The Covid 19 Spring booster vaccination programme is available
The COVID-19 Spring booster vaccination programme has been launched giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months.
This year’s spring booster will be offered to:
Adults aged 75 years old or over.
Individuals aged six months to f.ur years who are immuno-suppressed will be identified by their Hospital Consultants and a separate appointment will be arranged for vaccination.
Individuals aged five years to 17 years old will be identified by their GP’s.
All those 18 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
Time to get your Spring Covid 19 booster.
There are a number of vaccination clinics across the South Eastern Trust area:
1. Vaccination Centre, Ulster Hospital, Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald (enter via the front hospital entrance and follow signs)
2. Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre, (LPCCC), Lagan Valley Hospital, 39 Hillsborough Road, Lisburn.
Council Opens Delamont Caravan Site for 2026 Summer Season
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Delamont caravan site, welcoming visitors to enjoy stays at one of the district’s most scenic outdoor destinations throughout the summer season.
The site will operate daily through to September and bookings can now be made online at: visitmournegullionstrangford.com/DelamontCaravanPark.
Located beside the stunning Delamont Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough, the caravan site provides a peaceful rural setting with serviced hard-standing pitches and easy access to the park’s extensive facilities and attractions.
Delamont caravan park outside Killyleagh which is to reopen for the summer.
Set within more than 200 acres of parkland, Delamont Country Park offers spectacular views across Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains and is a popular destination for walking, family days out and outdoor recreation.
Visitors can enjoy woodland and shoreline walks, picnic and barbecue areas, a children’s adventure playground, miniature railway, coffee kiosk and the iconic Strangford Stone.
The caravan site is ideally located just one mile from the historic town of Killyleagh, renowned for its picturesque setting, local hospitality and the historic Castle, while also being within easy reach of Downpatrick and wider attractions across the Mourne Gullion Strangford destination.
Visitors staying at the Delamont caravan site this summer will also have the opportunity to enjoy a packed programme of events taking place across the district.
These events include the popular Downpatrick Racecourse meetings, Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin in Downpatrick and the Skiffie Fest in Delamont Country Park, alongside a range of family activities, festivals and outdoor experiences throughout the season.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said: “Delamont caravan site is a fantastic addition to our tourism and visitor offering and we are delighted to welcome guests back for the 2026 season.
“Its unique location beside Strangford Lough and within Delamont Country Park provides visitors with the opportunity to relax, explore the outdoors and experience all that the Mourne Gullion Strangford destination has to offer.
“With a fantastic range of events taking place across the district this summer, Delamont caravan site provides the perfect base for visitors to stay longer, explore more and enjoy the area’s unique mix of outdoor adventure, heritage, culture and hospitality”.
King’s Honours for Women’s Aid Armagh Down CEOEileen Murphy
Eileen Murphy, CEO of Women’s Aid Armagh Down has been named in the King’s Birthday Honour’s List. The charity head has been awarded an OBE for services to Charity.
Eileen Murphy, Women’s Aid Armagh Down CEO said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from His Majesty King Charles.
“While this award is made in my name, it reflects the work of so many people who have dedicated their lives to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Eileen Murphy OBE. Eileen received the award in the King’s Birthday Honour list.
“I am privileged to work alongside an exceptional team at Women’s Aid Armagh Down and with colleagues across Northern Ireland who work tirelessly every day to challenge and address what remains one of the greatest social issues facing our communities.
“Every accolade, every mention and every opportunity to speak about this issue gives a voice to women and children experiencing domestic and sexual abuse.
“It helps ensure their experiences are heard, understood and acted upon.”
Eileen added: “I am delighted to accept this honour on behalf of my team, our volunteers, our supporters and, most importantly, the women and children whose courage and resilience inspire us every day.
“As we look to the future, our focus remains firmly on delivering ELEOS, our trauma centre of excellence for women and children impacted by domestic abuse.
“Having recently opened Phase 1, we are now actively fundraising to deliver Phases 2 and 3, ensuring that more women, children and young people can access the specialist support they need to recover, rebuild and thrive.”
