Down Groups Clean Up At LHLH Awards

Staff Reporter
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Down Groups Clean Up At LHLH Awards

Newry, Crossgar and Heart of Down Squirrel Groups Clean Up At Live Here Love Here Annual Awards

• The event: Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry & Portadown Branch received coveted Newry Mourne and Down Regional Champions Award

Live Here Love Here, the people-powered campaign dedicated to improving local environments and inspiring civic pride, has announced the Newry Mourne and Down winners at its 2026 Community Awards.

Held on February 19 at Belfast City Hall and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon, the event brought together community volunteers, council representatives, environmental organisations and partners to celebrate the vital role local people play in caring for Northern Ireland’s natural and built environment.

The Live Here Love Here Community Awards – delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – recognise outstanding voluntary action tackling some of our most pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.

On the night, 13 awards were presented, including Regional Champion Awards for each participating council area, as well as three special awards recognising long-term impact, community inclusion and emerging environmental leadership: the Bright Future Award, the Community Together Award and the Lasting Contribution Award.

(l-r) Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager; Declan Green and Conor McAleenan from Crossgar Village Greens; Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Chairperson Aaron Ward; and Ted Ellison from Crossgar Village Greens.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry & Portadown Branch (IWAI N&P) was announced as the Newry Mourne and Down District Council Regional Champion in recognition of its long-term commitment to restoring, protecting and celebrating the Newry Canal as a vital nature corridor and recreational resource.

Through invasive-species control, lock-gate restoration and habitat creation, the group has transformed the canal into an environmental asset that strengthens biodiversity, civic pride and local wellbeing.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell, said: “Congratulations to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry & Portadown Branch andall the winners from our district who achieved such success at the Live Here Love Here Community Awards.

“The work carried out by these groups and volunteers show how local action can make a real and lasting difference to our environment.

“Thank you to all of you for your efforts to care for our environment. As well as strengthening our biodiversity, you are inspiring pride, connection and positive change across Newry, Mourne and Down.”

Newry Mourne and Down runner-up Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group was praised for its outstanding conservation work, using detailed surveys, habitat support and community engagement to significantly boost red squirrel numbers across County Down, becoming a vital force for local wildlife protection and community pride.

The district also celebrated success in the special award categories, with Crossgar Village Greens winning the prestigious Bright Future Award.

Meeting fortnightly, the group carries out litter picks, maintains planters and floral displays, and delivers a range of biodiversity projects supported by Live Here Love Here.

Their “A River Runs Through It” project has transformed key public spaces, creating vibrant wildflower areas, improved river habitats and welcoming green spaces that inspire community pride and environmental stewardship.

Speaking about the role of the awards in highlighting the impact of everyday community action, Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.

“Groups like the Inland Waterways Association, the Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group and Crossgar Village Greens show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to reducing waste and enhancing shared green spaces.

“When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.

“Live Here Love Here is about supporting people to take pride in where they live and to care for their local environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to DAERA, our council partners, the Housing Executive and our sponsors, Power NI and Helping Hand, for making these awards possible and helping us continue to grow environmental volunteering across Northern Ireland.”

To support the work of Live Here Love Here and other environmental programmes, visit:

keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org,

where you can find out how to get involved or make a donation.

New Group Ramblin Folk Launches In Down

Jim Masson
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New Group Ramblin Folk Launches In Down

New folk group with players across South Down sets up

Rambling Folk is a new folk group in South Down. It’s three players, Patrick Cassidy, Caroline McGivern and Wayne Denner have come together over the past few months pooling their musical talents with a collection of songs and tunes spanning Irish trad, folk and world and modern pieces in their wide repertoire.

Patrick Cassidy from Downpatrick said: “We like to play feel good music, mainly Irish folk tunes and traditional pieces but we break out into world music too. I’ve been involved in music since I was a child and concentrate in the group on playing the whistle, flute, guitar and singing.

Ramblin Folk has just set up as a folk group who play a range of music including Irish trad and world music. (l-r) Caroline McGivern, Patrick Cassidy and Wayne Denner. (Photo: JimMasson/DownNews©).

