Londonderry and Northern Ireland News

Keep up to date with the latest news and sports articles for Londonderry and Northern Ireland. You will also find links on the left that will direct you to local and national newspaper websites and publications.

Latest News... (Source: BBC News)

'It's worse than Covid', says principal as 170 pupils off sick in one day
Confirmed flu cases among adults and children across Northern Ireland have more than trebled in the last two weeks.
'It's not safe for my father to remain in Gaza'
Khalid Al-Estal, who is an Irish citizen, managed to get his two small children to Dublin in 2023, but two years later his father remains in Gaza.
Man remanded for attempted pipe bomb attack on GAA club
John Wilson, 59, of Lower Braniel Road in Belfast, placed two crude pipe bombs on the bonnets of cars parked at grounds used by East Belfast GAA.
The Grinch is set to crash the Late Late Toy Show
Children from across Northern Ireland are taking part in the annual TV extravaganza.
Officer moved to Australia to end threats to parents after data breach
The officer says the 2023 breach "put a target on my family home" and led to her taking a job with the Western Australia Police Force.
Renewable energy generation 'sliding backwards' as figures dip
New figures from the Department for the Economy show a slight fall in the use of renewable energy sources for a third year in a row.
Irish battalion safe after coming under fire in south Lebanon
A Defence Forces spokesperson said the 127 Infantry Battalion came under fire while conducting a patrol.
'The time was right' - Oxtoby swaps Northern Ireland for Newcastle
Stepping away from international football to manage a club in England's second tier was a decision Tanya Oxtoby "didn't take lightly".
First and deputy first ministers to meet PM
Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly are due to attend the latest British-Irish Council (BIC) summit in Wales.
Ireland boycotts Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
There had been calls for Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza, as well as unfair voting accusations.
Will new signs be enough to stop car traffic on buzzing Belfast street?
Hill Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter will be pedestrianised for an initial six-month period.
BBC reports from family court case in NI media first
The case is part of a new media pilot scheme, introduced by the Lady Chief Justice to help reform the courts.
GP services in 'crisis' as one patient calls 98 times for appointment - report
The PAC report says patients are experiencing significant difficulty accessing GP services in Northern Ireland.
Children being hit by 'most severe flu outbreak' since 2010
Paediatric emergency medicine consultant Dr Julie-Ann Maney says it is a particularly virulent strain of influenza.
Record number of patients on NI hospital waiting lists
Latest statistics show at the end of September there were 542,451 patients waiting to see a consultant.
Bluetongue control zone may be extended across NI, says minister
Andrew Muir told Good Morning Ulster further measures may be put in place to try and stop the spread of bluetongue virus.
'A way to honour our babies and recognise their loss'
Gemma McGibbon, who has had four miscarriages, says new certificates that acknowledge loss during pregnancy before 24 weeks will "honour those babies". Gemma McGibbon, 3
'Palliative care in NI is a Cinderella service'
A widower shared his wife's story ahead of a report on access to palliative care services in NI.
Gary Neville gets Queen's honorary degree
The former Manchester United star turned pundit is honoured for his contribution to sport, business, education and philanthropy.
'I was emotionally bullied by some coaches, now I want to help'- ex-boxer Walsh
Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh on reckoning in retirement with the emotional bruises of boxing.
Slow down and keep us safe, rural school pupils urge fast drivers
Parents and teachers at a County Tyrone primary school call on the government to reduce the speed limit on the road outside the building over safety fears.
BBC Newsline signed summary
A signed summary of BBC Newsline.
'It was part of my childhood' - keeping Ulster Scots heritage alive
Ulster Scots Language event traces Ulster's heritage through the poetry of the "Rhyming Weavers".
BBC Newsline signed summary
A signed summary of BBC Newsline.
'I'm cockney, I'm Zulu, but I'm also Belfast-ian'- how identity influences NI hip-hop
A new BBC NI documentary Born in Belfast: A Hip Hop Story tells the story of how the genre found a home in Belfast.
Could wartime lord's statue become town's newest attraction?
A bid for funding has been made for a project which would include a statue of Hugh O'Neill on the Hill of the O'Neill.
Good weather gives rare butterfly species a boost
The Marsh Fritillary is known for its stained glass effect wings, but numbers have been in decline.
'I shouldn't have felt guilty for my miscarriages'
A study by Queen's University Belfast (QUB) found women frequently reported feelings of isolation and guilt following miscarriage.
Residents and businesses hope for a return to normal as road reopens
Durham Street has reopened more than a year after it was closed due to work around the new Grand Central station.
'I'll definitely use the new late night transport' as scheme launches
An extended timetable of late night bus and rail services in Northern Ireland begins on Friday night.
'I've been punched and spat at by customers'
More plain clothed and uniformed officers will be visible across towns and cities in NI during the Christmas period.
Family court system 'scary' and 'not fit for purpose', say parents
Family courts make thousands of rulings in NI every year on issues such as adoption, divorce and child custody.
Mum travels 80 miles to take her son to 'priceless' cerebral palsy school
The Buddy Bear School in Dungannon, County Tyrone, opened in 1993 and is the only school of its kind in Northern Ireland.
'My son is asking when his school will open again'
