Latest News...

(Source: BBC News)

Nine cleared of UDA man's murder Nine men involved in the UVF supergrass trial in Belfast are acquitted of the murder of UDA leader Tommy English.

Republican 'silent' over murder The alleged commander of the Continuity IRA in mid-Ulster refused to answer police questions about the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll, a court hears.

250 jobs lost as Peacocks closes Nineteen Peacocks stores in Northern Ireland are to close with the loss of more than 250 jobs.

Holland killer convicted over gun A man jailed for murdering west Belfast greengrocer Harry Holland is convicted of having an imitation gun three months before the killing.

Kingsmills march to be postponed A march commemorating 10 Protestant workmen murdered by the IRA at Kingsmills in 1976 is postponed.

Boy arrested over arson attacks A 16-year-old boy is arrested in connection with a number of arson attacks in the Bangor area.

McGuinness call over bomb victim The parents of a schoolboy killed in an IRA bomb in Londonderry almost 40 years ago say they believe Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness knows who was involved.

Glentoran confirm relocation plan Glentoran confirm plans to relocate from the Oval to the Titanic Quarter area of Belfast by 2016

Plan to ban MLAs' double-jobbing Environment Minister Alex Attwood is to spell out plans to ban double-jobbing between the council and the assembly.

RAAD behind Andrew Allen murder A group calling itself Republican Action Against Drugs, say they murdered Londonderry man Andrew Allen in Buncrana, County Donegal.

Teacher redundancy is criticised A redundancy deal for teachers is criticised at a meeting of the assembly education committee.

New arthritis test is developed A County Antrim company and the University of Ulster are co-operating on a £1m project which could help treat those suffering from arthritis.

Man held over cemetery vandalism A 23-year-old man is arrested after an incident in which a stolen car was used to drive over headstones in Antrim cemetery last year.

Teen charged with carjacking bid A north Belfast teenager charged with a number of offences over an attempted carjacking in the city is remanded in custody.

Helicopter pilot 'incapacitated' The pilot of a helicopter which crashed killing a friend of the Prince of Wales may have been incapacitated, an inquest hears.

Man found trapped under caravan A man is seriously injured after he became trapped under a caravan in County Down.

Strip-searching options pursued The justice minister says he is actively pursuing other alternatives to full body searching in Northern Ireland prisons.

Teacher 'discriminated against' A teacher at Larne Grammar School has been awarded more than £5,000 after a tribunal found she was the victim of indirect sex discrimination.

Driver who killed friend jailed A Magherafelt motorist who caused the death of his best friend when he crashed into a field has been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Derry Catholic education overhaul The Catholic church in Londonderry is proposing to end single sex schools and phase out academic selection.

Woman's car attacked in Strabane A Strabane woman said she feared she was going to be killed after a man climbed on top of her car when she was stopped at traffic lights.

Shop worker threatened in robbery A shop worker has been threatened by a man armed with a hammer during a robbery in Londonderry.

Irish government's 3bn euros sale The Irish government reveals its plans to sell off 3bn euros of state assets, including Firmus Energy which supplies gas to Northern Ireland.

Bodies of brothers-in-law found The bodies of two brothers-in-law are found on neighbouring farms in County Carlow in the Republic of Ireland.

Higgins praises Irish in Britain Irish President Michael D Higgins pays tribute to the Irish community in Britain, during a visit to London.

Man charged over teen girl murder A 23-year-old man is charged with the murder of a 16-year-old girl in Dublin earlier this month.

Paxman in row over famine comment BBC presenter Jeremy Paxman is at the centre of a row for saying that former prime minister Tony Blair should never have apologised for Britain's role in the Irish potato famine.

Top Irish dancers set for Belfast The World Irish Dancing Championships will come to Belfast for the fourth time in 12 years next month.

184 kidneys 'were not used in NI' The health minister to to consult on an organ donation scheme where everyone is included, unless they opt out.

Equality commissioner appointed Michael Wardlow is appointed as the new chief commissioner of the Northern Ireland Equality Commision.

MLAs reject welfare reform motion SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell accuses unionist and Alliance MLAs of what he called "sleep walking behind the Tory government".

Green light for £100m golf resort Plans for a £100m golf resort on Northern Ireland's north coast are given the go-ahead.

Property firm in administration A property firm which once planned a huge marina development on Strangford Lough is placed into administration by Bank of Ireland.

Company fined £35k over bad smell A County Antrim company which operates an animal rendering operation is fined £35,000 for offensive odours.

Job cuts firm won £18m contract HCL, the call centre operator which is laying off 250 workers in Northern Ireland, recently won a £18m contract from the executive, the BBC learns.

IFA and Linfield in Windsor deal The Irish Football Association agree a new 41-year deal with Linfield for the future use of Windsor Park.

Patterson is new Glentoran boss Eddie Patterson agrees a two-and-a-half year deal to become the new manager of Glentoran.

Ireland beat Kenya by six wickets Ireland beat Kenya by six wickets in the first of three Twenty20 internationals between the sides in Mombasa.

