Belfast and Northern Ireland News

Odhrán Kelly murder: Second man charged over Lurgan killing

The 31 year old is due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Weather warnings issued in Northern Ireland and Republic

There has been wind and rain in NI and Storm Elin is bringing strong gusts in the Republic.

Ballymena: Woman in critical condition following crash

A man was also injured in the crash but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Bath 37-14 Ulster: Accuracy a problem, says Dan McFarland as Ulster lose Investec Champions Cup opener

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland bemoans his side's lack of accuracy after they fell to a heavy loss to Bath their Investec Champions Cup opener.

Downpatrick: Pallets of seafood stolen from factory

Police have appealed for anyone offered seafood items in suspicious circumstances to contact them.

Political pacts: Will there be deals at next Westminster election?

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's Lagan Valley seat will be among the most hotly contested.

Linfield go top with win over 10-man Swifts

Linfield move one point clear at the top of the Irish Premiership with a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over 10-man Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

Banking hub: Kilkeel welcomes return of 'face-to-face' service

Northern Ireland's first banking hub could be the future for towns and villages with no banks.

Christmas trees: The rising costs of growing the real deal

Christmas tree business owners have seen a rise in the number of real trees bought this year.

Shane MacGowan: Tribute to 'trailblazer' at Tipperary funeral

The late Pogues singer is hailed as a poet as family, fans and famous friends mourn him in Tipperary.

Man openly carried loaded submachine gun in Belfast, court hears

A 29-year-old-man allegedly kept the weapon for paramilitaries, a Belfast court hears.

Kidney transplant: Three-year-old is smallest patient

Olly Cartmill was 13kg when he had the life-saving operation, getting a kidney from his grandmother.

Rugby's concussion problem tackled by smart mouthguards

Concussion is one of the major issues facing rugby - but answers may lie in a new bit of smart tech.

Latest Northern Ireland weather forecast

The weather forecast in Northern Ireland.

Troubles sculpture sells for £37k

Road deaths: Families describe moment their worlds were shattered

Three bereaved families speak about loss as road deaths in Northern Ireland reach a six-year high.

Boris Johnson Covid apology 'doesn't cut it' for Enniskillen woman

Anne Elliott's brother Basil died in a nursing home and she says families "won't get over this".

More than 200 areas missing out on benefits of trees

The Tree Equity Score reveals more than 178,000 trees are needed in Northern Ireland neighbourhoods.

Fans sing Dirty Old Town at MacGowan's procession

Pogues fans sing some of Shane MacGowan's best known hits in Dublin ahead of his Tipperary funeral.

Smallest kidney transplant patient to have a different Christmas

Three-year-old Olly Cartmill is in for a very special Christmas this year following a transplant.

Can smart mouthguards reduce rugby head injuries?

A rugby coach has said she is "hopeful" new smart mouthguards will be introduced at amateur level.

Covid apology 'worthless', say bereaved families

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Royal Mail denies prioritising parcels over letters

Mark H Durkan says his office has been inundated with complaints about letters arriving late.

Derry: Christmas jumper swap shop cutting down on winter waste

People were asked to raid their wardrobes and donate their unwanted Christmas jumpers.

Infected blood: Derry man says government vote stance 'shameful'

MPs delivered a defeat for the government by backing plans to speed up compensation for victims.

Londonderry: Man Tasered in Marianus Park apartment attack

Police appeal for information after an aggravated burglary in Marianus Park on Monday afternoon.

Football Association of Ireland vote in favour of gender-balanced board

The Football Association of Ireland approves an extension of its board to ensure it meets the Irish government's gender balance directive.

Irish deer to be culled, says minister

A cabinet minister says culling will go ahead due to growing population, on a report recommendation.

Conor McGregor faces criticism after online rap battle

Former UFC champion faces criticism for attacking the disabilities and religion of a battle rapper.

A-levels: Criteria changes to help NI students attend Irish universities

The changes will make it easier for NI students to study in the Republic of Ireland, says an Irish minister.

Record ?6.3bn corporation tax collected in Ireland

Ireland?s tax authorities collected a record amount of corporation tax during November.

