Latest news with #RadioUlster
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Beauty pageants are easy targets while real discrimination against women still goes unchallenged
After the new Miss Northern Ireland was crowned this week, there was a debate about beauty contests on Radio Ulster. It's one of those issues that manages to be both a red herring and an Aunt Sally at the same time. It's a red herring because beauty pageants haven't been part of everyday culture for 40 years. They are back there with George Best in a Belfast hotel room with a suitcase full of £20 notes and Miss World in the shower.
Irish Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Face to face with the Ulster warlord
I FIRST met Andy Tyrie, the leader of an armed loyalist group, who died last week, in 1986. A BBC religious affairs programme, Sunday Sequence on Radio Ulster, had started hiring me as a freelance reporter and interviewing Tyrie was one of my first jobs. He was of interest to a religious affairs programme because the producers thought he might have thoughts on how much loyalist violence against Catholics was religiously motivated. I had to travel to a part of Belfast I did not normally feel safe in, where the population was almost entirely Protestant and unionist. Esther who managed reception, pressed the buzzer to let me through the security gate and directed me up the stairs to Short Kesh. This was the joke name for Tyrie's office, a pun on Long Kesh, the site of the Maze prison which housed loyalist and republican convicts. I found Tyrie affable and witty. He was a stout and tawny man with dark hair and a thick moustache. I assumed that the loyalist sectarian marauders he governed had at least the good sense not to shoot a journalist, one who might air their case, if they had one. We spent a couple of hours talking and then I recorded the interview. We covered a lot of ground. His basic theory was that sectarian tension in Northern Ireland was about territory. Most working class Protestants lived in housing developments that were almost exclusively Protestant but the Catholic population was increasing and needed housing too. The Ulster Defence Association which he led was ostensibly about defending Northern Ireland, or Ulster as they called it, against the IRA. In reality it was more concerned to scare away Catholics who had moved into houses in what loyalists regarded as Protestant areas. We talked also about new ideas being developed at that time about loyalist culture. Tyrie said that loyalists had been surprised to see that republicans in the prisons were able to communicate using the Irish language. They realised that a coherent Irish culture reinforced the argument for Irish unity and the preservation of a singular Irish identity. To match that, loyalists had to explore their own identity. They were now taking an interest in Ulster Scots, a rural dialect that their forebears had brought from Scotland. Before I left Tyrie, one of his close colleagues came into the room. He remarked that I bore a strong resemblance to Jim Campbell, a former news editor of mine who had been shot and wounded by men of the UDA that Tyrie led, perhaps with Tyrie's approval. The new arrival said, 'Sometimes we drive past Campbell's house and wave to him just to scare the shite out of him.' This was closer to the raw humour of vicious people than the amicable chat I had been having with Tyrie. This man took from his pocket a large brass folding knife, opened it and held the blade up to my face. 'If we just cut off a bit of the beard here and another bit here, you'd look just like Jim Campbell,' he said. I edited the interview and it was broadcast at length. On the day after broadcast the production assistant called me and asked for Tyrie's address. The BBC, which paid interviewees back then, sent him a cheque for £83. A few weeks later, Terry Sharkie, my producer and I went to Moneymore to report on an Orange Ceili, one of those presentations of loyalist culture that Tyrie had spoken of. This was held in the ballroom of a hotel. Tyrie was there. I went over to talk to him and realised that the men around him were not happy with my presumption of familiarity. I said something light-hearted to Tyrie to evoke a similarly friendly response that would reassure these goons that I was no threat. Tyrie said nothing so I walked away. There was further embarrassment that night when I was called out to draw the raffle ticket for a clock made by a loyalist prisoner. This clock was built onto a brass map of Northern Ireland on a wooden plaque. I drew the ticket and to enormous embarrassment my producer Terry Sharkie had the winning ticket. There was stamping of feet and shouts of 'Fenian Fix! The Taigs have got the clock'. But Tyrie's people assured us we had won the clock fair and square and even invited us to stay on. I danced with one of the loyalist women in a cumbersome country waltz. 'We're not sectarian here,' she said. That clock sat on a filing cabinet in the BBC's religious affairs office for about three years and was then blown onto the floor by an IRA bomb in the street below us. In the year before my interview with Tyrie his organisation had shot and killed one Catholic. He was later usurped by more murderous younger members who raised that tally considerably after trying also, and failing, to kill Tyrie himself. Perhaps I had seen a hint of that emerging tension myself, between the cheery bloke that he was when we were alone together and the sterner figure he became when hard men were around. See More: Andy Tyrie, IRA, Ulster
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Wind taken out of sails of celebration': NI presenter describes ‘chaotic' scenes after car ploughed into crowds in Liverpool
