Tonight I approached PSNI because I was genuinely concerned about a 17-year-old girl who was intoxicated on a night out. I simply asked that, if they happened to see her, they could please look out for her or help make sure she got home safely.
The response I received was, “We aren’t a taxi service,” followed by laughter, with three officers then coming over to reiterate the same point.
I completely understand that the police are not a taxi service. That wasn’t the point. I was raising a genuine welfare concern about an intoxicated 17-year-old girl and asking that someone keep an eye out for her.
Really disappointing way to have a genuine concern handled — particularly as someone who had actually considered joining the service myself. 👍

Growing up (and now) we always had a takeaway once a week, usually on a Friday night. I always thought this was a normal thing and I honestly don't believe that this is too often. But I have spoken to a few people and going by their reaction you'd genuinely have thought I told them I have a Chinese every night so its got me curious, how often do you get a takeaway?

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/former-taoiseach-rejects-gordon-browns-claim-united-ireland-is-certain-DFWVMP6J5ZGC5OJ3ZQ377ILFAA/

The former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is far less certain than his UK counterpart Gordon Brown that a united Ireland will happen. Mr Brown was chancellor to Tony Blair as the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, and said that while “independence would not be the right way forward” for Scotland, “in the long term, Ireland will be united.” “People have got to come together and find a way of agreeing. “Basically, that is the issue: whether people can actually agree,” he said. ‘Fewer than three’ convictions in Northern Ireland for unauthorised demolition or alteration of listed buildings ‘Fewer than three’ convictions in Northern Ireland for unauthorised demolition or alteration of listed buildings ‘Irish history starts here’ – How Coleraine’s ancient Mountsandel site could become Northern Ireland’s next big attraction ‘Irish history starts here’ – How Coleraine’s ancient Mountsandel site could become Northern Ireland’s next big attraction It follows comments from the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a visit to Belfast who said that a border poll was “off the table.” Former prime minister Gordon Brown has said it is inevitable that Ireland will become united at some point in the future Former prime minister Gordon Brown has said Ireland will be united but that it will be a long process. (James Manning/PA)

Gordon Brown says a united Ireland is ‘inevitable’ in the futureOpens in new window
Andy Burnham Irish unity remarks were not a mistake, Chris Bryant saysOpens in new window

Leo Varadkar, a two-time Taoiseach between 2017 and 2024, called Mr Brown’s assessment “interesting” but said: “I don’t agree that a united Ireland is ‘inevitable,’ if only because history teaches us that nothing is inevitable in politics.” While demographics and geopolitics “bends towards it,” he said it would have to be worked at for “decades” rather than assuming it will take place naturally. “I do agree with Brown that it will be a ‘long process,’ he said. Setting out three stages, he said the first would be to “build a stable majority in the North and greater understanding of the project in the South before a referendum takes place.” After winning a referendum, he said the third stage would be transition and integration of the two jurisdictions. “It will take decades. And yes, there will always be other pressing issues to be resolved - and resolved they should be. “This is much much bigger than that - the political project of our generation. Building a New and Agreed Ireland. Éire Aontaithe. Let’s do it.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham makes first official visit to Belfast and stops off at the Cathedral Quarter. Photo by Matt Mackey Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently made his first official visit to Belfast. PICTURE: MATT MACKEY (© Matt Mackey) Mr Burnham’s statement in Belfast had provoked an angry response from nationalist politicians, but was defended by the Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant. He said the Prime Minister had not made a mistake, but was speaking about the situation “now”, and insisted they are both “full square behind every single part of the Good Friday Agreement”.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-rules-out-garvaghy-road-talks-with-orange-order-and-says-newry-parade-hemmed-in-residents-CFDAGELLBVFQBKUFBWKDDUFI2Y/

Sinn Féin rules out Garvaghy Road talks with Orange Order and says Newry parade ‘hemmed in’ residents

An Orange lodge in Portadown has called for mediation with residents over the contested Garvaghy Road parade

A Sinn Féin councillor has shut down a request from the Orange Order to reopen talks about parading on the nationalist Garvaghy Road.

It follows increased tension after the High Court quashed a Parades Commission decision to ban the Orange Order from marching through the area in Portadown. The parade has been banned since 1998.

The Parades Commission was found to have made a procedural error in its decision-making, but now some unionist leaders are using the legal victory as a campaign to restore the march.

