Downpatrick RGU Struggle Against Kilcoo

Jim Masson
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Downpatrick RGU Struggle Against Kilcoo

Kilcoo GAC prove too sharp for Downpatrick RGU in first season encounter

Down GAA,

All County Football League, Division 1, Round 3,

Venue: Páirc Tomás Ruséll, 24 4 26,

Final Score: Downpatrick RGU 0-3 3-20 Kilcoo GAC.

Kilcoo are multiple Division One champions and are always a formidible side to face. They have been beaten once this year so far and are not invincible, but they are a severe test for any club in the first division.

As the game opened up, it was Kilcoo that burst through the RGU ranks and claimed a quick 2-pointer.

The intensity of play from Kilcoo was a learning curve for the RGU players who were without their captain Jarleth Branagan who was red-carded the previous game. Kilcoo were fast and relentless passing well, breaking at every opportunity and showed accurate kicking at the RGU goal from a distance.

It was Garrett Trainor who opened the scoring for the RGU with 2 separate points but Kilcoo had already collected 6 points to their tally.

Then Kilcoo’s Jack Devlin passed to Eugene Branagan who took his goal well increasing the score in the 8th minute.

Damien Turley battles through the Kilcoo defence. (Photos: JimMasson/DownNews©).

The RGU had a slightly better run and collected points from Conor McGrady and Tom McNeill. Then RGU broke forward again and Tom Savage was just wide of the Kilcoo posts for a goal. Then from a free McNell claimed another point.

Damien Turley got close to the Kilcoo net and passed to McGrady who stretched for the shot and went inches wide for a goal. Meanwhile, Kilcoo ground away at the RGU and Paul Devlin scored another point keeping the pressure on the homeside.

Check out match action photos here.

But as the game progressed, the outcome looked assured for Kilcoo and they were on blistering form.

Conor McGrady in action for the RGU against Kilcoo.

Kilcoo started off sharply after half-time but the RGU did rally well and made a number of useful attacks into the Kilcoo half, but the visitors’ defence was extremely tight to get through with sometimes up to four defenders challenging an RGU forward on a break.

Again in an attack, Orán Cunningham and Tom McNeill both had a kick at the Kilcoo goal but keeper Cailum Madine had other ideas and fended off the kicks well.

Then on 34 minutes Kilcoo took another goal widening the goal difference again. The RGU kept their chins up and were focussed and found another opportunity when McNeill had a kick at the Kilcoo goal but again Madine came out well and blocked the shot.

As the game progressed, despite the pasting that the RGU were taking, they came out fighting and created some opportunities which could have re-dressed some of the balance in the scoreline.

But Kilcoo several times turned the tide and broke forward with defender Dalach McGreevy getting in on the scoring too.

The RGU’s Tom Smyth fends off a challenge from Kilkoo’s Justin Clarke.

Damien Turley managed to claim a 2-pointer but Kilcoo bounced right back to take a couple of single points. Then Ruairi Madine had a good spell and clocked up another 2 points for Kilcoo and his side added more pain for the RGU by taking a third goal.

Tom Savage and Conor McGrady pointed again but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow of Kilcoo points. Gerdie Collins and Damien Turley played well along with sub Nathan McShane as the game was coming to a close and Kilcoo seemed pleased to sit on their laurels.

This was a tough encounter for the RGU squad but given the number of misses that they had, the scoreline could have been a lot closer and the dynamics of the game could have changed. The RGU may have suffered a 16 point loss but it was their third match this season and against Kilcoo, who were always going to be difficult to beat, but not impossible.

The RGU did make a number of great attacks in the latter stages of the match which showed that they could more seriously challenge Kilcoo once they get their ducks in order as the season progresses.

The RGU will have learned much from this encounter, and subsequent matches will seem easier. Kilcoo are masters at finishing and missed few kicking opportunities.

Check out match action photos here.

SERC Builds On Female Empowerment

Staff Reporter
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SERC Builds On Female Empowerment

Mountains of Confidence for Female Empowerment Programme Participants

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently concluded the second Female Empowerment Programme with a unique cross-border mini-conference for participants of the PEACEPLUS funded programme.

Designed to inspire and build on the momentum achieved throughout the course, the conference hosted in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, featured women who had turned their passions into careers.

The women included Caroline O’Neill, entrepreneur, community builder and digital advocate, best known as the founder of the Digg Community;  Brianán Johnson who, after years of unfulfilling jobs, re-designed her career and now empowers others to navigate career pivots; and Annette Kelly, speaker and personal development coach and founder of Little Penny Thoughts.

