Old Belvedere Beaten By Ballynahinch Firsts

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Old Belvedere Beaten By Ballynahinch Firsts

Final home game for the Ballynahinch Firsts sees victory over Old Belvedere

AIL Division One,

Venue: Ballymacarn Park, on 28 3 26,

Ballynahinch 38 Old Belvedere 12

Ballynahinch enjoyed an excellent victory over Old Belvedere in their final home fixture of the season writes James Kirk.

Captained by Reuben Crothers in the absence of the injured Claytan Milligan, they played at a high tempo throughout and did not allow the heavy Belvedere pack to dominate as they had in the return fixture.

Aaron Sexton breaks free to open the scoring. (Photios by Terry Hanna).

Aaron Sexton opened the scoring with a trademark burst and Ballynahinch went further ahead when the impressive Matthew Booth went over.

This seemed to kick the away side into gear and they enjoyed their best period of the match, converting pressure into points with a tap penalty from close range getting them on the scoreboard and closing the gap to two points when the ball was spun wide following a midfield line break.

Ballynahinch steadied themselves with the help of some indiscipline from their opponents, punishing a needless high tackle with a kick to the corner and a maul try from Josh Hanlon with the last act of the half.

Matthew Booth breaks through and scores.
Daniel Bennet on the attack.

The second half was all about the home side. Another maul try from Hanlon took them further ahead and they began to play with more freedom as they attacked towards the clubhouse. Sexton scored in the corner following a quick tap penalty and replacement centre Quinn Armstrong added a final flourish with a late score.

Shorn of any Ulster players for most of the second half of the season, Adam Craig has seen his young players step up seamlessly into the AIL spotlight, gaining vital experience at the very top of club rugby in Ireland.

Home grown talent like Ryan Connolly, Matthew Booth, Harry Mckeown, Quinn Armstrong, Ryan Halpin and the Bennett twins have a big future at Ballymacarn Park. The season finishes in Limerick this weekend at Young Munster. All support welcome.

John Dickson leads the pack over the line.

Ballynahinch RFC Round-up 28 3 2026

Club Notes

The Second XV suffered a bad defeat at Instonians and face a must win match at Malone on Thursday night to clinch the league title.

The Thirds continued their surge up the table with an eight try victory over Bangor. Eight wins from their last nine fixtures sees them in third place with one game to play and they will hope to maintain that form ahead of the Crawford Plate final on April 25th.

The Fourths and fifths remain in pole position to win their respective league sections ahead of their own Cup Finals at Affidea Stadium on 25th April. The fourths had a great win over Dromore and the fifths scored almost eighty points against Portadown. Both sides have league fixtures to complete over the next fortnight.

The U18 boys are into the Plate Final after a close victory at Inishowen. They will play Coleraine at the Meadowbank Arena in Magherafelt on 11th April.

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. Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page:

– www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial.

For more details contact Kenny Morton – Mini Convenor on 07813157614 or email [email protected]

New Partnership To Address ADHD Assessment

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New Partnership To Address ADHD Assessment

An Exclusive partnership to transform ADHD care in Northern Ireland is launched by Duality Healthcare and ADHD Now

* ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) care gap costing NI £290M annually as 9,500 adults wait for assessment

* In Northern Ireland, 147,000–164,000 people are estimated to be living with ADHD.

Over 7,000 children are waiting for an ADHD assessment, and over 9,500 adults are waiting with some waits exceeding eight years. There are currently no commissioned adult ADHD services in Northern Ireland.

An estimated 150,000 people are living with ADHD in Northern Ireland and over 9,500 adults remain on waiting lists for assessment, with some waiting more than eight years.

ADHD is a recognised neuro-developmental condition affecting attention, impulsivity and emotional regulation. When left untreated, it is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, reduced educational attainment and workplace challenges.

John McEvoy, CEO of Duality Healthcare.

Untreated ADHD is costing Northern Ireland more than £290 million annually in lost productivity, reduced employment participation, increased mental health pressures and wider societal impacts, according to ADHD Now, which today launches an exclusive partnership with Duality Healthcare to transform ADHD care in Northern Ireland.

