Cyclists To Take On Daisy 200 Challenge

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Cyclists To Take On Daisy 200 Challenge

Dedicated cyclists take on Daisy 200 challenge for children with cancer

This June, a team of 50 cyclists will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

From 26th – 28th June, this group led by Eddie Marcus, Dougie Adams and Sean McCabe will cycle over 200 miles.

Starting from the site of the charity’s second therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge on the shores of Lough Corrib in Cong, Co. Mayo, the cyclists will then travel through Cavan, before arriving in Newcastle, the home of the charity’s first Daisy Lodge which was opened in 2014.

This challenge is being sponsored by PizzaCrew and all participants have committed to raising £5,000 each to ensure Cancer Fund for Children can be there for families when they need them most.

Pictured (l-r) Ciarán Kelly and Jane Adams from Pizza Crew, Eddie Marcus, challenge organiser and Cancer Fund for Children Community Champion, Cormac McMullan, Regional Community Fundraising and Engagement Lead, and Dougie Adams, challenge organiser, pictured at Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break centre.

Speaking on this challenge, Community Champion with Cancer Fund for Children and lead participant on the challenge, Eddie Marcus said: “This is the second year we will be tackling the Daisy 200 and I’m honoured to be taking to the roads once again, this time, with an even bigger team behind us.

“The impact of this fundraising on the lives of children and young people impacted by cancer is truly special and I want to say thank you to everyone who is bringing this challenge to life and everyone who is supporting, including our main sponsors Pizza Crew.”

Cormac McMullan, Regional Community Fundraiser and Engagement Lead with Cancer Fund for Children, also said: “We are so incredibly grateful to the Daisy 200 team for taking on this mammoth challenge in aid of children and young people impacted by cancer.

“Every week across the island of Ireland, approximately 10 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer.

“The money raised through this team’s efforts will help us ensure these children and their families don’t have to face this experience alone.”

Cancer Fund for Children provide emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families in every county across the island of Ireland.

This support is provided at home, in hospital and at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge in Co. Down. Due to ongoing demand, the charity are building a second Daisy Lodge in Co. Mayo which should be open in Spring 2027.

For more information on the challenge or to sign up today, visit:

https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/daisy-200/. 

You can also donate through https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/daisy-200.

Matcha Gift Set: How to Choose the Perfect One 

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Matcha Gift Set: How to Choose the Perfect One 

A matcha gift set is one of the most thoughtful presents you can give a tea lover — or anyone looking to slow down and build a mindful daily ritual. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you pick the right one without second-guessing yourself. 

What’s Inside a Matcha Gift Set? 

A quality set typically includes the four essentials: a bamboo whisk (chasen), a ceramic bowl (chawan), a bamboo scoop (chashaku), and a whisk holder (kusenaoshi). The best sets also come with a tin of ceremonial grade matcha powder — so the recipient can start immediately, no extra shopping needed. 

What makes a set feel special isn’t just the contents, but the craftsmanship. Handmade ceramics and high-quality bamboo tools aren’t just prettier — they actually perform better and last longer. 

Who Is It For? 

For beginners 

Go for a starter set: simple tools, a clear preparation guide, and a quality matcha tin included. These sets usually start around £40–60 and give everything needed to try matcha the traditional way from day one. 

For experienced matcha drinkers 

Consider a ceremonial grade matcha set with a distinctive hand-thrown bowl. For someone who already has the basics, upgrading the ceramics or the matcha itself makes a far more meaningful gift than adding another generic whisk. 

Does the Matcha Grade Matter? 

Yes — always choose ceremonial grade when the powder is included in the gift. It’s smoother, naturally sweeter, and made from Japan’s youngest, finest shade-grown leaves. Culinary grade is designed for lattes and baking; drunk traditionally, it can taste bitter and flat. A first impression matters. 

Where to Find a Matcha Gift Set Worth Giving 

If you’re looking for sets with genuine Japanese craftsmanship — organic matcha from Uji, hand-thrown ceramic bowls, and beautifully presented packaging — browse the matcha gift sets at Moya Matcha. From starter kits to ceremonial sets with artisan bowls, there’s a thoughtful option for every budget and every tea lover on your list. 

