Rathfriland Packaging Business Expands

Jim Masson
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Rathfriland Packaging Business Expands

Rathfriland-based Hub Packaging announces major expansion plans as it targets £40m turnover in Ireland by 2030

Hub Packaging has announced ambitious growth plans as it positions itself to become the leading packaging provider of choice.

The company have recently appointed David Quigley as Chief Revenue Officer to shape and drive the company’s commercial strategy to achieve £40m+ turnover in the next five years.

Plans are already in place to significantly increase warehouse capacity and make further additions to the team to achieve these objectives.

Founded in 1977 by Ben Crozier, the family‑owned business has seen turnover increase from £3m to £20m over the past decade under CEO Andrew Ward.

(l-r) – Martin Smyth (Chief Operating Officer), David Quigley (Chief Revenue Officer), Andrew Ward (Chief Executive Officer) & Lee McDowell (Chief Financial Officer).

Now employing 45 full‑time staff across three generations, the company is enhancing its commercial focus as it scales for long‑term sustainable growth whilst staying true to the family values and reputation established by the company’s founder.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ward said: “Our mission is to be the packaging provider of choice for businesses across the Island of Ireland, and key to reaching this milestone will be building our team with strategic appointments who bring deep expertise and alignment to our culture and values.

“We remain deeply grounded in the values built over decades as a family business, with our core value of behaving with integrity and respect.”

Highlighting the shared vision of the company’s directors, this phase of growth will be supported and facilitated by strategic input from a diverse C-suite team including established leaders Martin Smyth (Chief Operating Officer) and Lee McDowell (Chief Financial Officer) alongside CEO Andrew Ward, with Chief Revenue Officer David Quigley’s recent appointment further reinforcing Hub Packaging’s commitment to their ambitious plans.

An arial view of the Hub Packaging site in Rathfriland.

With over 20 years of commercial leadership experience across multiple senior level roles at Coca‑Cola Hellenic, David Quigley is now responsible for shaping Hub Packaging’s strategy to double company turnover.

Over nearly five decades, Hub Packaging has established its reputation through its entrepreneurial spirit and relentless focus on developing ‘customers for life’ across its target markets.

Hub Packaging places value on long-term relationships and continued customer support; by providing tailored solutions informed by a deep understanding of customers’ industries and operational needs.

Commenting on Hub Packaging’s customer-centred approach David Quigley, Chief Revenue Officer said: “Continuous improvement is at the heart of everything we do.

“Our investments in digital platforms, automation and smarter processes will deliver greater efficiency, transparency and long‑term value for our customers.

At the Hub packaging site are: (l-r) – Martin Smyth (Chief Operating Officer), David Quigley (Chief Revenue Officer), Julian Coldrick (Director of Sustainability & Governance), Russell Brennan (Commercial Director) Andrew Ward (Chief Executive Officer) & Lee McDowell (Chief Financial Officer).

“Strong relationships drive our success, and as we grow, we will deepen our understanding of the industries we serve.”

“Recent innovation includes the rollout of a B2B automated ordering portal, improving order flexibility, reducing manual input and improving customer experience.

“Today, the business partners with a significant number of Ireland’s top 1,000 companies, delivering solutions across rural communities and major urban centres.

With strengthened leadership, increased investment in technology and infrastructure, and a renewed focus on customer‑centred growth, Hub Packaging is strategically positioned for sustained expansion throughout the next decade.

For more information, visit:

www.hub-packaging.com.

UFU Warns On Carbon Auditing In Farm Grants

Staff Reporter
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UFU Warns On Carbon Auditing In Farm Grants

Sustainability measures must work for farmers and reflect market demand

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has warned that carbon auditing must not become a mandatory condition for farm support, stressing that any move in this direction must be firmly grounded in real market demand.

With DAERA continuing to shape its Sustainable Agriculture Programme, including proposals linked to farm-level carbon assessments, the UFU has said farmers need greater certainty around what is being proposed and why.

UFU President William Irvine said there is growing concern across the industry that new requirements are being introduced without a clear signal from the marketplace.  

He added: “Farm businesses are being asked to adapt at pace, but there remains a lack of clarity about who is ultimately driving the need for carbon audits,” said Mr Irvine. “If this is genuinely a market requirement, then that needs to be clearly articulated by processors, retailers and others in the supply chain.”

