Soccer Round-Up For 13th December 2025

Staff Reporter
-
0
Soccer Round-Up For 13th December 2025

A soccer review of selected matches across the district

Ballynahinch Olympic 3 Dundonald 1.

Amateur League Division 1B

Ballynahinch Olympic made it four wins on the trot as they continued to revive their season with a home victory over high-flying Dundonald.

Olympic’s Nathan Jones and Dundonald’s David Long traded goals in the early exchanges, but it was the home side who led at the break, regaining an advantage thanks to captain Jason Noade.

The hosts knew they were going to need an extra goal for security and although it did not arrive until the 91st minute, Jones made it a double for himself and sealed all three points.

Carryduff Colts 6 St Teresa’s 1

Amateur League Division 2B

Carryduff Colts returned to winning ways in style when they hit St Teresa’s for six at the Lough Moss Centre.

Tiernan McCullough and Jack Moore’s goals had the two sides level at the end of a fairly even first half, however, the second period could not have been more contrasting.

The Colts’ Rory Timoney and Lorcan Swail ran the Teresa’s defence ragged from start to finish after the change of ends, netting a brace and a hat-trick respectively.

Clarence Mayes Cup Round One.

Kilmore Rec 2 Dromara Village 1

Kilmore Rec scraped through the R1 of the Clarence Mayes Cup at Robert Adams Park. They went a goal down from one minute by Dromara’s Callum Bradley. Joshua Smyth equalised in the 54th minute and it went to extra nail-biting time when Christopher Magee scored on 90+12 saving the day for Kilmore Rec to move to the next round. (Photos: JimMasson/DownNews©).

Realta naCromoige 2 Saintfield United 1

Clarence Mayes Cup Round 1

Saintfield United fell at the first hurdle in the Clarence Mayes Cup, losing out to lower-league opponents Realta naCromoige.

There was very little to split the sides in the first half and while they looked certain to enter the break locked together at 0-0, a Ben Roper own goal gifted the hosts a narrow lead on the stroke of half-time.

Ryan Sofley appeared to have forced extra-time when he levelled 10 minutes from time, but United were dealt a cruel blow, conceding with virtually the last kick of the game.

Killyleagh YC 13 Clonduff 1

Clarence Mayes Cup Round 1

Killyleagh YC made light work of lower-league opponents Clonduff as they stormed into the second round of the Clarence Mayes Cup.

The goals came thick and fast, with Cameron Howard (4), Kodi Carson (2) and Nathan Leckey firing Killyleagh home and dry by half-time, while Jordan Robinson managed a consolation for Clonduff.

The Whites showed no mercy in the second half either, as Gary Morrison came off the bench to net a hat-trick and Conor Hamilton, Sam Kirk and Toby Carinduff joined in on the act.

Castlewellan Town 3 Barn United 0

Clarence Mayes Cup Round 1

Castlewellan Town continued their strong season with a comfortable victory over Barn United, sailing through to the second round of the Clarence Mayes Cup.

The Town only needed two minutes to get off the mark, with Matthew Stratton opening the scoring and setting the tone for the afternoon, and while they had to be patient to increase their advantage, there was only ever one winner.

Ruairi Croskery doubled the hosts’ lead in the 72nd minute, before Caolan Teer followed up, just three minutes later, putting the tie to bed.

Newhill 4 Newcastle 2

Clarence Mayes Cup Round 1

Newcastle were left stunned when underdogs Newhill sprung a surprise to knock them out of the Clarence Mayes Cup in the opening round.

The hosts got the majority of their work done in the early stages, establishing a three-goal lead by the 23rd minute, courtesy of Caolan McAvoy and a Leo Donaghy double.

They made it four just nine minutes into the second half and although Leigh Moore and Jonathan Scannell pulled two back for Newcastle, the damage was already done.

