Rikki Thompson

Councillor Seamus Coyle of Mahon, near Castleblayney, has died suddenly after more than two decades serving County Monaghan. First elected to Monaghan County Council in 2004, he twice served as Cathaoirleach of the council and was the sitting Cathaoirleach of the Ballybay/Clones Municipal District. Council leaders Aidan Campbell and Carmel O'Hare praised his dedication to residents and lasting contribution to the county. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later.

Joy Graham of Fermanagh has dedicated her late son Neil's name to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland's “Lift Off Together” campaign. Neil died aged 17 on 22 May 2018, and the family remains grateful for the air ambulance crew's efforts to save him. Graham says the service is especially important in rural areas, where geography can delay emergency medical care, and hopes the dedication will preserve Neil's memory while supporting the charity's life-saving work.

Belcoo Sports and Festival Week will run from 8 to 17 August with eight days of cycling, family activities, religious services, storytelling, live music and sporting events. Highlights include the 15 August Sports Day, featuring athletics, a parade, football, a dog show, traditional demonstrations and evening entertainment. Organisers expect the festival to reinforce community ties, attract visitors and support local businesses in west Fermanagh.

Voting has opened for Retail NI’s 2026 High Street Heroes Awards, with Fermanagh residents encouraged to nominate independent retailers, employees, high streets and neighbourhood police officers. The awards highlight the role of local businesses as community hubs amid rising costs and changing shopping habits, while a new Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year category recognises police support in tackling crime, abuse and antisocial behaviour. Winners will be decided entirely by public vote, with categories covering retailers, essential services and high streets across Northern Ireland.

Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown is celebrating the beginning of its 45th year in business. Owned and operated by the Morris family, the hotel has expanded since opening in 1982 and now offers 62 bedrooms, conference and event facilities, a leisure complex, wedding suites, the Cellar Restaurant and Lounge, and Club Riviera. The hotel credits its longevity to loyal customers, staff and the local community, while highlighting its role as a venue for weddings, family occasions, conferences and community events across Mid Ulster.

Owners of historic and thatched buildings in County Donegal are being encouraged to apply for three heritage grant schemes for 2027. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme offers €2,500–€50,000, the Historic Structures Fund provides €50,000–€200,000 for major conservation and adaptive-reuse projects, and the Historic Thatched Buildings Grant offers up to €20,000. Applications for the first and third schemes close on October 30, while the Historic Structures Fund deadline is November 20. Property owners are advised to contact Donegal County Council’s heritage team and prepare documentation early.

A sponsored property feature showcases 93 Leighan Road in Monea, near Enniskillen, as a luxury four-bedroom country residence set in landscaped grounds with rural views. The home includes a stone entrance with electric gates, spacious living and entertaining areas, a luxury kitchen with an Aga and granite worktops, a sun room, landscaped patio with outdoor fireplace, multiple en-suite facilities, a detached garage and floored attic. Marketed by Smyth Leslie & Co Estate Agents, the property is positioned as offering privacy, comfort and convenient access to Enniskillen and the surrounding countryside.

Roads Policing officers from Omagh and Enniskillen seized a vehicle after stopping a driver using false registration plates in the Omagh area. The driver had been disqualified only two days earlier and was driving without insurance. Police also found that the vehicle was declared off the road, lacked a valid MOT, and should not have been in use. The driver is expected to face court proceedings.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for former Monaghan senior footballer Stephen Gollogly, who died suddenly aged 41. His wake will take place at Lonergan Funeral Directors in Carrickmacross, followed by a funeral Mass at St Joseph’s Church and burial on July 27. Gollogly, a two-time Ulster championship winner with 133 competitive appearances for Monaghan, has been widely mourned by Monaghan GAA and Carrickmacross Emmets GAA for his sporting achievements, character, leadership and commitment to coaching. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Féileacáin.

Updated police figures show that Fermanagh and Omagh recorded seven road fatalities in 2026, the highest total among Northern Ireland districts. Forty‑two people have died on Northern Ireland’s roads so far, with men, motorcyclists, and young adults disproportionately affected. Several districts recorded similar but lower totals, and police urge heightened vigilance as traffic increases during summer months.

Police have increased patrols across Dungannon in response to community concerns about anti‑social and intimidating behaviour. Officers are focusing on parks, walkways and housing areas to deter criminal activity and reassure residents. The PSNI encourages the public to engage with officers and report any suspicious behaviour, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety.

Monaghan County Council approved the Final Business Case and tender recommendation for a new civic headquarters in Monaghan Town, enabling the project to move into the contract and implementation phase. The €43.6 million development will consolidate dispersed services into a single 5,700‑square‑metre NZEB-compliant facility aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and long-term cost management. Officials highlighted projected savings from reduced rental and maintenance costs and emphasized the project’s strategic importance for future service delivery. Construction is expected to begin later this year with completion targeted for 2029.