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News & Events NI: St. Patrick’s Day Highlights & What’s On This Week! ☘️🏆
News & Events NI: St. Patrick’s Day Highlights & What’s On This Week! ☘️🏆
News & Events NI: St. Patrick’s Day Highlights & What’s On This Week! ☘️🏆
All the happenings of Northern Ireland in one place.
News & Events NI
Mar 19, 2025
Trivia Question❓In 2020, Northern Ireland made headlines when the city of Derry/Londonderry hosted the world's largest what event? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Mourne Mountains Fire Suspected to Be Deliberately Started |
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A gorse fire broke out near the foothills of the Mourne Mountains on Monday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency response. According to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), crews were alerted at 6:42 PM (GMT) to reports of a 200-metre stretch of gorse ablaze along Altnadue Road, near Castlewellan, County Down. A total of 60 firefighters and seven appliances were deployed to tackle the flames. Crews worked tirelessly, using backpack sprayers and beaters to bring the fire under control. The blaze, which is suspected to have been started deliberately, was fully extinguished by 12:27 AM (GMT) on Tuesday. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue into the cause of the fire. |
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Try a ‘No-Phone Hour’ for a Mental Refresh 📵🧘 |
🕒 Take a Break: Unplug from your screens by setting aside one hour today where you completely disconnect from your phone. 📵 🌟 Alternative Activities: Use this time wisely to read a book, go for a walk 🚶, cook a meal 🍳, or simply enjoy being present. 🌼 Benefits: It’s a small change that can help reduce stress, improve focus, and bring more balance to your day! 🍃✨ |
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Belfast Station Congestion Set to Worsen Due to Upcoming Roadworks 🚧 ⚠️ Traffic Alert: Further roadworks outside Belfast Grand Central Station will make an already difficult situation even worse, warns a South Belfast MLA. There will be lane closures on Grosvenor Road for one month starting on Tuesday. The road will be fully closed during the first two Sundays in April. The closures are to facilitate underground cable works at Grosvenor Road and Durham Street, forming part of the ongoing street upgrades outside the station. DUP MLA Edwin Poots expresses concern, stating the situation for businesses operating close to the station is abysmal, and the roadworks would further aggravate their problems. He told BBC News NI that he encourages a rethink of the entire traffic management plan, saying the current situation was not working effectively. 📉 The underground cable work is carried out by Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) on behalf of Translink, which owns the integrated bus and train station. Both companies have described the roadworks, which will continue every day until 19 April, as "essential" and assured efforts to minimise disruption. 🔧💼 |
PIP Disability Payments: What They Are and What’s Changing 💷 The government has recently unveiled a series of **_transformative changes_** aimed at revamping the welfare system. These reforms are projected to save a substantial £5bn by the end of 2030, with a strong focus on encouraging individuals to re-enter the workforce. 🏢💼 Among the most significant adjustments is the stricter criteria for claiming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital disability benefit. The PIP supports individuals struggling with everyday tasks or mobility due to long-term physical or mental health conditions. The PIP is split into two main components: the daily living component and the mobility component. Depending on their needs, claimants might qualify for one or both components:
These changes are part of a broader strategy to optimise welfare distribution and better integrate eligible individuals into the workforce. While the reforms are aimed at cutting costs, it is vital to balance fiscal responsibility with compassionate support for those genuinely in need. ❤️📉 |
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Bring Festivities Across Northern Ireland ☘️🎉 |
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(Photo by Jim Masson)St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Bring Festivities Across Northern Ireland ☘️🎉
Thousands gathered in Belfast city centre to enjoy the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade 🎊, creating a vibrant carnival atmosphere. The parade, the highlight of Belfast’s celebrations, was accompanied by the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Village 🎶🍀 in the Cathedral Quarter. Elsewhere, parades took place in Londonderry, Enniskillen, Downpatrick, Newry, Armagh, and, for the first time in seven years, Ballycastle 🎭. In Downpatrick, early risers attended a service at Saul Church ⛪, believed to be St. Patrick’s first church in Ireland. Among the attendees was a youth group from Missouri, USA ✈️, who travelled to learn about the patron saint’s legacy before joining the traditional walk to Down Cathedral 🚶♂️. Derry’s parade, themed "Forest, Sky, and Sea," 🌳🌊🌤️ started at 3 PM, attracting large crowds. Local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors, with hotels, retail, and hospitality venues experiencing a weekend boost 🏨🍽️🛍️. The North West Carnival Initiative, which organised Derry’s parade, received £30,000 in council funding 💷 for St. Patrick’s Day events, with hopes of increasing investment in future festivals 🎭🎉. |
Antrim Coast Half Marathon Founders Share the Heartwarming Story Behind the Race 🏃♂️❤️ 🌍 Since 2020, the Antrim Coast Half Marathon has evolved into an international phenomenon! Originally attracting just 62 participants, this iconic race now sees nearly 6000 runners from around the globe, including world-class athletes, gracing the scenic route. 🏃♂️🏃♀️ ❤️ But for its founders, Ruth and James McIlroy, the marathon epitomizes something far beyond the mere act of running. 🎖️ Both James, an Olympic middle-distance runner, and Ruth, an international rowing coxswain and runner, are deeply rooted in the sphere of competitive sports. Their abiding connection to the Antrim Coast fuels the marathon’s design and burgeoning success. "Ruth and I share a wealth of experience in competitive sports," remarked James McIlroy, Race Director of the marathon. "We hold a shared passion for running and an even more profound love for Larne and the Antrim Coast. 📝 Thus, when crafting a race appealing to both elite performers and beginners, our beloved coastline was the natural choice. In many ways, the race serves as a love letter to the beautiful coastline and the cherished grounds where Ruth and I spent our formative years." |