UFU President William Irvine says farmers are not opposed to improving sustainability but regulations and laws should not be introduced if not practical and within reason.

The UFU has made it clear that carbon auditing should not be tied to future support payments and must not become another layer of conditionality placed on farmers.

“Linking carbon audits to support payments is not the right approach. The decisions should be commercially driven. If the market requires carbon data, then it must also recognise the cost, time and investment involved for farm businesses and provide a fair return.”

The Union also highlighted the need for stronger communication from DAERA as proposals continue to evolve, noting that many farmers remain uncertain about how carbon data would be collected, used and valued.  

“There are still too many unanswered questions,” Mr Irvine said. “Farmers need straightforward information on what participation would involve, how their data will be handled and, importantly, what benefit it delivers back to their business.”

The UFU recently confirmed to DAERA its opposition to farmers being required to carry out individual carbon audits, underlining growing concerns among members on the issue.

Mr Irvine added: “Farmers are not opposed to improving sustainability, but any measures brought forward must be practical, proportionate and aligned with clear market signals and not imposed without justification.”

Countryside Alliance Awards Now Open To Vote

Staff Reporter
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Countryside Alliance Awards Now Open To Vote

The Countryside Alliance Awards 2026 for Northern Ireland Finals are now live… vote now!

The very best of rural businesses from across Northern Ireland have been shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards. Thousands of public nominations have been whittled down to a final twenty-four.

Customers and patrons can now take part in a public vote to support their favourites.

The champions will then be announced at a reception in Stormont on 27th April.

The successful businesses will then go forward to the next round, competing against winners from across the country in the grand final. National winners will be announced 8th July, at the House of Lords.

The businesses are judged on a range of criteria, including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local produce, and the energy and diversity of their business.

The ‘Rural Oscars’ are now in their 19th year, and are a vital way of celebrating rural businesses that go the extra mile and support their local economy.

Looking back: Duffy’s Shop in KIllough won the Best Shop/Post Office category in 2025 in the UK. Pictured at the Titanic Centre awards evening are Thomas and Alanna Duffy with Brendan and Ailish Duffy with Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance. (Photo: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

Being nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards can have a real impact on rural businesses. The businesses which go on to become finalists or champions will receive regional and national recognition, strengthening the reputation of their brand.

There are five categories: ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/ post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food a drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’.

It’s your chance to cast your vote for your favourite rural businesses – you can do this here. You can vote for one business in each category, and in as few or as many of the categories as you would like.

Countryside Alliance Northern Ireland Director Gary McCartney said: “Once more, we have been blown away by the number of nominations this year.

“So many amazing businesses have been sent in by the public. Every business has an important story to tell – it’s so important that they are recognised.

“The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses, and not just their produce or services.

“At this critical time for so many rural businesses, it is vital we all show our support in whatever way we can.

“We encourage as many people as possible to get voting. When you have voted, please share the link with friends and families.”

The link to the public vote can be found…. here.

The shortlisted businesses by category are as follows:

Butcher

Local Food / Drink

Pub

Rural Enterprise

Village Shop / Post Office

Ardglass FC Win AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup

Jim Masson
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Ardglass FC Win AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup

Ardglass FC retain the Harry Clarke Cup in a duel with Downpatrick FC

The Newcastle and District Amateur Football Club,

AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup,

Venue: Meadowvale, Monday 6 4 25,

Final Score: Downpatrick FC 0 3 Ardglass FC.

A Ryan McKinney brace of goals put Ardglass on the road to retaining the AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup after a challenging match against Downpatrick FC at Meadowvale writes Jim Masson.

The teams started off for the first 10 minutes sounding each other out and not making any mistakes that would give away an early goal.

Downpatrick’s first real effort came from a free kick taken by captain Josh Montgomery, but although it was on target it was well held by keeper James Crangle on 5 minutes. Then Morgan McCounbrey crossed to Morgan Fitzpatrick but he was caught off-side.

The Ardglass FC team celebrate after winning the AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup, beating Downpatrick FC 0- 3 in a tough tie. (Photos: Jim Masson/DownNewws©).

As Downpatrick pushed forward again, making the most of Ardglass’ caution, they were hoping to open the scoring. Ardglass had made few challenges to the Downpatrick goal but were defending well containing the crosses from the wings.

