If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, secluded coves, and unforgettable coastal scenery, a yacht charter Sardinia experience should be at the top of your travel plans. Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a breathtaking blend of rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and charming port towns — all waiting to be discovered from the deck of a luxury yacht.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a celebration with friends, a yacht charter in Sardinia combines privacy, flexibility, and adventure in a way that no land-based holiday can match.
Sardinia’s coastline stretches over 1,800 kilometers, dotted with pristine beaches, dramatic headlands, and crystalline waters. Exploring these landscapes by yacht gives you access to places that are otherwise unreachable or crowded during peak season. Here’s why this experience is so special:
Total Freedom: You decide where to go, how long to stay, and what to see. From the legendary coves of Costa Smeralda to the wild shores of the Gulf of Orosei, every route is customizable.
Unmatched Privacy: Enjoy your own floating sanctuary with crew, services, and amenities tailored to your needs.
Year-Round Appeal: Sardinia’s mild climate makes yacht charters possible from late spring to early autumn, with each season offering a unique atmosphere and scenery.
Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Sardinia
While Sardinia is beautiful year-round, the ideal season for a yacht charter is May to October, when the weather is warm, the sea is calm, and the coastline comes alive with local festivals and sunsets that look like they’re made of gold. Summer months offer vibrant beach life and hidden parties, while late spring and early autumn provide quieter waters and more relaxed cruising.
Top Destinations on a Sardinian Yacht Charter
When you set sail from Sardinia, every day brings a new discovery. Some of the most unforgettable stops include:
Costa Smeralda: Famous for its emerald waters and luxurious beach clubs, this is the jewel of Sardinian yachting. Anchor near Porto Cervo and enjoy high-end dining and nightlife.
La Maddalena Archipelago: A protected marine park with some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. Ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and picnics on deserted islands.
Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé: These iconic coves offer dramatic limestone cliffs and serene waters — perfect for hiking and swimming.
Alghero: A historical town with Spanish influences, cobblestone streets, and sunset promenades that feel timeless.
Each location captivates with its own charm, and the flexibility of a yacht charter means you can tailor your itinerary to suit your passions — from relaxation to active exploration.
What to Expect Onboard
A luxury yacht charter in Sardinia is about more than just navigation — it’s a complete lifestyle experience. Modern yachts come equipped with:
Spacious cabins and lounges
Professional crew and personalized service
Gourmet dining prepared to your preferences
Water toys like paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear
Whether you want to dine under the stars or enjoy a sunrise swim in a secluded bay, your yacht becomes both your transport and your private retreat.
Start Planning Your Sardinia Yacht Adventure
A yacht charter Sardinia holiday isn’t just a trip it’s a collection of spectacular moments that will stay with you for a lifetime.
South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is celebrating a host of wins at the Northern Ireland International Food Exhibition (IFEX) which took place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn from 24–26th February 2026
SERC had 23 students from the college’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses taking part in in competitions, with 21 of them taking podium places including five Gold, five Silver, 11 Bronze and two students awarded Merits.
SIFEX SERC Dessert & Plant Downpatrick: tudents from SERC’s Downpatrick Campus, all Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef (l-r) Thomas Kelly (Downpatrick) awarded Bronze Medal for Classical Junior Chicken; Oscar Manley (Killough), awarded a Silver Medal for NI Dessert; Ethan McCallum (Ballynahinch) lifted Merit for the Chef for Plant-Based Chef Challenge, with proud Chef Lecturer, Thomas Turley. (Photos courtesy of SERC).
Matthew Beech (Dunmurry), Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef, had double reason to celebrate when he lifted a Gold in the WorldSkills Knife Skills category and the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of the Year (All Ireland Regional Heats) with fellow students Owen Mendez (Bangor), Level 3 Professional Chef, awarded Silver, and Abbie McCormick (Newtownards), and Levi Grant (Lisburn), both Level 2 Professional Chef, taking Bronze. Matthew will now go forth to represent Northern Ireland in the Grand Final in London on 1 June.
In the Edible Arts – Decorative Exhibit, Angel Armstrong (Belfast) Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery – Patisserie and Confectionery, as student lead alongside Lecturer Ruth Doherty as support, took a well-deserved Gold.
The final Gold was awarded to Dean Mackintosh (Bangor) from the Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef who took the top spot in the NI Culinary Ability Awards.
