Police have charged a man to court following multiple assaults on police officers in the Church Avenue area of Dundrum on Sunday, 18th January.
A man has been charged to court following a number of assaults in Dundrum on Sunday 18th January (2026).
The 29-year-old is charged with five counts of assault on police, one count of resisting police, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.
He is due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court this morning, Tuesday, 20th January.
As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
Asda colleagues join community groups to make crucial new connections
A “Beat the Blues’ event was attended by Asda colleagues along with local community and public sector group representatives in Newcastle last week.
Asda Downpatrick Community Champion Linda Owens, along with Asda Kilkeel colleague Lisa Cunningham, hosted a stand at the event, which saw a turnout of more than 300 people.
Coordinated by Unit T, a Newcastle-based charity which works to improve social, educational and health issues in the community, the event, which was held at O’Hare’s in Newcastle, gave locals an opportunity to connect with organisations on a range of subjects from health and wellbeing to food, finances and support services.
ASDA colleagues Lisa Cunningham (Kilkeel) and Linda Owens (Downpatrick) were delighted at the turnout to the Beat the Blues event at O’Hare’s in Newcastle.
Linda said: “In our roles as Community Champions with Asda, we work to support local charities, schools and community groups. We’ve supported the wonderful Unit T for a number of years, and last week’s event gave us the chance to network and engage with even more groups and organisations, many of which we’re very keen to support.”
Lisa, Community Champion at Asda Kilkeel, added: “There were multiple stands at the event, and we are thrilled to meet so many people and tell them about the work we do, from securing grants through Asda’s charity. the Asda Foundation, to volunteering, and a host of other things.
“Making meaningful connections is crucial as we work to make a positive impact on our communities.”
Kathy Black, who coordinates Unit T, said: “Events like these aren’t just a great way to reduce isolation and loneliness, they help bring people together and make important connections.
“We had an incredible turn-out, and were delighted to have Asda representatives along to spread the word about the fantastic support they’re able to offer to local groups.
“Last year, we were awarded funding from the Asda Foundation which helped kickstart a crucial youth project for us, so we know first-hand the impact they can have.
“Linda, Lisa and the team are brilliant, and our partnership with them is one we value very much.” Other organisations that attended the event included Volunteer Now, The Pantry Foodbank and The Centre for Independent Living NI.”
Linking Nobel Peace Prize to future of Greenland is ‘demeaning’says Lord Empey
Following US President Donald Trump’s demands that Greenland be owned by the United States for ‘strategic’ reasons, Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey, has described developments over Greenland as “unnecessary and counterproductive.”
President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on UK and most of Europe if they don’t agree to the US buying Greenland has met with widespread alarm and anger across the UK and Europe and indeed internationally.
Lord Empey said: “Not everything has a price, and one’s homeland sometimes cannot be reduced to a piece of real estate.
“To treat the Kingdom of Denmark, one of the US’s staunch allies in this way, is impossible to justify. Putin must be laughing his head off to see NATO in such disarray.
“This situation is totally avoidable.
“That there is a security problem created by aggressive Russian and Chinese actions in the polar region and climate change opening seaways is undeniable.
“In recent years the US has been reducing its footprint in Greenland although it has a treaty with Denmark that allows it to put whatever military assets there that it likes.
“NATO can work to satisfy the President’s legitimate concerns and raise its profile in the region. I see no objection to this. The issue should have been negotiated behind closed doors and not on social media channels.
“President Trump has been right to criticise Europe for too little expenditure on defence and also on immigration issues, but to link Greenland to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize is demeaning of his office.
“The economic consequences of tariffs on this scale can only be negative.
“The US needs to recognise that its companies have huge investments in Europe and the UK, from hotels, fast food, airlines and armaments.
“The US sanctions on China have been a flop and have driven allies like Canada into the arms of Beijing.
“This is another way to resolve this, and the President needs to take a tougher line with Russia instead of harassing his best friends.”
DAERA encourages farmers and growers to take part in the 2025 Pesticide Usage Monitoring Programme
DAERA has reminded farmers and growers across Northern Ireland of the closing dates for the return of the Pesticide Usage Monitoring Surveys.
