],{"_163":27650,"_165":27651},"Both men were subsequently arrested in Scotland and returned to Northern Ireland to be questioned and charged. ",[],{"_163":27653,"_165":27654},"A senior detective claimed Nobes and Matthews then went back to the first flat, “gloated” to others about what they had done and threatened to shoot witnesses if they contacted police.",[],{"_163":27656,"_165":27657},"During the attack a television was said to have been taken off the wall and thrown out of a window.",[],{"_163":27659,"_165":27660},"The intruders used a brush shaft to assault Mr Gordon, according to the police case.",[],{"_163":27662,"_165":27663},"Based on witness and CCTV evidence, the defendants allegedly attended another flat in the complex before forcing their way into the victim’s home.",[],{"_163":27665,"_165":27666},"He was discovered by police conscious but badly beaten and subsequently died at the Royal Victoria Hospital.",[],{"_163":27668,"_165":27669},"Matthews and Nobes then allegedly launched the fatal attack on Mr Gordon in the early hours of May 12.",[],{"_163":27671,"_165":27672},"A previous court heard Mr Gordon was targeted following a series of incidents in the east Belfast area over the preceding days.",[],{"_163":27674,"_165":27675},"They are also accused of making threats to kill two women at the scene.",[],{"_163":27677,"_165":27678},"The pair, both of no fixed abode, face further counts of aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on the victim, stealing his bank card and mobile phone, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.",[],{"_163":27680,"_165":27681},"Two men, Christopher Colin Nobes, 31, and Andrew John Matthews, 25, are currently remanded in custody jointly charged with his murder.",[],{"_163":27683,"_165":27684},"Mr Gordon (51) was attacked at his Holywood Road apartment in May this year and died from his injuries four days later.",[],{"_163":27686,"_165":27687},"Prosecutors disclosed the potential hold-up in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nicky Gordon.",[],{"_163":27689,"_165":27690},"Forensic inquiries into the alleged murder of a man beaten with a brush shaft at his east Belfast home have still to be completed, a court heard today.",[],"Nicky Gordon",{"_81":27693,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":27694,"_213":27691,"_223":27695,"_106":27696,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27691,"_218":88,"_232":27696,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/pmdjeo-inset-template-32-19.png/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Inset%20template%2032%20(19).png",[27697],"Inset%20template%2032%20(19).png","151867924",{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_163":27597,"_165":27699},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":2291,"_106":2292,"_253":10,"_254":2293},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_81":27706,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":27707,"_213":27691,"_223":27695,"_106":27696,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":27691,"_218":88,"_232":27696,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/pmdjeo-inset-template-32-19.png/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Inset%20template%2032%20(19).png",[27708],{"_235":5153,"_237":5154,"_239":5153,"_240":5155},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Nicky Gordon: Delay in forensic inquiries into alleged murder of man in east Belfast, court hears",195188073,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27817,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/pair-admit-stealing-three-week-old-pygmy-goat-from-ni-farm/a/160019776.html",[27816],"Pair admit stealing three-week-old pygmy goat from NI farm",{"_264":27812,"_266":27801,"_267":27716},[27811],[27805,27806,27807,27808,27809,27810],{},[],"2026-08-14T13:29:33Z","2026-08-14T13:29:30Z",[27727,27728,27729,27730,27731,27732,27733,27734,27735,27736,27737,27738,27739,27740,27741,27742,27743],{"_140":10,"_141":27726,"_143":10},"f819bb6c-97b0-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27803,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":27800,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":27792,"_213":27793,"_215":27794,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27789,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27786,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":27783,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27780,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":27777,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":-5,"_213":27770,"_215":27771,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27764,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27761,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":-5,"_213":27754,"_215":27755,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27751,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27748,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":27745,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":681,"_106":27744,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27744,"_233":92},"159968787",{"_163":27746,"_165":27747},"“We’re delighted to see this little one back where it belongs. Thank you to everyone who assisted with the investigation.”",[],{"_163":27749,"_165":27750},"“Following enquiries by officers, two suspects were identified, arrested and subsequently charged to court for theft,” said a spokesperson.",[],{"_163":27752,"_165":27753},"Two days after the theft in June, the PSNI confirmed the goat had been safely recovered.",[],"Sally Ann Finnegan and Willy McDonagh leaving Craigavon Magistrates Court on August 14th 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph) ",{"_81":27756,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27757,"_213":27754,"_223":27758,"_106":27759,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":27754,"_218":88,"_232":27759,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/421taw-sally-ann-finnegan-and-willy-mcdonagh./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A8387.jpg",[27760],"0R9A8387.jpg","160042938",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":27762,"_165":27763},"A pygmy goat is a breed of achondroplastic goat which is small, compact and stockily built. They are native to west and central Africa and kept mostly as pets.",[],{"_163":27765,"_165":27766},"The prosecution confirmed the animal had been recovered.",[],{"_163":27768,"_165":27769},"Following the pleas, District Judge Kennedy said he would require a pre-sentence report and adjourned sentencing until September 25 to allow the defendants to engage with probation.",[],"The three-week-old pygmy goat stolen during the incident",{"_81":27772,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27773,"_213":27770,"_223":27774,"_106":27775,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27775,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/t2sacy-goat.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/goat.jpg",[27776],"goat.jpg","160035033",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":27778,"_165":27779},"None of the facts pertaining to the case were opened in court.",[],{"_163":27781,"_165":27782},"Both indicated they wished their case to be heard in the Magistrates Court and entered guilty pleas to the offence.",[],{"_163":27784,"_165":27785},"The pair were accused of stealing a pygmy goat belonging to Tannaghmore Animal Farm on June 15 this year.",[],{"_163":27787,"_165":27788},"Sally Ann Finnegan (29) and Willy McDonagh (20), both of Enniskeen, Craigavon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday to face a single charge of theft.",[],{"_163":27790,"_165":27791},"A man and woman have admitted the theft of a three-week-old pygmy goat from an animal farm in Co Armagh. ",[],"Stiofán Bruce","Sally Ann Finnegan (29) and Willy McDonagh (20) ",{"_81":27795,"_212":27792,"_220":395,"_97":27796,"_213":27793,"_223":27797,"_106":27798,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27798,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qxtrkw-dewdi.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/dewdi.jpg",[27799],"dewdi.jpg","160042892",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":27801,"_165":27802},"The defendants entered guilty pleas ",[],{"_163":27716,"_165":27804},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":3178,"_106":3179,"_253":10,"_254":3180},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":27813,"_212":27792,"_220":395,"_97":27814,"_213":27793,"_223":27797,"_106":27798,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27798,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/qxtrkw-dewdi.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/dewdi.jpg",[27815],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Sally Ann Finnegan and Willy McDonagh: Pair admit stealing three-week-old pygmy goat from NI farm",195171805,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":27959,"_283":8,"_275":27960,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ombudsman-hits-back-at-claims-of-bias-around-psni-officers-under-investigation/a/160030591.html",[27952,27953,27954,27955],"Ombudsman hits back at claims of bias around PSNI officers under investigation",{"_264":27948,"_266":27940,"_267":27823},[27947],[27944,27945,27946],"160030591",{},[],"2026-08-14T12:28:00Z","2026-08-14T12:29:00Z",[27835,27836,27837,27838,27839,27840,27841,27842,27843,27844,27845,27846,27847,27848,27849,27850,27851,27852,27853,27854,27855,27856,27857,27858,27859,27860,27861],{"_140":10,"_141":27834,"_143":10},"4e629f2f-97ca-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":27942,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":27939,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":27932,"_215":27933,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":27929,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":27926,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":187,"_106":27925,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27925,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":27922,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":27919,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":27916,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":27913,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":27910,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":27907,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":27904,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":27901,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":27898,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":685,"_106":27897,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27897,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":27894,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":27891,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":673,"_212":1611,"_213":7410,"_215":27889,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":27886,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":27883,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":661,"_586":27875,"_588":27876,"_590":-5,"_592":27877,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":27872,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":27869,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":650,"_106":27868,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27868,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":27865,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":27862,"_161":162},{"_163":27863,"_165":27864},"“Police officers have a role to play in ending this culture and I am sure many of them will be keen to do so. All officers must be clear of the boundaries that cannot be crossed,” she said.",[],{"_163":27866,"_165":27867},"Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon backed the ombudsman, saying the 30pc figure was “damning and this type of behaviour must never be tolerated, but challenged and rooted out”.",[],"157761565",{"_163":27870,"_165":27871},"Ms Durkin added: “I repeat, there is no predetermination of any complaint alleging sexual impropriety by a police officer. Investigations are and must be thorough, evidence-led and impartial.”",[],{"_163":27873,"_165":27874},"“You will no doubt appreciate the importance of nuance in the context of evidence-based investigations. There is a fundamental difference between treating a vulnerable victim, who is making the most personal and sensitive disclosures in the context of a clear power imbalance, in such a way that they feel believed and that their complaint will be effectively investigated and inferring police officers should assume any allegation against them will be treated from the outset as being the truth”. ",[],{"_163":27881,"_165":27882},{"_163":27879,"_165":27880},{"_163":88,"_165":27878},[],"Jacqui Durkin",[],"There is no predetermination of any complaint alleging sexual impropriety by a police officer",[],{"_163":27884,"_165":27885},"“This reflects a starting position of procedural fairness. In context, a ‘valid complaint’ refers to a complaint that warrants fair and impartial consideration and investigation, not a complaint that is already considered to be true or pre-determined. ",[],{"_163":27887,"_165":27888},"“I clearly stated: ‘You don’t automatically assume this is a vexatious complaint. We are neutral and we are independent because until you have evidence to support or to negate the allegation that they’ve made, you have to assume that they’ve come forward to make a valid complaint.’ ",[],{"_81":7958,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":27890,"_213":7410,"_223":7960,"_106":7961,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":7962,"_218":88,"_232":7961,"_233":92},[],{"_163":27892,"_165":27893},"“I completely refute any such suggestion, and I repeatedly stated throughout our interview that my Office was independent and investigated complaints fairly and impartially with evidence led outcomes. ",[],{"_163":27895,"_165":27896},"In response to the Nolan interview, in an open letter on the PONI website, Ms Durkin said: “I believe our discussion about vulnerable victims of alleged sexual abuse who make complaints to my office and the need for them to be treated with dignity, respect and to be believed in the first instance has been misinterpreted and presented as an approach of complaint pre-determination. ",[],"159418759",{"_163":27899,"_165":27900},"“This is not only about fairness to officers. If investigators do not rigorously test all the available evidence, they will fail to establish the truth, and that failure harms genuine victims seeking justice just as much as it harms the wrongly accused.”",[],{"_163":27902,"_165":27903},"“The logical extension of a presumption of belief is a presumption of guilt against the officer concerned, and that is a fundamental misunderstanding of the Ombudsman’s role as an impartial investigator.",[],{"_163":27905,"_165":27906},"“But treating an allegation seriously is not the same thing as accepting it as fact before a single piece of evidence has been gathered. ",[],{"_163":27908,"_165":27909},"He said: “Anyone who comes forward with an allegation of sexual abuse or exploitation by a police officer must be treated with compassion, support and empathy, and must know their complaint will be investigated thoroughly. That is fundamental to public confidence.",[],{"_163":27911,"_165":27912},"Mr Burrows, a former senior police officer, said he would write to the ombudsman seeking assurances on the impartiality of her office.",[],{"_163":27914,"_165":27915},"In a follow-up interview with the Nolan Show, she said that anyone who came forward with a complaint would be believed in the “first instance” - this caused controversy, with UUP leader Jon Burrows calling on her to clarify her comments.",[],{"_163":27917,"_165":27918},"She revealed that cases of alleged sexual impropriety account for 36pc of her office’s most serious cases, and one of the investigations involves a former officer who was arrested last year on suspicion of rape and dozens of other offences.",[],{"_163":27920,"_165":27921},"Earlier this week she said she was “deeply concerned” by the number of ombudsman investigations involving officers accused of abusing their position for sexual purposes.",[],{"_163":27923,"_165":27924},"Ms Durkin, the former head of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, was appointed to the watchdog role in June.",[],"159425287",{"_163":27927,"_165":27928},"Jacqui Durkin insisted she has been misinterpreted as having “complaint pre-determination”. ",[],{"_163":27930,"_165":27931},"The Police Ombudsman has defended her position around the issue of officers under investigation for sexual misconduct.",[],"Jacqui Durkin’s comments have been criticised",{"_81":27934,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27935,"_213":27932,"_223":27936,"_106":27937,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27937,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dl43p3-jacqui-durkin.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Jacqui%20Durkin.jpg",[27938],"Jacqui%20Durkin.jpg","157762184",{"_235":2295,"_237":2296,"_239":2295,"_240":2297},{"_163":27940,"_165":27941},"New watchdog said those who came forward with allegations would be believed in the ‘first instance’",[],{"_163":27823,"_165":27943},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_235":25362,"_237":25363,"_240":25364},{"_81":27949,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":27950,"_213":27932,"_223":27936,"_106":27937,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":27937,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dl43p3-jacqui-durkin.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Jacqui%20Durkin.jpg",[27951],{"_235":2295,"_237":2296,"_239":2295,"_240":2297},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":7309,"_106":7310,"_275":7311,"_276":280},{"_250":27956,"_106":27957,"_275":27958,"_276":280},{"_250":7772,"_106":7773,"_275":7774,"_276":280},"Linda Dillon","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:linda-dillon","Sinn Fein MLA for Mid Ulster.","Police sexual misconduct complaints: Ombudsman defends 'believed first' stance","Police Ombudsman Jacqui Durkin faces backlash over sexual misconduct cases and 'believed first' comments",194928087,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28075,"_283":8,"_275":28076,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/im-not-going-to-stay-quiet-martin-olali-claims-shooting-was-coordinated-attack-on-his-life/a/159967410.html",[28073,28074],"‘I’m not going to stay quiet’: Martin Olali claims shooting was ‘coordinated’ attack on his life",{"_264":28070,"_266":28062,"_267":27966},[28069],[28066,28067,28068],{},[],"2026-08-14T05:13:00Z","2026-08-13T18:55:36Z",[27977,27978,27979,27980,27981,27982,27983,27984,27985,27986,27987,27988,27989,27990,27991,27992,27993,27994,27995,27996,27997,27998,27999,28000],{"_140":10,"_141":27976,"_143":10},"cd44c76a-96f0-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28064,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":28061,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":26781,"_213":28056,"_215":28057,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28053,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28050,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28047,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28044,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":28043,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28043,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28040,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28037,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28034,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28031,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28028,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28025,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28022,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":685,"_106":26732,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26732,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28019,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":28016,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28011,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":665,"_106":28010,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28010,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28007,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":28004,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":28001,"_161":162},{"_163":28002,"_165":28003},"Olali will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday, September 4 charged with disorderly behaviour in relation to the weekend incident, and again at the Crown Court on September 10 in connection with the hit-and-run.",[],{"_163":28005,"_165":28006},"Police have appealed for information about the gun attack which took place days later.",[],{"_163":28008,"_165":28009},"Eyewitnesses say the weekend argument at a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann musical event in the city centre started earlier in the evening when someone in the crowd identified the west Belfast man as being involved in the hit-and-run that claimed the life of Mr Boyle and his dog, and confronted him.",[],"112177416",{"_163":28012,"_165":28013},"Police do not name individuals but in a statement said that a 28-year-old man was charged with disorderly behaviour in connection with an incident in North Street. ",[],{"_163":26797,"_165":28015},[],{"_163":28017,"_165":28018},"In a second online post he claims there is a campaign to damage his reputation, blames the Belfast Telegraph, police and the Fleadh, and appeals for podcasters to contact him to allow him to tell his story “from the horse's mouth”.",[],{"_163":28020,"_165":28021},"He said the shooting was a “planned, coordinated attack on my life” before adding: “I don’t give statements, and I never will, but listen I’m not going stay quiet and have my character run through the mud, it’s been going on for five years now and that’s the last I’m going to allow it to happen”.",[],{"_163":28023,"_165":28024},"He also claims that a gunman was at his house on the Saturday prior to the attack on Tuesday.",[],{"_163":28026,"_165":28027},"In the online posts Olali alleges he was racially abused in the city centre on Friday evening and had drink thrown at him prior to the altercation.",[],{"_163":28029,"_165":28030},"However, he declined, instead taking to social media site TikTok to make a number of lengthy posts about the situation.",[],{"_163":28032,"_165":28033},"The Belfast Telegraph previously contacted 28-year-old Mr Olali rough his solicitor, to ask if he wanted to comment on the events of Friday and the gun attack on his home.",[],{"_163":28035,"_165":28036},"Footage shows two men arriving in a BMW before one takes aim and fires a number of shots at the house while the other used a metal object to smash the windows of the car.",[],{"_163":28038,"_165":28039},"Police were called to the scene in the Breton Court area of Lisburn shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday, when the upstairs windows of the house were hit, with damage also caused to a car parked in the driveway.",[],{"_163":28041,"_165":28042},"In an online post Olali has claimed that a bullet narrowly missed him and his child during a gun attack on his house in the early hours of Tuesday.",[],"159886242",{"_163":28045,"_165":28046},"The case had been delayed due to the now-resolved barristers’ strike but is now listed for September, a year after Olali entered guilty pleas at Belfast Crown Court.",[],{"_163":28048,"_165":28049},"The 42-year-old was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road on February 5, 2021, when he was struck by a car which failed to stop. Both Mr Boyle and his pet died as a result.",[],{"_163":28051,"_165":28052},"Olali is currently on bail awaiting sentencing in relation to the death of Dunmurry man Richard Boyle in a hit-and-run incident over five years ago.",[],{"_163":28054,"_165":28055},"West Belfast man Martin Olali Jnr has been charged with disorderly behaviour after a brawl in Belfast city centre at the weekend, during which a woman was knocked to the ground.",[],"Martin Sean O'Lali who is awaiting sentence on charge arising from the death of pedestrian Richard Boyle ",{"_81":28058,"_212":26781,"_220":395,"_97":28059,"_213":28056,"_223":26821,"_106":26822,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26823,"_218":88,"_232":26822,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/79n7bd-file87430rgsibaxsobubp7/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/bt_kscott_2025_6538.JPG",[28060],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":28062,"_165":28063},"Killer hit-and-run driver now charged with disorderly behaviour over incident at Belfast Fleadh",[],{"_163":27966,"_165":28065},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_235":25362,"_237":25363,"_240":25364},{"_81":26819,"_212":26781,"_220":395,"_97":28071,"_213":28056,"_223":26821,"_106":26822,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26823,"_218":88,"_232":26822,"_233":92},[28072],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Belfast hit-and-run driver Martin Olali charged after Fleadh brawl","West Belfast man Martin Olali Jnr faces disorderly behaviour charges