Jordan McPolin Through To Glór Tíre Final

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Jordan McPolin Through To Glór Tíre Final

Hilltown’s Jordan McPolin reaches Grand Final of leading Country Music show, Glór Tíre

• It’s an absolute dream come true to get to the Grand Final ’ says Jordan McPolin

County Down Country singer Jordan McPolin has his sights set on possibly the biggest prize in Country Music on the island of Ireland – the Glór Tíre Champion 2026.

The 20-year-old from Hilltown last night (Tuesday 3 March) delivered an impressive performance at the Glór Tíre Semi-Final, which was broadcast live on Irish language station TG4.

Jordan’s performance of Derek Ryan’s ‘Made of Gold’ and the standard, ‘Catfish John’, which has been covered by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Grateful Dead’s Gerry Garcia, saw him win a substantial number of public votes and a place in next week’s Grand Final.

Jordan McPolin from Hilltown is through to the Glór Tíre final. Also pictured is the legendary Country singer Jimmy Buckley who is mentoring Jordan.

Jordan said: “I don’t think it’s even kicked in that I’ve reached the Final. I didn’t even expect to come this far. I’ve always watched Glór Tíre through the years, so to be on it was a dream come true to begin with, but to get into the Grand Final is an absolute dream come true.”

Jordan describes the support he has received from the people of County Down as “unbelievable, phenomenal”.

He added: “Every time I go into a shop, people say, ‘Oh, congratulations’ or ‘I’ve seen you on the TV’,” he says. “My outfits for Glór Tíre have been sponsored by Louis Boyd’s Menswear in Newry.

“For them to actually want to sponsor me is amazing. People are messaging me, phoning me. When I play gigs now, people say to me, ‘After seeing you on the TV, we said we’d come down to watch you playing.’ It’s so good to see so many people having such a good reaction to something I’m on.”

Country singer, Jordan McPolin, has reached the Grand Final of Glór Tíre 2026, the leading Country Music TV programme on the island of Ireland.

The Glór Tíre Grand Final is on TG4 on Tuesday 10th March at 9.30pm, with Jordan competing against Kerry’s Paudie Coffey and Tipperary’s Dee Morrissey. Jordan reaching the final represents a ‘three-in-a-row’ for Northern Irish Country singers on the show.

Following in the footsteps of 2025 Winner Paddy Treacy from Fermanagh and 2025 Finalists John Mullan (Derry) and Conor Ownes (Fermanagh), and 2024 Finalist Karl Kirkpatrick (Fermanagh), Jordan is aware of not just representing County Down, but also Northern Ireland, on what is considered the premier Country Music TV show on the island of Ireland.

“People are saying that I’m representing the North on Glór Tíre this year,” he says. “Hopefully, I can make the North proud and bring the title home.

“It’s amazing to be picked to represent the North of Ireland, but it’s also amazing to see on Glór Tíre people from so many different parts of the country all coming together for one show.”

No matter what happens next Tuesday, Jordan’s Country career has already taken a major step forward just from being on Glór Tíre.

“The phone is on fire at the minute from people booking me,” he says. “At my gigs now, it’s a new and bigger audience. I’m getting bookings to play bigger venues and getting into bigger dance halls.

“The fact of actually getting on national TV is unbelievable. The whole experience has been unbelievable.”

The Glór Tíre Grand-Final will be presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg. Resident judges Jó Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin will be joined by guest judge, Eddie Rowley of the Sunday World.

Jim Shannon Visits Iraq With All-Party Group

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Jim Shannon Visits Iraq With All-Party Group

Shannon visits Iraq to press the case for Religious Freedom

An All-Party Parliamenary Group from Westminster on Freedom of Religion or Belief with Strangford MP Jim Shannon (DUP) aboard, visited Iraq from 16-20th February.

Jim Shannon MP said: “I was honoured and privileged to be part of this delegation to Irag from the UK Parliament.

“I was privileged to witness first hand the position of faith communities and human rights in the Iraq region.

“For over a decade, I have stood in defence of individuals persecuted for their faith or beliefs, both here in the UK and across the world.