“I have travelled all round Ireland to sessions, gigs, and concerts and I’ve met a number of brilliant musicians along the way and learned a lot and made a lot of friends.

“So I thought it would be great to create a group with local talent. There seems to be room out there in the music world. Initially we are a three-piece group but could expand up to five members. Currently we are practising regularly between Downpatrick and the Burren where both Wayne and Caroline live. They are already accomplished musicians and singers.

“We have had a couple of gigs in Warrenpoint so far and they went down great which was re-assuring. So we’ve practised playing together a lot more together and we are having fun and building up more songs and tunes. “

Caroline McGivern said: “I play the guitar, harmonica and sing. I sing all sorts of music, from folk to more modern pieces such as Kingfisher numbers.

“It’s a big task learning so many songs but we are getting there. Our rehearsals last a few hours a couple of times a week.

“We try and share out the singing between the three of us.”

Warrenpoint man Wayne Denner plays guitar, banjo and the mandolin and also sings. He said: “We’ve been adding instruments for a couple of months now and have a fair range. I enjoy playing with Patrick and Caroline and we are definitely blending well together as a folk group.

“I’m looking forward to getting a few bookings which will push us on further as a group. We are looking for gigs in pubs and clubs, private events and Sunday sessions.

“We will be playing all the staples such as ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, ‘Galway Girl’ and ‘Irish Rover’, the Travelling Soldier’ and ‘Wagon Wheel’ and many more. There’s an endless number of great songs and tunes to learn. It’s great fun and people love a good sing-along.”

https://ramblinfolk.com

Patrick Cassidy added: “We’ll be playing in the Lobster Pot on St Patrick’s Day, and if anyone is interested in booking us for an event, just get in touch through the website at:

or go to our Facebook page: Ramblin Folk

The Irish Bursary Scheme For 2026-27 To Open

Staff Reporter
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The Irish Bursary Scheme For 2026-27 To Open

Irish Language Bursary Scheme 2026-2027 Launched and Opens on 9th March

Newry Mourne and Down District Council have announced the opening date for Call 1 of the Irish Language Bursary Scheme 2026-2027. The scheme will help residents in the district to attend Irish Language colleges and courses through bursary assistance aimed at covering course costs and fees.

Applications will be submitted via an online application form. This will be available from 12noon on Monday 9 March 2026.

Further information regarding the scheme can be found on the Council’s website www.newrymournedown.org/ssng where a link to the online application can be accessed from the schemes opening date. 

Newry, Mourne and Down Council Irish Language Bursary Scheme now officially Launched for 2026 – 2027 by Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell and Irish Language Unit Manager Louise Smith.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “I am pleased to announce that the Irish Language Bursary Scheme is opening again this year. The scheme is run for the local community, to support people who wish to learn Irish, whether at local classes or through courses run elsewhere. 

The aim of the scheme is to help to alleviate some of the course fees and costs for learners. There are many Irish language courses currently available, and I encourage all in our community to take the next step in their learning journey with support from Council’s Irish Language Bursary Scheme.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invites applications for bursaries towards:

  • Local Irish Language Courses
  • Gaeltacht Colleges
  • Modules within Irish Language Courses
  • Intensive Irish Language Courses.

Applications are welcome for courses taking place between: 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2026.

Opening date: Monday 9 March 2026, 12 noon

Please note: no applications will be accepted prior to the opening date.

For further information please contact The Irish Language Unit:

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 0330 137 4463.