Whilst taking part is entirely voluntary, the survey provides helpful information, to DAERA, which ensures that future decisions, policies, and support reflect the real pesticide needs and practices of Northern Ireland’s agricultural and horticultural sector.
Please note that the collection of this data is not related to the recent publicity on the new Plant Protection Product (PPP) record-keeping obligations.
The surveys are delivered by the Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), and the 2025 programme, which covers Grassland and Fodder Crops, Vegetables, and Edible Protected Crops, is now underway.
Farmers and growers are selected through a random sample and they will receive, or will have already received, a letter from AFBI requesting details of their plant protection product usage during the 2025 growing season.
Selected Grassland and Fodder Crop growers should return the survey form, provided by 31 January 2026.Vegetable and Edible Protected Crop growers have until 28 February 2026 to make their returns.
All participants will have received a stamped, addressed envelope which should be used to make their return.
In some cases, AFBI surveyors will follow up by telephone to gather more detailed information where needed. AFBI contact details will be included in all correspondence for anyone with questions or requiring support completing the survey.
Don’t forget that participation is voluntary, however, returning the survey information will be very helpful.
All data collected is anonymised and aggregated before being published in the final report. Individual farm details are not published.
For further information and resources please visit:
Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell Names Charities for His 2025–2026 Term of Office
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, is delighted to announce the two charities he will be supporting throughout his term of office for 2025–2026, The Laurence Trust and the Head Injury Support.
Chairperson, Councillor Campbell recently met with representatives of both organisations to learn more about the vital work they undertake across the district.
The Head Injury Support provides crucial support to individuals affected by acquired brain injury and their families. The charity offers advocacy, tailored programmes and a safe environment to help people rebuild confidence, develop skills and achieve their full potential following life-changing injury.
The Laurence Trust is a community-focused charity dedicated to supporting men affected by eating disorders. Through its unique helpline, the charity provides a fast and accessible way to support vulnerable men. It also offers signposting to connect those in need with the most appropriate services and support groups and helps identify clear care pathways to treatment.
Chairperson Cllr Philip Campbell announces his two chosen charities with Pam Nugent, BEM, Co-Founder and Chairperson of The Laurence Trust and Shelagh Smyth, Service Delivery Manager for Head Injury Support.
Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: “It was a pleasure to meet with such worthy charities that I am honoured to support during my term of office. These grassroots organisations deal with issues that are often hidden away by society, yet they affect so many people.
“I am looking forward to supporting both charities over the next five months and hope to raise greater awareness of the amazing support and services they provide across our district.”
He praised the Head Injury Support for giving those who have suffered head injuries a true voice and a safe space to thrive and enjoy a better quality of life.
Reflecting on the work of the Laurence Trust, Councillor Campbell added, “Eating disorders are very often not spoken about, especially among men. I commend the charity for its compassionate, person-centred approach in supporting men to access the right help on their journey to recovery.”
Speaking about what the Chairperson’s support will mean for the charity, Shelagh Smyth Service Delivery Manager for Head Injury Support said: “The support of the Chairperson will provide a wonderful opportunity for our charity to showcase the vital work we do in supporting adults with acquired brain injuries and their carers.
“It will also generate essential funding, enabling us to continue delivering current services and amplifying the voices of people living with ABI.”
Welcoming the Chairperson’s decision to support the organisation during his term of office, Pam Nugent, Co-founder and Chairperson of the Laurence Trust said: “The support from Chairperson Councillor Campbell and the wider community will help us to shine a light for men, their families and friends living with Eating Disorders to give that person courage and concern to walk the pathway to better mental health.”
Chairperson Councillor Campbell added: “I am truly humbled and amazed by the work of each of these charities. Many of the founders and volunteers have endured personal tragedy that has led to a commitment to helping others through some of the most challenging times.
“I commend you for your dedication and the difference you make every day.”
The Council chair also emphasised the importance of the third sector, noting that the work of grassroots charities is often overlooked and unrecognised.
He added that all elected representatives should do what they can to address this shortcoming and pledged his continued support, promising to revisit and champion their work throughout his term.