“I remain deeply committed to the conviction that no one should ever face violence, imprisonment, or discrimination for their faith – or indeed for choosing not to follow any faith at all.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon pictured with Minister of Foreign Affairs for Kurdistan, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman

“During our visit, we met with Church leaders, members of diverse faith communities, and government representatives who demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals, particularly in the Kurdistan region.

“While no government is without challenges, the Kurdistan Regional Government is making notable strides to ensure freedom of belief and to foster a society where people of all backgrounds can live in security and dignity.

“The conversations we had and the examples we witnessed are a testament to the positive steps being taken, as well as a reminder of the work still to be done to safeguard religious liberty.

“This report captures both the progress observed and the on-going challenges faced by communities in Iraq.

“It reflects our continued commitment to highlighting not only state-sponsored persecution but also the everyday barriers and threats that can restrict freedom of belief.

“I am grateful to my colleagues and the organisations who supported this delegation, and all those who welcomed us with openness and honesty.

“Together, we must continue to champion freedom of religion or belief, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their faith or conviction, can live without fear or oppression,” added Jim Shannon MP.

Trust’s Health Visiting Clinical Lead Retires

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Trust’s Health Visiting Clinical Lead Retires

After 46 years of dedicated service, the South Eastern HSC Trust’s Clinical Lead on Health Visiting retires

After an outstanding 46-year career in Nursing, spanning Midwifery and Health Visiting Services, South Eastern Trust Clinical Lead for Health Visiting, Dympna Rush has retired.

Based in Ward 25 on the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick, Dympna has dedicated her professional life to supporting children, families and communities across the Trust area, making a lasting impact on generations of families.

Dympna Rush pictured in her early days in nursing.

Beginning her career in Nursing before moving into Midwifery and later Health Visiting, Dympna brought a wealth of clinical expertise, compassion and leadership to every role she undertook.

Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for early intervention and family-centred care, supporting both families and colleagues.

As Clinical Lead for Health Visiting, Dympna played a key role in developing and supporting services aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people, while mentoring and guiding many Health Visitors starting out in their careers.

Dympna Rush cuts the cake marking her retirement from the South Eastern HSC Trust after 46 years service.

Wishing Dympna well on her retirement, South Eastern Trust, Health Visitor, Jenny Murray said: “Dympna has been an incredible source of support and inspiration to so many of us throughout our careers.

“Her knowledge, kindness and dedication to families and colleagues have made a lasting impact on Health Visiting services across the Trust.

“Dympna has always gone above and beyond to support both staff and families and she will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her.”

Hinch Distillery Scoops Win For Single Malt

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Hinch Distillery Scoops Win For Single Malt

Hinch Distillery Celebrates Major Win for Single Malt as Head Distiller Emma Millar Marks Early Success

• Hinch Single Malt Irish Whiskey named Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt

Hinch Irish Whiskey Single Malt was named Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2026, a significant recognition that follows Emma Millar’s recent promotion to Head Distiller and reflects her influence on the development and character of the award-winning liquid.

Emma, who has been part of the Hinch Distillery team since its inception in 2020, has played a central role in developing and shaping the character of the Single Malt, working closely on its maturation journey in ex-bourbon American oak and Oloroso sherry casks to create a finely balanced expression with notes of orange, honey and ginger.

 Emma Millar, Head Distiller, and Jake Walpole, Assistant Head Distiller, celebrate Hinch Distillery’s success at the World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2026, including Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt, alongside wins for the 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish and 5 Year Old Double Wood Madeira Cask Finish. (Photos: Simon Peare, SP Photo Ltd).

The award represents an important milestone both for Hinch Distillery and for Emma in her new leadership role, highlighting the craft and consistency behind the liquid.

The awards were announced at a ceremony held at the InterContinental Dublin on 26 February 2026, bringing together leading figures from across the Irish whiskey industry to celebrate the year’s achievements.

Emma Millar, Head Distiller at Hinch Distillery, said: “This award reflects the care and attention that goes into every stage of our whiskey making process.

“Having worked closely with the Single Malt over the past five years, it is especially rewarding to see it recognised in this way so soon after stepping into the role of Head Distiller.

“It highlights the importance of understanding the influence of cask maturation and allowing each whiskey to develop its own character over time.”

