Jimmy’s 10K Celebrates Its 26th Anniversary

Jim Masson
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Jimmy’s 10K Celebrates Its 26th Anniversary

East Down AC Weekly Report on the Jimmy’s 10K 26th anniversary

Over 700 athletes from across Ireland descended on Downpatrick on Sunday morning to kick off the St Patrick’s Day festivities with the 26th running of Jimmy’s 10.

Jimmy’s 10K is the first big 10k of the road racing year and always attracts a big crowd. With the new flat two looped course this event draws top club runners, charity runners and local first timers.

Niall Goodman from Newcastle AC was the winner of the Jimmy’s 10K. (Photos by Jim Masson/DownNews©).
And they are off! Runners in the Jimmy’s 10 K in Downpatrick.

Check Down News for Jimmy’s 10 photos.

With last year’s winner Patrick Sheridan not racing, there would be another athlete on the 1st placed podium for the men.

In the ladies race EDACs Catherine O’Connor will be in the lead pack and was a popular local favorite along with club team mate Caroline McNabb. With cold damp conditions with the odd heavy shower, the race was set.

The saying at East Down AC is if you’re not running, you’re helping, so all club members were somewhere around the route or at the finish line. EDAC had 11 athletes on the start line.

On the podium are winners Niall Goodman, first (Newcastle AC), Noah Sheridan (Lagan Valley AC), and Garry Morrow, North Down AC. Presenting the prizes are (l-er) Anthea McAuley, Finnebrogue, and Race Referee Mags Mathieson.

From the gun Newcastle’s ACs Niall Goodman headed to the front  and pushed the field hard, finishing well ahead of the field in 33min 08 sec.

In the ladies race EDACs Caroline McNabb had a battle with Joanne Mills, but managed to pull away in the home straight breaking the tape in 37 min 57 sec.

The first East Down AC athlete to cross the line was young Thomas Magee, who took the U20 title with a strong run in 37 min 46 sec.

The second EDAC female to finish was Catherine O Connor, who ran a determined race after a lay off, finishing 4th in the ladies race in 39 min 04. Next

First in the female ladies section was Caroline McNabb, ( East Down AC) second was Joanne Mills, unattached, and third was Pamela Kirk (Roadruinners AC).

to cross the line was Martin Willcox, another athlete who has been off the road through injury, will be very happy with his 39 min 38 sec thanks to the spot on pacing by Matt Bezzant and Adam Withers.

Check Down News for Jimmy’s 10 photos.

Not too far behind Martin was Matthew Taylor who worked hard to finish in a strong time of 40 min 06 sec. Adam Morgan was next in, after his great run at Queens 5k, Adam put in a solid performance clocking 41 min 45 sec.

Kieran Keown was the next male across the finish line, not only did he run a great race in 46 min 56 sec, he filmed it as well, some going. EDACs Lisa Laird was not too far behind Kieran and will be happy with her run crossing the line in 47 min 35 sec.

The junior winners in the relay were Seb Mair and Carter Rolston. Mags Mathieson, Race Referee, presented their prize.

ld hand at Jimmy’s 10 is Janine Murray who has run and helped out many times and had a great run in 51 min 57 sec. Bringing  East Down AC home was Cliodhna Kelly, who enjoyed the race finishing in 1 hr 06 min.

The relay race this year had 36 teams entered, with Carter and Seb coming first in 35 min dead.

A great well done to all The Jimmys 10 committee and all the marshalls, pacers and helpers who make this a great running event for everyone, and for braving the very changeable weather conditions.

And a big thank you to Finnerbrogue and all the local sponsors (Wrap n Roll, Plus2Print), who support East Down AC year after year.

The club that won the prize for the biggest entry was Ballydrain Harriers.
Clare Forster, East Down AC Official, presents Mags Mathieson, Race Referee with a bouquet of flowers.

Check Down News for Jimmy’s 10 photos.

If your photos aren’t there, just message me, and I’ll add them to the folder. Check the East Down AC socials.

Down Royal St Patrick’s Day To Run 8 Races

Staff Reporter
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Down Royal St Patrick’s Day To Run 8 Races

The National Hunt racing at Down Royal will see eight races on St Patrick’s Day

• Down Royal Racecourse: preview and tips for Tuesday’s bumper eight-race card

The National Hunt campaign at Down Royal continues on Tuesday with a competitive eight-race card on offer for punters heading to the track. 