Female Empowerment Mini Conference: (Back Ll-r): Natasha Lloyd, SERC, Pauline Clarke, Network Ireland, Lavina McGahon, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ciara Toman, Go Succeed, Patricia O’Rourke, programme participant. (Front l-r)  Annette Kelly, Little Penny Thoughts, Brianán Johnson, and Caroline O’Neill, Digg Group. (Photos courtesy of SERC).

Ciara Toman, from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, offered signposting and information for entrepreneurs, outlining support available through Go Succeed, the go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland’s eleven local councils.

Lavina McGahon presented the supports offered through the THRIVE programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology, while Pauline Clarke highlighted networking opportunities for women in business through Network Ireland.

Bringing the conference to a memorable and inspiring close, course participant Patricia O’Rourke read from her new poetry collection, Borrow My Words (Until you find your own).

The eight-week, Female Empowerment Programme, saw more than 40 women from across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area develop their skills in leadership and personal confidence, whilst gaining an OCN Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills.

Natasha Lloyd, Senior Innovation Advisor at SERC said: “This exciting programme provided a space for women and girls to gain a recognised qualification and to grow their confidence.

Mountains of Confidence: Participants of SERC’s eight-week Female Empowerment Programme funded by Peace Plus, saw more than 40 women from across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area develop their skills in leadership and personal confidence, whilst gaining an OCN Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills.

“Participants joined us from many different stages of life and experience. Whilst some had been out of education for several years, many were keen to find a new career path or kickstart a career which suited their current lifestyle, family commitments and aspirations. 

“Everyone, however, was excited to give the programme a go, to find the right pathway and further opportunities that could help them reach career aspirations that might have been missed.”

Natasha concluded, “We were delighted to complete the programme with participants leaving with what one might call ‘mountains of confidence’ to carry into their next steps.  Our inspirational line-up of speakers marked the conclusion of the Female Empowerment Programme but the beginning of many new chapters for the 40-strong group of women, with many now planning to retrain, upskill and set up their own businesses.”

The next Female Empowerment Programme starts in SERC’s Newcastle Campus at 10am on Wednesday 29 April 2026. There are a few places still remaining visit:

https://www.serc.ac.uk/Basket/AddCourse/304172 For information contact: [email protected]

SENCO Workloads Too High Says Mathison

Staff Reporter
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SENCO Workloads Too High Says Mathison

Mathison warns SEN Coordinators’ workloas are “unsustainable”

Strangford MLA Nick Mathison, who is the Alliance Party’s Education spokesperson, has said that Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) are crucial members of school staff, but that current workload pressures are “unfair, unmanageable, and simply unsustainable,”

It comes ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion due to be debated on Tuesday 28th April.

Mr. Mathison, who also chairs Stormont’s Education Committee, said: “I have engaged with local school SENCO clusters representing schools across the area, including the Newtownards and North Down groups.

“The message that they are pushed beyond capacity comes through in every engagement. In a recent meeting with the Ards and North Down SENCO Group, I heard directly from practitioners about the scale of pressures they are facing on a daily basis.

“There is a clear and consistent message that the current workload is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison ha ssaid that the SEN coordinators in local school are facing an unsustainable situation with work overloads.

“The role SENCOs play in our schools, providing crucial support to SEN pupils, cannot be overstated and we must ensure all is done to avoid burnout and keep experienced practitioners in the profession.

“As things currently stand, workload pressure is at an all-time high right across the education sector. But for SENCOs, the majority of whom are also class teachers, many simply do not have the time within contracted hours to deliver the full remit of both roles as effectively as possible.

“It’s unfair, unmanageable, and simply unsustainable.

“As was highlighted in the recent open letter from the Children’s Law Centre to the Education Minister and the EA, the education workforce feels likethey are being left behind. Reforms of how SEN services are provided by schools through EA Local Impact Teams have left many SENCOs reporting increased administration and bureaucracy when seeking support for children with SEN.

“SEN reform is absolutely necessary, and Alliance is clear we are ready for that conversation. However, there has been a failure to address these issues for well over a decade, and throughout the tenure of successive DUP Education Ministers.

“Trust is at an all-time low, so it is essential that reform has genuine buy-in from the sector.

