Olivia Mcateer

A Kia Sportage was deliberately set alight in the Slievegallion Drive area of Andersonstown, west Belfast, in the early hours of the morning. Independent councillor Paul Doherty described the incident as a frightening escalation in a wider increase in anti-social behaviour, which he attributed to a small group of youths and said was affecting older residents, people with disabilities and families. The PSNI said the fire was extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and that enquiries were continuing.

Michael O’Connor, the former owner of Belfast’s Barking Dog, has been appointed executive head chef at the relaunched Avenue Brasserie in the Malone Hotel. He plans to bring the Barking Dog’s gastropub-style food to the new restaurant, which will serve local produce, small plates and comfort classics. O’Connor said rising costs, the pandemic and staff shortages made it impossible to keep his former restaurant open, while Malone director Gareth Macklin described the appointment as part of the hotel’s ongoing transformation. The brasserie’s opening events are expected to be announced soon.

An exhibition at Belfast’s Elmwood Hall, staged during the Fleadh to mark Irish in Britain’s 50th anniversary, presents more than 50 oral histories from over 150 interviews with Irish migrants and their descendants in Britain. Volunteer oral historian Dr Maev McDaid says the stories challenge fixed stereotypes of Irish identity and highlight migrants’ diverse contributions as feminists, trade unionists, peace activists, politicians and social workers. The exhibition also explores hidden community histories, including a violin found inside the walls of Wigan’s Brian Boru Club. McDaid discusses her work supporting survivors of mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries, alongside the need to overcome stigma and improve understanding of institutional abuse.

Nine-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann has received a heart transplant at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne after waiting nearly eight years, reportedly the longest wait endured by a child for such an operation. His father, Máirtín, described Dáithí’s courage, the family’s fear and relief, and the early signs of a successful recovery. Dáithí’s long wait also led his family to campaign for Northern Ireland’s opt-out organ donation system, introduced through Dáithí’s Law in 2023. The family hopes the transplant will allow him to experience everyday activities, although doctors have warned that recovery remains at an early stage.

Women’s Rights Network Northern Ireland plans to begin legal proceedings against Féile an Phobail after a meeting failed to resolve the cancellation of its planned “Respect, Rights and Reality” event. Féile withdrew the event after concluding that its submission did not make clear that it would promote campaigns opposing transgender rights. WRN NI says its concerns were not addressed and that the event was originally presented as a discussion of women’s sex-based rights. Féile said the group had filed court papers before the meeting ended and confirmed that its decision to cancel the event stands. J.K. Rowling has offered to help with the group’s legal costs.

Instrumental duo The String Ninjas describe how they stand out in Belfast’s pub music scene by avoiding standard covers and focusing on distinctive instrumental performances. They discuss the importance of open mic nights for musicians and raise concerns about the growing influence of AI-generated music.

Authorities responded to a gathering of around 100 young people on Stewartstown Road in west Belfast, where some were throwing objects at police and traffic. MLA Danny Baker urged parents to intervene and monitor their children, warning of injuries and long-term consequences. The PSNI appealed for parents and guardians to bring their children home as youth workers attempted to calm the situation.

David Holmes and Eric Cantona have begun collaborating on a studio project, with Holmes revealing the partnership on Instagram. Holmes, a key figure in Belfast's electronic music scene and founder of the influential Sugar Sweet club night, hinted the pair are working on new music. The article highlights Holmes’ cultural legacy in Belfast and Cantona’s celebrated football career and later artistic pursuits.

Heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have risen sharply, with the average cost of 900 litres increasing by nearly £100 in a week after earlier declines. Petrol and diesel prices remain largely stable, with only marginal increases. A Competition and Markets Authority review recommends stronger protections for the 1.5 million households reliant on heating oil, citing volatility and weaker consumer safeguards compared with those using gas and electricity, although suppliers were found not to have profited from recent global disruptions.

The father of Paul McCauley, who died in 2015 after a sectarian attack in Londonderry, appeals for information two decades after the assault, saying a persistent culture of silence continues to hinder the investigation. Although two men were convicted in 2018, police believe more individuals were involved, with two still considered persons of interest. McCauley describes the lasting impact on his family, emphasising the emotional burden and urging anyone with knowledge of the attack to come forward through confidential channels.

Concerns were raised over the whereabouts of former Crusaders midfielder Jude Winchester, prompting a police missing‑person inquiry. West Belfast MP Paul Maskey later confirmed the 33‑year‑old had been found. Winchester, now playing for St James’ Swifts, previously made 84 appearances for Crusaders before leaving the club in 2024.

Belfast colourist Leighann Rea won the Northern Ireland Regional Winner title at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final at The O2 in London during the competition’s 70th anniversary year. She described the achievement as a significant milestone for her independent salon and highlighted the extensive preparation behind her award‑winning look. Despite travel disruptions on the day of the event, her team reached London in time to support her as she accepted the title before leading UK hairdressing professionals.

A kayaker was rescued off the County Antrim coast after heavy sea swells left him unable to return to shore. Red Bay RNLI crews launched two lifeboats following the man’s emergency call late Sunday night and recovered him safely near Cushendun despite challenging conditions. RNLI Coxswain Liam O’Brien emphasized how quickly offshore conditions can deteriorate and urged water users to carry reliable communication devices and follow Float to Live safety guidance.

A series of dangerous scrambler‑bike incidents and attacks on police on Stewartstown Road prompted Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker and the PSNI to urge young people and parents to take responsibility. Police withdrew temporarily after masonry was thrown at officers, damaging vehicles, and later cautioned a motorcyclist for dangerous driving. Authorities stressed the risks posed by anti-social behaviour, encouraged parents to monitor their children, and committed to increased patrols to protect community safety.

A 42-year-old woman was arrested in east Belfast after allegedly throwing items at participants in a Twelfth parade on Beersbridge Road. She was detained on suspicion of common assault and public order offences, and police said the incident is not being treated as hate motivated. Recordings of the incident are circulating online, and officers have appealed for additional information as the woman remains in custody.

Niall McGreevy became the first Irish fighter to win the Rajadamnern Stadium World Title after defeating defending champion Tapaokaew Singmawynn in Bangkok. The 27-year-old from west Belfast expressed gratitude for widespread support, while coach Jamie Crawford praised his rise from local venues to a global Muay Thai stage. The victory has been celebrated across Northern Ireland’s combat sports community and is viewed as a landmark moment for Irish Muay Thai, with hopes it will inspire greater recognition of the sport.

GB News will broadcast live coverage of this year’s Twelfth of July celebrations from Royal Hillsborough, presented by Dame Arlene Foster, Charlie Lawson and correspondent Dougie Beattie. Parades will take place across 18 locations in Northern Ireland, with large crowds expected despite the date shifting to Monday. Programming will include live reports, interviews and segments on the event’s traditions and history. The broadcaster continues its annual coverage following previous challenges, including the withdrawal of historian Gavin Hughes last year.

A Belfast craftsman and his family are running bodhrán-making workshops at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to inspire new artisans and help preserve the tradition of creating the traditional Irish drum.