and a gun attack on his Lisburn home",194886545,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28210,"_283":8,"_275":28211,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/lisburn-handyman-and-social-care-worker-banned-after-sex-assault-on-client-in-her-home/a/159998840.html",[28208,28209],"Lisburn handyman and social care worker banned after sex assault on client in her home",{"_264":28204,"_266":28187,"_267":28082},[],[28199,28200,28201,28202,28203],"159998840",{},[],"2026-08-14T05:26:00Z","2026-08-13T15:39:36Z",[28095,28096,28097,28098,28099,28100,28101,28102,28103,28104,28105,28106,28107,28108,28109,28110,28111,28112,28113,28114,28115,28116,28117,28118,28119,28120,28121],"Stephen Gordon",{"_140":10,"_141":28094,"_143":10},"f7909d83-9725-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28197,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1436,"_213":28189,"_215":28190,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28186,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28183,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28180,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28177,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28174,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28171,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28168,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28165,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28162,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28159,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28156,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28153,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28150,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28147,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":28144,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":27744,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":27744,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28141,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":28138,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28135,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":28132,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":28129,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":28126,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":28123,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":28122,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28122,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":26731,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26731,"_233":92},"159974720",{"_163":28124,"_165":28125},"“These posts were made by a female who appears to have used Aaron for a dump run, which is a business he runs on the side. There is a photo that appears to show evidence of prosecution.” ",[],{"_163":28127,"_165":28128},"The manager informed the NISCC: “I was made aware by another member of staff that there were posts circulating on social media that were accusing Aaron of trespassing and sexual abuse. ",[],{"_163":28130,"_165":28131},"The recent tribunal heard that concerns about Faloon were first referred to the NISCC on July 31, 2025, by a manager at Advanced Care following posts on social media about his offending. ",[],{"_163":28133,"_165":28134},"The conditions stipulated that he must reside in an approved address and must not contact the victim or form any personal relationships with any female without notifying the probation officer. He also had to participate in the work set by the Probation Board. ",[],{"_163":28136,"_165":28137},"At Ards Magistrates’ Court last November, a 10-month probation order was imposed on Faloon for the sex offence which happened in April 2025. ",[],{"_163":28139,"_165":28140},"A removal order was the only appropriate sanction, it said, because a suspension order would not address the risk of repetition, or the public interest.",[],{"_163":28142,"_165":28143},"It said Faloon had demonstrated “limited evidence of insight into the seriousness of his actions and the likely impact on the victim”. ",[],{"_163":28145,"_165":28146},"It found the Lisburn man’s fitness to practise impaired due to his conviction and it revoked an interim suspension order and imposed an immediate removal order. ",[],{"_163":28148,"_165":28149},"“The committee considered that there were attitudinal issues which do not appear to have been addressed.” ",[],{"_163":28151,"_165":28152},"“The committee was not provided with any information about [his] engagement with probation, and any work undertaken by him. ",[],{"_163":28154,"_165":28155},"It stated: “Taking into account [his] lack of remorse, remediation and insight, the committee considered the risk of repetition of the offending behaviour to be high. ",[],{"_163":28157,"_165":28158},"It said the mitigating factors were that the social care worker had a previously good regulatory history and had pleaded guilty in court. ",[],{"_163":28160,"_165":28161},"The committee said the aggravating factors in the case included that it was a serious sexual offence; Faloon had failed to inform his employer that he was subject to criminal proceedings; and that he has not provided any evidence of insight or remorse.",[],{"_163":28163,"_165":28164},"Faloon declined to appear at the tribunal, informing the NISCC on May 26 this year: “I shall not be attending this hearing or any future hearings. Many thanks.” ",[],{"_163":28166,"_165":28167},"The committee said Faloon had been convicted of a serious sexual assault and had shown no remorse. ",[],{"_163":28169,"_165":28170},"An NISCC tribunal heard that Faloon’s dump runs were a sideline business and that, at the time of the offence, he was employed as a support worker for Advanced Care, which provides homecare. ",[],{"_163":28172,"_165":28173},"“I can hardly leave my house. But I also don’t feel safe when I’m at home,” she said. ",[],{"_163":28175,"_165":28176},"The mother-of-three described the attack as a “terrible ordeal”. ",[],{"_163":28178,"_165":28179},"The victim, who had hired Faloon via a Facebook advert to do a dump run in his van, later told the Belfast Telegraph how he left her terrified after groping her breasts and bottom and trying to kiss her. ",[],{"_163":28181,"_165":28182},"Faloon (34) was convicted at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court last November of intentionally sexually touching a woman without consent. ",[],{"_163":28184,"_165":28185},"Lisburn sex offender Aaron Matthew Faloon has now been barred from the profession by a Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Fitness to Practise Committee, which said it feared his risk of re-offending was “high”. ",[],{"_163":28187,"_165":28188},"A handyman who sexually assaulted a woman in her own home was also a full-time social care worker, it has been revealed. ",[],"Posed/Stock",{"_81":28191,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":28192,"_213":28189,"_223":28193,"_106":28194,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":28195,"_218":88,"_232":28194,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/l1c98g-gettyimages-1181244526-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/GettyImages-1181244526%20(1).jpg",[28196],"GettyImages-1181244526%20(1).jpg","160001740","A mature man caregiver with stethoscope and old patient looking out through window.",{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_163":28082,"_165":28198},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":7290,"_106":7291,"_253":10,"_254":7292},{"_250":5499,"_106":5500,"_253":10,"_254":5501},{"_81":28205,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":28206,"_213":28189,"_223":28193,"_106":28194,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":28195,"_218":88,"_232":28194,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/l1c98g-gettyimages-1181244526-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-1181244526%20(1).jpg",[28207],{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Lisburn handyman sex assault: Social care worker banned","Lisburn support worker Aaron Matthew Faloon is banned from social care after a serious sexual assault on a client at home",194800122,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28337,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/crowd-confronted-killer-driver-during-fleadh-event-days-before-his-lisburn-home-was-shot-up/a/159947313.html",[28334,28335,28336],"Crowd confronted killer driver during Fleadh event days before his Lisburn home was shot up",{"_264":28327,"_266":28315,"_267":28217},[28326],[28320,28321,28322,28323,28324,28325],{},[],"2026-08-13T05:07:36Z",[28227,28228,28229,28230,28231,28232,28233,28234,28235,28236,28237,28238,28239,28240,28241,28242,28243,28244,28245,28246,28247,28248,28249,28250,28251],{"_140":10,"_141":28226,"_143":10},"3084ffd7-9662-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28318,"_161":244},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":28317,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28314,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28311,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28308,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":342,"_212":26781,"_213":28304,"_215":28305,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28301,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28298,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28295,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28292,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28289,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":158,"_212":6944,"_213":28285,"_215":28286,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28282,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28279,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28276,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28273,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":677,"_106":28010,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28010,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28270,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28267,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":28264,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28261,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":28258,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":28255,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":28252,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":646,"_106":28043,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28043,"_233":92},{"_163":28253,"_165":28254},"Olali was approached for comment this week but declined to say anything.",[],{"_163":28256,"_165":28257},"“We are working to establish a motive for the attack and are asking anyone who may have information, or relevant dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist with our enquiries, to contact us in Lisburn on 101.”",[],{"_163":28259,"_165":28260},"“The shots were fired at the front door and an upstairs window causing damage, but thankfully those present in the property at the time were uninjured. A car parked at the house was also damaged during the incident.",[],{"_163":28262,"_165":28263},"The PSNI said: “We received a report that a number of shots had been fired at the house shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday morning.",[],{"_163":28265,"_165":28266},"In June Olali was granted a bail variation to extend his curfew from 10pm to midnight. He had asked that his tag be removed, but this was refused by the judge.",[],{"_163":28268,"_165":28269},"The case had been delayed due to the barristers’ strike and is now listed for September 10, a year after Olali entered guilty pleas at Belfast Crown Court.",[],{"_163":28271,"_165":28272},"Olali (26) was due to be sentenced for offences including causing Mr Boyle’s death by careless driving, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident, and using a vehicle with no insurance.",[],{"_163":28274,"_165":28275},"They said: “It was one of the best days of the Fleadh and everyone was in good form until this kicked off, but I could hear people pointing out who he was and some weren’t happy that he was there at all.”",[],{"_163":28277,"_165":28278},"A witness claimed this occurred close to midnight, and approaching Olali’s court-ordered curfew.",[],{"_163":28280,"_165":28281},"Things escalated into a mass brawl in the street after a number of people including Olali were removed from the venue by security.",[],{"_163":28283,"_165":28284},"Police are instead believed to be investigating links to the row at the weekend when Olali was captured in two clips on camera by bystanders — in one having a verbal confrontation with a man that is dealt with by security at the venue, and in another where a woman is knocked to the ground.",[],"Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Breton Court area of Lisburn on August 11",{"_81":26855,"_212":6944,"_220":395,"_97":28287,"_213":28285,"_223":26857,"_106":26858,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":26853,"_218":88,"_232":26858,"_233":92},[28288],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":28290,"_165":28291},"There is no suggestion the shooting is linked to the hit-and-run. ",[],{"_163":28293,"_165":28294},"Footage shows two men arriving in a BMW before one takes aim and opens up on the house.",[],{"_163":28296,"_165":28297},"Shots were fired at the Lisburn home of Olali in the early hours of Tuesday. A car was also damaged.",[],{"_163":28299,"_165":28300},"Eyewitnesses say Friday night’s argument at a Fleadh event started earlier when someone in the crowd identified Olali as being involved in the fatal hit-and-run and confronted him.",[],{"_163":28302,"_165":28303},"He was recorded at first involved in an argument with an unnamed man, before later being seen in a brawl involving around a dozen people in North Street, where a woman was knocked unconscious.",[],"Martin Olali",{"_81":26819,"_212":26781,"_220":395,"_97":28306,"_213":28304,"_223":26821,"_106":26822,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26823,"_218":88,"_232":26822,"_233":92},[28307],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":28309,"_165":28310},"Olali has pleaded guilty to several charges including causing death by careless driving.",[],{"_163":28312,"_165":28313},"Martin Olali is on bail in connection with a hit-and-run on the Stewartstown Road in February 2021 in which Richard Boyle (42) and his dog died.",[],{"_163":28315,"_165":28316},"More details have emerged of an incident in central Belfast which has been linked to a gun attack on the home of a death driver. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":26803,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":26804,"_106":26805,"_368":369,"_370":26806,"_232":26807,"_233":92},{"_163":28217,"_165":28319},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":5499,"_106":5500,"_253":10,"_254":5501},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":3163,"_106":3164,"_253":10,"_254":3165},{"_235":25362,"_237":25363,"_240":25364},{"_81":28328,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":28329,"_213":88,"_223":28330,"_106":28331,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28332,"_218":88,"_232":28331,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/4la4cy-bt-kscott-2025-6546.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6546.JPG",[28333],"bt_kscott_2025_6546.JPG","159892529","Police at the scene of the shooting incident in the Breton Court area of Lisburn and inset Martin Sean O'Lali jnr (Photo by Kevin Scott)",{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":780,"_106":781,"_275":782,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Martin Olali: Crowd confronted killer driver during Fleadh event days before his Lisburn home was shot up",194621278,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28447,"_283":8,"_275":28448,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/mini-cooper-driver-accused-of-10-crashes-in-high-speed-belfast-chase-refused-bail/a/159949560.html",[28445,28446],"Mini Cooper driver accused of 10 crashes in high-speed Belfast chase refused bail",{"_264":28441,"_266":28424,"_267":28343},[],[28436,28437,28438,28439,28440],"159949560",{},[],"2026-08-12T16:39:00Z","2026-08-12T16:39:51Z",[28355,28356,28357,28358,28359,28360,28361,28362,28363,28364,28365,28366,28367,28368,28369,28370,28371,28372],{"_140":10,"_141":28354,"_143":10},"fd87779b-9666-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28434,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":11529,"_213":28426,"_215":28427,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28423,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28420,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28417,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28414,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28411,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28408,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":175,"_586":28400,"_588":28401,"_590":-5,"_592":28402,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28397,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28394,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28391,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28388,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28385,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28382,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28379,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":28376,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28373,"_161":162},{"_163":28374,"_165":28375},"“Driving such as this puts many people in danger. Accordingly, I do not consider there are any conditions at present that would prevent (O’Neill from driving).”",[],{"_163":28377,"_165":28378},"“It started in the middle of the day, when people were going about their lawful business, families in cars and people on footpaths.",[],{"_163":28380,"_165":28381},"“It is harrowing to think what could have happened (from this driving),” the judge said. ",[],{"_163":28383,"_165":28384},"But Mr Justice Fowler ruled he poses too great a risk of committing further offences.",[],{"_163":28386,"_165":28387},"A defence barrister argued that O’Neill’s own car is now effectively a “write-off”.",[],{"_163":28389,"_165":28390},"He was eventually detained after the Mini came to a halt in the Ballysillan Road area.",[],{"_163":28392,"_165":28393},"O’Neill allegedly failed to stop despite knowing there had been 10 separate accidents during the pursuit.",[],{"_163":28395,"_165":28396},"The car continued across parts of the city, going through red lights as it travelled towards north Belfast and onto the Crumlin Road.",[],{"_163":28398,"_165":28399},"Crown counsel claimed he sped off in a Mini Cooper after a PSNI patrol signalled for him to pull over close to Broadway roundabout shortly after 2pm.",[],{"_163":28406,"_165":28407},{"_163":28404,"_165":28405},{"_163":88,"_165":28403},[],"Mr Justice Fowler",[],"It is harrowing to think what could have happened",[],{"_163":28409,"_165":28410},"He has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and six counts of failing to stop, remain or report following an accident.",[],{"_163":28412,"_165":28413},"O’Neill, of Bloomfield Avenue in Bangor, faces prosecution for a total of 10 charges over the incident on July 20.",[],{"_163":28415,"_165":28416},"“The potential for catastrophic injuries and deaths arising from this piece of driving is clear for everyone,” he said.",[],{"_163":28418,"_165":28419},"Refusing to grant bail, Mr Justice Fowler highlighted how he was said to have driven at 75mph in 30mph zones.",[],{"_163":28421,"_165":28422},"Gary O’Neill (38) is accused of crashing into multiple other vehicles in broad daylight as police attempted to bring his car to a halt last month.",[],{"_163":28424,"_165":28425},"A motorist allegedly involved in up to 10 collisions during a high-speed pursuit across Belfast must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today.",[],"The Royal Courts of Justice where the High Court and the Court of Appeal sit in Belfast",{"_81":28428,"_212":11529,"_220":395,"_97":28429,"_213":28426,"_223":28430,"_106":28431,"_226":227,"_228":7476,"_230":28432,"_218":88,"_232":28431,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/a6ev31-file85txdpx5xvpblt50eo7/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Stock_image_of_the_Royal_Courts_of_Justice_where_the_High_Court_and_the_Court_of_Appeal_sit_in_Belfa.jpg",[28433],"Stock_image_of_the_Royal_Courts_of_Justice_where_the_High_Court_and_the_Court_of_Appeal_sit_in_Belfa.jpg","152128745","Stock image of the Royal Courts of Justice where the High Court and the Court of Appeal sit in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)",{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_163":28343,"_165":28435},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":10,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_81":28442,"_212":11529,"_220":395,"_97":28443,"_213":28426,"_223":28430,"_106":28431,"_226":227,"_228":7476,"_230":28432,"_218":88,"_232":28431,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/a6ev31-file85txdpx5xvpblt50eo7/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Stock_image_of_the_Royal_Courts_of_Justice_where_the_High_Court_and_the_Court_of_Appeal_sit_in_Belfa.jpg",[28444],{"_235":4363,"_237":4364,"_239":4363,"_240":4365},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"High-speed Belfast chase: Mini Cooper driver Gary O’Neill (38) denied bail","High-speed Belfast chase leaves Gary O’Neill facing 10 charges after alleged crashes and a bail refusal",194615396,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28530,"_283":8,"_275":28531,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/derry-londonderry-city/wanted-man-stopped-at-checkpoint-and-arrested-on-drug-possession-charges-released-on-bail/a/159943161.html",[28529],"Wanted man stopped at checkpoint and arrested on drug possession charges released on bail",{"_264":28525,"_266":28507,"_267":28454},[28524],[28520,28521,28522,28523],"159943161",{},[28519],"2026-08-12T16:14:00Z","2026-08-12T16:14:17Z",[28466,28467,28468,28469,28470,28471,28472,28473,28474,28475,28476,28477,28478],{"_140":10,"_141":28465,"_143":10},"edf2845e-965b-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28517,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":16818,"_213":28509,"_215":28510,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28506,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28503,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28500,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28497,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":183,"_356":28491,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28488,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28485,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28482,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28479,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":158,"_106":26183,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":26183,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":698,"_106":12881,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12881,"_233":92},{"_163":28480,"_165":28481},"Anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.",[],{"_163":28483,"_165":28484},"A PSNI spokesperson said he has been “released on bail to allow for further enquiries”. ",[],{"_163":28486,"_165":28487},"The operation involved officers from the Derry City and Strabane District Support Team, Strand Road’s Local Policing Team and the Armed Response Unit.",[],{"_163":28489,"_165":28490},"“The man was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug and being concerned in the supply of a Class C controlled drug,” police said.