Man receives head injuries in serious Newry assault
A police spokesperson has said that detectives in Newry are appealing for information following the report of a serious assault in the Craigmore View area, on Wednesday 15th April 2026.
It was reported that sometime between 12pm and 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, a man aged in his 30’s was approached in the street and attacked by two other men and a woman, who had got out of a silver coloured SUV type vehicle.
Police are seeking information following a serious assault in Newry.
The man was struck a number of times with a wheel brace and a wrench and when he tried to escape was knocked down by the vehicle which then drove off from the scene.
The injured party was taken to hospital following the incident and treated for a serious cut to his head, concussion and other cuts and bruising.
An investigation is ongoing and detectives would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, to call them at Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 863 15/04/26.
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
Giant Adventures Lie Ahead in Mourne Gullion Strangford
The Giant Adventures Series is back for 2026, bringing an exciting lineup of immersive tourism events to Mourne Gullion Strangford. Designed to captivate both visitors and locals, this trio of unforgettable experiences celebrates the region’s rich mythology, music, food and breathtaking landscapes.
The 2026 series kicks off with Wake the Giant on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August in Warrenpoint, before moving to Eats and Beats in Newcastle on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and concluding with the mystical Footsteps in the Forest in Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October.
Launching this year’s Giant Adventures event series, Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: ” The Giant Adventures series is a celebration of everything that makes Mourne Gullion Strangford such a special place to visit and to call home.
“As more people choose to holiday closer to home, experiences like these offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with our landscapes, our stories and our communities.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell announces the return of the district’s three Giant Adventure festivals – Wake the Giant in Warrenpoint (1-2 August), Eats and Beats in Newcastle (5-6 August) and Footsteps in the Forest in Slieve Gullion Forest Park (21-27 October).
“From the mountains to the coast, each event invites visitors to slow down, explore more deeply and enjoy authentic, high-quality experiences right on their doorstep.
The Council remains committed to sustainable tourism and will ensure that each event is delivered in line with the Geopark Code of Practice supporting local businesses, engaging our communities and protecting the natural environment that makes this region so unique.
“We warmly invite everyone to be part of the Giant Adventures in 2026 and discover the magic, creativity and sense of belonging that define our destination.”
From legendary giants to flavoursome feasts and enchanting forests, this year’s Giant Adventures promises a unique blend of spectacle, storytelling and sensory delights, set against some of Ireland’s most stunning natural backdrops.
The journey for 2026 begins with Wake the Giant on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August in Warrenpoint. The legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill comes to life once again as the giant spirit of Warrenpoint awakens.
New for this year, The Giant’s Trail invites visitors to step into a walkable, story-led world, where giant-themed installations and interactive experiences bring folklore, culture and performance to life across the town.
With family-friendly activities, green crafts, food and a packed festival atmosphere, Wake the Giant is the perfect summer celebration in the heart of Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Following this, the highly anticipated Eats and Beats festival returns to Newcastle, Co Down, on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, promising an unmissable weekend of incredible flavours and unforgettable music.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, this vibrant festival will feature two dynamic stages showcasing an eclectic mix of local and international artists, providing the perfect soundtrack to a celebration of the region’s rich food culture.
Visitors can savour the finest locally sourced food, enjoy live cookery demonstrations and explore a diverse selection of artisan produce. From fresh coastal flavours to hearty mountain-inspired dishes, Eats and Beats is a true feast for the senses.
As the nights grow darker, the mystical woods of Slieve Gullion Forest Park will come alive with eerie encounters, spellbinding storytelling and otherworldly wonders. Footsteps in the Forest, running from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October, is the perfect way to celebrate autumn magic in one of Ireland’s most mythical landscapes.
This extended Halloween festival immerses visitors in the ancient traditions of Samhain, blending legend, folklore and theatrical performances in a hauntingly beautiful setting.
