THERE were emotional scenes last night as over 300 people attended a vigil for 20-year-old Christopher ‘Cricky’ Meli who was brutally set upon and murdered in Twinbrook in the early hours of Saturday morning. The father-of-one from Springfield’s Sliabh Dubh Lane was viciously attacked by a gang of youths and beaten in a “sustained and […]
Hundreds turn out at candlelit vigil for murdered Christopher
Terrorism Act a block to healing says counsellor after sacking of ex-prisoner
A Tar Isteach counsellor has said that he believes British legislation punishing ex-prisoners is acting as a barrier to healing for all of society – and not just former combatants. Joe Barnes, himself a republican ex-prisoner, was speaking after the Belfast Media Group broke the story of 51-year-old Robert Henry. He was sacked from his […]
Disabled man left stranded after scooter disqualification
A North Belfast man has been stripped of his mobility scooter after being caught drink driving twice in a matter of months. Malcolm McCormick (43), who lives on the Cliftonville Road, was disqualified from driving for a year in the Magistrates Court last month after being charged with failing to provide a specimen and driving […]
Fun and laughter at Cinderella
This week I found myself at the Waterfront Hall with four of my over-excited nieces and nephews watching the Christmas panto, Cinderella. Presented by LANA Productions, the magical story of Cinderella is brought to life on the festive pantomime stage by a fabulous cast of larger than life characters. We were promised that children would […]
Builders back on the job after AAD threats
Contractors threatened by extortionists posing as republicans have returned to work at a major social housing redevelopment in North Belfast. The Housing Executive have not confirmed whether the threat issued to builders in the New Lodge’s long streets has been lifted but yesterday morning (Thursday), a solitary worker was on-site making preparations for substantive work […]
A Christmas show that’s not a Christmas show
“YOU don’t need to know anything about Gaelic football to enjoy a show at Christmas that’s not a Christmas show,” laughs Alan McKee, one half of comedic duo Grimes and McKee, as he explains their latest show St Mungo’s Luganulk. Sitting in their own specially designed GAA jerseys based on HB’s classic Loop the Loop […]