The male lead of a smash hit West End musical says Derry audiences are in for a treat when the production comes to Derry next week.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, an Oscar winning film version, and featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ Evita is an iconic classic

Mike Sterling plays the role of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón the in the musical, which charts the rise of his wife Eva from peasant to spiritual leader of the nation.

“It is a real love story,” explained Mike, who is best known for his long running role as The Phantom in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.

“Their relationship starts off like a sort of contract or a business arrangement but he falls in love with her.

“Whatever people think of dictators this guy is clever, he studies everything.

“And we show people the human side of him.”

The production is being brought to Derry straight from its West End run with all the production values that entails.

“They have really gone to town with the set, the orchestra, the cast- it’s just incredible,” said Mike.

“This type of production is not seen very often.

“Eva is played by Lucy O’Byrne who is really incredible and she is just 27-years-old.

“She takes Eva from a 15-year –old girl to a 33-year-old woman.

“And that journey is really something.

“She is one of the first women to make that impact. She became like a queen.”

And Mike says he looking forward to bringing the production to the North West.

“This will be my first time in Derry but I’m very much looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.

“Especially the Guinness.”

Evita performs at the Millennium Forum from Tuesday October 9 to Saturday October 13.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Business owners in Derry who operate online have been invited to a conference with leading experts from Google, Facebook, ReviewPro, Shopify, Stackla and Digital 24.

The Hastings Hotels ‘Digi-Talk’ conference will providing a unique insight into how local companies can grow their businesses online.

Helen Smyth from Facebook and Mateo Galvis and Stuart Kirwan from Google will be joined by Neil James of ReviewPro, the world-leaders in guest intelligence solutions, Andy Mallinson of Stackla, which works with top global brands including Sony, Disney and McDonald’s to create successful visual marketing campaigns with user-generated content, Niamh Power from leading ecommerce software company, Shopify, to discuss a range of topics including online content, monetising websites, utilising Facebook and future trends and Niamh Taylor, of Digital 24 who will cover ‘The Impact of Adopting an Influencer Marketing Strategy’ exploring the advantages and pitfalls of the science of influencer marketing to enable local businesses to make informed decisions.

At the conference, delegates will be able to download and use the global app, Attendify, which helps engage the audience with live interaction with the speakers on the day and connect attendees ensuring maximum networking opportunities. In addition to this, delegates will meet industry leaders, ask questions and learn from the best in the business.

Hannah Corbett, Group Digital Strategist from Hastings Hotels said: “Digi-Talk: The Conference is the culmination of the monthly forums organised by Hastings Hotels to give local businesses the opportunity to learn more about the growing realm of digital marketing. The conference is designed to help companies become more aware of the online tools available to help grow their business and we are delighted to have secured a fantastic line-up of speakers who are all proven experts from leading organisations at the forefront of the digital industry.”

The innovative conference, organised by Hastings Hotels, takes place on Wednesday 10^th October in the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

Digi-Talk: The Conference is sponsored by Bank of Ireland, EOS Systems, Belfast Live and Warwick Event Services. Tickets are £80 + VAT and include lunch, notes and refreshments.

For further information or to secure your place go to www.hastingshotels.com/Digitalk-conference or call Hannah Corbett on 028 9067 4168 / email hannah@hastingshotels.com

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Derry students who have received the Pope John Paul II Award or are currently working towards it have taken part in a pilgrimage to Knock.

The young people were joined by Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown for the event which took place last month.

The Award was launched in Derry in 2006 by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Lazarotto. It is now running in 23 dioceses in Ireland and 2 in Britain - the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. In the last twelve years, over 24,000 young people have enrolled in the Award. It was acknowledged recently, that the Pope John Paul II Award is the largest youth movement in the Church in Ireland today.

The pilgrimage to Knock Shrine provided young people in attendance with the opportunity to share their experiences of participating in the Pope John Paul II Award, discuss how it impacts on their faith and recognises the special place they have in the Church today. They had time to pray together, to listen to inspirational talks by Sr Ethel Normoyle of the Little Company of Mary in Ireland and director and founder of the Missionvale Care Centre in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Alan Kerins - Irish sportsman, humanitarian, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. Alan has raised close to €5 million to end poverty and suffering of tens of thousands of people in rural Southern Africa.

Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry, Patron of the Award celebrated Mass and was joined by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford & Lismore and priests from participating dioceses.