With three unmissable events across summer and autumn 2026, now is the time to mark your calendar and start planning your Giant Adventure in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Last season’s league champions Ardgllass GAC enjoyed a victory on neigbours Kilclief Ben Dearg
Senior Men’s Match Report
Down GAA Div 4, 10th April 2026,
Match Day Sponsor: Kieran Shields & Family,
Ard-Ghlais CLG 1-8 1-4 Kilclief Ben Dearg.
A large crowd turned out for this eagerly-awaited league opener in Ardtole Memorial Park, and despite horrendous weather conditions, the teams turned out.
A strong south-easterly wind gusted diagonally across the pitch, accompanied by relentless rain throughout the sixty minutes, ensuring this was never going to be a game for the purists of the faint-hearted writes Jack O’Shea.
The visitors from Ben Dearg started brightly, opening with a goal after a shot for a point struck the crossbar and fell kindly to a Kilclief forward.
This was quickly followed by a converted free. Ardglass gradually settled into the contest, with Caolain O’Shea opening their account from a free before adding an excellent two-point score from play after cleverly working a short 45.
Action in the match between Ardglass GAC and Kilclief Ben Dearg.
Conor Kearney levelled the game in the 16th minute following a well worked team move.
The contest remained scrappy as conditions worsened, with both sides battling hard for possession.
The standout moment of the first half arrived in the 25th minute when Dara O’Shea turned over possession inside his own 45 metre line, surged forward and struck a superb two-point effort to give Ardglass a 0-6 to 1-1 lead at the break.
Kilclief press forward.
Ardglass carried that momentum into the second half and struck in the first attack. Jack O’Shea finished to the net at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved by Kilclief goalkeeper Caolan Savage.
Ardglass then began to dominate around midfield, and two further frees from Caolain O’Shea extended the lead to seven points with ten minutes remaining.
Kilclief rallied late on but were unable to break down a resolute Ardglass defence. They added three points to reduce the margin, but it was not enough as Ardglass secured a deserved four-point victory to open their 2026 campaign.
Caolain O’Shea played a solid game in midfield for Ardglass.
The win was built on a strong defensive foundation, with teenager Taylor Beattie impressing on his senior debut in goals.
He was well supported by Malachy Crangle, Antion O’Shea and Conor Kearney, while Dara O’Shea was influential at centre half back.
Up front, Ardglass relied on the composed free-taking of captain Caolain O’Shea, while the tireless work rate of Shea Dorrian and Gavin O’Shea set the tone throughout.
Ardglass GAC: T Beattie; A O’Shea, M Crangle, C Kearney (0-1); C Mahon, D O’Shea (0-2), C McElroy; J O’Shea (1-0), J Crangle; S Dorrian, C O’Shea (0-5), G O’Shea; M Magennis, J McDarby, P O’Shea. Subs: M Magee, O Curran, J Zych; D Murphy, L Kearney, J O’Connor, S P Halpin, E McMullan, R Feenan, S Rooney, S Teggart.
Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale says DUP block on Independent Environmental Protection Agency is “senseless and undemocratic”
Alliance Councillor Jill Truesdale has condemned the DUP’s blocking of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for Northern Ireland, calling it senseless and undemocratic.
The comments follow an Alliance motion at Newry Mourne and Down District, making the case for changing the Assembly system to remove the ability of a single party to unilaterally block and veto proposals and highlighting the DUP’s obstruction of the environmental regulator as a case in point.
The Council motion passed because with support from Sinn Fein, Independents and SDLP with opposition from the DUP and UUP.
“It is sheer hypocrisy to decry the crisis at Lough Neagh or the illegal dump at Mobuoy yet stand in the way of enhancing safeguards through an independent Environmental Protection Agency,” said Jill.
“We should be learning lessons, but despite this, the ‘un’Democratic Unionist Party has blocked Alliance Minister Andrew Muir’s efforts to establish an IEPA. We are the only part of the UK without an independent regulator.
“However, it seems the party is more than content with sea borders when it comes to environmental protection, or indeed social issues.
“Given the eye-watering cost of cleaning up environmental disasters, it is disingenuous to argue that cost is the barrier here.