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":28492,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":28493,"_106":28494,"_368":369,"_370":28495,"_232":28496,"_233":92},"zSYAidHTvXWU","00:12:00","1996821","0:12","159925271",{"_163":28498,"_165":28499},"He was subsequently arrested in relation to these and, following a search of his vehicle, officers located a quantity of Class A, B and C controlled drugs, which were seized, along with two mobile phones.",[],{"_163":28501,"_165":28502},"Police said he was already being sought by officers in connection with a number of drugs-related offences. ",[],{"_163":28504,"_165":28505},"The 37-year-old was pulled over by officers on the A6 Glenshane Road at 2am on Tuesday. ",[],{"_163":28507,"_165":28508},"A man already wanted by police over a string of drug-related offences who was arrested when drugs were found after he was stopped at a checkpoint outside Londonderry has been released on bail.",[],"The 37-year-old was pulled over by police officers on the A6 Glenshane Road ",{"_81":28511,"_212":16818,"_220":395,"_97":28512,"_213":28509,"_223":28513,"_106":28514,"_226":227,"_228":16818,"_230":28515,"_218":88,"_232":28514,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/j3i8n1-stock-images/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/bt_kscott_2025_2760.JPG",[28516],"bt_kscott_2025_2760.JPG","155104426","Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stock image. ",{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_163":28454,"_165":28518},[],"BT48",{"_250":23398,"_106":23399,"_253":8,"_254":23400},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_240":17965},{"_81":28526,"_212":16818,"_220":395,"_97":28527,"_213":28509,"_223":28513,"_106":28514,"_226":227,"_228":16818,"_230":28515,"_218":88,"_232":28514,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/j3i8n1-stock-images/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_2760.JPG",[28528],{"_235":3195,"_237":3196,"_239":3195,"_240":3197},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Drug checkpoint near Londonderry: Man (37) with Class A, B and C drugs bailed","Wanted man (37) stopped on A6 Glenshane Road as police seize Class A, B and C drugs near Londonderry",194593510,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28661,"_283":8,"_275":28662,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/four-remanded-in-custody-over-1.7m-belfast-cocaine-seizure/a/159941768.html",[28660],"Four remanded in custody over £1.7m Belfast cocaine seizure",{"_264":28657,"_266":28644,"_267":28537},[],[28654,28655,28656],{},[],"2026-08-12T14:39:00Z","2026-08-12T14:40:21Z",[28548,28549,28550,28551,28552,28553,28554,28555,28556,28557,28558,28559,28560,28561,28562,28563,28564,28565,28566,28567,28568,28569,28570,28571,28572,28573],{"_140":10,"_141":28547,"_143":10},"0c08004c-965a-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28652,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":28646,"_213":28647,"_215":28648,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28643,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28640,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28637,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28634,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28631,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28628,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28625,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28622,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28619,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28616,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28613,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28610,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28607,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28604,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":28601,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28598,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28595,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":28592,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28589,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":28586,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":28583,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":28580,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":28577,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":28574,"_161":162},{"_163":28575,"_165":28576},"Mr Keown said: “Based on the police case, this was a large-scale drugs operation, organised and involving a number of people handling approximately 14 kilos of cocaine worth between £1-2m, and the full extent is not yet known.”",[],{"_163":28578,"_165":28579},"With McKee not seeking bail, District Judge Steven Keown refused bail for each of the co-accused and remanded all four men in custody until September 9.",[],{"_163":28581,"_165":28582},"McMullan’s barrister, Michael Halleron, claimed he poses a minimal risk of re-offending because police would be monitoring all of the defendants’ movements.",[],{"_163":28584,"_165":28585},"Describing his client as a qualified electrician, Mr Curran submitted: “His role is at the bottom rung as a courier, it is whether he was knowingly involved in a criminal offence.”",[],{"_163":28587,"_165":28588},"Counsel for Moyes, Luke Curran, argued he was also unaware there was anything illegal about the bag he had been asked to collect.",[],{"_163":28590,"_165":28591},"“This man is a ‘clean skin’ who didn’t know he was being brought for that purpose.”",[],{"_163":28593,"_165":28594},"“He was entirely unsuspected on the way to this location,” Mr Russell insisted.",[],{"_163":28596,"_165":28597},"Defence solicitor Andrew Russell told the court Hassan has never been in trouble before and fully cooperated with the investigation.",[],{"_163":28599,"_165":28600},"The Somali national denied knowing the contents of the bag when it was handed into the vehicle.",[],{"_163":28602,"_165":28603},"He told police that he works with McKee at a used furniture store and unwittingly drove the van to the Markets area after his colleague asked for help on another job.",[],{"_163":28605,"_165":28606},"Hassan faces a further count of having an offensive weapon, namely a baseball bat.",[],{"_163":28608,"_165":28609},"McMullan has also been charged with possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply in connection with the seizures.",[],{"_163":28611,"_165":28612},"“The total approximate street value of the total 14 kilos of cocaine seized is estimated to be between £1.12m and £1.68m,” the detective disclosed.",[],{"_163":28614,"_165":28615},"Police found another six blocks of cocaine, one kilo of herbal cannabis and a pressing machine during a search of the apartment allegedly linked to him.",[],{"_163":28617,"_165":28618},"Minutes later he left again with an apparently lighter load before the suspected handovers.",[],{"_163":28620,"_165":28621},"The court heard McMullan had been seen on CCTV footage entering the apartment complex earlier that evening while struggling to carry a heavy bag.",[],{"_163":28623,"_165":28624},"Officers subsequently stopped both vehicles, seized the drugs and arrested all four defendants.",[],{"_163":28626,"_165":28627},"Mullan also passed a further three blocks into a Mercedes van jointly occupied by McKee, of Alexandra Terrace in Crumlin, and Hassan, from St James’ Crescent in Belfast, according to police.",[],{"_163":28629,"_165":28630},"It was claimed that Moyes, of Stanhope Street in the city, received a package containing five blocks of cocaine while he waited in a Renault Clio car.",[],{"_163":28632,"_165":28633},"McMullan, of Madrid Street in Belfast, allegedly left the complex with a large bag before carrying out separate interactions with his co-accused in the neighbourhood.",[],{"_163":28635,"_165":28636},"An investigating detective said police observed the suspected handovers at locations close to a block of flats on McAuley Street.",[],{"_163":28638,"_165":28639},"All four men appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on charges including possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.",[],{"_163":28641,"_165":28642},"Brian McMullan (34), Lee McKee (26), Michael Moyes (27), and Abdullah Hassan (33), were arrested following transportations from a city centre apartment block to two waiting vehicles on Monday evening.",[],{"_163":28644,"_165":28645},"Four men were remanded in custody today accused of taking part in an operation to move up to £1.7m worth of cocaine in Belfast.",[],"PSNI","A large quantity of cocaine was seizedin Belfast. ",{"_81":28649,"_212":28646,"_220":395,"_97":28650,"_213":28647,"_223":26209,"_106":26210,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26210,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ylwhk0-cocaine.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Cocaine.jpg",[28651],{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_163":28537,"_165":28653},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_81":26207,"_212":28646,"_220":395,"_97":28658,"_213":28647,"_223":26209,"_106":26210,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":26210,"_233":92},[28659],{"_235":6701,"_237":6702,"_239":6701,"_240":6703},{"_250":1507,"_106":1508,"_275":1509,"_276":280},"Belfast cocaine bust: Four men remanded over £1.7m haul","Large-scale Belfast drugs operation sees Brian McMullan, Lee McKee, Michael Moyes and Abdullah Hassan remanded over 14kg cocaine case",194589952,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28829,"_283":10,"_275":28830,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/brazen-blackmailer-snared-after-wily-80-year-old-pensioner-demands-signed-cash-receipt/a/159940718.html",[28828],"Brazen blackmailer snared after wily 80-year-old pensioner demands signed cash receipt",{"_264":28824,"_266":28817,"_267":28668},[],[28821,28822,28823],"159940718",{},[],"2026-08-12T14:25:00Z","2026-08-12T14:25:17Z",[28680,28681,28682,28683,28684,28685,28686,28687,28688,28689,28690,28691,28692,28693,28694,28695,28696,28697,28698,28699,28700,28701,28702,28703,28704,28705,28706,28707,28708,28709,28710,28711,28712,28713],{"_140":10,"_141":28679,"_143":10},"54f840c5-9658-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28819,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":28816,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":28756,"_215":28810,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28807,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28804,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28801,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28798,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28795,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28792,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28789,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":28786,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":-5,"_213":28756,"_215":28779,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28776,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":28773,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28770,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28764,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":28756,"_215":28757,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28753,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28750,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":28747,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28744,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":28741,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":195,"_106":28740,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28740,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":28737,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":28734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":28731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":28728,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":28725,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":28722,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":28719,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":28716,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":614,"_106":28715,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28715,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":610,"_106":28714,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28714,"_233":92},"159917720","159934345",{"_163":28717,"_165":28718},"And reflecting on her decision to demand Johnston sign a receipt for £3,900, his mother said: “You don’t work in a solicitor’s office for 40 years without learning a thing or two.”",[],{"_163":28720,"_165":28721},"After the matter concluded in court, the victim – who asked not to be named – said he had been required to move home three times as a result of Johnston’s harassment.",[],{"_163":28723,"_165":28724},"The judge also imposed a five-year restraining order in respect of the victim and both his parents.",[],{"_163":28726,"_165":28727},"Imposing the 16-month sentence, Judge McGurgan told Johnston: “Only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate, both to punish you and to deter others.”",[],{"_163":28729,"_165":28730},"Judge McGurgan said that according to legal guidelines, the offence of blackmail is also serious as it preys upon the soul of the victim and as a result, deterrent sentences are necessary.",[],{"_163":28732,"_165":28733},"Johnston threatened to have ‘paedophile’ written across the front of his house. And he said he would speak to people in the area so as his victim would be unable to return to his home.",[],{"_163":28735,"_165":28736},"Johnston told his victim: “You are in serious f***ing trouble... this isn’t going to end well.”",[],{"_163":28738,"_165":28739},"He said he would also “attack him with knives, attack his caravan, attack his partner’s house”.",[],"159932527",{"_163":28742,"_165":28743},"Judge Patrick McGurgan told the court that he had listened to a number of voice messages left by Johnston. Among the threats made, Johnston told the victim he would “break his windows, break the windows of his parents’ houses and cars and smash them again as soon as they are repaired”.",[],{"_163":28745,"_165":28746},"The court heard how Johnston sent 49 WhatsApp messages to his victim’s phone, making more threats of violence against his parents. But he was arrested when the matter reported to the police.",[],{"_163":28748,"_165":28749},"They discovered £9,500 in a locked safe. The police also found small quantities of cocaine and cannabis.",[],{"_163":28751,"_165":28752},"And when the police raided Johnston’s home at Willow Court, Dunmurry, they found machetes and baseball bats similar to the ones seen in the mobile phone pictures.",[],{"_163":28754,"_165":28755},"His simple signature went a long way to snaring him on a serious charge of blackmail.",[],"Christopher Johnston (45)",{"_81":28758,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":28759,"_213":28756,"_223":28760,"_106":28761,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28762,"_218":88,"_232":28761,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/fcb8g-chris-johnston-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Chris%20Johnston%201.jpg",[28763],"Chris%20Johnston%201.jpg","159638194","Christopher Johnston (45), a handyma , Seymour Hill, Dunmurry, threatened a 80 year-old woman pensioner and her son.",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":28765,"_165":28766},"Unknown to Johnston, however, the elderly woman was a former legal secretary who was used to handling substantial amounts of cash. And when she produced a receipt for the money, Johnston signed it.",[],{"_163":28768,"_165":28769},"He was asked to return to her home later to collect the outstanding £1,900.",[],{"_163":28771,"_165":28772},"But Johnston told the 80-year-old woman that her son’s debt had increased to £3,900 as a result of interest and to compensate him for “stress”.",[],{"_163":28774,"_165":28775},"But father-of-two Johnston made a major gaffe when he called with his victim’s mother to collect £2,000. She had agreed to pay over the cash because she was terrified at what might happen to her son.",[],{"_163":28777,"_165":28778},"On one occasion Johnston turned up at the home of his victim’s elderly father, telling the pensioner: “You don’t realise what I’m capable of doing.”",[],{"_81":28780,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":28781,"_213":28756,"_223":28782,"_106":28783,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28784,"_218":88,"_232":28783,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/qb4njq-chris-johnston-3.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Chris%20Johnston%203.jpg",[28785],"Chris%20Johnston%203.jpg","159638243","Christopher Johnston (45), a handyman , Seymour Hill, Dunmurry, threathed a 80 year-old woman pensioner ands her son.\nUsing his mobile phone, Johnston sent his victim, dozens of photographs, showing machete knives and baseball bats coupled with messages threatening extreme violence.",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":28787,"_165":28788},"Using his mobile phone, Johnston also sent his victim dozens of photographs showing machete knives and baseball bats coupled with messages threatening extreme violence.",[],{"_163":28790,"_165":28791},"Johnston repeatedly warned his victim that he was capable of hurting both his parents, who live separately.",[],{"_163":28793,"_165":28794},"And when the man failed to honour a repayment scheme devised by Johnston, he and his parents were subjected to a relentless campaign of intimidation and harassment.",[],{"_163":28796,"_165":28797},"But when there was a delay in the social security payment, Johnston told the man he was ‘fining’ him for the shortfall in his income.",[],{"_163":28799,"_165":28800},"The court heard how Johnston asked a man who worked for him on a casual basis to assist him in filling in a form to claim PIP benefit.",[],{"_163":28802,"_165":28803},"Gardener and handyman Johnston of Willow Court, Seymour Hill, Dunmurry on the outskirts of south Belfast, is required to spend half the time behind bars and the remainder on supervised licence.",[],{"_163":28805,"_165":28806},"At Craigavon Crown Court last week, a judge described Christopher Johnston (45) as a “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, before sentencing him to 16 months.",[],{"_163":28808,"_165":28809},"A bungling blackmailer came a cropper when a wily pensioner victim asked him to sign a receipt.",[],{"_81":28811,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":28812,"_213":28756,"_223":28813,"_106":28814,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28784,"_218":88,"_232":28814,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lr8c36-chris-johnston-4.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Chris%20Johnston%204.jpg",[28815],"Chris%20Johnston%204.jpg","159940897",{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_163":28817,"_165":28818},"Terrified mum forced to hand over nearly £4,270 in ‘stress’ payments to thug gardener",[],{"_163":28668,"_165":28820},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":383,"_106":384,"_253":10,"_254":385},{"_81":28825,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":28826,"_213":28756,"_223":28813,"_106":28814,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28784,"_218":88,"_232":28814,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/lr8c36-chris-johnston-4.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Chris%20Johnston%204.jpg",[28827],{"_235":2889,"_237":2890,"_239":2889,"_240":2891},{"_250":273,"_106":274,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Blackmailing gardener in Belfast jailed after £3,900 receipt","Terrified mum and wily pensioner expose blackmailer Christopher Johnston after brutal threats and stress payments",194353997,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":28999,"_283":8,"_275":29000,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/psni-chief-constable-signs-letter-calling-for-pm-to-prevent-early-release-of-cop-killers/a/159908157.html",[28995,28996],"PSNI Chief Constable signs letter calling for PM to prevent early release of cop killers",{"_264":28992,"_266":28983,"_267":28836},[28991],[28987,28988,28989,28990],"159908157",{},[],"2026-08-11T20:46:00Z","2026-08-11T20:46:29Z",[28848,28849,28850,28851,28852,28853,28854,28855,28856,28857,28858,28859,28860,28861,28862,28863,28864,28865,28866,28867,28868,28869,28870,28871,28872,28873,28874,28875,28876,28877,28878,28879],{"_140":10,"_141":28847,"_143":10},"e6a4adb5-95bf-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":28985,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":28982,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1611,"_213":28975,"_215":28976,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":28972,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":28969,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":28966,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":28963,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":28960,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":28957,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":28954,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":171,"_212":1611,"_213":28947,"_215":28948,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":28944,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":28941,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":698,"_586":28933,"_588":28934,"_590":-5,"_592":28935,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":28930,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":28927,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":28924,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":28921,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":28918,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":28915,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":28912,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":28909,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":657,"_356":28905,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":28902,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":28899,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":28896,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":28893,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":28890,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":28887,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":28884,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":28881,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":618,"_106":28880,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":28880,"_233":92},"159608758",{"_163":28882,"_165":28883},"“The public should be able to trust that when a court passes sentence for the most serious crimes, victims, public protection and confidence in the justice system remain at the heart of any subsequent decisions about release.”",[],{"_163":28885,"_165":28886},"“We make this request in memory of PC Andrew Harper, in support of his family, friends, colleagues and the communities he served and on behalf of all victims of serious offending.",[],{"_163":28888,"_165":28889},"“This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper’s case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again,” they said.",[],{"_163":28891,"_165":28892},"The Chief Constables said they welcomed his intervention.",[],{"_163":28894,"_165":28895},"He said he intended to hold talks with other parties to seek consensus around the approach to early release.",[],{"_163":28897,"_165":28898},"The letter also acknowledged Mr Burnham’s remarks that he had “pushed every single day in office” for change.",[],{"_163":28900,"_165":28901},"A third demand called on the Government to ensure victims and bereaved families were properly considered when making any changes to these laws.",[],{"_163":28903,"_165":28904},"The signatories also asked the Government to establish an additional public protection safeguard in cases involving the most serious offenders whenever future changes to sentencing or release arrangements are considered.