Music was provided by Elation Ministries, choirs from participating dioceses and a soloist from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

There is a sense of progression surrounding the first of Sunday’s semi-finals in the Derry SFC.  Glen, with three titles, and Lavey, who have won the last four U21 championships will do battle for a place in this year’s county senior final.  Michael McMullan looks ahead to the game….

Derry SFC Semi-Final
Glen v Lavey
Sunday (1.00) – Owenbeg
Ref: B Cassidy (Bellaghy)

Following Coleraine’s dethroning of four-in-a-row champions Slaughtneil on Wednesday night, there is going to be a new name on the John McLaughlin Cup this season.

Lavey haven’t won a title since their ninth championship success in 1993.  They lost the 1998 final to a Bellaghy who went on to win three on the trot.

In the rival corner this weekend, the Erins Own men will face a Glen side bidding for their first senior championship.

Glen rode their luck in the opening round against Swatragh.  The Davitts, who lost James Kearney to a red card, passed up three goal chances including a brilliant penalty save from Callum Mullan-Young to deny Conor McAtamney from the spot.

In their quarter-final, Emmett Bradley inspired the Watties to victory over Ballinderry, a first against the Shamrocks since 1993.  The final quarter was enthralling.  Danny Tallon’s surging run ended with him firing to the net.

Glen still needed Ryan Dougan and Emmett Bradley to rise to pluck two late kick-outs, with Dougan’s fetch leading to Michael Warnock’s fourth point and the winning score.

Glen lost Cathal Mulholland in the seventh minute with an arm injury following a block on Aaron Mullan’s shot.  His younger brother Eunan missed the game after impressing during his debut season.  His sheer pace adds to Glen’s potent running game.

Lavey came the scenic route to Sunday’s semi-final, with three very different performances.

Against Dungiven, Lavey were organised and tough to break down but were never fully tested.

In their draw with Loup, the Erins Own men didn’t score for 31 minutes in a bizarre game, one that Lavey almost fell over the line in, despite having Niall Toner rendered redundant by tight-marking Loup defender Conall McGinley.

The replay was totally different.  It was the classic game of the championship.  After a sluggish start, Lavey kicked into life and Niall Toner bagged 2-3 and ballooned a penalty over the bar.

Anthony O’Neill and Caolan Devlin were in unerring scoring form for Loup.  In the end it was an Aidan Toner run from defence that put Lavey on the charge for the last time and when Cailean O’Boyle was fouled he kicked the winning free.

The former Derry player was dropped for the replay but it’s unlikely he will push Kevin O’Neill out of the side.  Whoever starts, Ryan Dougan is expected to pick them up.

Niall Toner was the real danger and Enda Gormley will assign him to key defender Oisin Hegarty, with Oran McGill on Chrissy Henry.

The midfield area will be the key zone.  Emmett Bradley and Declan Hughes have been the battering rams going forward for their respective teams.  It could be the duel that shapes the game.

But if Glen start Bradley at centre-forward, then Michael Drumm and Caolan McGurk will need to double up on him.  Bradley’s runs are so important to their plans.

Ciaran McFaul plays everywhere and often pulls wide.  Lavey could push Eamon McGill out on him.  Both players are strong on the front foot, so whoever comes out on top in the battle will force another swing on the game.

The kick-out strategies are different.  After 10 clean sheets and 0-12 to his name in an impressive season, Lavey ‘keeper Ciaron O’Boyle has struggled with consistency during the Loup game, something Glen will be aware of.

Glen ‘keeper Callum Mullan-Young went through a wobble against a formidable Swatragh challenge but his kicking against Ballinderry gave them the tools to get to grips with the game.

In attack, Glen tend to operate as close to a conventional six as possible.  It will occupy Lavey, who have tried to allow Michael Drumm to sit free.  Not as a defined sweeper, but more as a second centre-back.

Michael Warnock was immense in the win over Ballinderry and can dictate the game with his running game.

If Shea Downey is still absent it robs Lavey of one of their leading lights.  Son of manager Seamus, he has bedded in at the heart of their side but missed the Loup games following an appendix operation.

Hugh McGurk was forced off at half-time with a serious knee ligament injury and reports are he is out for the season.  His counter-attacking play was key to Lavey’s run to the Ulster U21 Final earlier in the season.