In response to what clinicians describe as a critical service gap, Duality Healthcare is partnering with ADHD Now to deliver a Northern Ireland led end-to-end ADHD pathway, with specialist ADHD assessments, diagnosis, and treatment provision together in one place – a single, joined-up patient pathway available across Northern Ireland.

Currently, there are no commissioned adult ADHD services anywhere in Northern Ireland, leaving many adults without access to structured diagnostic pathways or ongoing specialist care.

Through this exclusive partnership, patients will have access to specialist ADHD assessments, expert-led diagnostic evaluations, evidence-based treatment plans, medication initiation and management if clinically appropriate, and ongoing monitoring and follow-up care.

Any adult in Northern Ireland can book for a consultation via:

https://adhdnow.com/ni/

John McEvoy, CEO of Duality Healthcare, said: “The scale of unmet need in Northern Ireland is stark, both in human and economic terms. Thousands of adults are waiting years for clarity and support, while the wider economic cost continues to grow.

“The absence of commissioned adult ADHD services has created a significant gap in provision and our exclusive partnership with ADHD Now enables us to offer a structured, specialist-led pathway for adults across Northern Ireland who desperately need access to these services.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this transformative model of care.

“These services are available through a combination of online and in-person assessment and treatment, with ongoing care supported by our five Northern Ireland clinics in Belfast, Derry, Newry, Omagh and Ballymena, and further clinics expected to open this year”.

Matthew Gavin, CEO of ADHD Now, said: “ADHD does not disappear at 18, yet adults in Northern Ireland currently have no commissioned service to turn to.

Matthew Gavin, CEO of ADHD Now with John McEvoy, CEO of Duality Healthcare.

“Delayed or missed diagnosis can have profound consequences for education, employment, relationships and mental health.

“I’m excited, by this partnership with Duality Healthcare, which enables us to provide access to expert-led ADHD supports to the people of Northern Ireland.”

Matthew Gavin lives with ADHD himself. For years, Matthew felt like he was pushing forward but never quite understanding why life seemed harder than it should be. It wasn’t until his late 20s, when he was finally diagnosed with ADHD, that the pieces started to fall into place.

That clarity of being diagnosed with ADHD didn’t just change his life; it sparked a determination to make sure others could get answers without the same long, confusing fight.

Matthew said: “My own struggle to get a clear diagnosis inspired me to found ADHD Now, so others wouldn’t face the same challenges.

“Partnering with Duality Healthcare is an extremely important next step in supporting the many people in Northern Ireland waiting for an assessment as well as those who have a diagnosis but cannot access ongoing management supports.”

The estimated annual economic cost of undiagnosed ADHD in NI exceeds £290m and could be as high as £520m, based on NHS analysis.

NHS England (2025) Report of the independent ADHD Taskforce: Part 2. London: NHS England. Available at:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/report-of-the-independent-adhd-taskforce-part-2/

Department of Health (2026) Developing ADHD Services for Children, Young People and Adults in Northern Ireland: Needs Assessment Report. Belfast: DoH. Available HERE

SEN Children Used As Pawns Says McGrath

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SEN Children Used As Pawns Says McGrath

McGrath says Executive used SEN children as political pawns

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said the Executive used special educational needs (SEN) children as political pawns over a row on special school summer schemes.

He was speaking during the recall of the Assembly on Tuesday.

The SDLP brought forward an amendment highlighting that all Executive parties had members on the Education Authority (EA) board who knew about the issues with nursing and clinical staff for summer schemes.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath is angered at what he describes as the mishanding of the issue of summer schemes for SEN children by the Executive.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Last week many families with SEN children faced a sleepless night as they worried how they would manage the long summer months without the support provided by special school summer schemes.

“They were put through real anguish and anxiety only for the Executive to U-turn less than 24 hours later amid significant public pressure.

“It was a political choice to make this a public issue when it should have been dealt with behind closed doors by the EA and Ministers.

“Instead families were dragged in as SEN children were used as pawns by warring departments more interested in scoring points than solving problems.

“This issue should not have come as a surprise to Executive parties, including Sinn Féin and Alliance, who have representatives on the Education Authority board.

“The minutes show this was discussed at meetings, so why was it not escalated to the Executive before now? Why has the Assembly been recalled and not the Executive, the body with the power to act?