The meeting gets underway at 1.18pm with a maiden hurdle over the two miles and a furlong distance before coming to a close at 5.22pm with a mares bumper also over the two miles and a furlong trip.

Read below for a full rundown of the Down Royal card courtesy of BetVictor Casino. 

Up first at Down Royal is a field of 20 taking on a maiden hurdle (1.18). Barley Lane has been a solid performer in his career so far and cemented that when third at Naas earlier this year so there could be more to come as he steps up in trip at Down Royal. The Willie Mullins-trained Powerful Paddy rates a big player here, however, second on yard debut at Thurles last time out and there should be more to come with Patrick Mullins booked for the ride. 

Down Royal is running 8 races at it continues its National HUntcampaign into St Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss the action! Looking for a winner last August: (l-r) Caroline, Maria, Marie, Angela, Ailish and Clare pictured at the Down Royal race meeting last August. (Photos: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

Another big field of 20 will take on the novice handicap hurdle at 1.53 to mark the second race of the day at Down Royal. Gordon Elliott didn’t have the best of Festivals at Cheltenham last week but has a strong chance here with Needs Must, a winner at Fairyhouse before falling at Punchestown last time out when well-placed but has a big chance to get back to winning ways off 1lb lower in the handicap.

A division one handicap hurdle is up next on the card (2.28) and this one can head the way of Aswellasabentley for the Gavin Cromwell team, a good third at this course 56 days ago and was well clear of the rest that so should go well again, while division two of the same discipline (3.03) sees Button Rock get the nod for the Elliott team, pitched into handicaps off the back of a fifth at Clonmel when last seen at a less than optimal distance. 

Grand National-winner Nick Rockett is an eye-catching entrant in the Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase at 3.58 over the three mile and two furlong trip, with Willie Mullins’ runner piloted once again by Patrick Mullins and this race looks to be a shootout between him and the top-class Gerri Colombe for Gordon Elliott, second in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Last time out, Gerri Colombe was second in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, that form has held up well so Elliott’s runner is marginally preferred. 

A two and a half mile novel chase is up next on the card (4.13) and Elliott has another strong hand with Slanagaibhgoleir, a previous course and distance winner in December and a good third last time out, while the penultimate race of the afternoon (4.48) can go to Cause For Comment, a runner-up in two hunters chases last spring and a winner in a point to point last month so looks handy on paper heading back under Rules. 

Finally, the card at Down Royal comes to a close at 5.22 as a field of 13 mares take on the two mile and a furlong bumper, with preference in the finale heading the way of Surfin USA for the Mullins team once again, a half-sister to the useful Fun Fun Fun and was second on debut at Sligo on debut 19 months ago so has had a long absence but is certainly one for the shortlist. 

Why rain is the real winter threat on County Down roads

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Why rain is the real winter threat on County Down roads

Rain is 30 times more likely to kill you on a UK road than snow. That single fact, from a Highways England safety campaign, reframes the whole conversation about winter driving in County Down because this is not a region that gets buried in snowdrifts. It gets soaked, repeatedly, from October through to March, on roads that range from dual carriageways to single-track lanes with no margin for error. Most of the checks that make a real difference take under an hour and cost very little.

Photo by Niranjan _ Photographs on Unsplash

Why tyres matter most on wet County Down roads

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but most specialists recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for winter driving stopping distances increase significantly below that on a soaked road. Test tread depth with a 20p coin: if the outer border is visible in the groove, the tyre needs replacing. Check pressure when the tyres are cold too. Underinflated tyres reduce handling and extend braking distance, both of which matter on the rural stretches between Ballynahinch and Dromore or along the coast road through Newcastle.

The fluid checks that can save your winter drive

Cold weather exposes neglected fluids quickly, and most of these checks take under five minutes. Before October, work through the four below none of them require tools or specialist knowledge, and catching a problem now costs considerably less than dealing with it on the roadside in January.

FluidWhat to checkAction
Engine coolantLevel and colourEnsure antifreeze ratio suits sub-zero temperatures
Screen washLevel and freeze ratingUse a mix rated to at least −15°C
Brake fluidLevel and conditionReplace if dark or unchanged for two years
Engine oilLevel and viscosityCheck owner’s manual for winter-grade recommendation

Screen wash is the easiest item on the list and the most commonly overlooked. A frozen washer system on the A1 in January is both a safety problem and a straightforward MOT failure point.