VIDEO: Northern Ireland Assembly The DUP brought a motion on organ donation to the assembly, on 21 February 2012.

VIDEO: Alien invasion Native Northern Irish wildlife is being threatened by foreign invaders.

VIDEO: Winning streak A County Londonderry newsagent sells a hat-trick of winning National Lottery tickets over the past few years.

VIDEO: Magee on latest win in Denmark Brian Magee reflects on the successful defence of the WBA interim super-middleweight belt against Denmark's Rudy Markussen

VIDEO: The NI political week in 60 seconds The political week up to 19 February is reviewed in 60 seconds by Gareth Gordon.

VIDEO: Donegal gets Daniel O'Donnell museum Donegal's own superstar Daniel O'Donell is getting a museum dedicated to him in Dungloe.

VIDEO: HET La Mon investigation 'sloppy' Three of the families of victims of the La Mon House Hotel bombing have said they are deeply disappointed at the findings of an Historical Enquiries Team (HET) report into what happened.

Pacino awarded Dublin film honour Hollywood actor Al Pacino gets a presidential reception in Dublin

History of the supergrass system A look at how terrorists beacme supergrasses

Supergrass trial lasted 71 days One of the largest trials in Northern Ireland's legal history ends

Shop in lottery winning hat-trick Newsagent sells a hat-trick of winning tickets

Paper publishes list of orphans Protestant boys burnt out of home during Civil War are named

What the papers say Headline stories from Wednesday's newspapers

Latest Sports News...

(Source: BBC News)

IFA and Linfield in Windsor deal The Irish Football Association agree a new 41-year deal with Linfield for the future use of Windsor Park.

Patterson is new Glentoran boss Eddie Patterson agrees a two-and-a-half year deal to become the new manager of Glentoran.

Glentoran confirm relocation plan Glentoran confirm plans to relocate from the Oval to the Titanic Quarter area of Belfast by 2016

Ireland beat Kenya by six wickets Ireland beat Kenya by six wickets in the first of three Twenty20 internationals between the sides in Mombasa.

McCutcheon set to leave Ballymena Ballymena striker Gary McCutcheon informs Ballymena United that he will be leaving at the end of the season, with Crusaders his likely destination.

Italy make four changes to team Italy make four changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland unchanged for Italy game Declan Kidney names the same Irish side that he picked for the postponed clash against France for Saturday's Six Nations game against Italy.

Derry refused Europa League place Derry City are denied entry into next season's Europa League competition by Uefa.

Dutch-based Cullen linked with NI Michael O'Neill is exploring whether Dutch-based Japanese player Robert Cullen might be prepared to make himself available to Northern Ireland.

Ulster v Ospreys (Fri) Pedrie Wannenburg recovers from injury and is in the Ulster squad to face the Ospreys

McGahan 'set to leave Munster' Munster coach Tony McGahan is set to leave Munster at the end of the season to become the new Australia defensive coach.

Monaghan brawl appeal backfires Monaghan's decision to appeal against the 5,000 Euro fine imposed following the recent brawl in the NFL game against Kildare backfires.

Patterson to miss Setanta clash Rory Patterson will be forced to miss Derry City's Setanta Cup quarter-final against his former club Linfield.

Cliftonville knock out St Pat's Cliftonville's 1-0 win at St Pat's Athletic sees them go through to the Setanta Cup quarter-finals 2-0 on aggregate.

Ferguson named in N Ireland squad Newcastle midfielder Shane Ferguson joins Aaron Hughes in returning to the Northern Ireland squad for next week's friendly with Norway in Belfast.

McClean drafted into Irish squad Sunderland star James McClean is called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to face the Czech Republic later this month.

Irish consider 2023 World Cup bid The Irish Rugby Football Union confirms that it is looking at the feasibility of bidding to host the 2023 World Cup.

Derry crush Whites in Setanta Cup Derry City complete a 7-0 aggregate win over Lisburn Distillery to reach the Setanta Cup quarter-finals.

Glens cruise into quarter-finals Glentoran complete a 7-2 aggregate win over Bray Wanderers to reach the quarter-finals of the Setanta Cup.

Hughes confirmed as Carrick boss Former Northern Ireland star Michael Hughes is appointed manager of Carrick Rangers on a permanent basis.

Coagh Utd 4-1 Newbuildings Utd Coagh United secure an Irish Cup quarter-final meeting with holders Linfield after a comfortable 4-1 replay win over Newbuildings United at Hagan Park.

Ports out as Bohs complete double Portadown go out of the Setanta Cup after losing at home to Bohemians.

VIDEO: McClean thrilled by Republic call-up James McClean is "delighted" after being called into the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's friendly against the Czech Republic.

AUDIO: Uefa blow to cost Derry 110,000 Euro Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty's says the club's exclusion from the Europa League will cost it at least 110,000 Euros.

VIDEO: New NI manager O'Neill unveils first squad New Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill names his squad to play Norway in a friendly at Windsor Park on 29 February

VIDEO: Coagh beat Newbuildings to set up Blues clash Jason Gillespie scores twice as Coagh United knock Newbuildings out of the Irish Cup..