Pic 6 IFEX SERC Cake Decoration Downpatrick: (l-r) Proud Lecturer Chef Thomas Turley with students from SERC’s Downpatrick Campus who enjoyed success at IFEX 2026 in the Decorated Celebration Cake category: Olha Vasylieva (Newcastle) and Kateryna Kushtymenko (Ballynahinch), awarded Silver Medals; Cara McKendry (Crossgar) awarded Bronze Medal and Sophie Burdett (Belfast) was awarded Merit.
Ohla Vasylieva (Newcastle), lead student and Kateryna Kushtymenko (Ballynahinch), support student, both Level 2 Professional Bakery, took Silver in the Celebration Cakes (Fondant); Cára McKendry (Crossgar), Bronze and Sophie Burdett (Belfast), Level 2 Certificate in Professional Bakery was recognised with a Merit in the same category.
Silver medals also went to Bilyana Demirok (Carrickfergus), Level 2 Patisserie, in the Finger Food (Tasted) category and Oscar Manley (Killough), Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef, for NI Dessert of the Year.
Bronze medals were presented to Emma Dawson (Banbridge) and Eve Cockfield (Poyntzpass), both Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Bakery, and Alesandra Tailford (Lisburn), from the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery – Patisserie and Confectionery, in the Novelty Cake category; Brooke Edgar-McAleenon (Lisburn), also Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery – Patisserie and Confectionery for Afternoon Tea (Tasted); Gabrielle Harrison (Newtownards), Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef for Plant-Based Chef Challenge; Thomas Kelly (Downpatrick) and Abbie McCormick (Newtownards) Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef for Classical Junior Chicken; and Grace Dugan (Belfast), Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts for the prestigious Student Culinarian of the Year 2026.
IFEX SERC Classic Jnr Chicken: Sean Owen, IFEX Skill Competition Manager with (l-r) Abbie McCormick (Newtownards) and Thomas Kelly (Downpatrick) from the Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef who were awarded a Bronze Medal for Classical Junior Chicken.
Merit Awards were also presented to Noah Brown (Donaghadee) Level 3 Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery for Young Seafood Chef of the Year and Ethan McCallum (Ballynahinch) Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef for Plant-Based Chef Challenge.
Paul Mercer, SERC Principal Lecturer and Commercial Hospitality Manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the awards achieved at IFEX 2026.
“The students really pushed themselves, and the work that everyone put in was evident given the results. Hearty congratulations to all the students who achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and Merit Awards.
“Well done to all the students who took part – participation in a high-profile competition such as IFEX helps build confidence, time management and creativity under pressure.
“Everyone gets to see the quality of the competition and what is required to achieve a place. It is all learning for their courses, for other competition opportunities and ultimately, for the workplace.”
Running a business has become difficult if not precarious as the world economy falters. Supply chains could collapse and fuel prices could rocket.
How can businesses in rural County Down prepare for what lies ahead ?
So, preparing for a serious economic recession requires businesses to focus on cash preservation, operational resilience, and strategic positioning and not sailing by the seat of your pants!
As the world is rapidly descending into global chaos and World War Three may just be approaching, how prepared are we in this corner of Europe for what lies ahead ?
Shop local may be the only option if the rest of the world is at war or even worse, does not exist as we know it !
As the world political order changes, business people face a challenging time making sure they stay afloat as a possibility of recession looms ahead. (Photo: Jim Masson/Ai generated).
Whilst the UK seems to be equivocating over commitment to the growing war in the Middle East, PM Keir Starmer is cautious as he is walking on poliitical eggshells and could embroil the UK in a war it is not well-equipped to fight.
And he is avoiding the stigma of the past Blair-Bush involvement in Iraq. As the UK economy struggles to make ends meet, and with Britain out of the European Union and in a volatile NATO with a defecting US role, the future looks certainly threatening and bleak.
Economic recession is a likely scenario. So if our sons and daughters are marched off to war as could existentially happen, how prepared are we in the business community to weather the on-coming hurricane as the old World Order collapses ?
We have to put our company thinking caps on and develop a means for action (strategy) in the scenarios that lie ahead.
We have learned a lot of the rise and fall of empires in history… the Roman author Pubilus Renatus penned the famous words in the 4th Century, “If you want peace, prepare for war”.
***
Time To Get Your Ducks In A Row
The Bufflehead duck from North America, thought to be a first to visit the shores of the UK/Ireland. In every recession there is business opportunity… get in first! (December 2020).
