Armagh and Northern Ireland News

Keep up to date with the latest news and sports articles for Armagh and Northern Ireland. You will also find links on the left that will direct you to local and national newspaper websites and publications.

Latest News... (Source: BBC News)

Clerical abuse survivor calls for end to character references in sex offence cases
Tony Gribben says the Justice Minister should end or limit the use of character references in sex offence cases.
New suspected case of bluetongue virus discovered
Vets are investigating a suspect case of the virus in a cow which sits in the existing 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ).
Woman taken to hospital with serious injury following collision
A woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following the two-vehicle collision in Lisnaskea.
Thousands participate in Apprentice Boys' parade
Around 2,500 Apprentice Boys and 24 bands are taking part in the annual event in the city.
Wiffen wins third European medal with 800m bronze
Daniel Wiffen puts in a strong recovery to claim a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships.
PSNI using dash-cams in cars for first time
Ten cars in the Newry, Mourne and Down area have been equipped with dash-cams as part of a pilot scheme.
Chair and well fabled for 'healing powers' gets protected status
Local people have welcomed the official recognition of the historical significance of the ancient site.
The Grinch crashes star-studded Late Late Toy Show
Children from across Northern Ireland are taking part in the annual TV extravaganza.
Kilrea Bridge reopens after 11-week closure
The bridge, which reopened on Saturday, will only be passable for cars and light vehicles, of up to three tonnes, while permanent repair works continue.
Woman jailed for murdering her baby to have convictions quashed
Senior judges say that the guilty verdicts over the double stabbing were unsafe.
'It's worse than Covid,' says principal as 170 pupils off sick in one day
Confirmed flu cases among adults and children across Northern Ireland have more than trebled in the last two weeks.
Woman dies after being struck by lorry
Aileen Mary Finch was involved in a crash which happened on the Gosford Road in Markethill on Wednesday morning.
Northern Ireland learn possible World Cup opponents
Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off.
'It's not safe for my father to remain in Gaza'
Khalid Al-Estal, who is an Irish citizen, managed to get his two small children to Dublin in 2023, but two years later his father remains in Gaza.
Challenge over proposed Irish language policy to be heard in High Court
A legal challenge against Belfast City Council over proposed new Irish language policy to be heard at the High Court.
Man remanded for attempted pipe bomb attack on GAA club
John Wilson, 59, of Lower Braniel Road in Belfast, placed two crude pipe bombs on the bonnets of cars parked at grounds used by East Belfast GAA.
PM told budget was 'missed opportunity' for NI by Stormont leaders
Sir Keir Starmer heard the criticism when he attended the latest meeting of the British Irish Council (BIC) in Cardiff.
Officer moved to Australia to end threats to parents after data breach
The officer says the 2023 breach "put a target on my family home" and led to her taking a job with the Western Australia Police Force.
Renewable energy generation 'sliding backwards' as figures dip
New figures from the Department for the Economy show a slight fall in the use of renewable energy sources for a third year in a row.
'The time was right' - Oxtoby swaps Northern Ireland for Newcastle
Stepping away from international football to manage a club in England's second tier was a decision Tanya Oxtoby "didn't take lightly".
Will new signs be enough to stop car traffic on buzzing Belfast street?
Hill Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter will be pedestrianised for an initial six-month period.
GP services in 'crisis' as one patient calls 98 times for appointment - report
The PAC report says patients are experiencing significant difficulty accessing GP services in Northern Ireland.
Children being hit by 'most severe flu outbreak' since 2010
Paediatric emergency medicine consultant Dr Julie-Ann Maney says it is a particularly virulent strain of influenza.
Record number of patients on NI hospital waiting lists
Latest statistics show at the end of September there were 542,451 patients waiting to see a consultant.
Bluetongue control zone may be extended across NI, says minister
