SCHOOL absenteeism in deprived areas of South Belfast is eclipsing that in more affluent parts it has been revealed, prompting an MLA to demand “immediate intervention” from the Education Minister.
Family’s fight for justice moves on
The family of a North Belfast man murdered by the British Army more than 40 years ago said they hope the truth will finally be exposed after the Attorney-General agreed to reopen the inquest into his death. After more than four decades fighting to clear his name the family of Ardoyne man Barney Watts received notice recently the Attorney General will reopen the inquest into his murder and re-examine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Weapons find ‘a blow to dissidents’
Police have recovered what they described as two ‘dissident republican’ firearms during a security alert in North Belfast this week. A 2.2 rifle that had been cut down and a 2.2 pistol were removed from a hedgerow at the back of homes in Etna Drive in Ardoyne. A number of houses were evacuated while the security alert was ongoing on Tuesday afternoon.
Meeting to reassure parents
The principal of a North Belfast primary school has reassured parents the school is going nowhere and will continue to educate children in the area after rumours it could be set to close. Kieran McGarry, head teacher of St Mary’s Star of the Sea Primary School in Greencastle, spoke out to quash rumours the school might be set to close its doors.
Holy Cross show wins award
A radio documentary from the viewpoint of former Holy Cross Boys and Girls school pupils about their experiences during the Troubles picked up a prize at a prestigious radio awards ceremony, The Child of Ardoyne documentary received the Gold Award in the News Feature category at the Sony Radio Academy Awards in London on Monday night.
Families want answers about pub bombing
SURVIVORS and relatives of those who lost loved ones during a loyalist car-bomb and gun attack in West Belfast 40 years ago have called for an independent investigation into the events of the day and are considering civil proceedings against the Chief Constable Matt Baggot.