Coleraine’s win over Slaughtneil has thrown the title race wide open.  Lavey’s U16 and minor teams are already in their respective county finals.  Seamus Downey insists Lavey are currently building a senior team.  To get them back where they feel they belong.

Lavey are rarely found wanting when they get the championship buzz and will see Glen as a challenge to get their teeth into.

Glen will look back on last season with regrets.  Of not asking Slaughtneil the tough questions in the semi-final.

After winning three Ulster U21 titles, on the back of four minor titles, Glen’s initial aim was to become an established senior club.  That box has been ticked – long ago.  A county final is the next target and the confidence from beating Ballinderry could help them over the next step on the road to glory.

Verdict: Glen

Pic: Mary K Burke.

For coverage of the game, get Tuesday’s County Derry Post – first for all Derry club action.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Ronan Hale was the match winner for Derry City in an unremarkable game against struggling Limerick.

Limerick 0

Derry City 1

The young striker scored his 13^th goal of the season for Kenny Shiels’ team, who finally got back to winning ways after five successive league defeats. But it was far from an impressive display from Derry who completely switched off in the second half and were perhaps fortunate that that the hosts did not take any advantage.

Derry got their reward for a positive start with the opening goal on 24 minutes and it was third time lucky for Hale, who latched onto a slide-rule pass from Dean Shiels to go one on one with Holland and this time the young striker made no mistake, by firing it past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

The only disappointment for City boss Kenny Shiels from the opening period was that his team were unable to add to their lead in the remainder of the half, Fisk going closest with another effort that had to be saved by Holland.

Limerick emerged much more of a threat at the start of the second half and they should have levelled within five minutes of the restart when Shane Tracey’s cross into the area eluded Dan Seaborne and found Karl O’Sullivan who should have scored but got under his shot and skied it over Gerard Doherty’s crossbar.

There was a much better effort from the hosts in the second period and they were finally giving Derry a game with Tracey bringing the first save of the game from Doherty with a  free kick which the City captain had to parry over the crossbar and behind for a corner.

It took Derry until minute 72 to show some threat and it came when Nicky Low found Dean Shiels, who cut inside and took a shot which went too high over Holland’s goal. The Limerick goalkeeper, overworked in the first period, had little to do in the second half, which said everything about Derry’s second half performance.

Teams

Limerick: Tommy Holland, Shaun Kelly, Killian Cantwell, Cian Coleman (Danny Morrisey 84’), Shane Duggan, Shane Tracey, Will Fitzgerald, Karl O’Sullivan (Billy Dennehy 78’), Darren Murphy, Colman Kennedy, Barry Maguire.

Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Dan Seaborne, Jamie McDonagh, Eoin Toal, Darren Cole, Nicky Low (Aidy Delap 78’), Aaron Splaine, Aaron McEneff, Dean Shiels, Ben Fisk, Ronan Hale.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

For the third successive season Ballinascreen and Coleraine will cross swords in championship action, with 'Screen leading two-nil from the previous meetings.  Michael McMullan looks ahead to Sunday's rematch...

Derry SFC Semi-Final
Coleraine v Ballinascreen
Sunday (2.45) – Owenbeg
Ref: M McAleese (Drum)

When the sides met last season the game was over before Coleraine knew what day of the week it was.

Three first-half Ballinascreen goals set them on their way to victory over a shell-shocked Coleraine side that lost Barry McGoldrick to a second booking in the 24^th minute.

It was the Benny Heron show.  He scored one goal and set up the others for Dermot McBride and Shane Mulgrew.

Heron missed much of this season with injury but bounced back to drag ‘Screen out of relegation and his thunderbolt winning goal sunk Bellaghy in the championship.

But it looks like his season is over with a groin injury picked up at training before their quarter-final with Greenlough that saw him helped off during the game.

At the other end of the pitch boss Liam Bradley has a defensive crisis with former Derry defender Dermot McBride forced off before half-time with what appeared to be a recurrence of his shoulder injury.

Last year they reached the final but have stuttered to Sunday’s semi-final.  Manager Liam Bradley conceded, following the Greenlough game, that his side hadn’t clicked into gear.

In the past two seasons ‘Screen have knocked Coleraine out of the championship but they will need more improvement to make it three in a row.

They pulverised Greenlough’s key kick-out routine but lacked the killer instinct to convert their dominance into scores.  In the end they needed two saves from Ryan Scullion, followed by late points from defenders Ronan Devlin, Michael McShane and Carlus McWilliams to seal the win.