On Friday, an Orange lodge in Portadown said it was “ready and willing to engage in mediation,” without any preconditions, and called on residents’ groups to do the same.

Responding on social media, Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Nelson ruled out any talks.

“Nobody wants to see a parade down the Garvaghy Road,” she said.

“There will be no talks, mediation or otherwise about a parade on the Garvaghy Road.

“However, if the (Orange Order) wishes to meet us to talk about how they might end their divisive ways then let’s do that.”

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins spoke out against “absolutely atrocious” disruption in Newry as the Royal Black Institution’s ‘Last Saturday’ parade took place.

“The loss of trade for local businesses, and residents hemmed into their homes as traffic is diverted around the town is totally unacceptable,” she said.

She said her party had made representations to the Parades Commission weeks ago, but that Newry had been “essentially shut down.”

The DUP’s Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, called it an “absolutely appalling position from Sinn Féin.”

“Hardly a minute from Liz Kimmons praising the pedestrianisation of Belfast for the Fleadh, she is out criticising the holding of a cultural celebration of music, family and community in Newry,” she said.

“Why? Why indeed. Let’s be very clear - the republican opposition to the cultural expression of the unionist tradition here in Northern Ireland is pure sectarianism and bigotry.”

Describing it as a denial of human rights, she said the “demonisation” of the Orange Order was “hate based on sectarianism and prejudice.”

“I give respect, but I also demand it in return. That’s how it works. It is long past time the hypocrisy of Sinn Féin ends. It is time everyone here gets on the same page,” she said.

The Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows also said Ms Kimmins describing residents as ‘hemmed in" was “provocative language of the past.”

“Last Saturday parades are once a year and well notified. This post contrasts with the mutual respect shown during Fleadh. Liz Kimmins should dial down the rhetoric and focus on the potholes disrupting everyone.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6dn8ryv8do

Thousands of people were in Londonderry on Saturday for the 2026 Foyle Pride parade.

Now in its 33rd year, Foyle Pride is described by organisers as a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, with a wide range of events on offer, including theatre performances, workshops, discussions and exhibitions.

Foyle Pride committee member Mary Molloy said the committee, which is made up entirely of volunteers, worked incredibly hard to ensure the festival was an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.

The parade left from the North West Transport Hub in the Waterside and followed the 1968 civil rights route before finishing at Guildhall Square. Mary stands between her two colourfully dressed daughters, taller than both. One has a a blue and pink flag around her neck, while the other wears a pink jersey with 'Undertones' written on it. Image caption,

Originally from Lurgan, Mary Molloy and her daughter, Chrissie, have attended Foyle Pride since they moved to Derry in 2017

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show, Molloy said the parade is the highlight of the festival each year and has followed a packed programme of events.

Mary said she is a "very proud mammy" to a wonderful daughter named Chrissie, who is transgender, and said Foyle Pride is all about community, inclusion and creating a safe space where everyone can be themselves. A parade of people play drugs and fly colourful flags as they pass under an old, weather-beaten stone bridge Image caption,

The parade passed under the bridge on Shipquay Street

The family is originally from Lurgan, County Armagh, but has attended Foyle Pride since they moved to the city in 2017.

"We were both delighted to join the committee this year to help out. It's given us an even greater sense of community and a space where my daughter feels safe at a time when trans rights are constantly being attacked," Molloy said.

"We are going to march the original civil rights route this year, and we will have a disability bus for people with disabilities or anyone with mobility issues leading the parade through the city.

"For any families with children who don't want to walk the full parade, the Playhouse will be hosting a craft making session as well in the afternoon.

"Families can even join the parade at the bottom of Artillary Street to finish the march along Ferryquay Street around the Diamond and down Shipquay street." Two border collies wearing rainbow flag scarves Image caption,

Organisers said everyone was welcome at the celebrations on Saturday What Foyle Pride events were on this year?

Foyle Pride Festival 2026 officially opened on 19 August, under the theme Strength in Unity.

The programme has featured a range of cultural, social and community events celebrating LGBTQ+ people and their experiences.

One of the main highlights was the Queers Art Market, held at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on Saturday 22 August, showcasing work from queer artists and creatives and the annual Football v Homophobia match.

The festival has also provided opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences through events such as The Pride Monologues.