Windscreen wipers the safety check most drivers skip

Rubber degrades year-round: heat in summer, frost in winter, UV exposure throughout. Most manufacturers recommend replacing blades every 12 months, yet a significant number of vehicles arrive at test centres with blades that streak or skip across the glass.

As AUTODOC England explains: “Wiper blades are rubber or silicone components mounted on metal arms that sweep across your vehicle’s windscreen to clear away water, snow, ice, dirt, and debris for safe driving visibility. Most cars require replacement wiper blades every 12 months to maintain optimal performance and pass MOT inspections. Quality windscreen wiper blades from trusted brands prevent streaking, squeaking, and ensure a clear line of sight in all weather conditions.”

According to a Green Flag analysis of DVSA MOT data for 2024–25, around 28% of vehicles failed their first MOT test down from over 40% a decade ago. But the reasons cars still fail are telling.

Lights and electrics top the list at 11%, followed by suspension at 9% and brakes at 7%. Tyres account for 6% of failures with 60% of those defects classified as dangerous. Visibility defects, covering wipers, windscreen, and mirrors, sit at 5%. That last category is one of the cheapest things to fix on the entire list.

Choosing the right wiper blades for UK weather

Among the most recognised names are Bosch Aerotwin, with its frameless design that resists ice build-up, and Valeo HydroConnect, with a water-repelling compound suited to sustained rainfall. Trico ExactFit comes pre-assembled, removing the adaptor confusion that catches many drivers out. For a budget option, ALCA is widely available and simple to fit. RIDEX is worth a closer look for drivers who want reliable all-weather performance without paying a premium the blades are built to OEM standards and have earned a solid reputation across European markets, including the UK.

When it comes to sourcing parts, it is worth checking a few suppliers before buying. Sparepartstore24 UK carries a broad range of wiper blades and maintenance parts, with a search function by vehicle registration that removes the guesswork around blade size and fitting type  useful if you are working through several checks at once.

Lights, battery and what cold weather does to both

Check all bulbs before the clocks change and clean any yellowed lenses. If the battery is more than three years old, have it tested cold weather exposes weakness quickly in older units, and most garages will do this for free.

Before November, run through this: tyre tread above 3mm, antifreeze and screen wash rated for freezing temperatures, wiper blades replaced if older than 12 months, all lights working, battery tested, brakes checked for any grinding or pulling.

County Down roads can be unforgiving in winter. A small amount of preparation now is considerably less trouble than a breakdown on the Strangford shore road at dusk in November.

Sources: DVSA MOT data 2024–25 (via Green Flag), Highways England, Admiral Car Insurance, AUTODOC England.

 FAQ

Do wiper blades really need replacing every year? Yes — rubber degrades from heat, frost, and UV exposure even when the car is not in use, and worn blades are one of the most common reasons vehicles fail their MOT visibility check.

What tyre tread depth should I have going into winter? The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but most tyre specialists recommend replacing at 3mm for winter driving, when wet roads significantly increase stopping distances.

McPolin Is Glór Tíre Country Music Champion

Staff Reporter
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McPolin Is Glór Tíre Country Music Champion

Hilltown’s Jordan McPolin sings his way to become the Glór Tíre Country Music champion for 2026

For the second year running, a Northern Irish singer has won the prestigious title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion.

20-year-old Jordan McPolin from Hilltown, County Down, on Tuesday 10th March won the Grand Final of Glór Tíre, the long-running, hit Country Music TV show broadcast on Irish language station TG4, which commands a dedicated audience on both sides of the border.

“It hasn’t even hit home yet,” said Jordan. “To be crowned Glor Tíre Champion 2026 is an absolute dream come true.

“It’ll probably take a week or two to actually sink in and hit home. To bring it back to Ulster, to the North, to Co Down is unbelievable.”

A star is boThe Glor Tire Final was broadcast live on TG4, March 10th 2026 and Jordan McPolin from Hilltown emerged as the winner.

Jordan overcame strong competition from County Kerry’s Paudie Coffey and Tipperary’s Dee Morrissey, winning the public vote with his spirited renditions of Conway Twitty’s ‘Hello Darling’ and ‘Down in Louisiana’, a song made popular by County Galway singer, Jimmy Buckley, who was Jordan’s mentor throughout Glór Tíre.