Self-Care Event for adult carers at Preaching House Pottery in Killough
Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Areas (DEAs), in partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, hosted a Self-Care Event for adult carers at Preaching House Pottery in Killough on 10 June.
The event provided carers with an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved respite and participate in a range of relaxing activities, including mosaic plate making, art, chutney making and seed bombing.
It also offered valuable opportunities for carers to connect with one another, helping reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that can often be experienced in a caring role.
Downpatrick DEA forum Chairperson Councillor Oonagh Hanlon (front, second right) is with facilitator David Lee-Surginor (left) and some of the carers who attended the event.
Facilitator Alice McDaniel (left) gives tips on mosaic making to Kim Douglas (centre) and Rosie Green at the Preaching House Pottery event for carers.
Facilitator David Lee Surginor (left) with carers enjoying a fun culinary session with one of the event
Deborah Finlay (left) and Kyla Hannaway getting creative at the Killough event.
Ministers visit Mater Hospital to show solidarity with healthcare workers
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the Mater Hospital, Belfast to show solidarity with healthcare workers following recent reports of threats, intimidation and racist attacks against staff.
During the visit, the Ministers met with hospital staff and management to hear first-hand about their experiences and to thank them for their continued commitment to patient care under increasingly difficult circumstances.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “We are deeply concerned by the experiences reported by our healthcare staff, particularly those from ethnic minority communities and stand here united in solidarity with every member of staff at the Mater and across our health service.
Pictured from left to right: Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, First Minister Miichelle O’Neill with a group of staff at the Mater Hospital, Belfast.
“Our healthcare workers deliver lifesaving care every single day, often in highly pressurised conditions and they deserve to do so safely, with dignity and respect.
“There can be absolutely no justification for abuse, racism, or intimidation directed at any member of staff, whether carrying out their duties, travelling to work or on their way home.
“We will continue working with the Department of Health, Trusts and partners to ensure staff are protected, and that any abuse is challenged and addressed wherever and whenever it occurs.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:“We wanted to come to the Mater to show our full support for our Health and Social Care staff.
“Our HSC staff show dedication and professionalism as they carry out vital work in our communities each and every day.
“We are so grateful for everything they do and threats, intimidation and racist abuse towards any of them will not be tolerated.
“We want everyone, regardless of their background, to feel welcome, valued and safe and this visit was an opportunity for us to show our diverse healthcare staff that we stand alongside them.
“The sort of behaviour we have seen in recent days must come to an end and those responsible should face the full consequences of the law.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I want to show my support to the many international workers who are a valuable part of the health and social care (HSC) workforce.
“Without their important contribution, the HSC system would undoubtedly collapse. Our international colleagues are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance.
“People should be entitled to live and work in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand with my Executive colleagues against this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour.”
Preview and Tips for Racing at Downpatrick Racecourse This Weekend
• Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Saturday’s Eight-Race Card
We’re kept busy at Downpatrick Racecourse this weekend, with eight summer jumping contests to get stuck into on Saturday afternoon. There are four hurdle races, three chases and a bumper.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card, brought to you by BetBrothers.
We kick off with a mares’ maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (13.25). Everyday Life has some good point-to-point form, so she could prove handy on Rules debut.
Spring Waltz won in that sphere, so also should gain plenty of support today. The mares with existing form have not yet shown to be good enough to win in maiden company, so the pointers may be the way to go here.
A handicap hurdle run over two and a quarter miles is next (14.00). Gavin Cromwell’s Arcland is a course and distance winner who is equipped with first-time blinkers here, which could be helpful. Cozone looks interesting but likely to want softer ground, while Liceo might have an opportunity here, having improved on his annual debut at Tramore last time.
Downpatrick jockey Declan Laverty storms forward on Everest the Brave to win at the Downpatrick Races on the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders Maiden Hunter Chase at the last race meeting. (Photo: JimMasson/DownNews@).
Next is the first division of a two and three-quarter mile QR handicap hurdle (14.35).