“While it is welcome that special school summer schemes will now proceed, the way this was handled has caused unnecessary distress to families who deserve better.

“It underlines a deeper problem at the heart of this Executive, where dysfunction and division are too often allowed to take precedence over delivering for those who need help most.”

Ulster National Win For Born Braver

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Ulster National Win For Born Braver

Trainer Gavin Cromwell lands the Ulster National in Downpatrick with Born Braver in a gruelling test of stamina

A competitive seven-race card at Downpatrick on Sunday which was headlined by the Ulster National with a mix of short-priced scorers and double-figure upsets across the afternoon.

Read on for a full report of the Downaptrick card courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide the latest Irish Grand National odds.

The opening contest of the afternoon (2.07) saw powerhouse trainer Willie Mullins get off the mark for the day with even money favourite Robertjames, who made all under Paul Townend, asserting after two out and stretching right away to score by 16 lengths from 100/30 chance Gunnery Sergeant in second. 

Robertjames races to the finishing line with Paul Townend in the saddle to win the opening race at Downprick. (Photos: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

Race two of the afternoon (2.42) was a 14-runner handicap hurdle and this was won by Cozone for the Matthew Smith yard, pulling clear by 7½ lengths in a strongly-run contest. The 5/2 favourite Coppola was beaten into second, while 11/1 chance Toor Moon was back in third. 

Check Out Racing Action And Social Photos on this link!

Lips Freedom (7/2) struck for trainer Andrew Kinirons in race three on the card (3.17), travelling well before asserting after the last to beat the 7/4 favourite Dairy Force by two and three quarter lengths in the two mile and two furlong handicap hurdle. 

Cozone ridden by James Smyth won the handicap hurdle.

Better Times landed a double figure price for the Michael Kenneally team in race four on the Downpatrick card (3.52), a two and a quarter length winner of the handicap hurdle from 10/1 shot Miss Lia in second, while Gangster Granny ran a huge race at 50/1 in third. 

Up next was the feature race of the day, the Ulster National, over the marathon three miles and four and a half furlong distance (4.27). Born Braver (15/2) owned by Mrs Judy Duffy was delivered late by jockey Keith Donoghue to lead on the run-in and win going away by five lengths to score for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Born Braver cleared the last and was positioned well and jockey Keith Donoghue managed to stay ahead up the home straight in from of the pack to win.

Born Braver has run prior the the Ulster National in 11 races with 2 wins and 3 places earning €23,928, and will now be €29,450 the better after the win in Downpatrick more than doubling the earnings so far.

The 15/8 favourite Uncle Pat travelled well but couldn’t keep up the pace in the final stages for the Mullins and Townend duo. 

Check Out Racing Action And Social Photos on this link!

Jockey Keith Donoghue receives the tropy for winning the Ulster National at Downpatrick races on Born Braver. Included, second left, is race sponsor Dr Peter Fitzgerald CBE of Randox.

A beginners chase followed  at 5pm and this one went the way of Littlefoot at odds of 8/1, a cosy four and a quarter length scorer from 100/30 joint favourite Dee’s Lady, while the finale went the way of a favourite with Cause For Concern, who landed the odds at 15/8 for trainer Stephen Carey in the last race.

Downpatrick results – Sunday

2.07 – Robertjames (Evens F)

2.42 – Cozone (7/2)

3.17 – Lips Freedom (7/2)

3.52 – Better Times (11/1)

4.27 – Born Braver (15/2)

5.00 – Littlefoot (8/1)

5.30 – Cause For Concern (15/8 F).

Check Out Racing Action And Social Photos on this link!

A Downpatrick Surströmming Challenge For Hankie

Jim Masson
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A Downpatrick Surströmming Challenge For Hankie

Henry ‘Hankie’ Curran downs a tin of Surströmming fermented herring to raise funds for Dementia UK

It’s the smelliest most disgusting fish in the world… we’ll, that was the general opinion of those at the Mirabelle Bar in Downpatrick as they gathered in the Market Street car park to watch the unbelieveable…Hankie Curran trying to down a pint of this abnoxious fermented ‘fish’ (Surströmming) mixed up in a pint glass.

