Fight Continues On For Minister Muir and DAERA To Deal With bTB
The fight against bovine TB (bTB) continues, and farmers are looking for strong leadership from DAERA as their stock is threatened with infection from this deadly disease.
Downpatrick farmer Ronnie Murphy said: “Again this week in the Irish Farmers Journal we see Minister Muir wiping his hands of dealing with the pandemic of TB in our livestock.
“The only good thing in the report I see is he said that the next Agricultural Minister would pass legislation on wildlife intervention.
“This means he has took upon himself not to deal with the problem passing it off to 2027 costing not only the farmer heavy costs but also the tax payer millions.
“The estimated cost for 2025 to 2026 could be as far as £75 million, and the Minister thinks it is ok to leave this to the next minister as he refuses to deal with the problem himself.
Downpatrick farmer Ronnie Murphy is calling on the DAERA Minister to act on bTB.
“He and past Ministers and DAERA should hold their heads in shame as they have let this disease get out of control.
“Voluntary testing began on 2nd May 1949, when farmers were encouraged to test cattle for TB with the idea that DAERA would have eradicated TB within five years.”
Ronnie added: “By 1952 the cost to the taxpayer was around £80,000 with loss of around 2000 ton of beef and a 10% reduction in milk yield due to infected animal’s.
“In 1959/1960 Testing was made compulsory with farmers being made to believe that this would eradicate the decade within few years.
“Today 76 years on from the Voluntary eradication scheme started Daera is further away from it being eradicated than they have ever been.
“Every week more herds are going down costing farmers thousands due to dairy farmers not being able to sell calves, suckler cow farmers not able to sell their calves and others being left with considerable low stock numbers to sell due to numbers of reactors being taking while in calf meaning that it’s not only the cow that the farmer lists but her calve as well.
“The Minister also mentions the TVR pilot scheme that they are planning to roll out.
“The area that they have chosen to do this scheme in is one of the lowest rated TB areas in the Province. This is a total waste of tax payers money.
“This scheme involves trapping badgers and testing infected badgers being culled. This is what is needed, but is needed province wide. Why is it not being done in and around the Lecale area where TB is high with multiple herds going down every week.
“The Steering group that Minister Muir has set up to look at how to deal with it does not represent all farmers.
“Other than for Glenn Cuddy of the UFU who has voted against the regionalisation TVR scheme the rest don’t seen to support it.
“As a local farmer and know I know the feelings of many of the farmers around, we’d say to the Minister that you are destroying our industry by not dealing with the problems. We have little confidence in DAERA too.
“And the Stormont Executive need to waken up and realise Agriculture is the biggest industry left in or Province and they are letting it be destroyed. This is weakening our food security.
“The Minister needs to meet with farmers face-to-face to discuss the problems,” said Ronnie Murphy.
The Sinn Féin President praised the work of the Commission saying: “The conversation on Irish Unity is live, happening in real time with great enthusiasm, and especially amongst our young people.
“It is increasing in intensity despite the British government rejecting the demand that it set out the criteria or a date for the Unity Referendum and the refusal of the Irish government, and in particular of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, to establish a Citizens’ Assembly or Assemblies to plan for unity.
“Successive academic polls and academic research in the last 12 months shows evidence of growing support and an interest in Irish unity.
“In October, a Sinn Féin motion calling on the Irish Government to plan and prepare for Irish Unity was passed by the Dáil and in November in the Seanad. And similar motions are being passed in local Councils North and South.
“In November, Catherine Connolly was elected as Uachtarán na hÉireann. Irish Unity was a major element of her campaign.
The Future of Ireland Report has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald.
“There is an onus on everybody, but particularly on those in political leadership to plan for Ireland’s future. That is a core responsibility of the Irish Government. It is also a responsibility that rests with the British Government.
“The British Secretary of State recently claimed there is “no appetite” for constitutional change. That claim ignores reality. It ignores the depth and breadth of public engagement now happening across society. Change is coming.
“The responsible course of action is to plan for it, prepare for it, and shape it together – openly, inclusively and honestly.
“That is why the work of Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland matters so much. Since 2022, the Commission has created space for honest, inclusive dialogue – gathering hopes, concerns and ideas from every community and every tradition.