More than 200 pupils of Nazareth House primary school in Derry are at home for a second day because of concerns over the building's roof.
'I can't wait to make my Northern Irish debut' - Opera star Tara Erraught
The internationally acclaimed singer performs at Londonderry's St Columb's Hall on Thursday.
Principal 'angered and saddened' by school roof safety closure
The principal of Nazareth House Primary School in Londonderry says she does not know when they will be able to reopen.
NI's 'worst road' fixed as new scheme aims to tackle potholes
Northern Ireland's road network will become the "most understood in the world" the company behind the scheme says.
At-large killer returned to prison after extradition
James Meehan appeared in court in Ballymena on Tuesday after he was extradited from the Republic of Ireland.
Appeal for information after man indecently exposed himself
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may be aware of similar incidents, to come forward.
Man refuses to leave cell to face assault charge
A police officer sustained a serious hand injury in an assault in Londonderry on Saturday night.
Two dead after crash involving bus and car
The crash happened on the Derrylin Road near Enniskillen on Friday evening.
Teacher has jail term revoked for sex assault on child
A former music teacher at Erne Integrated College had his appeal against his sentence upheld.
Easter parade trial shown 'join the IRA' video
The four men - Thomas Ashe Mellon, Jason Lee Ceulemans, Patrick Anthony Gallagher and Stephen Martin Murney - deny the charges.
Attempted murder arrest after officer stabbed with hunting knife
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the attack highlights the risks many police officers face on a day-to-day basis.
Walled city's heritage brought to life in new 3D map
Using state-of-the-art scanning technology, Derry's historic walls have been recreated in a 3D map.
Seized pipe bombs contained ball bearings - trial told
The details were given at the trial of four men who deny charges linked to a dissident republican parade in Derry in 2023.
Trial begins for four accused over Derry Easter parade
The four men - Thomas Ashe Mellon, Jason Lee Ceulemans, Patrick Anthony Gallagher and Stephen Martin Murney - deny the charges.
Men jailed over unprovoked attack on drunk friend
Kieran Kelly and Dylan Quaile were both jailed for an unprovoked attack on a friend in September 2024
Drug-dealer jailed for role in organised crime gang
Jack Terence Boyd, 28, with an address at Maghaberry Prison, will spend two years in jail and two more on licence.
Remembering the five rail workers killed by train
A service will be held to remember five railway workers killed after being struck by a passenger train as they carried out maintenance work.
Sycamore Gap sapling planted in honour of Strabane man
The sapling was planted in Strabane as part of the National Trust's Trees of Hope project.
Woman's death caused by wheel bearing failure, inquest told
Shauna McDevitt, a 47-year-old mother of one, died after the incident near Toomebridge on 10 April 2022.
Senior Irish government figures briefed on drone presence during Zelensky visit
The Irish Defence Forces says it had no comment on "any alleged incidents" during the visit.
How the Irish border was created
The Boundary Commission plan to adjust the border and remove places from NI was ditched in a British-Irish deal
Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme
The six-month scheme, set to roll out in Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny will see about 128 officers given the stunguns.
Ireland to give ?125m to Ukraine as Zelensky visits Dublin
The announcement was made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a press conference on Tuesday.
TV architect Hugh Wallace dies, aged 68
Hugh Wallace, 68, was best known for presenting RTÉ's Home of the Year and the BBC's The Great House Revival
Council removes proposal to rename park named after former president of Israel
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
Crumbling homes redress payouts top ?230m
Campaigners say too many families in the Republic of Ireland remain in unsafe homes this winter.
CMAT, Fontaines D.C. and Gorillaz to play Electric Picnic 2026
Electric Picnic will take place from 28 August to 30 August 2026 at Stradbally Hall, County Laois.
Report in relation to renaming Herzog Park set to be withdrawn
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
Israeli president concerned over proposed renaming of park
The park is named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel.
'Callous' beheading of stag prompts police investigation
The headless body of the stag, that was part of the herd at Newbridge Demesne in Dublin, was found by staff on Thursday.
Son given life sentence for murdering his 75-year-old mother
Miriam Burns died from asphyxia due to manual strangulation along with blunt force trauma to her head.
Wrong anthem played at Republic of Ireland game
The Republic of Ireland's players sung an a cappella version of the national anthem after God Save the King was played by mistake ahead of a Women's Under-19 European qualifier.
'Significant' number of asylum seekers in Ireland coming from NI
Jim O'Callaghan says almost 90% of those seeking international protection in the Republic have come from Northern Ireland.
Woman in critical condition after being set on fire
The woman was removed from the scene to hospital to be treated for burn injuries which are believed to be serious.
Irish school teacher Enoch Burke arrested and brought to prison
An Garda Síochána (Irish police) confirmed that they executed a High Court order in Mullingar, County Westmeath on Tuesday.
Bus Éireann CEO 'devastated' following crash deaths
The crash involving three vehicles happened on the R132 in Gormanston, County Meath, on Monday morning.
Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
His family issued a statement on Saturday saying they are "deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness".
Pilot dies in small plane crash in Republic of Ireland
The man, who was alone in the plane, was the only fatality in the incident, Irish police say.