On Sunday they will need a huge return from Brendan Herron, Shane Mulgrew and Philip Bradley, who has also been struggling with injury, in the scoring stakes.

Coleraine come into the game battle-hardened from edging past Glenullin and Slaughtneil.  Declan Mullan’s appearance from the bench means the Seans – McGoldrick and McLaughlin – will have a full deck for Sunday.

Before the Slaughtneil and Ballinderry monopoly on the John McLaughlin Cup, Coleraine were winners in 2010.  Liam McGoldrick, Ruairi Mooney and Gavin McWilliams have since come into the side.

Ballinascreen are likely to put Philip McGlade on Colm McGoldrick – especially if he plays inside.  Ronan Devlin will pick up Ciaran McGoldrick.  Against Greenlough, Conor McGovern played on Enda Lynn for a spell, with Kieran Conway sweeping.

Sean Leo McGoldrick, although not a noted scorer, is as influential in terms of general play and possession as Lynn.  Ballinascreen will need to keep him occupied while keeping Carlus McWilliams present at centre-back.

"For some of them they probably think there aren't many more opportunities left" - @EoghanRua manager Sean McGoldrick #DerrySFC pic.twitter.com/JC7mIsic8V

— County Derry Post (@derrypost) October 4, 2018

The worry for ‘Screen that in the absence of Benny Heron, Ciaran Mullan will go to Shane Mulgrew and Barry McGoldrick could be assigned to Brendan Herron.  How they occupy Liam McGoldrick’s influence will be a concern.

He came forward from defence to score the vital goal in the draw with Slaughtneil, while dictating the game and kicked 0-2 in their replay win.

Gary Conway pulls far and wide to link the play and it will suit Barry Daly to pick him up and do likewise.

It will be a third game in a week for Coleraine’s dual players – following on for an enthralling drawn quarter-final.

The soothing waters of the Atlantic Ocean will no doubt have played a part in the recovery of any aching limbs.

Sean McGoldrick, in his post-game interview, highlighted the realism of his side not having long left to win a championship.

With Slaughtneil gone from the equation, Eoghan Rua will see this as massive opportunity. If they can roll into Owenbeg on Sunday, fresh, primed and free of any sores from their exploits, another final is within their grasp.

Verdict: Coleraine

Pic: Mary K Burke.

For coverage of the game, get Tuesday’s County Derry Post – first for all Derry club action.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Pupils at Gaelscoil Na Daróige in Derry have received a Recycling Awareness Class in the medium of Irish from Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway, and Irish Language Officer Pól Ó Frighil.

Pupils from Primary 1 up to Primary 7 were told about the journey of waste and how to recycle correctly during the session which was held to mark Recycling Week.

The initiative is also part of the school’s Recycling Education Programme which has seen them implement practical measures including recycling food waste and allocating mixed recycling bins within classrooms.

Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer Julie Hannaway said she was heartened by the pupil’s positive attitude to recycling.

“It was a real joy delivering the Recycling Education Programme to pupils at Gaelscoil Na Daróige with the help of my colleague and Gaeilgeoir Pól,” she said.

“The enthusiasm and interest shown by the pupils and staff was really positive and brought to life our ethos for Recycle Week which is ‘We do. Because it matters’.

“Council have been running a recycling education programme for a number of years now and we are always looking for new ways to engage with schools and pupils to help them on their recycling journey.

“We all have a role to play in reducing the amount of rubbish we generate and ensuring that it is recycled right.”

Any local schools interested in taking part in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Recycling Programme can contact Julie.Hannaway@derrystrabane.com.

For information and tips on recycling visit www.derrystrabane.com/recycling.

Pictured above: Derry City and Strabane District Council Waste and Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway, and Irish Language Officer Pól Ó Frighil delivering a Recycling Awareness Class to pupils at Gaelscoil Na Daróige.

I nGaeilge

Fuair daltaí ó Ghaelscoil na Daróige i nDoire oiliúint ar an athchúrsáil trí Ghaeilge ag ceardlann speisialta a eagraíodh ag an Oifigeach Athchúrsála, Julie Hannaway, agus ag Oifigeach Gaeilge na Comhairle, Pól Ó Frighil.

