Co Down teenager Niamh McGeoghegan who fell from balcony in Spain out of coma

West Belfast priest Martin Magill describes 'overwhelming' response to Lyra McKee funeral appeal

Family left heartbroken following sudden death of popular west Belfast teen (19)

Governments plan fresh talks to restore Stormont power-sharing

Alex Kane: This should be the last election where a gay unionist candidate is worthy of media attention

There is still joy in the GAA says Tyrone manager Mickey Harte

Kiefer Sutherland on how audience's attitudes to his music surprised him

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Belfast offers feast of musical fun

Brendan Crossan: A genuine pity Roy Keane's punditry and not his managerial nous making the headlines

Latest

Neil Lennon calls for Celtic to retire number five jersey in tribute to Billy McNeill

Enda McGinley: Priorities must be right for the health of the fixtures

Antrim craving a return to Casement Park says former Saffron star Kevin Madden

Man (49) to appear in court on attempted hijacking charge in Derry

Minister says advice that doctors in north could face criminal charges for sending women to England for an abortion 'completely bogus'

Major antenna upgrade will ensure transmission of RTÉ longwave radio continues

Brexit

Brexit debate to the fore as final candidates for European election submit nomination papers

NEXT month's European elections will provide an opportunity to "send a very clear message" that Northern Ireland does not want to crash out of the EU, Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson has said.

Topics

Seamus Mallon calls for leadership and a new public vote on Brexit

FORMER Deputy First Leader Seamus Mallon has called for a second referendum on Brexit saying a new vote is "absolutely essential".
Hammond: Brexit deadlock could jeopardise three-year spending review

Chancellor Philip Hammond has warned the British government's three-year spending review may be unable to go ahead as planned if there is no resolution to the Brexit deadlock.
Co-operation Ireland work is 'public rebuke to those seeking to drag us back' to The Troubles, says CEO Peter Sheridan

WHEN Brendan O'Regan started Co-operation Ireland in 1979 it was because of his concern that relationships on the island had become estranged after the onset of The Troubles.
Scots should vote again on independence before 2021 elections, says First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

SCOTS should be given the opportunity to vote again on independence before the next Holyrood elections in 2021, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

News

Journalist's murder to be a factor in Derry and Strabane

THE murder of journalist Lyra McKee is likely to loom large over the Derry City and Strabane District Council election.

Topics

Celtic Park match tribute to 'greatest ever captain' Billy McNeill

A MATCH tomorrow at Glasgow's Celtic Park will be a celebration of the life of former player and manager Billy McNeill, who passed away on Monday at the age of 79.
West Belfast priest Martin Magill describes 'overwhelming' response to Lyra McKee funeral appeal

A WEST Belfast priest whose powerful words at the funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee prompted a standing ovation from mourners has described the reaction to his reflection as a "humbling experience".
This is the Co Down octogenarian alleged to have subjected his cancer-suffering 84-year-old partner to savage, two-hour beating

AN 86-year-old man, alleged to have subjected his cancer suffering octogenarian partner to a savage, two-hour beating after she "asked to hold his hand", has had his case adjourned.
Governments plan fresh talks to restore Stormont power-sharing

THE British and Irish governments are today expected to announce they will hold fresh talks with all major parties to restore power-sharing at Stormont.

Business

Co Tyrone construction giant McAleer & Rushe grows turnover by 18% to almost £400m

CO Tyrone construction giant McAleer & Rushe has seen its turnover rise by almost a fifth to just shy of £400 million, on the back of securing major contracts in England.

Topics

Ballymena car showroom re-opens after £500k revamp

A CO Antrim car showroom has undergone a £500,000 refurbishment to improve the overall customer experience.
Co Tyrone-based SIS Pitches invests in new £1.8m English factory

A CO Tyrone-based sports pitch manufacturer has invested £1.
Dale Farm to close Fivemiletown cheese production site, putting 18 jobs at risk

DAIRY cooperate Dale Farm is to cease production of its popular Fivemiletown cheese in the Co Tyrone town, putting local jobs at risk.
Competition watchdog blocks £12bn Sainsbury's-Asda merger

THE competition watchdog's decision to block the £12 billion merger of Sainsbury's and Asda has been welcomed in Northern Ireland.

Sport

Brendan Crossan: A genuine pity Roy Keane's punditry and not his managerial nous making the headlines

EVERY time you watch Roy Keane in a TV studio you kind of wish he was manager of a big club.

Topics

Antrim craving a return to Casement Park says former Saffron star Kevin Madden
There is still joy in the GAA says Tyrone manager Mickey Harte
GAA urged to have 'sense' over Donegal soccer game row

A Co Donegal man with motor neurone disease (MND) has called on the GAA to have “sense” over plans to punish a club for hosting a fundraising soccer match for him.
Enda McGinley: Priorities must be right for the health of the fixtures

As April draws to a close and clubs enjoy their last game before going into a summer hibernation it seems a good time to review the success and effectiveness of ‘club April'.

