It may have taken a bit longer than expected for Ireland to get back on the pitch following their opening Six Nations weekend disappointment at the hands of Wales, but the squad are raring to go in their return to the Aviva stadium this weekend.

No change for the starting 15 that was denied a chance to face France in Paris and ready to make his presence count is Naas native Jamie Heaslip. The Guinness rugby ambassador says the squad are wary about an improving Italy with powerful scrum and what he considers great ball carriers, all of which has helped focus the mind of the squad ahead of the perceived weaker nation in the championship, making them conscious of avoiding an upset.

]]> 1.3551122 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:02:36 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/council_urged_to_make_sure_brandywell_gets_redevelopment_funds_1_3550968

Derry City Council has been urged to make sure the Brandywell Stadium gets it share of millions of pounds of redevelopment funding.

Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney says reports that a deal between Linfield and the IFA for the use of Windsor Park could release around £30million for the development of other stadia.

“The announcement that the IFA and Linfield Football Club have come to agreement on the future of Windsor Park sets the scene for the release of a second tranche of funding for redevelopment of other stadia throughout the North,” Mr McCartney says.

“As a Council owned facility it is incumbent on Derry City Council (DCC) to act immediately to secure funding for the upgrade of Brandywell Stadium.

“I am therefore calling on the DCC Chief Executive to seek an urgent meeting with the IFA to insist that the Brandywell is included in the allocation of the expected £31million second tranche disbursement.

“While reporting tonight of the agreement between the IFA and Linfield suggested some confusion around the Brandywell’s eligibility to share in the second tranche, any suggestion that the Brandywell does not qualify because of Derry City Football Club’s affiliation to the FAI, must be resisted and dispelled immediately. Derry City FC is only one of a number of tenants who avail of facilities at the Brandywell – it is a Council owned venue and as such comes under the jurisdiction of the Assembly Health and Safety Regulations and therefore qualifies for refurbishment funding on the same basis as any other stadium in the North.”

Mr McCartney says he “will be seeking clarification of the detailed criteria for qualification for this tranche of financial investment to ensure that the Brandywell Stadium receives the required funding to bring the venue up to modern day standards.”

Meanwhile SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood, who has submitted an Assembly question to the DCAL Minister to discover the amount of money available for the Brandywell project and when these monies will become available, says if the money is available it is good news for Derry.

“If this capital funding is indeed forthcoming, it is good news for this city and for Derry City FC fans alike. The Brandywell stadium as it presently stands is not capable of meeting the needs of this city, whether they be footballing needs or commercial needs. A new stadium will hopefully set this right, providing a top class sporting and cultural facility for all the people of Derry,” he says

“I have submitted an assembly question to the DCAL Minister in order to ascertain when and how much of these monies will become available for the redevelopment of the Brandywell’.

“It has been a long wait but hopefully now with the potential of these capital funds, working in partnership with the Council and the Club, Brandywell will be transformed into 21st century facility.”

]]> 1.3550968 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:26:38 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/strabane_drama_festival_returns_for_another_triumphant_year_1_3544103

Strabane Drama Festival will this year celebrate a landmark 26th Anniversary with a spellbinding array of drama for local theatre-goers.

Once again the festival will bring nine drama groups from around Ireland to the Alley Theatre to present a wide variety of theatre from comedies, ‘The 39 Steps’ and powerful, dramatic theatre including ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’

The variety continues with ‘Shadowlands’, a play on the life of CS Lewis and ‘Closing Time’ which will be staged by local groups, Lifford Players and Backburners from Newtownstewart respectively.

Top drama groups travelling to Strabane include Silken Thomas (who won the festival for the last year with spectacular performances of ‘History Boys’ and ‘Angels in America’). Also returning are Wexford staging ‘Frozen’ and Ballyshannon Drama Society (winners of last year’s All Ireland Confined Finals) presenting ‘The Memory of Water’.

“As usual,” said Aodh McCay, Strabane Drama Festival Director, “we have in store a wonderful theatrical treat for the local community with nine very different productions being staged in the magnificent Alley Theatre.

“The best way to enjoy a spectacle such as this is to fully immerse in the festival experience viewing as many of the plays as possible – or, better still, all of them!”

“This year is another major milestone with the 26th staging of an annual drama festival in Strabane and is probably unique in community festivals locally for its longevity.”

Aodh went on to invite the entire community to this celebration – especially those who have yet to experience a drama festival.

The festival opens on Friday, March 16, with Pomeroy Players presenting ‘The Weir’ written by Conor McPherson and runs until Saturday, March 24, where Wexford Drama Group will be taking to the stage with ‘Frozen’, written by Bryony Lavery.

Emma Devine, Marketing Officer at the Alley Theatre added: “The Strabane Drama Festival is always a highlight in our Spring programme and with nine nights of top quality drama over St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience live theatre productions. Curtain goes up at 8pm each night but as always there will be a variety of pre-show entertainment each evening from 7.15pm including music, drama and poetry.

“We have a great range of ticket prices including a series ticket for the full nine nights at £40 (£30 concession) and individual performances for £8 (£6 concession).”

Early booking is advisable, for a full breakdown of events or for further information please contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on: 71. 384444 or online at:www.alley-theatre.com.

Two local men have spoken to Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about their profound hearing difficulties - with the Derry man making a frank admission of his own.

Mr. McGuinness has spoken of how he has had tinnitus – a constant ringing in the ear – for the last ten years.

He spoke to Strabane’s Patrick McGranaghan and Derry’s Andrew Thompson at the opening of a new base for UK charity Action on Hearing Loss in Belfast.

A large team of volunteers with the charity are on hand to offer support and information to people with hearing loss.

They can also help hearing aid users get the best out of their hearing aids, and can match isolated people in the area with experienced ‘befrienders’.

Patrick McGranaghan is one local man who has benefitted from the charity’s services and now volunteers to help others in similar situations.

Patrick McGranaghan started to notice his hearing deteriorating in his mid-50s. He was missing out on conversations, mishearing things, and turning the TV up louder and louder.

After two years he decided to take action to address his hearing loss. He was told by his audiologist that the hearing in one ear was deteriorating, and this worsened rapidly over the course of the next year, and he began to lose his hearing in the other ear.

Patrick was fitted with a hearing aid which led to him hearing a very loud and disturbing noise. Having seen an Action on Hearing Loss hearing aid support clinic advertised in his local area, he went along for help. The trained volunteer there explained that the loud noise was simply the reintroduction of all the sound that Patrick had missed out on over the years, and that with time and perseverance it would becoming less intrusive.

The support he received at the clinic inspired him to volunteer his services to Action on Hearing Loss and he now runs his own hearing support clinic at Carnhill Resource Centre in the Pennyburn area of Derry. “Getting a hearing aid and then volunteering has made such difference to my life. I would encourage anyone who is noticing their hearing declining to do something about it sooner rather than later.”

Andrew Thompson (40) has been profoundly deaf from birth. He was raised in the ‘oral’ tradition i.e. he has learnt to speak, but picked up sign language as a teenager and feels more relaxed and confident communicating in sign. Support from his family growing up has made him the person he is today but he has experienced negative attitudes in the workplace.

Andrew has an advanced qualification in plastering and a specialism in Health and Safety, however, he feels that a potential career move to become a supervisor was blocked because he was deaf. He also feels that his recommendations on matters of Health and Safety were ignored because he was deaf.

Since becoming involved with Action on Hearing Loss, Andrew has been able to explore his first love of drama and performance. He is part of an Improvisation Performance group based in Derry and he says, “the group brings deaf people together on a par with hearing people and I love it.”

During the opening of the new base Peter Robinson First Minister revealed for the first time how he has experienced hearing loss in his left ear for the last two years - something he has never spoken of publicly before. Mr. McGuinness spoke of how he has had tinnitus – a constant ringing in the ear – for the last 10 years.

Northern Ireland Director for Action on Hearing Loss Jackie White said that she was moved by how both Ministers spoke about their personal experiences so openly.

“Both Ministers are living out our vision of a world where deafness and hearing loss doesn’t limit or label people. We want everyone in Northern Ireland who is experiencing hearing loss to be able to live as normal a life as possible with the appropriate and timely information and support. Given the fact that it takes an average of ten years for people act upon hearing loss, we would like to join with the First and Deputy First Minister in urging everyone look after their hearing and to take steps to address any loss you may have.”

For further information on Action on Hearing Loss services contact: Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street, Belfast. Tel: 028 9023 9619, Textphone: 028 9024 9462, Fax: 028 9031 2032 or email: information.nireland@hearingloss.org.uk

While Celtic fans might be far from unhappy about the current difficulties Rangers find themselves in if they thought about it for even a second they wouldn’t be. Whether they like it or not without Rangers the whole Scottish league is meaningless. Gone will be the huge derby games, they huge crowds, the television coverage, the debate and, most importantly for Celtic, the huge earnings such games bring the club. If Celtic are left the only major player in Scottish football who the hell will even turnout when they play Partick Thistle or St Mirren.

It will be a three men and a dog encounter.

A Limavady charity offering free advice to residents facing court appearances has warned it may have to remove the service if the local courthouse closes.

The stark warning is from LCDI’s Advice centre, which has added its voice to the “public outcry” at the proposed closure of Limavady Courthouse.

NI Court Service wants to close Limavady Courthouse and four other hearing centres to save aound £400,000 a year. Closing the 290-year-old Limavady courthouse would save £54,000, according to NI Court Service.

Local councillors and sports clubs, as well as the Limavady Solicitors’ Association have mounted a campaign to save the courthouse from closure, which if closes, would deny local people local access to justice.