“Continuing to take our environment for granted is a false economy and fails to recognise that our economic and social well-being is entirely reliant on nature’s ability to provide.
“The opposition is not only senseless, it is also undemocratic. It is the will of the Assembly that an independent Environmental Protection Agency be established, yet, because of blocks and vetoes built into our system, one minority party is preventing progress.
“This is yet another example of why we desperately need the UK and Irish Governments to begin a process of reform.”
Jill added: “An IEPA was a commitment of New Decade, New Approach, an agreement that the DUP signed up to and now reneges on.
“I know that communities in Newry, Mourne and Down District area want to see that promise delivered on and are sick of this dysfunctional system that does not work for them.”
Statement from DAERA Minister following talks with Isle of Man government on NI fishing crew rights
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister for Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA, has met with Isle of Man government ministers to discuss NI fishing crew rights.
Speaking in Douglas, Minister Muir said: “I was glad to be able to travel to the Isle of Man today to meet with Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber and Treasury Minister Chris Thomas.
“Isle of Man waters are critically important to Northern Ireland’s fishing fleets.
“Immigration permissions required by overseas workers to fish within Manx waters have caused uncertainty for Northern Ireland’s fishing industry.
“That’s why I made this journey as soon as this issue was brought to my attention, to engage with Isle of Man government ministers directly.
“I am thankful to the Ministers and their officials for what was a productive discussion on practical solutions to avoid disproportionate impacts on Northern Ireland vessels.
“I was very interested to learn about the research being undertaken in the Isle of Man to future-proof a sustainable fishing industry and the government’s willingness to share and collaborate on science in relation to this.”
The sustainability issues for fishermen in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie:
For local fishermen, diesel fuel prices have escalated to over 100% and rising eg a £3500 tank fill now costs around £7500.
the price of prawns has gone down and the main fishery ends in September starting again in April.
the cost of foreign contract crews has increased dramatically.
Maintenance costs have shot up.
climate change is having an effect on the availability of some species of fish.
There is little room for diversification.
And the Isle of Man restrictions have severely hampered local NI fishermen who have traditionally fished parts of the IOM waters.
Hazzard welcomes Council support for Strangford Lough Bridge Study
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the unanimous support at Newry, Mourne and Down Council for a feasibility study into a fixed link bridge across Strangford Lough.
The South Down MP has contacted the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, to consider commissioning a comprehensive study into a bridge connecting the villages of Portaferry and Strangford.
Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the support from Newry Mourne and Down District Council of a DUP motion by Cllr Callum Bowsie calling for a feasibility study to be completed for a new Strangford Lough bridge.
Chris Hazzard MP said: “The support from Newry, Mourne and Down Council follows a similar motion at Ards & North Down Council last month.
“A fixed link would act as a catalyst for regional rebalancing, unlocking significant investment and providing the southern Peninsula with the reliable connectivity required for modern commerce and emergency services.
“It is clear there is a strong desire to see an evidence-based approach to our regional infrastructure.
“This project offers a unique opportunity to enhance climate resilience and integrate green technology. A study could explore the structural feasibility of harnessing the powerful tidal currents of the ‘Narrows’ for renewable energy while incorporating active travel lanes for cycling.
Mr Hazzard added: “An evidence-based study is the only way to determine how modern engineering can complement this sensitive environment while meeting our statutory net-zero obligations.
“I look forward to meeting with the Minister in the coming weeks to discuss how we can drive this project forward.”
Cllr Callum Bowsie proposes that the DfI finds funding for a feasibility study for a bridge between Strangford and Portaferry
The discussion about a bridge from Strangford to Portaferry has rumbled on for several decades without any firm commitment from the NI government. But this commitment needs to be premised by a feasibility study to tease out the viability of such a huge project.
Cllr Callum Bowsie brought a motion forward to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to ask the DfI Minister to find funding for a feasibility study for a bridge between Strangford and Portaferry.