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":28906,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":5623,"_106":28907,"_368":369,"_370":5625,"_232":28908,"_233":92},"rJBE6PRAkOaW","1994619","159895034",{"_163":28910,"_165":28911},"“We recognise that Government must act within the law. Nevertheless, given the significance of this case, it is right that every available lawful avenue is explored,” added the letter.",[],{"_163":28913,"_165":28914},"The letter makes three requests of the government, with the first urging Mr Burnham to ensure those responsible for Mr Harper’s death are not released.",[],{"_163":28916,"_165":28917},"“Victims and bereaved families should be confident that sentences imposed for the most serious offences retain meaning and that public protection remains a central consideration when release decisions are made.”",[],{"_163":28919,"_165":28920},"“Those who serve and protect the public should know that the justice system recognises the risks they take on society’s behalf,” said the police chiefs.",[],{"_163":28922,"_165":28923},"The letter said their concerns extended “far beyond policing” and focused on “all victims and families affected by serious offending sentencing changes”.",[],{"_163":28925,"_165":28926},"City of London Police Commissioner, who led the independent review into the 2023 PSNI data breach, was also a signatory.",[],{"_163":28928,"_165":28929},"The letter was signed by current PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. ",[],{"_163":28931,"_165":28932},"On Tuesday, a letter signed by all UK police chief constables called for the release of Cole and Bowers to be prevented.",[],{"_163":28939,"_165":28940},{"_163":28937,"_165":28938},{"_163":88,"_165":28936},[],"Letter from UK police chief constables",[],"Those who serve and protect the public should know that the justice system recognises the risks they take on society’s behalf",[],{"_163":28942,"_165":28943},"Since taking office, Andy Burnham has made exemptions for those convicted of serious offences, but the provisions do not cover manslaughter.",[],{"_163":28945,"_165":28946},"Introduced under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the scheme changed the law to give it the ability to release some prisoners who have served a third of their sentence.",[],"PC Andrew Harper (28) who was killed in 2019",{"_81":28949,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":28950,"_213":28947,"_223":28951,"_106":28952,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":28953,"_218":88,"_232":28952,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/uk/fehwn3-police-officer-killed-in-sulhamstead/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/5a322f5f-5597-48df-80e0-cbc9eddd9db5",[],"5a322f5f-5597-48df-80e0-cbc9eddd9db5","159873356","BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated family handout file photo issued by Thames Valley Police of 28-year-old PC Andrew Harper. Three teenagers who killed Pc Harper will have their sentences challenged as being ’unduly lenient’ at the Court of Appeal as they also mount their own appeals against their jail terms.",{"_163":28955,"_165":28956},"Long cannot be freed under the scheme as he was given a longer sentence. ",[],{"_163":28958,"_165":28959},"There are now fears Cole and Bowers could be released under the Government’s early release scheme, designed to tackle overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales.",[],{"_163":28961,"_165":28962},"Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers - both minors at the time of the offence - were found guilty of the same charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison.",[],{"_163":28964,"_165":28965},"Henry Long, then 18, pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.",[],{"_163":28967,"_165":28968},"Three teenagers were convicted in relation to Mr Harper’s death.",[],{"_163":28970,"_165":28971},"Thames Valley officer PC Andrew Harper (28) was killed when he was dragged behind a car for more than a mile after attempting to stop the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire, England.",[],{"_163":28973,"_165":28974},"PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is among the signatories of a letter calling on the Prime Minister to prevent the release of two men who killed a police officer in August 2019.",[],"Chief Constable Jon Boutcher",{"_81":28977,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":28978,"_213":28975,"_223":28979,"_106":28980,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":28981,"_218":88,"_232":28980,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/aiy4ji-jon-boutcher/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/042e569a-b350-4566-82d8-73cdcebe312d",[],"042e569a-b350-4566-82d8-73cdcebe312d","158106791","PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher",{"_163":28983,"_165":28984},"Fears killers could be freed under new government plans",[],{"_163":28836,"_165":28986},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":1658,"_106":1659,"_253":10,"_254":1660},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":28993,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":28994,"_213":28975,"_223":28979,"_106":28980,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":28981,"_218":88,"_232":28980,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/news/northern-ireland/aiy4ji-jon-boutcher/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/042e569a-b350-4566-82d8-73cdcebe312d",[],{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":28997,"_106":28998,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Jon Boutcher","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:jon-boutcher","Killers of PC Andrew Harper early release fears: Police chiefs urge Andy Burnham to block plan","Police chiefs warn early release could free PC Andrew Harper’s killers and urge Andy Burnham to act",194312988,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":29105,"_283":8,"_275":29106,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/five-arrests-after-1.1m-drugs-seizure-in-belfast/a/159903398.html",[29104],"Five arrests after £1.1m drugs seizure in Belfast",{"_264":29100,"_266":29091,"_267":29006},[29099],[29095,29096,29097,29098],"159903398",{},[],"2026-08-11T17:31:00Z","2026-08-11T17:32:02Z",[29018,29019,29020,29021,29022,29023,29024,29025,29026,29027,29028,29029,29030,29031,29032,29033,29034,29035,29036,29037],{"_140":10,"_141":29017,"_143":10},"1f564e6d-95a8-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":29093,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":29090,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":29083,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":29080,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":29077,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":29074,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":29071,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":29068,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":29065,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":175,"_356":29064,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29061,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":29058,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29055,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":29052,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":29049,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29046,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29043,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29040,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":29039,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29039,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":669,"_106":29038,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29038,"_233":92},"159874731","159890164",{"_163":29041,"_165":29042},"A man and a woman who were also arrested were released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.",[],{"_163":29044,"_165":29045},"Officers from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch searched two vehicles on July 21, seizing approximately £60,000 worth of suspected Class A controlled drugs, a small quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs, and mobile phones.",[],{"_163":29047,"_165":29048},"A man was charged with drug dealing after three people were arrested following a drugs search on Hopewell Avenue in north Belfast.",[],{"_163":29050,"_165":29051},"The move follows several other searches in the greater Belfast area. ",[],{"_163":29053,"_165":29054},"“I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with any information about suspected drug dealing in their area to call the non-emergency number 101.”",[],{"_163":29056,"_165":29057},"“Anyone tempted to become involved in illegal drugs should be under no illusion; we will seek to identify them, arrest them and place them before the courts. ",[],{"_163":29059,"_165":29060},"“We know that drugs bring harm and control into communities, and only benefit those lining their pockets at the expense of others and the wider community.",[],{"_163":29062,"_165":29063},"Detective Inspector Miskelly said: “Families across Belfast do not want to see the lives of their young people and loved ones blighted by drugs. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":28906,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":5623,"_106":28907,"_368":369,"_370":5625,"_232":28908,"_233":92},{"_163":29066,"_165":29067},"Video from the operation shows officers in a high powered Audi block in another vehicle.",[],{"_163":29069,"_165":29070},"The undercover officers detained two men after boxing in a car in the Eliza Street Close area of the Markets.",[],{"_163":29072,"_165":29073},"The move was part of a police operation tackling drugs criminality in the Greater Belfast area. The operation involved specialist firearms officers.",[],{"_163":29075,"_165":29076},"Five men, aged 26, 27, 33, 34 and 59 have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of Class A and B controlled drugs with intent to supply.",[],{"_163":29078,"_165":29079},"Approximately 14kg of suspected cocaine and a quantity of cannabis were seized during the raids, which took place on Monday and Tuesday.",[],{"_163":29081,"_165":29082},"Police have made five arrests after seizing drugs worth more than £1.1 million in Belfast.",[],{"_81":29084,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29085,"_213":88,"_223":29086,"_106":29087,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29088,"_218":88,"_232":29087,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/aupn0h-drugs-belfast.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Drugs%20Belfast.jpg",[29089],"Drugs%20Belfast.jpg","159903605","The drugs seized during the raid",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":29091,"_165":29092},"Some 14kg in suspected cocaine was discovered during the raid",[],{"_163":29006,"_165":29094},[],{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":29101,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29102,"_213":88,"_223":29086,"_106":29087,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29088,"_218":88,"_232":29087,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/aupn0h-drugs-belfast.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Drugs%20Belfast.jpg",[29103],{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Belfast cocaine and cannabis raid: Five men arrested over £1.1m drugs","Major Belfast drugs raid seizes suspected cocaine and cannabis worth over £1.1m and leads to five arrests",194298836,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":29319,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/home-of-death-driver-who-killed-man-in-hit-and-run-shot-up-by-masked-gunmen/a/159886242.html",[29316,29317,29318],"Home of death driver who killed man in hit-and-run shot up by masked gunmen",{"_264":29313,"_266":29302,"_267":29112},[29312],[29306,29307,29308,29309,29310,29311],{},[],"2026-08-12T05:00:00Z","2026-08-11T16:27:11Z",[29123,29124,29125,29126,29127,29128,29129,29130,29131,29132,29133,29134,29135,29136,29137,29138,29139,29140,29141,29142,29143,29144,29145,29146,29147,29148,29149,29150,29151,29152,29153,29154,29155,29156,29157,29158,29159,29160,29161,29162,29163,29164,29165,29166],{"_140":10,"_141":29122,"_143":10},"a453446f-9587-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":29304,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":29301,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":29300,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":29297,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":29294,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":29291,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":29288,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":29283,"_213":29284,"_215":29285,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":29280,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":29277,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29274,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":29271,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29268,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":698,"_212":-5,"_213":29264,"_215":29265,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":29261,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29258,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29255,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29252,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":29249,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":29246,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":665,"_212":-5,"_213":29242,"_215":29243,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":29239,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":29236,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":29233,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":29230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":29227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":29224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":29221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":29218,"_161":162},{"_155":876,"_157":622,"_356":29212,"_161":878},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":29209,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":29206,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":29203,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":29200,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":29197,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":29194,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":29191,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":29188,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":572,"_212":-5,"_213":29180,"_215":29181,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":29177,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":29174,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":29171,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":29168,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":548,"_106":29167,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29167,"_233":92},"159872607",{"_163":29169,"_165":29170},"Olali has been approached for comment.",[],{"_163":29172,"_165":29173},"“I’d urge anyone with information that could help the police in their investigations to report it, either directly to the PSNI or anonymously via Crimestoppers, and help get those responsible off our streets.”",[],{"_163":29175,"_165":29176},"“People have the right to feel safe in their homes. Thankfully nobody, either in the property or in the vicinity, was injured in this case, but the consequences could very well have been devastating.",[],{"_163":29178,"_165":29179},"“There is absolutely no place for this kind of violence here. Those responsible offer nothing to Lisburn and the people who live here other than distress and disruption.",[],"Alliance MLA David Honeyford condemned the shooting",{"_81":29182,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29183,"_213":29180,"_223":29184,"_106":29185,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29186,"_218":88,"_232":29185,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/dqpjqd-bt-kscott-2025-4405.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_4405.jpg",[29187],"bt_kscott_2025_4405.jpg","151120900","david Honeyford",{"_235":2443,"_237":2444,"_239":2443,"_240":2445},{"_163":29189,"_165":29190},"Alliance MLA David Honeyford said the shooting was “nothing short of shocking and appalling”.",[],{"_163":29192,"_165":29193},"When asked if police were linking the shooting to the weekend brawl, a spokesperson said: “The investigation is at an early stage and a number of lines of enquiry are being followed”.",[],{"_163":29195,"_165":29196},"“We are working to establish a motive for the attack and are asking anyone who may have information, or relevant dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist with our enquiries, to contact us in Lisburn on 101”.",[],{"_163":29198,"_165":29199},"“The shots were fired at the front door and an upstairs window causing damage but thankfully, those present in the property at the time were uninjured. A car parked at the house was also damaged during the incident.",[],{"_163":29201,"_165":29202},"PSNI Detective Inspector Lewis said: “We received a report that a number of shots had been fired at the house shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday morning.",[],{"_163":29204,"_165":29205},"A woman is also knocked to the ground during the confrontation and is seen being helped up from the road.",[],{"_163":29207,"_165":29208},"During the fracas, involving around a dozen people, Olali is heard saying to one man, “You’ll shoot me?”",[],{"_163":29210,"_165":29211},"Footage shows Olali involved in a confrontation, during which threats are made.",[],{"_85":878,"_359":29213,"_361":880,"_212":88,"_363":880,"_213":88,"_365":29214,"_106":29215,"_368":369,"_370":29216,"_232":29217,"_233":92},"kDAJF_jDxGyg","00:15:33","1964435","15:33","159463757",{"_163":29219,"_165":29220},"There is no suggestion the shooting is linked to the hit-and-run. Police are instead investigating links to a street clash at the weekend that was captured on camera by bystanders.",[],{"_163":29222,"_165":29223},"The judge then turned to the sentencing of Olali and his co-accused saying: “This case will be one of those cases that will undoubtedly be, when there is a resumption, absolutely and utterly prioritised to bring finality to it.”",[],{"_163":29225,"_165":29226},"Judge Rafferty agreed to extend Olali’s curfew to midnight, but he refused a bid to remove the tag.",[],{"_163":29228,"_165":29229},"The solicitor replied that Olali felt like it “restricted him”, especially when he was training.",[],{"_163":29231,"_165":29232},"Judge Rafferty queried why the tag was such an issue for Olali, asking: “Does he just not like it?”",[],{"_163":29234,"_165":29235},"The defence solicitor also spoke of Olali’s business and “settled family lifestyle”, adding that his client “was never a risk of flight”.",[],{"_163":29237,"_165":29238},"He told Judge Rafferty that since Olali was placed on bail last September, his client’s behaviour has been “impeccable” and that he has been “occupying his time very productively”.",[],{"_163":29240,"_165":29241},"Addressing these concerns, his solicitor said Olali had “attended every single court appearance he has been asked to attend”.",[],"Martin Sean Olali junior",{"_81":26819,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29244,"_213":29242,"_223":26821,"_106":26822,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26823,"_218":88,"_232":26822,"_233":92},[29245],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":29247,"_165":29248},"Whilst acknowledging that Olali had pleaded guilty to offences arising from the fatal incident, they said efforts were made at the time of the fatal crash to avoid detection.",[],{"_163":29250,"_165":29251},"Opposing the removal of the tag, the prosecution cited concerns of a risk of flight.",[],{"_163":29253,"_165":29254},"In June, Olali was granted a bail variation to extend his curfew from 10pm to midnight and asked that his tag be removed.",[],{"_163":29256,"_165":29257},"He admitted charges including causing Mr Boyle’s death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident on February 5, 2021.",[],{"_163":29259,"_165":29260},"The case had been delayed due to the now-resolved barristers’ strike but is now listed for September 10, a year after Olali entered guilty pleas at Belfast Crown Court.",[],{"_163":29262,"_165":29263},"Olali (26), from Breton Court in Lisburn, was due to be sentenced for a number of offences, including causing Mr Boyle’s death by careless driving, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident and using a vehicle with no insurance. ",[],"Richard Boyle who died in a car accident when he was out walking his dog Junior in west Belfast in February 2021",{"_81":26784,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29266,"_213":29264,"_223":26786,"_106":26787,"_226":227,"_228":26781,"_230":26788,"_218":88,"_232":26787,"_233":92},[29267],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":29269,"_165":29270},"Both Mr Boyle and his pet died from the injuries they sustained in the hit-and-run.",[],{"_163":29272,"_165":29273},"Olali is on bail awaiting sentencing in relation to the death of west Belfast man Richard Boyle. The 42-year-old was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road on February 5, 2021, when he was struck by a car.",[],{"_163":29275,"_165":29276},"A local MLA said the shooting was “shocking and appalling”.",[],{"_163":29278,"_165":29279},"They walk to the property before one man opens fire, while a second man smashes the back window of a car. The gun appears to jam. The two men then make their way back to the vehicle before speeding off from the scene.",[],{"_163":29281,"_165":29282},"CCTV of the incident obtained by the Belfast Telegraph shows a BMW car pull up and two masked men wearing tracksuits get out. ",[],"Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph.","Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Breton Court area of Lisburn",{"_81":26855,"_212":29283,"_220":395,"_97":29286,"_213":29284,"_223":26857,"_106":26858,"_226":227,"_228":6944,"_230":26853,"_218":88,"_232":26858,"_233":92},[29287],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_163":29289,"_165":29290},"Shots had been fired through the windows of the house, with damage also caused to a car parked in the driveway. ",[],{"_163":29292,"_165":29293},"Police were called to the scene in the Breton Court area of the city shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday. ",[],{"_163":29295,"_165":29296},"Shots were fired during the overnight incident at the Lisburn home of Martin Olali junior. ",[],{"_163":29298,"_165":29299},"A gun attack at the home of a man awaiting sentencing over a fatal hit-and-run has been linked to a fight in Belfast.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":28906,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":5623,"_106":28907,"_368":369,"_370":5625,"_232":28908,"_233":92},{"_163":29302,"_165":29303},"‘Shocking’ attack linked to street brawl in Belfast city centre days earlier ",[],{"_163":29112,"_165":29305},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":5499,"_106":5500,"_253":10,"_254":5501},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":3163,"_106":3164,"_253":10,"_254":3165},{"_235":25362,"_237":25363,"_240":25364},{"_81":28328,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29314,"_213":88,"_223":28330,"_106":28331,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":28332,"_218":88,"_232":28331,"_233":92},[29315],{"_235":3185,"_237":3186,"_239":3185,"_240":3187},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},{"_250":1163,"_106":2911,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1676,"_106":1677,"_275":-5,"_276":277},"Martin Olali Jr: Lisburn home of death driver shot up by masked gunmen",194297451,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":29439,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/van-driver-stopped-with-drugs-worth-220000-at-ni-port-claimed-he-was-transporting-a-hot-tub/a/159899590.html",[29438],"Van driver stopped with drugs worth £220,000 at NI port claimed he was transporting a hot tub",{"_264":29434,"_266":29424,"_267":29325},[29433],[29428,29429,29430,29431,29432],"159899590",{},[],"2026-08-11T16:20:00Z","2026-08-11T16:21:05Z",[29337,29338,29339,29340,29341,29342,29343,29344,29345,29346,29347,29348,29349,29350,29351,29352,29353,29354,29355,29356,29357],{"_140":10,"_141":29336,"_143":10},"665020c4-959c-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":29426,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":29423,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":29416,"_215":29417,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":29413,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":29410,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":29407,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":29404,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":29401,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":179,"_212":-5,"_213":29394,"_215":29395,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":29391,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29388,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":29385,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29382,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":29379,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":29376,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29373,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29370,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29367,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":29364,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":29361,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":29358,"_161":162},{"_163":29359,"_165":29360},"“We continue to work round the clock to pursue criminality, protect the UK’s borders and keep these dangerous drugs off our streets.”",[],{"_163":29362,"_165":29363},"“These drugs destroy lives, inflicts misery on our communities and fuels further offending.",[],{"_163":29365,"_165":29366},"John-Jo Oldham, Assistant Director, Border Force Northern Ireland said: “This expert interception demonstrates that Border Force is relentless in combatting drug smuggling.",[],{"_163":29368,"_165":29369},"“The NCA will continue to do all we can to stop drugs being smuggled into Northern Ireland and across the border.”",[],{"_163":29371,"_165":29372},"“We are grateful to our partners at Border Force who discovered these drugs. ",[],{"_163":29374,"_165":29375},"“He denied any knowledge of these drugs but our investigation showed he had likely been involved in a number of previous smuggling runs and his account at interview lacked credibility.",[],{"_163":29377,"_165":29378},"NCA Branch Commander David Cunningham said: “Paulius Andrulis went to great lengths to hide this haul of drugs in his van, with a specialist hide running the length of the roof.",[],{"_163":29380,"_165":29381},"The defendant entered a guilty plea to the offence at Laganside Crown Court on June 29 and was sentenced to two years and two months in prison on Tuesday August 11.",[],{"_163":29383,"_165":29384},"Andrulis denied any knowledge of drugs and said he had been asked to make the delivery by a man he knew as ‘Sprite’.",[],{"_163":29386,"_165":29387},"During police interview, he claimed he was asked to drop the van at the address in the Republic of Ireland and that he had been told it would be returned to him later with the hot tub removed.",[],{"_163":29389,"_165":29390},"Andrulis was arrested the following day on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply.",[],{"_163":29392,"_165":29393},"The hide ran the length of the roof of the van, with access through the top of the van’s rear doors.",[],"Paulius Andrulis (37) has been handed a prison sentence",{"_81":29396,"_212":88,"_220":221,"_97":29397,"_213":29394,"_223":29398,"_106":29399,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":29399,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/wm86pk-e8fc440aca69422f8719034681d7cb9f.