22nd Old Boys 2 Celtic Bhoys 4

ToalsBet.com Junior Shield

Celtic Bhoys advanced to the last 16 of the Junior Shield with a hard-fought, extra-time victory over 22nd Old Boys.

The Hoops found themselves trailing after just 11 minutes and despite Shaun Megahey’s equaliser and an OB red card appearing to give them the upper hand, the hosts regained the lead through Tyler McKee.

Caoimhin Groves forced extra-time with a 75th-minute equaliser, and it was one-way traffic from there, with Cameron O’Donnell and Sean McMahon firing Celtic through.

Newcastle Town Swifts 1 Castlewellan Forest 2

McCalls Newcastle League Premier Division

Castlewellan Forest kept themselves ticking over with a derby victory over Newcastle Town Swifts as they prepare for the Bobby Dalzell Cup final on Boxing Day.

Shane Kearney opened Castlewellan’s account in the 21st minute, while Sean Fitzsimmons strengthened their claim shortly after the interval.

The Swifts fought back in the second half, eventually reducing the deficit with 15 minutes remaining, yet Forest had enough left in the tank to get over the line.

Strangford 1 Ardglass 4

McCalls Newcastle League Premier Division

Reigning champions Ardglass piled pressure on league leaders Killough when they cruised to a convincing win against last season’s foes, Strangford.

Although goals from Ardglass’ Caolan O’Shea and Strangford’s Luc Tolan had the teams level approaching half-time, Dara O’Shea was on hand to give the visitors the edge in the 44th minute.

The home side remained in with a chance of causing an upset as the clock began to wind down, but Jamie McDarby and Dara O’Shea had other ideas, each netting in the final 10 minutes.

Rossglass County 1 Downpatrick 3

McCalls Newcastle League Premier Division

Downpatrick came from behind to beat Rossglass County and move to within six points of the league leaders, with two games in hand.

Christopher Hamilton’s finish was enough for Rossglass to take a slim lead into the break, however, just eight minutes after the change of ends, a Barry Mageean own goal brought Downpatrick level.

Tony Carson launched the visitors in front for the first time, after 62 minutes, before Barry Treacy put the contest to bed five minutes from time.

Davina’s Ark Wins All-Island Pride Of Place

Staff Reporter
-
0
Davina’s Ark Wins All-Island Pride Of Place

Council Honours Davina’s Ark Following All-Island Pride of Place Win

Davina’s Ark, winners of the Community Wellbeing Initiative Award at the All-Island IPB Pride of Place Awards were honoured at a special reception by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, hosted the civic reception on Wednesday 10 December to celebrate the win.

The group was nominated through the Council’s Newry DEA Forum. The reception recognised the organisation’s outstanding work supporting individuals and families affected by addiction across the district, as well as the dedication of its staff, volunteers and supporters.

NMDDC Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell with Rosemary Rooney, CEO Davina’s Ark and Newry DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Aidan Mathers at a reception for Davina’s Ark, who won the Community Group Wellbeing Initiative category at the All Ireland Pride of Place Awards.
(Photos courtesy of NMDDC).

Speaking at the event, Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell reflected on his experience of the Co-Operation Ireland judging visit, organisers of the IPB Pride of Place Awards, and the profound impact of what he witnessed.

He said: “It wasn’t just the programmes or services that impressed me – it was the atmosphere. The warmth the moment you walk through the door.

“The sense of safety and acceptance that surrounds every person who seeks help. A genuine belief that every individual, no matter their struggle or story, is worthy of care, dignity and hope.”

Acknowledging the significant challenge addiction poses to individuals, families and communities, Chairperson Cllr Campbell said: “At Davina’s Ark, I saw hope being restored. I saw lives being rebuilt. I saw families finding strength again, and I saw a team who refuse to let anyone walk their journey alone.”

The Pride of Place judges commended Davina’s Ark as “an organisation serving a deeply traumatised sector of the community with extraordinary love, compassion and empathy,” recognising its provision of 24/7 support to individuals and families.