“The conversation is growing – not just within republicanism but right across society – Ireland’s Future, the SDLP’s New Ireland Commission, the Shared Island Initiative, Gales le Chéile, Belfast Women’s Assembly and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement.
“People want to talk about the future. The Commission on the Future of Ireland is contributing positively to this process.”
2025 was an exceptionally busy year:
• Nine public events were hosted in Ireland and 1 was hosted at the European Parliament.
• These included the Mid Ulster People’s Assembly, the Belfast Youth Assembly and a Gaeltacht Tionól in Bhaile Ghib. Sectoral events also included One Island, One Environment in Dublin, Rural Communities in a New Ireland at the Balmoral Show, ‘Irish Unity & the EU- What next?’ at the European Parliament, Health & Care in a New Ireland in Belfast, Derry and Fermanagh and ‘Ról Na nGael i dTógáil Éire Nua’ at the Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast.
• In addition, 13 events were hosted by Friends of Sinn Féin in America and Canada. They took place in New York, Washington, Montreal, Nashville, Cincinnati, Chicago, Ottawa, Toronto, San Francisco, Vancouver, Hartford, Boston and Philadelphia.
Each of the 23 events were hugely successful in engaging with civic society on the issue of Irish Unity. Reports of each event were produced, along with video footage posted on social media.
The Commission on the Future of Ireland was established in 2022. It is chaired by Declan Kearney MLA and Lynn Boylan MEP is the Vice Chair. Its remit is to undertake a grassroots consultation nationally and internationally on the issue of Irish Unity.
Since its establishment the Commission has held:
● 44 Public events
● 100’s of Independent speakers have participated
● Thousands have attended
● There have been hundreds of written contributions
● There has been Protestant/Unionist participation
● Reports and footage of each event have been published
● Events have been held in the USA and more are planned for the USA, Canada and Europe in the New Year.
Further details are available on the Sinn Féin website at:
Keady Man Is beaten By Bats And Accelerant Poured Over Him as House And Car Destroyed
Detectives in Newry are investigating the attempted murder of an older man at his Keady home on Thursday night, 11th December.
At around 7.35pm, it was reported that six masked men armed with bats entered the living room of the man’s home on the Clay Road.
The intruders proceeded to attack the man, who is aged in his 70s, with the bats continuing the assault as he lay on the floor. One of the men ransacked the upstairs of the home while the attack was ongoing.
They then poured accelerant over him and around his home before sparking a fire. The injured man managed to run past his attackers, out of the burning building, and make it outside where he was attacked with bats again in the yard of the property.
It’s believed the suspects made their escape in a dark-coloured vehicle possibly an estate car.
The badly injured man then managed to make his way to the roadside and raise the alarm with a passing member of the public
Police and NI Fire and Rescue Service attended. The home and the injured man’s vehicle were destroyed by fire.
Detective Inspector Moffett said: “This was a terrible ordeal for this man who was subjected to a savage beating and has now lost his home. He remains in hospital at this time for treatment to a range of injuries.
“We have launched our investigation and we are increasing our anti-burglary patrolling, particularly in our border areas, however we do also need the public’s help to prevent these crimes and to identify the people responsible for this heinous crime.
“If you captured CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or any footage in the Keady area on Thursday evening, please get in touch. Police can be reached any time by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.”
Information relating to these or any other crimes can also be online via:
Cumran Primary School Helps NI Water Spread Vital ‘Lag and Tag’ Message
NI Water has produced the bright yellow tag for customers to loop around the stop valve in their premises as part of its winter prep campaign.
NI Water’s education team have been visiting schools and providing tags to the children to bring home.
The children were tasked with the important job of telling everyone at home where their stop valve is located and asking a grown-up to put the tag on the valve so it will be easily identifiable in the event of a burst pipe.
Cumran Primary School pupils in Clough, County Down, show off their stop valve tags from NI Water.
NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “With temperatures dipping at this time of year, it’s important your property is protected against the potential threat of burst or frozen pipes during freezing winter conditions.
“Simple steps such as lagging water pipes and knowing where your stop valve is located should always be top of mind, in case you need to turn your water off in the event of an emergency.