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/e8fc440aca69422f8719034681d7cb9f.jpg",[29400],"e8fc440aca69422f8719034681d7cb9f.jpg","159900187",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":29402,"_165":29403},"Following a search of Andrulis’ vehicle, a purpose-built hide was discovered in the roof containing 27.5kg of herbal cannabis, a class B drug.",[],{"_163":29405,"_165":29406},"When Border Force officers questioned the Lithuanian national about his movements, he told them he was delivering a hot tub to an address in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.",[],{"_163":29408,"_165":29409},"The 37-year-old was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers at Belfast Port on June 15 2025 after arriving on a sailing from Cairnryan in Scotland.",[],{"_163":29411,"_165":29412},"Paulius Andrulis was sentenced to more than two years in prison following a hearing at Laganside Crown Court on Tuesday.",[],{"_163":29414,"_165":29415},"A van driver who was caught with a cannabis haul worth £220,000 at a Northern Ireland port told police he was transporting a hot tub, a court has heard.",[],"Paulius Andrulis and the haul ",{"_81":29418,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29419,"_213":29416,"_223":29420,"_106":29421,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29416,"_218":88,"_232":29421,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ilda0e-file8745eifas5s1n3h8zckq/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/bt_kscott_2025_6559.JPG",[29422],"bt_kscott_2025_6559.JPG","159900248",{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_163":29424,"_165":29425},"The driver has been jailed for more than two years",[],{"_163":29325,"_165":29427},[],{"_250":259,"_106":260,"_253":8,"_254":261},{"_250":760,"_106":761,"_253":10,"_254":762},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_240":524},{"_81":29435,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29436,"_213":29416,"_223":29420,"_106":29421,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29416,"_218":88,"_232":29421,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ilda0e-file8745eifas5s1n3h8zckq/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_6559.JPG",[29437],{"_235":522,"_237":523,"_239":522,"_240":524},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Paulius Andrulis: Van driver stopped with drugs worth £220,000 at NI port claimed he was transporting a hot tub",194241101,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/inside-daniel-kinahans-prison-regime-from-sharing-a-wing-with-a-child-killer-to-spending-20-hours-a-day-in-his-cell/a/159879404.html",[29628,29629],"Inside Daniel Kinahan’s prison regime – from sharing a wing with a child-killer to spending 20 hours a day in his cell ",{"_264":29623,"_266":29605,"_267":29445},[29612,29613,29614],[29609,29610,29611],{},[],"2026-08-11T11:58:48Z","2026-08-11T11:59:04Z",[29456,29457,29458,29459,29460,29461,29462,29463,29464,29465,29466,29467,29468,29469,29470,29471,29472,29473,29474,29475,29476,29477,29478,29479,29480,29481,29482,29483,29484,29485,29486,29487,29488,29489,29490,29491,29492],{"_140":10,"_141":29455,"_143":10},"a33129b2-957b-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":29607,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":29604,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":29598,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":29595,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":29592,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":29589,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":29586,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":183,"_212":29574,"_213":29575,"_215":29576,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":328,"_157":179,"_106":25328,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25328,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":175,"_106":29573,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29573,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29570,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":29567,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29564,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":29561,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":694,"_586":29554,"_588":29555,"_590":-5,"_592":29556,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29551,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29548,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29545,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":29542,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":29539,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":29536,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":29533,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":29530,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":29527,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":29524,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":29521,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":29518,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":29515,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":29512,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":29509,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":1007,"_356":29505,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":29502,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":29499,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":29496,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":29493,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":585,"_106":25233,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25233,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":580,"_106":25234,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25234,"_233":92},{"_163":29494,"_165":29495},"Moore had been so terrified, he later refused to testify at the Special Criminal Court and the Fitzsimonses, along with Jason and Brandon Hennessy, pleaded guilty to lesser charges of assault causing harm. ",[],{"_163":29497,"_165":29498},"Moore was branded with the word “rat” on his forehead and body as well as being slashed and beaten with a metal bar, which was used to break his elbow. The prolonged attack in a shed at the back of the Hennessy home continued with Moore being water-boarded and being threatened with having his ears cut off. ",[],{"_163":29500,"_165":29501},"Along with the Hennessy brothers Jason, Devon and Brandon, they accused Barry Moore of leaking information to a rival gang. ",[],{"_163":29503,"_165":29504},"Father and son Kenneth and Dean Fitzsimons are also serving their time on the A4 landing for their roles in the torture of a man in Blanchardstown, Dublin, in February 2025. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":29506,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":9109,"_106":29507,"_368":369,"_370":9111,"_232":29508,"_233":92},"TxYMsZjAFaeQ","1989448","159811294",{"_163":29510,"_165":29511},"Kinahan will have access to his legal team and screened visits and video calls with family and friends. ",[],{"_163":29513,"_165":29514},"The vast majority of his days will be spent in his cell on A Block, where he will spend around 20 hours a day. He will get about an hour in the exercise yard alone. The rest of the time, he will have access to what is reported to be a small gym and a “library”. ",[],{"_163":29516,"_165":29517},"Between that afternoon meal and breakfast the next day, Kinahan will be relying on snacks he can buy from the tuck shop to keep him going. ",[],{"_163":29519,"_165":29520},"Breakfast is at 8am, then there is a main meal at 12.30pm and a “tea” at 4.30pm. ",[],{"_163":29522,"_165":29523},"Like Al Awir Central Prison on the outskirts of Dubai, where it was reported Kinahan was held and where he made efforts to prevent his extradition, meal times are set and there are protocols in place for recreation and exercise. ",[],{"_163":29525,"_165":29526},"And while a massive security scenario surrounded his transport to and from the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin, it will be business as usual behind bars in the prison, which was more used to incarcerating terrorists before organised crime gangs rose to prominence and political prisoner numbers dwindled following the peace process. ",[],{"_163":29528,"_165":29529},"Kinahan’s daily prison regime in Portlaoise is likely to be similar to that of the jail he was reportedly held at in Dubai after his arrest in April, but keeping him segregated while still providing him with his right to recreation and exercise will be a challenge in the overcrowded environment. ",[],{"_163":29531,"_165":29532},"Eleven inmates in the maximum security prison are now sleeping on mattresses on the floors of cells. ",[],{"_163":29534,"_165":29535},"Portlaoise Prison is currently running at 120pc of capacity and the overcrowding is putting a strain on the Irish Prison Service. ",[],{"_163":29537,"_165":29538},"He will be able to wear his own clothes while in Portlaoise. The clothing will be searched and inspected before being delivered to him. ",[],{"_163":29540,"_165":29541},"On Sunday night, Kinahan was clothed in prison attire, until family or friends could send him three sets of his own clothes. ",[],{"_163":29543,"_165":29544},"Mazidi looks after the launderette on the landing, sources said. ",[],{"_163":29546,"_165":29547},"Other A4 inmates are Iranian national Ali Mazidi and Raul Tabares from Spain, who are awaiting trial over an alleged cocaine smuggling plot in which an attempt was made to land €58m worth of the drug at Tragumna Pier in Cork in March 2024. ",[],{"_163":29549,"_165":29550},"Nathan McDonnell, who is serving his 12-year sentence for a plot to send €32m of crystal meth to Australia hidden in machinery, is also on the landing. ",[],{"_163":29552,"_165":29553},"The triple killer murdered his younger siblings, 18-year-old sister Lisa Cash and eight-year-old twins Christy and Chelsea Cawley, in Dublin in 2022. ",[],{"_163":29559,"_165":29560},{"_163":88,"_165":29558},{"_163":88,"_165":29557},[],[],"He will get about an hour in the exercise yard alone",[],{"_163":29562,"_165":29563},"Kinahan will not be able to share pleasantries with his neighbours, but he is likely to hear Andy Cash (27), who sings every night in his cell, sources said. ",[],{"_163":29565,"_165":29566},"While some of the prisoners are at risk from attack, others are the ones the authorities believe are a danger to other prisoners. ",[],{"_163":29568,"_165":29569},"His fellow inmates on the landing are either awaiting trial or deemed not suitable to mix with other inmates as they serve their sentences. ",[],{"_163":29571,"_165":29572},"Kinahan, who claimed to be looking forward to his return to Ireland, will be kept separate from other inmates in prison until his trial process is over. ",[],"159804878","Colin Keegan","An armed garda at Portlaoise Prison as the convoy carrying Daniel Kinahan arrived ",{"_81":29577,"_212":29574,"_220":395,"_97":29578,"_213":29575,"_223":29579,"_106":29580,"_226":227,"_228":29574,"_230":29581,"_218":88,"_232":29580,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/e2ityg-file87389e4rmtu1f0wratn8/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/CC_KINAHAN_PRISON12.jpg",[29582],"CC_KINAHAN_PRISON12.jpg","159811061","09/08/'26 Armed Gardai as The convoy carrying Daniel Kinahin arrives at Portlaoise Prison tonight.. .....Picture Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.",{"_235":29583,"_237":29584,"_239":29583,"_240":29585},"denise.calnan@independent.ie","Calnan","Denise",{"_163":29587,"_165":29588},"His neighbours in the prison include members of the Hennessy gang, alleged cocaine smugglers, former businessman Nathan McDonnell and child-killer Andy Cash.",[],{"_163":29590,"_165":29591},"The Dublin man will have to adjust to his new life for the foreseeable future on the A4 landing in Portlaoise Prison’s A wing. ",[],{"_163":29593,"_165":29594},"Kinahan is in custody awaiting trial after being charged at the Special Criminal Court with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.",[],{"_163":29596,"_165":29597},"Daniel Kinahan has been placed on the same wing as a child-killer and a meth smuggler in Portlaoise Prison.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":29599,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":29600,"_106":29601,"_368":369,"_370":29602,"_232":29603,"_233":92},"nDYFv_zRibyW","00:19:35","1992180","19:35","159856284",{"_163":29605,"_165":29606},"Alleged crime boss housed in A wing at Portlaoise with Andy Cash and meth smuggler Nathan McDonnell",[],{"_163":29445,"_165":29608},[],{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":8,"_254":1657},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":29620,"_237":29621,"_240":29622},{"_235":29618,"_237":29619,"_240":19251},{"_235":29615,"_237":29616,"_240":29617},"robin.schiller@independent.ie","Schiller","Robin","conor.feehan@independent.ie","Feehan","eamon.dillon@sundayworld.com","Dillon","Eamon",{"_81":29624,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29625,"_213":88,"_223":29626,"_106":29627,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":29627,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/i07dgf-359.jpeg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/63fe1f64-9682-448e-8384-4d7c6ddc44aa",[],"63fe1f64-9682-448e-8384-4d7c6ddc44aa","159856283",{"_250":29630,"_106":29631,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":25376,"_106":25377,"_275":25378,"_276":280},"Kinahan Cartel","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:kinahan-cartel",194183348,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":10,"_275":-5,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/crime/informants-could-claim-5m-daniel-kinahan-bounty-us-law-enforcement-official-says-as-alleged-crime-boss-charged/a/159857348.html",[29828,29829],"Informants could claim $5m Daniel Kinahan bounty, US law enforcement official says, as alleged crime boss charged",{"_264":29823,"_266":29812,"_267":29637},[29819,29820],[29816,29817,29818],{},[],"2026-08-10T20:37:23Z",[29647,29648,29649,29650,29651,29652,29653,29654,29655,29656,29657,29658,29659,29660,29661,29662,29663,29664,29665,29666,29667,29668,29669,29670,29671,29672,29673,29674,29675,29676,29677,29678,29679,29680,29681,29682,29683,29684,29685,29686,29687,29688,29689],{"_140":10,"_141":29646,"_143":10},"0a9b7be8-94fb-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":29814,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":29811,"_161":374},{"_155":355,"_157":211,"_356":29810,"_161":217},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":29807,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":29804,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":29801,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":29798,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":29795,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":29792,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":29789,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29786,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":167,"_212":2094,"_213":29779,"_215":29780,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29776,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":29773,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":29770,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29767,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29764,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29761,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":29758,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":29755,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":29752,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":29749,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":29746,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":29743,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":29740,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":29737,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":29734,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":29731,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":29728,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":29725,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":29722,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":29719,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":29715,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":29712,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":29709,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":29706,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":29703,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":29700,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":29697,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":29694,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":29691,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":552,"_106":25233,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":25233,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":548,"_106":29690,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29690,"_233":92},"159791780",{"_163":29692,"_165":29693},"“Our view at the time was, ‘This is only the beginning’.”",[],{"_163":29695,"_165":29696},"“I can remember when that was being reported. There was the chief in the north inner city, and we met with senior detectives, people that had been in and around the north inner city all of their lives. They knew both sides of this feud. ",[],{"_163":29698,"_165":29699},"“When we look at the first murder that prompted this to happen, the murder of Gareth Hutch, he was part of the inner sanctum of the Kinahans.",[],{"_163":29701,"_165":29702},"“In 2016, we had 11 murders associated with this. It was outrageous. It was an attack on the state. So everybody has an interest in this.”",[],{"_163":29704,"_165":29705},"“For me, I think about the families of those who died, those who were murdered, daily murders over that period.",[],{"_163":29707,"_165":29708},"On the importance of Kinahan’s extradition, he said: “It’s a big day. An Garda Síochána have worked really, really well in relation to this. The Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, they’ve all played a part in this.",[],{"_163":29710,"_165":29711},"“Fom a gardaí perspective, we need to maintain our perspective in relation to this, and we need to remain professional, which I know they will.”",[],{"_163":29713,"_165":29714},"“What we have to accept is that the places that they were using for safety away from Ireland, that net has closed quite considerably now.",[],{"_163":29716,"_165":29717},"Also speaking on Today with Clare Brock, former assistant commissioner Pat Leahy, who was chief superintendent at the time of the Regency Hotel attack, said: “It would be relatively easy to replace him with somebody internal at the moment. ",[29718],{"_85":2073,"_157":681,"_194":661,"_196":-5},{"_163":29720,"_165":29721},"A former chief superintendent in Dublin’s north inner city has said it would be “relatively easy” for a figure to replace Daniel Kinahan.",[],{"_163":29723,"_165":29724},"Over the following days, he spent time between mainland Europe and Ireland before moving to the UAE.",[],{"_163":29726,"_165":29727},"In February 2016, gunmen stormed the Regency Hotel in Dublin in an attempt to murder Kinahan, but he managed to escape. His friend and associate David Byrne was shot dead.",[],{"_163":29729,"_165":29730},"The alleged period of offending occurred during the Hutch-Kinahan feud – a criminal dispute that led to 18 murders over three years.",[],{"_163":29732,"_165":29733},"His court appearance marks the most significant organised-crime charge brought before the Irish courts.",[],{"_163":29735,"_165":29736},"Following his appearance, Kinahan was escorted from court by armed gardaí and transported to the high-security Portlaoise Prison.",[],{"_163":29738,"_165":29739},"Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, presiding, remanded Kinahan in custody to appear before the court again on October 5.",[],{"_163":29741,"_165":29742},"When this was explained to him, Kinahan replied: “I think we know I won’t be getting bail, but thank you so much for explaining that.”",[],{"_163":29744,"_165":29745},"Kinahan, who did not have legal representation, was unable to apply for bail as, on a charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation, this can only be granted by the High Court. ",[],{"_163":29747,"_165":29748},"The offence, contrary to Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on conviction.",[],{"_163":29750,"_165":29751},"He faces a single charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18, 2015 and April 6, 2017.",[],{"_163":29753,"_165":29754},"Kinahan – originally from the Oliver Bond flat complex in Dublin 8, but a resident of Dubai for the last 10 years – appeared before the court at 8.10pm.",[],{"_163":29756,"_165":29757},"There were numerous onlookers, with the crowd swelling to over 100 people by the time the convoy transporting Kinahan had arrived.",[],{"_163":29759,"_165":29760},"Armed gardaí closed down the roads surrounding the court entrance immediately before the convoy arrived, while the garda helicopter provided cover overhead.",[],{"_163":29762,"_165":29763},"A significant armed convoy led by members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), who specialise in close protection, escorted Kinahan across the city to the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) in Parkgate Street on Sunday.",[],{"_163":29765,"_165":29766},"“I have to say, John O’Driscoll made an impassioned plea,” Mr Gatjanis said. “He explained the growth of the organisation, but mostly what had the most lasting impression on me was when he was explaining how the violence of the Kinahan organisation expanded and exploded across Ireland.”",[],{"_163":29768,"_165":29769},"He also paid tribute to late former assistant garda commissioner John O’Driscoll, who died in 2024.",[],{"_163":29771,"_165":29772},"Mr Gatjanis said Kinahan’s arrest “sends a really powerful message to other criminals who are taking shelter in the UAE”. ",[],{"_163":29774,"_165":29775},"“I’m not saying that this is what happened with the Kinahans. This is the kind of information that could come forward. Some of the most important information will be bank information, the accounts where money is held.”",[],{"_163":29777,"_165":29778},"“The kind of information that we see come forward could be anything from evidence of additional crimes that were unknown up to that point, which could include murders, money laundering, drug trafficking, even planned murders,” Mr Gatjanis said.",[],"A poster issued in April 2022 by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs offering a reward of $5m for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Daniel Kinahan",{"_81":29781,"_212":2094,"_220":395,"_97":29782,"_213":29779,"_223":29783,"_106":29784,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":29785,"_218":88,"_232":29784,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/world-news/mn0oj-kinahan-crime-gang/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/49aebb8d-f5c7-4038-b459-50abe117cb32",[],"49aebb8d-f5c7-4038-b459-50abe117cb32","159402328","Handout issued by Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, a US state department, of a poster issued in April 2022 offering a reward of $5million for the arrest and/or conviction of Daniel Kinahan. Kinahan is being sought by Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) for his part in the Kinahan organised crime group. Issue date: Tuesday April 12, 2022.",{"_163":29787,"_165":29788},"The Office of Foreign Assets Control previously said it was prioritising the pursuit of the Kinahans in the same manner as it was the Camorra, Yakuza and Izmaylovskaya mafia groups.",[],{"_163":29790,"_165":29791},"He added that it can be very hard for the targets of such rewards to trust anyone around them.",[],{"_163":29793,"_165":29794},"“That kind of money can draw people out of hiding and it could be an opportunity for potential retribution against criminal leaders.”",[],{"_163":29796,"_165":29797},"Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Today with Claire Brock, Greg Gatjanis, former associate director of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control, said rewards for crime figures such as Kinahan can attract an array of informants.",[],{"_163":29799,"_165":29800},"In 2022, US authorities announced a reward of up to $5m for information leading to the disruption of the Kinahan organised crime group, or to the arrest and conviction of Daniel Kinahan, his father Christopher Sr and his brother Christopher Jr.",[],{"_163":29802,"_165":29803},"The alleged crime boss was brought before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Sunday evening amid a large security operation.",[],{"_163":29805,"_165":29806},"On Sunday, Kinahan (49) arrived back in Dublin after he was flown in the Irish government jet from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he had been held in prison on remand since he was detained in April.",[],{"_163":29808,"_165":29809},"Informants or gang members fearing for their lives could come forward to claim the $5m (€4.33m) bounty placed on Daniel Kinahan by US authorities, a former senior US law enforcement official has said.