D’fhoghlaim páistí ó Rang 1 suas go dtí Rang 7 faoin dóigh le bheith ag athchúrsáil mar is ceart ag ceardlann speisialta a eagraíodh le ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an tSeachtain Athchúrsála. Chuir an tionscnamh seo le clár na scoile chun feasacht na bpáistí ar an Athchúrsáil a mhúscailt, agus chun spreagadh a thabhairt dóibh rudaí praiticiúla a dhéanamh ar nós dramhaíl bia a athchúrsáil agus araidí measctha athchúrsála a chur ar fáil laistigh de na seomraí ranga.

Dúirt Julie Hannaway, Oifigeach Athchúrsála na Comhairle gur mór an t-ardú croí a fuair sí nuair a chonacthas di an meon dearfach a bhí ag na páistí i leith cúrsaí athchúrsála.

“B’iontach an rud é an Clár Oideachais ar an Athchúrsáil a chur ar fáil ag Gaelscoil na Daróige le cuidiú ó mo chomhghleacaí le Gaeilge, Pól”.

“Thaispeáin na daltaí agus foireann na scoile suim mhór agus díograis iontach le linn ár bhfeachtais chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an tSeachtain Athchúrsála a d’úsáid an mana “Déanann muid. Mar gur fiú é” i mbliana.

“Tá clár oideachais ar an athchúrsáil á chur ar fáil ag an Chomhairle leis na blianta, ach tá sí i gcónaí ag aimsiú bealaí nua le bheith ag plé le scoileanna agus le daltaí scoile le cuidiú leo feasacht ar an athchúrsáil a ardú”

“Ní mór dúinn ar fad an líon bruscair a tháirgeann muid a laghdú agus le cinntiú go n-athchúrsáiltear an bruscar seo mar is ceart”

Má tá suim ag scoil ar bith páirt a ghlacadh i gcláir athchúrsála Chomhairle Chathair Dhoire agus Cheantar an tSratha Báin ní mór teagmháil a dhéanamh le Julie.Hannaway@derrystrabane.com.

Tuilleadh eolais maidir le cúrsaí athchúrsála ar fáil ag: www.derrystrabane.com/recycling.

Fotheideal: Oifigeach Athchúrsála Chomhairle Chathair Dhoire agus Cheantar an tSratha Báin Julie Hannaway, agus Oifigeach Gaeilge, Pól Ó Frighil a d’eagraigh ceardlann ar an athchúrsáil ag Gaelscoil na Daróige.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

News that the Department for Communities has announced Neighbourhood Renewal Investment funding of £781,836 for a new community facility in Rosemount has been widely welcomed.

The funding will go towards capital costs of demolishing the old Rosemount Resource Centre and building a new modern community facility which will be located in the Rosemount area of Derry.

Sinn Féin representative Hayleigh Fleming said this was great news for the local community: “This is welcome news for the Rosemount area.

"It comes at a time when we have also seen massive investment in Brooke Park and the Creggan Burn which has added greatly to the regeneration of the entire area.

“We also look forward to plans for a new community centre in the Glen becoming a reality.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan also welcomed the announcement.

The MLA for Foyle commented: "This new space will make a positive contribution to the community.

"The new centre will provide a space for programmes such as a Men's Health Shed, Fishing Club, Reading Club and various 'Healthy Minds' programmes.

"I commend all those included in this successful funding application and the fantastic community work that is carried out in the area."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A 43-year-old man who was on trial at Derry Crown Court charged with breaking a man's jaw and threatening to kill a mother and her child has been found not guilty of the offences.

Rodney James Bonnes who is from the Tullyally area of the city denied committing the offence in Tullyally on February 3, 2017.

Bonnes, whose address was given on court papers as Magilligan Prison, also denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a man who sustained a double fracture of his jaw during the same alleged incident.

He further denied threatening to kill a married couple, causing criminal damage to a house and garden ornaments and threatening to damage a woman's home. Those offences are also alleged to have occurred in Tullyally on February 3 of last year.

The prosecution had claimed that the victim who sustained the double fracture to his jaw was allegedly attacked by Bonnes as he was walking to his Stevenson Park home.

Bonnes was alleged to have used a piece of wood to inflict the injuries and the victim only managed to escape by biting the defendant on the hand and torso.

The victim arrived home covered in blood. His partner looked out and claimed saw Bonnes outside her home. He was alleged to have shouted at her that he would kill her and her child if she called the police and that he would "wipe out all of her family".