The companies that survive recessions usually do three things well: protect cash, stay close to customers, and remain operationally disciplined. Below is a structured list of key pointers across major business areas.
I have covered quite a few business courses over the years, but here is a brief, useful summary (courtesy of Ai.)
1. Cash Flow & Financial Management
Cash is the single most important asset during a recession. ‘Cash is King.’ A poor cash flow can kill even even bigger businesses.
Key actions:
Build a cash buffer (ideally 6–12 months of operating expenses).
Stress-test finances using worst-case revenue scenarios (e.g., 30–50% drop).
Reduce or delay non-essential capital expenditures.
Renegotiate credit lines and debt terms while banks are still lending.
Improve working capital management:
Shorten customer payment cycles.
Extend supplier payment terms where possible.
Monitor cash flow weekly, not monthly.
Consider additional investment but look at options and interest rates.
Important metric: Focus on cash runway (months of survival without new revenue).
2. Cost Control & Efficiency
Recessions expose inefficiencies quickly so get to grips early on with these.
Priority cost actions:
Identify non-core spending to cut immediately.
Pause low ROI marketing or projects.
Review outgoings for subscriptions, software, consultants, and vendors.
Consolidate suppliers to negotiate better rates.
Reduce fixed costs where possible (office space, equipment leases).
release unused stock to generate cash.
But avoid cutting:
Core product development
Critical customer service
Top-performing sales channels – cutting the wrong things can damage recovery eg price givaways can make it difficult to get back to pre-recession levels.
3. Revenue Protection & Customer Retention 🤝
Acquiring new customers becomes harder during recessions.
Focus on protecting existing customers:
Strengthen customer relationships and communication.
Offer flexible pricing or payment plans.
Introduce lower-cost product tiers.
Increase focus on customer retention metrics.
Prioritize high-margin or recession-resistant products.
keep on top of your debt collection.
Rule of thumb: Retaining customers is 5–7x cheaper than acquiring new ones.
4. Workforce & Management Strategy
Leadership and team stability matter heavily in downturns and use evidence-based decision-making.
Management priorities:
Communicate transparently with staff.
Freeze hiring unless roles are essential.
Cross-train employees to improve flexibility eg to multi-task but keep an eye on contractual side of staff arrangements on what is possible.
Focus teams on revenue-generating activities.
If layoffs become necessary:
Do them decisively and early, rather than multiple rounds.
Ensure the legal boxes are ticked with contracts and exiting workers.
Protect key talent.
Morale and clarity from leadership are critical.
5. Scenario Planning & Risk Management 📊
Uncertainty increases dramatically in recessions.
Prepare multiple scenarios:
Mild downturn
Severe recession
Prolonged recession.
For each scenario determine:
Revenue expectations
Cost reduction triggers
Staffing adjustments
Financing needs
Legal and H&S implications.
Update forecasts monthly or quarterly.
6. Supply Chain & Vendor Stability
Economic stress can break supply chains.
Actions:
Identify critical suppliers and their financial health.
Diversify suppliers where possible.
Increase inventory for mission-critical components.
Negotiate longer-term agreements with reliable vendors.
7. Strategic Opportunities
Recessions also create rare growth opportunities.
Well-prepared companies often:
Acquire weaker competitors.
Hire talented workers laid off elsewhere.
Gain market share when competitors cut marketing too deeply.
Invest in productivity improvements.
Many major companies grew during recessions (e.g., Airbnb, Uber, Microsoft expansions).
8. Pricing Strategy 💵
Pricing becomes sensitive during downturns.
Consider:
Smaller packages or subscriptions.
Value-focused messaging.
Bundled offerings.
Avoid aggressive discounting that permanently damages brand value.
9. Operational Discipline
Run the business tighter than usual.
Implement:
Weekly KPI reviews
Sales pipeline tracking
Cash flow dashboards
Department spending approvals.
Focus on data-driven decision making.
10. Leadership Mindset
The biggest mistakes during recessions are panic or denial.
Effective leaders:
Act early
Stay realistic but optimistic
Communicate constantly
Maintain long-term thinking.
Recessions punish slow decisions.
✅ Simple recession survival framework
Protect cash
Cut non-essential costs
Keep customers close
Plan for multiple scenarios
Look for opportunities competitors miss.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
A recession preparation checklist used by CFOs
The 12 financial ratios investors watch in downturns
A “recession war plan” template businesses use internally.