Local Groups and Organisations providing Irish Language Courses

Various Irish Language groups and organisations in the district offer courses both in the classroom environment and virtually. Below is a list of Irish Language based groups on Facebook to help you find out more about Irish classes and courses in your area.

facebook.com/boirche.iochtar

https://facebook.com/CrotlieveIrishSociety

https://facebook.com/cumanngaelach.leathchathail

https://facebook.com/cumannGaelachNaomhMochai

https://acebook.com/Gaeláras-Mhic-Ardghail

https://facebook.com/gaelphobalardmhachatheas

https://facebook.com/glor.uachtartire

https://acebook.com/milefailte15

In addition, below are some other great online resources to help you find out what Irish Language events are going on near you or online.

http://www.oideas-gael.com/

https://www.gaelchultur.com

https://www.culturlann.ie

https://www.liofa.eu

https://www.newry.ie

For further information on the Irish Language Bursary Scheme 2026-2027 or the organisations mentioned above please email [email protected] or visit

www.newrymournedown.org/ssng

AN GAELIGE

Small Businesses Face Cost Crunch Says FSB NI

Staff Reporter
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Small Businesses Face Cost Crunch Says FSB NI

Urgent warning over April cost crunch for small businesses

  • Small businesses are facing unparalleled cost pressures, including business rates bills and employment costs and darker days look just ahead
  • FSB calls on the Chancellor to help stem the tide of the rising bills due in April.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is sounding an alarm bell ahead of a looming cost crunch in April that could push many small firms to breaking point.

In less than two months, spiralling employment costs and changes to Statutory Sick Pay will all rise at a record pace, due to Government decisions​. This could lead to closures, stalled growth and fewer entrepreneurs willing to start up a business – unless urgent action is taken.

Downpatrick is still struggling from the flood in 2023 and the Federation of Small Businesses NI has said tough times lie ahead for small businesses across Northern Ireland as the economic forecast looks grim from April onwards.

March’s Spring Forecast is the Government’s last chance to act before the new costs surge in April. FSB has written to the Chancellor, calling for her to protect the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses and self-employed people from these unparalleled cost hikes.  

What’s rising in April and what can Government do to help?

  • One of the biggest costs for small employers is the price of labour – driven by increases in the National Living Wage (NLW) and rising employer National Insurance contributions (NICs). Despite the increased Employment Allowance offsetting some of the cost, April will see further rises in the NLW, pushing up employers’ National Insurance bills. 

A small employer with nine staff on NLW has seen their annual employment costs rise by £25,850 between January 2025 and April 2026 – equivalent to the cost of an additional staff member. The same business’s employer national insurance bill over that period would have increased by £4,400, or 46%. The Government should uprate the Employment Allowance so it continues to cover the employer NICs costs of four employees on NLW. 

  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) costs will jump from April, with all employees becoming eligible and payments starting from day one of sickness. FSB analysis finds this will add around £110 a year for every worker on the minimum rate. Introducing a SSP rebate for small and medium employers would mitigate the cost impacts of changes.
  • From April, dividend tax rates will rise by two percentage points, taking the basic rate to 10.75% and the higher rate to 35.75%. For company directors, this means lower take‑home pay, as many rely on a mix of salary up to the personal allowance limit and dividends to withdraw income efficiently. We urge Government to defer the increase of the basic rate until April 2027.
  • Business owners will also face compulsory Making Tax Digital compliance and increases in fees from Companies House.

FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “April’s impending cost crunch will make running a small business in the UK more expensive – and that has real consequences.

“It will push already‑struggling small firms past breaking point, deter would‑be entrepreneurs from setting up in business as the numbers no longer stack up, and put the brakes on the small business growth the economy depends on.

“Small businesses are resilient – but they are not invincible. They simply cannot go on absorbing endless cost increases.

“The local greengrocer who has been serving the community for 60 years, the tech start-up that wants to expand and the garage that employs dozens of staff including apprentices – they will all be feeling the pressure and have to make tough decisions off the back of it.

“Many of these hardworking businesses have already been forced to increase prices, lay off staff, or cancel expansion plans.

“Next month’s Spring Forecast is the last chance to take action before the new costs surge.

“The Chancellor must recognise the huge pressure that our 5.7 million small businesses and self-employed people are under and show she is willing to ease even a fraction of these cost pressures to help stem the tide of these rising costs.”