“It was a pleasure to meet the wonderful pupils at Cumran Primary School and to talk to them about how a stop valve is usually located under the kitchen sink and how they are used to shut off the flow of water in a pipe in an emergency.
“They’ve all been given their very own NI Water tag to take home for their families to use.”
NI Water stop valve tags are available to customers by emailing :
When checking your home is winterproof, why not take the time to check the age of your water supply pipes. For information about how you can find and deal with lead pipes please visit:
The petition for the Downe Community Health Committee has closed and is now prepared for presentation to the health authorities
The Downe Hospital Health Committee (DCHC) held a special meeting this morning (Friday 12th December 2025) to discuss the handing over of the petition to have the Downe Hospital 24/7 A&E re-opened.
Downpatrick had a fever hospital build in 1834 at the old Downe Hospital site but by the 1970s it was clear that the site could not be developed further to meet demand.
Eventually the Scott Wilson Group were commissioned to build a new hospital on the Ardglass Road which opened in June 2009. But due to ‘staffing and funding issues’, the South Eastern HSC Trust closed the Downe A&E on 30th March 2020 and opened an Urgent Care centre for non-life-threatening cases.
Eamonn McGrady, Down Community Health Committee chairman pictured with the petition organisers Patricia Waterson and Philomena Prendergast, and Aidan Harris, committee member at a special meeting in Denvir’s Hotel in Downpatrick to finalise the petition calling for the re-opening of the Downe A&E. (Photos by Jim Masson/DownNews).
Since then, with public support, the Downe Community Health Committee has led a campaign to have the ED restored along with supporting other issues. The Trust has refused to re-open the ED mainly on the grounds of safety.
DCHC Chair Comments On The Petition
Eamonn McGrady, Chair of the Down Community Health Committee, said that this was a single item meeting to agree a path forward in delivering the petition to health officials.
He said around 12,500 signatures were collected and another 14,000 online who expressed their views.
Cathy Mason MLA and Oonagh Hanlon both gave apologies as they have the flu.
Eamonn McGrady said” “The ratepayers and taxpayers of this district and in surrounding areas have expressed their views to have the Downe Hospital re-opened.
Cathy Mason MLA and Chris Hazzard MP pictured outside Parliament Buildings are supporting the petition calling on the re-opening of the Downe A&E.
“Local people are becoming more active in voicing their concerns at the lack of a 24/7 A&E in Downpatrick. And they are voicing their concerns about officialdom and the way it treats this area.”
Mason Gives Full Support To Health Campaign
Eamonn McGrady read from an email from Cathy Mason supporting the Campaign. She said: “My support is there for all involved in this campaign. `
“The Downe ED must be re-opened. Colin McGrath MLA and myself asked for the petition to be formally delivered… I want to fight for the services this community needs and deserves.”
Cathy Mason described an email she received from the Health Minister’s office saying that they could leave the petition box at the reception with security and officials from the health department would collect it.
She said that this summed up the Department’s attitude to the campaign.
Hazzard Backs Health Campaign
South Down MP Chris Hazzard said: “I want to acknowledge the tremendous work that has gone into the petition to protect and enhance services at the Downe Hospital, which has now secured over 14,000 signatures.
“This level of support reflects a deep and growing concern across South Down and beyond, about the decline in health service provision in rural communities.
“It is unacceptable that the Health Minister has refused to receive the petition, particularly as a local MLA himself.
“I will continue to support the vital work of the Down Community Health Committee and to fight for the Downe Hospital.
“The Downe has the facilities, the staff, and the full backing of this community. Health transformation cannot become a by-word for the managed decline of local services. Rural communities must not be left behind.”
The Down Community Health Committee Chair Eamonn McGrady with petition organisers Patricia Watterson and Philomena Prendergast, and South Dowm MP Chris Hazzard pictured at the meeting in Denvir’s Hotel to finalise the petition collected around the wider Downpatrick area to ask for the Downe AE to be re-opened 24/7.
McGrath Says We Must Keep Battling For Our Health Rights
Colin McGrath MLA said: “Many of us have been involved in this campaign for years. The main argument for closing the Downe ED was in staffing and patient safety. It appears now that that they don’t have any trouble now in recruiting staff elsewhere.
“Therefore we need to keep up the pressure on the Department of Health and the Minister and extend this campaign further.