Andrew Muir told Good Morning Ulster further measures may be put in place to try and stop the spread of bluetongue virus.
BBC reports from family court case in NI media first
The case is part of a new media pilot scheme, introduced by the Lady Chief Justice to help reform the courts.
'A way to honour our babies and recognise their loss'
Gemma McGibbon, who has had four miscarriages, says new certificates that acknowledge loss during pregnancy before 24 weeks will "honour those babies". Gemma McGibbon, 3
'Palliative care in NI is a Cinderella service'
A widower shared his wife's story ahead of a report on access to palliative care services in NI.
Gary Neville gets Queen's honorary degree
The former Manchester United star turned pundit is honoured for his contribution to sport, business, education and philanthropy.
BBC Newsline signed summary
A signed summary of BBC Newsline.
Slow down and keep us safe, rural school pupils urge fast drivers
Parents and teachers at a County Tyrone primary school call on the government to reduce the speed limit on the road outside the building over safety fears.
'It was part of my childhood' - keeping Ulster Scots heritage alive
Ulster Scots Language event traces Ulster's heritage through the poetry of the "Rhyming Weavers".
BBC Newsline signed summary
A signed summary of BBC Newsline.
'I'm cockney, I'm Zulu, but I'm also Belfast-ian'- how identity influences NI hip-hop
A new BBC NI documentary Born in Belfast: A Hip Hop Story tells the story of how the genre found a home in Belfast.
Could wartime lord's statue become town's newest attraction?
A bid for funding has been made for a project which would include a statue of Hugh O'Neill on the Hill of the O'Neill.
Good weather gives rare butterfly species a boost
The Marsh Fritillary is known for its stained glass effect wings, but numbers have been in decline.
'I shouldn't have felt guilty for my miscarriages'
A study by Queen's University Belfast (QUB) found women frequently reported feelings of isolation and guilt following miscarriage.
Residents and businesses hope for a return to normal as road reopens
Durham Street has reopened more than a year after it was closed due to work around the new Grand Central station.
'I'll definitely use the new late night transport' as scheme launches
An extended timetable of late night bus and rail services in Northern Ireland begins on Friday night.
'I've been punched and spat at by customers'
More plain clothed and uniformed officers will be visible across towns and cities in NI during the Christmas period.
Family court system 'scary' and 'not fit for purpose', say parents
Family courts make thousands of rulings in NI every year on issues such as adoption, divorce and child custody.
Mum travels 80 miles to take her son to 'priceless' cerebral palsy school
The Buddy Bear School in Dungannon, County Tyrone, opened in 1993 and is the only school of its kind in Northern Ireland.
'My son is asking when his school will open again'
More than 200 pupils of Nazareth House primary school in Derry are at home for a second day because of concerns over the building's roof.
'I can't wait to make my Northern Irish debut' - Opera star Tara Erraught
The internationally acclaimed singer performs at Londonderry's St Columb's Hall on Thursday.
Principal 'angered and saddened' by school roof safety closure
The principal of Nazareth House Primary School in Londonderry says she does not know when they will be able to reopen.
NI's 'worst road' fixed as new scheme aims to tackle potholes
Northern Ireland's road network will become the "most understood in the world" the company behind the scheme says.
At-large killer returned to prison after extradition
James Meehan appeared in court in Ballymena on Tuesday after he was extradited from the Republic of Ireland.
Appeal for information after man indecently exposed himself
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may be aware of similar incidents, to come forward.
Man refuses to leave cell to face assault charge
A police officer sustained a serious hand injury in an assault in Londonderry on Saturday night.
Two dead after crash involving bus and car
The crash happened on the Derrylin Road near Enniskillen on Friday evening.
Teacher has jail term revoked for sex assault on child
A former music teacher at Erne Integrated College had his appeal against his sentence upheld.
Easter parade trial shown 'join the IRA' video
The four men - Thomas Ashe Mellon, Jason Lee Ceulemans, Patrick Anthony Gallagher and Stephen Martin Murney - deny the charges.
Attempted murder arrest after officer stabbed with hunting knife