NMDDC Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell celebrates with Rosemary Rooney (centre), CEO Davina’s Ark and her team members, along with Councillors Geraldine Kearns and Aidan Mathers, Chairperson of Newry Dea Forum, at a reception to celebrate their award at the All- Ireland Pride of Place Community Awards in Limerick.

Councillor Philip Campbell added that while the organisation’s work is often carried out quietly and without recognition, its impact is felt across the district.

He added: “Your work is not loud or boastful but its impact is felt in every corner of our community. You are not simply delivering a service – you are saving lives.”

The Chairperson concluded by congratulating everyone involved with Davina’s Ark on their All-Island recognition, describing the organisation as “a true lifeline and a beacon of hope” within Newry, Mourne and Down and thanking them for the compassion, courage and commitment they show every day.

Police And Raptor Group Receive Top Award

Staff Reporter
-
0
Police And Raptor Group Receive Top Award

The NI Raptor Study Group and the PSNI Wildlife and Animal Unit Receive Major Award

At the 36th conference of the Annual Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference, Dr Eimear Rooney of the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and PSNI Wildlife and Animal Unit Welfare Officer Emme Meredith were presented with a prestigious award

Emma and Eimear were part of a collaborative UK multi-agency team who picked up the WWF Award for Wildlife Crime Operation of the Year 2025 for their contributions to Operation GLASSBEAK.

Led by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), and supported in Northern Ireland by key conservation partners and police services, including PSNI, Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Operation GLASSBEAK was a targeted initiative to protect birds of prey, namely Peregrine Falcons during the 2025 breeding season

In Northern Ireland Peregrine Falcons are a protected species under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011, which safeguards all birds of prey from persecution and disturbance, however the birds are still often targeted.

WWF Award NI group photo L-R: Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison – NPCC National Lead for Wildlife Crime and Rural Affairs; Dr Jon Lees – Northern Ireland Environment Agency: Emma Meredith – PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare Officer;  Mark Wright – WWF;  and Kevin Lacks-Kelly – National Wildlife Crime Unit.

Criminals target Peregrines for several reasons in the UK, illegally removing eggs or chicks to supply the lucrative international falconry trade, carrying out deliberate nest destruction and persecution, as well as illegal killing by shooting, trapping and poisoning.

The toxicity of the substances used puts humans, livestock, pets as well as wildlife at risk. Such crimes not only harm individual birds but also threaten the recovery and stability of our local populations.

Operation Glassbeak identified twelve of the most vulnerable Peregrine nest sites across the UK including sites in Northern Ireland.

By deploying a range of different tactics, was successful in enabling peregrine chicks to fledge in areas where they had previously failed.

In Northern Ireland, key sites were patrolled, under a licence from NI Environment Agency, using innovations such as deploying PSNI Air Support Unit drones to survey breeding areas that may have otherwise been inaccessible. This lead to one of the most successful breeding seasons in many years.

A sub-adult peregrine falcon on a lookout for food. Peregrine falcons have suffered as a result of wildlife crime. (Photo by NI raptor Study Group.)


Speaking about the success of the operation, Emma said: “It was an honour for PSNI to be part of this UK initiative and be recognised for our efforts to protect our Peregrine Falcon population.

“It is lovely to think we may have had a real and meaningful impact in ensuring these birds continue to breed and thrive in Northern Ireland.

“The use of advanced, state-of-the-art drone technology, enabled us to ensure that these birds and their habitats are monitored and protected all year round.

“B”y working with our partners in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK, we collectively protected numerous nests and allowed us to safeguard even more vulnerable birds.”

In County Down, there have been issues with red kites which have successfully bred but they are scavengers and have become victim to poisonings.