Caolan Deegan tried a blast at the Ardglass goal from outside the box but keeper James Crangle held it well.

But after 20 minutes, Ardglas weathered the storm and pressed back against Downpatrick, and the game got to a new level and a bit more physical with tempers spilling over. as heavy tackles increased.

Defender Malachy Crangle sent the ball upfield to Ryan McKinney who in turn fed the ball to Pabhraoh O’Shea in the back of the Downpatrick box but keeper Ruairi Murphy was on it quickly.

On 25 minutes, Jordan Finnegan in midfield who was having a good run put the ball through to Aidan Watson who tested Murphy again.

Michael Magee, Ardglass captain, receives the AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup from director Declan Murdock. Incuded (centre) is Frank McClean, Chairman of ther Newcastle and District Amateur Football League.

Then on 28 minutes, a long ball to Michael Magee saw him beat the offside trap and run on to face Murphy and hammer the ball low past him into the Downpatrick net to open the scoring for Ardglass.

Downpatrick fought back quickly and Morgan Fitzpatrick hit over the Ardglass top bar. Townpatrick raised their game and delivered some scything attacks but could not get the ball in the net.

McCoubrey had a few good runs down the left and enjoyed a couple of shots at the Ardglass goal but to no effect.

Ardglass, however, were quick on the beak and were a constant threat to the homeside.

Magee won a free kick around the half-way line but Pabhraig O’Shea ran into off-side on his attack. Ardglass were pressing more as the first half progressed looking for a second goal but Downpatrick were resisting their efforts well.

Ardglass midfielder Ryan McKinney receives the Player of the Match award from Declan Murdock, competition sponsor, AJC Electrical.

Jordan Finnegan made a fine run trying to weasel through a knot of defenders and almost made it to the goal to shoot.

The second half started with Aaron Carberry taking the initiative as Downpatrick pressed forward early. But defender Caolain O’Shea had other ideas and cleared the ball up-field. Then Ardglass were on the prowl again.

Then Michael Magee surged forward and won a free kick outsid ethe Downpatrick box. He too the kick well but keeper Murphy made an equally great save denying him a goal putting the ball out for a corner.

And again Ardglass pressed with Aidan Watson making a strong run winning a free kick at 40 yards.

After a short stoppage as Ardglass keeper James Crangle received a knock, Josh Montgomery almost scored close in clipping the ball towards the Ardglass net but Crangle made an excellent reflex save.

Ardglass’ midfielder McKinney put the ball through to Watson, who just missed a contact for an almost certain goal… a lost opportunity Arrglass had been working towards.

Then Downpatrick were on the up as both sub Declan Curran and Niall Gilchrist both having solid attacking runs.

The Ardglass FC scorers: (l-r) Michael Magee (1) and Ryan McKinney (2).

But with a quick Ardglass counter-attack Ryan McKinney scored close in to put the seasiders two ahead.

With the minutes running out, Ardglass had the advantage now and it was a tall shout for Downpatrick to pull back 2 goals. with around 10 minutes left to play… but not impossible.

Downpatrick came back strong and Carberry struck a sound volley low at the Ardghlass goal but keeper Crangle saved it well.

Then in the dying embers of this competitive game, Ryan McKinney who had been making some great runs and creating excellent passes flew forward and faced Ruairi Murphy and confidently slipped the ball past him to put Ardglass in control.

Ardglass had come on stronger towards the last quarter of the game which had become more physical. Downpatrick started to look a bit jaded as the clock ticked to the final whistle.

Ardglass retained the Harry Clarke Cup and there was not much between the teams. Downpatrick had missed a few opportunities they will have regretted and that may have been the deciding factor at the end of the day.

Ardglass players Jamie McDarby and Michael Magee (captain) show of the AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup and the rest of their silver.

Peter O’Shea, Ardglass FC co-manager with Aaron Beattie, said: “Downpatrick gave us a real good game and credit to them. They are a young side getting stronger each season and we never came here today thinking that we were going to win the Cup once again. We knew it was going to be a tough contest.

“Ardglass were well disciplined and played as a team and myself and Aaron are proud of the lads for what they have achieved.