Pay Proposal To Increase MLA Salaries

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Pay Proposal To Increase MLA Salaries

Independent body makes a first draft determination on MLA pay

MLAs are to get a 26.8% uplift a proposal suggests by the new Independent Remuneration Board (the Board), which is responsible for setting the salaries and pensions of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), has made its first draft determination.

The Board is now inviting views and feedback on its draft determination from MLAs, the Assembly Commission and the Assembly Members’ Pension Trustees, as part of a two-week consultation.

Once this consultation closes on 5 March 2026, the Chairperson and members of the Board will take time to reflect on the responses received and present a final determination to the Assembly Commission for publication and implementation.

The Board has proposed an uplift in salaries for MLAs from £53,000 to £67,200 per year (26.8%), from 1 April 2026. The details of the draft determination have been published today on the Board’s webpage. *

Pay Proposal To Increase MLA Salaries

In recognition of public frustration at ‘stop-start government’, the Board has also signalled significant financial sanctions that would apply if an Executive is not formed following the next and subsequent elections – or if at any time the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister become vacant.

Alan Lowry, Chairperson of the Board said: “The Board’s objectives are to provide MLAs with a level of remuneration which fairly reflects the complexity and importance of their work and does not deter anyone from seeking election on financial grounds. 

“Our MLAs are elected to demanding roles which they perform within their own constituencies and at Parliament Buildings.

“They make important decisions around legislation, holding Ministers and Departments to account and their work on the Assembly’s scrutiny committees. It is important this work, as well as representing the views and concerns of their constituents, is recognised and valued.

• “It is not appropriate, or fair, to expect MLAs to set their own salaries and the Board operates completely independently of the Assembly and the Assembly Commission.

“We want to ensure that public money is spent with probity, accountability, value for money and transparency.  We have made this draft determination having regard to the current financial circumstances in Northern Ireland.

“As a Board, we have taken time to consider the evidence, based on the parameters of legislation. We have taken account of the requirements of the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act 2011 – and the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Assembly Members’ Remuneration Board Bill, particularly its recommendation to consider the wider financial circumstances of Northern Ireland.

“In reaching our determination, we also took into account the current salaries of elected representatives in the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments as well as those in Westminster and Dublin.

“Between 2016-25, an MP’s salary went up by 25%, while Members of the Welsh Senedd, Scottish Parliament and Irish Dáil saw increases of 19%, 23% and 34% respectively. In the same period, MLA pay increased significantly less, by 8%.

“With the previous Independent Financial Review Panel last making a determination in 2016, it is clear the system of MLA pay has not been functioning normally for a decade.

“Today’s announcement is a corrective measure and, without prejudicing future determinations, the Board would expect those to be considerably smaller adjustments, and more in line with inflationary and other pay trends of the day.

“We recognise these proposals come at a time when public confidence has been impacted by periods in recent years when our political institutions were not sitting and working normally.

“That is why, as a Board, we were determined that although MLAs should be paid more, that should only be on the basis of them doing their full jobs. 

“Informed by the actions the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland took in 2022 on Members’ pay, our draft determination proposes that, should a government not be formed after the 2027 election, MLA salaries will be reduced. In addition, if at any time the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister become vacant, MLA salaries will also be reduced.

“A reduction of 10% would be applied to MLA salaries after six weeks and again at weeks 12 and 18 – if a government had not been formed in line with the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which allows six months for its formation.”

  • You can read the Board’s draft determination here https://lk.nia.fyi/IRB and find further information on the work of the Board here.

New Rules On Way For Selling Kittens

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New Rules On Way For Selling Kittens

Cats Protection Welcomes DAERA proposals to regulate sale of kittens and puppies

The UK’s leading cat welfare charity has hailed DAERA’s proposal to introduce new rules around the sale of kittens as a “huge step forward” while highlighting that there is more to be done to safeguard cats longer-term.  

Cats Protection has welcomed the progression towards new rules around selling and supplying kittens and puppies in Northern Ireland as outlined by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir yesterday (18 February).   

Once the legislation is introduced, anyone wishing to sell kittens, and sell or supply puppies, will need to register with their local council and meet specified conditions of registration.   