Cllr Bowsie’s Motion read “Newry Mourne and Down District Council recognises the importance of improving connectivity in East Down and the huge benefits this can bring to the wider district: in terms of boosting the local economy; in enhancing tourism and tackling isolation. “
“Furhermore, this council is also committed in providing more reliable, affordable and sustainable forms of travel for residents and visitors within our district;
“this council is concerned about the increase in traffic along roads on both sides of Strangford Lough which could be better served by a fixed crossing between Strangford village and Portaferry.
“This request may also alleviate increasing congestion in parts of Rowallane and Downpatrick DEAs, as well as in the Ards District, thus shortening journey times and improving road safety.
“NMD Council agrees to write to the Infrastructure Minister to request that she secure funding for a feasibility study into a bridge across Strangford Lough from Strangford and Portaferry.“
Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency Drives Regional Growth and Cross-Border Opportunities in 2026
2026 will see Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency continue to strengthen its role as a key driver of economic development, workforce progression and cross-border collaboration.
Through strategic partnerships, enhanced site development and international engagement, the organisation is focused on building a more resilient and connected regional economy.
Over the past year, the Agency has delivered a number of impactful initiatives to support both local regeneration and business growth.
A key project was the delivery of a Vacant Commercial Property Survey, providing critical data to inform urban renewal, support investment decisions and shape the future development of town centres across the region.
Supporting businesses to scale beyond local markets has also been a priority.
Dr Conor Patterson, CEO of Newry Mourne and Down Enterprise Agency, centre, pictured during the Innovate Accelerate initiative reaching out to Germany in 2025.
In December 2025, the Agency successfully led the Innovate Accelerate cross-border market investigation mission to Germany, enabling local companies to explore new international trade opportunities and strengthen their global outlook.
The organisation’s strategic influence was further highlighted by hosting the Economy Minister at its WIN Business Park headquarters for the official launch of the Newry Mourne and Down Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, reinforcing its central role in shaping economic policy and delivery across the region.
Alongside this, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency has continued to deliver meaningful impact at an individual level, providing dedicated mentorship and tailored support to young people facing significant adversity.
Members of the Newry Mourne and Down Local market Partnership with (centre) the Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald; Cllr Philip Campbell, Chair of Newry Mourne and Down District Council; and Conor Patterson, CEO of the Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency.
This work is helping to create clear pathways into employment, enterprise and long-term opportunity.
Looking ahead, the Agency will continue to drive economic impact through its work across the Newry Mourne and Down Local Strategy Partnership and Labour Market Partnership, with a strong focus on workforce development, employability, and strategic investment.
Plans are also in place to enhance the functionality and service delivery across the four business sites under its management, ensuring high-quality support and infrastructure for local businesses.
Cross-border collaboration will remain a key priority, with continued efforts to deepen partnerships and support a more integrated economic landscape for businesses operating across both jurisdictions.
This year also marks a significant milestone, as the Greater Newry Business Awards recognise the Agency for its extraordinary 50-year contribution to the transformation of the Newry, South Armagh and South Down area; a legacy that reflects not only economic impact, but a longstanding commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation through enterprise.
The WIN Business Centre in Newry.
Dr Conor Patterson, Chief Executive of Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency, said:
“Our work has always been rooted in supporting people, businesses and communities to realise their potential, and the past year has demonstrated the strength of that approach.
“From delivering strategic initiatives such as the Vacant Commercial Property Survey to supporting businesses to explore international markets, we are committed to driving meaningful and sustainable economic growth across the region.
“Equally important is the impact we make at an individual level, supporting young people facing significant challenges and helping them access pathways into employment and enterprise. This work is fundamental to building a more inclusive and resilient economy.
“As we look ahead to 2026, partnership will remain central to everything we do.
“By working collaboratively across local and cross-border networks, and continuing to invest in our sites and services, we are well positioned to support the next phase of growth and opportunity for businesses and communities throughout Newry Mourne and Down.”
The Hinch U18s rallied well in the second half to win the U18 Plate
U18 Plate Final,
Ballynahinch 30 22 Coleraine.
Ballynahinch produced a superb second half display in tricky conditions to bring home some long-awaited silverware for the youth section writes Colin Donaldson.