Western Model can be forgiven a lacklustre return to action in May, coming off a winter break. He starts today two pounds lower in the weights and can get back to better form with a run now under his belt.
Mount Shenshan is capable of better than her latest performance, and it seems that further is better for her.
In the second division (15.10), Henry De Bromhead’s Lady Fromentro makes her handicap debut and, based on her latest maiden start, could have a chance if her mark is kind.
Georgia Celena is a course and distance winner who restarts for the season here, looking fairly positive, but does lack race fitness.
A two and a half mile handicap chase follows (15.45). Driveonwill won over course and distance last time, but has risen sharply in the handicap since then.
Finnians Row did the same by a much greater distance and could run another big race here. Magic Day ran well last time at Tramore and could make some further progress here.
Race six is a three-mile beginners’ chase (16.20). Huntsgrove was one of the best over hurdles, but pulled up on chase debut in May.
Saunton Surf’s start to chasing was more positive; she was beaten just half a length. She can cope with the step up in trip and could be one to think about.
Second to last is a three-mile handicap chase (16.55). Big Island ran a good race last time and is two pounds lower in the weights this time, while Doyen Wolf could get involved again after finishing third last time. Thehairyfella is down to a tempting mark, but might prefer the ground a touch softer.
A bumper concludes the card (17.30). There are two newcomers here; Mevoila A Vassy and Katie Can’t Count for the revered Willie Mullins. Half sister to a smart mare, also trained by Mullins at Closutton, she might be the one to win this. Few of the rest have shown enough promise to be bumper winning types.
Downpatrick selections – Saturday:
13.25 – Spring Waltz
14.00 – Liceo
14.35 – Mount Shenshan
15.10 – Lady Fromentro
15.45 – Finnians Row
16.20 – Saunton Surf
16.55 – Big Island, Thehairyfella e/w
17.30 – Katie Can’t Count.
***
SUNDAY RACING
Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Sunday’s Seven-Race Meeting
It’s day two of Downpatrick Racecourse’s weekend meeting and today’s racing hosts seven contests; six over hurdles and one bumper to conclude the card.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card, brought to you by BetBrothers.
We kick off with a maiden hurdle run over two and three quarters of a mile (13.50). Plenty of these have been well exposed by now, without winning, and it might be best to side with a lesser-exposed sort who could still have lots of potential. Open Approach would fit that bill, having been denied a real chance when disqualified on debut.
Another maiden hurdle follows, run over two miles and three furlongs (14.20). Gordon Elliott has another nice chance with the once-raced Western Shores, who finished fifth of 15 at Tramore in May. With few of the others having offered much in terms of encouragement so far, it could be a quickfire double for the County Meath handler.
Race three is a mares’ handicap hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (14.50). Layenda improved when starting back over hurdles at this track last time, while Long Gone was the winner of a claiming hurdle at Bellewstown last year. Radar Ahead has been useful on the Flat and over obstacles. Fit from a few runs on the Flat this year, she is attractive with a seven-pound claimer taking the ride.
The fourth race is a two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle (15.20). Dontgowithjoe seeks a hat-trick, but might be hard-pressed to do so today after a seven-pound rise in the handicap. Malbay Madness also won last time out but looks slightly more competitive on this occasion.
Just behind him that day, though, was Metamorpheus, who could now be primed to win.
Over the same trip, race five is a rated novice hurdle (15.55). Yet again, Gordon Elliott looks to have one of the strongest chances with Lumiere Du Large, who outran her odds when last seen at Wexford to finish third of 11. Given the stable’s form, she is hard to argue with.
Second to last is a two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle (16.30). Bowgate Street is a in a good strain of form and can keep up the good work here, while Centaq wasn’t beaten too far last time and makes plenty of appeal, one pound down in the handicap now.
Finally, we conclude with a mares bumper (17.05). Irish Lace and Castle may are the newcomers, but they have a couple of potentially nice sorts to beat here. Churchfield Annie was beaten just a neck in a mares’ race at Galway last year, and she looks set to progress. Jet To Glory was fifth of 24 on Rules debut and, fit from that, should be able to take the win now.