A quick Google search did not put Hankie’s mind at rest once he opened the tin (which should be opened under running water in the open air! Hankie’s man holding the plastic bucket, Michael Adams, too was knocked out by the awful stench.

This challenge was proving to be a lot more than they had reckoned it would be testing the very lining of his stomach.

But this Swedish ‘delicacy’ is actually eaten and ‘enjoyed’ in Sweden on a regular basis. This traditional dish is in fact slightly salted Baltic herring which produces an extremely pungent smell but has a ‘unique’ savoury flavour.

(l-r) Michael Adams pictured with Henry ‘Hankie just after the Surströmming challenge in support of Dementia UK. (Photos: Jim. Masson/DownNews©).

The smell has been described as the ‘worst smell in the world’ – a combination of sour nappies, rotten fish and a very strong cheese that had gone off on a hot day. It is even banned from going aboard some airlines as cans can become explosive and rupture because of the gases in the fermentation process.

And just to think that Hankie was aiming to down a pint of this stuff ‘ on the rocks’… all for a good cause.

In some parts of Sweden, there are ‘surströmmingsskiva’ ie herring parties, which brings entertainment to a new level altogether!

Cometh the hour, and cometh the man

But Hankie egged on by the crowd at 12.30pm on Sunday in the Market Street Car Park eventually started to down the concoction and almost straight away he was gagging. Despite several attempts he managed to drink down the contents of the pint glass but it all came back up again and Michael Adam’s, his second, had his work cut out trying not to get his head in the bucket too alongside Hankie such was the over-powering stench.

Surströmming… the smelliest and most sickening fermented fish in the world… and some of the Swedes swear by it! Henry Curran downed this in a gutsy challenge for Dementia UK.

After the event, and all the congratulations and applause, Hankie got out the yard hose and hosed his face and mouth down, then pulled out a tooth brush and a tube of toothpaste and brushed his teeth and mouth out several times… but he was still gagging with the lingering smell rising from his stomach.

He managed to rasp out a few words between persistent bouts of gagging. “That was rough, Hankie said. “I’m glad it’s all over… but that was the worst experience in my life. Unbelievable…. that smell would just knock you over. And …. ” Hankie was gagging again.

He hardly spoke. The horror in his eyes said it all as his stomach convulsed in somersaults. He has experienced an assault on his senses of taste and smell that he never knew existed.

But several hundred pounds were raised by the patrons of the Mirabelle Bar and friends and family to provide vital funds for Dementia UK.

Well done Hankie and well done to everyone who supported the event!

Stuart Faces Up To Prostrate Cancer Diagnosis

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Stuart Faces Up To Prostrate Cancer Diagnosis

Read Stuart’s story of strength and resilience following prostrate cancer diagnosis

A Prostate Cancer diagnosis turned life upside down for Lisburn man Stuart Rainey, bringing fear, uncertainty and countless questions, especially as he had experienced no symptoms beforehand.

Now, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Stuart is sharing his story to encourage other men to be aware of their risk and seek medical advice if something does not feel right.

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 64,000 men diagnosed every year. It affects one in eight men during their lifetime.

In its early stages, Prostate Cancer often presents with no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include difficulty urinating or blood in urine or semen.

Stuart, who was diagnosed in 2020, has now been given, the “five year, all clear” and is urging men who may feel or experience that something maybe ‘off’ with their prostate function to seek an appointment with their GP.

Stuart attends the Macmillan Unit in the Ulster Hospital for a routine appointment with Nursing Assistant Chris Ramsey.

Stuart said: “I was 46 when I was diagnosed, and I remember it was my birthday. I had been experiencing some pain in my hip and because I had a family history of Prostate Cancer.

“I went to my GP for a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test.  My PSA levels were elevated and after an MRI and a biopsy, it was confirmed that I had Prostate Cancer.”

Stuart described learning of his diagnosis as, “devastating”. “I had two young children, aged 10 and 12 at the time and my first thought was, ‘What’s next?’ It was a very difficult time for all of us.

“Because my cancer was caught so early it had not spread. I was given a choice of treatment options and decided to have my prostate removed.”

Stuart praised the care and compassion he received from the Ulster Hospital Medical Team and Urology Specialist Nurse, Pamela Neill and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Claire Cassells.