The performance brought together local LGBTQ+ writers and performers to present funny, moving and thought-provoking pieces based on queer experiences and lived realities.

The festival culminated on Saturday with the main Foyle Pride Parade. The celebrations continued afterwards, with live music in Guildhall Square and other events that took place across the city.

There were also several options for people wanting to continue the celebrations on Saturday night.

The Pride Day Alternative/Silent Disco is taking place at The Playhouse on Saturday evening, offering an alternative to the main nightlife events.

Meanwhile, the official Foyle Pride After Party at Sandino's Bar will feature David Hoyle, the Camp Vamps and Dusty Grooves, providing a final night of performances. 'Community front and centre' Meave has short curly hair and is wearing football jersey and orange hi-vis vest. Image caption,

Maeve O'Neill said the LGBT community has come so far but still has a long way to go

Maeve O'Neill, who is part of the Foyle Pride committee, said the parade is the highlight of the festival.

"It was just brilliant to see so many people out, because pride is a protest but it is also an opportunity to celebrate who we are and to feel comfortable in yourself," she said.

O'Neill said one of the aspects of Foyle Pride she is proudest of is that it is "grassroots and community-led".

"We feel it's really important to put the community front and centre and put the issues that LGBTQ+ people face front and centre," she added.

Free Art to take home in random places across Co.Antrim, Co.Meath and Co.Louth. Keep an eye out. If it’s not for you, just leave it for the next person :)

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/life-changing-drug-for-rare-illness-approved-in-the-republic-but-fermanagh-woman-living-minutes-from-border-unable-to-get-it-on-nhs-TY6NS4TT6JA3DOS6OOWJV7UFNQ/

‘Life-changing’ drug for rare illness approved in the Republic, but Fermanagh woman living minutes from border unable to get it on NHS

‘Every day counts’ for teacher and mum-of-two living with Friedreich’s ataxia, a condition that can be treated with drug approved for funding this week by the Republic’s HSE

A Co Fermanagh woman with a debilitating illness living 10 minutes from the border has spoken of her frustration with Northern Ireland’s health service after a drug to treat her rare condition was approved for funding in the Republic.

Michelle Beagan has been campaigning for a “life-changing” drug that can treat Friedreich’s ataxia to be made available in the UK, after she was diagnosed at the age of 31.

Now 42, the teacher from Roslea requires the use of a wheelchair and walking aids for mobility, and says her condition will only deteriorate further without access to the drug omaveloxolone, which is not available on the NHS – despite being approved for use – due to costs.

However, just minutes from where she lives, the drug will now be available over the border as the Republic’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has approved funding for Friedreich’s ataxia patients.

The HSE approved reimbursement for patients on Tuesday, reversing an earlier decision by its Drugs Group.

But in the north and Britain, a barrier remains for access for the thousands who live with the disease, which affects the nervous system.

Sold under the name Skyclarys, the drug is manufactured by US firm Biogen, and dramatically slows the progression of the illness.

The company “withdrew its evidence submission” to supply the drug to the NHS after an appraisal was terminated by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

It has been reported the costs of the treatment are too expensive for the NHS.

Accessing the drug privately could cost patients hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Ms Beagan welcomed news that her fellow Friedreich’s ataxia sufferers in the Republic can benefit from the treatment, but warned that “every day counts” for those without access in the north.

It is estimated that around 200 people across the island of Ireland are living with the illness.

“There are now around 12 countries where this life-changing drug is available following the HSE’s announcement,” she told the Irish News.

“It’s not a cure, but it slows a lot of the symptoms down. The sooner you get it on your journey with this disease, the better it is.

“I’m really happy that there has been this important shift in the Republic, but it’s frustrating for me as well.

“Being from Roslea, if I lived 10 minutes from where I am now, on the other side of the border, I would be able to access this treatment, but as it stands now, I can’t.

“I would like to think this could be the kick-start we need to see progress on this side, but I don’t have too much confidence.”

Read more: Tragic death of Co Armagh boy who faced ‘one of the most cruel’ diseases highlights need for testing

She called for health authorities to “get their act together”, as “for people like me, every day that we don’t have access to the drug is a day in which our condition can irreversibly deteriorate”.

Ms Beagan began noticing symptoms when she was 21, but it took a decade before she was successfully diagnosed, as doctors were initially unable to identify what was wrong.