Hinch’s 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish was also named Best Irish Blended Limited Release (13 to 20 Years), while the distillery’s 5 Year Old Double Wood Madeira Cask Finish was recognised as a Category Winner in the 12 Years and Under section.

Emma Millar, Head Distiller, and Jake Walpole, Assistant Head Distiller, are pictured with the judges celebrating Hinch Distillery’s success at the World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2026.

Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman of Hinch Distillery, added: “To see Hinch Irish Whiskey Single Malt recognised at this level is a fantastic achievement and reflects Emma’s contribution over the past five years. This award is a strong early endorsement of her leadership as Head Distiller and highlights Hinch’s growing reputation on the international stage.

“It reflects the expertise of our distilling team and our continued focus on combining traditional Irish whiskey making with a contemporary approach to maturation and character, as we further build Hinch’s reputation both at home and in global markets.”

Winners of the World Whiskies Awards Ireland will go on to compete for the title of World’s Best in their category, with the results to be announced at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 Global Dinner on 25 March 2026.

Muir To Tighten Law On Water Pollution

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Muir To Tighten Law On Water Pollution

DAERA Minister announces plans to strengthen the regulation of water pollution

Plans to strengthen the enforcement and regulation of water pollution have today been announced by the DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.

Campaigners calling for improved water quality on the river Quoile and other County Down rivers and loughs will be greatly encouraged by the Minister’s move.

Minister Muir told MLAs that Northern Ireland’s water environment was facing mounting and unacceptable pressures, with only 29% of its surface waterbodies achieving good ecological status and more than 20 million tonnes of untreated sewage and wastewater spilling into waterways each year.

The Minister said: “Clearly this is not only an environmental issue. It affects public health, the economy and the confidence people have in the safety of the waters they use.

“To rebuild public confidence, we must ensure regulation is fair, impartial and proportionate and applied consistently across all sectors: public bodies, agriculture, private businesses and industry.”

Waste water outfalls such as this one on the River Quoile at Downpatrick will be the point of no return when pollution enters local river systems along with the many small ‘sheughs’ that can carry pollutants such as fertilisers and slurry into the river and water systems.

In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister confirmed his proposal for Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to withdraw from the SORPI (Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent) administrative arrangement with NI Water established in 2007 which constrains regulatory enforcement action.

Minister Muir said: “Back in 2007, it was recognised that there was a deficit in the inherited wastewater infrastructure that would take some time to upgrade over a series of Price Control periods. We are now nearly 20 years on and there remains an unacceptable level of wastewater pollution.

“It is my view that withdrawal from SORPI will deliver regulatory parity, with NI Water regulated on the same basis as all other industries, including agriculture.”

He also announced he will bring forward “a Fisheries and Water Environment Bill in May 2026, modernising enforcement powers, adopting an ecosystem‑based approach, increasing the maximum fine for water pollution to £50,000 and introducing fixed penalty notices.”

The Minister also indicated plans to identify the Shellfish Water Protected Area in Belfast Lough as a sensitive area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which would require enhanced treatment for wastewater discharges entering the Lough.

In addition, a review is being undertaken to put in place new standards for discharge consents across Northern Ireland.

Online Letter Not My Work Says Cllr Alan Lewis

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Online Letter Not My Work Says Cllr Alan Lewis

Cllr Alan Lewis (DUP) rejects the letter circulating online calling on the forced removal of foreign Islamic nationals and ‘Irish nationalists’ from the Clough area

A letter circulating online has caused great consternation in the South Down area.

The letter says that anyone wearing or displaying republican or nationalist symbols or branding may be targeted including GAA supporters. It rejects nationalism outright and further attacks those of an Islamic background.

The letter says that attacks will be carried out to the vehicle or private property if it is referred to the body circulating the letter, and is “noted” adding “Extreme lengths will be taken when called for.”

Slieve Croob DUP Councillor Alan Lewis said: “It was brought to my attention that an anonymous and threatening letter circulating online designed to intimidate, makes reference to me and asks members of the local community to make contact with me. 

“I wish to make clear that this disgraceful correspondence has nothing whatsoever to do with me.

DUP Slieve Croob Cllr Alan Lewis says he knows nothing about the letter circulating calling on the forced removal of foreign migrant nationals from the area.