RELATED ARTICLE On Down News:

Police Investigate After Red Kite Found Shot Near Newry

NI Water Gets Set For Killinchy Upgrade

Staff Reporter
-
0
NI Water Gets Set For Killinchy Upgrade

£5m network upgrade to help deliver environmental improvements gets underway

NI Water is set to begin a major programme of work in the new year to upgrade the wastewater network in Killinchy County Down.

This major investment will see extensive improvements to Whiterock and Inisharoan Wastewater Pumping Stations (WwPS), along with upgrades to the associated sewer network.

Additional stormwater storage will also be built into the system to help reduce flood risk and protect the environmental integrity of Strangford Lough.

Speaking about the project, Sean Milligan, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said: “The £5m programme of improvements will begin with the installation of a new pumping main between Inisharoan Wastewater Pumping Station and Killinchy Wastewater Treatment Works.

“Pipelaying is planned to start on Whiterock Road, south of Inisharoan, on Monday 5 January 2026, progressing as far as the entrance to Beechvale Nursing Home on Beechvale Road.

“To facilitate these works, a lane closure will be in place around each working area, with temporary traffic lights used to manage traffic flow. Access to properties along the pipeline route will be maintained at all times.

The £5 Million network improvement project in Killinchy is starting on 5th January 2026. .

“Pipelaying along Whiterock Road and Beechvale Road is expected to take approximately four months. Our contractor, Murphy Dawson WAM, will liaise directly with residents and businesses regarding access as the work progresses.

“The new pumping main will strengthen the wastewater network in the area and provide reliable infrastructure to support upgrades to the local pumping stations which are currently planned for spring/summer 2026.

“NI Water will provide updates and liaise with residents regarding additional traffic management measures required to complete the pumping station upgrades.

“When complete in winter 2026, the full programme of work will improve the long-term resilience of the local wastewater system and provide enhanced environmental protection – particularly for Strangford Lough – in the face of climate change and heavier rainfall.

“To accommodate future development in the area, further improvements will be required to modernise Killinchy Wastewater Treatment Works. This work is subject to funding and approvals.

“NI Water and our project partners, Murphy Dawson WAM and Tetra Tech RPS, would like to thank local landowners, residents, businesses and road users for their patience and cooperation as we deliver these important network upgrades.

“Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete each section of work as quickly as possible.”

Ballynahinch Lose To Clontarf In Bateman Cup

Staff Reporter
-
0
Ballynahinch Lose To Clontarf In Bateman Cup

Clontarf take advantage of Ballynahinch frustration at closing stages of the match

2025 Bateman Cup Final,

Venue: Castle Avenue, 13 12 25,

John Dickson reports from Castle Avenue,

Final Score: Clortarf 21 16 Ballynahinch.

Playing away from the clubhouse, and with the breeze at their backs in the first half, the Hinch started well in the opening exchanges, winning the battle for the ball on the ground and gained a number of early penalties.

Hinch took the lead in the 9th minute with a well struck penalty goal from fullback Conor Rankin 0-3.

Good pressure from the visitors in the 13th minute caused Clontarf to spill the ball forward following a well placed box kick from Chris Gibson.

Matthew Booth of Ballynahinch is tackled by Alex Usanov of Clontarf during the Bateman Cup final match between Clontarf FC and Ballynahinch RFC at Castle Avenue in Dublin. (Photos: Dickson Digital©).

Hinch gathered and attacked left through Aaron Sexton who managed to force a penalty near the corner. The lineout was scrappy but Hinch managed to secure possession, and after a series of drives the County Down men were held up over the line.

Despite having most of the field position the wind made securing clean lineout ball difficult. After a long period of pressure on the Tarf line the visitors managed to force their way over the whitewash in the 21st minute, prop Tom McAllister scoring the try. Rankin added the extras to take the Hinch 0-10 clear.

Rankin increased the Hinch tally in the 26th minute with his second well struck penalty goal to make it 0-13.

Tarf thought they had scored in the 29th minute after the ball had been charged down, but after consulting with his assistant, the referee disallowed the try and the score remained 0-13.