Opinion

Alex Kane: This should be the last election where a gay unionist candidate is worthy of media attention

In normal circumstances a 'gay' candidate shouldn't raise an eyebrow of interest in 2019; it certainly isn't a story that should be on the front pages of local newspapers or taking up an hour of time on the Stephen Nolan show.

Topics

William Scholes: Finding lasting peace an uphill struggle - but we need to make the journey

AN undoubted talking point from the funeral of Lyra McKee was the reaction to Fr Martin Magill's heartfelt but pointed question about why it took a murder to bring together the political parties.
Trump can never be a normal president

The `special relationship' is the unofficial term frequently used to described the close political, economic and historic ties which have always existed between the US and the UK.
Britain wasted 47 years of chances to deal fairly with Ballymurphy massacre

Trevor Ringland – ‘Honest debate needed on why conflict occurred and who was to blame’ (April 9) – laments that “failure to deal fairly” with the legacy of crown force killings is “poisoning political life”.
Newton Emerson: Following murder of Lyra McKee, support for criminal justice system is crucial

If anyone is convicted for the murder of Lyra McKee, will a ‘justice campaign’ for their acquittal not inevitably follow?

Magazine

Taylor Swift to release new song called ME!

The song features Brendon Urie of Panic! Of The Disco.

Topics

Cabinet ministers ‘given ultimatum' in Huawei leak investigation

Theresa May is facing calls for a full police inquiry after the leak of secret discussions by the UK's top national security body.
Ashley Banjo: I nearly killed Willie Thorne

The Diversity star is leading a group of celebrities taking part in ITV's The All New Monty: Who Bares Wins.
Blue Peter to welcome new presenter Richie Driss in May

He will replace Radzi Chinyanganya on the CBBC programme.
Peaky Blinders virtual reality game to launch in 2020

The experience will use new AI technology to immerse players in the world of the Bafta-award winning drama.

Life

Marie Louise McConville: Newtownards farm offers a fantastic fairytale experience for children

It really is amazing just how much parenthood can change your life.

Topics

Video: Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is at Stormont on May 26

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life takes place at Stormont next month and among the runners will be Gary Crossan who is marking one year since the end of his treatment for bowel cancer.
Buying a new home? Phil Spencer shows us the warning signs something is wrong

It’s all about Information, information, information, says the TV property guru. Luke Rix-Standing (PA) finds out more.
Property: An unbeatable blend of countryside charm and convenience

A stunning family home in an area of unequalled charm and appeal
Martin Henry: Man is God's risk

Through the Resurrection of Jesus, God gives us the hope that we - who share our humanity with those involved in the Crucifixion - may also be raised up, says Fr Martin Henry

Arts

Cult Movie: David Fincher's Fight Club still subversive and stylish at 20

Fight Club IT’S hard to believe Fight Club is 20 years old.

Topics

Kiefer Sutherland on how audience's attitudes to his music surprised him

IT TAKES guts to turn your back on a Hollywood career and risk it all for the life of a hard-touring, fast-living country musician.
Album reviews: Beyonce, The Cranberries, Marina and Bears Den

Beyonce Homecoming: The Live Album THIS nearly two-hour long live album from Beyonce captures the singer-songwriter's groundbreaking 2018 Coachella performance: a conceptual show painstakingly crafted over an eight-month period, it was inspired by America's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and saw 'Queen B' joined on stage by more than 200 dancers and musicians.
Tom Walker: I'm enjoying success but always doubting says Leave A Light On singer

TOM Walker is one of Scotland's biggest emerging stars, but you'd be forgiven for being none the wiser to his heritage when speaking to him.
Gig guide: Live music for the week ahead