“I was unaware of its circulation when it was brought to my attention. I totally reject its contents and make clear my rejection of it.

“From 5pm on Tuesday evening 24th February I started receiving numerous calls from individuals claiming they had seen a copy of this letter. I asked each of them to do two things:

“1. Report the matter to police immediately, quoting crime reference number 1192/24/02/26.

“2. Provide the physical letter to police for forensic examination.

” To date, nobody has been able to produce one.

“I have referred this matter to the PSNI. Threats and intimidation can play no part in the democratic process in our society.

“As a local Slieve Croob Councillor I am always available to work for all my constituents and to help everyone with the issues of concern to them.  

“Anyone with information on those responsible should contact the PSNI.

This deeply concerning turn of events of a letter calling for foreign nationals to be removed from this area with undertones of violence is unacceptable as is the deliberate targeting of ‘nationalist’ culture and associated branding.

Political parties across the board have rejected those right-wing extremists responsible for circulating the letter.

With further likely hard times ahead due to the war in the Middle East, circumstances may in the short-term put pressure on people in NI and in the UK as prices rise sharply. And in the longer-term there will likely be another wave on refugees and migrants moving across Europe.

These two factors play into the agenda of the far right. While we maintain economic and social stability in our own society, we must balance this with humanitarian needs. It is the responsibility of properly elected and democratically mandated politicians in Northern Ireland and the UK to maintain this difficult balance, not the job of far right activists to interfere with the political agenda.

There is never-the-less a growing support for the right-wing, anti-immigration lobby due to the many frustrations that local people experience, many of who have nothing to do with ‘ nationalism’, Islam or foreign migrant workers and nationals.

This support to the right relies heavily on scapegoating of these groups epitomised by the rise of Reform in UK politics led by Nigel Farage.

But the group that circulated the letter have flagged up two key issues in any case that many people are aware of in the wider society we live in, and efforts must constantly be made to find solutions that are acceptable to all concerned in the interest of good community relations.

‘No democracy is perfect, but some are more perfect than others.‘

***

The Letter In Question:

Hinch Firsts Struggle Again Against Terenure

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Hinch Firsts Struggle Again Against Terenure

Bogey Team Terenure Take 50 point Win Over Hinch Firsts

AIL Division 1A,

Venue: Lakelands, on Saturday 28th February 2026,

Final Score: Terenure 52 Ballynahinch 22.

It was a day to forget for Ballynahinch at Lakelands as they shipped fifty points against Terenure for the second time this season. The home side dispensed with their high-profile coach Carlos Spencer earlier in the week and were clearly fired up to show that they were better than their form suggested reports James Kirk.

Adam Craig kept faith with his homegrown line-up which had recorded two comfortable home victories with Zack McCall for the injured Reuben Crothers the only change but plans were disrupted when John Dickson took a bang in the warm-up and Matthew Burke stepped up to start in the front row.

The first half was extremely competitive on the 4G surface as the sides exchanged scores. The prolific Chris Cosgrave opened the account for the home side with a smart finish after a period of home pressure.

Ballynahinch poured forward after Terenure failed to reclaim the restart and a chip over the top from Chris Gibson on penalty advantage saw Pierce Crowe regather and force his way over to equalise.

A superb break and offload down the touchline from Leinster Development hooker Max Russell set up winger Eddie Kelly for a superb try.

Ballynahinch fought back immediately. A surge into the opposition 22 was rewarded with a penalty from Conor Rankin and they took the lead when a superb turnover on half way saw quick ball fed to Aaron Sexton who burned his man on the outside and linked with Paul Kerr for the score.

The home side replied straight away with a soft score from the influential Aaron Egan following a missed tackle and when they scored again just five minutes later to secure a bonus point on the half hour Ballynahinch had to stem the bleeding and get through to half time.

To their credit they battled to the interval and should probably have scored another try following a series of phases in the opposition 22.

The first score after half time was always going to be crucial and when Terenure increased their lead with a breakaway try to lead by seventeen points they looked comfortable.

Highly rated Leinster starlet Caspar Gabriel was now winning everything in the air for the home side and they punished a strangely passive Ballynahinch side with a try from close range following a maul and another try in the wide channels from Kelly.

