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Agriland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Double champion tops Ballymena export sale at 6,500gns
A ram lamb took the top price of 6,500gns at a sale in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, on Friday, July 25. The Badger Face Texel Sheep Society's 2025 Summer Export Show and Sale, took at Ballymena Livestock Market with "strong demand from across the UK and Ireland", according to the Badger Face Texel Sheep Society. With over a third of entries sold for export, there was a strong average price in the sale with firm bidding seeing a top price of 6,500gns secured. Champion and top price at 6,500gns, Knockmult Got It All The pre-sale show judge was Oliver Watson of the C-View and Irt Vale flocks in the the trade and topping both the show and sale was Lot 347, a ram lamb from Coleraine, Co. Derry man Russell Millen and Rostrevor, Co. Down's Seamus Killen, who claimed both Male Champion and Overall Show Champion before going on to sell for 6,500gns. He was secured by a new Northern Ireland-based breeding partnership comprising: Stuart Henderson (Favour Royal) Augnacloy, Co. Tyrone; Andy and Janet Carson (Little Whisker) Strabane, Co. Tyrone; James Johnston (Broadwater) Co. Antrim. Speaking on behalf of the new 6,500gns partnership, Stuart Henderson of the Favour Royal flock said: 'I first spotted this ram as the Male Champion of the National Show in Armagh and was immediately drawn to his size, power, and exceptional head. "He has presence, lift, and the sharp markings we value. "When the opportunity came at Ballymena, I spoke with Janet and James, and we quickly agreed to syndicate. "We're delighted to have secured him and look forward to seeing his influence next lambing season." The same pen produced two further headline entries: Lot 312, a shearling ewe named Knockmult Flash, stood Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion, selling for 2,000gns to David Morrison of South Ayrshire, Scotland. That price was matched by Lot 319, Knockmult Greta, who stood Reserve Female Champion and now joins Caitlyn Howells' flock in West Glamorgan, Wales. Among the other top prices, Lot 357, a ram lamb from the society's founder and chairperson, Clive Richardson (Cleenagh) from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, sold for 1,500gns. This entry was purchased by a new partnership between: Leslie Bradley (Drumard); Robert McLean (Fort William). From the same flock, Lot 306, a well-grown shearling ewe, made 1,000gns, heading to Jonathan Bugden in Hampshire, England. Meanwhile, Lot 340, Craigdoo Gunner, from P. and O. Grant's Craigdoo Livestock pen, attracted strong ringside interest and sold for 1,200gns to the partnership of Sam Lucas and Rachel Gallagher from Co. Donegal, completing representation across all four UK and Irish export regions. In total, over a third of entries sold on the night were destined for export, with sheep travelling to England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Export buyers spent on average 56% more than local Northern Ireland-based purchasers, reflecting growing confidence in the breed's potential and performance, according to the society. With demand coming from both established pedigree flocks and commercial-minded breeders, "the sale reinforced the Badger Face Texel's rising profile and expanding reach across the UK and Ireland". Christine Shaw, who supports the society's corporate affairs, said: 'This sale not only delivered strong results but truly showcased the dedication and hard work of our Northern Ireland breeders. "With quality stock forward and interest from across the UK and Ireland, it's clear the Badger Face Texel is gaining ground. It's a credit to those behind the scenes who are quietly shaping the future of the breed'.
Belfast Telegraph
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland Women must relish chance to show skill against Europe's best, insists boss after naming EuroHockey Championships panel
Grundie is confident that his side can make a positive impression in the biennial competition and insists the 11th-ranked team in the world aren't just there to make up the numbers, casting his sights on clinching a Semi-Final place. Ireland face the Netherlands – the world's No.1-ranked side – in the tournament opener on Saturday, August 9 (2.30pm BST) before clashes with France on Monday, August 11 (2.45pm BST) and hosts Germany on Wednesday, August 13 (7.00pm BST). There are also several Northern Ireland-based players listed in the squad, including Belfast Harlequins defender Katie Larmour, Katie McKee and Charlotte Beggs in midfield and Coleraine native Katie Mullan, who is approaching her 250th appearance for Ireland, among the attacking options at Grundie's disposal. 'We're really excited to get going at the EuroHockey Championships,' said Grundie. 'It's a fantastic tournament and a great stage for us to test ourselves against the best teams in Europe. 'There's a great energy in the group, with a number of new faces getting their first taste of competition at this level. It's an invaluable opportunity for them to gain experience and make their mark. 'We're not here just to take part; we want to challenge the top sides and push hard for a place in the Semi-Finals. 'The players are ready, and we're looking forward to seeing what we can deliver.' Fixtures: Netherlands vs Ireland – Saturday, August 9 (2.30pm BST) Ireland vs France – Monday, August 11 (2.45pm BST) Ireland vs Germany – Wednesday, August 13 (7.00pm BST) Ireland Women's squad: Elizabeth Murphy, Holly Micklem, Ellen Curran, Katie Larmour, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Caoimhe Perdue, Roisin Upton, Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Emily Kealy, Katie McKee, Niamh Carey, Katie Mullan, Mikayla Power, Sarah Torrans.