“As a starting point, we would like to see urgent and meaningful interventions to alleviate SENCO workload pressures, properly resourced Local Impact Teams, and for the Minister to undertake a thorough review of SENCO workload, resulting in clear recommendations on how the role can be better supported.

“The number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs has risen by 85% in the last 10 years in Northern Ireland and is expected to continue growing.

“Alliance will continue doing all we can to secure the best possible education for these pupils, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive, alongside safe and sustainable working conditions for the staff who support them.”

Come See The Buggy Races At Kirkieston

Staff Reporter
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Come See The Buggy Races At Kirkieston

Kirkistown To Host Buggy Ireland Championship On Bank Holiday Weekend

This bank holiday weekend (Saturday May 2nd) Kirkistown Race Circuit, County Down, will host the Buggy Ireland Championship with almost 60 crosskart buggies going against the clock.

Such is the popularity for the second time this season a driver will travel from across the water to compete. Yorkshire’s Steve Harris will dual entry with Brendan Crealey in a Division 2-spec Casmat.

There will be drivers from all over Ireland and the UK at this event. County Kildare’s Evan Curran is among the entries.

Following two rounds this season in Monaghan and Antrim the competition is close with Evan Curran and Thomas Wedlock joint on points at the top. Again, tied on points, round two winner Brendan Mooney and Martin Loughran follow.

On track action starts at 10am.

Admission is £10 with accompanied under 16 FREE and three persons in one vehicle is £25.

SEE ENTRY ENTRY LIST HERE – www.buggyireland.com

Come along to the buggy races at Kirkieston on 2nd May. The action starts at 10am.

Mourne Motorcycle Club Gears Up For Mayday

Jim Masson
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Mourne Motorcycle Club Gears Up For Mayday

May Day Motocross Set To Attract The Crowds For Mayday Event

The Mourne Motorcycle Club is gearing up to host the Ulster Solo Motocross Championship at Seaforde MotoParc on May Day.

This will be the second round of the championship, following the first round which was held recently at Loughbrickland.

There will be six classes taking to the line on the day with MX1 and MX2 classes in the Experts, Semi Experts and Clubmen classes, with County Down men competing for the honours in every class.

After the first round Seaforde man Nathan Green is leading the Premier MX1 class ahead of the 2025 champion Niall Creggan.

May Day 26 launch (l-r): Seaforde’s Nathan Green (number 41) & Andrew Boyd (number 741) outside Brennan’s Ice Cream & Service Station. (l-r) MRA press officer Kenny Gardner, Mourne Motorcycle Club Chairman Billy McLarnin, Nathan Green, Seaforde MotoParc owner Norman Green, Andrew Boyd & Junior Burrows. (Photos courtesy of Mourne Motorcycle Club.)

Speaking ahead of the event Mourne Motorcycle Club Chairman Billy McLarnin said: “As ever Norman Green has his Seaforde MotoParc looking perfect.

“Obviously we have had a lot of rain so far this year, but hopefully we are starting to see better, dry weather and this this will continue on May Day.

“We will also be hoping for a good turnout of riders, spectators and a good day’s racing for everyone involved,” Billy added.

The Mourne club is holding the event with support from Connor McKibben at Brennan’s Ice Cream & Service Station, along with The Deli Restaurant @ Brennan’s and MRA championship sponsors.

At the May Day MX launch (l-r): Seaforde men Nathan Green (number 41) & Andrew Boyd (number 741) outside Brennan’s Ice Cream & Service Station.

There will also be sponsorship from Douglas Autoparts, Ballynahinch, offering a holeshot award for the race leader after the first corner in the two Clubmen classes, as Charles Hurst will sponsor the same award for the Premier class.

On the day bikes will be out on the track from 9.30am, with the first race to start at 11am.

Entry to the event will cost £5 for adults, while children go free and car parking is also free. 

Top 10 Benefits of Using a Registered Office Address in Edinburgh, Scotland for Your Business

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Top 10 Benefits of Using a Registered Office Address in Edinburgh, Scotland for Your Business

Edinburgh is the second-largest city in Scotland and also serves as the nation’s capital city. It is often cited as one of the best cities in the UK to start a business, thanks to its skilled workforce and robust economy.  For this reason, many international business owners are expanding and starting companies using a registered office address in Edinburgh.

Many business owners are attracted to Scotland’s hybrid legal system, which is reliable and offers freedom of contracts. 

Photo by Nastuh Abootalebi on Unsplash

Legal requirements

To register a company in Edinburgh, you are legally required to have a registered office address where official correspondence and legal notices will be sent. Edinburgh business addresses, which can either be residential or virtual, are legally acceptable.