Today Paul McKenna Band – Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast Surf Green, Luc Garrett, The Fake Flirtations etc – The Pavilion, Belfast Haley Heynderickx, Peter Doran – The American, Belfast Kneecap – Sandinos, Derry Luka Bloom – Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady Villiers & The Villains – The Atlantic, Portrush Lore, Saffyre – Island Arts Centre, Lisburn Saturday April 27 Mark Geary, Strawhall House Band – The American Bar, Belfast Paula Temple – The Nerve Centre, Derry Luka Bloom – Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy Sunday April 28 Luka Bloom – The Black Box, Belfast Strange New Places, Sonif, Oisín Ó Scolaí & The Virginia Slims – McHugh's, Belfast Wednesday May 1 Kojaque –The Limelight 2, Belfast Thursday May 2 Teenage Fanclub – Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Marquee, Belfast Howe Gelb – Ulster Sport Club, Belfast Christy Moore – Waterfront Hall, Belfast Colm McIntyre, Donal Scullion, The Mad Dalton etc – Gifted, The Empire, Belfast Havvk, Molto Vivo, Strange New Places – Oh Yeah, Belfast Pascalwillnotsurvivethis, Paul and The Meanie, SX-70, etc – The Menagerie, Belfast William The Conqueror – Duke of York, Belfast Hen Ogledd – Voodoo, Belfast Blaenavon – McHugh's, Belfast Friday May 3 Echo & The Bunnymen – CQAF Marquee, Belfast Jason Lytle, Malojian – 1st Presbyterian Church, Rosemary St, Belfast Kitt Philippa – Upstairs, The MAC, Belfast Pete Doherty – The Limelight, Belfast Lisa O'Neill – The Black Box, Belfast The Gold Tips – The Duke of York, Belfast Lowkey – Oh Yeah, Belfast Asomvel, RBOTN, Stereo Nasty – Voodoo, Belfast Hello Casanova – The American, Belfast Marc Almond – Millennium Forum, Derry Reevah, Sonja Sleator, Ethan Hanna – Sandinos, Derry Linley Hamilton Quartet – Island Arts Centre, Lisburn Saturday May 4 Spiritualized – CQAF Marquee, Belfast Dick Valentine (Electric Six) – Katy's, Belfast Mary Coughlan – The Black Box, Belfast (2pm) Sean O'Hagan, Big Monster Love – Rosemary Street First Presbyterian Church, Belfast, (3pm) Sneaks – The Sunflower, Belfast The Wonders of The Wake – Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast Men of North Country – Oh Yeah, Belfast Ketos, Dead Label, Death of a Salesman – Voodoo, Belfast Barb Jungr – The Black Box, Belfast (7.

Omagh bombing

Council to consider action over new plaque on Omagh bomb memorial

A LOCAL council is set to consider whether it will take action over the addition of an unapproved plaque to a memorial to those killed and injured in the Omagh bombing.

Topics

Husband of Omagh bomb victim adds plaque to memorial blaming `dissident republican terrorists'

THE husband of a woman killed in the Omagh bombing has glued a plaque to a memorial at the site of the atrocity stating that it was a "dissident republican terrorist" car bomb.
Death of Co Tyrone man who lost daughter in Omagh bombing

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Co Tyrone man who has died 20 years on from the death of his daughter in the Omagh bombing atrocity.
Mother of Omagh bombing victim Aiden Gallagher breaks silence in emotional letter backing Nuala O'Loan

THE mother of Omagh bombing victim Aiden Gallagher has spoken publicly for the first time since his death 20 years ago to praise a former Police Ombudsman’s comment that the atrocity could have been prevented.
Omagh bombing victim's husband 'flabbergasted' by former police ombudsman's claim

FORMER police ombudsman Nuala O'Loan has been criticised by the husband of an Omagh bomb victim for claiming that the atrocity was preventable.

Pope's visit

Pope Francis blamed for fall in Dublin Zoo visitors

Dublin Zoo has blamed the Pope for causing a drop of almost 100,000 in visitor numbers this year.

Lasting souvenir of Papal visit Ireland with release of a commemorative book

PILGRIMS can now have a lasting souvenir of the historic Papal visit to Dublin, Knock and the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) with the release of a commemorative book.
Film reveals effect of Pope John Paul II's visit to Republic

A new documentary highlights the effect Pope John Paul ll's visit to the Republic in 1979 had on the peace process.
Pope Francis 'tasted pain and bitterness' of abuse during Irish visit

POPE Francis has lamented how Irish church authorities failed to respond to the crimes of sexual abuse, speaking during his first public appearance at the Vatican after accusations that he himself covered up for a former US cardinal.
ANALYSIS: DUP has yet to give an adequate explanation for Papal snub

It's important that people respect Arlene Foster's decision not to attend Saturday's civic reception for Pope Francis in Dublin Castle.

Civil Rights

Patsy Gildernew: Civil rights pioneer, successful businessman but first and foremost a family man

“A man of strong principles, courage and integrity.

Topics

Tributes paid to civil rights pioneer Patsy Gildernew

The funeral has taken place of a Co Tyrone man who took part in a protest believed to have given birth to the civil rights movement more than 50 years ago. Patsy Gildernew wrote himself into Irish history when he...
Stormont discrimination of Catholics 'hugely exaggerated' says David Trimble's ex-aide

A FORMER adviser to ex-First Minister David Trimble has claimed discrimination against Catholics by Stormont before the civil rights movement has been "hugely exaggerated".
Fionnuala O Connor: Press reports from 1968 show unionist leaders unable to grasp what was happening

RUC men on that Saturday fifty years ago blattered their way into history on camera, leaving newsprint catching-up as the Troubles, and the next week, began.
Leona O'Neill: Those who commemorate the IRA are no champions of civil rights in my eyes

WE’VE just come out of a weekend that marked probably one of the most important moments in Northern Ireland’s history, the birth of the civil rights movement.

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Assembly Election 2017

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