LATEST | Four children are among almost 50 people injuredPrime Minister says whole country 'stands with LiverpoolNewtownards man injured in incident described situation as 'crazy' BBC NI presenter Connor Phillips has described the scenes in Liverpool as 'chaotic' and said the 'wind was taken out of the sails' of the city after a car ploughed into crowds of fans last night. The Radio Ulster broadcaster was in the city alongside hundreds of thousands of others yesterday to watch Liverpool celebrate their latest Premier League success. Four children were among 27 patients taken to hospital following the incident. Two people – including one child – have sustained serious injuries. A further 20 patients were treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service. In total almost 50 people are injured according to the latest reports. A 53-year-old man – believed to be the driver of the car – has been arrested. According to the city's mayor Steve Rotheram this morning, four people remain 'very ill' in hospital. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the whole country 'stands with Liverpool'. Sir Keir said: 'Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected, those injured, which of course includes children, their families, their friends, the whole community, Liverpool fans everywhere. 'Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool. Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, the broadcaster also described the mood of fear and concern into the night as people in the city pieced together the full story of what had happened. He said the 'wind had been taken out of the sails' of the massive party that up until that point had been engulfing the city. "I was about another 500 yards down the street, it was quite strange where we were you could see there was two helicopters in the sky,' he said. "They were following the parade. Then as we started to disperse after the team had passed, we did notice there was another ambulance in the sky. "One of my friends said: I think that was an air ambulance'. "As we made our way back up into Liverpool, back up into where we were, we started to see and hear different things. "As we got 4G and 5G on our phones as it was coming back… as the coverage started to come back in, we started to be fed with pictures and theories. "The main thing we have been getting is family and friends asking: 'Are you ok? Were you anywhere near that car?' "It is chaotic and it is quite sad after such an incredible couple of days in Merseyside. "It was like the wind was taken out of everyone's sails. "Everyone was checking their phones to see what photographs they got, who got Virgil van Dijk. Then the news started to filter through and it very much felt like the wind was coming out of everyone's sails. "Back in pubs and bars and restaurants I was in, people were gathered around the TV – the yellow breaking news line. "It took a while for all of us to get to terms with. It became the thing we all talked about last night. "We didn't talk about the amazing time, where we were, the joy and happiness of football – we all said, wow this has really taken the wind out of the sails for the day and people were just praying there were no fatalities.' Jenny Sims, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police said they are making 'extensive inquiries' to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Ms Sims said they were not treating the crash as terrorism-related and described it as an 'isolated incident', adding that they had put in place a 'robust' road traffic policing plan ahead of the parade. Footage of circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street. Officers surrounded the car very soon after, as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were seen being taken away by ambulances. Merseyside Police earlier said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force. Hordes of fans had travelled from NI to be at the victory parade on Monday, many of whom were on the surrounding streets when the incident occurred. Jack Trotter from Newtownards, who attended the parade with girlfriend Abbie Gallagher, was injured in the incident. He posted on social media shortly afterwards, describing the events as 'crazy'. "I'm writing this because I've got a million texts asking if I'm okay and it's crazy over here. I've barely any service,' he said. "The parade was going unreal until the very end. Unfortunately I was hit, however I'm extremely lucky as I dodged the car just in time, however still got hit. "In absolute shock how an event like this can turn to such a tragedy.' Mr Trotter said he was in 'absolute agony' following the incident. Donaghadee Football Club posted on Facebook about Mr Trotter and his partner. 'All at Donaghadee would like to send our thoughts to Jack Trotter and his partner Abbie,' they said. 'Unfortunately after what was an amazing celebration and parade for Liverpool fans, they were hit by the car that senselessly drove into the crowd leaving the parade. 'We have heard both are doing ok after what has been a traumatic event for them both. 'They both have our full support and thoughts.' Another NI man – who asked to remain anonymous – told this newspaper he had been in the area just minutes before the incident. "It's terrible what happened on a day of celebration,' he said. "We were just five minutes away from it. It's heartbreaking. We left that area five minutes before and as we walked up the street we heard screams and then realised something had happened. "There were crowds of people surrounding the car and it had struck loads of bystanders. "It's heartbreaking. We had a day trip from Belfast for an outstanding day until this happened. Liverpool is in shock. A day of celebration has become a nightmare.' One man from Belfast told The Times newspaper he had been outside the nearby Riva restaurant when the incident occurred. "I was right by the car. One minute I was having the best day of my life. The next second the worst. I'm so freaked out. I'd give up every title ever for that not to have happened,' he said. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her thoughts were with everyone caught up in the 'terrible scenes'. News Catch Up - Monday 26 May "My heart goes out to all injured and to so many loved ones and friends worried this evening for those undergoing treatment,' she said. UUP MLA John Stewart said he was praying for all involved. He said the scenes were 'really shocking' on what was meant to be a momentous day for the city. 'Praying everyone involved is ok and thinking of everyone who was there and affected.' Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with Merseyside Police and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.'