The Laurence Trust and Head Injury Support will have an opportunity to share more about their work at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Civic Awards on 20 February.
Guests attending the Civic Awards will also have the opportunity to support both charities through voluntary donations on the evening.
All contributions will go directly towards helping the Laurence Trust and Head Injury Support continue their vital work supporting individuals and families across the district.
Resurfacing works planned for Newcastle Road, Castlewellan
Contractor BSG is due to commence resurfacing works on Newcastle Road, Castlewellan in early February following an extensive programme of sewer upgrades in the area.
A spokesperson for NI Water said: “The essential resurfacing, which is planned to get underway on Monday 2nd February, will be carried out under a lane closure, with work starting adjacent to Church Field Heights and progressing towards Newcastle Road roundabout.
“Traffic lights will be in place on Newcastle Road around the working area and motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys while the resurfacing work is ongoing.
“Access for residents and businesses within each working area will be maintained.
The area of the Newcastle Road to Castlewellan that will be resurfaced. (Photo courtesy of NI Water.)
“The section at the roundabout will be undertaken at night to help minimise disruption within the town centre.
“The resurfacing works are expected to be completed within two weeks.
“Meanwhile, works to improve the sewerage network in the Mill Hill area are progressing well. Works are expected to move to Clarmont Avenue around the end of January at which time Clarmont Avenue will be closed at its junction with Main Street/Clarmont Place.:
A letter drop has also been carried out and BSG will liaise with residents and businesses with regards to access while upgrades are being undertaken in this part of the town.
“NI Water and our project team from BSG and McAdam take this opportunity to thank the public for their ongoing patience and cooperation as we strive to improve the wastewater network serving Annsborough and Castlewellan, the spokesperson said, adding: “Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum and complete each section of works in the shortest possible timeframe.
“This major sewer network upgrade, which is now around 70% complete, involves the installation of new dedicated stormwater pipelines to remove rainwater from parts of the combined system.
“This will reduce the pressure on the existing network and help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.
“A series of localised sewer repairs, also included in the scheme, will help address leakage and help protect against blockages.”
Shannon meets Minister Stephanie Pollack to discuss the work of the Youth Justice Agency and highlights the need for adequate sustained funding.
During the last Oral Questions to the Department for Culture, Media Arts and Sports (DCMS) on the 16th October, Jim Shannon MP praised the work of the local Youth Justice Agency team in his constituency and asked the Parliamentary Under-secretary for DCMS to explain how we can information share on youth rehabilitation
Minister Peacock agreed to meet with Jim Shannon MP to discuss this matter further. Following the meeting on Wed 14th January, Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP said: “It was lovely to meet with Minister Peacock, the Under-Secretary of State for DCMS who had expressed an interest in learning about work carried out by the Youth Justice Agency in Newtownards.
“I outlined the Youth Justice Agency workload and statistics for Northern Ireland highlighting that violence against the person remained the most common reason for statutory referrals across Northern Ireland (44.7%).
Strangford DUP MP Jim Shannon pictured at Westminster with Under Secretary of State Stephanie Peacock at Westminster.
“While Belfast remains the area with the highest referral volume of cases (296 in 2024/25), Newtownards operates within a network of 11 Local Government Districts to ensure consistent service delivery across the province facilitating Youth Conferences and supervises various orders, including Community Responsibility and Reparation Orders.
“Ards and North Down consistently ranks in the mid-range of the 11 Local Government Districts (LGDs).
“Use of the Juvenile Justice Centre (JJC) for young people from this area is primarily for remand (80.2%) rather than direct sentencing.
“Approximately 40% of cases in the region were assessed as suitable for the Youth Engagement process, by-passing formal court proceedings in favour of diversionary measures and 98.9% of participants in the Youth Engagement process stated it helped them understand the impact of their choices. It is clear that funding is key in all of this.
“Funding for the Youth Justice Agency (YJA) in Ards and North Down is characterised by high operational performance but significant financial and staffing pressures typical of the wider Northern Ireland Department of Justice (DoJ). Recruitment and retention remain the “number one risk” facing the agency.