What are KPI reviews ?
KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reviews are regular meetings where a business reviews its performance to track how well the company is performing against its goals.
A KPI review answers three main questions:
How are we performing right now?
Are we meeting our targets?
What actions do we need to take next?
A KPI is a measurable number that shows how well a business is achieving a specific objective.
For example:
Revenue growth
Customer acquisition cost
Website traffic
Sales conversion rate
Profit margin
Customer churn rate.
(KPIs turn business performance into clear numbers that can be tracked over time that shows how a business is performing.)
***
You may be doing some or all of this at the moment or plan to. Your leadership is critical to the survival of your business. You may blink and lose concentration in this fast moving business environment.
We came out of a Covid pandemic a couple of years ago, and could once again plunge back into a scenario where home working is again a reality for more workers as fuel costs escalate. There is still a lot of uncertainty about what is happening at a global level, but a good business person will be cognizant of all of this and hopefully weather the storm.
Most business people love a challenge. So you need to manage the changes that are now quickly unfolding, or, unfortunately, they will manage you, possibly with damaging and disastrous consequences.
Super Trowel 2026 Kicks Off in Northern Ireland with Bricklaying Showdown
Super Trowel, the ultimate bricklaying competition, returned to Northern Ireland with the Northern Ireland and Irish regional heat taking place at Southern Regional College’s Greenbank campus on Friday 27th February 2026.
The competition saw 8 pro-competitors along with their hod carriers and 7 junior competitors and hod competitors battle it out for a place in the UK national final.
The heat was the first of the 2026 regional heats to take place, with a further six heats due to take place between now and the UK national final. The top two pros placing will now be invited to compete at the national finals.
(l-r) Super Trowel Pro Winner Chris Quinn alongside Hod Carrier Cian McLoughlin. (Photos courtesy of SRC).
They were Chris Quinn in first place with 665 bricks laid and 593 bricks scoring after deductions, followed by Damien O’Neill in second place with 578 bricks laid and 553 bricks scoring.
Pro competitors had a pressurised 60-minutes to lay bricks with a following 20-minute jointing-up period. No further bricks were allowed to be placed during this period.
Both are now in with a chance to scoop a prize fund of £50,000 at the UK National competition and go forward to Vegas to compete in the SPEC MIX Bricklayer competition and represent the UK.
In the junior series, the top student was named as Arran Barr who claimed the win with 145 bricks laid and 135 bricks scoring in a 30-minute bricklaying competition followed by a 20-minute jointing period.
Super Trowel Northern Ireland and Ireland Regional Heat Junior Winner Arran Barr (second left.).
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College said: “Southern Regional College were delighted to host the 2026 Northern Ireland and Ireland Regional Super Trowel competition.
“2026 marks the second time the College has hosted this regional competition and we are looking forward to its return next year.
“he standard of competition was incredibly high and it was great to see both experienced professionals and the next generation of bricklayers showcasing their skills under pressure.”
The UK national final takes place on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August 2006 at Hertfordshire, England.
Vital treatment for dematology patients available at the Ulster Hospital
Dermatology patients at the Ulster Hospital are benefiting from a specialist treatment, phototherapy, helping with chronic skin conditions as they regain confidence and improve the quality of their lives.
The Ultraviolet B (UVB) Phototherapy Service, based in the Dermatology Hub, provides carefully controlled light therapy to treat conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
For Claire Batten from Bangor, the Phototherapy treatment has been life-changing.
Claire was diagnosed with Psoriasis ten years ago following a period of serious illness. What began as a medical condition started to affect every aspect of her life. Psoriasis runs in Claire’s family and her brother has also underwent UVB Phototherapy treatment to help manage the same condition.
UVB Phototherapy uses carefully controlled ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation in the skin and slow down the rapid skin cell growth that causes Psoriasis. Patients typically attend three times a week for several weeks as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Phototherapy Service Staff Nurses, Claire Keenan and Valerie Brown at the Ulster Hospital.
Importantly, UVB Phototherapy is a medically supervised treatment and is not the same as using sunbeds. Dermatology Specialists stress that sunbeds should never be used to treat Psoriasis or other skin conditions, as they can cause significant skin damage and increase the risk of Skin Cancer.
Claire said: “Being diagnosed with Psoriasis completely changed my life, I lost my confidence and I felt like I always had to cover up my skin. The red, scaly patches were sore and uncomfortable and nothing seemed to work.”