Clontarf kept the Hinch under pressure for the next five minutes and eventually they were awarded a penalty try 35th minute when Hinch deliberately collapsed a maul on the line. Hinch skipper Claytan Milligan was yellow carded as the Hinch lead were reduced to 7-13.

Zack McCall of Ballynahinch celebrates his side’s first try during the Bateman Cup final match between Clontarf FC and Ballynahinch RFC at Castle Avenue in Dublin.

To their credit the visitors immediately replied with a third Rankin penalty goal after great work from Bradley Luney set up a good field position. After the successful goal the referee blew the halftime whistle with the Hinch  7-16 in front.

Now with the wind at their backs the home side won an early penalty from the restart. The ball was secured from touch on the Hinch 22 where the home side drove for the line only to be held up inches short by a determined Hinch defence.

Tarf threw everything at the Hinch in the opening exchanges of the second half but they met a resolute defence assisted by some excellent clearance kicks from scrum half Chris Gibson.

One defensive dive in the 55th minute took Hinch from their own line up to the Tarf 10m line.

After twenty minutes of pressure Clontarf finally crossed for their second try in the 60th minute when Alex Soroka wriggled over from close range. Connor Kelly converted to close the gap to 14-16.

Chris Gibson of Ballynahinch is charged down by Fionn Gilbert of Clontarf during the Bateman Cup final match between Clontarf FC and Ballynahinch RFC at Castle Avenue in Dublin.

A long range penalty from Kelly in the 72th minute drifted left of the posts.

As the finish line approached poor discipline under pressure started to cost Hinch.

In the 75th minute Joe Charles was yellow carded and Tarf kicked for the corner. The ball was won and Tarf managed to drive Ivan Soroka over with Kelly adding the extras to take Clontarf 21-16 in front with 3 minutes remaining.

Hinch managed to get into the Clontarf 22 for the first time in the second half in the final minute of play, but they couldn’t hang onto possession and the home side eventually cleared to touch to claim victory and the Bateman Cup for the first time and also take the league points.

Hinch deserved this one, an incredible effort from all 23, but they returned home with a losing bonus point their only reward on this occasion.

Clontarf: 15 Hugo Lennox, 14 Ross Deegan, 13 Alex O’Grady, 12 Tadhg Bird, 11, Peter Maher, 10 Conor Kelly, 9 Sam Owens, 8 Jordan Coghlan, 7 Aaron Coleman, 6 Alex Soroka, 5 Alan Spicer, 4 Fionn Gilbert, 3 Niall Smyth, 2 Dylan Donellan, 1 Alex Usanov. Replacements: 16 Declan Adamson, 17 Ivan Soroka, 18 Paul Deeny, 19 Michael Moloney, 20 Mark O’Sullivan, 21 Charlie Ward.

Ballynahinch: 1 Matthew Burke, 2 Claytan Milligan (C), 3 Tom McAllister, 4 Declan Horrox, 5 Ryan Connolly, 6 Zack McCall, 7 Reuben Crothers, 8 Bradley Luney, 9 Chris Gibson, 10 Paul Kerr, 11 Aaron Sexton, 12 Matthew Booth, 13 Pierce Crowe, 14 Adam Bennett, 15 Conor Rankin. Replacements: 16 Josh Hanlon, 17 John Dickson, 18 Joe Charles, 19 Stephen Campbell, 20 Jon Rodgers, 21 Ruairi Meharg.

Kilmore Rec Pull Off Clarence Round One Win

Staff Reporter
-
0
Kilmore Rec Pull Off Clarence Round One Win

Dromara Village took an early goal but Kilmore Rec came back to win in extra time

The NAFL,

The Clarence Mayes Cup Round 1,

Final Score: Kilmore Rec 2 Dromara Village 1 (after extra-time).

Kilmore Rec kept their silverware hopes alive with an extra-time victory over Premier Division rivals Dromara Village in the Clarence Cup.