“Downpatrick were quite formidable, and it’s just a matter of time before they get their turn to win the silver and be at the top table. Downpatrick played well… we must give them credit for that.

“We’d just like to thank Drumaness Mills for again hosting the match at Meadowvale, Frank McClean and his team at the Newcastle and District Amateur Football League for their efforts in managing the competition and also our thanks to AJC Electrical who sponsored the Harry Clarke Cup competition.”

Downpatrick FC: 1 Ruairi Murphy 2 Nial Gilchrist 3 Ben Hynds 4 Shea Holland 5 Conor Cambell 6 Aaron Carberry 7 Nathan McAllister 8 Josh Monthomery (C) 9 Caolan Deegan 10 Morgan McCoubrey 11 Morgan Fitzpatrick. Subs: 12 Shea Vaughan 13 Ronan Cope 14 Declan Curran 15 Anthony Carson 16 Jack Hynds.

Ardglass FC: 1 James Crangle 2 Malacy Crangle 3 Dára O’Shea 4 Caolain O’Shea 5 John Beattie 6 Ryan McKinney 7 Jamie McDarby 8 Jordan Finnegan 9 Michael Magee (C) 10 Pabhraig O’Shea 11 Aidan Watson. Subs: 12 Karl O’Neill 14 Shea Dorrian 15 Matthew Rooney 16 LJ Holland 17 Corey Mahon.

On Form Comber Rec Dominate Abbey Villa

Jim Masson
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On Form Comber Rec Dominate Abbey Villa

Abbey Villa faced a strong and hungry Comber Rec at Park Way

The NAFL,

Premier League match,

Venue: Park Way, Comber, 4 4 26,

Final Score: Comber Rec 5 0 Abbey Villa.

From the whistle Comber Rec were like their old selves, attacking early and often. The visitors Abbey Villa did try and make some inroads through the match but the Rec defence was mostly tight containing any threats that emerged.

But it was James Sofley who won the day for Comber putting the game beyond the visitors assisted by scorers Lex Walker and Dylan Donaldson with a well-earned hat-trick

Defender Lex Walker opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he moved forward and received a cross from the right making no mistake.

Then as Comber ramped up the pressure, striker James Sofley scored the first of his hat-trick 9 minutes later when he received a cross from the left and found open space for a casual tap in.

Comber Rec scorers against Abbey Villa: Dylan Donaldson (1), James Sofley (3) and Lex Walker (1). (Photos Jim Masson/DownNews©).

Abbey Villa tried to stage a come back on several occasions but Comber were up on their front foot now.

Mattew Gibson put a neat cross through to Sofley who blasted it at the Villa goal but the ball ricocheted off a defender on 30 minutes. And again Gibson sent over a long deep cross to Walker and Sofley positioned in the Villa box but keeper James Darlington plucked it out of the air.

Walker had a chance when he turned at the back of the box and unleashed aq shot on target but won a corner for his efforts.

Check out action photos of the match on Down News Facebook

Then Dylan Wilson passed through to Dylan Donaldson and James Sofely waiting in the box but the Villa defenders were on it quickly.

Villa made a push before half-time to try and pull a goal back and stay in the game.

Comber’s Elliot Wilson presses Abbey Villa defender Gregg Fleming.

They went into the dressing room at 2-0 at half-time and continued the pressure into the second half. Captain Simon Hanna hit a solid volley on target and Sofley tried to recover the save but keeper Darlington got possession first.

Then after several efforts Comber struck again as Sofley burst through the Villa back line and hit home for his second goal giving Darlington no chance.

Around ten minutes in, the Comber pressure was telling when Villa midfielder Matthew Demster headed back to Darlington who just managed to grab the ball as it headed for the top of the net for an own goal.

Check out action photos of the match on Down News Facebook

But Sofley was rampant and on 58 minutes he nailed his hat-trick amidst a scramble in front of the Villa goal finding an opening through a forest of Villa legs.

Comber striker James Sofley who scored a hat-trick receives his Player of the Match award from Club Supporters Trevor Geddes and Roy Brown.

And a minute later it was Dylan Donaldson who had been battling up front, who finally got a goal as he surged forward on a one to one with Darlington and he confidently chipped the ball over his head as Darlington came out to close him off.