Since registered office addresses are made available on the public register, business owners operating from home can use a virtual business address to make their keep their home private. The virtual address is ideal for both local and international business owners who are looking to start a company in Scotland. This ensures your business remains compliant with UK company law.

Prestigious business location

Edinburgh can significantly enhance the prestigious image of your business due to its global standing and thriving technology. A company located in Edinburgh, whether physically or remotely, conveys a sense of legitimacy, quality, and a connection to a vibrant and globally recognised city.

Edinburgh has a strong reputation in finance and as a tech hub. With an Edinburgh business address, your company’s credibility will be enhanced, making it appealing to customers. Customers will have confidence to interact with your company and products.

Professional mail-handling

The main aim of a registered office address is to receive official correspondence and legal notices. A registered office address comes with professional mail-handling services. Many service providers offer mail forwarding and scanning services, meaning that you will never miss important government correspondence.

You can access your mail from Companies House, HMRC, other government agencies, and banks efficiently. Businesses that are remote-based will receive their mail from the comfort of their home or designated address.

Privacy for business owners

Business owners residing in Edinburgh may be tempted to use their residential address as a registered office, which may compromise the privacy of their home and family. A registered office address is made available on the public record for transparency purposes, meaning, once you use your residential address, the public will easily access it.

When your residential address is out in the public, your privacy is compromised. You will be receiving unsolicited visitors, which is unsafe for your family. Additionally, you will also receive unwanted mail, which could lead to missing important business correspondence. 

Renting a registered office address separates your personal and professional life. This is because a registered office is the official address for your company, enhancing privacy.

Cost-effective alternative to physical offices

Leasing an office space in Edinburgh, especially in central Edinburgh, can be expensive. A registered office service gives your business a prime location without the overhead costs. You get the image of a city-center base at a fraction of the price. Apart from saving on overhead costs, you also get to save on utilities, maintenance, and other associated expenses.

It allows businesses to maintain a professional image, comply with legal requirements, and enjoy flexibility, all without the expense of renting a physical space. This makes it an appealing option for businesses, especially startups and small businesses, without sacrificing professionalism.

Ideal for non-UK residents or remote businesses

The Edinburgh registered office address works perfectly for non-UK residents and businesses operating remotely. The address can be used to register a company from any country, making it gain a foothold in the UK and Scotland market.

Apart from giving a company a stable physical image for its business, a registered office address presents a local image without being physically present in Edinburgh. It is perfect for e-commerce, digital services, and international entrepreneurs.

Easy access to business support services

Edinburgh is home to several business support organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, Business Gateway, and tech incubators and accelerators. Registering a company in Edinburgh gives you access to local expertise, funding advice, and networking opportunities.

Apart from accessing Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s business support services, business owners also get to access the additional services that come with a registered office address. Many service providers offer additional services, including call answering, which makes it easier for business owners to connect with their customers.

Improves local search visibility

If you’re targeting clients in Scotland or Edinburgh specifically, a registered office address here can improve your local SEO rankings. The address helps you appear in Google Maps and business directories, attracting more local leads and customers. This can be valuable for service-based businesses, increasing brand recognition within the local area.

Flexibility and scalability

A registered office address offers business owners the flexibility to operate their company from anywhere. A virtual registered office in Edinburgh allows your company the potential to grow, change location, or work remotely- all without having to change your official address each time you change location. It gives uniformity and steadiness to your business image.

In summary, having a registered office address in Edinburgh, Scotland, is not only about complying with legal requirements; it is strategic. As a UK-based entrepreneur or an overseas investor, your Edinburgh address can help portray a great company image, offer you privacy, and open the gateway to a world of business in Scotland.

Should you be considering whether to establish a company or to change your registered office, then Edinburgh may be the wise decision to accommodate your growth.

At BusinAssist, we have Edinburgh business addresses to help business owners who want to expand or start a business in Scotland. Our addresses are affordable and unique, meaning the address you rent will not be used by another company.

To get an Edinburgh registered office address, contact [email protected].  

NMD District Seeks Major Tourism Investment

Staff Reporter
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NMD District Seeks Major Tourism Investment

Council to Progress Plans for New Tourism Investment Across the District

Newry Mourne and Down District Council is to develop an outline business case for a new immersive tourism trail featuring world-class visitor amenities stretching from Carlingford Lough to Strangford Lough as part of a major investment proposal under the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

A new concept plan aims to connect Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor with Slieve Gullion Forest Park in South Armagh and Delamont Country Park on the outskirts of Killyleagh.