“My care both before and after surgery was first class. I tend to worry and always had lots of questions, but the Nursing staff were always there, they always had the answers and nothing was too much trouble. It felt like I was talking to someone I knew.”

Stuart pioctured out for a dander in the Mournes.

Now, six years on, Stuart says he feels “healthy and fit“ and is enjoying life with his family, “I love getting out walking and have started exploring the Mournes with my family. I am even planning to go wild camping with my son.

“I feel incredibly lucky that I had the initial blood test which led to my diagnosis and the support of the Team at the Ulster Hospital.”

Stuart stressed how any man who may have concerns, to contact their GP. “There is nothing to feel embarrassed about. The earlier Prostate Cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the less chance there is of it spreading.”

South Eastern Trust, Urology Specialist Nurse, Pamela Neill said: “If you are over 50, or have a family history of Prostate Cancer, speak to your GP about your risk, especially if you notice any urinary changes, blood in urine or semen or persistent pelvic or back pain.

“The PSA blood test can help detect prostate problems early, but it is not a definitive test for cancer. Knowing your risk and speaking to your GP could save your life.

“It is also important to be aware that PSA levels can be affected by factors such as recent ejaculation, vigorous cycling or urinary infections, which can temporarily raise levels. 

“Always discuss the timing of your test with your GP.”

NSPCC Aims To Protect Children From Assaults

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NSPCC Aims To Protect Children From Assaults

Children should have the same rights as adults says NSPCC

The NSPCC is campaigning to end the physical punishment of children. The Letter to the Editor below appeals to people in County Down to sign an NSPCC petition calling on the Assembly to make sure children in Northern Ireland can grow up with the same legal protection from assault as adults

Dear Editor, 

The NSPCC believes that children should be able to grow up in a world where they are protected from harm. Yet in Northern Ireland, the law still allows parents or those caring for a child to physically discipline them, by enabling them to raise a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’.

This basically means that a parent or carer physically harming a child can be justified and that children in Northern Ireland have less protection from harm in law than adults.

Physical punishment should never be part of any childhood.

The NSPCC has long been campaigning for a change in the law and is urging all political parties to support an amendment tabled to the Justice Bill currently progressing through the Assembly that would remove this outdated legal defence on the physical punishment of children.

We are also asking the people of County Down to support our campaign by signing our petition via this link: 

End Physical Punishment petition or going to www.nspcc.org.uk 

and searching ‘Petition’ and adding their name to the thousands already calling on Stormont to make sure children in Northern Ireland can grow up with the same legal protection from assault as everyone else.

Decades of research show that physical punishment can harm children’s wellbeing, damage relationships of trust, and increase the risk of behavioural and emotional difficulties later in life.

Children are children. They just need to explore their world and its boundaries and should not be physically punished for this. (JimMasson/Down News. Ai generated©).

In fact, a 2024 report published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) showed that children who experience physical punishment are up to 2.6 times more likely to experience mental health problems and up to 2.3 times likely to go on to experience significant harm through more serious forms of physical abuse.  

Across the world, 70 countries have now passed laws giving children equal protection from assault as adults – these include Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Jersey. 

We cannot afford to wait until the next Assembly mandate – by changing the law through the tabled amendment, our society sends a clear message to children and families that violence in the home will not be tolerated. 

Removing the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ would bring clarity to the law and support the continued shift towards positive parenting.

It would also support parents to raise their children with empathy, and it would give professionals, parents and carers the clarity they tell us they want. 

Most importantly, it would ensure children here are afforded the same legal protection from assault as everyone else.  

Now is the time for action. Sign the petition. Children deserve nothing less.  

Yours, 

Caroline Cunningham 

Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

NSPCC Northern Ireland. 

Downpatrick LCCL Pop Up Art Celebrates Eid

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Downpatrick LCCL Pop Up Art Celebrates Eid

LCCL Hosts Inclusive Eid Celebration Bringing Community Together in Downpatrick

Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) was proud to host a special Eid celebration on Friday 27th March 2026 at its Pop Up Art space, bringing together members of the local community and newcomers to the area in a shared celebration of culture, connection, and inclusion.

The event marks an important moment of unity, as many of the families celebrating Eid today also joined LCCL during its Christmas celebrations.

Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) is a community-focused organisation based in Downpatrick, dedicated to supporting individuals through creative engagement, practical support, and inclusive initiatives that promote wellbeing and social connection reducing social isolation with a strong emaphasis on mental health.

Ready for lunch during the Eid celebration: l-r Housing Executive Team Leader Gareth Morgan and Ashley Leach, Housing Adviser, with Life Change Chages Life Counsellor Manus Teague and Ailish Teague, Operations Manager. (Photos JIm Masson/DownNews©).

Pop Up Art was founded in 2013 and initially was based in The Grove shopping centre in Downpatrick but has now moved to Market Street in the centre of the town.

By recognising and celebrating both occasions, LCCL continues to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are valued.

The Eid celebration relates to two festivals of celebration, prayer and community with special morning prayers. charitable acts and dressing up in new clothes. Eid -al-Fitr is held at the end of Ramadan’s month long fasting, and Eid-al Adha honour the importance of sacrifice.

Cooks in the klitchen at Pop Up Art with Ailish and Manus Teague.

Guests enjoyed a diverse range of homemade dishes, reflecting the rich cultural backgrounds of newcomers now living in the area. The food has been generously prepared by talented home cooks, showcasing authentic flavours and traditions from across the world.

Ailish Teague, left, Operations Manager for Life Change Changes Life, serves up some tasty food for her guests.

Ailish Teague, Operations Manager at LCCL, said: “Today is about more than celebration – it’s about connection.

“Many of the individuals celebrating Eid with us also shared Christmas with us here at LCCL. That mutual respect and willingness to celebrate each other’s traditions is what builds stronger, more understanding communities.”

The event highlighted LCCL’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural awareness, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for meaningful community integration.

Some of the guests at the Eid celebratory lunch with Ailish.and Manus Teague.

By opening its doors to all, LCCL aims to encourage greater understanding and inclusivity across Downpatrick.

Local residents, partners, and community members were warmly invited to attend and take part in the celebration.

Some of the trays of lovely food prepared at Life Change Changes Lives for the Eid celebration

Kieran tucks in!

Hazzard Says Narrow Water Bridge Is The Key

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Hazzard Says Narrow Water Bridge Is The Key

Narrow Water Bridge is the key to unlocking South Down’s enormous economic potential says Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has met with the Shared Island Unit in Dublin Castle as work continues on the eagerly anticipated Narrow Water Bridge.

The South Down MP is working to ensure his constituency is positioned to seize the full potential of the project once completed.

“The Shared Island Fund is a positive initiative, supporting our communities to thrive and strengthening the flourishing all-island economy.

Chris Hazzard MP has said that the Narrow Water Bridge on completion will boost the economy of South Down.

“Today was a welcome opportunity to discuss how South Down can continue to grasp the enormous potential this fund brings.

“Narrow Water Bridge will be transformational for South Down, creating more jobs and boosting tourism, and it’s great to see the project progressing at pace and on schedule.

“To ensure we maximise this huge opportunity, it’s crucial local projects, complementary to the bridge, are supported and driven forward.

“By working together, we can transform not only the Carlingford Lough region but right up to the Mournes, through Newcastle, and into the heart of St Patrick’s Country between Downpatrick and Strangford Lough.

“Our local communities must fully benefit from the sustainable tourism and economic opportunities that will flow from the success of the Narrow Water Bridge.

“I will continue working to ensure the voices of people in South Down are heard where it matters.”

Police Appeal After Downpatrick Arson

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Police Appeal After Downpatrick Arson

Saul Street arson attack was deliberate attempt to endanger life say police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following an arson attack in Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, 28th March.

Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “We received a report at around 1.50am of a fire at a property in the Saul Street area.

“Officers attended the scene, where the front door of the house was on fire and a number of ground-floor windows smashed.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already present and subsequently extinguished the fire before it spread to any neighbouring properties.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also attended. However, the two people who were in the property at the time of the attack, were able to exit the house safely and no injuries were reported.

“This was obviously a shock for them, however, and there was significant damage caused to their home.

“This is being treated as deliberate ignition and as arson with intent to endanger life.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information, including ring-doorbell, CCTV or other footage, to get in touch with us on the 101 number, quoting reference 80 of 28/03/26.  

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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