Now the Advice Centre, which is one of the local charity’s original projects when it first opened 25 year ago, has given its support.

LCDI Manager Damien Corr explained in the early days the advice service was very “centre based”.

“In the intervening years the reputation of the Centre has soared and its services are in demand at an unprecedented level covering a wider range of issues,” said Mr Corr. “The Centre’s success rate in tribunal representation has led to requests for other forms of advocacy that brings us into contact with the Courts Service.”

Harry Lyness is the manager of the Advice Centre and believes the proposed closure will have an adverse effect on LCDI’s clients. He explained the majority of LCDI’s representation is in the Small Claims Court, but notes an increase in the amount of TV Licensing and Utility cases. One such case was as recent as last Wednesday, involving a TV License.

“Many of our clients are on benefits and have limited financial capacity, this is the only representation available to most of them,” he said. “The LCDI Advice Centre has very limited resources and we are already stretched to the limit. If the Courthouse is moved to Coleraine then we will be forced to consider whether this is a service that we can continue to provide. For the last 25 years we have provided free, impartial and accessible advice to the citizens of this Borough and we have to strive to maintain this ethos.

“There are, however, additional costs in terms of mileage and time that might make the Coleraine scenario un-viable for us. In the time that it will take an advisor to travel to Coleraine and represent a client and return to the office, we could see at least a couple of clients in Limavady. It seems clear that without more funding to cover these additional costs, we may well not be in a position to offer representation/advocacy to our clients”.

A spokesperson for the Board of LCDI Ltd said: “It would seem that the savings achieved through the closure of Limavady’s Courthouse may constitute somewhat of a false economy when set against the losses imposed upon the community.”

The construction of a new footpath along one of the busiest approach roads into the city has been welcomed by Sinn Féin councillor Mickey Cooper.

Colr. Cooper visited the Letterkenny Road to see the construction at first hand at the weekend.

He said that people living in the border village of Killea and walkers from Derry who regularly use the road had been calling for a new footpath for a number of years.

“The Letterkenny Road is one of the busiest arterial routes into our city centre. There is a lot of heavy traffic on the sections between Killea Village and Derry,” he said.

The Northland colr. said the move is the latest development on the road in recent months and follows the installation of road safety measures in Killea which were carried out on a cross-border basis.

“I have been lobbying DRD Road Service for some time now for road safety measures along this stretch of road. We have seen a number of those initiatives happen out around the village of Killea over the past few months. The new footpath will go from the roundabout at the junction of Foyle Road and Lonemoor Road out as far Braehead Road. This is a very busy section of road and is popular with walkers so it has to be welcomed,” he explained.

Colr. Cooper also said he will continue to lobby for more road improvements in the area. “This is just one initiative of many which I will be pursuing to ensure that the area, which is one of the busiest in terms of road traffic in the border area, is safe for residents, pedestrians and motorists travelling through the area,” he said.

Vauxhall’s Astra GTC is the most driver-focused model the brand makes. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

The GTC offers couture styling with blue-collar underpinnings. It’s a great combination. Powerful engines are available, but you don’t necessarily need them for the feel-good sensation that comes with GTC ownership. It’s a relatively affordable compact coupe that can stand wheel-to-wheel with apparently more exalted rivals - and often come out on top.

Wouldn’t it smarten your driveway? Many potential buyers will think so.

Vauxhall has quite a performance heritage. From the Prince Henry of 1911 to the fire-breathing Firenza models of the Seventies, the Eighties’ Chevette HSR rallycars or the Lotus Carlton super saloon, the last century saw plenty for the driving enthusiast to get excited about behind the wheel of something bearing the Griffin badge.

None of these models though, were cars that sporting motorists were particularly likely to want to use every day. Which was why in 1990, Vauxhall launched the Calibra, an affordable compact coupe based on ordinary underpinnings that was super-stylish, sensibly practical and, in its more potent forms, really very decent to drive. It was different enough from humbler Astras and Cavaliers to be desirable. Yet similar enough to remain affordable both to buy and to run. Curiously, the Calibra wasn’t replaced, nor was it really replicated in the Vauxhall line-up - until late 2011 and the launch of the the Astra GTC.

This Vauxhall made its debut on the UK market at a time when interest in compact coupes seemed to be on the rise, with all-new models like the MINI Coupe and the Hyundai Veloster arriving to join a revised version of Renault’s Megane Coupe, the still new and exciting Peugeot RCZ and perhaps this car’s toughest competitor, Volkswagen’s Scirocco. None of these cars would have been seriously troubled had Vauxhall done little more than dress up a three-door version of the ordinary Astra family hatch - as had been the case with the previous Astra Sport Hatch and Astra coupe models that tried and failed to replicate the old Calibra’s appeal.

But this GTC, this ‘Grand Touring Coupe’, is different. Sharing not a single body panel with an ordinary Astra, it’s wider, longer, lower and more athletic looking. And though the engines are familiar, a clever HiPerStrut suspension system means that it should feel very different to drive. It is, in short, a very desirable Astra indeed.

You could be excused for approaching a drive in this GTC model with rather low expectations. After all, it succeeds a couple of Astra coupe models that were no more exciting to drive than the frumpy five-door hatchbacks they were based upon.

And a quick glance at the badgework and under the bonnet might suggest that we’re again looking at something similar here. You might think that. Your friends might think that. But you’d both be wrong. It’s true that apart from the potent 2.0-litre petrol turbo used in the flagship VXR version, GTC engineware is identical to that you’ll find in any ordinary Astra. But that’s only because engineering effort and investment has been directed into areas far more important to driving satisfaction. Sharper steering, a wider track and, most importantly, a completely different suspension set-up all combine to make this the most engaging driver’s car Vauxhall makes. Only a £30,000 Insignia VXR gets its power down and turns into corners as sharply - and that’s only because it shares this car’s clever HiPerStrut suspension system.

Before I drove this car, I wouldn’t have thought it possible for an Astra - any Astra - to offer a more rewarding drive than a rival Megane Renaultsport or a sporty Focus ST. I was wrong.

Better still, you don’t have to spend extra money on Vauxhall’s hi-tech FlexRide adaptive damping system to really enjoy it, so well-judged is the ride and handling balance, especially tuned for our appalling roads.

If you can’t stretch to the frantic 280bhp VXR 155mph high performance version, then the only engine in the mainstream range likely to really get your heart pumping is the one I tried, a 16v 1.6-litre petrol Turbo unit developing a useful 180PS.

Its torque figure of 230Nm isn’t quite as impressive compared to obvious rivals, but this model’s still quick enough to flash past sixty from rest in just 7.8s on the way to 138mph. And there’s a lovely rorty engine note to go with it.

Most GTC customers though, will probably opt for something a little more sensible.

There are a couple of 1.4-litre petrol Turbo units developing either 120 or 140PS, the faster of which is still able to make sixty in 9.0s.

Or there’s a choice of either 1.7 or 2.0-litre CDTi diesel power which can get a bit clattery in the upper reaches of the rev range.

The 1.7 comes in either 110 or 130PS states of tune, while the 2.0-litre unit is altogether punchier with 165PS and 350Nm of torque. enough to make this variant feel probably the most potent of all.

Day to day running costs are not going to be markedly different from any other Astra model. In fact, when the higher residual values this GTC model will enjoy over a normal Astra hatch come into play, it’s likely that this car will be cheaper to run than its ordinary stablemate.

The BBC is reporting that a deal agreed between the Irish Football Association and Linfield for the use of Windsor Park could release millions for the re-development of Brandywell Stadium.

The report, posted at 6.15pm today (Wednesday), said it’s believed that a contract has already been signed which will see Linfield get an annual payment of £200,000 from the IFA as part of a new 41-year deal. This “will release a secondary pot of £31m” and millions of this will be re-directed towards Brandywell re-development and a new stadium for Glentoran, with a significant sum for a national academy, according to the BBC.

“These three projects will be the main beneficiaries of the financial windfall, but some money will be up for grabs for other developments,” the report continues.

“The Irish League clubs will meet with the IFA on Wednesday night to finalise a deal over the redevelopment of Windsor Park. The allocation of several millions of pounds towards the Brandywell project is expected to cause some controversy.”

The news will get a warm welcome in Derry, and not just in soccer circles. It’s accepted that there’s a pressing need for major work at Brandywell Stadium, where part of a wall collapsed recently and where a main stand still bears the name of its original owners Glentoran FC. It’s also hoped that the re-development of the stadium will be the catalyst for a rejuvenation of the surrounding area.

See the BBC report on - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17130404

]]> 1.3549626 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:06:56 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/mysterious_night_time_noise_plagues_derry_1_3549275

People in Derry are being plagued by a mysterious noise coming from the air, it has been claimed.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey says scores of people are being kept awake by unexplained activity in the night sky - and the noise it creates.

He says if it is caused by police or military activity then the authorities must offer an explanation.

“I have received a number of calls from concerned residents who have been unsettled and whose sleeping pattern is being affected by what can only be described as a relentless and disturbing buzzing noise in the Derry sky over recent days,” he says.

“There has been an issue regarding the use of the PSNI Helicopter that has been frequently deployed which has caused annoyance, and I have been in contact with the Police Air Support Unit to ascertain some information in respect of the deployment of the helicopter.

“That having been said, the helicopter has not been visible in recent days when this noise has been reported, and is obviously operating at a high altitude.

“If the PSNI confirm they are not responsible for the noise, then it is only logical, given enquiries that I have carried out, that the British Army are responsible for the operation of whatever device is causing grief to my constituents. I intend to write to the Secretary of State to confirm if this is indeed the case, as the presence of the noise is causing considerable anxiety.”