One of the conditions of registration will be abiding by a version of ‘Lucy’s Law’, which was first introduced in England in 2020 followed by Wales and Scotland in 2021.

The law bans all third-party sales of puppies and kittens under six months old, meaning anyone selling and supplying puppies or selling kittens below that age in Northern Ireland will need to have bred them themselves. 

Cats Protection League welcomes new rules in Northern Ireland for selling kittens and puppies.

Kittens can currently be sold at any age including by third-parties who did not breed them. Removing kittens from their mother before they are eight weeks old can cause them to develop health and behaviour issues.

The existing lack of legislation means unscrupulous sellers can therefore operate without checks and put profits over cat welfare.   

Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “This legislation will be a huge step forward for cat welfare in Northern Ireland, introducing much-needed protections for kittens who are being sold too young, sick or diseased.

“We are delighted that the new rules will bring Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK and we were pleased by the overwhelming support for the Minster’s plans to bring a version of Lucy’s Law to Northern.

“And in particular we welcome 88% of the consultation respondents being in favour of any individual who wishes to transfer ownership of kittens needing to register with their local council.”   

Despite celebrating the proposed introduction, Cats Protection would like more to be done to protect cats in Northern Ireland.  Alice explained: “We would like to thank the Department for engaging with us and listening to our concerns about the complexities of the cat market and the unowned cat population.

“We are hopeful that we can continue to work together to strengthen legal protections for cats and to focus on the areas where these proposals fall short, especially with regard to protecting breeding cats.   

“There are currently no protections to stop female cats being over-bred or male stud cats being kept in inadequate conditions.

“Cats Protection is therefore calling for complementary cat breeding regulations to be introduced in Northern Ireland to improve welfare, clamp down on breeders looking to exploit cats for money, and strengthen traceability.”  

The Cat Manifesto Northern Ireland outlines the charity’s key priorities for decision makers in Northern Ireland to improve the lives of cats and the people who love them: 

www.cats.org.uk/manifesto-ni  

Drumaness Mills Bow Out Of Irish Cup

Jim Masson
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Drumaness Mills Bow Out Of Irish Cup

Drumaness Mills faced a rampant Glentoran at The Oval and lost out

Clearer Water Irish Cup 6th Round,

Glentoran v Drumaness Mills,

Venue: The Oval, Belfast, Tuesday 17th February 2026,

Final Score: Glentoran FC 5 0 Drumaness Mills.

Drumaness Mills received a masterclass in soccer at The Oval when they faced Glentoran in the sixth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

The Glentoran squad were up on their toes for this match and they train full-time as players which gave them a great advantage. The clinical, sharp passing and tackles and effective attacks were a constant feature throughout as they dominated the first half and parts of the second. It was difficult for the Mills to adjust to this level of play.

Glentoran’s Jordan Jenkins scored four of the five goals (24, 37, 43 and 79 minutes), Cal Weatherup scored from a penalty at the tail end of the match to make it five for the home side.

The Drumaness team who started against Glentoran in the Clearer Water Irish Cup round six at The Oval. Although they went down 5-0, the experience will give them a great confidence boost as they take on teams in the race for the NAFL Premier League. (Photos Jim Masson/DownNews©.)

In the first half, Druamness were defending for most of the time with the back line and midfielders holding out the Glens, they were ground down and Jenkins took his first goal to start his run of goals.

An early pass from Jack Sharvin to Callum Dougan looked promising as he broke down the left but he was tackled very sharply by Michael Kamara.

The Glens kept pressing and won a free kick just outside the Drumaness box. It was struck well on target by Daniel Amos but the Mills keeper Aaron Carberry made the first of many excellent saves on the night.

Check out Down News match photos here

Jenkins first goal was a screamer from the edge of the box hit low giving the defenders no chance.

Then Drumaness mounted a quick reply and Sharvin passed to Dougan who fired a shot at the goal forcing keeper Billy Crellin to make a dive.