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the attack highlights the risks many police officers face on a day-to-day basis.
Walled city's heritage brought to life in new 3D map
Using state-of-the-art scanning technology, Derry's historic walls have been recreated in a 3D map.
Seized pipe bombs contained ball bearings - trial told
The details were given at the trial of four men who deny charges linked to a dissident republican parade in Derry in 2023.
Trial begins for four accused over Derry Easter parade
The four men - Thomas Ashe Mellon, Jason Lee Ceulemans, Patrick Anthony Gallagher and Stephen Martin Murney - deny the charges.
Men jailed over unprovoked attack on drunk friend
Kieran Kelly and Dylan Quaile were both jailed for an unprovoked attack on a friend in September 2024
Drug-dealer jailed for role in organised crime gang
Jack Terence Boyd, 28, with an address at Maghaberry Prison, will spend two years in jail and two more on licence.
Remembering the five rail workers killed by train
A service will be held to remember five railway workers killed after being struck by a passenger train as they carried out maintenance work.
Sycamore Gap sapling planted in honour of Strabane man
The sapling was planted in Strabane as part of the National Trust's Trees of Hope project.
Woman's death caused by wheel bearing failure, inquest told
Shauna McDevitt, a 47-year-old mother of one, died after the incident near Toomebridge on 10 April 2022.
Evidence of burial ground at Tuam mother and baby home
Agency said it found "graves of child or infant size" at an area on the western edge of the site.
Irish police investigating drone activity during Zelensky visit
The Irish police force says it is investigating the matter after reports of drones near Dublin around the time the Ukrainian president landed.
Boycotts and arguments - can the Eurovision Song Contest survive its biggest crisis?
The biggest crisis in the Eurovision Song Contest's history raises major questions about its future.
Irish battalion safe after coming under fire in south Lebanon
A Defence Forces spokesperson said the 127 Infantry Battalion came under fire while conducting a patrol.
Ireland boycotts Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
There had been calls for Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza, as well as unfair voting accusations.
Senior Irish government figures briefed on drone presence during Zelensky visit
The Irish Defence Forces says it had no comment on "any alleged incidents" during the visit.
How the Irish border was created
The Boundary Commission plan to adjust the border and remove places from NI was ditched in a British-Irish deal
Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme
The six-month scheme, set to roll out in Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny will see about 128 officers given the stunguns.
Ireland to give ?125m to Ukraine as Zelensky visits Dublin
The announcement was made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a press conference on Tuesday.
TV architect Hugh Wallace dies, aged 68
Hugh Wallace, 68, was best known for presenting RTÉ's Home of the Year and the BBC's The Great House Revival
Council removes proposal to rename park named after former president of Israel
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
Crumbling homes redress payouts top ?230m
Campaigners say too many families in the Republic of Ireland remain in unsafe homes this winter.
CMAT, Fontaines D.C. and Gorillaz to play Electric Picnic 2026
Electric Picnic will take place from 28 August to 30 August 2026 at Stradbally Hall, County Laois.
Report in relation to renaming Herzog Park set to be withdrawn
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
Israeli president concerned over proposed renaming of park
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
'Callous' beheading of stag prompts police investigation
The headless body of the stag, that was part of the herd at Newbridge Demesne in Dublin, was found by staff on Thursday.
Son given life sentence for murdering his 75-year-old mother
Miriam Burns died from asphyxia due to manual strangulation along with blunt force trauma to her head.
Wrong anthem played at Republic of Ireland game
The Republic of Ireland's players sung an a cappella version of the national anthem after God Save the King was played by mistake ahead of a Women's Under-19 European qualifier.
'Significant' number of asylum seekers in Ireland coming from NI
Jim O'Callaghan says almost 90% of those seeking international protection in the Republic have come from Northern Ireland.