The prosecutor said the woman was terrified as a result of the alleged threat. The defendant was then alleged to have gone to the home of the woman's sister where it's claimed he threatened to kill her husband and burn her and her daughter out of their home.

A barrister said Bonnes then became involved in an altercation with another man during which the he sustained a shallow wound to his back.

However, last Friday, Bonnes was acquitted of all offences and found not guilty.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

By Eamon Sweeney

A man was helping police with their inquiries last night following an aggravated burglary in which a man and a woman were injured at their home on Sunday night (October 7).

The County Derry Post understands that the pair are a mother and son and were later taken to hospital with injuries that were not thought to have been life-threatening.

The incident took place at the home on the Dreenan Road in Gulladuff in the Parish of Lavey.

It is believed the injured duo interrupted the suspect as he attempt to carry out a burglary at the house.

Police last night confirmed that a suspect was being questioned in relation to the incident and that they received a report of the incident at 8am on Monday morning.

Sean Fein Councillor for the area, Sean McPeake said it was his understanding that the assailant was carrying a hammer when he broke into the house.

He told the County Derry Post: “Our thoughts are with the mother and son who are being treated in hospital following a brutal assault in their own home by a masked intruder wielding hammer.

“Having learned of this vicious attack in our parish I can only state our community’s shock at such an attack taking place in our midst. This has been a terrible ordeal for this family."

The Sinn Fein representative also highlighted various other incidents that have happened in the area in recent days. At the time of going to press last night it remained unclear if the incidents were linked.

Councillor Sean McPeake Continued: “A land rover was also stolen from a neighbouring property and that followed a theft from another house around a week ago.

“On what was a tremendously uplifting week for our parish with victory for our club football teams, incidents of brutality and criminality have no place in Lavey at this or any other time.

“The people of Lavey totally condemn these criminal actions and the perpetrators need to be speedily caught and brought to justice.”

“It comes on the back of a week that saw the theft of vehicles from local family homes and businesses.

“This outbreak of crime in what is largely a crime-free and quiet area. My party will be seeking an urgent meeting with those tasked with local policing and community safety responsibilities to discuss these worrying developments.

“The perpetrators of these crimes need to be brought to justice as soon as possible. Anyone with information regarding this violent attack of the vehicle thefts need to bring it to the police immediately.”

PICTURE: Councillor Sean McPeake.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

There has been a collision between the Foyle Bridge and the Caw Roundabout on the Waterside bound side of the carriageway say the PSNI.

Police say this is causing a very heavy build up of traffic in the area which will not clear for some time whilst emergency services attend.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

By Eamon Sweeney

The Department of Infrastructure (DfI) has said it has issued an apology to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council over an incident concerning car parking charges in Limavady during a loyal order parade in August.

The issue has now also led to a verbal spat between SDLP MLA John Dallat and DUP MP Gregory Campbell.

The news came to light after a letter from DfI Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey wrote a letter to SDLP MLA John Dallat in response to queries he made on the issue.

The DfI letter states that they received correspondence from the DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell “expressing concerns about the practicalities of applying normal parking restrictions” in Limavady during the Royal Black Preceptory (RBP) parade on Saturday, August 25.

In another section, the letter also says: “Separately, the Department also received an approach from the PSNI advising that vehicle movement was likely to be heavily restricted at times during the day due to the RBP parade and suggesting that the Department may wish to consider redeploying the traffic attendants normally covering Limavady. Following consideration of the points made by the PSNI, the Department took the decision not to deploy the Traffic Attendants to Limavady that day.

“It did not however suspend parking tarriff's and parking was not free. There was also no public announcement that Traffic Attendants were not being deployed.”

However, John Dallat MLA says the letter from DfI doesn’t give a satisfactory explanation of the situation.

He said: “It doesn’t explain why car park attendants were withdrawn other than to facilitate people not paying and thew fact that a DUP Councillor then advertised the fact on social media meaning car parking would be free because there were no car parking attendants.

“The involvement of the local MP Gregory Campbell and the promotion of the fact that attendants were withdrawn demands an explanation from them.

“This explanation raises more questions than it provides answers to and still hasn’t identified who took these decisions in the absence of any consultation with the local council who own the car parks.”

In response to Mr Dallat’s comments, Gregory Campbell told the County Derry Post: “I was approached by a number of people who were going to be at Black Saturday and on the basis that there would be a large number of people there it would be appropriate to suspend normal car parking rules-for example if someone would be parked on a single yellow line for 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes.