Drumaness gave away a corner and Eoin Murray defended well on the edge of his box.

Gary Murdock, Drumaness MIlls captain, leads his team on to The Oval to face Glentoran.

Reece Doyle on the left wing found space to get within shooting distance of the Glentoran goal but again the defenders cleared up promptly giving the Drumaness attackers no room and no time.

Gary Murdock (Mill’s captain) made a useful header saving the ball from going dangerously close the his net as the Glens stepped up the pressure.

Again Drumaness striker Callum Dougan received a pass through in the box but was hustled off the ball. This was Drumaness’ best effort yet on 34 minutes.

But on 37 minutes Jenkins, the jinx, unleashed a volley low at the Drumaness back post to go two goals ahead. The Glens they stepped up yet again and Connolly hit on target but the ball bounced off keeper Carberry for a corner.

After a few efforts at the goal mouth, Jenkins popped in his third goal marking a turning point in the game just before half-time. It was going to be very difficult for the visitors to claw back three goals and force a fourth to win against such a strong Glentoran side.

(l-r) Callum Dougan makes a break for Drumaness Mills but on his tail is Jordan Jenkins, who scored four goals in the Irish Cup Round Six clash at The Oval.

AS the second half started, Glentoran again started off attacking and James Douglas had a shot blocked by a Mills defender. Then in another attack Doyle saved the ball from crossing the Drumaness goal line. The Glens’ meat grinder was relentless.

Check out Down News match photos here

But play for most of it was fair and hard, at a tremendous pace dictated by a disciplined side.

Sharvin made a good pass to Declan Looney who came on as a sub but again a defender was on him in a flash. Then the Glens made a break and Douglas hit a fierce strike but keeper Carberry managed to save it well… an impressive effort in the very cold conditions.

As the second half progressed, Drumaness started to look more confident and managed a few good breaks.

Then as Glentoran stepped up again, Amos almost sneaked the ball over the Drumaness goal-line.

The score actually did not reflect the quality of the Drumaness defending despite being 3 down at that point.

Glens’ captain Cameron Palmer made a neat header down to the feet of a couple of his players but Kyle McCleery defending tackled quickly to prevent another goal on the scorecard.

At this point both teams made good use of substitutes to refresh their efforts.

An attack from Looney, Sharvin and Dougan almost paid off but yet again the Glens’ defence was on the ball.

But there was no stopping Jenkins as he launched a volley across the goal to the back post claiming his fourth for the evening.

Then, in the closing stages of the match, the referee awarded a penalty to Glentoran. Weatherup stepped up to the spot and hammered the ball past Carberry to make it five goals for their evening’s work.

Glentoran striker Jordan Jenkins scored four goals against Drumaness Mills at The Oval.

Drumaness manager Ciaran Brannigan summed it up in a sentence: “Glentoran were definitely up for it tonight, and to be fair, they were the better side. We did our best.”

There were a few butterflies about the match at The Oval against Glentoran, but Drumaness experienced football at its best, with sharp passing and tackles, with the Glens winning a lot of kick-outs at midfield, and they certainly used their wings well making some devastating crosses.

Jordan Jenkins spearheaded the Glentoran attacks and could have even, with a rub of the green, had a bigger tally

This was a great occasion for Drumaness Mills and many fans travelled to Belfast to enjoy the match which was one-sided, but never-the-less was fair and sportsman-like, a credit to the game.

Drumaness will benefit from this experience from playing Glentoran, and it will likely lift their game as they face NAFL Premier League sides such as Lisburn Rangers, Derriaghy CC, Abbey Villa, Comber Rec, and Crumlin Star all still eyeing the top of the league table.

Dromara too are hanging in there and are going well.

So the Mills will try and lift their game going forward in the season and get into a stronger position in the table.

Well done the Mills!

Check out Down News match photos here

Muir Addresses Illegal Angling With Taskforce

Staff Reporter
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Muir Addresses Illegal Angling With Taskforce

Taskforce on illegal fishing launches in County Down

A coalition of enforcement agencies, angling federations and conservation groups have launched an initiative to combat illegal fishing activity in County Down.