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Wind taken out of the sails of celebration': NI presenter Connor Phillips describes ‘chaotic' scenes after car ploughed into crowds at Liverpool victory parade
LATEST | BBC NI presenter Connor Phillips has described the scenes in Liverpool as 'chaotic' and said the 'wind was taken out of the sails' of the city after a car ploughed into crowds of fans last night. The Radio Ulster broadcaster was in the city alongside hundreds of thousands of others yesterday to watch Liverpool celebrate their latest Premier League success. Four children were among 27 patients taken to hospital following the incident. Two people – including one child – have sustained serious injuries. A further 20 patients were treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service. A 53-year-old man – believed to be the driver of the car – has been arrested. According to the city's mayor Steve Rotheram this morning, four people remain 'very ill' in hospital. Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, the broadcaster also described the mood of fear and concern into the night as people in the city pieced together the full story of what had happened. He said the 'wind had been taken out of the sails' of the massive party that up until that point had been engulfing the city. "I was about another 500 yards down the street, it was quite strange where we were you could see there was two helicopters in the sky,' he said. "They were following the parade. Then as we started to disperse after the team had passed, we did notice there was another ambulance in the sky. "One of my friends said: I think that was an air ambulance'. "As we made our way back up into Liverpool, back up into where we were, we started to see and hear different things. "As we got 4G and 5G on our phones as it was coming back… as the coverage started to come back in, we started to be fed with pictures and theories. "The main thing we have been getting is family and friends asking: 'Are you ok? Were you anywhere near that car?' "It is chaotic and it is quite sad after such an incredible couple of days in Merseyside. "It was like the wind was taken out of everyone's sails. "Everyone was checking their phones to see what photographs they got, who got Virgil van Dijk. Then the news started to filter through and it very much felt like the wind was coming out of everyone's sails. "Back in pubs and bars and restaurants I was in, people were gathered around the TV – the yellow breaking news line. "It took a while for all of us to get to terms with. It became the thing we all talked about last night. "We didn't talk about the amazing time, where we were, the joy and happiness of football – we all said, wow this has really taken the wind out of the sails for the day and people were just praying there were no fatalities.' Jenny Sims, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police said they are making 'extensive inquiries' to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Ms Sims said they were not treating the crash as terrorism-related and described it as an 'isolated incident', adding that they had put in place a 'robust' road traffic policing plan ahead of the parade. Footage of circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street. Officers surrounded the car very soon after, as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were seen being taken away by ambulances. Merseyside Police earlier said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force. Hordes of fans had travelled from NI to be at the victory parade on Monday, many of whom were on the surrounding streets when the incident occurred. Jack Trotter from Newtownards, who attended the parade with girlfriend Abbie Gallagher, was injured in the incident. He posted on social media shortly afterwards, describing the events as 'crazy'. "I'm writing this because I've got a million texts asking if I'm okay and it's crazy over here. I've barely any service,' he said. "The parade was going unreal until the very end. Unfortunately I was hit, however I'm extremely lucky as I dodged the car just in time, however still got hit. "In absolute shock how an event like this can turn to such a tragedy.' Mr Trotter later told BBC NI he was in 'absolute agony' following the incident. Another NI man – who asked to remain anonymous – told this newspaper he had been in the area just minutes before the incident. "It's terrible what happened on a day of celebration,' he said. "We were just five minutes away from it. It's heartbreaking. We left that area five minutes before and as we walked up the street we heard screams and then realised something had happened. "There were crowds of people surrounding the car and it had struck loads of bystanders. "It's heartbreaking. We had a day trip from Belfast for an outstanding day until this happened. Liverpool is in shock. A day of celebration has become a nightmare.' One man from Belfast told The Times newspaper he had been outside the nearby Riva restaurant when the incident occurred. "I was right by the car. One minute I was having the best day of my life. The next second the worst. I'm so freaked out. I'd give up every title ever for that not to have happened,' he said. NI's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her thoughts were with everyone caught up in the chaos. "Terrible scenes in Liverpool,' the Lagan Valley MLA posted on her Facebook page. "My heart goes out to all injured and to so many loved ones and friends worried this evening for those undergoing treatment." DUP MLA John Stewart also posted on social media that he was praying for all involved. "Really shocking scenes in Liverpool this evening for what was due to be such a momentous day for the city and for everyone at Liverpool Football Club,' he said. 'Praying everyone involved is ok and thinking of everyone who was there and affected.' Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with Merseyside Police and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.'