“Some officials may argue that Downpatrick is only 30 miles away for the Belfast hospitals but they need to respect rural people and the issue they face in getting to hospital in Belfast.
“And if an ambulance leaves this district, it may be sent to other tasks away from this area hence poor ambulance cover by the NIAS. The local people lose the ability to get effective emergency responses.
“The Downe is now classed as a Category 3 hospital like the other 18 smaller hospitals across the North.
“When I strongly put my case to the Department they said they would look at it. We are only asking what we are entitled to.”
Eamonn McGrady said that “Cathy Mason and Colin McGrath speaking on these issue has become public knowledge. They are not the best of friends with officialdom. But I think that this gives a great confidence to the people in our area that are standing up for our health rights.”
Colin McGrath added: “The health authorities aim to downgrade our health facilities and in the Downpatrick area, the people are adamant that they secure their rights to equitable health care.
“We just have to look at the recent case of one of own health campaigners, a former vice chairman Dermot McNabb, a man in his 90’s who fell and lay for hours on the ground because there was no ambulance available to take him to an ED.”
Petition organisers Patricia Watterson and Philomena Prendergast show off the 12,000 signatures and there were 14,000 online signings calling for a re-opening of the 24/7 Downe A&E.
Petition Organisers Speak Out
Philomena Pendergast, one of the petition instigators said: “I broke my leg recently in the South of Ireland. An ambulance turned up within 30 minutes and I received excellent care in hospital.
“That may not be the case in our district if I had fallen here.”
And Patricia Watterson, the other petition organiser, said: “There are still many people despite the petition who do not understand what is going on in our health service.
“They must be informed so that we can fully activate all the people in our wider community.”
A number of options were discussed on how the petition will be delivered and these will be shortlisted and decided on over Christmas.
The 2026 Australian Open is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent memory. With several stars returning from injury, breakout talents rising quickly through the rankings, and Melbourne’s hard courts favouring a wide variety of playing styles, the women’s field is wide open.
While the usual contenders will dominate headlines, the actual betting value lies deeper in the draw. Bettors who track form, surface advantages, and matchup potential understand that the Australian Open often produces surprise semifinalists and unexpected title threats.
This year’s tournament features an impressive group of dark-horse candidates capable of shocking the tennis world and the betting markets. Here are the players every savvy bettor should keep on their radar.
At just 18 years old, Mirra Andreeva enters the 2026 Australian Open with enormous momentum and a rapidly growing reputation. Her aggressive baseline style and fearless mentality have already carried her to breakthroughs, including a semifinal run at the 2025 French Open and several top-five wins.
Andreeva’s fast rise in the rankings reflects her ability to adapt quickly to new surfaces, and her improving serve gives her extra firepower on Melbourne’s hard courts. What makes her especially dangerous is her ability to take time away from veterans who rely on rhythm. She thrives in fast conditions and shows little hesitation in high-pressure moments.
For bettors, Andreeva stands out as a rare teenager with legitimate second-week potential at the 2026 Australian Open, especially if she lands in a favorable draw section.
Naomi Osaka: A Comeback That Can Break the Draw
Naomi Osaka returns to Melbourne as one of the most intriguing dark horses in the 2026 Australian Open. The two-time Australian Open champion loves the conditions in Melbourne and historically plays her best tennis on this court.
After her full-time comeback in 2025, Osaka climbed back into the top 20, signaling a resurgence in fitness, confidence, and shot tolerance. Her trademark power-first approach and elite serve remain major weapons, and a new coaching team helps sharpen her return game.
Because bettors monitor returning stars closely, checking updated FanDuel odds is essential as Osaka gains momentum early in the tournament. If her timing locks in, and it often does in Melbourne, she instantly becomes one of the most dangerous lower-seeded threats in the entire draw.
Amanda Anisimova: Close to a Grand Slam Breakthrough
Amanda Anisimova enters the 2026 Australian Open with renewed form and a string of big-stage results. Her 2025 season includes final appearances at both Wimbledon and the US Open, proving she can dominate across surfaces and maintain consistency deep into tournaments.