The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Fin-Poaching Sub-Group launched operation ‘Silver Fin’ in Kilkeel, County Down on Wednesday, with the aim of raising awareness and deterring illegal fishing activities both inland and at inshore sea areas.

The initiative aims to educate the public on fish poaching and marine crime through a number of actions including providing guidance leaflets on fish poaching; multilingual resources; mapping illegal activity hotspots and providing regular updates to the PAW Steering Group.

Wednesday’s launch involved representatives from DAERA and other key stakeholder organisations, including:

Pictured (l-r) Emma Meredith, PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare Officer; Anthony Kennedy, DAERA Senior Fisheries Officer; Gary McCartney, Countryside Alliance Ireland; Seamus Cullinan, Loughs Agency & PAW NI Fin Group Chair; DAERA Minister Andrew Muir; Supt Johnston McDowell, PSNI Rural Crime Lead, Barry Quinn, DAERA Chief Fisheries Officer and Clara Alvarez Alonso, DAERA Senior Scientific Officer.
  • Loughs Agency
  • Countryside Alliance Ireland
  • Ulster Angling Federation
  • Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA)
  • Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation (UCFF)
  • National Wildlife Crime Unit
  • PSNI Environmental Crime Unit
  • Pike Anglers Club NI.

The coalition was initially launched at Lough Erne in County Fermanagh five years ago and was subsequently rolled out in Toome, Co Antrim as well as being launched at Lifford in Co Donegal.

The collaborative effort is underpinned by key legislative instruments including the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966, Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, and Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952.

Superintendent Johnston McDowell, PSNI lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime said: “Collaboration and cooperation are vital in tackling wildlife crime.

“PSNI is committed to working closely with partner agencies through the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) to address wildlife related offending, including fish poaching.

“Operation Silver Fin aims to raise awareness of the laws surrounding fishing, underline the importance of protecting fish stocks and support the enforcement of fishing regulations.

A taskforce has been set up to tackle illegal angling and poaching. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.

“Crucially, it also encourages anyone who suspects fish poaching to report it to the appropriate authorities.

“Those involved in offences such as fish poaching can often be linked to other forms of criminality. By working together, we are sending a clear message: We take this issue seriously and we will act!”.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “This operation is about more than enforcement. It is about deterrence, education and building a culture of respect for our natural environment.

“By working together, statutory bodies, enforcement agencies, stakeholder organisations and the public, we can protect fish stocks, preserve biodiversity and ensure these waters remain a shared resource for future generations.

“I commend everyone involved for their commitment and cooperation, and I wish Operation Silver Fin continued success as it progresses in Carlingford and beyond, together we will make a difference.”

Members of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI) launch the ‘Silver Fin’ poaching taskforce in County Down at the Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel.

You can report suspected poaching incidents by phoning:

• Illegal fishing and pollution hotline: 0800 807 060

• Loughs Agency Tel: 028 7134 2100 (Foyle and Carlingford.)

• PSNI Tel: 101.

    Rural Support Marks Helplines Awareness Day

    Staff Reporter
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    Rural Support Marks Helplines Awareness Day

    Helplines Awareness Day Gets Backing Of Rural Support

    Rural Support, the farm support charity dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of farmers, farm families and rural communities across Northern Ireland, marks Helplines Awareness Day (23rd February).

    They are a proud member of the Helplines Partnership — the UK’s membership body championing high-quality helpline services that offer support, understanding and direction when it is needed most –

    Helplines Awareness Day is a UK-wide campaign to spotlight the invaluable — and often unseen — work that helplines provide across the country.

    Many people employed and working in the farming community within the rural sector are facing difficult times and Rural Support is there for them.

    The Helplines awareness Day recognises the countless hours that trained volunteers and staff dedicate to offering listening ears, information, signposting and practical help to people experiencing distress, crisis, isolation or uncertainty.