Villa never-the-less kept their discipline and battled on against the odds. Louis-Gault-Reid made a fine cross to the box but it was snuffed out by the Comber defence.

Captain Simon Hanna had a chance to make it 6-0 from a free kick when Sofley was taken down outside the box and walker too almost scored again just going over the bar.

On 78 minutes, Darlington injured himself on clearing the ball and Paul Magee had to put on the keeper’s jersey.

Comber kept up the pressure and with 5 minutes to go and Sofley chipped a shot at the Villa goal and was unlucky striking the top bar.

The home side had claimed the points conclusively. Dylan Wilson was more in a position of feeding balls into the box for Sofley and Donaldson and he made a solid contribution to the win.

Overall, Comber will be happy with the win over Villa who on a better day would have giving Comber a tighter game.

Check out action photos of the match on Down News Facebook

Comber Rec: 1 Corey Pollock (GK) 2 Matthew Gibson 3 Lex Walker 4 Stuart Moore 5 Reece Whittle 6 Dylan Donaldson 7 Dylan Wilson 8 Simon Hanna (C) 9 James Sofley 10 Matthew Tumilson 11 Brandon Nelson. Subs: 12 Elliot Wiulson 14 Kristopher Gaw 15 Sam Moore.

Abbey Villa: 1 James Darlinton (GK) 2 Gregg Fleming 3 n/a 4 Matthew Edwards 5 Matthew Dempster 6 Adam Arthurs (C) 7 Ross Murphy 8 Ryan Convery 10 Ross Arthurs 11 Jake Wilson 12 Daniel McFarland. Subs: 14 Louis Gault-Reid 16 Paul Magee.

Shannon Highlights The Role Of Volunteers

Staff Reporter
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Shannon Highlights The Role Of Volunteers

Shannon Highlights the great volunteer work carried out in communities throughout Strangford during Westminster Hall debate

Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has highlighted the tremendous hours of volunteer work held in community centres and halls throughout Strangford during a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 25 March.

During the debate Shannon said: “in 2024-25, just under 46% of adults in Northern Ireland volunteered formally or informally.

“If those figures do not tell us about the people of Northern Ireland, nothing will. Those who formally volunteer in Northern Ireland frequently offer high levels of commitment, with 23% volunteering for eight to 16 hours in a four-week period.

“The average church volunteer in Northern Ireland contributes approximately 13 hours a month. Church and faith-based organisations are the most common type of volunteering in the region, with some 39% of all volunteers identifying that as their primary sector.

Baroness Margaret Ritchie of Downpatrick with Crossgar businessman David Boyd-Armstrong and Arlene Foster, The Right Honourable The Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE, and DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon at a Westminster reception.

“For a medium-sized church with roughly 120 adults, for example, the annual value of volunteer time is estimated at just under £250,000.”

Jim Shannon added: “None of those community groups or churches is looking for a pat on the back. They are offering a service; they are doing something above and beyond what people need them to do—but they do it.

“They are not seeking any form of recognition for giving up their weekends to provide children and teenagers with somewhere safe to meet their friends and hang out. They do, however, need some support to keep the lights on.

“With the cost of energy rising, even those groups that are blessed to have their own facilities need more support to provide, not an all-singing, all-dancing programme—although I know they would like to—but warmth, light and insurance. That is where Government need to step in in a helpful way.

“The hoops that volunteers and churches have to jump through to receive a small amount of funding are sometimes off-putting. Those processes must be simplified and made easier to access.

“In this energy crisis, we look to the Minister to consider provision of additional support for the voluntary sector to keep the lights on, keep the elderly and our kids safe, and keep the community knitted together. All that money—every penny—will be well spent.”

“I will continue press for our community groups and churches who need support to continue the excellent work that they carry out – the value of which is priceless”

Galbraith Addresses Downpatrick Parking Fees

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Galbraith Addresses Downpatrick Parking Fees

Galbraith engaging with council over Market Street parking issues

SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith has said he is working with council officials to address ongoing concerns surrounding parking charges at the Market Street car park in Downpatrick.

The issue has been raised repeatedly by local residents and traders, with frustration centring on 24-hour charging, the impact on town centre footfall, and penalty notices arriving close to, or after, the 14-day discount period.

While the site is owned by the council, it has been leased to a private operator, Car Parking Services (CPS), and changes are not expected immediately.