Pauline tells her story on how a routine smear test detected cervical cancer
A Bangor woman whose Cervical Cancer was detected following a routine screening appointment is urging others to attend their smear tests, regardless of what else may be happening in their lives.
Pauline Cameron attended her regular Cervical Screening appointment in June 2025 and like many women, expected everything to be routine.
Cervical Screening is offered routinely to women aged 25 to 64. The test checks for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most Cervical Cancers and abnormal cell changes.
Sitting amongst the stacks of books that fill her home, Pauline explained how she had attended her appointment as normal. She said: “I did not think another thing about it, as I have had no issues all through the years I have been attending.
Pauline pictured in Paris having crossed the finishing line in the marathon run. She was diagnosed late 2025 with cervical cancer and had a hysterectomy which prevented the cancer spreading. (Photos courtesy of the SEHSCT.)
“I waited for my results and the results were that some changes in the test had been detected. I was asked to come back for a further appointment in September.”
Following further investigations, Pauline underwent a, ‘LLETZ’ procedure (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) at Lagan Valley Hospital. The procedure is used to remove abnormal, pre-cancerous cells from the Cervix.
Pauline said: “The staff supported me so much and were absolutely wonderful.”
Pauline explained that the Doctor who carried out the procedure advised her that something of concern had been identified during surgery. “At the end of November, I was asked to come to the Ulster Hospital and to bring someone with me.
“They had found cancerous cells, but they reassured me that everything was very treatable.”
Pauline pictured in her home in Bangor.
Now passionate about raising awareness of Cervical Screening, Pauline is encouraging those not to ignore their screening invitations, and said: “If I had not followed through with those appointments and things had just continued on as they were, then this cancer, and we are talking millimetres of cancer, would not have been detected.”
Pauline underwent a full hysterectomy six weeks ago and is recovering well.
A keen runner who has competed and completed a number of Paris Marathons, Pauline added” “My recovery has been good. I have been taking it easy and I have great support at home.”
“No matter what is going on in your life, go for your smear tests. We have the most incredible Health Service and this is a test that can save your life.
“You think, ‘Oh, it will not be me,’ but I never had any health problems and I did not feel anything that felt wrong. That is why it is so important to attend your screening appointments.
“Early detection made all the difference for me.”
Ulster Hospital Gynae Oncology Nurse, Fiona Rice, added: “We are fortunate to participate in the Cervical Screening Programme which allows cells on the cervix to be monitored for changes from a very early stage.
“Early detection of cell changes on the cervix allows timely action for further investigation and treatment.
“I would recommend that anyone called for routine Cervical Screening should attend that appointment. I would also encourage everyone to be vigilant in recognising the signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding usually between periods, after or during sex or at any time after the menopause;
Discomfort or pain during sex;
Other symptoms may include an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
“It is important to seek immediate medical assessment if you have any of the symptoms above.”
You can spend sixteen hours editing a strong video, polishing every cut, fixing the sound, and choosing the perfect thumbnail, only to watch it sit at ten views for days. That empty-channel feeling can be brutal, especially when the content itself deserves far more attention. The problem is not always quality. Sometimes, viewers hesitate because the channel looks too new, too quiet, or too unproven.
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For creators trying to grow YouTube subscribers safely, the goal is not to chase random numbers. The real goal is to build early momentum in a way that supports the channel’s long-term growth. When subscriber growth looks steady and believable, it can help videos attract more attention and give new visitors a reason to stay. That is why choosing the right provider matters. Below are four trusted platforms to consider when buying YouTube subscribers in 2026.
Why Quality Subscribers Matter
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SocialWick
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Final Thoughts
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UFU launches ‘Where Is Your Beef From?’ World Cup campaign as local farmers face mounting pressure
Did you ever ask the question: which country is my beef coming from ?
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has launched its ‘Where Is Your Beef From?’ campaign with the aim to encourage consumers to question the origin of the beef they purchase and the standards under which it has been produced.