Latest Sports News... (Source: BBC News)

McIlroy makes Australian Open cut with late birdies
Rory McIlroy makes three birdies in his last four holes in the second round to make the cut for the weekend at the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.
'The time was right' - Oxtoby swaps Northern Ireland for Newcastle
Stepping away from international football to manage a club in England's second tier was a decision Tanya Oxtoby "didn't take lightly".
Wiffen wins stunning 1500m gold as McMillan takes 200m silver
Daniel Wiffen puts in a late surge to retain his 1500m freestyle title in a thrilling final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships.
The World Cup draw is here - this is how it will work
Pots, quadrants, confederation constraints, group position grids ... the World Cup draw is not going to be straightforward.
How GAA helped Smyth make NFL kick with 7% success rate
New Orleans Saints coordinator Phil Galiano says Charlie Smyth's GAA background help him make a kick with a 7% success rate in the NFL this season.
Ulster's Murphy happy to be back on European stage
Jack Murphy says Ulster feel "really confident" as they prepare to host Racing 92 in Friday's Challenge Cup opener at Affidea Stadium (20:00 GMT).
Randall named NIFWA November player of the month
Larne midfielder Mark Randall is named November's player of the month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.
Bergamo to host NI's World Cup play-off with Italy
Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy will take place at Stadio di Bergamo on 26 March.
Ioane starts shock Leinster spell after Sexton spat
As Rieko Ioane prepares for his Leinster debut, BBC Sport NI looks at his shock move and his spat with Ireland legend Johnny Sexton.
'No bigger issue' - GAA tackles demographic changes
GAA president Jarlath Burns says there is "no bigger issue" for the association than demographic changes, after recommendations were set out for the future of gaelic games.
Bell set to make Ulster debut in European opener
Australia prop Angus Bell is set to make his Ulster debut off the bench in Friday's Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium.
Smyth to keep place for New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirms kicker Charlie Smyth will keep his place for their upcoming game against Tampa Bay
The Ireland Rugby Social with Rob Kearney
Former Ireland full-back, Rob Kearney, shares his favourite rugby memories
Highlights: Glens beat Reds on penalties in BetMcLean Cup
Watch highlights as Glentoran beat holders Cliftonville 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the BetMcLean Cup quarter-final.
Kicker Smyth impresses on NFL debut for Saints
Charlie Smyth makes an impressive NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints with a 56-yard field goal and a successful onside kick in their 21-17 defeat to the Miami Dolphins.
Ireland must improve 'all areas' before World Cup
Ireland captain Caelan Doris admits his side's journey to the 2027 Rugby World Cup must feature improvements "across all areas" after a mixed autumn campaign.
McIlroy produces 'rollercoaster' opening round
Rory McIlroy describes his one-over par round of 72 at the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne as a "rollercoaster".
Dunfermline decry 'severe' four-game Lennon ban
Dunfermline are "extremely disappointed with the severity" of manager Neil Lennon's six-match touchline ban, two of which are suspended.
Hearn keen on Windsor Park return for Crocker
Lewis Crocker's promoter Eddie Hearn says a "big outdoor event" at Windsor Park is likely for the IBF welterweight champion's first title defence in spring.
O'Neill leaves with Celtic's thanks as well as a new tracksuit
Martin O'Neill leaves with one final performance after Celtic's grand old showman departs the stage.
A draw with a winner? The routes to northern glory at 2027 World Cup
Has the 2027 World Cup draw handed an advantage to northern hemisphere sides chasing glory?
'Stoppages, TMOs, referees' hurting rugby 'badly'
Former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney tells the BBC's Ireland Rugby Social podcast that he believes changes are coming to improve rugby union as a spectacle.
Ireland must look after 'own side of things' at World Cup
Head coach Andy Farrell is not being drawn on suggestions that Ireland have been handed a favourable draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
'Here we go' - what's it like to make your NFL debut?