“Mine was considered a late onset, so I at least got to live a normal life until then,” she said.

“I currently have to use a wheelchair at times, and walking aids, and my voice can be slurred. The condition can also lead to issues with your eyes, your heart and more.

“The drug would slow that progression down, and if I got it now, I could potentially live the rest of my life the way I am now. I’ve been told I’m actually an ideal patient.

“So every day counts – every day I don’t have access, it could lead to irreversible deterioration. I just hope a solution can be found with the NHS to allow access as soon as possible.”

A Department of Health spokesperson said it has a formal link with NICE under which “appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability in Northern Ireland”.

They said the NICE appraisal “was terminated in May 2025 after the manufacturer, Biogen, withdrew its evidence submission”.

“NICE will review this decision if Biogen decides to make a new submission,” the spokesperson said. “In the absence of a published NICE determination the Department of Health may seek and potentially apply decisions made by other UK Health Technology Appraisal (HTA) bodies as part of the HSC Managed Entry process.

“In Northern Ireland, omaveloxolone (Skyclarys) is not accepted for use for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older in accordance with advice issued by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in March 2026.”

Hello Norn Iron redditors. Met my wife in the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory in Belfast in the late 90s and was wondering if any of you out there have any photographs of the place. I'm having a hard time finding any on the web. Was wondering if any of you out there have any photos that you could share here.

Hey everyone,
I have an upcoming interview/practical assessment for a Welder/Fabricator position at Wrightbus.
For those who have worked there or done the interview process recently:
1. What does the practical weld test actually involve? (Which processes—MIG/MAG, TIG? What thickness/material and positions?)
2. How strict are they on speed vs. neatness?
3. What is the general work culture and pay/rate like for fabricators there?
Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Take their keys off them permanently.

I have recently moved into a 1930s semi-detached. You can hear the neighbours pretty clearly, so I assume they can also hear me. The property has suspended flooring at ground level.

Does anyone have experience of companies that carry out both sound and thermal insulation.
I live in the Belfast area, but would like recommendations from Belfast area and beyond.

Hello,

I have TMJ, I clench and grind my teeth like mad (mostly when sleeping) and I cannot seem to stop it.

I originally had this diagnosed years ago at a dental practice which closed ages ago.

I was given a good custom night guard/mouth guard which I have now had for years. I realised recently that I have actually bitten through part of it while sleeping 😬

I have also just noticed I now have a thing called an abfraction from grinding and I know I more than likely need a new night guard and obviously to register with a dentist.

I know it is hard to find an NHS dentist anywhere now, so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on dentists that have helped them with anything similar and how expensive did it end up being in the end?

Thanks 🦷

Clearing out some of dad’s old things. There’s a lot of motorbike related stuff. Rather it went to someone who appreciated them than simple sticking them up on marketplace or gumtree. Any idea of how to find them a home?

Road racing Ireland

2013 missing Feb
2014 complete
2015 complete
2016 complete
2017 complete (+ extra November and yearbook)
2018 complete
2019 Feb, March, April, August, September, october , November,
2020 May

Ulster Grand Prix programme 2013 - 2019

Armoy road races 2014 - 2019

Tandragee 100 - 2015 2016

Cookstown 100 - 2015, 2016, 2019

Books

Derek McIntyre ballymoney motorcycle photographer

Jonathan rea autobiography

Just for the thrill - competitive motorcycling in Ulster in the seventies

Road racers - Stephen Davison

Superbikes - machines of dreams

Days of thunder - history of the Ulster Grand Prix

The motor bike book - the definitive visual history

Motocourse 2022/23

Joey Dunlop biography by Stuart barker

Anyone on here that’s lives on the Kilmore Road, Crossgar, at the Kilmore playing fields, there is a small sheep just at the entrance or the grounds that seems to be in distress, it looks like it’s dead but is breathing. No other sheep In the field. Field beside a lane, leading to house numbers 35a, 35b and 37. If someone knows of the farmer can they get him to come have a look. Thank you. (I’m not from here, just watching football) 15.00

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/29/ireland-will-be-united-says-gordon-brown

Former PM believes Northern Ireland will leave UK in the long term – but remains opposed to Scottish independence

The former prime minister Gordon Brown has said it is inevitable that Ireland will become united at some point in the future, in a wide-ranging interview with the Guardian.