Jordan’s victory marks a two-in-a-row of Glór Tíre titles for Northern Ireland, with Fermanagh’s Paddy Treacy scooping the award last year, and a three-in-a-row for Ulster, with Donegal’s Jason McCahill being the 2024 Winner.

“People from all over have been texting me and wishing me well, there were watch parties organised in County Down, people have been saying, ‘Bring it back home’, ‘Bring it back to Ulster’ and ‘Bring it back to Down’,” said Jordan.

“Whenever somebody’s saying that, you know you’re representing them. It really makes it hit home that you’re representing so many people and I was determined to make them proud.”

Jordan has also thanked the people of County Down, who have provided enthusiastic support to the young man throughout his Glór Tíre run.

Jordan McPolin from Hilltown pictured with his mentor, the legendary Jimmy Buckley.

He added: “Everything’s just completely blown up, the social media, the Facebook, everything!” he says. “Every time you turn your phone on, there are hundreds of new comments from new people, and it just keeps getting bigger.”

While Ulster has long been the heartland of Country and Irish music, the scene is mostly concentrated in Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Derry, but Jordan, now confirmed as Ireland’s new Country Music star, is determined to show that County Down can no longer be ignored.

“Around home used to have big dance venues, but they’re all closed down now,” says Jordan, “but Country Music is coming back massively with young people.

“My being on Glór Tíre will hopefully get people to realise there is a scene here and I’m hoping my bringing the Glór Tíre title to Down will give the scene a good push and help get Country Music here going again.”

Newry Business Back Newry BID For Third Term

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Newry Business Back Newry BID For Third Term

Newry says Yes to BID as Businesses Back Third Term

Businesses across Newry city centre have voted overwhelmingly to retain Newry BID for a third term, with 92% voting in favour of continuing the Business Improvement District.

A total of 198 businesses voted Yes in the ballot, delivering a strong vote of confidence in the organisation, and its work supporting the city centre business community.

Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said the result reflects the strong partnership that has developed between local businesses, stakeholders and public agencies over the past ten years.

Eamonn Connolly said: “We are absolutely delighted with this result and extremely grateful to our members for the strong vote of confidence in Newry BID. A 92% Yes vote sends a very clear message that businesses value the work that is being delivered and want to see it continue.

Pictured following the announcement of the third term for Newry BID is outgoing Chairperson Peter Murray, Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly and incoming Chairperson Rory McShane.

“Over the past two terms we have worked closely with our members and partners to support the city centre, respond to challenges and create opportunities for growth. This result allows us to continue that work and build on what has already been achieved.”

Mr Connolly also paid tribute to outgoing Chair of the BID Board, Peter Murray, Centre Manager at Buttercrane Shopping Centre, for his leadership and commitment during his time in the role.

“I want to thank Peter Murray for his dedication and service as Chair of the Board. Peter has provided strong leadership and has been a passionate advocate for the city centre throughout his tenure.”

He also welcomed the appointment of Rory McShane of McShane Solicitors as the new Chair of the BID Board.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rory McShane into the role as Chair and look forward to working closely with him as we begin this new five year term.”

Mr Connolly also thanked the BID Board and the wider membership for their continued support.

“I would also like to thank the Board and all of our members for their ongoing support and engagement. The success of the BID is built on collaboration and the willingness of businesses to work together for the benefit of the city.”

Looking ahead, Newry BID will begin the new term with a programme of activity aimed at promoting wellbeing and encouraging people to spend time in the city centre.

“Our first major programme will be Health in the City, a series of events and activities to support healthy living in Newry which will begin after Easter.

“We also look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners and agencies to support the development of the city centre and ensure Newry remains a vibrant and successful place to do business.”

Newry BID also thanked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Civica for their role in administering the ballot process.

The organisation will continue to work with partners on key issues affecting city centre businesses, including parking, rates, flood risk and wider economic development, as it begins its third five year term.

                                                                       

Slieve Croob DEA Runs Makaton Workshops

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Slieve Croob DEA Runs Makaton Workshops

Council Workshops Introduce Makaton Language Programme

People with learning or speach difficulties often have problems with communication and the Slieve Crood DEa forum organised a couple of training session for carers and family members in the Drumanroad, Drumaness and Castlewellan areas.

The recent workshops organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum introduced local people to the Makaton language programme.

The workshops used signs, symbols and speech to support those with learning or communication difficulties.