The Blues found themselves trailing early after Callum Bradley launched Dromara in front after just two minutes, but Josh Smyth was on hand to force an additional 20 minutes.

Check out match action photos on Facebook link

The Rec had dominated for the vast majority of play, and their efforts were rewarded when substitute Chris Magee fired them into the second round of the competition.

Kilmore went on the attack from the off, putting the opposition attack through their paces on the first forward drive.

However, they were left stunned as Domara Village executed their counter-attacking plan to the letter, snatching an early lead when Bradley rifled into the bottom corner from range.

Kilmore Rec forward Fionn Mulhern on the ball breaks into the Dromara box. (Photos : Jim Masson/DownNews©).

The hosts showed no signs of licking their wounds, quickly dusting themselves down and beginning the search for an instant response.

They came to within inches of a leveller in their next two attempts, with captain Yaroslav Panfilov’s header denied by a reactive save from Oisin McStay and Conor Curran’s cross bouncing away from Joe Healy in the six-yard box.

John Mahoney was next to try his luck, meeting a clever, dinked pass from Harry Smyth, but the ball sat up and the shot sailed high and wide.

Rec were left with a sense of it simply not being their day when McStay made a heroic triple save, stopping Fionn Mulhern’s initial and covering ground to block the point-blank efforts of Harry Smyth and James Mahoney.

Check out match action photos on Facebook link

Aside from their goal and James Costello drilling a pair of shots at goalkeeper Christopher Turley, Dromara did not give their hosts too much to worry about in the first half, yet they had just done enough to keep their noses in front at the break.

Joe Healy was close to scoring but keeper Oisin McStay came out fast to get possession.

While the home picked up where they had left off when the second half commenced, they were left frustrated once more, as Rhys Clarke beat McStay to Mulhern’s through ball and poked goalward, only for Benjamin McKeown to clear off the line.

There was more of the same when Harry Smyth had a pair of shots stopped by a timely block and a diving save, but the subsequent corner was the catalyst for change.

Curran whipped a dangerous ball deep, into the back post, where Josh Smyth was waiting to head home the equaliser.

The Village reacted to conceding, however, with sprinting past several men an unleashing a powerful strike, one which was superbly tipped out of the top corner by Turley.

The final 10 minutes developed into a game of throw-ins, and both sides were left wondering how they had not snatched a late winner.

Kilmore Rec clear the ball after Dromara makes a strong attack early on.

Harry Smyth failed to direct a number of Curran crosses goalward, while Costello put one on a plate for Phillip Kerr, who was denied a decisive goal by a world-class save from Turley and a sliding challenge from Healy, on the rebound.

There was nothing to split the sides at the end of 90 minutes, meaning extra-time, and possibly penalties, would be needed to decide the outcome.

The latter would not be required though, as Magee made the desired impact from the bench, producing a surging run, playing a one-two with Shea McGrattan and firing a spectacular, unstoppable shot past the diving McStay.

The goal, deserving of a victory, proved clinical, sending Kilmore through to the next round and providing some light in what has otherwise been a tough season.

Check out match action photos on Facebook link

Kilmore Rec: 1 Christopher Turley (GK) 2 Joshua Smyth 3 Conor Curran 4 Joe Healy 5 Yaroslav Panfilov (C) 6 Caolon Conlon 7 Rhys Clarke 8 John Mahoney 9 Fionn Mulhern 10 Harry Smyth 11 James Mahoney. Subs: 12 Christopher Magee Shay McGrattan 15 Gary Stranney.

Dromara Village: 1 Oisin McStay (GK) 2 Mark Burke 3 Ben Hanna 4 Benjamin McKeown 5 Carl Coburn Matthew McCandless 7 Brendan Tumilty 8 Nathan Hamilton (C) 9 James Costello 10 Ben Martin 11 Calum Bradley. Subs: 12 Philip Kerr 14 Adam McClune 17 Clint Thompson.