He added:”We need answers to these important questions and I do intend to continue to pursue statutory agencies to find out who is responsible.”

Have you heard the noise? let us know if this affects you by leaving a comment below.....

A relative of murder victim Andrew Allen has described the wording of the claim of responsibility for the atrocity by vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) as a “tissue of lies” .

RAAD issued a statement on Wednesday morning claiming they had ‘executed’ the 24 year-old father of two at his home just outside Buncrana on February 9. The statement was issued to the Derry Journal using a recognised codeword.

The statement claimed that the organisation’s ‘Donegal unit’ carried out the killing and claimed that Mr Allen was a “career criminal”. They also stated that the victim had been warned to “cease his activities five to six months ago” and also claimed that the victim had used RAAD’s name to “scare other drug dealers and to extort money from weaker criminals” .

However, an uncle of the victim has dismissed RAAD’s statement.

William Allen said: “This tissue of lies is beneath contempt. I do not intend to give this gang any undeserved credibility by engaging them in public debate other than to say the propaganda peddled by these dealers in death could not have been repeated by the media had Andy not been murdered.

“None of the media outlets carrying these claims would have dared to do so had Andy been alive because of the very serious legal consequences.”

Mr Allen also reasserted previous comments that in the original warning from police about his life being in danger, at no point was RAAD or drugs mentioned.

William Allen said: “At a rally last Saturday in protest against Andy’s murder the press was shown a copy of the threat. If RAAD was the republican death squad behind this murder the questions remain about who instigated this atrocity and why.”

The murder of Andrew Allen is the first for which RAAD have claimed responsibility. The group also claimed that on the night of Mr Allen’s murder at his home in Links View, Lisfannon, they were forced to call off another attack in Derry because of increased PSNI activity in the city.

RAAD also said that an ‘amnesty’ to drug dealers was still on offer but those who do not avail of it would suffer the “ultimate sanction.”

]]> 1.3549309 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:23:31 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/warning_over_sewer_site_vandalism_1_3549263

Vandals who have repeatedly targeted a NI Water site in Derry have been warned about the consequences of their actions.

NI Water say its site in the Kilfennan Valley Park area, where NI Water are currently undertaking essential Sewer Improvement Work, has been broken into on numerous occasions and fencing was damaged and machinery & materials were tampered with.

Fires were also started in the area.

NI Water’s Nigel McKee says such actions can have a serious impact on the local community.

“Vandals are breaking into deep well-secured excavations which are up to 5 metres deep. These excavations are extremely dangerous and contain dangerous chemicals.

“We would appeal to those involved to think about their behaviour and stop immediately. There is also the added risk that a serious accident could occur. Those breaking into our sites in the area are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.”

To report an incident at any NI Water site, please phone Waterline on 08457 440088.

]]> 1.3549263 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:08:59 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/no_european_football_for_derry_1_3544558

Derry City will not be playing in European competition next season, the club has confirmed.

A statement on the club’s website says their application has been rejected.

Derry qualified for Europe after finishing third in the Premier Division last season.

But entry into the Europa League has been ruled out because the club went into liquidation two years ago.

The FAI have confirmed Derry would not compete in the Europa League.

“The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed receipt of UEFA’s decision not to grant Derry City FC permission to apply for a licence to play in UEFA competition for the season 2012-13,” a FAI spokesman said.

An application was made to UEFA for a derogation of the ‘three-year’ rule, arguing that the club was a new entity, and as such was entitled to apply for a licence. The Association will consult with the club regarding the matter and both parties will study the decision in the coming days.

Should no appeal of this decision be made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Bohemian FC will be nominated for UEFA competition in place of Derry City FC.”

Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty says an appeal against the decision is “unlikely”

Derry City were guaranteed 110,000 euros for competing.

]]> 1.3544558 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:06:43 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/hamill_s_beat_it_s_a_sweep_for_the_dup_in_the_hamill_s_beat_awards_2012_1_3548626

Ok, the Oscars or the Grammys it ain’t but, in the unlikely event of it catching on, there could be deadly rivalry between politicos for the Hamill’s Beat political awards! Here are the slightly tongue-in-cheek inaugural prizes:

The first category is a special award for erudition in politics. The nominations are: The SDLP’s Derry MP Mark Durkan, the “Assemley” Speaker Willie Hay and the DUP’s Strangford MP Jim Shannon. And the winner is: the DUP’s Strangford MP Jim Shannon.

He’s the only MP brave enough to risk the thought that he may be taking the Mick, (or should that be the ‘Jock’?) out of the Scots by speaking in so-called Ulster-Scots at Westminster.

The second category is an award for charm and charisma in politics.

The nominations are: The Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the former education minister and South Down Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane and the DUP’s East Derry MP Gregory Campbell. And the winner is the DUP’s East Derry MP Gregory Campbell.

He may be a hardliner but he’s never mean spirited about it!

Lastly, it’s a special; “Nevaar” is a long time in politics, award for consistency. This one is not for individuals but for their political parties. The nominations are: Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the DUP. And the winner is the DUP. It’s the only party that has obviously, “nevaar, nevaar, nevaar – nevaar” changed its stance in any way.

Read more from Norman Hamill in the Journal every Tuesday

Vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) have today claimed responsibility for ‘executing’ Derry man Andrew Allen in Buncrana two weeks ago.

The 24 year-old was shot dead at his home in Link’s View, Buncrana on Thursday February 9.

In a statement to the ‘Derry Journal’ this morning using a recognised codeword, RAAD said its “Donegal unit” carried out the murder, alleging that the Waterside father-of-two was a “death dealer” and “career” criminal.

The group also claimed Mr Allen was using RAAD’s name to “scare other drug dealers and also extort money from weaker criminals.”

They claimed he had been warned to “cease his activities five to six months ago” but had not taken advantage of “RAAD’s amnesty”.

RAAD also issued a chilling threat against six other unnamed individuals and warned they would face “the ultimate sanction.”

The vigilante group claimed it was forced to call off a second attack on the night of the murder because of increased police activity in the city.

The RAAD statement also claimed it is continuing to offer an amnesty to anyone involved in drug dealing.

Andrew Allen’s killing is the first murder carried out by RAAD, who have meted out numerous punishment style shootings across the north west.

(See full story and reaction in Friday’s Derry Journal and on our website www.derryjournal.com)

]]> 1.3546573 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:48:35 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/allen_murder_gardai_appeal_on_car_1_3548575

Gardai at Buncrana investigating the republican vigilante murder of Andrew Allen have issued an appeal for information about a Northern-registered car reportedly seen in the area.

The 24-year-old father-of-two was gunned down at his home at Links View Park, Luddan, Buncrana, on February 9. Mr Allen was blasted to death through a downstairs back bedroom window in front of his girlfriend at approximately 9.22 pm.

Gardai have now said they are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a number of aspects of the murder investigation:-

Did anyone observe a dark grey/silver cavalier hatchback SJI 2117 in the days prior to or on the day of the murder on the 9th February 2012?

In particular, did anyone observe the dark grey/silver cavalier hatchback SJI 2117 on the day of the murder in or around Links View Park or between Links View Park, Buncrana and Church Brae, Fahan between 8pm and 10pm.

Did anyone observe any suspicious activity in or around Links View Park, Buncrana in the days prior to or on the 9th February 2012?

Did anyone observe any vehicle acting suspiciously or travelling at speed between Links View Park, Buncrana and Derry after 9.22pm on 9th February 2012?

A Gardai spokersperson said: “Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have information to assist them in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice to contact them on the following numbers:- Incident room, Buncrana Garda Station 00 353 74 93 20540; Confidential Telephone Number 1800 666 111.

Earlier today Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) issued a statement to the Derry Journal claiming responsibility for “executing” Mr Allen. The vigilante group claimed that its Donegal unit carried out the killing, claiming Mr Allen was a “death dealer and career criminal” who was “warned to cease his activities five to six months ago but refused to do so.”

And in a further chilling threat, RAAD claimed Mr Allen was on a list of six men “who will be facing the ultimate sanction in the near future”.

The group urged anyone involved in drug dealing to take advantage of their “amnesty”.

Mr Allen’s murder was the first carried out by RAAD who have meted out numerous punishment-style shootings of individuals and attacks on homes, commercial property and vehicles across the North West, including Donegal, over the past few years.

(Further updates to follow on our website, Facebook and Twitter and in Friday’s Derry Journal)

]]> 1.3548575 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:42:25 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/man_in_court_on_rape_charge_1_3548414

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with rape.

Gerard Doherty, of 35 Linsfort Park, faces one charge in relation to an alleged incident on September 10, 2011.

An investgating officer told Derry Magistrates Court he believed he could connect the 24-year-old to the charge.

Doherty was released on his own bail of £500 and banned from having any contact with the alleged injured party.

He will appear in court again on April 5.

The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

A man arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a woman in Derry city centre last weekend has been released on bail.

Police say the 21 year old has been released pending further enquiries.

The rape is alleged to have taken place around 1am on Saturday morning in the Shipquay St/ Magazine St area of Derry’s city centre.

]]> 1.3546246 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:38:27 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/something_about_mary_1_3544146

As part of an on-going series of features on local female councillors, reporter Rory Mooney talks to the Ulster Unionist veteran - Mary Hamilton about growing up in Donegal, the impact of the Claudy bombing and how it shaped her political beliefs, her time on Derry City council, and her hopes for the future. 

Retirement is a time for older people to enjoy the golden years of their lives, however Mary Hamilton says she has no plans to slow down, after she was re-elected yet again last year as a Ulster Unionist councillor for the Waterside.