After dreaming of playing in the NFL, Charlie Smyth says making his debut for the New Orleans Saints was "the moment I've been waiting for".
'I was emotionally bullied by some coaches, now I want to help'- ex-boxer Walsh
Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh on reckoning in retirement with the emotional bruises of boxing.
What went wrong for Jim Ervin at Ballymena?
BBC Sport NI looks at what went wrong for Jim Ervin during his tenure as Sky Blues boss after the club announced they had parted company with their former defender on Sunday.
Batting for Ireland with brother 'a privilege'
Ireland batter Tim Tector says playing on the same side as his brother Harry is special as the siblings aim to help the tourists secure a T20 series win over Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Past experiences key in Scotstown win - Hughes
Scotstown veteran Darren Hughes tells BBC Sport NI he is thrilled to have another opportunity to win an Ulster club title following Sunday's epic semi-final win over Newbridge.
Littlejohn abuse after Cain incident 'disgusting'
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward says abuse directed towards midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn has been "disgusting" and a "disgrace".
Windsor Park included in UK bid for 2035 World Cup
Belfast's Windsor Park is one of 22 venues named in the UK's bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup.
LIV spending 'irrational' sums of money - McIlroy
Rory McIlroy believes "irrational" spending from the LIV series has created a fracture in golf that will be difficult to repair.
'If I believed rugby was broken, I wouldn't be here'
New Ulster general manager Rory Best discusses the state of rugby union and his desire to ready the province's players for Ireland duty.
Tyson makes surprise appearance in Belfast
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson stunned onlookers when he was spotted in north Belfast in Wednesday afternoon.
Full list of 2026 GAA National League fixtures in football and hurling
All of your fixtures for the 2026 GAA National Leagues.
Red Bull Junior McLaughlin wins Sexton Trophy
Red Bull Junior driver Fionn McLaughlin wins the prestigious Sexton Trophy after his title-winning British F4 campaign.
Ioane on bench as Leinster recall Ireland stars
New Zealand international Rieko Ioane is set to make his Leinster debut off the bench in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Harlequins at Aviva Stadium.
Dublin v Donegal part of opening day double-header
Dublin will host Donegal as part of an opening day Football League Croke Park double-header on Saturday 24 January.
What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at Northern Ireland's historical record against Italy
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn play-off opponents
Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina and Northern Ireland travel to Italy in the World Cup play-off semi-finals.
NI's latest debutant Kelly 'itching' for more caps
Patrick Kelly says he is "delighted" to have made his Northern Ireland debut against Luxembourg, but is "itching" for more caps.
Is Donley ready to fill NI's 'problem position'?
After scoring his first senior international goal against Luxembourg on Monday, is Jamie Donley the right man to lead the line in Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off?
NI enter play-offs 'with a lot of optimism' - O'Neill
Michael O'Neill says Northern Ireland enter March's World Cup play-offs with "a lot of optimism" after their 1-0 win over Luxembourg.
Conor Murray selects his ultimate XV
Conor picks the ultimate line-up of players he?s shared a rugby pitch with
Watch: Donley nets first Northern Ireland goal in win over Luxembourg
Watch the best of the action as Jamie Donley scores his first international goal for Northern Ireland in their 1-0 win over Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying.
IOM TT record-breaker Dunlop receives MBE from King
Michael Dunlop, who holds the record for the most number of Isle of Man TT wins with 33, receives his MBE from King Charles in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Rea has 'mixed emotions' as Superbike career ends
Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea says he has "mixed emotions" as his racing career ends after a crash at Jerez at the final round of the season.
Masters win 'lived up to expectations' - McIlroy
Rory McIlroy says completing the Grand Slam of major successes by winning The Masters in April "lived up to expectations".