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":29506,"_361":747,"_212":88,"_363":746,"_213":88,"_365":9109,"_106":29507,"_368":369,"_370":9111,"_232":29508,"_233":92},{"_163":29812,"_165":29813},"Kinahan was brought before the Special Criminal Court on Sunday charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation",[],{"_163":29637,"_165":29815},[],{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":8,"_254":2473},{"_250":1655,"_106":1656,"_253":10,"_254":1657},{"_250":1486,"_106":1487,"_253":10,"_254":1488},{"_235":29821,"_237":29822,"_240":1939},{"_235":29615,"_237":29616,"_240":29617},"Sarah.OMahony@independent.ie","O'Mahony",{"_81":29824,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29825,"_213":88,"_223":29826,"_106":29827,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":29827,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.independent.ie/public/incoming/et51ax-981.jpeg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/8138f1a6-1b46-4e94-b883-5ef85d21119a",[],"8138f1a6-1b46-4e94-b883-5ef85d21119a","159811291",{"_250":29630,"_106":29631,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":25376,"_106":25377,"_275":25378,"_276":280},194125758,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":30035,"_283":10,"_275":30036,"_285":10,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/pensioner-bomb-maker-mooch-blair-feared-back-in-deadly-business-after-new-ira-device-seized/a/159829319.html",[30031,30032],"Pensioner bomb-maker ‘Mooch’ Blair feared back in deadly business after New IRA device seized",{"_264":30028,"_266":30021,"_267":29835},[],[30025,30026,30027],"159829319",{},[],"2026-08-10T12:19:48Z","2026-08-10T12:20:13Z",[29847,29848,29849,29850,29851,29852,29853,29854,29855,29856,29857,29858,29859,29860,29861,29862,29863,29864,29865,29866,29867,29868,29869,29870,29871,29872,29873,29874,29875,29876,29877,29878,29879,29880,29881,29882,29883,29884,29885,29886,29887],{"_140":10,"_141":29846,"_143":10},"a3ce1eca-94b2-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30023,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":30020,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":30013,"_215":30014,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30010,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":30007,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30004,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":30001,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":29998,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":29995,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":29992,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":29989,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":29986,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":29983,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":29980,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":694,"_212":-5,"_213":29972,"_215":29973,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":29969,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":29966,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":29963,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":29960,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":29957,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":29954,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":29951,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":29948,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":29945,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":29942,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":646,"_212":-5,"_213":29934,"_215":29935,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":29931,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":29928,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":29925,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":29922,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":29919,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":29916,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":614,"_212":-5,"_213":29908,"_215":29909,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":29905,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":29902,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":29899,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":29896,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":29893,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":572,"_159":29890,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":568,"_106":29889,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29889,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":564,"_106":29888,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29888,"_233":92},"159819057","159830153",{"_163":29891,"_165":29892},"“Mooch got on the terror train 40 years ago and there’s still no sign of him getting off.”",[],{"_163":29894,"_165":29895},"“In four decades, Blair has been linked to at least four violent republican groups. And he appears to be still totally committed to violence.",[],{"_163":29897,"_165":29898},"Yesterday a well-placed security force source told us: “As far as ‘Mooch’ Blair is concerned, you can rule nothing out.",[],{"_163":29900,"_165":29901},"In 2011, Blair attended the Smithwick’s Tribunal in Dublin, after agreeing to give evidence. He denied involvement in the Breen and Buchanan murders and he also denied manufacturing the bomb which claimed 29 lives in Omagh in 1998.",[],{"_163":29903,"_165":29904},"It was this evidence which the then MP Jeffrey Donaldson relied on to name Blair in the House of Commons, as a suspect in the manufacture of the Omagh bomb.",[],{"_163":29906,"_165":29907},"Keeley later told his handlers and later this newspaper that Blair smelt strongly of agricultural fertilizer and he believed Blair had recently been involved in bomb-building.",[],"The bullet-riddled car where the IRA killed senior RUC officers Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan on the border in 1989",{"_81":29910,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29911,"_213":29908,"_223":29912,"_106":29913,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29914,"_218":88,"_232":29913,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/xw13rp-breen-murder-scene-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/BREEN%20MURDER%20SCENE%201.jpg",[29915],"BREEN%20MURDER%20SCENE%201.jpg","159654448","PACEMAKER BELFAST THE BULLET RIDDLED CAVALIER CAR BELONGING TO SENIOR RUC OFFICERS HARRY BREEN AND BOB BUCHANNON MURDERED IN AN IRA AMBUSH IN JONESBOROUGH 21/3/89",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":29917,"_165":29918},"In the hours before the Omagh bomb atrocity, ‘Mooch’ Blair had a chance meeting with undercover British Military Intelligence agent Peter Keeley, aka Kevin Fulton, in the car park of a pub on the outskirts of Dundalk.",[],{"_163":29920,"_165":29921},"They were making their way back across the border following a meeting with senior Garda officers in Dundalk when they were shot dead.",[],{"_163":29923,"_165":29924},"‘Mooch’ Blair also remains a suspected member of the IRA murder gang which claimed the lives of two senior RUC men. Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan were killed in an ambush three years later.",[],{"_163":29926,"_165":29927},"Sources claim that Blair high-tailed it across the border to Dundalk, where he remained for several years, but continued to involve himself in many IRA cross-border operations.",[],{"_163":29929,"_165":29930},"Sergeant Kilpatrick was still alive, but he died in Daisyhill Hospital a short time later. The gunmen escaped in a Ford Granada, which was later found abandoned.",[],{"_163":29932,"_165":29933},"Before fleeing, one of the gunmen threw a grenade into the vehicle, but it failed to explode.",[],"Constable Karl Blackbourne was one of three RUC officers shot dead by ‘Mooch’ Blair in Newry in 1986",{"_81":29936,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29937,"_213":29934,"_223":29938,"_106":29939,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29940,"_218":88,"_232":29939,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/c3qupe-js4033682constable-karl-ch.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/JS4033682%40Constable%20Karl%20Ch.jpg",[29941],"JS4033682%40Constable%20Karl%20Ch.jpg","159654913","Constable Karl Christopher Blackbourne shot dead by IRA in Newry 26/07/86.",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":29943,"_165":29944},"The IRA men fired six shots into the vehicle, instantly killing 19-year-old Constable Karl Blackbourne and 37-year-old Charlie Allen, a married father of two.",[],{"_163":29946,"_165":29947},"A short time later, two men dressed as butchers in white coats and trilby hats crossed the dual carriageway from the now demolished North Street flats. One of them - alleged to have been Blair - grabbed the door and pulled it wide open.",[],{"_163":29949,"_165":29950},"It is believed that over a course of a number of weeks, IRA spotters had watched previous police patrols park at the same spot.",[],{"_163":29952,"_165":29953},"Peter Kilpatrick, a 27-year-old sergeant who was married with one child, was a smoker. And when the vehicle came to a stop, he opened the passenger door to let smoke from his cigarette escape.",[],{"_163":29955,"_165":29956},"‘Mooch’ is still suspected of being one of three Provisional IRA gunmen who shot dead three police officers in Newry 40 years ago. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when a Blue Ford Cortina containing three officers pulled up at Market Street in the town centre.",[],{"_163":29958,"_165":29959},"And in a grotesque twist, investigators further believe that two weeks ago, Blair may have even been planning an anniversary hit to mark his first foray into multiple murder 40 years ago.",[],{"_163":29961,"_165":29962},"But Blair’s commitment to the British army was simply a means to an end. It prepared him for a life-long career in the Provisional IRA and other republican terror groups.",[],{"_163":29964,"_165":29965},"In a highly unusual move for someone from Newry’s Derrybeg estate, Blair kicked off his terror career in the 1970s when he joined the British Territorial Army, where he received top-grade training in weapons and explosives.",[],{"_163":29967,"_165":29968},"Records suggest ‘Mooch’ Blair has a five-decade involvement in republican terrorism and violence, due to his membership of at least four paramilitary organisations, including the Real IRA.",[],{"_163":29970,"_165":29971},"And later the men pleaded guilty in court to a range of terror charges, including supplying weapons and explosive training, attempting to procure explosive materials, and targeting police officers and a senior prison governor for assassination. He was sentenced to five years in jail in 2020.",[],"Heavily armed cops storm the bungalow in Newry where ‘Mooch’ Blair was among seven dissidents arrested",{"_81":29974,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":29975,"_213":29972,"_223":29976,"_106":29977,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":29978,"_218":88,"_232":29977,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/yk7iic-93036021.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/93036021.jpg",[29979],"93036021.jpg","159653636","Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch investigating violent dissident republican activity detained a number of men at a house in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry",{"_235":842,"_237":843,"_239":842,"_240":844},{"_163":29981,"_165":29982},"All of them were linked to the Continuity IRA. It was also alleged that among other things, they were planning to buy a £2,000 silencer for an automatic handgun in Blair’s possession.",[],{"_163":29984,"_165":29985},"He was one of seven leading dissident republicans caught in a house which had been bugged by MI5.",[],{"_163":29987,"_165":29988},"In 2014, Blair was snared in a security force sting staged by MI5 at a bungalow in Newry.",[],{"_163":29990,"_165":29991},"Security forces on both sides of the border are also of the belief that Blair has now fully aligned himself to the New IRA.",[],{"_163":29993,"_165":29994},"It’s understood the explosives were to be used an under-car booby-trap bomb and that a Catholic police officer in the north west had been targeted by the New IRA.",[],{"_163":29996,"_165":29997},"However, we have been told that explosives experts from the Irish Defence Forces are still searching for positive proof that Blair made the device discovered in the car.",[],{"_163":29999,"_165":30000},"But, according to sources, investigators in the Republic – working on new information supplied by MI5 – are of the belief that Blair may have had some involvement in the assembly of the device seized in a Garda sting operation in recent weeks. ",[],{"_163":30002,"_165":30003},"The pensioner bomb-maker from Newry, Co Down, is also suspected of a number of other high-profile terror attacks, including the murder of three cops in Newry town centre in 1986 and the slaughter of two senior RUC officers on the border three years later.",[],{"_163":30005,"_165":30006},"Blair later denied any involvement in the bombing.",[],{"_163":30008,"_165":30009},"Patrick Joseph Blair (71) was once named by then MP Jeffrey Donaldson in the House of Commons as the man who made the Omagh bomb, which claimed 29 innocent lives, including a pregnant mother of twins. Omagh was the single worst terror attack of the entire Troubles.",[],{"_163":30011,"_165":30012},"MI5 spooks and Irish army explosives experts believe a veteran republican bomb-maker may be back in business.",[],"Patrick ‘Mooch’ Blair",{"_81":30015,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30016,"_213":30013,"_223":30017,"_106":30018,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30019,"_218":88,"_232":30018,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1du74p-patrick-mooch-blair/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/1504335842%2F55679e8a-9734-11ed-a271-0210609a3fe2.jpg",[],"1504335842%2F55679e8a-9734-11ed-a271-0210609a3fe2.jpg","112723881","Patrick 'Mooch' Blair",{"_163":30021,"_165":30022},"Irish Defence Forces probe bomb for fingerprints of notorious Omagh atrocity suspect",[],{"_163":29835,"_165":30024},[],{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":8,"_254":1974},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_81":30029,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30030,"_213":30019,"_223":30017,"_106":30018,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30019,"_218":88,"_232":30018,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/1du74p-patrick-mooch-blair/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1504335842%2F55679e8a-9734-11ed-a271-0210609a3fe2.jpg",[],{"_250":10051,"_106":10052,"_275":10053,"_276":280},{"_250":30033,"_106":30034,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Omagh Bombing Inquiry","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:omagh-bombing-inquiry","Omagh bomb suspect 'Mooch' Blair probed over new New IRA plot","Irish Defence Forces hunt proof linking Patrick Joseph Blair to a new New IRA bomb plot and Omagh atrocity legacy",194086985,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":30132,"_283":8,"_275":30133,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/derry-londonderry-city/e-bike-sped-off-from-police-before-drugs-arrest-as-man-arrested/a/159821523.html",[30131],"E-bike ‘sped off’ from police before drugs arrest as man arrested",{"_264":30127,"_266":30109,"_267":30042},[30126],[30121,30122,30123,30124,30125],"159821523",{},[28519],"2026-08-10T10:29:00Z","2026-08-10T10:29:26Z",[30054,30055,30056,30057,30058,30059,30060,30061,30062,30063,30064,30065,30066,30067,30068,30069],{"_140":10,"_141":30053,"_143":10},"cabfd14a-94a1-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30119,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":4788,"_213":30111,"_215":30112,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30108,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":30105,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30102,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":30099,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":30096,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":30093,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":175,"_356":30087,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":30084,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":30081,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":30078,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":30075,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":30072,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":685,"_106":30071,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30071,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":681,"_106":30070,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30070,"_233":92},"159537677","159634930",{"_163":30073,"_165":30074},"Information can also be reported online or anonymously to Crimestoppers.",[],{"_163":30076,"_165":30077},"Police said enquiries are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to ring 101.",[],{"_163":30079,"_165":30080},"Inspector Pearce said the operation demonstrated police’s commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drug use and supply in local communities.",[],{"_163":30082,"_165":30083},"A 17-year-old was also referred to a Youth Diversionary Officer.",[],{"_163":30085,"_165":30086},"Three other adults, aged 20, 22 and 19, were interviewed and reported to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).",[],{"_85":358,"_359":30088,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":30089,"_106":30090,"_368":369,"_370":30091,"_232":30092,"_233":92},"QqINXbDB572U","00:54:00","1988862","0:54","159806632",{"_163":30094,"_165":30095},"He remains in police custody.",[],{"_163":30097,"_165":30098},"A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug and allowing his premises to be used for smoking cannabis.",[],{"_163":30100,"_165":30101},"Officers subsequently made enquiries at an address in the city, where they found a number of males and “various drugs-related paraphernalia”.",[],{"_163":30103,"_165":30104},"The rider failed to stop when signalled by officers and instead “sped off” towards the Crescent Link area, according to police.",[],{"_163":30106,"_165":30107},"Police said officers from the District Support Team (DST) were on mobile patrol in the Lyndhurst Road area on Sunday evening when they spotted the e-bike.",[],{"_163":30109,"_165":30110},"A man has been arrested following an e-bike being driven dangerously and failing to stop for police officers in Londonderry.",[],"PSNI stock photo",{"_81":30113,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":30114,"_213":30111,"_223":30115,"_106":30116,"_226":227,"_228":4788,"_230":30117,"_218":88,"_232":30116,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ljchwj-stock-images/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/bt_kscott_2025_2725.JPG",[30118],"bt_kscott_2025_2725.JPG","158766437","PSNI has issued a warning after rouge trader reports in Co Down.",{"_235":3273,"_237":3274,"_239":3273,"_240":3275},{"_163":30042,"_165":30120},[],{"_250":23398,"_106":23399,"_253":8,"_254":23400},{"_250":2471,"_106":2472,"_253":10,"_254":2473},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":1972,"_106":1973,"_253":10,"_254":1974},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":17963,"_237":17964,"_240":17965},{"_81":30128,"_212":4788,"_220":395,"_97":30129,"_213":30111,"_223":30115,"_106":30116,"_226":227,"_228":4788,"_230":30117,"_218":88,"_232":30116,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ljchwj-stock-images/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/bt_kscott_2025_2725.JPG",[30130],{"_235":3273,"_237":3274,"_239":3273,"_240":3275},{"_250":2484,"_106":2485,"_275":2486,"_276":280},"Dangerous e-bike and drugs raid in Londonderry: Man (41) arrested","Dangerous e-bike incident in Londonderry leads police to drugs-related items and multiple suspects at a city address",193361769,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":30285,"_283":8,"_275":30286,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/student-accused-of-sinister-pursuit-of-woman-outside-grand-central-station-denied-bail-in-belfast/a/159608758.html",[30276,30277,30278,30279],"Student accused of ‘sinister’ pursuit of woman outside Grand Central station denied bail in Belfast",{"_264":30272,"_266":30257,"_267":30139},[30271],[30261,30262,30263,30264,30265,30266,30267,30268,30269,30270],{},[3148],"2026-08-11T18:00:00Z","2026-08-08T18:16:32Z",[30150,30151,30152,30153,30154,30155,30156,30157,30158,30159,30160,30161,30162,30163,30164,30165,30166,30167,30168,30169,30170,30171,30172,30173,30174,30175,30176],{"_140":10,"_141":30149,"_143":10},"41777960-9023-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30259,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":30256,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":30249,"_215":30250,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30246,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":30243,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30240,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":30237,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":30234,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":30231,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":175,"_586":30223,"_588":30224,"_590":-5,"_592":30225,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":30220,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":30217,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":30214,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":30211,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":30208,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":30205,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":30202,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":30199,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":30196,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":30193,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":30190,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":30187,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":30184,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":30181,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":30178,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":646,"_106":29039,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":29039,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":30177,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30177,"_233":92},"159884216",{"_163":30179,"_165":30180},"Abualhussein, of no fixed abode, was handed four months in custody, suspended for two years, after admitting criminal damage.",[],{"_163":30182,"_165":30183},"He damaged a Pride balloon display belonging to Bullitt Hotel on Church Lane in Belfast on July 25, the day after the alleged incident at Grand Central.",[],{"_163":30185,"_165":30186},"During the unsuccessful bail application, the court heard the defendant had been given a suspended sentence the week prior for a “hate-motivated” criminal damage offence. ",[],{"_163":30188,"_165":30189},"The case against Abualhussein was adjourned until later this month.",[],{"_163":30191,"_165":30192},"“The risk is too great, and his attitude in interview does not assuage those fears.”",[],{"_163":30194,"_165":30195},"“In these situations, the court has to consider the risk of further offending and the risk of interference.",[],{"_163":30197,"_165":30198},"He said: “The court is concerned about the level of fear caused in relation to these worrying accounts of a woman fleeing in terror in the street.",[],{"_163":30200,"_165":30201},"District Judge John Meehan was unconvinced and remanded the defendant in custody. ",[],{"_163":30203,"_165":30204},"They added: “His position in interview was that he did not accept any criminal conduct. Given his lack of antecedence, we would urge the court grant bail.”",[],{"_163":30206,"_165":30207},"Defence counsel said Abualhussein was a student and normally lived in Cork.",[],{"_163":30209,"_165":30210},"“Reports in the last week make him a risk to the public. He is also a flight risk.”",[],{"_163":30212,"_165":30213},"The officer continued: “There is possibly a clash of views around women, and a lack of understanding of why his behaviour is inappropriate and alarming.",[],{"_163":30215,"_165":30216},"They added Abualhussein had made “concerning” comments about why he thought the approach was appropriate.",[],{"_163":30218,"_165":30219},"The investigating officer told the court the accused “appeared to find the allegations funny” during interview.",[],{"_163":30221,"_165":30222},"Police said Abualhussein had previously been escorted from Grand Central station for similar behaviour. 