    For those working in agriculture, these pressures are often intensified. Farming is a profession marked by long hours, unpredictable conditions and ongoing financial uncertainty — factors that can take a significant toll on both mental health and overall wellbeing.

    Farm Business Mentors Leo Colgan and John Taggart showcasing the Rural Support freephone confidential Support Line.

    Through its confidential Support Line and wrap-around support services, Rural Support engages with approximately 2,000 individuals and families each year, providing tailored emotional, business and practical assistance to help farmers and farm families navigate the unique challenges of farming life.

    In recent years, demand for Rural Support services has continued to rise, with increases in calls to its confidential Support Line, and greater need for one-to-one mentoring and support.

    Its on-farm mentoring service has helped individuals demonstrate an average 58% improvement in mental wellbeing, and for many, reaching out to Rural Support is the first step they take toward getting help.

    Rural Support’s services go beyond crisis management. With trained mentors and counsellors, the charity provides business support, financial guidance, technical mentoring and emotional health interventions — helping farmers navigate complex challenges that affect both their farm operations and personal wellbeing.

    Crisis support is available through a confidential Support Line, staffed by experienced professionals who understand the realities of farming life.

    Gyles Dawson, Director of Programmes at Rural Support, said: “Helplines Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to highlight just how vital helplines — and specifically Rural Support’s programmes — are to farming communities.

    “Farmers face unique pressures every day, from financial uncertainty to isolation and emotional strain. Our Support Line offers a lifeline at moments of need, improving wellbeing and strengthening farm businesses.

    “We know that for too many people, making that first call can be the hardest step — but it’s also the one that can start a real journey of support, resilience and recovery.”

    Rural Support remains committed to its vision of a vibrant, healthy and resilient farming community, working every day to provide accessible, confidential and compassionate support for anyone facing challenges in rural life.

    For more information about Rural Support and how to access help, visit:

    www.ruralsupport.org.uk

    and click ‘Get Help’ or call the freephone confidential Support Line on 0800 138 1678.

    Cancer Focus NI To Run Well-being Event

    Staff Reporter
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    Cancer Focus NI To Run Well-being Event

    Cancer Focus NI to Run Wellbeing Event in March for Local Secondary Breast Cancer Patients

    Cancer Focus NI is hosting a one-day event to mark one year since the launch of a landmark study funded by the charity and published in JAMA Network Open, which estimated for the first time how many patients in Northern Ireland are living with secondary breast cancer (also known as metastatic breast cancer).

    NI’s leading local cancer charity has designed a well-being event specifically to meet the needs of an often overlooked and hidden cancer patient group.

    The charity’s one day secondary breast cancer wellbeing event, which is funded by the Pink Ribbon Foundation, will take place on Thursday 26 March 2026 from 10am-2:30pm at the Stormont Hotel.

    The day will give up to thirty women living with Secondary Breast Cancer an opportunity to connect with breast cancer specialists with participants benefitting from a series of carefully selected speakers specialising in self-care and wellbeing.

    Speaking about the benefit of such events for local women, Shelley-Marie McDonald, Assistant Director of Services at Cancer Focus NI, said: “Our charity’s secondary breast cancer audit estimated that approximately 1,000 people are currently living with metastatic breast cancer in Northern Ireland, with around 250 new cases diagnosed annually.

    “These findings provide a new evidence-base to inform healthcare policy and service planning. One area that our charity can support these women is through events such as this.

    “An opportunity to not only educate and signpost, but one to also listen to women and learn about what’s important to them. The wellbeing event confirms our charity’s commitment to supporting local people on their cancer journey.”

    Shelley-Marie added: “Events like these are also about much more than discovering new services or receiving support. They’re socially driven and give an opportunity for women in similar circumstances to come together, make friends, share experiences, and receive peer support.

    “I encourage anyone living with secondary breast cancer to reach out to us to register, for more information, or to access our charity’s wealth of cancer support services.”

    To register for the event or for more information, please email:

     [email protected] or call 028 9066 3281.

    To make a referral to any of the charity’s cancer support services, visit:

    cancerfocusni.org 

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