Anisimova’s powerful ground game gives her the ability to hit through almost any opponent, and Melbourne’s medium-fast courts amplify her shot-making strengths. What elevates her dark-horse status is her improved fitness and tactical balance, particularly on return games where she pressures even the strongest servers.
Many analysts believe she is one step away from capturing her first Grand Slam. Bettors looking for high-value picks should not overlook Anisimova; she consistently outperforms expectations at majors and has the confidence to push into the later rounds at the 2026 Australian Open.
Madison Keys: Power, Experience, and Proven Success
Madison Keys arrives at the 2026 Australian Open with championship credentials and a track record of thriving in Melbourne. The 2025 Australian Open champion demonstrates she can dominate on this court, relying on explosive power, first-strike tennis, and the ability to overwhelm opponents early in rallies.
While her consistency varies throughout the season, Keys always peaks at hard-court majors, especially when entering healthy and rested. Her experience in late-stage Grand Slam matches offers a significant advantage over younger competitors.
According to the latest tennis player insights, Keys is the definition of a volatile but high-upside value pick, capable of blasting through an entire draw when her serve and forehand fire at full capacity. If she finds rhythm during week one, she instantly becomes one of the most dangerous dark horses in the 2026 Australian Open field.
Emma Raducanu: A Potential Resurgence
Emma Raducanu enters the 2026 Australian Open with renewed confidence and a realistic opportunity to be seeded again. After a strong finish to the 2025 season and improvements under a new coaching team, Raducanu’s consistency, fitness, and serve have all made significant strides.
Her aggressive baseline play and clean ball-striking translate exceptionally well on Melbourne’s hard courts. The key factor is her reduced pressure; she now plays with more freedom compared to her early-career spotlight. Raducanu’s tactical awareness helps her dismantle opponents who rely heavily on pace or predictable patterns.
For bettors, she offers excellent upside as a dark-horse selection because her level rises dramatically when she finds early rhythm. If she avoids physical setbacks, Raducanu has every tool required to make a surprising run deep into the 2026 Australian Open.
Jasmine Paolini: Underrated Contender With Grand Slam Credentials
Jasmine Paolini rounds out the dark-horse list as one of the most underrated but dangerous players in the 2026 Australian Open. After reaching two Grand Slam finals in 2025, Paolini continues to improve her hard-court game and adds more aggression to her baseline play.
She compensates for a lack of raw power with exceptional court coverage, shot placement, and the ability to absorb and redirect pace. Melbourne’s courts reward her fitness and defensive-to-offensive transitions, which frustrate opponents who rely on quick winners.
Paolini’s rising confidence in big matches makes her a real threat to top seeds, especially in long rallies and tactical battles. For bettors, Paolini represents a consistent sleeper option: she rarely bows out early, often pushes top seeds to the brink, and thrives when overlooked.
Players Hungry to Make Their Names in Melbourne
The 2026 Australian Open offers one of the most compelling dark-horse fields in years. With rising teenagers, returning champions, revitalized veterans, and tactically sharp all-court players, the women’s draw is overflowing with value opportunities.
Bettors who look beyond the favourites and analyze surface compatibility, recent form, and matchup potential can uncover significant advantages. Whether it’s Andreeva’s explosive rise, Osaka’s comeback firepower, or steady threats like Anisimova, Keys, Raducanu, and Paolini, these dark horses hold the potential to rewrite the Melbourne storyline.
The key is staying ahead of market shifts and identifying momentum early. With the proper insight and timing, the 2026 Australian Open becomes a powerful opportunity for bettors seeking smart, strategic plays.
Time to end wanton cruelty to animals for good… the public is encouraged to support a ban on hunting with dogs
Members and supporters of The League Against Cruel Sports (the League) and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have taken to the streets of Belfast to gather more support to bring an end to the wanton cruelty of hunting with animals.
Already illegal in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where it is still legal to hunt mammals for sport.
The USPCA and The League Against Sports are campaigning to end the hunting of wild animals with dogs.
The two animal welfare charities launched a petition over a year ago to gain support for their ‘Together’ campaign. To date more than 9,000 people have signed the petition and the drive is on this week across Thursday and Friday to gather more support for banning hunting with dogs.
Currently a Private Members Bill is sitting with the NI Assembly to bring about a ban.