National News Headlines

Flights resume at Edinburgh Airport after air traffic control outage
All incoming and outgoing flights were suspended for about two hours after an IT issue was reported.
Government pledges to end children living in B&Bs
The strategy also includes making childcare more accessible for families on Universal Credit.
Top UK scientist says research visa restrictions endanger economy
Prof Sir Paul Nurse says the UK is "shooting itself in the foot" with its visa system for researchers.
Turkey breeder supplying luxury stores investigated over welfare
Farm workers are suspended over animal welfare and biosecurity concerns at a turkey breeding site.
Supermoon dazzles with a halo in the night sky
The last supermoon of 2025 rose on Thursday night and for some sky gazers it included a Moon halo, as Simon King explains
60 delivery riders face deportation after illegal work crackdown
The Home Office says the group are among 171 riders arrested over seven days in November in a national "enforcement blitz".
Residents remain out of 200 homes in major incident
Two people were arrested on Thursday before 200 homes were evacuated.
German president compares UK ties post-Brexit to Oasis
Frank-Walter Steinmeier says both sides had decided to not look back in anger while referencing band's reunion.
Details of plan to keep pubs open longer for World Cup revealed
Licensing hours could be extended to 01:00 if a home nation reaches the final stages next summer.
Priest admitted assaulting boy before being made bishop, leaked report claims
Convicted sex offender and former bishop Anthony Pierce is accused of sexually abusing another boy.
We would sell books by AI, says Waterstones boss
James Daunt says booksellers instinctively have "disdain" for AI but it could be sold if clearly labelled.
Farage accuses BBC of double standards after racism allegations
The Reform UK leader turns fire on the BBC as he faces further questions about allegations of teenage racism.

Source: BBC News

Londonderry and Northern Ireland News

Business & Community

Local Offers & Promotions

Food, Drink & Entertainment

Travel & Accommodation

Property & Property Services

Jobs & Employment Services

Classifieds (Buy & Sell)

Chat, News & Links

Free Local Listings