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",[],{"_163":30391,"_165":30392},"“We are committed to working with the UK Government to deliver economic growth across the UK, securing a funding envelope that enables us to invest in our public services and secure better outcomes for everyone living here.”",[],"Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly ",{"_81":30395,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":30396,"_213":30393,"_223":7889,"_106":30397,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":30393,"_218":88,"_232":30397,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/entertainment/news/xf8wzt-fleadh-cheoil-na-heireann-2026-belfast/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/38b41f3f-fdee-44c5-aa5b-91cc55f23598",[30398],"159998169",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":30400,"_165":30401},"“Transforming our public services and delivering real change for the people of Northern Ireland is our priority, but we cannot do this alone.",[],{"_163":30403,"_165":30404},"Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “When we spoke to the Prime Minister following his appointment, we were very clear about the urgent need to resolve these issues.",[],{"_163":30406,"_165":30407},"“The people we represent should not be left paying the price for a failure to properly fund public services here. 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Picture date: Wednesday August 12, 2026.",{"_235":2404,"_237":2405,"_239":2404,"_240":2406},{"_163":12160,"_165":30419},[],{"_163":30421,"_165":30422},"They called on the Prime Minister to deliver “parity” in how Northern Ireland is funded, compared to other devolved nations, saying the Executive would be due between £1-3bn more annually if this was done. ",[],{"_163":30424,"_165":30425},"The first and deputy first ministers said that people in Northern Ireland would pay the price for continued under-funding of public services. ",[],{"_163":30427,"_165":30428},"The Executive released a joint statement on Thursday asking Andy Burnham to meet with them on financial pressures facing Stormont and the cost of living pressures facing people here.",[],{"_163":30430,"_165":30431},"Home heating oil prices fell slightly in the week up to August 13, according to the latest release from the NI consumer council.",[],{"_163":30433,"_165":30434},"Day-to-day cost pressures continue to increase for people here, with diesel 2p per litre more expensive on Thursday than it was seven days prior and petrol costs increasing by 1.5p per litre in the period as global energy markets continue to be impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. ",[],{"_163":30436,"_165":30437},"Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly said that the transformation of public services and improvement of regular people’s lives required greater investment from Westminster. ",[],{"_163":30439,"_165":30440},"The Executive has written to the Prime Minister to call for a meeting on the finances of the devolved government and the people in Northern Ireland, as figures reveal that petrol and diesel prices here rose again in the last week.",[],"Fuel pumps at a service station ",{"_81":30443,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":30444,"_213":30441,"_223":30445,"_106":30446,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":30441,"_218":88,"_232":30446,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/flj9i-middle-east-conflict/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/dabba198-b180-4a68-8203-5f9e285a41ce",[30447],"dabba198-b180-4a68-8203-5f9e285a41ce","159998012",{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_163":30328,"_165":30449},[],{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":8,"_254":16264},{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_240":3473},{"_81":30453,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":30454,"_213":30441,"_223":30445,"_106":30446,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":30441,"_218":88,"_232":30446,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/flj9i-middle-east-conflict/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/dabba198-b180-4a68-8203-5f9e285a41ce",[30455],{"_235":3471,"_237":3472,"_239":3471,"_240":3473},{"_250":9341,"_106":9342,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":9908,"_106":9909,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":30462,"_106":30463,"_275":30464,"_276":280},{"_250":9574,"_106":9575,"_275":9576,"_276":280},{"_250":9343,"_106":9344,"_275":9345,"_276":280},{"_250":12069,"_106":12070,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Cost of Living","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:cost-of-living","The cost of living in Ireland is higher than most European countries as rising inflation and higher taxes hit consumers on the double. Independent.ie tracks and reports Ireland's cost of living with the latest news and views.",194313620,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ni-parents-forking-out-up-to-2000-on-uniforms-and-other-secondary-school-essentials/a/159890558.html",[30687,30688],"NI parents forking out ‘up to £2,000’ on uniforms and other secondary school essentials",{"_264":30684,"_266":30669,"_267":30470},[30680],[30673,30674,30675,30676],"159890558",{},[],"2026-08-11T17:35:05Z",[30481,30482,30483,30484,30485,30486,30487,30488,30489,30490,30491,30492,30493,30494,30495,30496,30497,30498,30499,30500,30501,30502,30503,30504,30505,30506,30507,30508,30509,30510,30511,30512,30513,30514,30515,30516,30517,30518,30519,30520,30521,30522,30523,30524,30525,30526],{"_140":10,"_141":30480,"_143":10},"a7a4f920-958d-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30671,"_161":244},{"_155":156,"_157":103,"_159":30668,"_161":374},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":30661,"_215":30662,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30658,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":30655,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30652,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":342,"_163":30651,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":30648,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":30645,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":30642,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":171,"_586":30633,"_588":30634,"_590":-5,"_592":30635,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":30630,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":30627,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":698,"_163":30626,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":30622,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":30619,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":30616,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":677,"_212":-5,"_213":30610,"_215":30611,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":30607,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":30604,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":30601,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":30598,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":657,"_212":1436,"_213":30588,"_215":30589,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":30585,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":30582,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":30579,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":642,"_159":30576,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":30575,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30575,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":30572,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":30569,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":30566,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":30563,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":30560,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":610,"_163":30559,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":606,"_159":30556,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":585,"_159":30553,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":580,"_159":30550,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":576,"_159":30547,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":572,"_106":30546,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30546,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":568,"_159":30543,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":564,"_159":30540,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":556,"_159":30537,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":552,"_159":30534,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":548,"_159":30531,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":544,"_159":30528,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":193,"_106":30527,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30527,"_233":92},"159649409",{"_163":30529,"_165":30530},"And more than one in three parents say they are forced to deny their children certain back to school items because they cannot afford them.",[],{"_163":30532,"_165":30533},"Parents were also sacrificing things like family holidays and summer camps or activities. ",[],{"_163":30535,"_165":30536},"But the proportion using credit cards has risen from 21pc last year to 27pc in 2026, while a further 4pc turn to their credit union.",[],{"_163":30538,"_165":30539},"More than half of people used their normal income to pay for uniforms, while around a third had to use savings. ",[],{"_163":30541,"_165":30542},"Among those who borrow, the average amount of debt has risen by £47 to £301.",[],{"_163":30544,"_165":30545},"Almost two in five parents, 37pc, say they get into debt to cover back to school costs, up one percentage point from 2025. ",[],"158566648",{"_163":30548,"_165":30549},"The pressure is similar across both levels of education, affecting 72pc of primary school parents and 71pc of secondary school parents.",[],{"_163":30551,"_165":30552},"The research found that 71pc of parents say covering back to school costs is a financial burden, up three percentage points from 2025. ",[],{"_163":30554,"_165":30555},"While just 30pc of parents believe schools currently do enough to keep costs down, a further 43pc say they can see definite improvement. However, 27pc say they have seen no improvement.",[],{"_163":30557,"_165":30558},"The results come as new measures on school uniform affordability take effect across Northern Ireland. Guidelines state that schools must avoid purchase of uniforms placing “undue financial pressure on families, particularly those on lower incomes”.",[],"",{"_163":30561,"_165":30562},"And 90pc of parents said that their child’s school asks for a ‘voluntary’ contribution. The average contribution is £110, compared with £87 for a primary school child and £132 for a secondary school child.",[],{"_163":30564,"_165":30565},"Parents expect to spend an average of £159 on a laptop, iPad, or other device, while branded clothing for school sports teams costs a further £107 on average. ",[],{"_163":30567,"_165":30568},"Technology is also adding to the pressure, particularly when children enter secondary school. ",[],{"_163":30570,"_165":30571},"And secondary school parents are more likely to be required to buy uniforms at full price from a named supplier, at 30pc, compared with 21pc of primary school parents. ",[],{"_163":30573,"_165":30574},"One said their daughter’s uniform was available from only two shops, with summer blouses costing £20 each.",[],"159001850",{"_163":30577,"_165":30578},"Parents also expressed frustration at rules limiting where uniforms can be purchased, with one calling for all uniform items to be available from supermarkets or generic shops.",[],{"_163":30580,"_165":30581},"Uniforms remain a clear pressure point, with 61pc of parents saying they feel under pressure to buy branded clothing, footwear, and other items for their children, up from 56pc in 2025. ",[],{"_163":30583,"_165":30584},"And the main factors behind higher costs were the price of school uniforms; branded or crested items; and school lunches and food.",[],{"_163":30586,"_165":30587},"Just under 60pc of parents said their overall costs for back to school were higher than last year, with primary school parents more likely to be affected.",[],"Secondary school children’s education costs their parents £2,029 a year, a report has said",{"_81":30590,"_212":1436,"_220":395,"_97":30591,"_213":30588,"_223":30592,"_106":30593,"_226":227,"_228":1436,"_230":-5,"_218":88,"_232":30593,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.crimeworld.com/public/incoming/a2k22h-gettyimages-73206811.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/GettyImages-73206811.jpg",[30594],"GettyImages-73206811.jpg","157812740",{"_235":30595,"_237":30596,"_239":30595,"_240":30597},"conall.mcmeekin@sundayworld.com","McMeekin","Conall",{"_163":30599,"_165":30600},"“Anyone concerned about meeting the costs should speak to their local credit union before turning to expensive short-term borrowing.”",[],{"_163":30602,"_165":30603},"“Greater flexibility around uniforms, fewer branded requirements and earlier notice of expenses would give parents more control. ",[],{"_163":30605,"_165":30606},"“Families who fall outside existing supports can still struggle with large, unavoidable costs, particularly at secondary level. ",[],{"_163":30608,"_165":30609},"And he said the survey showed it wasn’t just lowest-income households who struggled with school costs. ",[],"Martin Fisher, head of NI at the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU)",{"_81":30612,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30613,"_213":30610,"_223":30614,"_106":30615,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30610,"_218":88,"_232":30615,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/ytoyb1-martin-fisher-head-of-ni-at-the-irish-league-of-credit-unions-ilcu/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1525017358%2F3a6c8548-9d26-443f-bd86-59e6342fd7a7.jpg",[],"1525017358%2F3a6c8548-9d26-443f-bd86-59e6342fd7a7.jpg","108870367",{"_163":30617,"_165":30618},"“For families already using savings to meet higher food costs during the summer, the new school year can begin before their finances have had any chance to reset.”",[],{"_163":30620,"_165":30621},"“The initial outlay on uniforms and equipment is followed by lunches, transport, trips, and activities, leaving parents with little opportunity to recover financially. ",[],{"_163":30623,"_165":30624},"Martin Fisher, head of Northern Ireland at the ILCU, said: “The real difficulty for families is not any one item, but the accumulation of costs across the school year. ",[30625],{"_85":6843,"_157":485,"_194":242,"_196":-5},"",{"_163":30628,"_165":30629},"But secondary school parents have to fork out £2,029 per pupil, with £1,106 in upfront back to school costs and £923 in running costs. ",[],{"_163":30631,"_165":30632},"According to ILCU, in 2026, primary school parents expect to spend £1,363 across the school year, with £570 in upfront back to school costs and a further £793 in running costs.",[],{"_163":30640,"_165":30641},{"_163":30638,"_165":30639},{"_163":30636,"_165":30637},"Head of Northern Ireland at the ILCU ",[],"Martin Fisher",[],"Greater flexibility around uniforms, fewer branded requirements and earlier notice of expenses would give parents more control. ",[],{"_163":30643,"_165":30644},"It has now been broadened out to include the education running costs families face throughout the year. ",[],{"_163":30646,"_165":30647},"The survey was conducted in June and involved 560 parents from Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":30649,"_165":30650},"It reported that 71pc of parents here find back to school costs, ranging from uniforms to digital devices, a financial burden. ",[],"

",{"_163":30653,"_165":30654},"The numbers using credit cards for the crucial purchases had gone up from 21pc to 27pc over the year, the ILCU said.",[],{"_163":30656,"_165":30657},"And nearly two in five parents are getting into debt to meet school expenses, according to a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ICLU).",[],{"_163":30659,"_165":30660},"Parents here are spending £1,100 to get their secondary school kids back behind their desks, with another £900 for running costs during the year, a report said today.",[],"School uniform costs are weighing heavily on parents in Northern Ireland, according to a report by the Irish League of Credit Unions ",{"_81":30663,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30664,"_213":30661,"_223":30665,"_106":30666,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30667,"_218":88,"_232":30666,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bbj4nk-some-have-expressed-concerns-that-new-rules-on-school-uniforms-dont-do-enough-to-reduce-costs-to-pa/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/1900686735%2Fed6d5c49-94c3-4310-ab4e-6faad9895953.jpg",[],"1900686735%2Fed6d5c49-94c3-4310-ab4e-6faad9895953.jpg","111299968","Some have expressed concerns that new rules on school uniforms don't do enough to reduce costs to parents",{"_163":30669,"_165":30670},"Credit unions body in warning over ‘financial burden’ faced by families",[],{"_163":30470,"_165":30672},[],{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":8,"_254":16264},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":30677,"_106":30678,"_253":10,"_254":30679},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},"business_money","4282","Money",{"_235":30681,"_237":30682,"_240":30683},"margaret.canning@belfasttelegraph.co.uk","Canning","Margaret",{"_81":30685,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30686,"_213":30661,"_223":30665,"_106":30666,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30667,"_218":88,"_232":30666,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/bbj4nk-some-have-expressed-concerns-that-new-rules-on-school-uniforms-dont-do-enough-to-reduce-costs-to-pa/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1900686735%2Fed6d5c49-94c3-4310-ab4e-6faad9895953.jpg",[],{"_250":10433,"_106":10434,"_275":10435,"_276":280},{"_250":30462,"_106":30463,"_275":30464,"_276":280},194285066,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":30821,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/am-i-the-only-person-who-doesnt-shop-on-temu/a/159887719.html",[30820],"Am I the only person who doesn’t shop on Temu?",{"_264":30816,"_266":30792,"_267":30694},[30815],[30803,30804,30805,30806,30807,30808],"159887719",{},[],"2026-08-14T16:00:00Z","2026-08-11T15:22:58Z",[30706,30707,30708,30709,30710,30711,30712,30713,30714,30715,30716,30717,30718,30719,30720,30721,30722,30723,30724,30725,30726,30727,30728,30729,30730,30731],{"_140":10,"_141":30705,"_143":10},"d2284a78-9589-11f1-b1c0-6f800fb433e8",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30801,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":-5,"_213":-5,"_215":30794,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30791,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":30788,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30785,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":30784,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30784,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":30781,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":30778,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":30775,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":171,"_356":30771,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":30768,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":30765,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":698,"_106":30764,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30764,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":30761,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":30758,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":30755,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":30752,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":673,"_106":30751,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30751,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":30748,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":30745,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":30742,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":30739,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":30736,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":30733,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":646,"_106":30732,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30732,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":12564,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":12564,"_233":92},"159305671",{"_163":30734,"_165":30735},"My possessions, and where I choose to buy them, won’t always withstand scrutiny, try as I might. But hopefully my commitment to buying less and using for longer will. Besides, I already own lots of trousers. ",[],{"_163":30737,"_165":30738},"But I’m increasingly trying to distinguish between something that feels like a bargain and something that has been made cheaply enough to feel irresistible.",[],{"_163":30740,"_165":30741},"It would be so easy — click, buy and they arrive. That’s what makes Temu difficult to resist, when it comes down to brass tacks. It’s not shopping, it’s a game, one that is cheap to play and promises to make it all easier — dressing yourself, your children, and it’s all affordable. I can’t fault parents for shopping on Temu as we all struggle with a cost-of-living crisis.",[],{"_163":30743,"_165":30744},"After I admired my hairdresser’s trousers, I searched for them online and found a pair on Temu that was almost identical to those she was wearing. They looked perfect and were at a price point I could afford without a second thought, while usually I would think for at least a few days before spending my hard-earned money on clothing for myself. ",[],{"_163":30746,"_165":30747},"My guilt and concern means I have committed to shopping more ethically and go to huge lengths to buy things I need second-hand or to make do with what I already have unless it’s absolutely necessary to buy new. Even making those efforts, I’m already competing with a mountain of stuff in my home. ",[],{"_163":30749,"_165":30750},"Congratulations to the first person who comes along and tells me about how my iPhone was made. To have any sort of a phone, this is what we’re up against. It would probably shock me to find out more about the supply chain that goes into the creation of many of the products I use and consume. My car, for example, or the cashew nuts I love to snack on. ",[],"158334071",{"_163":30753,"_165":30754},"Those are my questions for me and my family. But, also, there’s the environment and the growing mountain of stuff we have in our homes. And — this is the big one — as a human being, I wonder about who is making it. Whether their hands are as tiny as those which hold mine. ",[],{"_163":30756,"_165":30757},"It goes without saying that, like everyone else, I love a bargain, but what holds me back are doubts about where the items have come from, especially when it comes to stuff for my children. What dye was used? Are the materials are safe? ",[],{"_163":30759,"_165":30760},"Consider my plight as a mum spending a huge chunk of change on childcare, commuting to work and competing with the ever-rising cost of living. If anyone is vulnerable to the temptations of Shein it’s me. But I have principles I can ill-afford. ",[],{"_163":30762,"_165":30763},"It’s a constant battle. When I’m on social media, I see pop-up ads promoting clothing or household items that look quite nice and I’ve clicked before I realise I’m about to see that roulette wheel that makes shopping seem free and like the most fun game you can play. That’s despite never having bought a single thing from Temu and Shein ever before. ",[],"159282898",{"_163":30766,"_165":30767},"This is where my willpower and commitment to not shopping on these sites is really tested. Increasingly, I feel like the only person who doesn’t shop on Temu. My resolve is tested almost on a daily basis, especially when those trousers continued to play on my mind. ",[],{"_163":30769,"_165":30770},"That’s the thing about Temu, Shein, AliExpress or any of those e-commerce websites. We’re told the clothing and the other items they stock are awful quality, invariably don’t fit and are very difficult to return. But I’m informed that’s no longer the case; in fact, it seems many of the items of clothing I admire are from Temu, and the wearers are very happy with them — and, better yet, they were bought at rock-bottom prices.