Many in the city would be forgiven if they had said that Mary was from Claudy given her close ties to the village, however Mary is actually a Donegal girl born and bred.

“I was born and reared in Lifford, Donegal,” Mary said. 

“Then when I married Ernie, we moved to Donemana in Tyrone but then we bought the hotel in Claudy in ‘71 and we were there for 22 years.

“Our land ran down to the border, so really I went to school and church in Strabane and I worked in Strabane,” said Mary.

Growing up in Lifford along the Donegal-Strabane border was a happy time for Mary, as community relations between Catholics and Protestants were good she explained.

“In those days there was no problem whatsoever. My father and uncle were two of the greatest Orangemen you would have got in Donegal and on the Twelfth of July the neighbours would milk our cows and help us and we did the same with them.

“At that time everybody respected everybody else and there was never any problem, it was great-the harmony.”

Mary admits, she was not very politically motivated whilst growing up. It wasn’t until she married her husband and life-long Ulster Unionist party member Ernie, as she worked as his constituency worker during his time as a councillor, that Mary became an activist.

“I wasn’t much into politics growing up but I was a Protestant and I was brought up in an Orange family through my father.  Then I met my husband in ‘57, at an Orange service in Strabane and we got married in ‘64 and he was always political minded, he was always in the Unionist Party.

“I always believed that I was the woman behind the man and I was helping him a lot with the constituency work.”

July 31, 1972 in Claudy was the scene of one the Troubles worst days. Mary was caught up in the tragic events as three car bombs exploded in the centre of the village claiming the lives of nine people.

Mary explains how she witnessed the events unfolding that day: “It was tough, both Catholics and Protestants were killed. Our business was completely wrecked. I saw people laying dead with their insides hanging out of them, it was awful.

“There was one wee chap who was at his first day at work, he had been up the street when the first bomb went off and he came down to me and he said ‘I hurt my hand’, two minutes after his head was cut off when a bomb went off outside our place.”

1972 is a year that is forever etched into Mary’s mind forever. Following the Claudy bombing her brother-in-law was murdered by the IRA in December of that year.

“The (Claudy) bombing was in July and he was shot in December. He was a part-time UDR man. He was shot out here at Croppy Hill reservoir. He was a electrician just out doing a day’s work. 

“I still feel bitter about his death because  I went to school to pick up his daughter who was only six and I had to tell her that her father was dead, it was traumatic.

“Nobody has been brought to justice for that either which is hard to cope with,” she said.

The tragic events of 1972 spurred Mary on to use politics to help people for the better.

“I believe in helping people. Even before I was elected I believed in helping people, I firmly believe in doing to others what they would do to you, so when I left Claudy I recieved a lot of cards from people thanking me for helping them. The bomb didn’t make me bitter in terms of politics it just made me want to help people.”

Despite campaigning for and being married to a party member, Mary did not join the Ulster Unionist party until the 1990’s when her husband Ernie gave her the confidence to stand for election.

“I was highly honoured that they even thought I was worthy of it. I believe that if people trust you and vote for you then you have back a lot.”

Mary’s first outing as an Ulster Unionist candidate in 1997 did not end with her election, however in 2001 Mary was elected in the Waterside ward to Derry City council.

“It was wonderful to think that people took time to actually vote for me-it was a great honour and this is why I have to give back to the people.”

A personal highlight for Mary since her time on Derry City council has been serving two terms as deputy Mayor, which she still counts as a humbling experience.

“I remember the night I was first appointed deputy Mayor, I went home thinking that I’m the second citizen of this great big city and people trusted me, I really felt great. The first time I was deputy mayor I worked closely with Kathleen McCloskey. Here was two women and we’ve got the top two jobs, it was great,” she said.

Unionism in the past has been accused of being very male dominated, however both Unionist parties have been making attempts to bring women to the front line politics, something which Mary is in full agreement with.

“Some people think that women should be in the house,” Mary laughs.

“But you can see now women are more confident and they are coming into the party and that’s how it should be.”

Last year Mary celebrated her 70th birthday surrounded by close friends and constituents but she explained that she could not be able to juggle her council responsibilites without the help of her family, especially her three daughters, Miriam, Eleanor and Heather.

“My daughters organised my birthday party last year and they organised my 55th wedding anniversary as well. They’re great, they really are a big help, they’re more like my sisters than my daughters,” Mary smiles.

Mary is now an 11 year veteran of local politics and she shows no signs of slowing down as she says that her constituency work gives her a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

“It gives me great satisfaction in helping people, I’d rather be out helping people than being sat in some meeting but I’ve taken on the role so that’s my job to do that.”

This is the Derry man who’s about to take on a mammoth 250k Ultra Marathon across the Atacama Crossing in Chile in memory of his late friend Christopher Gallagher who died tragically from malaria almost six years ago.

Diarmuid Bonner was a school friend and university pal of Christy Gallagher. Christy (23), died in 2006 after contracting malaria whilst travelling in Asia.

Diarmuid says he believes the trek he is about to undertake is the sort of adventure Christy would have been up for himself.

“I’ve already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and trekked through a rainforest in Tanzania for six weeks, so this will be my third expedition,” he said.

To prepare for the trip Diarmiud’s been building himself to 31 km runs - but he says nothing will prepare him for the conditions he’ll have to face in Chile.

“We’ll have to put up with temperatures ranging between 30 and 40 degrees,” he said.

“The Atacama Crossing is one of the driest places in the world averaging less than 1mm of rain per year.”

All the money raised will be donated to Malaria fund of Children in Crossfire, a charity which is run by Christy Gallagher’s parents Martin and Mary.

After Christy’s death Mary and Martin established the ‘Christy Gallagher Memorial Malaria Fund’ with Children in Crossfire to help prevent the deadly disease from claiming the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children.

“It’s just amazing that Diarmiud is doing this in Christopher’s memory,” said Mary. “Christopher’s friends have become a second family to us, almost like second sons.

“Of course we will never forget Christopher but the fact that his friends still think of him so much spurs us on. Martin and I still have good days and bad days but it’s people like Diarmiud who get us through the bad days.”

Up until now Martin and Mary Gallagher have raised in excess of £30,000 to buy malaria nets for Tanzania.

“We are now looking to expand and use the money to train nurses in Tanzania,” explained Martin.

“The money raised will provide full medical training and possibly fund an outreach doctor for rural parts of Tanzania. We are also hoping to use the money in parts of Ethiopia.”

A Limavady woman has described how her “kind and generous” grandad has been the “inspiration” for a charity fun run at Stormont on St. Patrick’s Day.

Megan Gilleece’s grandad, Vinny Donaghy sadly passed away in May and had suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“My grandfather was young, only 67 years old, when he died in May and was very well liked and well known in his hometown of Dungannon,” explained 21-year-old Megan, who is completing an Access Diploma in Limavady College with a view to go on to university. “He was very kind, generous and charitable, and very quiet. He smoked his whole life which contributed to his developing COPD.”

Megan said it was her uncle who came up with the idea for the event because he felt “people don’t know enough” about COPD.

“This was the case when my grandad was diagnosed with the condition; we hadn’t a clue how it would impact on his every day functioning,” said Megan.

“In his younger years, my grandfather was very active and used to walk everywhere but, as his condition worsened, he was only able to walk short distances before becoming out of breath and having to sit down. My grandfather is the inspiration for us organising the 5k run,” said Megan.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association and Megan and her family are hoping for a good turnout.

“I think it’s very important to participate in the event because COPD is a very common illness, the sixth leading cause of death worldwide (the 3rd in the USA) but not very many people know about it. The main incentive behind us organising the run is to raise awareness around its main causes,” she said.

So will Megan being lacing up her trainers and lining up at the start?

“I’m far from sporty, although I love walking my dog, and I’d love to take part, but I have a duty to oversee the run as my role as a marshall!” she said.

However, Megan hopes others will decide to put their best foot forward for the event.

“I would encourage people to take part because it’s for a fantastic cause,” she said. “It’ll be great fun and even if people aren’t exactly sporty, you don’t have to run it, you can walk it, hop it, skip it, whatever you like. Young or old, it’ll be a terrific day, all in all, and a great start to the holiday weekend!”

Megan thanked all the sponsors for the March 17th event, including NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association, Armatile and Mackle Snacks. Registration is at 10am and the race is at 11.30am.

Megan added: “Remember; get into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day. Green is the theme! Entry for the event is £10 and all proceeds go to our sponsor, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association.”

For information ring 07837820814 or visit the Facebook page – St Patrick’s 5K Fun Run.

City club celebrates historic season at City Hotel event

Here’s our {http://www2.derrytoday.co.uk/picturespecials/brianogs/index.html|slideshow|alt text} from the prize night

]]> 1.3544861 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:01:52 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/the_doc_s_prescription_gers_no_quick_fix_for_ibrox_blues_1_3543611

THE RECENT problems experienced by Glasgow giants Rangers were, in fairness to the present owner, a long time in the making!

The seeds of Rangers’ current crisis were laid when previous administrations decided they were going to bring the best players possible to Ibrox even if it meant financial meltdown at some point in the future.

To do this they offered to pay players high, unrealistic wages through Trusts which the taxman is now challenging in the courts.

The real problem though was very simple as it was costing £45 million per year to run Rangers while income was averaging £35 million.

Had it not been for some sleight of hand tax deals, this crisis would have arrived long before now.

In the short term, Glasgow rivals Celtic have “profited” as Rangers incurred a 10 points penalty for going into Administration.

Long term, however, Celtic, need a Rangers who are viable entity or the SPL would become a one horse race and gates and sponsorship would fall.

Celtic issued a statement last week stating that their financial model was a stand alone and that they didn’t need Rangers, but I don’t believe that when the facts are examined.