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Multiple sclerosis: Juliane Keane sets Guinness World Record
A woman from Larne, County Antrim, has made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed by a woman with multiple sclerosis (MS).Juliane Keane, a primary school teacher, has lived with MS for two decades and completed the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday in a time of three hours, 53 minutes and two Keane said she has relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and said she hopes her achievement will help raise awareness of the condition, particularly the "invisible" symptoms that many people living with MS endure is a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord and can cause severe pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and vision problems. "I got into running about 10 years ago," she told BBC's Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme."I didn't think a marathon was something I would ever be able to do," she watching her husband participate in previous London marathons, Ms Keane finally secured a place and completed the London marathon for the first time last year. After surprising herself with her performance, she began researching whether any official records existed for marathon runners with MS."I couldn't get over how well I did last year, I really surprised myself, so I decided to look up what is the fastest time for a runner with MS to complete a marathon, but I couldn't find any record for any females," she said."I could only find a male record, which was actually set last year."I contacted Guinness World Records and they set up this category for women for the race this year."I didn't know what time I needed to set the record so when I finished I was just delighted to cross the line."Despite facing soaring temperatures, blistered feet, and waves of exhaustion during the 26.2 miles (42km), Ms Keane pushed through, in large thanks to the backing of the huge crowds cheering her and everyone else on. The mental battle during a marathon "It is crazy the mental battle that goes on during a marathon, I was going through periods of disappointment during the 16 or 17-mile mark as I was just so hot and my feet were blistering," she said. "I realised I had to drop the pace and slow down or else I just wouldn't finish."Ms Keane said the London marathon is incredibly special and the crowds helped spur the runners on every mile toward that finish line. "The crowds are just unbelievable, the spectators are just so encouraging and the support is fantastic. "It's just an unreal experience and I would encourage anyone to try it." Upon crossing the finish line, Ms Keane was unable to find out if she had indeed clinched the record. She was told by officials that she must wait until all the runners had finished and had their times recorded before she would be notified. Ms Keane subsequently received word that she had indeed made history and was now in the Guinness World Records. Ms Keane said RRMS means she goes through stages where, if she has a relapse, she is unable to any exercise at all. "Everyone is different, but what happens to me is whenever I have a relapse, I am basically in bed for maybe about three months and then it would take me another month to build up my fitness again," she said."Thankfully the last few years, I haven't had any relapses, I have been suffering from mainly MS fatigue."MS fatigue can come on at any moment, totally out of the blue and you could be wiped out. "Trying to manage that is probably the hardest part when training for a marathon."She hopes her story will raise awareness of MS and encourage others not to be defined by their diagnosis. "There's a lack of understanding about the invisible symptoms of MS but I'm lucky I can still run," she said. "You can have numbness, pain and sometimes I feel like my spine is just on fire, but that's not visible and can come and go. Her condition is "unpredictable", she explained. "I don't know when my next relapse will be or if I will recover from it in the same way as I have done in the past."Ms Keane said she considers herself very fortunate that she can still run and compete in marathons with her condition. "I'm still able to run and I really wanted to complete the London marathon in case I can't in the future," she said.