Terenure continued to smash into their tackles and Ballynahinch struggled to make ground when they attacked but a piece of magic from AIL centurion Bradley Luney up the blind side from a scrum on half way saw him break the line and put Chris Gibson away.

The scrum half had plenty to do but finished well in the corner to give Ballynahinch a chance to go for a bonus point.

However, Terenure had the last word with another soft try and with results around the league going the wrong way Ballynahinch find themselves in eighth place going into the final four games of the season. Cork Constitution are the visitors next weekend. All support welcome. 

***

Ballynahinch RFC Round-up : 28 2 2026

Club Notes

The Womens Premiership continues to be a tough shift for a Ballynahinch side battling a multitude of injuries and unavailability with a heavy defeat to Enniskillen the latest setback.

The 2nd XV bounced back from their Towns Cup exit with a sensational 49-43 victory over old rivals Armagh, scoring with the final play of the match to take the win and cement their position at the top of the league. They have four fixtures remaining and three wins will guarantee the title.

The thirds continued their resurgence with a fine win over high flying Portadown and have moved themselves closer to mid table. They will hope to maintain their form into the Crawford Plate semi final at Harlequins this weekend.

It was business as usual for the fifths as they put fifty points past Banbridge to maintain their quest for another League and Cup double.

The Academy Cup side gave themselves a shot at a Ravenhill final by progressing to a semi-final away at Rainey with a superb victory over Instonians.

All 3 boys youth teams bowed out of their knockout cup competitions at the quarter final stage on Saturday with away defeats but the girls youth sides continue to improve with participation on the rise. 

The next AIL home fixture is against Cork Constitution on 7th March. To book your place at the pre-match lunch contact James Kirk on 07966143184.

Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls. All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Johnny Cullen for details on 07595651901.

Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year. Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial. For more details contact Kenny Morton – Mini Convenor on 07813157614 or email [email protected].

Results 28/02/2026

Terenure 52 Ballynahinch 22 (AIL Division 1A)

Enniskillen 55 Ballynahinch 5 (Womens Premiership)

Ballynahinch 2 49 City of Armagh 2 42 (2nd XV League)

Portadown 2 19 Ballynahinch 3 40 (Provincial Premier)

Ballynahinch 5 51 Banbridge 5 12 (Regional South)

Instonians 17 Ballynahinch 28 (Academy Cup)

McGrath Calls For Culture Change In PSNI

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McGrath Calls For Culture Change In PSNI

McGrath says PSNI officers abusing their position for sexual purposes reinforces need for cultural change

Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA (SDLP) has expressed his concerns about the “shocking number of police officers abusing their position for sexual purposes which reinforces the need for cultural change within the PSNI.”

He was speaking after the publication of the Police Ombudsman ‘Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes (APSP) by PSNI Officers: Analysis and Emerging Findings’ report.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath is concerned at the report published saying 30% of the cases referred to the Police Ombudsman relate to alleged sexual offences by police officers.

The report found that predatory behaviour from police officers makes up 30% of the Ombudsman’s most serious investigations.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “The findings of this report are absolutely shocking and threaten confidence in policing in Northern Ireland.

“One case of this nature is too many, yet these allegations now account for nearly a third of the Ombudsman’s most serious investigations. That points to a cultural problem that must be confronted head-on.

“These cases are incredibly serious, they involve police officers using their role to take advantage of very vulnerable people, with the youngest recorded being just 14.

“The public must be able to rely on our police officers, this is people’s trust being exploited in the worst way.

“This issue stretches beyond our police service and points to the wider work we have to do across society to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWAG).

“It is no coincidence that all of the complaints were made about male officers while all the victims were women. We need to see the Executive committing funding to interventions on VAWAG, but we rightly demand better of our police officers.

“I welcome the Chief Constable’s acknowledgement of the seriousness of this issue and proactive steps already taken.

“The publication of the Langdale Review must mark a turning point and we also need to see the Justice Minister confirm when legislation will be in place for faster disciplinary action against PSNI officers.

“The police service must also demonstrate to the public that officers found engaging in this behaviour will face the consequences and that further action will be taken to address the underlying causes of this abuse.”

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