Belfast and Northern Ireland News

Keep up to date with the latest news and sports articles for Belfast 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)

A-levels: Over a third of NI results lower than estimated grades
There is a mixed picture as thousands of pupils receive their results, after exams were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Covid R number now likely to be about 1.6 in Northern Ireland
Newly-released figures show there have been 31 coronavirus clusters identified in NI since May.
A-levels: 'Dreams ruined by an algorithm'
Students and staff react to A-level results, amid growing anger after 37% of estimated grades are lowered.
France to be added to UK quarantine countries
People returning from the Netherlands and Malta from Saturday will also have to self-isolate.
Boris Johnson: NI centenary to be handled 'sensitively'
Boris Johnson says a forum will be set up to discuss how to mark 100 years since NI's foundation.
Galway paddleboarders rescued after 15 hours in the sea
Sara Feeney and her cousin Ellen Glynn were found clinging to a lobster pot by a fisherman.
Q&A: Northern Ireland A-level results
How have Northern Ireland's A-level results been calculated, and how does the appeals process work?
Exam results: Do I have a right to know my child's results? And other questions
Are you concerned about your results? Experts answer some of your questions.
Coronavirus: Executive agrees reallocation of Covid-19 funding
Almost £50m of the £123m is going towards safely reopening schools and further education colleges.
Coronavirus: NI schools given new guidance for reopening
Minister outlines "relaxed" social distancing rules and optional face coverings in classrooms.
Coronavirus: Care home owner would close to keep residents safe
A County Down care home owner says he would close his facility to visitors to keep residents safe.
Aaron Brady guilty of murdering Det Garda Adrian Donohoe
Det Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead in 2013 during a robbery in Lordship, County Louth.
Coronavirus: Robin Swann says NI facing dangerous point of pandemic
The health minister says some people in NI have stopped following even basic Covid-19 guidance.
Coronavirus: Face coverings 'encouraged' but not for 'routine use' in schools
Draft guidance says face masks will be "strongly encouraged" but not recommended for "routine use".
Coronavirus: Almost 170m PPE items delivered in five months
New figures show the provision of protective equipment for the NI health service between March and July.
Coronavirus: Belfast Royal Academy makes face masks mandatory
They will be compulsory for staff and pupils, who will not be allowed into a classroom without one.
Coronavirus: What do NI shoppers make of mandatory face coverings?
Shoppers and retailers on the streets of Belfast give their opinions on day one of the new law.
Coronavirus: Face coverings now compulsory for NI shoppers
In a bid to suppress coronavirus, people in NI must now cover their face when they enter shops.
Bird watching: The robin that thinks a cuckoo is its baby
The duo, captured on video in a County Donegal garden, are not exactly birds of a feather.
Perseid meteor shower is 'greatest show' for stargazers
One of nature's greatest light shows, the Perseid meteor shower, is visible over Northern Ireland.
The magnetic toys that can do serious damage to children
The tiny ball magnets can cause life-threatening sepsis when lodged in a child's intestines.
Latest Northern Ireland weather forecast
The weather forecast in Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus: Derry Playhouse has unique plan to fill empty seats
The Playhouse wants items connecting people to loved ones lost to the Troubles or coronavirus.
Beginner's luck for 10-year-old metal detectorist
A boy who received a metal detector for his 10th birthday finds an old sword the first day he used it.
GAA: The African fishermen taking up gaelic football
A number of men from Ghana are taking up GAA after working in Ardglass for the last year.
Cuilcagh boardwalk: Increasing visitor numbers on stairway to heaven
As visitor numbers increase, social distancing has been made difficult on the 1.2m wide boardwalk.
Morgan Barnard: Mum skydives to mark son's 18th birthday
Maria Barnard completes a skydive in honour of her son Morgan, who died in the Greenvale Hotel tragedy.
Face coverings: 'People understand lives are at stake'
Shoppers in NI are adapting after masks became compulsory in shops and other enclosed indoor spaces.
John and Pat Hume Foundation plans 'at advanced stage'
The foundation was due to launch in May but plans were postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Apprentice Boys parade on reduced scale due to coronavirus
Thirty Apprentice Boys paraded around the city walls in Londonderry, much reduced from previous years.
Londonderry: Car hijacked and burned out in Derry
The latest incident happened just before midnight on Thursday on Elaghmore Park.
Londonderry: Riot charge teenagers released on bail
The charges relate to incidents in the Galliagh area of the city earlier this week.
Coronavirus: Non-essential travel could be restricted in Ireland
The Republic's health minister said his department was "preparing options" to present to government.
Coronavirus: More Irish areas could come under Covid restrictions
Movement restrictions in Kildare, Laois and Offaly could be applied elsewhere, health official warns.
Coronavirus: Face coverings advised in Republic of Ireland's secondary schools
Secondary school pupils and teachers should wear face coverings when a two-metre distance is not possible.
Dublin: Two arrested after police seize ?3m worth of heroin
The seizure was carried out as part of a joint operation with Irish Revenue's Custom Services.
TikTok to open $500m data centre in Ireland
The firm says the move represents its "long-term commitment to Europe".