Significant investment planned will be in place for each stage to transform them into international standard tourist facilities that will appeal to global visitors and provide a boost for towns, villages and businesses across the region.

Delmont Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough which is included in the proposed new tourism trail which will harness the spectacular beauty of the district’s stunning landscape. (Photos courtesy of NMDDC.)

There will also be a focus on harnessing the huge potential of the UNESCO Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and Castlewellan Forest Park where Northern Ireland’s first treetop walk is proposed.

The concept plan aims to harness the spectacular beauty of the district’s stunning landscape as part of a unique tourism journey delivering sustainable growth through investment in world class tourism attractions. The focus is on enhancing family-based tourism facilities and enriching already outstanding attractions.

Approval for the Council to progress the plan to the outline business case stage has been agreed by the BRCD’s Executive Board supported by BRCD partners including the Department for the Economy, Department of Finance and Tourism Northern Ireland.

The BRCD recommendation was endorsed by Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on Thursday 23 April and is due to be considered by full Council when it meets next month. The outline business case will then be presented to BRCD before the end of the year.

The new tourism plan will focus on enhancing family-based tourism facilities and enriching already outstanding tourist attractions including the forest park in Slieve Gullion.

Following discussions which began in August 2025, the BRCD Executive Board and its partners supported the retention of the funding allocation within the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, subject to meeting the objectives of the BRCD programme.

Council officers and elected members have been engaging with a specialist tourism consultant since September 2025 to discuss and develop the concept project that will deliver against the BRCD objectives.

With 100 miles of coastline, three Blue Flag beaches, four Green Flag Country and Forest Parks, a municipal park, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council aims to utilise the area’s unique combination of mountains, forests and waterways to deliver a high value tourism offering with a measurable regional impact.

The new Narrow Water Bridge linking Warrenpoint with Omeath, due to open at the end of next year, is viewed as an important contributor to the concept plan, with new greenway links from the bridge into Warrenpoint being developed, providing a spectacular journey through land boasting breathtaking scenery.

Moving forward, a stakeholder engagement strategy will be developed in partnership with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure that all relevant parties are involved in the concept design and development and that decisions are informed by technical, operational, financial and community perspectives.

Kilbroney Forest Park, home to the Narnia Trail, which features in the new tourism investment proposal.

In tandem with the new tourism proposition, it is proposed a Challenge Fund will be made available to provide an opportunity for local tourism businesses to apply for grant aid to help enhance what they do as part of the focus to attract more international visitors to world-class facilities and encourage them to stay longer.

Last September, Newry Mourne and Down and District Council unveiled a £1 million hotel development grant scheme designed to stimulate new investment in accommodation provision.

Tourism and Regeneration projects within BRCD aim to enhance the attractiveness of Northern Ireland, increasing out of state visitors and supporting the regeneration of towns and villages across the region.

It will deliver economic benefits to a range of businesses by generating demand for accommodation, hospitality, recreational and cultural activities and transport services, spreading sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits around the region, so that communities in all parts of Northern Ireland benefit, all year round.

The Council wants to grow existing businesses, support start-ups and help create opportunities for new business investors and continue to position tourism as its corporate priority, with the proposal designed to develop world class visitor amenities.

If the Council agrees to progress the plan to the outline business case stage, work will begin immediately on its development, including the establishment of key timelines.

How to make your next family holiday more outdoorsy 

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How to make your next family holiday more outdoorsy 

More families across Ireland are looking for holidays that go beyond hotel pools and packed itineraries. Time outdoors offers something different, giving children and adults alike the chance to slow down, explore, and reconnect.  

Whether it is fresh coastal air, forest walks, or simple outdoor play, these experiences often create the most lasting memories. With a bit of planning, any destination can become an opportunity for adventure, discovery, and quality time together. 

Photo by Mike Scheid on Unsplash

Discovering local nature spots 

One of the easiest ways to embrace the outdoors is by seeking out nearby natural spaces. Parks, nature reserves, and coastal paths are often just a short distance from popular holiday areas.  

These spots are usually accessible and suitable for all ages, making them ideal for relaxed walks or gentle exploration. Even a short visit to a local green space can offer a refreshing break from busier tourist attractions. 

