One flew in and left a mark...
The best of UTV journalism, programmes and more from the team across Northern Ireland.
Welcome to the latest UTV newsletter, a selection of our best stories, pictures and videos from the past week, and maybe a bit of craic. This week we played host to the King and Queen as they flew in for a three-day visit. There was pint pouring, bodhran playing and a poke or two. The King, however, received an unwanted memento from a visit to a seaside resort where he celebrated the work of local charities – a splattering from a seagull. Charles joked about his encounter with the bird that left its mark on the bottom of his suit jacket as he toured Newcastle. He told those that lined the streets he was just glad it had not hit his head. No doubt the air was turned blue….
Moving on….
Talking politics… talking a miserable May
May is not a month that the Prime Minister will look back on with undiluted pleasure.
The local elections in England, as well as national elections in Scotland and Wales, were always going to prove a difficult test for Sir Keir Starmer, who has faced tanking poll ratings in recent months following a series of scandals, U-turns, and resets.
In the end, Labour had a catastrophic night - losing over 1,000 councillors in England, losing yet more ground in Scotland, and suffering defeat in Wales for the first time in a century.
The fallout has been immense and that, along with the goings on at Stormont, is the subject of this week’s Talking Politics podcast.
Natalie McNally’s killer says he could be ‘a monster’
Convicted killer Stephen McCullagh has claimed he had no memory of the night his pregnant partner was murdered but described himself as “a monster.”
Natalie McNally, 32, had been 15 weeks pregnant with their son when she was murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022.
Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, denied the charge of murder, but was found guilty by a jury at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year following a five-week trial.
£1m reprieve for Hospice
Hospice services in Northern Ireland have been given a last minute financial reprieve after receiving more than £1m of unexpected funding from the Department of Health. The sector had warned services were under severe pressure and faced potential cuts. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the investment will help reduce the risk to hospice services. Our health correspondent Deborah McAleese reports.
Belfast councillors vote on extending Sunday trading hours
Belfast City Council has voted in favour of longer opening hours for certain businesses on Sundays during this year’s Fleadh - the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance. A full extension during the summer months was voted down despite results of a consultation suggesting a large majority of people in Belfast - 82% - are in favour. Sarah Clarke has the story.
Plans for needle exchange facility spark trade fears
Could a new needle exchange facility be coming to Belfast?
This week, we spoke to local business owners who are concerned about the proposed facility. Planning permission was approved last December with the goal of keeping used needles off the streets. Clark Elliott, owner of Elliott’s Fancy Dress, warned that the site could negatively impact tourism and trade in the Waterfront area. However, Paul McCusker from the People’s Kitchen argued that with drug-related issues on the rise, such a facility is desperately needed in the city center.
The Stonemasons of Stormont
The granddaughter of one of the master stonemasons who helped craft Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings has travelled from England to connect with her grandfather’s legacy.
Speaking outside Stormont, Claire Grimwood reflected on the work of Robert William Loosemore: “He would be so pleased to see that it is still so beautiful especially since some of the other buildings he worked on don’t even exist anymore. This would be incredibly special to him.”
Rescued curlews to hatch
Four curlew eggs which were rescued from a significant wildfire in Co Fermanagh at the end of April are expected to hatch any day now. Curlews are an endangered wading bird - with only 150 breeding pairs left in Northern Ireland. The eggs were taken away thanks to the help of the Fire and Rescue Service and were cared for in a special incubator to give them the best chance of survival. Sara O’Kane reports.
Ulster miss out in Challenge Cup
Ulster’s James Hume dejected late in the game. (Credit: INPHO)
It was disappointment for Ulster in the European Challenge Cup final. Richie Murphy’s side fell to a 59-26 defeat against Montpellier in Bilbao on Friday. The result means Ulster’s 20-year wait for silverware is set to continue.
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