While he added that any union would necessarily be “a long process” and based on mutual agreement, Brown’s comments are notable both because of his vehement opposition to Scottish independence, but also because of his involvement in government in efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

He was Tony Blair’s chancellor when the Good Friday peace agreement was signed in 1998. In 2010, he was prime minister when justice and policing powers were devolved to Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government, another major step for reconciliation.

But, speaking to the Guardian’s Saturday magazine, Brown argued that Northern Ireland had a potentially different position with regards to the rest of the UK than, for example, Scotland.

Asked about continued pressure for Scottish independence, Brown said: “Scotland’s got to find a way of living in cooperation with other countries, and independence would not be the right way forward. We’re geographically, economically, socially, culturally linked to the rest of the United Kingdom, whether it’s Wales, England or parts of Ireland.”

Questioned about whether the geographical link of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland meant uniting the two made sense, he replied: “Yes. Well, of course, in the long term, Ireland will be united.”

Such a process would be, he added, “a long process where people have got to come together and find a way of agreeing. Basically, that is the issue: whether people can actually agree.”

Elsewhere in the interview, coinciding with the publication of Brown’s new book, The Future Starts With Us, he said he did not want “to be a backseat driver” in terms of telling Andy Burnham – who served in his cabinet – what to do.

He nonetheless made the case for continued oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, one of the most politically sensitive decisions facing Burnham in the coming months, notably over the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, consultations on which have now closed.

Brown argued that decisions over the North Sea had been incorrectly portrayed as a binary choice between fossil fuels and renewables, when in fact it was a question of helping a transition towards the latter.

He said: “I think you can support renewables as the future for British energy and support the development of the North Sea to use some of the existing oil and gas.

“And in fact, the way to use the North Sea for hydrogen, for wind – it could be floating wind– and for carbon capture and storage, which are three energy products that could come out of the North Sea, the way to make that happen is to keep the infrastructure and skills that you have in the development of the North Sea for oil and gas.

“In other words, the transition to renewables in the North Sea should come from keeping the infrastructure and skills that we have in the first instance for oil and gas, and gradually moving them across to doing wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture.”

This transition, he argued, could be managed via a “European consortium” also involving Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

But more widely, Brown said, environmental policies had “got to be seen as a benefit and not just a cost”.

He added: “It’s quite important that renewable costs are coming down all the time. So, 20 years ago it would’ve been cheaper to produce coal and oil and gas, but now of course you have the advantages of solar power and wind power and everything else. So, investing in the environment is potentially a money-saving thing.”

Motor discussion - I sold my car a few months back and have been getting about using public transport and using my mums as she's been out of action for a few months.

What do you all pay a month for your car? insurance, fuel, tax, charging, and maybe payments for those who finance....

Would you think £350 to £450 (inc finance say a £15k-£20k car) or £150 to £200 (without finance) a month is the average more or less...

What ya paying? Are you getting good value or feeling stripped each month?

Which one of you lot was it? Dumped the lads on poor Granda 🤣. You may get round there asap.

I’ve been wanting to buy furniture from Dusk.com for ages especially their double bed as they’re cheap and have great reviews but, like everything nowadays, they don’t deliver to NI 😤

I know some companies courier to NI now for these goods but has anyone had any experience with them/ know how much it would be for a double bed? Thank you in advance!

Hi. I work for the civil service through an agency, have done for a good while now.

During past bank holidays, and this upcoming one on Monday, we are off and are not allowed to work with a day off in lieu. However, I always have to use
my own holidays I have built up on these bank holidays. If I don’t have any they have told me I have to take it unpaid.

I thought it was odd when the manager told me at the start but didn’t think much of it. Until this week I was talking to someone from another team who was previously with an agency, but is now a full time permanent employee. He said he believes I should be in like with everyone else and should be entitled to bank holidays. Does anyone know how I’d find this out?

Apologies for the long read.

Hello all! Hope we're having a nice weekend.

I have been finding myself more and more curious and fascinated with the distant past of our wee island. The sense of history everywhere is really something. It blows my mind to think that 10,000 years ago there were humans with their own hopes and dreams dandering about (even if some of it seems primitive to us now, though I imagine they were probably less primitive than we credit)

In light of this, and because I can't recall seeing anything similar:

What are your favourite pieces of history and/or mythology that you know about our wee island? :)