Five-try Bath too strong for Ulster in European opener

Bath stage an impressive comeback to secure a bonus-point win over Ulster in a gripping Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 opener at the Rec.

Linfield go top with comeback win over 10-man Swifts

Linfield move one point clear at the top of the Irish Premiership with a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over 10-man Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

Accuracy a problem for Ulster, says McFarland

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland bemoans his side's lack of accuracy after they fell to a heavy loss to Bath their Investec Champions Cup opener.

Ireland level Zimbabwe T20 series with four-wicket win

Ireland set up a T20 series decider against Zimbabwe on Sunday by clinching a tense four-wicket win over the hosts in Harare.

Watch: Blues edge 10-man Swifts in seven-goal thriller

Linfield move one point ahead of Larne at the summit of the Irish Premiership with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over 10-man Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

Highlights: Cliftonville and Glentoran take point apiece at Solitude

Cliftonville and Glentoran take a point apiece from their Irish Premiership game at Solitude which ends 2-2.

O'Rourke knew Scotstown 'meant business' after summer game

Glen manager Malachy O'Rourke says he is not surprised Scotstown are his side's Ulster final opponents having lost a challenge game to them earlier this year.

Watch: 'Bath were clinical' - McFarland

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland discusses his side's performance following their 37-14 defeat against Bath in their opening Investec Champions Cup game at the Rec.

Bayonne strike late to draw at Munster

Bayonne score a late converted try to earn a 17-17 draw at Munster in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup.

Watch: Coleraine end winless run by beating Loughgall

Coleraine earn a first Irish Premiership win in seven games as they edge out Loughgall 3-2 at the Showgrounds.

Wiffen twins qualify for 800m freestyle final

Daniel and Nathan Wiffen qualify for Sunday's 800m final at the European Short Course Championships as Danielle Hill is sixth in the 100m backstroke.

FAI vote in favour of gender-balanced board

The Football Association of Ireland approves an extension of its board to ensure it meets the Irish government's gender balance directive.

Watch: O'Hara, 17, nets on first Coleraine start

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney says Ciaran O'Hara's performance in training on Thursday convinced him to give the 17-year-old a first Bannsiders start against Loughgall on Saturday.

'A difficult night for everybody' - Baxter

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter says the wet and windy conditions made it a "difficult night for everybody" in Friday's 1-0 win over Carrick Rangers.

We need LIV's Rahm - McIlroy's Ryder Cup U-turn

Europe will need to "rewrite the rules" for Ryder Cup eligibility following Jon Rahm's move to LIV Golf, says Rory McIlroy.

Watch: Giants secure victory over Panthers in Belfast

Watch highlights as the Belfast Giants secure a 4-3 victory over the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League game at the SSE Arena.

Ireland to play South Africa in two-Test tour next summer

Ireland will face world champions South Africa in a two-Test series tour next summer.

Highlights: Ruthless Larne ease past Glenavon

A stellar second half display helps Larne ease past Glenavon 4-1 at Inver Park to move back to the top of the table.

Watch: 'It's a point gained' - Ervin on Newry draw

Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin praises his side for holding Newry City to a 0-0 draw despite being reduced to 10-men during the second half

Watch: Crues edge Carrick at Taylors Avenue

Crusaders get back to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 win against Carrick Rangers at a rain soaked Taylors Avenue.

Watch: Ten-man Ballymena hold Newry City to goalless draw

Ten-man Ballymena hold struggling Newry City to goalless draw at a blustery Newry Showgrounds.

Watch: Linfield see off Larne on penalties after extra-time drama

Holders Linfield grab a last-gasp 2-2 extra-time draw before going on to beat Larne 3-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the BetMcLean Cup.

Highlights: Reds come from behind to seal win over Swifts

Cliftonville come from a goal behind to beat Cliftonville 4-1 at Stangmore Park and reinforce their credentials as title contenders in the upper echelons of the Irish Premiership.

Watch: Newry strike late to grab draw with Crues

John McGovern's late goal earns a precious point for bottom side Newry City after Jordan Forsythe had given Crusaders the lead in the first half.