Latest Sports News... (Source: BBC News)

Crusaders performance a 'disgrace' and 'embarrassment'
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell says the 4-0 home defeat by Portadown in the Irish Premiership was an "embarrassment" and a "disgraceful performance".
Leinster finish strongly to hold off Harlequins
Leinster finish strongly to hold off a spirited Harlequins and launch their latest quest for a fifth Champions Cup title with a bonus-point pool 3 win at Aviva Stadium.
Wiffen wins third European medal with 800m bronze
Daniel Wiffen puts in a strong recovery to claim a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships.
Bath see off Munster for impressive bonus-point win
Bath claim a convincing bonus-point win over Munster at a rain-lashed Recreation Ground with all but five points scored in the first half.
Coleraine move top as Glens draw with Cliftonville
Coleraine move top of the Irish Premiership table on goal difference after coming from behind to win 3-1 against Carrick Rangers with Glentoran and Cliftonville sharing the spoils at the Oval.
'Top quality' Bell settling in at Ulster - Murphy
Head coach Richie Murphy feels the province will soon "see the blessing" of Angus Bell's arrival at Ulster.
McIlroy nine back after bizarre banana skin mishap
Rory McIlroy is nine shots behind leader Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen ahead of the final day of the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.
Munster 'weren't good enough' in heavy Bath defeat
Head coach Clayton McMillan says Munster "weren't good enough overall" in their 40-14 defeat by Bath in their Investec Champions Cup opener.
Northern Ireland could face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland at World Cup
Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off.
McCourt disappointed despite Glens fightback at Oval
Glentoran assistant manager Paddy McCourt says he is disappointed not to beat Cliftonville despite the Oval hosts battling back from two down to draw 2-2.
Highlights: Larne and Linfield share the spoils
Watch highlights as Larne and Linfield draw a blank in the Irish Premiership.
The Ireland Rugby Social with Rob Kearney
Former Ireland full-back, Rob Kearney, shares his favourite rugby memories
Highlights: Glens beat Reds on penalties in BetMcLean Cup
Watch highlights as Glentoran beat holders Cliftonville 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the BetMcLean Cup quarter-final.
Kicker Smyth impresses on NFL debut for Saints
Charlie Smyth makes an impressive NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints with a 56-yard field goal and a successful onside kick in their 21-17 defeat to the Miami Dolphins.
Second-half surge sees Ulster thump Racing 61-7
Ulster secure a commanding bonus-point win over Racing 92 in what is their first ever pool-stage game in the Challenge Cup.
Republic of Ireland learn potential World Cup opponents
The Republic of Ireland will face hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A in the World Cup if they come through March's play-offs.
'The time was right' - Oxtoby swaps Northern Ireland for Newcastle
Stepping away from international football to manage a club in England's second tier was a decision Tanya Oxtoby "didn't take lightly".
McComb puts grief aside to roll the dice in Monaco
Fight week brings challenges with unfamiliar surroundings and weight to be made, but Belfast's Sean McComb has had an added burden with the passing of a grandparent.
How GAA helped Smyth make NFL kick with 7% success rate
New Orleans Saints coordinator Phil Galiano says Charlie Smyth's GAA background help him make a kick with a 7% success rate in the NFL this season.
Ioane starts shock Leinster spell after Sexton spat
As Rieko Ioane prepares for his Leinster debut, BBC Sport NI looks at his shock move and his spat with Ireland legend Johnny Sexton.
O'Neill leaves with Celtic's thanks as well as a new tracksuit
Martin O'Neill leaves with one final performance after Celtic's grand old showman departs the stage.
Tyson makes surprise appearance in Belfast
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson stunned onlookers when he was spotted in north Belfast in Wednesday afternoon.
Full list of 2026 GAA National League fixtures in football and hurling
All of your fixtures for the 2026 GAA National Leagues.
A draw with a winner? The routes to northern glory at 2027 World Cup
Has the 2027 World Cup draw handed an advantage to northern hemisphere sides chasing glory?
'Stoppages, TMOs, referees' hurting rugby 'badly'
Former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney tells the BBC's Ireland Rugby Social podcast that he believes changes are coming to improve rugby union as a spectacle.
Ireland must look after 'own side of things' at World Cup
Head coach Andy Farrell is not being drawn on suggestions that Ireland have been handed a favourable draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
'Here we go' - what's it like to make your NFL debut?
After dreaming of playing in the NFL, Charlie Smyth says making his debut for the New Orleans Saints was "the moment I've been waiting for".
'I was emotionally bullied by some coaches, now I want to help'- ex-boxer Walsh
Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh on reckoning in retirement with the emotional bruises of boxing.
What went wrong for Jim Ervin at Ballymena?
BBC Sport NI looks at what went wrong for Jim Ervin during his tenure as Sky Blues boss after the club announced they had parted company with their former defender on Sunday.
LIV spending 'irrational' sums of money - McIlroy
Rory McIlroy believes "irrational" spending from the LIV series has created a fracture in golf that will be difficult to repair.
South Africa beat Ireland in first T20 in Cape Town
South Africa Women cruise to victory by 105 runs in their first Twenty20 international against Ireland Women in Cape Town.
Littlejohn given extended ban for violent conduct
Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn has been given an extended five-match ban for violent conduct after grabbing an opponent by the neck and throwing her to the ground.
Kennedy appointed IABA interim head coach
Toome's Damian Kennedy is confirmed as interim High Performance head coach by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) following the retirement of Zauri Antia.
Wiffen through to 800m final as Walsh reaches 200m semis
Ireland's Daniel Wiffen is through to the 800m freestyle final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships [25m] in Lublin.
North West 200 to host new European championship
The 2026 North West 200 is set to host a round of the European Series Road Racing Superbike Championship (ESR) from 4-9 May.
What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at Northern Ireland's historical record against Italy
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn play-off opponents
Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina and Northern Ireland travel to Italy in the World Cup play-off semi-finals.
NI's latest debutant Kelly 'itching' for more caps
Patrick Kelly says he is "delighted" to have made his Northern Ireland debut against Luxembourg, but is "itching" for more caps.
Is Donley ready to fill NI's 'problem position'?
After scoring his first senior international goal against Luxembourg on Monday, is Jamie Donley the right man to lead the line in Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off?
NI enter play-offs 'with a lot of optimism' - O'Neill
Michael O'Neill says Northern Ireland enter March's World Cup play-offs with "a lot of optimism" after their 1-0 win over Luxembourg.
Conor Murray selects his ultimate XV
Conor picks the ultimate line-up of players he?s shared a rugby pitch with
Watch: Donley nets first Northern Ireland goal in win over Luxembourg
Watch the best of the action as Jamie Donley scores his first international goal for Northern Ireland in their 1-0 win over Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying.
IOM TT record-breaker Dunlop receives MBE from King
Michael Dunlop, who holds the record for the most number of Isle of Man TT wins with 33, receives his MBE from King Charles in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Rea has 'mixed emotions' as Superbike career ends
Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea says he has "mixed emotions" as his racing career ends after a crash at Jerez at the final round of the season.
Masters win 'lived up to expectations' - McIlroy
Rory McIlroy says completing the Grand Slam of major successes by winning The Masters in April "lived up to expectations".