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The Surprising Science Behind Why We Yawn 😮🧠 |
Ever wondered why yawning is so contagious? Scientists believe it’s linked to brain temperature regulation and social bonding. 💭 Yawning helps cool the brain, keeping it alert and functioning efficiently. 🧠💨 It’s also highly contagious—research suggests we subconsciously mimic yawns to strengthen social connections. 🔗 So, next time someone yawns near you, don’t fight it—your brain might just need a little reset! 😴💡 |
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Spring Equinox Sunrise Walk and Yoga 🌅 **Join Us for a Magical Morning** 🌿 On Thursday, 20th March, embrace the beauty of nature as we celebrate the spring equinox with a special Sunrise Walk and Yoga at the serene Lagan Valley Regional Park. This event marks the astronomical start of spring and offers a refreshing opportunity to connect with both nature and community. ✨ Meet us outside the Lockkeeper’s Visitor Centre at 6.20am as we gather to witness the sunrise in this idyllic setting. Our journey will begin with a gentle guided stroll through the woods, allowing you to immerse yourself in the awakening sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world. 🧘♂️ Afterwards, enjoy a 45-minute yoga session focused on grounding and rebalancing, led by the talented @ullasanayoga (Olivia). Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this session will cater to all levels. 🥐 Following our yoga practice, let's return for some delightful refreshments onboard the charming old Lighter by the visitor centre. This is the ideal way to welcome the new season infused with intentions of mindfulness, movement, and community. What to Bring:
We look forward to starting this new season together with energy and peace. See you there! 🌸 |
🎤 Lavery’s Comedy Club - A Must-Visit for Laughter Lovers! 🎭 Prepare yourself for an evening bursting with laughter at Lavery’s Comedy Club, expertly curated by the amazing Colin Geddis. Offering one of the funniest comedy nights Belfast has to offer, Colin transforms the middle floor into a cozy, hilarious haven every week. The ambiance is truly electric from the moment you set foot inside, with eager anticipation filling the room like a champagne fizz, promising a night filled with laughter and joy. 🤣 But wait, the fun doesn’t stop at the comedy! Why not treat yourself and your friends to a delightful pre-show meal to set the tone for an unforgettable evening? 🍽️ On offer is a variety of delectable dishes that cater to all food preferences. From the all-time favorite burgers and chips to scrumptious vegetarian and vegan options, there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds! 🌱🍔 So, come along and enjoy a night of good food and great laughter, at Lavery's Comedy Club – where every night is a barrel of laughs! 😂 |
🎬 Cinemagic On the Pulse - The Snail and The Whale 🌍 Join in for a captivating journey with The Snail and The Whale 🐌🐋, a heartwarming story of unlikely friendship, an adventure around the globe, and a daring rescue mission that will tug at your heartstrings. This enchanting tale is based on the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 📽️ Cinemagic On the Pulse is an annual film festival that brings to you an exciting month-long program of screenings, film education events, talks, and workshops, all aimed at celebrating the art form of short films and storytelling. Dive deeper into the world of creativity and cinematic expression through this festival, and let's celebrate the magic of short form content together! 🌟 |
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Rory McIlroy Dominates Playoff to Claim THE PLAYERS Championship and Gain Momentum for The Masters 🏌️♂️🏆 🏆 Rory McIlroy showcased his resilience and skill in a thrilling showdown at THE PLAYERS Championship held in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.. In a playoff lasting only three holes, McIlroy took just three swings to secure his victory against J.J. Spaun on another challenging day at the notorious TPC Sawgrass. "By no means did I have my best stuff this week," McIlroy expressed after winning the prestigious tournament for the second time in his career. "But I was still able to win one of the biggest tournaments in the world. That's a huge thing." His statement reflects not just triumph, but the tenacity required to conquer the unpredictable winds and tricky greens of Sawgrass. 💨⛳ 🎯 With a brilliant drive and a precise three-quarter 9-iron, McIlroy navigated the cold winds to conquer the infamous par-3 17th, landing on the island green with finesse. This moment early in the playoff set the stage for his early knockout victory over Spaun, showing signs of strategic excellence and mental toughness. 💪🦅 In what is a significant achievement, this marks the first time McIlroy has won twice leading up to the Masters, providing momentum and confidence as he seeks to clinch the elusive career Grand Slam. 🌟🏌️♂️ Let's cheer for McIlroy as he heads to Augusta, aiming to complete this esteemed honor and further cement his legacy in the world of golf! 🌟👍 |
Belfast Breakfast Baps Owner Ejects Stephen Nolan After Heated Exchange Over Obesity Post 🍽️🚪 🌟 In a recent unfolding event from _**East Belfast**_, an interaction between a local business owner and a well-known BBC presenter has become the talk of the town. Mark Young, the owner of Belfast Breakfast Baps, found himself in the spotlight after a controversial social media post went viral. The post, which was shared on March 15, suggested that individuals without disabilities should not be using mobility scooters, especially if weight is a factor ⛔. This sparked significant backlash online, drawing reactions from various circles. In a bid to address the situation, Stephen Nolan, a prominent figure on BBC Radio Ulster, decided to personally visit the café on Woodstock Road. His intention was to discuss the implications and feedback surrounding the post directly with Mark Young 🎤. However, the encounter took an unexpected turn when Nolan was asked to leave the premises. Despite the confrontation's intensity, the scene was captured on video and subsequently shared on Facebook, both by the café and by Nolan himself, adding fuel to the discussion 🔥. The incident has continued to stir opinions, highlighting the sensitive balance between social commentary and public reaction. 💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Engage with us on our social media platforms and let us know your views on the interaction. Do you think the café owner's actions were justified, or was Nolan's approach warranted? Stay tuned for more updates on unfolding stories around Belfast |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Halloween Parade. |