The Market Street car park: Cllr Conor Galbraith is talking to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to try and improve matters in local parking for local residents, businesses, visitors and the night-time economy in Downpatrick. (Photo: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

However, the operator has agreed to review the concerns that have been raised following engagement with council officers.

Councillor Conor Galbraith said: “I’ve been contacted by a steady stream of people about this, and the message is the same every time. The current setup at Market Street just isn’t fair.

Downpatrick SDLP Cllr Conor Galbraith has asked the Council to address issues of parking at Market Street car park in Downpatrick.

“People don’t mind paying to park, but 24-hour charging and fines turning up when the discount window is nearly gone leaves a bad taste. It feels overly harsh, and it’s putting people off coming into town altogether.

“It does imapct too on the night-time economy.

“That’s a real concern when our local businesses are working hard to keep footfall up. The last thing we need is anything that makes Downpatrick feel less welcoming or harder to access.

“I’ve raised all of this directly and I’m pushing for some common-sense changes. I know it’s a private site and it won’t be fixed overnight, but people deserve better than what they’re dealing with at the minute.”

Parking from areas such as Ards to Banbridge is in some cases free or provided at a much lower cost. Hopefully this will be addressed before the summer visitors arrive in the area.

It also begs the question: why is the Council not managing its own car park when it is committed to the principle of sustainability ?

Donaghadee RNLI Checks Vessel In Distress

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Donaghadee RNLI Checks Vessel In Distress

Donaghadee RNLI Volunteers Launch To Survey Vessel In Distress

Donaghadee Lifeboat volunteers were launched last night (Thursday 2nd April 2026) to assist a survey vessel in distress.

The crew were paged at 6.52pm on Thursday by HM Coastguard after they received a mayday from the 9-metre vessel as it had lost engine power and was drifting close to rocks at Crammog Head on the Mull of Galloway.

The Trent class lifeboat Macquarie launched with a crew of 7 onboard under the command of Coxswain John Ashwood and the first call out for Calum Butler as mechanic.

An RNLI spokesperson daid: “In challenging conditions with a south/south westerly wind and force 6-7 they made best speed to the last reported location of the wind turbine survey vessel.

“Knowing that the boat had no engine power and unsure as to whether the boat had managed to get an anchor secured the coxswain requested that a towline be made ready in preparation for assisting the adrift boat.

The MacQuarrie from Donaghadee RNLI made its way over to Galloway in rough seas to assist a survey vessel in distress.

“Upon arrival the crew observed that the boat was right under Crammog Head and dangerously close to the rocks, HM Coastguard Rescue 199 helicopter had also arrived from Prestwick and was also on scene.

“Thankfully crew of the boat had just managed to restart their engine and was making slow headway out of their situation.

“Portpatrick Coastguard were able to advise that the leading lights into Portpatrick Harbour weren’t working and that it wasn’t viable for the casualty vessel to seek safety there, after communicating with the Coastguard and the survey vessel, it was agreed that Donaghadee Lifeboat would escort the boat up the coast and into the safety of Loch Ryan.”

Once they got to Corsewall Point, the crew of the lifeboat adjusted their course and returned for Donaghadee.

In extremely challenging seas they made their way back to Donaghadee, arriving into the harbour at approximately 2am and made Macquarie ready for her next service.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain John Ashwood said: ‘The survey vessel did exactly the right thing in requesting help as soon as they realized they were in difficulty as they were certainly close to hitting the rocks under Crammog Head.

“It is of course great news that they were able to get their engines restarted, a good outcome all round.

“I must commend my fellow crew members, the seas were certainly rough and the journey home was long and very uncomfortable, they were, as always a great team to work with”.

Downpatrick Men’s Shed Bolsters Community

Staff Reporter
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Downpatrick Men’s Shed Bolsters Community

Downpatrick community gets boost to thrive and connect from men’s shed

A new Men’s Shed in Downpatrick is quickly becoming a thriving hub for connection, creativity and community spirit, bringing people together to share skills, support one another and build a sense of belonging.

Located in the former Down Recorder newspaper building, Pepper John’s Men Shed has transformed the once-empty space into a welcoming environment where conversation flows as easily as the kettle boils and where hands-on projects are helping to rebuild both furniture and confidence.