RTÉ News
18-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Galgorm Collection plans new £30m golf course in Co Derry
Luxury hospitality group Galgorm Collection plans to invest more than £30m to create a new links golf course at Bellarena - the first new championship links course in Northern Ireland in over 100 years. The Northern Ireland-based company owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and the Roe Valley course in Limavady. Galgorm said it will develop a new 18-hole links course at Bellarena, which is located between Portrush and Limavady within the Causeway Coast and Glens area and around 30 minutes' drive from Derry and its adjacent airport. It said the new course will help create new local jobs and act as a major catalyst for further tourism investment in the area. Research last year showed the golfing sector's value had risen by almost 66% since 2019, when The 148th Open was held at Royal Portrush. On average, golfers spend around nine days on their visit to Northern Ireland, playing five rounds on different courses during their stay. Subject to planning approval, Galgorm Collection said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year and open in 2029, bringing its total investment in the north west to around £65m and with an additional 300 jobs created. The group last year bought the nearby Roe Park Resort in Limavady and Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena as part of a landmark £50m investment. It is now investing a further £22m in the now newly-named Roe Valley Resort and its own 18-hole golf course. Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston, said the company's plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify its outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs. "Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029," he said. "We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole," he added. Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said that golf tourism generated a record £86m for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further. The Galgorm Collection is anchored by its flagship Galgorm Resort near Ballymena in a group of properties which includes The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn, restaurants Fratelli and Parisien in Belfast city centre and Roe Valley Resort.
Belfast Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast trade tech firm wins major UK award for export services
Ubloquity was one of 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be recognised in this year's Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, organised by the Department for Business and Trade. The company, founded in 2021, was named winner in the Export Services category for its innovative work in digital asset management, compliance and supply chain visibility. By using blockchain, AI and digital identity tools, Ubloquity helps businesses streamline international trade and reduce the friction often associated with cross-border transactions. The awards celebrate SMEs across the UK that have demonstrated excellence in global markets. Other winners included companies working in fields ranging from low-carbon energy and advanced manufacturing to education technology and healthcare. Ubloquity secured over £2m in seed funding in its first year and has since built a reputation for offering cutting-edge solutions to clients in sectors such as aerospace, defence and logistics. The award is expected to boost the company's efforts to expand internationally, with recognition from the UK Government reinforcing confidence in its technology among potential global partners. Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said the winning companies demonstrated 'the best of British business'. Fleur Anderson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, also praised Ubloquity's achievement, saying: 'I am delighted that Ubloquity has been recognised for its extremely important work in the world of technology and artificial intelligence, putting Northern Ireland on the world map. 'Ubloquity is a prime example of how frictionless global commerce can be delivered. Global supply chains are crucial, now more than ever before, and this innovative technology from Ubloquity will help not just the economy in NI, but across the world.' Commenting on the win, Ubloquity CEO Kieran Kelly said the award validated the firm's mission to support frictionless global trade through digital innovation. He said: 'This recognition will help us scale up internationally, enabling us to explore opportunities with global partners across critical sectors. Exporting is critical to our growth — unlocking new markets, scaling impact, forging trusted partnerships worldwide.' Ubloquity was the only Northern Ireland-based company among this year's winners.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC radio available outside UK after Sounds switch-off
The BBC has said its radio stations will continue to be available for people outside the UK to listen to live after BBC Sounds access is restricted for international listeners. BBC Sounds will close for listeners outside the UK on 21 July 2025. International listeners will be able to listen to the BBC's radio stations through links on the station directory online, the BBC said. This includes the BBC's national stations - BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 3, 6Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network, Radio 4Xtra and 5Live - all the stations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and every local radio station in England. The BBC announced in April that it had delayed blocking BBC Sounds app for audiences outside the UK. That delay came after a decision made by the corporation meant listeners outside the UK would only be able to access Radio 4 and the World Service via a new audio section on the BBC website. Questions had been asked about what this would mean for listeners in the Republic of Ireland who would be unable to use the internet to access Northern Ireland-based stations BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle. The BBC said listening to BBC audio programming on non-BBC platforms would not be affected by the change. It also said a range of English, Welsh and Gaelic language podcasts were available on and third-party podcast services. BBC Sounds is the online home of BBC radio. People can listen to live radio streams, on demand programmes, podcasts, audiobooks and music mixes. It can be accessed via the Sounds website or its dedicated app. People can also listen on many smart speakers and internet radio devices. The BBC said UK users who went on holiday outside the UK for a short time would still be able to use the BBC Sounds app. A BBC spokesperson said: "BBC Sounds will now be available on the same basis as BBC iPlayer. "Both services are restricted to a UK domestic audience, reflecting rights and associated considerations. "BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle will remain more widely available via