2026 Down Fleadh To Be Held In Downpatrick

Staff Reporter
-
0
2026 Down Fleadh To Be Held In Downpatrick

Downpatrick Announced as Host Town for the 2026 County Down Fleadh ️

BREAKING NEWS: Downpatrick has been officially selected as the host town for the 2026 County Down Fleadh for the first time – the county’s annual celebration of Irish traditional music, song, and dance.

The announcement was confirmed by Mark Higgins, Chairperson of both Down Comhaltas Board and Lecale CCÉ;

“I am excited that Downpatrick will host the Down Fleadh in 2026. It marks a significant moment in local history as the County Fleadh has never before been held in Downpatrick.

Mark Higgins, Chairperson of both Down Comhaltas Board and Lecale CCÉ, pictured with members of the Lecale CCÉ launching the Down Fleadh to take place in Downpatrick in 2026.

“It is anticipated that the Fleadh will attract over 2,000 visitors, bringing a welcome boost to the local economy.

“Running from Monday 15th June to Sunday 21st June 2026, the Fleadh will bring a full week of cultural events to Downpatrick, including traditional music sessions, concerts, workshops, family activities, and community celebrations.

“Competitions will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June within the SERC Downpatrick Campus.

“We look forward to welcoming competitors, families, visitors, and friends from across County Down and beyond to Downpatrick.”

Further details will be released over the coming months.

For queries, email: 

[email protected]

Lynn Doyle Place Shaping Up In Downpatrick

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lynn Doyle Place Shaping Up In Downpatrick

Downpatrick SDLP Conor Galbraith welcomes fix to ‘steps to nowhere’ at Lynn Doyle Place

SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith has welcomed a commitment from the Department for Infrastructure to amend railings at Lynn Doyle Place in Downpatrick, after a new set of steps in the public realm scheme left residents “baffled”.

The improvements at Lynn Doyle Place are being delivered by the Department for Communities, and Cllr Galbraith said it has been “great to see the area finally coming together” with new surfacing, lighting and streetscape works enhancing the space for local people.

Cllr Conor Galbraith on the Lynn Dole Place improvement scheme in Downpatrick just off St Patrick’s Avenue.

However, residents were left scratching their heads when they saw a flight of steps leading directly to a solid metal barrier at the top, with no clear through route for pedestrians.

Following engagement by Cllr Galbraith with the Department for Communities, officials have now confirmed that the Department for Infrastructure has agreed to modify the railings to improve pedestrian access both ways at this location.

Cllr Galbraith said: “People are really pleased to see long overdue investment at Lynn Doyle Place, but they were rightly confused when they saw what looked like steps to nowhere.

“It just did not make sense from a pedestrian point-of-view and did not reflect how people actually move through the space.

“The SDLP raised these concerns with the Department for Communities on behalf of local residents, and I am glad they have listened.

“The confirmation that DFI will now adjust the railings is a common sense change that will make it easier and safer for people to get around.

“As this scheme is completed, it is vital that every element works for the people who live here, not just on paper but in real life on the ground.”

Space Facility Approval For Resonate Testing

Staff Reporter
-
0
Space Facility Approval For Resonate Testing

Planning Approval Passed For Resonate Testing’s Multi-Million Newry Space Testing Facility

Resonate Testing Ltd has succeeded in gaining planning permissiom for its multi-million pound space testing facility in Newry.

The Carnagat site will see the multi-million pound construction of a three-story light industrial factory and testing laboratory, following Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s planning committee signed off on the application from Resonate Testing Ltd.

Resonate Testing Ltd, currently has a state-of-the-art commercial test house, established in 2015 at Bridge Technology Park close to the new proposed site in Newry.

It is also the only commercial laboratory for the testing of aircraft interiors on the island of Ireland, providing specialist testing facilities for the sector.