(l-r): Part of Pepper John’s Men Shed are Robert Shields; South Eastern Trust’s Addiction Team, Peer Support Worker, Mark Sharkey-Greenhalgh; John Nugent, Recovery Shed; with Men’s Shed Dessie Curran and Robert Hanna.

With a number of projects already underway, the Shed is also benefiting from the support of the South Eastern Trust’s Addiction Team.

Peer Support Worker, Mark Sharkey-Greenhalgh highlighted how some of their Service Users involved in the Recovery Shed have played a key role in helping Pepper John’s take shape.

Mark said: “It is brilliant to see our Service Users move on to new opportunities in a positive place and share their skills and knowledge within the community. Community is everything.

“We received so much support when we were setting up our own Recovery Shed, so it is great to now be able to give something back.  We have helped out here and donated a table that will get plenty of use.”

Downpatrick Shed members on St Patrick’s Day 2026 show off some of their artefacts. Pictured are John Nugent, Martin Lyttle and Robert Shields.

John Nugent, who is involved in the running of the Men’s Shed, described the transformation of the building, “When we first came in, it was just a shell. 

He said: “Now we have benches, tables and tools in place. One of our key projects is to rebuild a model of Downpatrick Cathedral, originally made 170 years ago. We are hoping that once it is finished, it can be returned to the Cathedral or displayed in Downpatrick Museum.

“The Men’s Shed is aimed at the older generation and is open on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 10am – 1pm. 

“There is always a warm welcome for anyone who wants a chat, a cup of coffee or to get involved in some practical work making benches or planters. Nobody will be turned away.”

Dessie Curran, a member of Downshire’s Recovery Shed spoke about the positive impact the initiative has had on his life. He said: “The Men’s Shed and Recovery Shed have made a big difference to me. They have helped me get to where I am today, staying clean and sober.

“It is great to see a new Shed starting up and to be able to donate tools to help it grow.”

(l-r): Part of Pepper John’s Men Shed are Robert Shields, South Eastern Trust’s Addiction Team, Peer Support Worker, Mark Sharkey-Greenhalgh, John Nugent, Recovery Shed’s Dessie Curran and Robert Hanna.

McMurray Says Wildfire Plan Will Be Effective

Staff Reporter
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McMurray Says Wildfire Plan Will Be Effective


Wildfires Plan will protect communities, nature and the Mournes, says McMurray

Alliance MLA for South Down, Andrew McMurray, has called a new action plan to tackle wildfires a timely and vital intervention for the countryside.

The Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 was published by Alliance DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA and is a multi-agency approach to the threat of wildfires, focused on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement.

The intervention comes following 200 wildfires which blazed across countryside areas in Northern Ireland, including the Mournes and Sperrins.

McMurray said: “Last year’s wildfires wreaked havoc across the Mournes and elsewhere, devastating communities and nature alike.

“This action plan is a timely and vital intervention for our countryside and I would like to commend the Minister for working at pace to see it in place ahead of the warmer weather,” said Andrew McMurray MLA.

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir looking over a fire-damaged area in the Mournes.

“Our Mournes are too precious to allow to go up in smoke; we must protect them, not just for the people who live and work in their shadow, but also for the rich habitats they provide for nature. 

“The action plan will empower communities and improve resilience, whilst enhancing our preparedness and response to wildfires. 

“A collective effort will be needed to ensure success.

“It is heartening to see nature at the centre of this plan as well as a recognition of the impact of climate change and the need for adaptation measures.

“Rewetting peatlands is a key tool in preventing the spread of wildfires, whilst also acting as a carbon sink and providing important habitats. Wildfires, biodiversity decline and climate change are all inter-linked, but so too are the solutions.”

Alongside the Wildfires Action Plan, Minister Andrew Muir has also announced the Wildfire Recovery Project, which will be led by the Pau Costa Foundation. The project focuses on at-risk areas, including the Eastern Mournes Area, Antrim Hills and Carn-Glenshane.

The South Down MLAadded: “The international expertise provided by the Pau Costa Foundation is a huge boon for Northern Ireland and I look forward to seeing them deliver the three-year recovery project.

“We must work alongside landowners, who are the first defence against wildfires. Through better management of our land and a focus on prevention, we will achieve much.”

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