Running throughout the FIFA World Cup, the campaign uses one of the year’s biggest food consumption occasions to highlight the quality, traceability and high production standards of Northern Irish beef while encouraging greater transparency around ‘country of origin’ information across the food supply chain.
As families and friends gather to watch 6 weeks of football, and beef being a popular choice on the BBQ and on menus in pubs, restaurants and takeaways, the UFU is encouraging customers to support local and ask one question, ‘Where is your beef from?’
The campaign comes at a time when many local beef producers are facing significant pressure, with falling prices, rising production costs and increasing volumes of imported beef entering the UK market.
The UFU is encouraging consumers to question the origin of the beef they purchase this World Cup.
UFU Deputy President Clement Lynch said: “Northern Ireland beef farmers produce a world-class product to some of the highest standards anywhere in the world.
“Our Farmers take great pride in the quality of their livestock, their commitment to animal welfare and the traceability that builds consumer confidence.
“Consumers increasingly want to know more about the food they eat and where it comes from.
“We believe they should have access to clear information that allows them to make informed choices when purchasing beef, in a supermarket, restaurant, takeaway or other food service”
The UFU stressed that it is not opposed to international trade, but about ensuring transparency and fairness for farmers and consumers alike, adding: “This is about transparency and informed choices.
“If consumers want to support local farmers and local food production, they need the information to make that choice and should be able to clearly identify where the beef originates from.”
As part of this campaign the UFU is writing to Dame Angela Eagle MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA to seek urgent engagement on the challenges facing the beef sector, calling for:
Mandatory country-of-origin labelling across food service, hospitality, catering and processed beef products.
Greater transparency on the origin and production standards of imported beef.
A Northern Ireland-specific assessment of how trade agreements and rising beef imports are affecting local producers.
Stronger equivalence measures to ensure imported beef is not produced under standards significantly different from those required of UK farmers.
Public procurement policies that prioritise beef produced to UK-equivalent standards.
A clear government commitment that domestic producers will not be disadvantaged by trade policy decisions.
Mr Lynch added: “Food security must not be taken for granted.
“Recent years have shown how important it is to maintain strong domestic food production and resilient supply chains. Major sporting events bring people together around food.
“Whether it is a barbecue with friends, a steak dinner or a burger while watching a match, we want consumers to pause and ask one simple question where is your beef from?
“And we don’t mean the retailer, we mean the country of origin and therefore the standards it’s produced to and by doing this, they can support their local farmer this World Cup.”
DUP MP’s visit Post Office Cash Centre as demand grows for access to cash
DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP and Jim Shannon MP met with representatives from the Post Office Cash Centre last week to hear about the organisation’s growing role in supporting access to cash across Northern Ireland.
As banks continue to close local branches and reduce face-to-face services, the Post Office has been expanding its external network to help ensure communities can still access cash and everyday banking services close to home.
The visit followed a House of Commons debate last week on the subject of banking hubs in which Jim Shannon MP raised concerns about the impact of bank closures in his constituency.
Jim Shannon MP said: “I have seen 11 banks close in my constituency in recent years. The decline of banking services in rural areas has been excessively worrying and frustrating.
DUP MPs Jim Shannon (Strangford) and Gavin Robinson (East Belfast) pictured with Mark Gibson of the Post Office Cash Centre.
“The Post Office is now playing an increasingly important role in filling that gap, particularly for older residents, vulnerable customers, rural communities and small businesses who still rely on cash and face-to-face services.
“This meeting was important,” said Jim Shannon. “We need to ensure that the Post Office network is supported as it takes on a growing role in keeping cash and banking services available locally.”
Gavin Robinson MP said: “For many communities, the Post Office is now a critical part of local financial infrastructure.
“This visit was a valuable opportunity to meet the Cash Centre team and better understand the practical work behind the services many people and businesses rely on every day.
“As more financial services move online or away from the high street, the Post Office’s trusted local presence matters more than ever.
“It must be recognised and supported as a core part of access to cash and everyday banking provision.”