It may be Rangers in the dock, but Celtic will anxiously watch the final outcome.

Read more from the Doc in the Journal every Tuesday

A Derry MLA has branded comments made by Health Minister Edwin Poots on gay blood donors “repellent, irresponsible and ill-informed”.

Mark H Durkan was responding to Mr Poots’ comment that it would be safer to accept blood donations from sex workers than it would to accept them from gay men.

The SDLP Health Spokesman has said the comment was not only contrary to scientific evidence but risked “accusations of personal prejudice masquerading as prudent policy”.

He said: “His beliefs on homosexuality are well-known, but I would urge him not to let personal bigotries get in the way of good governance, particularly not at a time when blood stocks are depleted.”

Mr Durkan added: “That the Minister is not only prepared to continue to ignore this but also to imply that gay men habitually have less safe sexual partners than commercial sex workers is repellant, irresponsible and ill-informed. If the Minister is to be consistent in his beliefs, surely he should curb his willingness to import blood from Scotland, Wales and England, where gay people are now able to contribute to blood banks.”

Derry has long been regarded as a city of song and we want you to tell us your favourite songs to have come from the city.

You have any number of artists to choose from - the only criteria is that they come from Derry.

So if you think Nadine Coyle, or Josef Locke, D:Ream or the Undertones is best, then let us know below.

Or maybe Dana, Baltimore or Phil Coulter or one of the great Derry bands currently lighting up the local scene that you think is better than the rest.

You can tell us your favourite song or tell us what songs you think would make it onto an album made up of only songs from Derry.

We will whittle down the most popular choices and then let you vote on what you think are Derry’s greatest hits.

We look forward to hearing what songs you think best reflect the city of Culture’s rich musical heritage....

]]> 1.3540813 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:57:13 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/former_psychiatric_nurse_jailed_for_hospital_assault_1_3544801

A former psychiatric nurse who received just over £100,000 in compensation four years ago for serious head injuries he sustained in a road traffic accident, was yesterday jailed for four months at the Magistrate’s Court in Derry for assaulting medical staff and a police officer in Altnagelvin Hospital’s A & E department last week.

Paddy McCrossan, 36, of no fixed abode, admitted assaulting a female doctor as well as a male nurse and a police officer in the hospital on February 12.

The Court was told that McCrossan swung a punch at the doctor and punched the nurse who came to the doctor’s assistance. He also shouted sectarian abuse at the medical staff and later assaulted one of the police officers who were called to the scene.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said McCrossan, who has a lengthy criminal record, was now a homeless street drinker.

“He received just over £100,000 for the serious injuries he suffered as a passenger in the car crash but he has spent almost all of the money on alcohol. He has developed epilepsy since the accident and on the night in question he was taken to hospital for treatment by ambulance staff after he’d suffered an epileptic fit in the city centre. He has now reached rock bottom”, he said.

Jailing McCrossan for four months, District Judge Barney McElholm described his behaviour as “intolerable and outrageous”.

Barry McCloskey’s newsagents in Dungiven has notched up a hat trick of bumper National Lottery wins to make it one of the luckiest shops in Northern Ireland.

And the latest win of almost £91,000 has gone to a man Barry grew up beside in the County Derry town - 48 year-old joiner Kieran Kelly.

Barry had already sold two jackpot winning tickets before his lifelong friend bought his Lotto ticket last Wednesday: Local woman Ann Logan won £479,126 in 2006 and four years before that Limavady van driver Stephen Boyd netted £1,456,675.

Bachelor Kieran’s ticket won him the Lotto’s 5+Bonus Ball prize of £90,778 - and it was all down to the flu.

He explained : “I work in Dublin during the week and had to come home on Wednesday because I was well under the weather with the flu. I went into Barry’s shop when I got off the bus and it was just about five minutes before the lottery closed at 7.30pm.

“I usually buy my ticket from Barry on Saturdays when I’m home for the weekend so it’s just been an incredible turn of events. It also cured my flu pretty quickly.”

Barry said he couldn’t be happier that his latest winning ticket went to his lifelong friend.

He said : “Our parents were neighbours in the town so I grew up beside Kieran. I couldn’t be more pleased - unless, of course, it had been me!

“I don’t know why the shop is so lucky but let’s hope it continues to happen. People go miles out of their way to buy their tickets here.”

The Kelly family are well known throughout the Dungiven area and in his day Kieran was a leading member of the Dungiven GAA club, winning a host of football and hurling medals that included county championship medals in both sports.

“I really can’t believe I’ve been so lucky”, he says. “It’s a lovely amount of money - just enough to make life comfortable while keeping my feet on the ground. I haven’t decided what to do with it yet but it will certainly allow me to travel round Ireland enjoying my passion for traditional music.”

]]> 1.3544659 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:31:27 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/catholic_schools_shake_up_plan_1_3544432

The Catholic Church in Derry have proposed a radical shake up of post-primary education in the city which could signal the end of academic selection, single sex schools, and the creation of two new sixth-form colleges.

The ambitious proposals are contained in a new document, ‘Together Towards Tomorrow,’ written by Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Eamon Martin.

Mons. Martin is proposing a “family” of Catholic post-primary schools across the city working together in a new partnership towards a phased transition from academic selection. The proposals also include a “substantive change” to the shape of post-16 education in the city with the possible establishment of one or two new sixth form colleges catering for 1,800 students.

Mons. Martin said the move “proposes a partnership of distinct but linked Catholic post-primary schools in the Derry area known as the Le Chéile Partnership.” Le Chéile is Irish for ‘together’.

The initiative is designed to improve education provision, tackle disadvantage, and strengthen links between schools.

The 22-page document sets out short, medium and long term objectives which, if implemented, could lead to a major overhaul of the post-primary provision in Derry and see an end to the current structures of single-sex grammar and secondary schools.

Mons. Martin said the proposals, which will now go out to consultation, are unique to Derry. “We are taking a lead here. I am sure other places will be interested to see how this will go down.

“I am quite concerned that we are losing good schools. It is time for us to work together to protect the school estate and our young people. That might mean looking less at the institutions of schools and thinking about what we are doing for our children as a whole,” he said.

The Diocesan Administrator acknowledged that the proposals may not be popular with the three Catholic grammar schools. “I am hoping that they will look positively on these proposals. I am calling for dialogue and debate,” he said.

What do you think? Vote on single sex schools to the right or leave us a comment below

A Greysteel farmer has spoken of his heartbreak after a fire ripped through one of his sheds, causing substantial damage and destroying hundreds of pounds worth of livestock feed.

A passer by on the Clooney Road early on Friday morning, just before 3am, spied the huge blaze at the back of Hugh McNicholl’s yard.

“It was the people driving past who spotted it and they woke me and when I looked out I couldn’t believe it,” he told the ‘Journal’.

The fire in the shed, about 50m x 20m, destroyed 200 bales of hay. Machinery inside was saved, while livestock in an adjacent shed were moved to safety thanks to those on scene, including police.

“It’s a terrible mess,” said Mr. Nicholl on Friday morning. “It’s heartbreaking, devastating and very traumatising, but we were lucky no-one was hurt. You can always replace a shed but you can’t replace a human life.”

NI Fire and Rescue Service, Derry District Commander, Barry McDowell said crews from Derry, Limavady, Dungiven, Maghera and Coleraine battled the blaze, which was well alight when they arrived. He said officers worked tirelessly in what he described as difficult and dangerous conditions. Roughly 40-45 firefighters attended the scene, over the course of the seven-hour operation, with around 20 officers there at any one time.

“It was a large fire,” he explained, revealing fire officers had to act quickly to save machiney by using equipment to demolish a brick wall.

“It was an extensive operation and you try and do your best and we did,” he said.

As yet, the cause of the fire has not been established and, given it was the second large fire in the Roe Valley area inside a week, Group Commander McDowell urged people to be vigilant.

“I would appeal to everyone to make sure their premises are secure at night and to ensure they have adequate lighting and are fire safe,” he added. Mr. McNicholl thanked the NI Fire and Rescue Service and PSNI, as well as neighbours for their moral support.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Dermot Nicholl extended his sympathy to Mr. McNicholl, adding: “It’s a terrible thing to have happened, but thankfully no one was hurt.”

No sign of missing Derry man Eamonn Moore has been found following fresh land, air and sea searches.

Family and friends of Mr Moore, who was last seen near the River Foyle on November 26, were joined by members of the public, PSNI boat and helicopter crews and Foyle Search and Rescue personnel in extensive searches over the weekend. Family members of the 22 year-old, from Jefferson Court in Derry told a press conference on Friday that they believed he may have taken his own life after sending a text message which simply read ‘sorry’ to two family members. Speaking on behalf of the family yesterday, Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson thanked all those who took part in the weekend search.

“For so many people to take part in a very extensive search is a source of strength to the Moore and Healy families at this traumatic time.”

She added: “Unfortunately no additional information on Eamonn’s movements has been found.

“The family are appealing to all property owners who may have vacant properties to please search all empty buildings. Likewise they are appealing for landowners to check outbuildings and walkers to report any sightings of clothing or other items that they may come across.

“Any little piece of information will be greatly appreciated by Eamonn’s family.”

The first in a series of Lenten lunch series of addresses will begin in St Columb’s Cathedral tomorrow.

The first address discusses whether we are bound to the past or working for the future.

It will be given by noted author and former newspaper editor Alf McCreary.

The talk begins at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will include a light lunch.

Limavady police and the local District Policing Parternship have joined forces in a major campaign aimed at tackling the sale and supply of drugs in the area.