Some of the people who attended the Makaton workshop at the Castlewellan Community Centre with Makaton NI tutors Carrie Rabb (back right) and Elizabeth Harvey. Included are Emer Hamill, Orla McCartan and Sean Kilgannon.

Participants fully immersed themselves in the events to help their understanding of Makaton which is widely used in schools, health settings and in the home to help those with learning and speech disabilities to communicate.

The use of the language programme helps reduce frustration, accelerate vocabulary development, boost confidence, improve attention and memory and helps users express needs, thoughts and emotions. 

Parents and family members joined teachers from a number of local schools at the Castlewellan event and were pleased the workshop had been organised by the DEA Forum.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Makaton fosters an inclusive environment and allows people to communicate, understand and be understood. It is an essential tool for helping unlock communication for those with learning or speech difficulties.

“I am delighted so many people attended the recent DEA workshops to learn new skills to communicate with those who have speech issues.

“Learning Makaton is something we should all be motivated to do as it can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The Council Chairperson said the language programme has been described as transformative, helping boost people’s confidence and communication in a more inclusive environment where they feel understood.

During the workshops, participants learnt 40 signs and symbols and basic information on the Makaton programme.

Makaton NI tutor Carrie Rabb at the taster workshop held at the Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness with Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum co-ordinator Priscilla McAlinden (second right) and local women Emma McKeever, Jenny Courtney, Roslyn Preen, June Hopkins, Elaine Graham and Laura Thompson.

Emer Hamill from Ardglass, who attended the Castlewellan event, was delighted the workshops had been arranged.

Her nine year-old niece has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal. She is educated at a special unit at St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass where her teachers use Makaton.

“When she comes home from school, she is using Makaton and I am learning the language so I can communicate with her,” said Emer.

“I am one of my niece’s carers and at the minute I only know about 10 Makaton signs and I’m here to learn more.

“I learnt the signs by watching Mr Tumble on children’s television and my niece also watches him too. When she learns a new sign at school, I have to ask the teacher what it means.”

Emer said the workshop will really benefit her and is encouraging other people with loved ones who have learning or communication difficulties to learn Makaton.

“I am pleased these workshops have been organised. As far as I am aware, there are no other classes of this kind and they are invaluable.

“None of the local further education colleges offer Makaton classes and I am pleased to be here to learn more and communicate better with my niece,” she said.

Emer added: “Attending this workshop is just the start for me and I intend to keep learning Makaton which is an invaluable skill for me and many other families and teachers across the district.”

Retail Teams Raise £2.2M For Cancer Charity

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Retail Teams Raise £2.2M For Cancer Charity

County Down retail teams celebrate 15 years of charity partnership with £2.2 million fundraising milestone

Teams from EUROSPAR supermarkets throughout County Down have attended a celebration event to mark a milestone £2.2 million in fundraising by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland for Cancer Fund for Children.

And it was a double celebration at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, as guests celebrated 15 years of the charity partnership, which was formed in 2011 and has become the longest running for both the charity and Henderson Group which owns the brands in Northern Ireland. 

Among those in attendance were teams from EUROSPAR Killyleagh, Downpatrick, Ardglass, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Dromara, alongside Jonny Cantley and Ross Morrison from Morrison’s VIVOXTRA supermarkets in Ballynahinch and Saintfield.

Speaking at the event, Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group, which owns the brands in Northern Ireland said this partnership was unique and showed true passion and dedication from each and every retailer, staff member and shopper who gave their time, energy and donations over the years.

Paddy said: “Reaching this incredible milestone, just six years after reaching the one-million-pound target, speaks to the commitment of our EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA retailers, teams and shoppers, who have made the Cancer Fund for Children partnership part of their daily life in-store.

“Many retailers have their own reasons for supporting this incredibly deserving charity, many know families who have had to navigate a cancer journey, yet no matter the reason, they all want to make an impact and use their network to do great things.

Team members from EUROSPAR Ardglass, EUROSPAR Kilkeel and EUROSPAR Killyleagh at the Cancer Fund for Children £2.2m milestone celebration at Daisy Lodge, marking 15 years of the charity partnership.

“We are very proud of the longevity of this partnership. It is quite rare to have a corporate fundraising partnership that has continued for 15 years, however, it shows that measurable and lasting change means so much more than short term wins for all involved, most of all Cancer Fund for Children.”

