Belfast News Letter

A seven-year-old Carryduff boy has been chosen as Hornby's first-ever Mini Conductor, following a nationwide search for the biggest young train fan in the UK.

Restoration works have commenced at the Sion Mills War Memorial as part of a wider conservation-led programme to preserve and enhance important historic memorials across the north west.

Gen Z now view a ‘checking in’ text or liking a post on social media as a bigger sign of care than being made a cup of tea.

The DUP said it will “not abdicate its responsibilities” in the political fallout over the Drumcree dispute.

Henry Brothers is celebrating a major success at the 2026 CEF Awards after its Queen’s-led Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (AMIC) project was named Overall Project of the Year, the highest honour presented at the prestigious awards.

British Business Bank figures show NI recorded the strongest increase in equity deal numbers in the UK in 2025, despite the total value of deals falling 12% to £102m

Catholic priest Fr.

Northern Ireland’s Parades Commission failed to “properly weigh” what police told it about the potential for disorder if the Drumcree parade was given the go-ahead, Court of Appeal judges have been told.

Harland and Wolff Welders have set a deadline for “interested parties” following the weekend exit of Paul Kee as manager – with two highly-successful Irish League names already linked to the vacancy.

Northern Ireland’s Trai Hume insists belief has “always been there” that this current crop of young stars can achieve international success – but isn’t getting carried away despite putting together a promising Nations League window.

Belfast’s Openfolde has appointed George Wallis as group commercial director in a newly created role overseeing its UK, Ireland and international commercial divisions

A three-year-old child has escaped injury after shots were fired at a house in Coleraine.

A letter from Stevan Patterson:

ARC Regulatory will deliver the work through its specialist laboratory as demand grows for clinical trial testing supporting precision medicine programmes

Sainsbury’s is offering Nectar shoppers 25% off more than 600 Taste the Difference products – and there’s plenty for vegetarians to get excited about.

BBC Northern Ireland has not commissioned a new series of its two main comedy shows – saying it is having to make “some difficult decisions” due to the financial challenges it is facing.

The Fundación BRAVA is launching an international call for emerging artists aged 19-30 to apply for the first edition of the BRAVA Awards, with applications open until 27 October.

Farmers are demanding the government change tack on dealing with bovine tuberculosis, stating current methods aren’t making any progress on eliminating the disease.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill insists talented teenage trio Ceadach O’Neill, Kieran Morrison and Braiden Graham “haven't looked out of place” across what has been a positive Nations League window for his squad.

Queen’s hooker Conor Magee is just happy to be back on the rugby pitch after missing the whole of last season due to injury.

Donald Trump has successfully opened a second front against Russian aggression with the historic signing of the new deal with Greenland and Denmark which will see two new major American bases in the Artic region.

Northern Regional College has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Course Delivery Award at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Member Awards 2026, recognising the innovative and creative approach to the design, delivery and…

American-born, UK-based soul artist Gina Sedman unveils a personal celebration of love, marriage and commitment, with an exclusive Mi-Soul Radio premiere ahead of its international Bandcamp release.

A fresh court challenge is being heard against a decision to permit an Orange Order parade down the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown – a notorious parading flashpoint during the Troubles.

A letter from Alan S Carson:

Thailand’s long-term visa has attracted more than a thousand Brits

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill highlighted the “application and discipline” of his talented young squad as major positives from a fruitful Nations League fixture window – and declared he’s “pleased with where we are at this moment in time”.

The DUP has been challenged to ensure consequences for Northern Ireland’s “First Minister of lawlessness”.

UKEF-backed finance will help CATAGEN accelerate its sustainable aviation fuel technology towards commercialisation and support international growth

Belfast’s Europa Hotel has transformed its former Piano Restaurant into a new dining and social space, while also refreshing its iconic Piano Lounge

Richie Murphy tried to focus on the positives as Ulster had to settle for a 33-33 draw against Glasgow at Scotstoun.

Ethan Galbraith and Callum Marshall are back in Northern Ireland’s matchday squad for their Nations League clash against Georgia at Windsor Park on Monday night after both missed a memorable 3-0 victory over Ukraine last time out.

Three turbines at water pumping and reservoir sites will generate around 900MWh of electricity a year, reducing reliance on the grid and exporting surplus power

Meade’s new book, working title The Science of High Performance is due to be published by Wiley in late 2027

Nelipak is investing in training across its Londonderry workforce to boost productivity and support growth in global life and health sciences markets

Ionic Rare Earths is targeting an AIM admission in the fourth quarter of 2026 as it advances the commercialisation of its Belfast facility and plans to expand its magnet recycling technology internationally

A government funded electricity discount for all households, aimed at helping people with cost of living pressures, is now available and will be available to customers over the coming days and weeks.

Mash Direct saw profit after tax rise to £1.46m in 2025, while turnover increased and investment in its manufacturing operation continued

Police have advised that a road close to Newtownards is currently closded

The studio returns as a sponsor of the film festival and will present a number of awards.

The survey by skills charity Enginuity has ‘set alarm bells ringing‘.

Plans for eight new apartments in Coleraine town centre have been submitted to council.

Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham have both used party conference speeches to advocate for a UK comprising England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

A trade union petition asking the Minister of Health to save a Newry hospital’s maternity service has reached over 11,000 signatures.

News Letter editorial on Monday October 5 2026

The Drumcree parade dispute returns to the courts on Monday as residents launch a new appeal in a bid to ban an Orange Order march.

Northern Ireland rider Glenn Irwin has been cleared and discharged from hospital following a late crash in Sunday's final British Superbike Championship race at Donington Park.

Northern Ireland may not be accustomed to being made favourites too often but Michael O’Neill has welcomed the growing expectations on his young side a fter their outstanding start to this Nations League campaign.

An emotional Ian Hutchinson choked back the tears at Donington Park yesterday after the 16-time Isle of Man TT winner earned his first British championship podium finish in nine years.

Northern Ireland will play their fourth match in 11 days when Georgia visit Windsor Park on Monday night to wrap up this extended international window.