The big Hinch team had to contend with losing front rower Thomas McPhilips to injury on Ulster duty and an electric Coleraine back division which would pounce on any mistakes.
The victorious Ballynahinch coaches, Jonto Andrews, Colin Donaldson, Donald Blain, Harvey Campbell and Paul Campbell.U18 photos courtesy of Colin Donaldson.)
They started well, playing with the wind on their backs and taking a deserved eight-point lead through a well-executed maul try from Thomas Kirkwood and a James Lewis penalty.
However, Ballynahinch soon found themselves behind. Coleraine scored three unanswered tries to take the lead as half-time approached, but crucially Ballynahinch hit back before the break to give themselves a lifeline.
Stags Up! Ballynahinch celebrate their win.
Prop Callum McCargo collected a goal-line dropout and burst through the Coleraine defence to score and get his team to within four points as the teams turned round.
The conditions were now firmly in Coleraine’s favour but Ballynahinch began the second half with a bang, taking the lead following a fantastic move which ended with McCargo giving the scoring pass to winger Jackson Buchanan.
Coleraine hit back immediately to regain the lead, capitalising on some sloppy play from the County Down men.
Callum McCargo on the charge.
The rest of the match proved to be a masterclass in how to play into the wind as big carries from the Ballynahinch forwards and quick taps from replacement scrum-half Ethan Donaldson proved impossible for Coleraine to defend.
Jack Patterson, the hugely influential Number 8, was prominent throughout and put the finishing touches to some great work from his forwards to regain the lead for his side.
Coleraine began to lose their discipline as they were starved of possession and a tap penalty from Donaldson saw Joshua Woods put Buchanan in space with the lively winger stepping his way to the line for his second try.
Skipper Adam Blain receives the trophy.
This score saw Ballynahinch lead by eight points going into the final few minutes of the match and the Ballynahinch pack, led by skipper Adam Blain, saw their team home with a tremendous display of carrying, controlling possession and keeping their lead intact until the final whistle and finishing off a good season with some well-deserved silverware.
Ballynahinch 1-22: Daniel Kinchin, Adam Blain (capt), Callum McCargo, Thomas Kirkwood, Maxwell Buchanan, Tiernan McCann, Matthew McAuley, Jack Patterson, Sean O’Hanlon, Jack Fallon, Jackson Buchanan, Owen Hamill, James Lewis, McKenzie Graham, Kevin Rogan, Luke Kinnear, Charlie Brown, James Wilson, Sam Hoey, John Brown, Ethan Donaldson, Joshua Wood. Travelling reserves: Alex Blaney, Euan Cranston, Luke McIlwaine.
***
Ballynahinch RFC Round-up 11 3 2026
Club Notes
Davy Harris and his 2nd XV clinched the league title with a six try 36-0 victory at Malone. They edged out Ballymena by a single point to retain the title and can be very satisfied with another successful season.
Ballynahinch 2nd XV celebrate their league title win. (Photos: John Dickson/Dickson Digital.)
Thethirds finished the season with heavy defeat to title chasing Rainey and ended up in fourth place in a strong division. They have made real progress this year and can look forward to the Crawford Plate Final on 25th April as an opportunity to bring home some silverware.
The fourth XV clinched their league with an unblemished record and will be back at Ravenhill for the Forster Cup Final on 25th April. Mike Evans and his crew have had another brilliant finish despite a bad run of postponements turning their season into a stop-start affair.
Hinch Fourths celebrate their league title. (JohnDickson/DicksonDigital).
The fifths continued on their merry way, clinching their league with a thumping win over Cooke and can also look forward to a Ravenhill final as they challenge for the McCambley Cup on 25th April.
There was a long awaited piece of silverware for the youth section on Saturday as the U18 boys defeated Coleraine to win the Plate Final. Congratulations to Jonto Andrews and the boys for an excellent season.
Girls rugby continues to thrive with participation up and results beginning to follow.
The President’s Dinner will be held in the clubhouse on Friday 8th May. To book your place contact James Kirk on 07966143184.
Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls. All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Johnny Cullen for details on 07595651901.
Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year.
The U18 and U23 Down camogs suffered defeats over the weekend but are congratulated for getting to All-Ireland semi-final stages
There was double disappointment for Down camogs at the weekend.
The U23s lost to Antrim on Friday evening in Dunsilly. On an evening when the weather made play very challenging, Antrim made the best of the difficult conditions, pulling away to win on a scoreline of 4-8 to 0-4.
Action in the match between the Down and Antrim U23 camogs. (Photo by John McIlwaine.)
Next up for Down U23s is a home game against Clare on Sunday 19th April.
And there was disappointment too for the U18s who lost their All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday against Armagh
The Orchard County girls scored a goal at a critical point in each half in a very tight affair, with a final score of Armagh 2-10 Down 0-8.
The Down U18 camogs who were between by Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The Down girls can be very proud of their achievement in getting to an All-Ireland semi-final and the talent they displayed along the way.
Also, Down Camogie enjoyed a fantastic day out at their recent Down Classic Golf event. A huge thanks to the sponsors who helped make it such a successful event.
Lady winners at the Down Golf event in support of the Camogie players.
Some of Northern Ireland’s leading rally drivers have welcomed the return of top class rallying to Downpatrick this summer.
Excitement is revving up ahead of the Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event on 25 July which is being organised by the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.
Downpatrick is hosting a round of the Brown and Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship with up to 100 drivers expected to compete in the event which will attract rally fans from across Ireland.
The summer event will also feature the PRG Trailers Trailertek Micra Challenge.
The main service area will be at the Market Street car parks with the rally starting and finishing in front of the St Patrick Centre, with a number of challenging closed road stages on the outskirts of the town.
During a recent rally event organised by the Ballynahinch Motor Club at Bishopscourt, drivers said they were delighted rallying is returning to Downpatrick this July and thanked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for supporting the event.
Rally driver Derek McGarrity is delighted that Downpatrick will be hosting the Rallye Lecale event this summer.
Newtownabbey’s Derek McGarrity, who last raced on local roads three years ago during the Down Rally, said he is looking forward to the Carryduff Forklift Rally Lecale.
“This is a new event on the calendar which means new stages and that is always a good thing for drivers,” said Derek.
“Around 15 years ago, I drove on stages around Hamilton’s Folly and the Bucks Head during the Circuit of Ireland Rally and everyone knows these, so I’m hoping for new stages and I’m really excited about coming back to Downpatrick.
“It’s always good to come to this area and the Ballynahinch Motor Club always runs a fantastic event. I’m really looking forward to July.”
Stuart Biggerstaff who is looking forward to competing in this summer’s Rallye Lecale event which starts and finishes at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. (Photos courtesy of Ballynahinch and District Motor Club.)
Stuart Biggerstaff said he’s pleased there will be a major rally in the Down area this summer, with the Council’s support showing what motorsport can bring to an area.
“There will be lots of spectators which will support local businesses and it’s great that we will be in the middle of Downpatrick.
“At some rallies you are out in the middle of nowhere, but with the Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event, we will be in the heart of Downpatrick.
“The rally is local for me and, hopefully come July, I’m in contention for the Brown and Brown Championship. The drivers have been talking about the rally coming to Downpatrick and are looking forward to it.”
Ballynahinch driver, Seamus Branniff, said he can’t wait for the July event.
Ballynahinch’s Seamus Branniff (right), who is looking forward to this summer’s Rallye Lecale event, with his co-driver Barry Savage.
He said: “Rallying is a sport which is very much family focused. It is good to see drivers’ families at these events enjoying themselves and there is always a good atmosphere.
“It’s brilliant news that the local Council is backing Rallye Lecale which will also support the local economy.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “There will be a real buzz in the town centre with spectators able to watch all the activity in the service area and some will make their way out to the stages.
“For those who remain, there will be lots to do with the focus on family entertainment and there will be a real buzz about Downpatrick.
“Excitement is building ahead of Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale and I can’t wait for the action to start.”