For years, Claire managed her condition with creams and other treatments, but despite her efforts, the Psoriasis continued to affect her daily life.
“It became part of my daily routine trying to manage it. I was using creams all the time and trying different things to control it, but it was very frustrating.”
Claire was referred to the Ulster Hospital’s UVB Phototherapy Service and began treatment in January 2026. Claire said: “When I was told about the UVB treatment, I just felt really hopeful, I thought this could actually change my life.”
Since beginning treatment, Claire says the improvement has been remarkable, and added: “I feel so much more confident now. I am happier in myself and I am not constantly worrying about my skin.
“I was on holiday recently and for the first time in years, I was able to show my legs, my arms and my back without feeling self-conscious. It really does feel like getting back to normal life again.”
Claire also praised the care she has received from the Dermatology Team, “The staff at the Ulster Hospital have been incredible. They could not have done any more for me. They have supported me every step of the way and really helped rebuild my confidence.”
An important part of the service is ensuring patients feel comfortable and respected throughout their treatment. The UVB therapy unit provides patients with complete privacy while undergoing treatment, helping to reduce the anxiety many people feel about their skin condition.
Staff Nurse, Claire Keenan from the Dermatology Hub explained that supporting patients emotionally is just as important as treating the condition itself. Claire said: “In the Dermatology Hub at the Ulster Hospital, patients usually attend three times a week for around seven weeks, so we really get to know them and become part of their journey.
“At the beginning, many patients feel self-conscious or frustrated with their skin, but as the weeks progress and their skin begins to improve, you can see a real change. Their confidence grows and they start to feel happier and more positive.
“Each patient is referred by a Dermatology Doctor and receives a personalised treatment plan, which is closely monitored by trained staff to ensure safe and effective care.
“Being able to support someone through that journey, to reassure them, celebrate their progress and watch their confidence return is incredibly rewarding.
Claire said: “We are proud to offer UVB phototherapy as part of our Dermatology Service here in the South Eastern Trust.”
For Claire Batten, the treatment has made a difference not just to her skin, but to her life. Claire added: “My message to anyone living with Psoriasis is to give this treatment a chance if it is available to you. It has made such a difference for me. I feel happier, more confident and like myself again.”
Downpatrick FC through to the AJC Harry Clarke Cup Final
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
AJC Group Harry Clarke Cup Semi-Final,
Venue: Robaert Adams Park, 6 3 26,
Final Score: Downpatrick FC 5 3 Killough FC.
This was a match which on paper looked as though it would go to the wire. Over the past couple of years Downpatrick have fallen between the stools when it comes to championship cup matches, but Killough have been somewhat off form recently because of missed games due to water logging on their home pitch at Millfield writes Jim Masson.
But it was Shea Holland who destroyed Killough’s hopes of a late recovery as he enjoyed a hat-trick with goals in 32, 47 and 80 minutes widening the gap against Killough.
The game stated with both teams assesing each other tentatively, not wanting to make any early mistakes and both have forays into each others halves.
Killough made the first real effort with a cross from Daire McLaughlin in the back of the box but he was quickly cut off. This was followed by another attack again with Gareth George at the end of it but that too faltered. Killough showed signs of starting to press and dominate in the match but Downpatrick were patient.
Downpatrick made a couple of charges at the Killough goal and it looked as though the Killough defence were slow in clearing the ball.
Early on Killough were using McLaughlin on the right wing to spearhead attacks and crosses. Killough although they were pressing Downpatrick on occasions were being contained by a more organised defence.
The Downpatrick FC team who beat Killough 5-3 in a tough semi-final of the AJC Harry Clarke Cup to play either Ardglass or Drumaness Mills Reserves in the final.
Then in the 28th minute Downpatrick pushed forward again and Connor Campbell took his opportunity in a crowded Killough box and nailed the ball close in into the goal to open the scoring for his side, an equaliser.
Two minutes later Downpatrick pressed the stunned Killough and quickly and Declan Dowie close in knocked the ball in for a second goal.
But Downpatrick were not finished their surge forward. As Killough reeled looking at the reality of having to find 3 goals to rectify the situation, Shea Holland struck the first goal of his hat-trick on 32 minutes making it an incredible 3 goals in 4 minutes for Downpatrick with a header back-footing the Killough defence who again had not cleared the ball quickly enough.
The Killough FC team.