The company acts as a test facilitator for a range of clients across various industries, including space, aerospace, automotive, medical and other high-tech sectors that require rigorous product validation and verification in the harshest and most demanding environments.

Tom Mallon, Director of Resonate Testing Ltd: said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news about the approval.

“It is a privilege to demonstrate our commitment to both the UK and Irish space industries, as well as to our local area here in Newry.

“Our new innovation centre will allow Resonate to fully engage with the space industry, showcasing the latest technologies needed to ensure components can withstand the extreme conditions of space.

“This investment underscores the significant growth of the space industry and solidifies Resonate’s crucial role within it. Our future recruitment efforts will not only support the local area, but also tap into the local talent pool.

“Resonate Testing is not simply offering jobs, we are offering careers that contribute to the global space industry. Today has been fantastic and we are excited about the future.

“Our new facility will be a testament to our proven local capabilities on a global stage. We firmly believe that our industry presence and understanding of opportunities make it clear: ‘build it, and they are coming”.

For more information on Resonate Testing, please visit:
www.resonatetesting.com

(Article by Donal McMahon, Local Democracy Reporter.)

Nesbitt Visits Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry

Staff Reporter
-
0
Nesbitt Visits Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry

Health Minister Welcomes Progress In Reducing Elective Surgery Waiting Lists at Daisy Hill Hospital

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the important progress being made at Daisy Hill Hospital in helping reduce Northern Ireland’s waiting lists, noting the hospital’s growing role within the wider transformation of elective care across the region.

During a visit to the hospital’s theatres, Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) and paediatric elective ward, the Minister acknowledged the ongoing work to increase planned surgical capacity and improve outcomes for patients.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA has welcomed the reduction in waiting times at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry during his recent visit.

The Health Minister said: “Reducing waiting lists is one of my central priorities as Health Minister.

“But this is not just about speed — it is about transforming how we deliver care, ensuring patients receive the right treatment in the right place, with better outcomes and a more consistent experience.

“The Elective Care Framework sets out this vision for reform, and Daisy Hill is showing how dedicated elective capacity can support that transformation in practice.

“Elective Overnight Stay Centres like this one help provide reliable space for planned procedures, improving productivity and giving renewed hope to patients who have been waiting too long.

“I am encouraged by the good work taking place across Northern Ireland to increase elective capacity and tackle our longest waits, and Daisy Hill is contributing to that broader progress.”

Since April 2023, almost 11,000 elective surgical procedures have been completed at the Daisy Hill EOSC across a wide range of specialties, including breast, urology, gynaecology, dermatology, ENT, general surgery, paediatric surgery, dental, oral surgery and endoscopy.

Health Minister with Daisy Hill Elective Care team
Minister MIke Nesbitt pictured with elective surgery staff at Daisy Hill Hospital.

A dedicated paediatric theatre and recovery ward are also supporting regional efforts to reduce long waits for children.

The Minister further added: “Daisy Hill is making steady progress in supporting regional elective recovery.

“This work reflects the commitment and professionalism of staff across the hospital, and I want to acknowledge their efforts as part of the wider transformation taking place across our health service.

“We must continue to build on this momentum. Better outcomes for patients will remain my focus as Minister, and that requires sustained investment, collaboration and reform across the whole system.”The latest waiting list figures demonstrate clear positive trends:

•            Around 164,000 red flag and time-critical patients have been seen, diagnosed or treated

•           Waits over 4 years in  Named procedures down 62% (i.e. colonoscopy, tonsillectomy, hips etc)  

•            Over-four-year outpatient waits down 35% (35,319 patients)

•            Over-four-year treatment waits down 47% (9,411 patients)

Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.

The Health Minister said: “There is still a significant amount of work to do, but the progress being made — here at Daisy Hill and across the region — shows that improvement is possible.

“We will continue working to deliver faster, safer and more sustainable care for patients.”

1...767778...1,878Page 77 of 1,878