Cursed? The story of the 72-year-old hex that haunts Mayo

In 1951, a celebratory trophy parade is said to have crossed paths with a funeral procession. Whether true or not, their meeting hangs over Mayo's Gaelic football team.

The smart mouthguard tackling rugby's big problem

Concussion is one of the major issues facing rugby - but answers may lie in a new bit of smart tech.

'Republic are two or three years ahead of us' - Oxtoby

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby believes that the Republic of Ireland are "two or three years" ahead of her team in terms of development.

How will the Irish provinces fare in the Champions Cup?

BBC Sport assesses the prospects for Irish provinces Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht in this season's Champions Cup.

Ulster must remedy breakdown errors, says Grant

Ulster forwards coach Roddy Grant says the Irish province must improve their breakdown work in Saturday's Champions Cup opener against Bath.

Wiffen twins race in Romania as Olympics beckon

Daniel Wiffen will aim for European Short Course medals this week but laughs that his twin Nathan's international debut will be a bigger deal for his family.

McManus hails fellow warrior McKaigue after Dall win

Neil McManus pays tribute to another veteran warrior Chrissy McKaigue after Cushendall beat Slaughtneil in the Ulster Club Hurling Final.

'I just shut down' - NI defender Holloway on mental health struggles

Northern Ireland defender Rebecca Holloway and Republic of Ireland winger Lucy Quinn discuss their long-distance relationship, mental health and achievements in football.

Gill says he was 'saved' from taking his own life

Boxer Jordan Gill says he felt his circumstances had "hit rock bottom" months before beating home favourite Michael Conlan in Belfast on Saturday.

McIlroy backs plans to reduce golf ball distances

Rory McIlroy says he cannot understand "anger" towards plans to roll back golf-ball technology to reduce the distance they can travel.

'Difficult' for Conlan to fight on after latest loss - Hearn

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn says it's a "long way back" for Michael Conlan to win a world title after he suffered a third defeat in 20 months when losing to Jordan Gill.

The cuppa that helped inspire Glens' standout Big Two win

Glentoran manager Warren Feeney explains the preparations that helped his side secure one of their most emphatic wins over Linfield in recent years.

Larne return to top of the table as Crues beat Carrick

Larne return to the top of the table with a 4-1 victory against Glenavon, as Crusaders beat Carrick Rangers and 10-man Ballymena United draw with Newry City.

'Fantastic' McCarron has 'come home' to Scotstown

It was a transfer that was not universally popular within Monaghan, but Jack McCarron's move to Scotstown is working out well for both parties.

Connacht hammered by Bordeaux in Champions Cup

Bordeaux-Begles hand Connacht a six-try 41-5 thumping in the Investec European Champions Cup Pool 1 opener in Galway.

Sheehan set for 50th appearance in La Rochelle

Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan will make his 50th Leinster appearance in Sunday's Investec Champions Cup opener with reigning champions La Rochelle.

Griggs faces Dutch star Laros at European Cross Country

After being dramatically pipped for gold last year, Tyrone lad Nick Griggs will have his final crack at winning the European Cross Country U20 title.

Watch: 'It's amazing' - Wiffen savours more Euro gold success

County Armagh swimmer Daniel Wiffen reflects on winning a second gold medal at the European Short Course Championships in Romania.

Meet Gareth Mahood - BBC Sport NI's Unsung Hero for 2023

Ulster Canoe Club's Gareth Mahood is BBC Sport NI's Unsung Hero for 2023

'Funny first impressions, opposing sides & mental health'

Republic of Ireland winger Lucy Quinn and Northern Ireland's Rebecca Holloway discuss being footballers in a relationship, first impressions, playing against each other and dealing with mental health.

Cushendall see off Slaughtneill to win first Ulster title since 2018

Watch the best of the action as Cushendall hold off Slaughtneil by 0-20 to 2-10 to win a record 12th Ulster Club Hurling Championship at Pairc Esler.

Oscar winner lands best role with Down's Syndrome football team

BBC Sport NI spends the day with Hanwood FC, a Down's Syndrome football team in Northern Ireland, who include Oscar-winning actor James Martin in their ranks