“Pay for YJA staff has historically lagged behind similar public sector roles, contributing to staff attrition and making it difficult to fill vacancies quickly. Looking at Regional Investment, despite the gaps, the agency has successfully used ‘in-year easements’ in budgets to expand critical services, such as the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) partnership, which now covers all area teams, including the Eastern Team serving Newtownards.:
Jim Shannon added: “The Minister was very interested in learning more and sharing best practice, and I look forward to continuing to highlight the great work that is done by the Youth Justice Service.
“However, the need for funding to enable the YJA to continue their great work is vital.”
It wasa quieter weekend at Ballynahinch RFC as the ladies suffered another defeat in the Women’s Premiership with a tough home loss to Malone. They have a week off before the Junior Cup SF at home to Enniskillen and will hope to have a few players back from injury writes James Kirk.
The 2nd XV bounced back from their Junior Cup Final defeat with a fine away victory over Ballymoney in the Towns Cup, eventually pulling away in the second half to win 41-20 and put themselves in the hat for the next round. They return to league action at home to Dungannon this weekend.
James McBriar’s 5th XV continued their defence of the McCambley Cup with a six try win at Strabane. He continues to mix youth and experience to create a winning formula and take his charges into another quarter final.
Looking back a month ago: Joe Charles pictured during the Ulster Junior Cup Final last December between Enniskillen and Ballynahinch 3s at the Affixes Stadium, Ravenhill Park, Belfast. (Photo By John Dickson – Dickson Digital).
The 3rd XV, Youth and mini rugby all fell foul of the weather which meant the end of the league season for all male youth sides as they failed to qualify for the league playoffs. Cup competitions will give them plenty to play for until the end of the season.
The next AIL home fixture is against Lansdowne on 31st January. 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.
‘It just keeps getting bigger and bigger’ says Hilltown C&W singer Jordan McPolin
Hilltown’s Jordan McPolin is getting set to appear on leading Country Music show, Glór Tíre.
Nathan Carter just might be the reason Jordan McPolin is today a Country singer and the story behind it says a lot about the County Down man’s precocious talent.
On Tuesday 27th January at 9.30pm, Jordan will appear on Glór Tíre, the long-running, hit Country Music show on Irish language station, TG4, which enjoys a devoted following on both sides of the border.
At 19, the Hilltown native is the youngest of eight competitors on the show, each seeking the prestigious title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2026, but his is a life already steeped in Country Music.
Irish country singer Jordan McPolin from Hilltown, left, pictured with Glór Tíre mentor, one of his musical heroes, the legendary Jimmy Buckley.
“There was always Country Music in our house,” said Jordan. “With my grandparents on Sunday evenings there would have been Country Music records playing, but when I was six, I actually won backstage passes to Nathan Carter and I got chatting with him.
“He said to me, ‘You have to get yourself a guitar’. That Christmas, a guitar was the first thing on the Santa list.
“After Covid, one of the fellas that worked with my dad was having a party and said, ‘Come along and bring your guitar’, so I bought a bit of gear and speakers and did the performance and things rolled on from there. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
That passion for music, and the confidence it took to speak with Carter are hallmarks of Jordan’s stage presence and approach to music to this day. With gigs and stage time under his belt singing has been ever busier.
Hilltown country singer Jordan McPolin says he is getting busier in the Irish country singing world and will be appearing on Glór Tíre.
Jordan added: “It’s just been flat out. I’m out near every weekend, probably three nights a week and I’m ready now to take the next step by appearing on Glór Tíre.
“Glór Tíre has always been something I said I would like to get on to. It’s keeping Country Music alive and bringing it to a younger crowd.
“It’s just a great exposure and it’ll get my name out there even more, and reach a bigger crowd.”
For Glór Tíre, Jordan will be mentored by one of his musical heroes – leading Irish Country singer, Jimmy Buckley.
“It’s a privilege to have Jimmy as my mentor,” Jordan said. “This year he approached me to do Glór Tíre and I said, absolutely, I’d love to do it with him.”