Then Holland struck again on 47 minutes putting the game pretty well much out of reach of Killough. It was going to take something special to recover from going 4-1 in the first half.
But in fighting spirit Killough came surging back and pulled a goal back in 42 minutes as Cillian Burns charged the Downpatrick goal firmly striking the ball close in.
The second half started as expected with Killough on the front foot looking to redress the balance trying to redeem themselves.
Taylor Beattie in the Downpatrick nets was looking more confident as a goalkeeper and made a solid save as Connor Kelly volleyed on target showing Killough were determined to to pull through.
This half was a somewhat scrappier affair with players cramping up and passions overflowing on a very chilly night but the game was well managed by referee Oliver Burke.
Shea Holland scores from a penalty in the 83rd minute for Downpatrick sealing the win to get to the AJC Harry Cl;arke Cup Final.
Killough sub Ruairi Sharvin was unlucky not to score from the back of the box as his volley came off the top bar.
Then after much effort on part of the Killough team, Jack McLaughlin finally scored slotting the ball in on 73 minutes leaving still a mountain to climb if Killough were toiet into the final.
As Downpatrick pushed forward into the Killough box, Holland was upended by Killough’s Matthew McKiernan and referee Burke pointed to the spot for a penalty on 80 minutes.
Shea Holland stepped up and hammered the ball into the left hand corner low giving keeper Conor Doyle no chance of saving it. This was a moment of jubilation for the Downpatrick team who now felt unbeatable. But Killough were not giving up the fight to the last. The game trundled stopping and starting on with Killough pressing hoping for a rub of the green.
Both teams has lost a player in the second half with double yellow cards, sub Ronan Cope (Downpatrick( 82) and Sean Og Burns (Killough, 90+1).
But on the Downpatrick side, yellow cards were picked up by Connor Campbell, Anthony Carson, Taylor Beattie, while on the Killough side, yellows were dished out to Cillian Burns, Jack McLaughlin, Riain Burns, Connor Kelly, and Daire McLaughlin. This testifies to the gritty nature of the game.
Downpatrick now go on to the final and face either Ardglass FC or Drumaness Mills Reserves next Friday evening at 7.30pm at Robert Adams Park on 13th March.
David Cunningham from Ballygowan is elected as 38th Royal Ulster Agricultural Society President
Ballygowan man Mr David Cunningham was elected as the 38th President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) on Friday 6th March 2026.
David’s active involvement with the agricultural charity dates back over 50 years and his family heritage is deeply rooted in the Society’s proud history.
He joined the RUAS as a life member in 1963 and was elected on to Council in the year 2000.
David has lent his expertise to many committees over the years, including the Horse Committee and Show Jumping Sub Committee, as well as the Show Safety Committee where he acted as Chairman during the historical move from the King’s Hall.
For many, David is a face synonymous with the Main Arena at the Balmoral Show where he began volunteering as a steward in 1977 before adopting the role of Chief Steward in 2002.
He has also undertaken stewarding roles through the Show Safety committee volunteering at the Society’s two other flagship events; the Royal Ulster Winter Fair and in more recent years, the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships.
The 38th RUAS President David Cunningham with his wife Julie, mother Fiona and son Robert. (Images courtesy of RUAS).
Upon election at the RUAS Annual Meeting, David is the first third-generation president within the Society following in the proud footsteps of his grandfather, Lt Col James G Cunningham OBE VL and his late father, Roly Cunningham.
Originally hailing from Killyleagh in County Down, David grew up on the family farm where his passion for agriculture and rural life flourished. From his young memories of their pedigree Salers cattle to his more recent involvement in the equestrian world through ridding clubs, hunter trials and the Irish Long Distance Riding Association, David has always lent a hand where he can.
The Cunnigham family farm may have relocated, but their commitment to showing their prized Lleyn sheep remains strong today with David’s mother Fiona one of the Balmoral Show’s eldest exhibitors having celebrated her 90th birthday several years ago.
Beyond the showing world, David has also volunteered through the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) as he worked in his family’s printing business before moving on to focusing on web design within the IT sector.
Commenting on his appointment, David said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be elected President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.
“I have been actively involved with and supported the Society for almost 50 years, and my family connection stretches back even further.
“I am particularly honoured to become the Society’s first third-generation President, and my son now stewards at the Show each year, making it six generations of involvement.
“I have greatly valued the past two years serving as Deputy to John Henning, and I would like to thank John and his wife Ann for their dedication and hard work within the RUAS, particularly during his presidency.