Keith Orr was diagnosed with gastric cancer in December 2023. Husband to Anne and father to Gareth (20) and Daisy (17), Keith sadly died in August 2024, just eight months after his diagnosis. Anne says the support provided to Daisy throughout Keith’s treatment and following their bereavement was “invaluable.”

Anne said: “Our Cancer Support Specialist Paul supported Daisy at home during Keith’s last months. Paul’s sessions were an incredible support to Daisy, and Paul always made time to support me too.

Joan Buren (centre) from Cancer Fund for Children with Brian and Irene Hunter from EUROSPAR Dromara at the Cancer Fund for Children £2.2m milestone celebration at Daisy Lodge, marking 15 years of the charity partnership.

“Daisy completed Cancer Fund for Children’s ‘Say Their Name’ programme, which provides group support to children bereaved of a parent, and as a mum, knowing she has been guided in how to process her grief has been invaluable.

“The support we have received as a family has encouraged us to talk openly about our grief and given us space to share Keith’s story with pride. Thank you to everyone at EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA for helping Cancer Fund for Children walk alongside families like ours.”

Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children added: “The Orr family are one of thousands of families that our charity has supported over the years, support that simply wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our corporate partners.

Joan Buren (centre) from Cancer Fund for Children with Brian and Irene Hunter from EUROSPAR Dromara at the Cancer Fund for Children £2.2m milestone celebration at Daisy Lodge, marking 15 years of the charity partnership.

“We are blown away to reach this incredible fundraising milestone with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA and it’s a pleasure to have Anne and Daisy share their experience of support in recognition of the impact these vital funds have had.

“Our partnership with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA has created incredible opportunities for Cancer Fund for Children to provide vital services to families coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as those experiencing bereavement.

“When our partners care as deeply about this support as we do, it creates the most powerful partnerships. We look forward to continued collaboration with their retailers, their teams and all their generous shoppers in the years ahead.”

As part of the celebration event, a new Enchanted Daisy Trail was unveiled, an all-new guided trail in the gardens of Daisy Lodge, which brings additional activities for young people to enjoy during their stay or visit to Daisy Lodge.

Team members from EUROSPAR Downpatrick, EUROSPAR Newcastle and EUROSPAR Kilkeel.

Jordana Stoney-Wilson, Partnership and Philanthropy Executive at Cancer Fund for Children added: “The enchanted fairy trail offers young people a safe and imaginative escape from the real world, somewhere that feels magical rather than medical.

“The trail has several touchpoints which will encourage mindfulness and calm and offer families shared moments of joy and connection.

“That can mean everything when your world has been turned upside down with treatments and hospital visits.

“We are so grateful for the support of every person who has supported this partnership.

“This not only funds short breaks here at Daisy Lodge, but also allows our charity to provide vital support to families across Northern Ireland in hospital and in the community, ensuring no child faces cancer alone.”

Trust Announces St Patrick’s Day Arrangements

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Trust Announces St Patrick’s Day Arrangements

St Patrick Day Holiday Arrangements For Urgent and Emergency Care Services Across South Eastern HSC Trust Area

The arrangements for urgent and emergency care services over the St Patrick’s Day holiday period within the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust are as follows:

Ulster Hospital Emergency Department


The Ulster Hospital Emergency Department is open as normal on St Patrick’s Day.  The Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The South Eastern HSC TRust has set out iots arrangements for St Patrick’s Day urgent and emergency care.

Ulster Hospital Urgent Care Centre

The Urgent Care Centre in the Ulster Hospital is a walk-in service and will be open as normal on St Patrick’s Day from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm.  Patients are not required to Phone First on the St Patrick’s Day Holiday.

Lagan Valley Hospital Urgent Care Centre

The ‘Phone First’ Urgent Care Centre in Lagan Valley Hospital will be open as normal on St Patrick’s Day from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm.  Patients should call (028) 9260 4643 before attending.  Patients will be assessed over the phone and offered an appointment at Lagan Valley Hospital Urgent Care Centre or referred to a local pharmacy, GP or directed to an appropriate Emergency Department.

Check details below for contact numbers for the Minor Injury Unit or Urgent Care.

 Downe Hospital Urgent Care Centre

The ‘Phone First’ Minor Injury Unit in the Downe Hospital will be open on St Patrick’s Day between 8.00 am – 5.00 pm. Patients should call (028) 4483 8091 before attending. Patients will be assessed over the phone and offered an appointment at the Downe Hospital Urgent Care Centre or referred to a local pharmacy, GP or directed to an appropriate Emergency Department. 