The two agencies are appealing to residents throughout the Roe Valley ‘not to turn a blind eye’ to the sale and supply of illegal drugs in our towns and villages.

This message hitting the streets is at the very heart of ‘Silent Guardian’ - a joint initiative involving Limavady District Policing Partnership and local police as they work together to keep our streets and neighbourhoods drug free.

Chair of the DPP, Councillor Edwin Stevenson, explains: “We do not want to get to a point where the use and supply of illegal drugs is commonplace in our communities. Too many families in our Borough are already living with the consequences of drug use. This campaign puts our message front and centre - if you are aware of drug dealing in your street don’t turn a blind eye. Drugs are often connected to other forms of criminality and it is in all our interests to make sure that those involved are brought to the attention of police.”

Supporting the campaign PSNI Area Commander Chief Inspector Sam Donaldson added: “This not about being alarmist - the reality is that drugs exist in nearly every city, town and village in Northern Ireland. We have some notable successes in this area, most recently with the seizure of over £80,000 worth of cocaine and the discovery of a cannabis factory followed by a numbers of arrests. Our actions demonstrate quite clearly that when we receive information about drug dealing we will respond.

“Community support is vital and would encourage everyone to get behind this initiative. The campaign makes very clear the type of information police need from the community to tackle drug dealing. The information supplied by you may be a final piece of data that enables police to conclude an investigation; alternatively, it could be new information that the police are unaware of but could lead to a new enquiry.

“Do you know the address of the property where you suspect drug dealing is taking place? What vehicles do you see coming and going and at what times - licence plate details are key. At what times do you notice increased activity around the property and are you aware of what types of drugs are being sold?

“Help us take drugs out of circulation by reporting any suspicious activity at houses or street corners in the area where you live. Noisy parties, callers at unusual hours and windows that are always covered up can be an indication of suspicious activity.

“Over the coming weeks you will see posters and billboards promoting the campaign. Neighbourhood Officers, supported by their DPP colleagues, will be distributing leaflets in targeted areas and encouraging residents to speak out against drug dealing.”

Limavady Mayor Sean McGlinchey said he was in full support of the campaign, and urged people with any information about drug dealing in their area to give it to the police or their local councillor.

Police urge anyone with information about drug dealing, or any form of criminality, to contact police on 0845 600 8000 or a member of your local Neighbourhood Team directly; details can be found on the PSNI website.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity ‘Crimestoppers’ and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The PSNI in Derry need to focus on catching criminal gangs responsible for a string of robberies in the city recently, according to Sinn Féin councillor Colly Kelly.

Colr. Kelly made the call after a number of armed robberies at shops and business premises in various parts of the city since the beginning of the year.

The Cityside colr. said he had spoken to a number of business people who are worried about the recent rise in incidents. Staff have been threatened with guns, knives, baseball bats, and other weapons during the robberies. Luckily no- one has been physically injured in any of the incidents to date.

“There is a growing concern in the city about the rise in the number of robberies of business premises over the past few months. There is a particular concern about the high number of robberies in the general Bogside and Bishop Street areas,” he said.

Colr. Kelly said the robberies can often be traumatising ordeals for the people who work in the business premises.

“In less than a mile there have been eight robberies of shops, bookmakers and fast food outlets.

“During these robberies staff have been threatened with weapons such as suspected firearms, sledgehammers, and batons. This comes on top of a number of break-ins at businesses premises and charity shops in the city centre,” he explained.

St Eugene’s Cathedral was among the buildings which have been broken into in the area in recent weeks.

The Sinn Féin colr. said that action must be taken now to prevent more robberies taking place. “People are very worried about the regularity of these robberies and that the news of these incidents is starting to lose its shock factor they are happening that often,” he said.

Colr. Kelly called on the PNSI to make catching those responsible for the robberies a priority.

“We cannot allow this to be become the norm in our city. I am calling on the PSNI to put a special focus on apprehending the criminal gangs responsible.

“Those terrorising our communities need to be taken off the streets and taken before the courts,” he said.

A man accused of possessing a “viable device” on the Buncrana Road, has been refused bail at the local magistrates court.

Eugene Martin McLoone, of 8 Abercorn Road, is charged with possessing explosive with intent to endanger life on September 26, last year.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations an improvised explosive device was found in the front passenger seat of McLoone’s car when it was stopped on the Buncrana Road.

An investigating officer said it was a “viable device” and when cautioned the 54-year-old said he had “never seen it before.”

Opposing bail, the officer told the court police feared the accused may leave the jurisdiction, re-offend or intefere with the course of justice.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client was willing to be tagged, abide by a curfew and report daily to police.

He said the 54-year-old had been on remand for almost six months and “prison has taken its toll on him.”

Deputy District Judge Rosalie Prytherch refused bail. McLoone was remanded in custody and will appear in court via videolink on March 8.

]]> 1.3544321 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:38:57 +0000 http://www.derryjournal.com/taxi_smashed_in_overnight_attack_1_3544313

A gang of young people on quad and motorbikes ran amok on the Ballymagroarty Estate in the early hours of Friday morning, attacking a number of homes and outhouses and smashing the windows of one Derry Taxi.

Emmett Clarke’s seven seater taxi-bus was set upon while parked outside his Corrib Court home. The self-employed taximan awoke to find the windows smashed and the cab’s interior covered in glass.

“They caused upwards of £300 damage, that’s just the cost of the replacement glass without adding how much it will cost to have it fitted. I would be well known on the Volkswagen scene and a few of my friends are helping me out with the repairs, for which I’m very thankful.”

The damage has forced Mr. Clarke off the road for at least a week. “I can’t even earn a living now. It was a sustained attack during which they used beer bottles and a torch to wreck my car.”

A small motorbike was also burnt out in an alley way between Joyce and Yeats Court on the same night. Another resident challenged the group as they attempted to enter his yard, they left a quad bike behind them when they fled the scene. Police have since recovered that vehicle and confirmed that four males were arrested and later released on bail pending further enquiries. Locals believe that the group were targeting homes/outhouses with the intention of stealing motorised vehicles. “It is just mental,” said Emmett Clarke, “I’ve lived here since 1981 without incident but now things are going from bad to worse. There is a lot of anger on the estate after this, these young people are running about without fear of any repurcussions. I spoke to a neighbour who said he contacted police but they didn’t attend the scene until the next morning.” Strand Road PSNI have appealed for anyone with information to contact 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Muff based spokesperson for Donegal Action Against Austerity, Ryan Stewart, has stated that the major protest planned for tomorrow in Dublin has been delayed until the following week to accommodate the large numbers now wishing to join it.

According to Mr. Stewart the protest which was originally organised to coincide with a blockade of the capital by the Road Haulage Association, has taken on a life of its own, and the group have been inundated with messages of support, and pledges from groups country wide.

It will now take place on February 29th.

“We have had no option but to postpone the protest until the 29th, as so many people want to be part of what we have planned. However this has meant that we have to co-ordinate with different groups around the country, who are all in the same frame of mind as ourselves, and we want to ensure that this is done right,” said John McLaughlin, one of the organisers, from Donegal Action Against Austerity.

“While the hauliers have their own agenda, we wanted to make this about more than one group, about the people who are hurting more than anything, so this is something that people can really support and get involved in.

Focus groups and protestors from counties including Cork, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Roscommon and Dublin are joining in with the protest, and while no confirmation has been forthcoming about the hauliers’ blockade of the capital, the groups are adamant that they will make the government listen, with or without the hauliers.

Ryan Stewart said: “There is a real willingness from people to be part of something here. We have held meetings in towns and villages around Donegal, and the response has been tremendous, with hundreds attending each meeting, thousands in total. There are also people coming out to voice their opinion, who may not have had the courage to do so before. With the number of cuts, levies and taxes being imposed, people really have had enough, and they just want to do something about it. The forgotten county wants to give the government something to remember this time.”

Páraic Ó Conghaola, from Connemara, who led a protest of over 5000 to the Dail only a month ago, added, “There is strength in numbers, and we have the numbers. We must stand together if we are to win and show this Government that the blood of the rural Ireland is boiling, and we will not stop until we get justice and equality for all.”

“Come to Dublin and stand proudly with your fellow Irish people and show them we will not lie down. County by county, people are committing to this, and we have to make a stand. Whatever your cause may be, get out and get your voice heard.”

The groups have announced that the Spire on O’Connell Street will be the rally point from 12 noon, on the 29th February, and that a march to the Dail will leave from 1:30pm. Anyone wishing to travel is being asked to contact the group by email or text. Text your name and town to 086 3383 090 to book your spot on a coach.

Limavady councillor Alan Robinson met with residents in the Meadowvale Park area of the town to address the road safety concerns of the residents.

“The residents have been in contact with me for some time now with regard to a number of road safety issues in the area. The greatest concern is the very small number of inconsiderate drivers who use the area as a race track. While engaging in this anti-social behaviour, they do not understand that this highly residential area has children and older people living in it. Both of these groups are at particular risk from speeding drivers and residents are afraid that mixing speed and the demographic of the area could result in tragedy” stated Cllr Robinson.

“We have approached Roads Service in writing seeking a solution to this situation and the provision of salt boxes in the vicinity as well as contacting the DRD Minister Danny Kennedy seeking his help in finding a resolution. To date we have been informed the area fails to meet DRD criteria. On behalf of all the residents I urge drivers using the area to be mindful of the residential nature of Meadowvale Park.

“I do not want to have to be visiting a family who have lost a member due to an eminently solvable problem,” concluded Colr. Robinson.

The PSNI Collision Investigation Unit and the Chief Forensic Scientist gave an enthralling presentation at a meeting of Limavady Custom Cruisers on how they determine the cause of a fatal road traffic collision.

