Mike Mcbride

A flag near a bonfire site in Creggan, Londonderry, allegedly calling for police officers and Protestants to be killed is being treated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood and DUP assembly member Trevor Clarke condemned the display and urged those responsible to remove it, stressing that it does not represent the wider Derry community. The incident follows a petrol bomb attack on officers and continuing blockages near bonfire sites, with police diversions in place.

A flag near a bonfire site in Londonderry’s Creggan area, apparently calling for police officers and Protestants to be killed, is being investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood and DUP MLA Trevor Clarke condemned the display and urged those responsible to remove it. The incident follows unrest in the city, including a petrol bomb thrown at police and blockages near the Bogside, after bonfire material was removed from beneath the Lecky Road flyover.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has backed the removal of pallets and other materials gathered for a controversial bonfire in Derry’s Bogside. The Department for Infrastructure carried out the removal with PSNI support, citing community safety concerns. The August bonfires are associated with nationalist cultural traditions but have drawn criticism over the burning or display of unionist, Israeli and other politically sensitive symbols, as well as previous alleged hate-crime incidents. A redevelopment project at the usual Meenan Square site has displaced the event, while Bogside Community Support said the removal undermined months of engagement with local young people and appealed for calm.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the removal of pallets and other materials gathered for a controversial August bonfire on Lecky Road in Londonderry’s Bogside. The Department for Infrastructure carried out the removal with PSNI officers present, citing public safety and the prevention of a breach of the peace. The bonfire tradition, associated with the Feast of the Assumption, has drawn criticism over the burning or display of unionist, Israeli and other politically sensitive symbols, as well as alleged hate-crime concerns. Redevelopment of the former Meenan Square site has displaced the bonfire, while Bogside Community Support said the removal undermined months of engagement intended to move it to a safer location.

A new Exodus programme report examines the movement of an estimated 12,000 to 18,000 members of Londonderry’s Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist community from the Cityside to the Waterside between 1968 and 1998. Based on more than 110 interviews, it finds that sustained violence, intimidation and fears for family safety were major factors, although there was no single cause and housing also played a role. Personal accounts describe attacks, trauma and the loss of neighbourhoods, while Catholic Nationalist Republican residents recall the sadness of Protestant neighbours leaving. Researchers and community leaders say the displacement has shaped Derry’s continuing geographical division and must be acknowledged as part of an inclusive understanding of the city’s past.

A new Exodus programme report examines the movement of an estimated 12,000 to 18,000 people from Londonderry’s Cityside to the Waterside between 1968 and 1998. Based on more than 110 interviews, it finds that sustained Troubles-era violence, intimidation and fears for family safety were major factors, although housing and other pressures also played a role. Personal accounts describe attacks, trauma and the loss of mixed-community neighbourhoods, while some former neighbours recall the departures with sadness. Researchers and community leaders say acknowledging the PUL community’s displacement alongside the experiences of other communities is essential to understanding the city’s divided past and rebuilding social cohesion.

Thousands of spectators attended the opening parade of the six-day SuperCupNI youth football tournament in Coleraine, which features 1,200 players from more than 150 teams and countries including the United States, Mexico, Japan, Norway and the United Arab Emirates. Desert Empire Surf will face Liverpool and Manchester United in the girls' premier section. Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt opened the event and recalled playing in the tournament, which has featured future stars such as Marcus Rashford, Sergio Busquets and Mats Hummels. Founded in 1983, the competition has evolved from the Northern Ireland Cup and Milk Cup into an established international showcase for young footballers.

Thousands of spectators attended the opening parade of the six-day SuperCupNI youth football tournament in Coleraine, which features 1,200 players from boys’ and girls’ teams across more than 150 fixtures. Clubs and teams from countries including Mexico, Japan, Norway, the United States and the United Arab Emirates are competing alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers and Celtic. Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt officially opened the event, recalling his own participation and praising the tournament’s lasting impact. Founded in 1983, the competition has developed into an international showcase for emerging football talent, with former participants including Marcus Rashford, Sergio Busquets, Mats Hummels, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is investigating three luxury glamping cabins installed overlooking West Strand Beach in Portrush before planning permission was granted. The developer, Reflect Portrush, says the cabins are temporary structures and an alternative to a previously approved double-decker bus accommodation scheme, while the council says the related application remains under consideration. The operator has begun advertising September bookings priced at up to £350 a night. Local opinion is divided, with some praising the design and tourism potential and others objecting to the cabins' location, appearance, privacy implications and the possibility of setting a precedent for development before approval.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is investigating the installation of three luxury glamping cabins overlooking West Strand Beach in Portrush after they appeared before planning approval was granted. Operator Reflect Portrush says its application for the cabins, sauna facilities and parking remains under consideration, that the structures are temporary, and that the project will boost local tourism. A local councillor says residents have raised objections and warns that proceeding before approval could set a dangerous precedent, while opinions among beachgoers are divided.

A 16‑year‑old from Strabane has been accepted into an elite Canadian school programme that combines academics with advanced ice hockey training. Years of long-distance travel for training and competition in Northern Ireland and Scotland helped her progress from mixed-gender youth teams to an all‑female league. Coaches and family highlight her dedication, adaptability and talent, viewing the move as a significant step toward university scholarships and higher‑level hockey opportunities.

A 16-year-old ice hockey player from Strabane is preparing to attend a Canadian boarding school that combines academics with elite-level training. Years of travel across Northern Ireland and Scotland for training and competition have shaped her development, including playing mostly on boys’ teams and competing for the Irish national youth setup. Her coaches and family highlight her talent, adaptability and dedication, viewing the move as an important step toward potential scholarships and a professional career.

Strabane's bid to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028 comes as its main arts venue, the Alley Theatre, remains closed due to a prolonged water‑leak issue. Local artists, business owners and community members welcome the national recognition but describe the nomination as bittersweet, noting that the theatre's closure limits cultural activity. Supporters highlight the town's strong artistic heritage and hope the competition will attract investment, improve local facilities and boost the economy. The UK Town of Culture competition, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will award £3m to the winning town to support a year‑long cultural programme.

Strabane’s nomination for the inaugural UK Town of Culture award comes as its main arts venue, the Alley Theatre, remains closed due to a prolonged water‑damage repair, creating mixed emotions among local artists and residents. Community figures highlight the town’s strong cultural heritage, creative talent and close‑knit community, expressing pride in the recognition and hope that a win would bring investment, renewed opportunities and economic benefits. The UK Town of Culture competition, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will award £3m to the 2028 winner, with two finalists receiving £250,000 each.

Lyra McKee, a young journalist killed during rioting in Londonderry in 2019, is remembered for her writing, advocacy and impact on Northern Ireland’s peace generation. Her death caused widespread grief and political unity, highlighting ongoing tensions involving dissident republican groups. Three men were recently acquitted of her murder. Friends and colleagues recall her courage and talent, while initiatives such as the Lyra McKee Award for Bravery and a CIJ bursary continue her legacy by supporting journalists working in difficult environments.

Lyra McKee’s killing during 2019 rioting in Londonderry reignited painful memories of Northern Ireland’s past, prompting widespread grief and political reflection. Friends and colleagues described her as a talented, fearless journalist whose work bridged personal experience and broader social issues. The New IRA admitted responsibility for the shooting, while anger focused on Saoradh, the political party linked to the group. Her death temporarily united political leaders during a period of governmental deadlock, and her legacy continues through awards and bursaries created to support courageous and emerging journalists.