National News Headlines

Trans women will not be allowed to attend main Labour Women's Conference events
The conference will take place in 2026 after being cancelled for a year in light of the Supreme Court's gender ruling.
Four arrested after crumble and custard thrown at Crown Jewels display
The Tower of London was partially closed to the public while the police investigated.
Failed Sarah Ferguson-backed app received £1m taxpayers' money
The former Duchess was an "ambassador" for vVoosh, founded by her friend Manuel Fernandez.
Met Office issues weather warning for rain
Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for the start of the week.
Scottish Conservative peer defects to Reform UK
Malcolm Offord appeared at a rally alongside Nigel Farage in Falkirk on Saturday to announce the move.
Charities welcome new law banning puppy smuggling
But some are worried that the ban will have consequences for rare dog breeders and those who rescue dogs from overseas.
Two missing after entering river to evade police
Police say they are "extremely concerned" for their welfare of the men, as the search continues.
Prince William praises 'inspiring' Kevin Sinfield
Sinfield is close to finishing his latest challenge to support the motor neurone disease community.
Severe weather forces closure of storm-hit port terminal
Terminal 5 at Holyhead has been temporarily closed, but the port will maintain a ?full sailing schedule?.
Meghan reaches out to estranged father after amputation reports, spokesman says
Thomas Markle is reported to be seriously ill in hospital in the Philippines.
Father accused of murder of son injured as baby
Leajunne Wood sustained life-changing injuries in 2007 and died 14 years later, police say.
Hillsborough victim's relative followed by police for a week, report finds
The IOPC received 25 complaints about police surveillance from people connected to the disaster.

Source: BBC News

Armagh and Northern Ireland News

Business & Community

Local Offers & Promotions

Food, Drink & Entertainment

Travel & Accommodation

Property & Property Services

Jobs & Employment Services

Classifieds (Buy & Sell)

Chat, News & Links

Free Local Listings