Representatives from Allstate NI demonstrated the ‘X the txt’ campaign and those in attendance had the opportunity to realise how dangerous it is to text whilst driving.

Sergeant Amanda Kenny of the PSNI and Damien Coll, the top forensic scientist in Northern Ireland, outlined how the Collision Investigation Unit goes about determining the cause of a traffic collision via undertaking a detailing reconstruction of the events leading up to and involving the traffic collision.

Such items which are examined to ascertain the cause of a collision are;

. Tell tale signs on the road surface such as skid/braking marks to indicate the speed the vehicle was travelling in order to determine if that had a contributing factor

. The position of the occupants in the vehicle and whether or not they had been wearing seat belts prior to the collision

. The weather conditions and road surface condition at the scene

In the event of a fatality, the driver’s mobile phone is seized and using bespoke PSNI software examined to find out if the driver had been on the phone or sending/in the process of writing a text message at the time of the crash.

Also mandatory blood tests would be taken to rule out the presence of drink or drugs in the drivers’ system.

Damien Coll presented a case study of a road traffic collision which took place on New Years Eve several years ago. The incident involved a car with four occupants which failed to negotiate a bend, striking a tree. The front seat passenger, was killed instantly, whilst the two other rear seat passengers suffered horrific life changing injuries.

The driver was relatively unhurt.

Mr Coll explained the step by step reconstruction and how they determined that the cause of the collision was a combination of the car having a defective valve fitted to the rear driver side wheel, reducing the tyre pressure and the driver having an above a legal limit of alcohol reading.

The outcome resulted in the driver of the vehicle being prosecuted for death by careless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was jailed for a period of time and banned from driving for three years and civil court charges could also arise.

Meanwhile, Stephen Lomas and Christina McGrath from Allstate NI, as part of the ‘Thumbs up to X the txt’ campaign undertook an experiment with participants into the effects of texting whilst driving on a driver’s ability to safely control a vehicle.

Inspector Stephen Haslett said: “Everyone had the opportunity to use technology to demonstrate the effect of texting on their driving skills through the X the Text campaign.

“The Police Collision Investigation Unit coupled with the work of Chief Forensic Scientist Damien Coll demonstrated only too vividly the dangers associated with not paying full attention to the road and how their skills can determine the causation factors in a road traffic collision and anyone charged with causing death by dangerous driving can receive a custodial sentence.”

Further information on can be obtained from the club’s website: facebook.com/limavadycustomcruisers

A debate on the cost of fuel duties in the North takes place this week in Westminster and has been welcomed by East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat who said: “Probing questions need to be asked and will be asked by the SDLP MPs who know there is a real problem which is affecting huge numbers of people here in Northern Ireland.

“In a region which has an average income well below the national average we are paying the highest prices in the whole of Europe and on top of that we are consistently paying higher prices for petrol and diesel than motorists pay in England, Scotland or Wales.

“Coupled with higher motor insurance, the cost of running a car here is staggering and riddled with inequality which cannot continue.

“The debate this week hopefully opens up new opportunities for a detailed investigation into how fuel is priced in the North and will add strength to the call by the Office of Fair Trading for an inquiry into why petrol and diesel prices have rocked in recent years.

“The whole issue of the cost of oil needs a root and branch examination to discover why energy is so prohibitively expensive. Our manufacturers are paying 17% more for electricity which is driven by oil and gas prices and in danger of driving them out of business; our transport operators are working at a distinct disadvantage again due to the crazy cost of fuel oil and on the domestic front thousands of oil burners are switched off because people experiencing fuel poverty cannot afford the high cost of heating oil.

“Hopefully the real debate can now begin.”

The Olympic task of finding a job after graduating has been made easier thanks to University of Ulster Work Experience Week.

Two events will be hosted at Magee this week, yesterday’s, ‘European Jobs Day’ and ‘Volunteering and Work Experience Day’ on Thursday 23.

Among the jobs on offer on Monday were a list of jobs at this summers Olympics and Paralympics, opportunities to teach English in China and Japan and the High Commission of Canada was also represented at the jobs fair with details on career opportunities also.

The chief draw however were the Olympic jobs which were billed as “summer jobs of a lifetime.” Opportunities to work in the Olympic Stadium, the Velodrome and the Aquatics Centre in transport, catering, security, cleaning, welcome team and/or response team “patrolling the field of play” were all on offer, even a post of guest list manager was up for grabs. Some jobs were paid at an hourly rate of £8.12 but some offered between £30-40, 000.

The jobs were secured as part of the European Employment Services (EURES) cross-border partnership scheme and in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus, UK.

“There is a full range of jobs on offer and students will most likely find accomodation in ‘tented villages’ which means there will be a festival feel to the whole experience for them,” said Joe Lavery, EURES Cross Border Co-ordinator. Professor Deirdre Heenan, Magee Provost, said: “These jobs offer a tremendous opportunity for our students to work at a world event, to enhance their CVs by learning new skills and bring them back to help develop our local economy. It is a very exciting prospect.”

Another exciting prospect was on offer from Dramatic English. Represented by Emma Copeland, she explained: “We target humanities graduates and offer them placements teaching english through drama productions. We employ people in both mainland China and Hong Kong. Those employed have 20 teaching hours per week so they’ll have lots of time to explore the country.”

Magee students where joined by their counterparts from the North West Academy of English, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and North West Regional College as well as fourteen schools from across Derry and Donegal.

Two local TDs are lined up for a face-to-face “Cook Off” on Friday 9th March to help promote The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative.

The evening will begin with Community Chef Brian McDermott demonstrating a classic fish dish using Greencastle fish and other Donegal produce.

Next up will be TDs Pádraig MacLochlainn and Charlie McConalogue going head-to-head to cook a main course using local ingredients from a mystery basket of produce. The Dáil deputies will be assisted by two students from the Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Tourism School. It isn’t the first time the TDs have met in a competitive cooking event, with Charlie McConologue coming out on top on the previous occasion when he cooked an omelette in under 42 seconds. The event is being organized by the Donegal County Enterprise Board food initiative “The Food Coast” and will take place in Redcastle Hotel at 7pm as part of Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2012. The evening will finish with a tasting of local produce.

“It should be great fun” says Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board. “Brian McDermott always provides superb demonstrations that showcase local produce and we’re expecting great things from Charlie and Pádraig”.

Brian McDermott has achieved national recognition as the Community Chef working with community and sports groups to raise awareness of healthy food made from fresh local ingredients. Cooking professionally for 20 years, Brian has worked in product development with Kerry Group before setting up his own award-winning restaurant “Finnegan’s”. He has also cooked in the award winning “Harry’s” in Bridgend and “Kealy’s Seafood Bar” in Greencastle and more recently with Raymond Blanc at the Michelin-starred Le Manoir. He launched his first book, “Reunite with Food”, in October 2011 and he has a weekly radio slot with BBC Radio. The common theme of his work is using fresh local ingredients that help keep us all healthy and that support the local economy at the same time.

‘The Food Coast - Donegal’s Good Food Initiative’ is a campaign to establish Donegal as a county with a vibrant food culture and food economy. The initiative has four main goals – to encourage new food businesses, support existing food businesses, promote the sourcing of local produce and drive awareness locally and nationally of the fantastic food we have on our doorstep in Donegal. The initiative is open to anyone with an interest in the County’s food sector, from start-0up businesses to part-time food producers, from on-farm artisan food producers to manufacturers, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs.

To attend the free ‘cook off’ and demonstration or for further information about Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2012, contact Celine Carroll, Donegal County Enterprise Board on 074 9160735 or email ccarroll@donegalenterprise.ie Alternatively, you can visit the Donegal County Enterprise Board’s website at www.donegalenterprise.ie and register online.

Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl has said that current proposals to change the way credit unions are regulated is causing a great deal of concern among its members in the Greysteel area.

The proposed changes which will effectively lower the dividend payable to members, will take effect when regulatory responsibility for credit unions in the North of Ireland transfers from DETI to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) on 31st March 2012.

Colr Nicholl said: “The proposed changes will alter how credit unions are regulated and these changes are the source of much concern among members from all sections of the community. I have met with officials from our local credit union in Faughanvale to hear their concerns.

“The FSA proposal will restrict the investment types which credit unions can invest in and reduce the maturity periods from 5 years to 1 year for the vast majority of credit unions. This would have a hugely detrimental impact on credit unions especially in the current economic climate when credit unions are more important than ever to the local community.

“By restricting the majority of credit unions to investments of 1 year maturity this will reduce the options open to credit unions and the return available.” continued Colr Nicholl.

“The FSA and Treasury consultation paper indicates that this proposal will result in a considerable loss of earnings for credit unions - up to £6.97 million. This will substantially reduce the dividend payable to members during these hard pressed economic times. The credit union movement is a valued part of our society and any threat to their services would be treated with grave concern. Certainly it is an invaluable facility in rural communities such as Greysteel and Glack and supports people who have had the credit crunch treatment from the mainstream banks. It also protects people in need from from turning to loan sharks. I do not believe there is justification to amend the current provisions which exist for credit unions with respect to investments. Credit unions have strong liquidity positions and have at all times made prudent investments in accordance with existing regulatory requirements.”

CITY of Derry’s end of season renaissance gathered pace in Limerick on Saturday when the Judges Road men continued their late drive toward a unlikley promotion play-off spot with a richly deserved bonus point victory over Thomond.

The win was Derry’s seventh consecutive success in all competitions and despite only moving the lhe locals into ninth position, Bevan Lynch’s men now sit just four points behind third placed Seapoint and six behind De La Salle, Palmerstown in second with four games to go.