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

300-1 shot He Knows No Fear makes horse racing history with win at Leopardstown
He Knows No Fear becomes the longest-priced winner in horse racing history by securing a 300-1 victory at Leopardstown.
Carl Frampton: Belfast fighter out to impress against Traynor
Carl Frampton wants to beat Darren Traynor in style on Saturday in a fight he must win to earn a world title shot against Jamel Herring.
British Superbikes: Championship leader Glenn Irwin 'keeping his feet on the ground'
Glenn Irwin says he will not be getting carried away with being top of the British Superbike standings after the first of six rounds.
Champions League: Blues boss Healy disappointed after Drita game cancelled
Linfield manager David Healy says it was a "challenge" for his team when their Champions League qualifier was called off after two Drita players tested positive for Covid-19.
McComb 'blessed' to be back boxing again
Belfast's Sean McComb says he felt "blessed" to be boxing again after securing a points victory over Siar Ozgul in Wakefield on Wednesday.
Munster: Senior player self-isolating as academy player tests positive for Covid-19
A senior Munster player is self-isolating after coming into "close contact" with an academy player who tested positive for Covid-19.
Always been a dream but it becoming more of a reality ? Jones
Ulster and Malone's Neve Jones says she "can't wait" to show Ireland's coaches her ability after being called into the Ireland squad for the remaining Six Nations fixtures in October.
David Shanahan: Kerry punter chasing American dream in uncertain times
Kerry punter David Shanahan is unsure of when he will make his Georgia Tech debut as US college matches are postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hannah Craig: Social media has positives and negatives for female athletes
London 2012 finalist Hannah Craig says social media can be beneficial for promoting female sport but also has its downside.
Wayne Boyd: Northern Irishman not focusing on Euro Le Mans title despite strong start
Northern Ireland's Wayne Boyd says he isn't looking too far ahead after a dominant start to the European Le Mans Series.
Sean McComb: Belfast fighter secures unanimous points win over Siar Ozgul
Belfast super-lightweight Sean McComb earns a comfortable points victory over English opponent Siar Ozgul in Wakefield.
Ronan Wilson: Coleraine sign midfielder from Cliftonville
Irish Premiership runners-up Coleraine have announced the capture of versatile midfielder Ronan Wilson from Cliftonville.
Champions League: Linfield given bye through to first round after tie with Drita called off
Uefa gives Linfield a bye into the first qualifying round of the Champions League after their tie with Kosovan side FC Drita was called off.
Aaron Burns joins Portadown after Sky Blues departure
Versatile attacker Aaron Burns has signed for Irish Premiership returnees Portadown after leaving Ballymena United.
Antrim Coast Half Marathon: Top Irish and GB runners to race in September event
Organisers predict the Antrim Coast Half Marathon on 12 September will be the fastest races over the distance ever staged in Ireland.
Michael Conlan: Belfast fighter bullish for Takoucht showdown
Belfast featherweight Michael Conlan says he is in the best shape of his career as he prepares to take on Sofiane Takoucht on Saturday night.
Kate O'Connor: Irish heptathlete won't put pressure on herself to book Tokyo spot
Kate O'Connor says the delaying of the Olympics may increase her chances of qualification but "won't put too much pressure on myself".
Ulster Rugby: Head coach Dan McFarland 'invigorated' by Ulster's adaptability
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland says he was "invigorated" by how the club adapted to the challenges thrown at them during rugby's enforced break.
Jeremy McWilliams: Rea and Irwin brothers can build on their weekend successes
Ex-MotoGP, World Superbike and British Superbike rider Jeremy McWilliams says Jonathan Rea and the Irwin brothers can build on their weekend victories.

National News Headlines

France to be added to UK quarantine countries
People returning from the Netherlands and Malta from Saturday will also have to self-isolate.
Coronavirus: Lockdown to ease further in England from Saturday
More beauty treatments, small wedding receptions and live indoor shows can resume this weekend.
Fewer hospital patients in Covid-19 hotspots
Hospital admissions are not rising despite increases in coronavirus cases, according to NHS England data.
'We were all packed, then they cancelled our holiday'
Hundreds of would-be holidaymakers are finding their bookings have been cancelled last minute.
Free school meals 'should be extended' for pupils from low-income migrant families
Pupils from low-income migrant families should keep getting government support, say charities.
Coronavirus in Wales: Plans to relax indoor meeting rules postponed
Outbreaks elsewhere linked to people meeting in homes mean changes will not now happen on Monday.
?Raise sick pay? to lower virus health and economic risk
It would manage a "crude" trade-off between lives and jobs as the UK economy reopens, a report says.
New Covid rules for Scottish bars and restaurants
Taking customers' details and infection control measures are now mandatory for Scotland's hospitality sector.
A-levels: Anger over 'unfair' results this year
There are calls for a review and free appeals as concern grows over "volatility" in this year's results.
Bury shooting: Boxer Cole Kershaw dies in 'targeted attack'
Police say they believe the shooting of Cole Kershaw in Bury was not a "random attack".
UK heatwave: Thunderstorms and flash floods after scorching heat
Flash floods spark travel disruption, after yellow storm warnings are issued for swathes of the UK.
Storm Dennis: 'At least £500m to prevent more flooding in Wales'
Six months on from the devastation caused by Storm Dennis, there are calls for urgent action.

Source: BBC News

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