GP Out of Hours

GP Out of Hours is for urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed. The contact details are as follows:

North Down & Ards area    (028) 9182 2344.

Down & Lisburn area          (028) 9260 2204.

Down PCSP Sees Big Turnout In Newry

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Down PCSP Sees Big Turnout In Newry

Strong Community Turnout for PCSP Community Safety Wellbeing Event in Newry

A community safety and wellbeing event organised by Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) was well supported by the public.

The free drop-in event, held at Newry Leisure Centre on 6th March, brought together more than 35 organisations and service providers offering information, advice and support to the public on a wide range of topics relating to community safety, health and wellbeing.

In addition, the event provided an opportunity for residents to connect with local services, learn about support available in the area and take part in a range of interactive demonstrations.

Newry Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) Chairperson, Councillor Henry Reilly (right) at the Newry Health and Wellbeing event with PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Tom Jameson, PSNI Constable Flannigan and PCSP Officer Kaitlyn Martin.Newry Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) Chairperson, Councillor Henry Reilly (right) at the Newry Health and Wellbeing event with PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Tom Jameson, PSNI Constable Flannigan and PCSP Officer Kaitlyn Martin.

A highlight of the day was a road safety demonstration delivered by the South Area Command of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

Firefighters carried out an emergency rescue demonstration involving a vehicle, supported by officers from the PSNI Newry City Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), with the demonstration providing a powerful insight into the vital work carried out by emergency services in response to road traffic collisions.

Members of the emergency services carried out a rescue demonstration supported by officers from the PSNI Newry City Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) which provided a powerful insight into the vital work carried out by emergency services in response to road traffic collisions.

NPT officers attended the event with their Mobile Engagement Bus, which proved particularly popular with younger people. The interactive space provided an opportunity for officers to engage with young people in a relaxed and positive environment, while promoting important safety messages.

Students from a number of local schools and community groups attended the event, alongside organisations who hosted stalls and provided valuable resources and guidance to the public.

Tricia O’Neill from Road Safe NI at the Community Safety and Wellbeing event held at Newry Leisure Centre.

Newry Mourne and Down PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Henry Reilly said: “Events like this are incredibly important in helping to connect our communities with the wide range of services and support that are available locally.

“It was fantastic to see such a positive turnout and to see so many organisations coming together to promote community safety and wellbeing.

“I would like to thank all of the members of the public, schools and community groups who took the time to come along and make the event such a success.”

Newry Mourne and Down PCSP would like to thank all stallholders and members of the public who supported the event, helping make the day both informative and engaging for everyone.

Shrigley Residents Angered Over Bin Collection

Jim Masson
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Shrigley Residents Angered Over Bin Collection

Shrigley bin collection leads to resident furore

Residents off Osborne Drive in Shrigley are fizzing following a mid-week collection by a council bin lorry.

Explaining the unfolding incident, Declan Maquire who owns his own house, said: “This all kicked off on Wednesday when the Council bin lorry arrived to empty the brown and blue bins.

“Some resident(s) had dumped bin liners full of domestic waste into the black bin which should have gone into the black bin in the blue and brown bins of neighbours.

Shrigley resident Declan Maquire angered at waste dumped against his fence following a bin collection on Wednesday. (Photo: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

“As a result, the bin operators removed the bags and put sticky labels on the bins belonging to the bins that were breaching the waste rules.

“I phoned the council several time t o explain what had happened and spoke to several people but did not get a satisfactory answer. The bags were left lying there beside my fence into Wednesday evening.

“By then dogs had ripped the bags open and rubbish was strewn over a wide area. and youngsters had smashed the bottles in the bags. It was a total disgusting mess. There was household waste, sanitary pads, glass and general waste.

Domestic waste scattered on the pavement and road in Shrigley.

“The next day I phoned again and two council workers came out in a van and brushed up and left the rubbish beside my fence. It is still lying there. It is a danger to the public and could even attract vermin.”

Declan Maquire phoned Cllr Terry Andrews who immediately contacted the council. Cllr Andrew said: “It is important to ensure we get the right waste in the right bins. This situation is very unfortunate and I am awaiting a response from council officers. I hope the matter is resolved quickly.”

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