The North West men found themseves 10-3 down at half time but five superb trys and 34points later their goal of a top four finish remained very much within grasp.

Conditions in Limerick were dry for the most part and reasonable for rugby with Derry beginning with the advantage of a strong cross-field breeze. The early pressure came from the visitors but it was Thomond who were first on the scoreboard when, after ten minutes, with a simple move along the backline saw centre Mike Russell get in for an unconverted try and a 5-0 lead.

Derry were finding it difficult to cope with the big Thomond pack at the breakdown and there was little protection when the ball was won for scrum-half Andrew Semple meaning the backline were never able to work with quality possession. Thomond were looking the stronger team and in typical Munster style they pick and drove to the Derry line on 24 minutes which let hooker Alan O’Donnell in for an unconverted try to double the home advantage and things were not looking good for the visitors.

Derry did eventually get some quality possession inside the Thomond half but with lack of penetration they failed to threaten the Thomond line. However the increased time on the ball gave Derry confidence and continued pressure saw repeated infringements at the breakdown and it was no surprise when Thomond had Alan O’Donnell sent to the sin-bin after 38 minutes and Richard McCarter kicked the resultant penalty from 20m in front of the posts to leave Derry down 10-3 as the half time whistle sounded.

Superb Second half

Derry supporters must have been apprehensive about the chances of an away win after seeing their team play second fiddle for most of the first half. However coaches Bevan Lynch and Mark Nicholl set the template for victory down to their players at half time and what a start they enjoyed to the second half with Thomond still down to 14-players.

The Derry pack won possession in the home half from the kick off. Semple found Peter Henderson on his right, 40m out. The full-back made the break to release winger William McCleery who in turn showed a clean pair of heels as he scored in the corner for an unconverted try to put Derry right back in the game.

It was now all Derry as they were populating the breakdown with more intensity and began to produce quality possession for an always dangerous backline. It appeared only a matter of time before they took the lead and right on cue they moved ahead 56 minutes with an excellent 40m penalty from McCarter which gave them a 11-10 lead.

The Derry forwards were now in control with the back row of Stephen Corr, Stephen Duffy and Richard Baird outstanding and they had terrific support from ‘Man of the Match’ David Houston in the second row. Derry lost Corr to a shoulder injury early in the half but after 16 minutes Gareth Beattie and Chris Shields won good ball in the Thomond half and released Houston who made a telling break. As he drew the last defender, he released Simon Logue who finished in style for a try which McCarter converted and Derry‘s lead was 18-10.

Thomond reduced the arrears on 66 minutes with a penalty from Michael Ryan but Brian Prue, who had returned to fray after the loss of Corr, was to play a decisive role in Derry’s victory as he became prominent in the loose and won great ball at the lineout.

The Derry defence was solid as Ryan Campbell, Adam Bratton and Chris Barbour along with Sam Duffy and Cathal Cregan forced Thomond to spill ball on a regular basis and Derry cleared their lines on the back of a strong scrimmaging performance.

Derry increased the intensity and when Thomond kicked loose ball to Simon Logue in his own half, he punished them with a mesmeric break which released the impressive Barbour to make an outside break and give McCarter a run-in try which he converted himself for a commanding 23-13 lead.

Thomond had run out of steam as the game came to its conclusion and with the Derry pack out ‘Munstering’ them with pick and drive rugby, Henderson got in for the bonus point try on 79 minutes which Richard Peoples converted for 30-13.

Thomond kicked off and when Josh Lewis released Sam McAuley his powerful break took play inside the opposition half where he found the supporting Richard Peoples who ran in under the posts from 40m and converted to complete a great victory on Munster soil.

City of Derry: Chris Shields, Sam McAuley, Sam Duffy, David Houston, Brian Prue, Stephen Corr, Stephen Duffy, Richard Baird, Andrew Semple, Richard McCarter, Simon Logue, Ryan Campbell, Chris Barbour, William McCleery, Peter Henderson. Replacements: Cathal Cregan, Gareth Beatty, Adam Bratton, Richard Peoples, Josh Lewis

East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat has warned that the introduction of Welfare Reforms will have a critical impact on the people of East Derry which includes Coleraine and Limavady. He said:

“Slowly but surely people are coming to realise just what the impact of Tory cuts will have on the lives of working families and with millions of pounds taken out of the economy as a direct result of these savage cuts the wider business community will be hit with a vengeance.

‘East Derry, still reeling with the loss of thousands of jobs in manufacturing, the virtual decimation of the construction industry and the gradual bleeding of jobs in the public sector, cannot absorb these planned cuts without a serious impact on the lives of everyone and in particular those who are most vulnerable.

“Cuts to Housing Benefit are resulting in increasing levels of homelessness. People who are suffering serious physical and mental illnesses are being stripped of their benefits and told they can work despite the fact that they can’t and even if they could there are no jobs for them.

“With the Welfare Reform Bill looming this situation will become even more desperate with those who are still on Disability Living Allowance getting a cut of one fifth of their benefit despite how the Tories and the DUP here try to present it.

“A whole catalogue of cuts in benefits including Tax Credits, Pension deferments and others will make the most vulnerable in our society even more vulnerable with virtually nothing to live on, nowhere affordable to stay and a future which will bring only misery, increased levels of poor health and a general decline in the quality of life which will impact on everyone.

‘The Assembly needs to seek and accept greater operational and legal flexibility on how welfare reform is dealt with in the North to protect those vulnerable people who are most at risk.’

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney will travel to Wales tomorrow to lead a delegation to the Welsh Assembly.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr McCartney said; “The Sinn Féin delegation will meet with the various parties and the Speaker of the Welsh Assembly as well as members of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

“This is part of the Sinn Féin process of building contacts and working relationships with politicians across all of the parliamentary fora in Ireland and Britain.

“We will take the opportunity to inform our Welsh colleagues of the state of play in our own Assembly and to update ourselves on developments in the Welsh political scene.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called on Secretary of State Owen Patterson to end what he described as the “debacle” over the detention of Marion Price.

Mr McGuinness was speaking after Ms Price was moved from Maghaberry Prison to Hydebank detention centre at the end of last week.

“Marian Price is entitled to due process and the revoking of her licence by the British Secretary of State and then claiming that the pardon granted to Ms Price cannot be found is completely unacceptable,” Mr McGuinness said.

“That action by Owen Patterson amounted to detention without trial and runs contrary to natural justice. The justice system needs to be based on human rights protection; the revoking of Marian Price’s licence and the debacle created around the allegedly lost pardon is an attack on her human rights,” he said.

Forty local mothers have signed up to an exciting new health and fitness regime run by Derry City Council.

As well as taking part in regular supervised gym workouts, participants in the six month programme are set to benefit from a range of key lifestyle tips from health and fitness experts.

A key aim of the drive is to promote healthy living not only among the 40 participants but to ensure that they in turn are urged to encourage their family members to adopt healthier lifestyles.

As part of the health drive, which is based at Templemore Sports Complex, the participating mothers are to undertake three supervised exercise sessions each week. But there’s much more to the project than workouts alone. The mothers will also benefit from a weekly healthy lifestyle session, which will see health practitioners such as GPs, dentists, physiotherapists and family support workers passing on valuable skills and knowledge on general family health. The group will also take part in weekly weight management and cookery sessions as well as undergoing regular health and fitness assessments to monitor the progress of individuals.

The Parents Together programme has been developed by the council’s Sports Development team with the support of The Public Health Agency (PHA) to provide opportunities to improve and health and wellbeing.

The new project has a particular aim to improve nutrition and to increase physical activity among underrepresented and vulnerable groups, explains project leader Thomas McCallion, Community Health Manager for Derry City Council. “The Parents Together Programme is one of many projects being rolled out by Derry City Council with the help of the PHA that will see many of our most vulnerable groups being engaged in regular health activities. This project is unique in that it will work exclusively with 40 mothers and in doing so give them the opportunity to not only get healthier and fitter but allow them to learn new skills and knowledge that will underpin the health of their families as a whole.”

At the heart of the project is the belief that engaging the mothers directly in the health and fitness regime will have a direct impact on improving the lifestyles of their children and wider family circle.

Mr McCallion adds: “The PHA Healthy Towns programme is to be commended for taking such as positive step in developing this initiative and it is hoped that this will be the first of many such programmes.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Parents Together programme can call Derry City Council on 02871 365151.

Derry’s two candidates in the recent presidential election spent a combined 360,000 euro on their campaigns.

Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness forked out more than 300,000 in his effort to take control at Aras An Uachtarain while independent Dana Rosemary Scallon spent just under 60,000, according to figures released by the Standards in Public Office commission.

However, the former Eurovision Song Contest winner did not qualify for a reimbursement whereas the deputy first minister’s ranking in the polls permitted him to recoup much of the money spent on his campaign.

The 27,263 euro Mr McGuinness’s campaign spent on transport and travel included a 2,869 euro payment to Morgan Fuels, the company owned by the man at the centre of the Frontline debate controversy.

Three of the seven candidates qualified for the maximum reimbursement of election expenses of 200,000 euro - President Michael D Higgins, Sean Gallagher and Mr McGuinness.

The most candidates could spend in their respective campaigns for last October’s election was 750,000 euro.

Eventual winner Michael D Higgins spent almost 360,000 euros. Fine Gael’s candidate, Gay Mitchell, spent the most at 527,000 euro. The next highest spend was on Mary Davis (414,000 euro).

David Norris spent 332,000 euro while expenses of 323,000 euro were incurred by Mr Gallagher. The election expenses in total amounted to amounted to just under 2,319,000 euro, with donations accounting for under 305,000 euro.