Robbie Marsland from the League said: “It is 20 years since the Hunting Act was introduced to ban fox hunting in England and Wales, with Scotland recently taking steps to strengthen and improve their legislation. Northern Ireland now has an important opportunity to end this suffering.
“Chasing and killing mammals with dogs has no place in today’s society and it’s time for change.
“We have taken to the streets of Belfast today to ask people to sign the petition and show support that this cruel practice must end.
“We’ve had really encouraging conversations with members of the public today, with the clear majority wanting to see a ban on hunting with animals.”
USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir said: “Each year across Northern Ireland there is an annual display of cruelty, with participants chasing foxes through fields and beyond.
“The impact this has upon these helpless animals, who are chased, must be confined to the history books.
“Since the launch of our Together Campaign, we have taken our message to ban hunting with dogs to politicians supported by the public. Our online petition has received more than 9,000 signatures and is growing daily.
“Attitudes to animal cruelty are changing across the island of Ireland.
“Recent polling shows 70% of the public support for a ban in Northern Ireland while 72% of people support a ban in Republic of Ireland, with the recently elected President of Ireland, Catherine Connelly being a vocal advocate.
Sometimes the fox gets away, and sometimes it doesn’t. The USPCA and The League Against Cruel Sports want to see a ban on hunting wild animals with dogs.
“We are greatly encouraged by the support we received on the streets of Belfast and look forward to continuing discussions with MLAs on the proposed Private Members Bill in the NI Assembly.”
The Together Campaign is asking people to take some simple steps for change:
Tell people you have signed the petition, especially politicians.
Ask people to sign the petition – ask family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and school mates “have you signed yet?”
Follow the Together campaign for change.
Hunting with animals was banned in England and Wales through the Hunting Act 2004. Traditional fox hunting and hare coursing was banned in Scotland through the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002. This Act was repealed in 2023 and replaced with the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) 2023. Under this Act:
It will still be an offence to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances. For example, hunting with dogs may be allowed to prevent the spread of disease or to protect other animals if the activity meets the requirements in the Bill about how it is done.
However, it will always be illegal to chase and kill a wild mammal using a dog. Where hunting is allowed, the Act introduces new limits on the number of dogs that can be used.
In some circumstances, people may be able to get a licence to use more dogs. The Act also bans trail hunting except in limited circumstances. Trail hunting is when a dog is used to find and follow an animal-based scent.
The League and USPCA have prepared a rebuttal document, answering many of the myths around the positives of hunting with animals, which is available on request.
Applications are open for third year for the Royal and Ancient (R&A) golf club scholarships
• Could you be a golf leader ?
There will be many young golfers working in pro shops, in management in golf up and down County Down and across Northern Ireland, and generally playing, who would love to get aboard a scholarship with the R&A.
Launched in 2023 in partnership with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the Scholarship supports young people who are committed to shaping the future of the sport through administration, research, coaching, sustainability or other pathways contributing to golf’s long-term success.
Now entering its third year, the programme continues to expand its impact, offering a blend of financial support, professional development and mentorship from Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
The programme is open to individuals aged 18-29 who demonstrate both passion for golf and the drive to make a meaningful contribution to the sport. Scholars receive a comprehensive package of support:
Up to £10,000 per year towards their educational costs
Up to £5,000 per year to support their golf-related activities
Mentorship from within The Royal and Ancient Golf Club membership
Access to a peer support network of fellow Scholars
An invitation to the Scholars Conference in St Andrews each year they are studying, where all new and current Scholars will meet
Young golfers from around the world, the UK and Ireland, involved in golf management and diverse areas in the world of golf who were successful applicants in the R&A scholarship programme in the last programme. (Image courtesy of the R@A).
Together, these five elements form the unique programme, enabling Scholars to overcome any financial barriers, while providing the expert guidance, lifelong connections and experience of excellence to inspire and equip the next generation of golf leaders around the world.
Since its inception, the programme has welcomed 21 young people from 12 countries across five continents and supports young people from around the world with a wide range of interests.
Ranging from agronomy and club management to coaching, sports medicine, golf development and entrepreneurship, reflecting the diverse nature of golf and the many pathways through which young people contribute to the sport.
Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, said, “Since the launch of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, The R&A Foundation has proudly supported Scholars from all corners of the world, ranging from Nepal to New Zealand, Spain to Kenya and from Great Britain and Ireland to the USA and Canada.
“Each has brought their own expertise to the programme and contributed considerably to the sport.
“Each year we see remarkable energy, creativity and ambition from applicants who have a passion for the future of golf and this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to the sport in so many ways.
“We look forward to hearing from those individuals who are ready to take that next step in their journey.”
One Scholar who has already benefited from the Scholarship is Kashmira Shah from Nepal. Living just 100 yards from the sixth green of Royal Nepal Golf Club, Kashmira grew up watching others enjoy the game.
“Through a free clinic organised by the Nepal Golf Association, she developed a passion for golf and has since represented Nepal nationally in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship (WAAP) and the Asian Games. Kashmira has ambitious plans to grow golf in Nepal with a special focus on developing the women’s game.
“This scholarship has enabled her to pursue a Master’s degree in Golf Management before embarking on a career in Club Management, where she aims to create programmes that increase diversity.
Talking about the Scholarship, Kashmira Shah said: “This Scholarship means everything to me. Golf has been with me through every high and low, and it’s my everything.
“Whatever I am today it’s because of golf and with this opportunity I hope to give back to the game in Nepal, especially by growing women’s golf and providing all the necessary things needed as a female player.
“I also want to inspire young generations to follow their dreams and seek opportunities to grow and give back”.
Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
Newcastle Fire Station Completes £1.1 Million Refurbishment
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has completed a refurbishment of Newcastle Fire Station following an investment of £1.1m in its facilities.
Originally built in 1952, the Station has undergone significant modernisation to bring the facility up to current operational and safety standards while improving sustainability and Firefighter welfare.
The refurbishment works commenced in February 2025 and were successfully completed in November 2025. The project represents a significant investment in local fire and rescue infrastructure, ensuring the Station is fit for purpose for years to come.
The Station now benefits from new and improved welfare facilities, thermal insulation upgrades, and the installation of solar panels.
The refurbished Newcastle Fire Station that was originally built in 1952 is now more environmentally sustainable.
Supporting sustainability goals, the refurbishment works to the Station will also reduce the energy demand and building-related carbon emissions to 30% of its original levels.
NIFRS Southern Area Commander Dermot Rooney said: “For 73 years, Newcastle Fire Station and those who have served there over the years have been a cornerstone of the community, proudly dedicated to protecting its residents.
“This £1.1m renovation project represents a significant investment in both our people and the local community we serve.
“The recent upgrades will ensure the Station continues to be an effective community asset, delivering public safety for many years ahead, by improving Firefighter safety and welfare and minimising our environmental footprint through our commitment to sustainability.
“We are delighted to see this investment finally become a reality. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who played a part in bringing this project to life: the NIFRS project staff, the contractors, our staff in Newcastle, and the local community for their ongoing trust and support in their Fire & Rescue Service.
“Together, we are making Northern Ireland a safer place.”
Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith has welcomed Assembly passing SDLP motion on Caoimhe’s Law
SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith has welcomed the passing of an SDLP motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly supporting the progression of Caoimhé’s Law.
The proposed legislation would make it a criminal offence to record or share images from the scene of a road traffic collision without lawful authority or consent.
(l-r) Downpatrick SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith who brought the motion to Council supporting Caoimhe’s Law is pictured with South Down MLA Colin McGrath who fully backed the essence of the motion.
Earlier this month, Councillor Galbraith brought forward a motion to Newry Mourne and Down District Council asking councillors to endorse the campaign, highlight the gaps in current road safety protections, and call on Ministers to prioritise the issue.
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith said: “I’m pleased to see the Assembly pass this motion. It’s a sensible and necessary step to make sure families are treated with respect in very difficult circumstances.
“Sharing images from collision sites is deeply intrusive, and it’s important that we have clear laws in place to discourage it.
“When I brought this matter to Council, the aim was to add our voice to a campaign that is being led by families and road safety advocates who want to see practical improvements.
“I’m glad that momentum is building across councils and now at the Assembly.
“The focus now has to be on Ministers working together to draft the legislation and to make sure it is delivered within this mandate. There is broad agreement on the direction of travel, what we need now is progress.”