VIDEO: Ports and Blues share spoils Portadown and Linfield share the points after a 1-1 draw at Shamrock Park

VIDEO: O'Hanlon the hero for Glens Jim O'Hanlon scores the winning goal as Glentoran beat Cliftonville 1-0 at The Oval.

VIDEO: Crues beat Lurgan Blues at Seaview Crusaders hold on to beat Glenavon 1-0 at Seaview

VIDEO: Ballymena too strong for Carrick Carrick Rangers fall to a 3-1 defeat at Seaview on Friday night.

VIDEO: Whites beaten by Swifts at New Grosvenor Lisburn Distillery fall to a 2-0 home defeat to Dungannon Swifts.

VIDEO: Trimble says Irish are ready to take on Italy Andrew Trimble says Ireland will hope to make up for their defeat by Wales when they face Italy in Dublin on Saturday.

VIDEO: McLaughlin anticipates Ospreys test Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin says every game in the Pro12 will be "like a cup final" for his side as they attempt to make the play-offs.

VIDEO: Magee on latest win in Denmark Brian Magee reflects on the successful defence of the WBA interim super-middleweight belt against Denmark's Rudy Markussen

VIDEO: Leaders Giants slam seven past Fife Belfast Giants hammer the Fife Flyers 7-1 in the Elite League match at the Odyssey Arena.

AUDIO: McConville relief after Cross comeback Crossmaglen veteran Oisin McConville says the side had to "dig deep" to earn a 3-8 to 2-8 comeback win over Dr Crokes in the All-Ireland Club semi-final.

AUDIO: Hughes explains N Ireland return Aaron Hughes said he reversed his decision to retire from international football because he missed playing for his country.

VIDEO: Ulster fall to Cardiff defeat Highlights from Ulster's 21-14 defeat to the Cardiff Blues in the Pro12 game in Wales.

VIDEO: Highlights - Leinster 16-13 Scarlets Scrum V's Pro12 highlights of Leinster's 16-13 win over the Scarlets (UK users only).

VIDEO: Do you remember these Glory Days? BBC Northern Ireland will soon be broadcasting a sporting archive mini series called Glory Days, featuring the best and most memorable moments the 1970s, '80s and '90s

Derry sign McCaffrey from Swifts Derry City sign defender Dermot McCaffrey from Irish League side Dungannon Swifts on a two-year deal.

Cardiff Blues 21-14 Ulster Cardiff Blues fight back to earn a Pro12 win over Ulster at the Arms Park.

Three-year ban for Dromid Pearses Dromid Pearses are handed a three-year ban after violent clashes in the All-Ireland junior club semi-final against Tyrone team Derrytresk.

Laverty fractures hand in testing Eugene Laverty is expected to be fit for the start of the World Superbike Championship despite fracturing a hand in a 315kph crash during testing in Australia.

Ireland cruise to win over Canada Ireland cruise to an inninings and 11 runs victory over Canada within two days in the Intercontinental Cup game at Rathmines.

Maybin ends three under in India Gareth Maybin lies four under par at the Avantha Masters in New Delhi after carding a third round of one-under-par 71

Belfast Giants 7-1 Fife Flyers Belfast Giants extend their Elite League lead to nine points as they hammer Fife on Saturday while Sheffield lose against Nottingham.

Irish Premiership photos Pictures from the latest round of Irish Premiership matches

Cardiff v Ulster photos Pictures from Ulster's Pro12 defeat by Cardiff Blues

VIDEO: Patterson excited by Glens challenge Eddie Patterson is excited by the prospect of trying to restore the fortunes of Glentoran.

VIDEO: Kidney admits to selection poser Ireland coach Declan Kidney says he spent some time deliberating over his team selection for Saturday's Six Nations game against Italy.

Vicar and teacher murder charges A man is charged with murdering a clergyman at his South Gloucestershire vicarage and a retired teacher in Worcestershire.

Tributes to reporter Marie Colvin Tributes pour in for Sunday Times foreign correspondent Marie Colvin, who has been killed in Syria.

Cherie Blair starts hacking case Cherie Blair has started legal proceedings over phone hacking, her solicitor confirms.

NHS 'will be Cameron's poll tax' Labour leader Ed Miliband tells David Cameron he risks making NHS reform "his poll tax" - in noisy Commons clashes over the health bill.

Alarm over UK-French drone theft A briefcase filled with documents relating to a new Franco-British drone project is stolen in Paris, reports say.

35 years for pregnant teen killer A former nightclub bouncer is jailed for a minimum of 35 years for murdering pregnant teenager Nikitta Grender two weeks before she was due to give birth.

Nine cleared of UDA man's murder Nine men involved in the UVF supergrass trial in Belfast are acquitted of the murder of UDA leader Tommy English.

South Korea wins Navy tanker deal The Royal Navy selects South Korean firm Daewoo for a £452m deal to build four new fuel tankers.

Olympics security test is staged A major exercise testing security and emergency services in the event of a terror attack during the Olympic and Paralympic Games is held in London.

Second body discovered in resort A second body is discovered in Southport a day after a woman was found dead at a property in the Merseyside resort.