Planning activities for all ages 

Outdoor activities work best when everyone feels included. Simple options like cycling, light hiking, or wildlife spotting can be adapted to suit different abilities and interests. Plus, there are plenty of nature activities to keep younger travellers engaged.  

It’s also helpful to stay flexible. Not every plan needs to be fixed in advance, and leaving room for spontaneity often leads to the most enjoyable moments. Letting children take the lead occasionally can also make the experience more exciting for them. 

Making the most of outdoor dining 

Eating outside can transform even the simplest meal into something memorable. Picnics in the park, lunches by the sea, or casual barbecues allow families to enjoy both food and surroundings together.  

Keeping meals simple and portable reduces stress, while the shared experience of dining outdoors encourages conversation and relaxation. 

Exploring beyond the usual destinations 

Looking beyond the most popular attractions can open up a completely different side of a destination. Quiet trails, local villages, and lesser-known beaches often provide a more authentic experience. For example, Tenerife holidays can include hiking routes, volcanic landscapes, and peaceful natural spaces away from the crowds. Taking time to explore these areas can add depth and variety to a family break. 

Embrace the unexpected 

An outdoorsy holiday does not require perfection, just a willingness to try something new. Some of the best memories come from unplanned moments, whether it is discovering a hidden path or enjoying a spontaneous picnic. By staying open-minded and adventurous, families can create meaningful experiences that last far beyond the trip itself. 

Fire Risk In The Mournes Warns NI Water

Staff Reporter
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Fire Risk In The Mournes Warns NI Water

NI Water Warns of Fire Risk in Mountains

Be careful in the Mournes now that the good weather has arrived!

As spring has sprung and the weather is becoming warmer, NI Water is reminding visitors to mountain areas, particularly Silent Valley, that there is a real risk of landscape fires.

Landscape fires can happen easily, especially in the mountains where vegetation can be dry and can catch fire and spread to underlying peat quickly.

These types of fires are difficult to manage and are extremely challenging for the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

A landscape fire inside Silent Valley in April 2025 burned over 5km2 of special habitat and was started accidentally by people visiting the area.

Burned gorse overlooking the Silent Valley following a fine in 2025.

NI Water’s Catchment Liaison Officer said: “Landscape fires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife, property and the environment, but also to our drinking water catchment areas.”

Some Do’s and Don’ts when in these areas during warm, dry weather:

• Please do not set campfires on open ground or use disposal BBQs.

• Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.

• If you see a fire, gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.

• Telephone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and report the fire and its location.

• Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions

• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately.

    NI Water’s Catchment Liaison Officer added:“A water catchment is where water is collected by the natural landscape into rivers, lakes and streams. NI Water control 24 drinking water catchments supplying water to all of Northern Ireland.

    “NI Water always works hard to deal with the problem of landscape fires and we can assure customers that tap water quality is unaffected and is of a very high quality.

    “However, landscape fires within these areas not only pose a terrible risk to all life but removes the primary layer of vegetation, leaving the burned bare soil exposed to erosion which then makes its way into the reservoirs which is treated to become our drinking water.

    “These fires can also have a devastating impact on habitats and wildlife. Visitors are therefore reminded to look out for signage at entrance points to Silent Valley indicating if a yellow, amber or red warning has been issued in line with relevant weather warnings.”

    The public are reminded that deliberate setting of fires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should call the PSNI immediately.

    If you are in the countryside:

    • Leave no trace; take your rubbish with you and dispose of BBQs appropriately.
    • Never fly-tip waste material.
    • Extinguish cigarettes and other flammable materials properly.
    • Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
    • Avoid using open fires.

    Champion Performances By Down Netballers

    Staff Reporter
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    Champion Performances By Down Netballers

    Down Netball Club celebrates double successes

    The U9 Down netball team who beat Antrim to lift the B Plate.

    Down Netball Club has been enjoying a fantastic run and has had an outstanding weekend of competitions.

    The U19 team delivered an impressive performance winning by 29 to 18 to secure the Northern Ireland Netball U19 B Plate title, overcoming Antrim in a well-fought and exciting finish.

    The Down netballers who beat Drimore in the final.

    Adding to the celebrations, our Senior team also achieved success by winning the Northern Ireland Netball Anne Curran Shield, defeating Dromore 2 in another strong display. Down finished well on 51 to 2-24

    Spokesperson Claire Ferguson said: “These victories are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team spirit shown by players, coaches, and supporters across the club.

    “It was a proud weekend for everyone involved with Down Netball Club. We are over the moon.”

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