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":30772,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":16796,"_106":30773,"_368":369,"_370":16798,"_232":30774,"_233":92},"J7JE-LjBJOey","1991250","159852925",{"_163":30776,"_165":30777},"“Temu,” she told me proudly when I asked where she’d bought them. That was also where she’d bought her T-shirt, and where her client next to me had recently bought a dress that she was absolutely delighted with.",[],{"_163":30779,"_165":30780},"During my last appointment, I admired my hairdresser’s choice of trousers, in a perfect shade of brown I’d long been searching for, loose-fitting and casual in a way that seemed very comfortable. ",[],{"_163":30782,"_165":30783},"When I choose my clothes, I like to pick items which make me feel good, but I also need to incorporate my need to either sit on the floor or be able to scale a climbing frame at a moment’s notice. ",[],"159592957",{"_163":30786,"_165":30787},"The salon’s hairdressers and clients also talk a lot about clothes. These are the conversations that most interest me as a mother-of-two in her thirties who has gone through at least two metamorphoses after the birth of each child. ",[],{"_163":30789,"_165":30790},"There’s new music on the radio, which I rarely listen to because I mostly play Imogen Heap’s The Happy Song (if you know, you know) in the car, or some Spotify playlist featuring Baby Beluga or Baa Baa Black Sheep. I mentally bookmark a restaurant to try or a Netflix series to check out.",[],{"_163":30792,"_165":30793},"My appointments at the hairdresser are where I get clued in on what’s happening. ",[],{"_81":30795,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30796,"_213":88,"_223":30797,"_106":30798,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30799,"_218":88,"_232":30798,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5t7xuh-mcgovern-eimear-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/McGovern%2C%20Eimear%20(1).jpg",[30800],"McGovern%2C%20Eimear%20(1).jpg","160031187","Temu sells a wide range of products directly from Chinese sellers at ultra-low prices © Alamy/PA",{"_235":7739,"_237":7740,"_239":7739,"_240":7741},{"_163":30694,"_165":30802},[],{"_250":2163,"_106":2164,"_253":8,"_254":1977},{"_250":30812,"_106":30813,"_253":10,"_254":30814},{"_250":16079,"_106":16080,"_253":10,"_254":16081},{"_250":11876,"_106":11877,"_253":10,"_254":11878},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":30809,"_106":30810,"_253":10,"_254":30811},"life_weekend","4342","Weekend","life_fashion-beauty","4334","Fashion and Beauty",{"_235":236,"_237":238,"_240":241},{"_81":30817,"_212":88,"_220":395,"_97":30818,"_213":88,"_223":30797,"_106":30798,"_226":227,"_228":-5,"_230":30799,"_218":88,"_232":30798,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/5t7xuh-mcgovern-eimear-1.jpg/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/McGovern%2C%20Eimear%20(1).jpg",[30819],{"_235":7739,"_237":7740,"_239":7739,"_240":7741},{"_250":30462,"_106":30463,"_275":30464,"_276":280},"Eimear McGovern:Am I the only person who doesn’t shop on Temu?",192746124,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/details-on-ni-home-heating-oil-support-scheme-expected-in-coming-weeks/a/159649409.html",[30937,30938,30939],"Details on NI home-heating oil support scheme ‘expected in coming weeks’",{"_264":30933,"_266":30915,"_267":30827},[],[30928,30929,30930,30931,30932],{},[],"2026-08-06T17:48:00Z","2026-08-06T17:49:18Z",[30839,30840,30841,30842,30843,30844,30845,30846,30847,30848,30849,30850,30851,30852,30853,30854,30855,30856,30857,30858,30859,30860,30861],"Eva Quinn",{"_140":10,"_141":30838,"_143":10},"1d573cb0-90db-11f1-83cc-79056ead7b41",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":30926,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":30917,"_213":30918,"_215":30919,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":30914,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":202,"_163":30651,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":30911,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":30910,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30910,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":30907,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":30904,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":30901,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":30898,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":167,"_356":30894,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":30891,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":30888,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":30885,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":30882,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":30879,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":30876,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":30873,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":30870,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":30867,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":30864,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":657,"_106":30863,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30863,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":195,"_106":30862,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30862,"_233":92},"159584745","159637336",{"_163":30865,"_165":30866},"CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “Stronger safeguards are needed, including regulatory oversight and better support for vulnerable consumers, as well as communities living in areas of the UK that are particularly exposed to higher and more volatile prices.”",[],{"_163":30868,"_165":30869},"Last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the Executive should apply stricter consumer protection regulations in the home-heating oil market.",[],{"_163":30871,"_165":30872},"The effects have been felt throughout Northern Ireland, where around 60pc of households rely on oil to heat their homes. ",[],{"_163":30874,"_165":30875},"Conflict in the Middle East has pushed up wholesale crude oil prices, leading to increases in home-heating oil. ",[],{"_163":30877,"_165":30878},"The scheme will be open to both single people and couples, including pensioners, with a joint annual income of less than £30,000 after allowable deductions. ",[],{"_163":30880,"_165":30881},"Households will be eligible to apply if they use home-heating oil and meet certain criteria. These include income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related employment and support allowance. ",[],{"_163":30883,"_165":30884},"“The Executive have agreed this support scheme and further details on scheme’s launch are expected in the coming weeks”. ",[],{"_163":30886,"_165":30887},"Mr Lyons said: “This has involved developing eligibility criteria, establishing an application and eligibility verification process, and putting arrangements in place to issue prepaid cards to eligible households while ensuring appropriate safeguard against fraud and misuse of public funds. ",[],{"_163":30889,"_165":30890},"Asked by the Belfast Telegraph this week about the progress of the scheme, the minister said his department had been “working at pace” to set it up. ",[],{"_163":30892,"_165":30893},"The one-off scheme will provide eligible households with a £100 prepaid card that can be redeemed with participating home-heating oil suppliers. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":30895,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":13327,"_106":30896,"_368":369,"_370":13329,"_232":30897,"_233":92},"PQBowJSCjD6C","1750696","152395838",{"_163":30899,"_165":30900},"In April, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced he had secured Executive approval for a £36.4m support package for home heating oil users in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":30902,"_165":30903},"The increases, which have occurred since the start of conflict between Iran and the Israel-USA alliance in late February, have sparked fears that many households could struggle to afford their fill their oil tanks ahead of winter. ",[],{"_163":30905,"_165":30906},"But the latest figure for 900 litres is still 28pc higher than the cost five weeks ago.",[],{"_163":30908,"_165":30909},"Within the past week, the average price of 900 litres has declined by 4pc, from £818.25 to £787.36, according to the latest figures from the NI Consumer Council.",[],"159384661",{"_163":30912,"_165":30913},"The update comes in the wake of recent, sharp increases in the price of heating oil across Northern Ireland, with the average cost of 900 litres rising to over £815 towards the end of July. ",[],{"_163":30915,"_165":30916},"Details of a £100 home-heating oil support scheme here are to be announced “in the coming weeks” as households continue to face high fuel prices ahead of winter, Belfast Telegraph can reveal.",[],"Mark Dyball Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo","Approximately 60pc of NI households rely on oil to heat their homes ",{"_81":30920,"_212":30917,"_220":395,"_97":30921,"_213":30918,"_223":30922,"_106":30923,"_226":227,"_228":30917,"_230":30924,"_218":88,"_232":30923,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/r9tyou-fuel-delivery-for-home-oil-fired-central-heating-fuel-tanker-making-a-delivery-of-domestic-heating-oil-to-house/alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/Fuel_delivery_for_home_oil_fired_central_heating_fuel_tanker_making_a_delivery_of_domestic_heating_oil_to_house.jpg",[30925],"Fuel_delivery_for_home_oil_fired_central_heating_fuel_tanker_making_a_delivery_of_domestic_heating_oil_to_house.jpg","158842207","D55EB9 Fuel delivery for home oil fired central heating, fuel tanker making a delivery of domestic heating oil to house",{"_235":3965,"_237":3966,"_239":3965,"_240":3967},{"_163":30827,"_165":30927},[],{"_250":5497,"_106":5498,"_253":8,"_254":32},{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":10,"_254":16264},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":262,"_106":263,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_250":1486,"_106":1487,"_253":10,"_254":1488},{"_81":30934,"_212":30917,"_220":395,"_97":30935,"_213":30918,"_223":30922,"_106":30923,"_226":227,"_228":30917,"_230":30924,"_218":88,"_232":30923,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/r9tyou-fuel-delivery-for-home-oil-fired-central-heating-fuel-tanker-making-a-delivery-of-domestic-heating-oil-to-house/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/Fuel_delivery_for_home_oil_fired_central_heating_fuel_tanker_making_a_delivery_of_domestic_heating_oil_to_house.jpg",[30936],{"_235":3965,"_237":3966,"_239":3965,"_240":3967},{"_250":30462,"_106":30463,"_275":30464,"_276":280},{"_250":30940,"_106":30941,"_275":-5,"_276":280},{"_250":1502,"_106":1503,"_275":-5,"_276":280},"Inflation","tag:mhiebeltel@mediahuis.ie,2025:inflation",191254777,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":31128,"_283":8,"_275":31129,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/cheapest-place-for-fuel-in-northern-ireland-as-drivers-enjoy-advantage-over-rest-of-uk/a/159438763.html",[31127],"Cheapest place for fuel in Northern Ireland as drivers enjoy advantage over rest of UK",{"_264":31123,"_266":31108,"_267":30947},[31122],[31119,31120,31121],"159438763",{},[],"2026-07-31T14:12:00Z","2026-07-31T14:03:20Z",[30960,30961,30962,30963,30964,30965,30966,30967,30968,30969,30970,30971,30972,30973,30974,30975,30976,30977,30978,30979,30980,30981,30982,30983,30984,30985,30986,30987,30988,30989,30990,30991,30992,30993,30994],"Neil Lancefield",{"_140":10,"_141":30959,"_143":10},"704f27c6-8cb9-11f1-82b1-afc4b7e79b96",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":31117,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":6880,"_213":31110,"_215":31111,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":31107,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":31104,"_161":162},{"_155":3079,"_157":187,"_163":31103,"_161":3081},{"_155":156,"_157":342,"_159":31100,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":183,"_159":31097,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":31094,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":31091,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":31088,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":31085,"_161":162},{"_155":3486,"_157":158,"_161":3487,"_3488":31067,"_232":-5,"_233":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":31064,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":31061,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":685,"_159":31058,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":31055,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":31052,"_161":162},{"_155":584,"_157":673,"_586":31044,"_588":31045,"_590":-5,"_592":31046,"_161":594},{"_155":156,"_157":669,"_159":31041,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":31038,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":31035,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":31032,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":31029,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":31026,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":31023,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":642,"_356":31017,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":633,"_159":31014,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":629,"_159":31011,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":622,"_159":31008,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":1007,"_159":31005,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":618,"_159":31002,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":614,"_159":30999,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":610,"_159":30996,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":606,"_106":30910,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30910,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":585,"_106":30995,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":30995,"_233":92},"159384489",{"_163":30997,"_165":30998},"He said his advice to Northern Ireland motorists was “enjoy the lower road fuel costs, keep an eye on where you can buy even cheaper, and feel sorry for the rest of the UK”.",[],{"_163":31000,"_165":31001},"Luke Bosdet, AA spokesperson on pump prices, said: “NI towns with petrol averaging around 150p a litre is good news for local drivers but an absolute shock for those on the mainland.”",[],{"_163":31003,"_165":31004},"The price of Brent crude oil was up nearly 1% on Friday, to 89.55 US dollars a barrel.",[],{"_163":31006,"_165":31007},"“Diesel looks set to keep on rising and is likely to reach 185p a litre in the next few weeks, barring any major oil price reduction.”",[],{"_163":31009,"_165":31010},"“The wholesale price of petrol eased very slightly this week but is not enough to make a difference at the pumps.",[],{"_163":31012,"_165":31013},"He went on: “The cost of filling a family-sized car with unleaded has gone up to £88 while a tank of diesel is £10 more.",[],{"_163":31015,"_165":31016},"RAC head of policy Simon Williams described the prices as “very unwelcome news for drivers”.",[],{"_85":358,"_359":31018,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":31019,"_106":31020,"_368":369,"_370":31021,"_232":31022,"_233":92},"0wAMRbXQqDSE","00:33:00","1957101","0:33","159343760",{"_163":31024,"_165":31025},"The average price of a litre of diesel is 179.0p per litre, which is 12.5p below the conflict high of 191.5p per litre on April 15.",[],{"_163":31027,"_165":31028},"The last time prices UK-wide were more expensive than current levels was in November 2022.",[],{"_163":31030,"_165":31031},"Prices have risen by 9.4p per litre since July 6, when it was hoped the oil crisis was easing.",[],{"_163":31033,"_165":31034},"That is compared with 132.8p per litre when the conflict in the Middle East began.",[],{"_163":31036,"_165":31037},"The RAC said the average price of a litre of the fuel at UK forecourts on Friday was 160.0p per litre.",[],{"_163":31039,"_165":31040},"According to motoring organisation the RAC, petrol prices in the UK have reached their highest level in more than three-and-a-half years as the impact of the Iran oil crisis continues.",[],{"_163":31042,"_165":31043},"Yet prices in Northern Ireland are lower than UK-wide averages.",[],{"_163":31050,"_165":31051},{"_163":31048,"_165":31049},{"_163":88,"_165":31047},[]," AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet",[],"NI towns with petrol averaging around 150p a litre is good news for local drivers but an absolute shock for those on the mainland.",[],{"_163":31053,"_165":31054},"Both diesel and petrol hit a recent peak in Northern Ireland in mid-April, when diesel hit 188.1p and petrol reached 154p. ",[],{"_163":31056,"_165":31057},"Prices shot up after attacks by the US and Israel against Iran triggered major unrest in the region. ",[],{"_163":31059,"_165":31060},"Dungannon is the cheapest for diesel, at 159.9p per litre, while Ballycastle is the most expensive, at 174.9p.",[],{"_163":31062,"_165":31063},"According to its research, the cheapest petrol can be found in Ballymena, costing 147.4p per litre. Newry offers the most expensive average price per litre, at 155.9p.",[],{"_163":31065,"_165":31066},"The consumer watchdog tracks the price of diesel and petrol across towns in Northern Ireland.",[],[31068,31069],{"_157":580,"_212":1611,"_213":31078,"_215":31079,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_157":576,"_212":6880,"_213":31070,"_215":31071,"_161":516,"_218":-5},"York Street Go Garage ",{"_81":31072,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":31073,"_213":31070,"_223":31074,"_106":31075,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":31076,"_218":88,"_232":31075,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/zaujtu-york-street-go-garage./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A1826.jpg",[31077],"0R9A1826.jpg","159455375","York Street Go Garage on July 30th 2026 (Photo by Stiofán Bruce / Belfast Telegraph)\n",{"_235":30681,"_237":30682,"_239":30681,"_240":30683},"Vehicles fill up at the Braywick Esso garage in Maidenhead",{"_81":31080,"_212":1611,"_220":395,"_97":31081,"_213":31078,"_223":31082,"_106":31083,"_226":227,"_228":1611,"_230":31084,"_218":88,"_232":31083,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/business/uk-world/mfo6sc-middle-east-conflict/alternates/BASE_WIDTH/1b3cea68-ec2e-40c9-b355-e1ee815c6e8e",[],"1b3cea68-ec2e-40c9-b355-e1ee815c6e8e","158637954","Vehicles fill up at the Braywick Esso garage on Windsor Road, Maidenhead. Disruption to petrol supplies has been caused by Iran’s stranglehold on oil tankers passing through the key international shipping route in the Straight of Hormuz, sending prices at the pumps soaring. Picture date: Saturday May 16, 2026.",{"_163":31086,"_165":31087},"The latest rise in diesel and petrol was the biggest weekly increase in prices at the pumps since early April. ",[],{"_163":31089,"_165":31090},"The fuel price checker reflected the fourth week in a row in which prices have gone up in Northern Ireland.",[],{"_163":31092,"_165":31093},"The Go chain of 20 petrol stations was charging 164.9p for a litre of diesel on Friday morning — up 35p from 129.9p since pre-conflict. Petrol was 149.9p — up 26p since before the start of hostilities. ",[],{"_163":31095,"_165":31096},"And diesel is now 167p — up just under 8p per litre on week before.",[],{"_163":31098,"_165":31099},"According to the weekly fuel price checker from the Northern Ireland Consumer Council, the average price of a litre of petrol is now 151.4p, up nearly 4p over the last week. ",[],{"_163":31101,"_165":31102},"But road fuels are still priced more competitively here than the UK as a whole, with petrol and diesel 5pc and 7pc cheaper respectively.",[],"

\n",{"_163":31105,"_165":31106},"That’s despite average petrol and diesel prices here climbing for the fourth week in a row as conflict in the Middle East goes on.",[],{"_163":31108,"_165":31109},"Northern Ireland drivers are enjoying a fuel price advantage over those in Great Britain, latest figures show. ",[],"Prices at the Go Garage on York Street, Belfast on July 30 2026 reflect NI’s lower road fuel average",{"_81":31112,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":31113,"_213":31110,"_223":31114,"_106":31115,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":31076,"_218":88,"_232":31115,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/8fepxb-york-street-go-garage./alternates/BASE_SIXTEEN_NINE/0R9A1828.jpg",[31116],"0R9A1828.jpg","159455342",{"_235":30681,"_237":30682,"_239":30681,"_240":30683},{"_163":30947,"_165":31118},[],{"_250":16262,"_106":16263,"_253":8,"_254":16264},{"_250":251,"_106":252,"_253":10,"_254":255},{"_250":5497,"_106":5498,"_253":10,"_254":32},{"_235":30681,"_237":30682,"_240":30683},{"_81":31124,"_212":6880,"_220":395,"_97":31125,"_213":31110,"_223":31114,"_106":31115,"_226":227,"_228":6880,"_230":31076,"_218":88,"_232":31115,"_233":92},"https://prod-img.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/public/incoming/8fepxb-york-street-go-garage./alternates/BASE_WIDTH/0R9A1828.jpg",[31126],{"_235":30681,"_237":30682,"_239":30681,"_240":30683},{"_250":30462,"_106":30463,"_275":30464,"_276":280},"Petrol and diesel prices Northern Ireland: Cheaper than UK despite Iran oil crisis","Fuel prices surge after Middle East unrest, but Northern Ireland stays cheaper than UK averages",191122218,{"_292":-5,"_293":-5,"_294":295,"_296":-5,"_297":-5,"_298":-5},{"_281":-5,"_267":-5,"_283":8,"_275":-5,"_285":8,"_286":-5,"_287":288,"_289":-5,"_290":-5,"_291":-5},"https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/pubs-and-restaurants-here-stuck-in-the-middle-as-burnhams-tax-cut-skips-ni/a/159088029.html",[31275,31276,31277,31278,31279,31280],"Pubs and restaurants here ‘stuck in the middle’ as Burnham’s tax cut skips NI",{"_264":31271,"_266":31245,"_267":31135},[31270],[31257,31258,31259,31260,31261,31262,31263],"159088029",{},[],"2026-07-23T12:53:00Z","2026-07-23T12:53:16Z",[31147,31148,31149,31150,31151,31152,31153,31154,31155,31156,31157,31158,31159,31160,31161,31162,31163,31164,31165,31166,31167,31168,31169,31170,31171,31172,31173],{"_140":10,"_141":31146,"_143":10},"1412b1eb-866e-11f1-aae8-d182fb381781",{"_155":156,"_157":242,"_159":31255,"_161":244},{"_155":210,"_157":211,"_212":1611,"_213":31247,"_215":31248,"_161":217,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":206,"_159":31244,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":202,"_159":31241,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":187,"_159":31238,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":342,"_106":31237,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":31237,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":183,"_106":31236,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":31236,"_233":92},{"_155":156,"_157":179,"_159":31233,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":175,"_159":31230,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":171,"_159":31227,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":167,"_159":31224,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":158,"_159":31221,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":698,"_159":31218,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":694,"_159":31215,"_161":162},{"_155":210,"_157":685,"_212":31207,"_213":31208,"_215":31209,"_161":516,"_218":-5},{"_155":156,"_157":681,"_159":31204,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":677,"_159":31201,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":673,"_159":31198,"_161":162},{"_155":355,"_157":669,"_356":31194,"_161":358},{"_155":156,"_157":665,"_159":31191,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":661,"_159":31188,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":657,"_159":31185,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":195,"_159":31182,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":650,"_159":31179,"_161":162},{"_155":156,"_157":646,"_159":31176,"_161":162},{"_155":328,"_157":642,"_106":31175,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":31175,"_233":92},{"_155":328,"_157":633,"_106":31174,"_161":330,"_331":92,"_232":31174,"_233":92},"159047997","157875856",{"_163":31177,"_165":31178},"“To further support local businesses last month, the minister launched a consultation on a business growth accelerator and changes to non-domestic vacant rating to support investment and bring vacant premises back into use.” ",[],{"_163":31180,"_165":31181},"“The Finance Minister remains committed to supporting businesses. Draft budget proposals include an additional £10m to expand small business rate relief which, if approved, would see thousands of additional businesses benefit from this scheme which currently provides businesses with up to 50pc reduction in their rates. ",[],{"_163":31183,"_165":31184},"“During a call with the Chancellor yesterday, Minister John O’Dowd emphasised that the Westminster Government must place finances here on a fairer and sustainable footing to support delivery of a multi-year budget that gives departments greater certainty and enables long-term planning, investment and public service transformation. ",[],{"_163":31186,"_165":31187},"The Department of Finance said: “Business rates are fully devolved. Funding arising from the Prime Minister’s announcement has not yet been confirmed and will be for the Executive to allocate in line with local priorities and financial pressures. ",[],{"_163":31189,"_165":31190},"Also, the announcement on Wednesday of a cap on bus ticket prices in England will not be applied here, but the Executive will again be getting additional money. ",[],{"_163":31192,"_165":31193},"Meanwhile, a reduction to the VAT paid on electricity bills does not apply to Northern Ireland because of the stipulations of post-Brexit agreements, however the Executive will receive additional funding equivalent to the cut. ",[],{"_85":358,"_359":31195,"_361":746,"_212":88,"_363":747,"_213":88,"_365":366,"_106":31196,"_368":369,"_370":371,"_232":31197,"_233":92},"SRYMXfFayH2k","1939779","159096117",{"_163":31199,"_165":31200},"“If the Northern Ireland Assembly and UK Government are serious about supporting economic growth, protecting jobs, and revitalising our high streets and city centres, then they must ensure hospitality