On the show, Jordan will perform his debut single, his spirited cover of Leroy Van Dyke’s 1956 classic, ‘The Auctioneer’, and perform a Johnny Cash medley with Jimmy Buckley.
Also appearing on the show is County Donegal singer, Darcy Walsh.
Glór Tíre is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg and produced by Galway-based company, Gael Media. Jó Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin return as resident judges. The guest judge will be The Sunday World’s Eddie Rowley.
A nurse is playing a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare and homelessness
A Bangor-based nurse is making a huge difference to people who are homeless by working with local hostels
South Eastern Trust Homeless Health Nurse, Lisa Ewart, is providing support in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
One particular Service User, Curtis Durose, has praised Lisa’s support in helping him get back on his feet following a period of sleeping on the streets.
Curtis has since turned his life around and is now preparing to start a new job. He credits Lisa with providing the encouragement, healthcare support and stability he needed to become stronger and begin the process of securing accommodation of his own.
He said: “Having Lisa help and support me has been amazing. I do not think I would have made these changes or been able to stay on the right path if it was not for her involvement.
Former homeless and jobless person Curtis Durose chatting with Bangor nurse Lisa Ewart who helped him get back on track. (Photos courtesy of SEHSCT).
“I am really looking forward to starting my new job in the coming weeks. She has made a real difference to my life and I am so grateful.”
Lisa works closely with local hostels, including the Simon Community in Bangor, supporting men, women and families to access healthcare services that many people take for granted.
This includes registering with a GP, carrying out health assessments and screening, supporting access to dental care and contraception and helping service users attend vital medical appointments.
Lisa also plays an instrumental role in helping people living in hostels get their healthcare needs back on track, helping them to rebuild their health and confidence before returning to independent living within the community.
Curtis Durose shared his experience of homelessness and said: “I had a bit of a chaotic past with family and I was travelling around Scotland for a while. I came back home trying to rebuild connections, but unfortunately things did not work out, so I ended up in the hostel here in Bangor.
“I have been struggling with undiagnosed ADHD along with some other health issues and I have been through a lot in my life.
“I had never really addressed my health before and I never had the drive to pursue it. Having Lisa coming to the hostel once a week and checking in has made a huge difference.
“I now feel more empowered over my health and having Lisa here really does help keep me on top of things. It is just a little nudge in the right direction every now and then.
“Having a Homeless Health Nurse in hostels is a vital component. A lot of people staying here may not have the drive to go to the Doctor, or they might go once and then not attend again.
“Lisa will come by and knock on your door. She is not forcing you to say anything or be part of it, but just having that knock at the right time can lead to getting the help you need. It helps people get onto that first rung of healthcare and from there they can access the support they need.”
Curtis Durose with Adele McBurney, Senior Practitioner, Simon Community.
LisaEwart said: “My role as a Homeless Health Nurse is so rewarding, especially when you support someone to the point where they can return to the community stronger than when they first came into the hostel. It is really special to see that.
“I have had lots of nursing roles, but there is nothing quite like the reward of helping people who are homeless. Even the smallest things we do make a big difference and people are so appreciative.
“Navigating healthcare systems can be extremely challenging for people experiencing homelessness. My aim is to bridge that gap and help get them back into the system.
“When you are homeless, your priority is where you are sleeping that night and unfortunately health often takes a back seat.
“I support people with a wide range of needs, from managing chronic conditions such as Diabetes or Epilepsy, to accessing support for addiction and mental health.
“A lot of my role is advocacy, steering people towards services, making referrals and supporting them to attend appointments.
“Working in partnership with the hostel staff is key and provides wrap-around care for Service Users. When you see people back on their feet and smiling again, there really is nothing like it.”
Simon Community, Senior Practitioner, Adele McBurney, added: “Having Lisa visit the hostel weekly is such a vital service. When people first come to us, we carry out an induction and identify unmet needs and healthcare is a major factor.
“Lisa has built such a strong rapport with our Service Users. They trust her, feel at ease and are comfortable opening up.
“Having healthcare assessments carried out in the relaxed environment of the hostel means people are willing to disclose much more, which benefits them greatly. It really is a fantastic service.”