“I look forward to working with the membership, Council and staff as we continue to develop and strengthen the Society for the future. While I will miss the Main Arena, I am excited to meet many friends and colleagues — and many new faces — at the 157th Balmoral Show at the Eikon Exhibition Centre this May.”
The Balmoral show will run from Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th 2026 at the Eikon Centre.
Police are investigating after a wheelie bin was set alight against a door on the Downpatrick Gallaun estate
Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of a fire at a residential property in the Gallaun area of Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning, Friday 6th March.
Detective Sergeant Emerson said: “It’s believed that sometime between 1.20am and 1.30am, a wheelie bin was placed at the front door of a flat and set alight.
“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, and extinguished the fire, which resulted in damage being caused to the door.
Police are investigating after a bin was set alight against a door in the Gallaun estate in Downpatrick in the early hours of Friday morning.
“One man who was inside the property at the time of the incident managed to escape via a window.
“Enquiries are ongoing this morning to establish the circumstances of the incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, and anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives.
“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 47 of 06 3 26.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
Young Readers Turn Pages Together In Portavogie Community Centre For World Book Day
A tiny Gruffalo, Alice in Wonderland and even Batman made their grand entrance at Portavogie Community Centre to celebrate World Book Day.
The day was organised by the South Eastern Trust’s SureStart Team with a warm invitation extended to parents and their children to ‘turn the pages together’.
Mum, Charlotte McGuckin who attended with her little son Ollie, shared how much the pair enjoyed the event. Charlotte said, “It was lovely to see so much fun and activity. Reading is so important in terms of brain development for a child and it is nice to take a moment, take a book and bond with your child.
“It has been wonderful to see so many young kids engaging, reading and having fun. SureStart make such a effort and it has been lovely to see the Centre so bright and colourful. Ollie and I have had a ball today.”
South Eastern HSC Trust SureStart Staff, parents and their children enjoy all the fun at Portavogie Community Centre as part of World Book Day
South Eastern Trust, Speech and Language Therapist, Alison Parke welcomed the book event, and said: “Is a fantastic way of supporting early speech and language development as well as having that chance to bond with your little ones.”
“Sharing books at any time of the day is encouraged. At our Early Baby Group, we promote the books you can share with your little ones, from bath books, ‘lift the flap’ books, to textured books, it is how they learn about the world and a lovely way to support bonding and attachment.
“It has been fantastic to see families come and take home a little book as part of World Book Day.”
SureStart Early Year Co-ordinator, Andrea Kirk added: “Reading is so important for children. Reading helps them to explore their feelings, discover information and research has shown how important it is for children to read.
“We say to our parents how beneficial reading to your child is and how it helps with their speech and language, their development and vocabulary. The Community Centre is buzzing for World Book Day!”
An Irish language and culture workshop was held in Killyleagh’s Hans Sloane Centre
The Sir Hans Sloane Centre in Killyleagh was the venue for an Irish Language and Music Workshop hosted by Rowallane DEA on Thursday 5th March to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge, an annual international festival celebrating Irish language and culture through a diverse programme of events and activities.
The Killyleagh venue was filled with music, conversation and celebration, with people from all backgrounds taking part in the workshop delivered by Eoghan O Conrai.
The Rowallane DEA Forum was delighted at the strong community response, with the workshop reaching full capacity ahead of the event, with people enjoying Irish culture through language, music and shared experience.
Attendees enjoyed a complimentary lunch which provided an opportunity for social connection, while experiencing Irish language and culture together.
Included with Eoghan O’ Conrai who is from Darragh Cross, are Rowallane DEA coordinator Nicola Whyte (left), Sir Hans Sloane Centre director Elizabeth Crilly (third from left) and Rowallane DEA Forum members (from left) Raymond Cochrane, Robert Burgess, Councillor David Lee-Surginor, Lise Curran and Councillor Terry Andrews.
Some of those who attended the Irish language and music workshop at the Sir Hans Sloane Centre in Killyleagh. Included are (from left) Fr Derek Kearney, Rowallane DEA Forum members Robert Burgess and Cllr Terry Andrews, Rowallane DEA coordinator Nicola Whyte, the Rev Eben Grobbelaar and Glenn Millar from Killyleagh and District Men’s Shed.
Traditional music entertainment formed part of the Irish Language and Music Workshop in Killyleagh.