“The same logic would be acceptable if there was a fleadh in the town or a major sporting event. It was to take a common sense approach to parking as there was around 10,000 people in the town. I then received a letter to say the organisers of the parade should approach the people in charge of car parking.

“My concern about this is now that Mr Dallat is now taking this approach because it was a RBP event. My question is would he be taking the same interest if it had been another event on the same large scale? If he didn’t then people would be justified in thinking he was singling out a loyal order parade and make their own conclusions on that.”

The letter from the DfI Permanent Secretary continues: “It is worth explaining that only local councils, in this case Causeway Coast and Glens Council, have the authority for deciding whether or not to suspend car parking tariffs in Council off-street car parks.

“Additionally, all drivers are expected to comply with Council off-street car park rules, including paying tarriff's, whether or not  parking enforcement is being carried out.
“However, I do accept that the Council should have been consulted on the decision not to deploy Traffic Attendants; this did not happen and we recognise this was an oversight on our part.

“We have written to the Council to apologise and are in discussions with colleagues from the Council to explore appropriate compensation arrangements for any loss of revenue in this case.”

A spokesperson for the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council told the County Derry Post that they would not be commenting on the issue.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

By Eamon Sweeney

A man has accused the PSNI of continual harassment because he has refused to work for either them or the British Secret Service as an informer against dissident republicans.

Earlier this year, Dermot Burke who lives in the townland of Drum in north Derry was acquitted of charges arising a search of outbuildings at his home, then in Dungiven, in July 2013.

During the search police seized a single-barrelled shotgun, a Webley revolver and articles for use in terrorism-namely six pick axe handles, a sledgehammer, an iron bar, balaclavas, improvised face masks, three imitation firearms and a blank calibre cartridge.

However, despite being cleared at Belfast Crown Court of the alleged offences Mr Burke has told the County Derry Post that he  and members of his family are being stopped and searched on a regular basis. He also said that he was arrested whilst on holiday in Spain and interviewed by members of MI5 who repeatedly attempted to recruit him as an informer.

“The story is that this has been going on for five years harassment from MI5 who tried to get me to work for them. They dragged me through the courts because they found a couple of antique guns, balaclavas and pick shafts.

“I was being harassed before that, but after the court case, which ended about six months ago, I thought it would die a death. But since that I am still being harassed.

“Now they are bringing it to my familly. My house has been raided and they take computer stuff away,” he said.

According to a warrant shown to the County Derry Post, the latest search at the Burke’s home was carried out on September 21.

The document states that the PSNI Serious Crime Branch were authorised to search the house for materials likely to be “of substantial value to their terrorist investigations and it is necessary to seize them to prevent them being concealed, lost, damaged, altered or destroyed.”

The items listed for seizure on the warrant included mobile phones, SIM cards, Media storage devices, Information relating to the identity of police officers, Information pertaining to the IRA and components for IED’s (improvised explosive devices).

Mr Burke says the police activity is having an adverse effect on his family.

“It’s not good at the minute because they took my sons stuff this time and his work is on it. He is studying nursing. The wife asked them not to take his computer.

“I am not into computers. I couldn’t even open a computer. They took it and said ‘you’ll get it back’.

“But, we’ve been waiting five years on other stuff being returned and have got nothing back. They took my work stuff again and they have every time.”

Asked why he believes the PSNI are carrying out this action against him, Dermot Burke continued: “It’s because I didn’t work for these boys and they told me that if I didn’t work for them they’d harass me for the rest of my life.

“Within the last three months they’ve stopped and searched me at least 20 times. Also. My young boy went out in my van three or four weeks ago and got the length of Derry when they stopped him and pointed guns in the window of the van at him. This young lad is innocent-we are all innocent.

“They are picking on me because of who my friends are and because I didn’t work for them.

“I was arrested at the airport in Palma under the Terrorism Act but they didn’t charge me. They took me to a jail there and MI5 were waiting for me. It was around their seventh approach to me in the last five years.

“I kept telling them they were following the wrong boy. It’s also probably because I would lift money and sell tickets to help prisoners. It may be something to do with that and people I’d be friendly with.

“In the last search, they wrecked my home over six hours. They ransacked it. So instead of getting better the harassment is getting worse.”

Sinn Fein Councillor for the area, Sean McGlinchey told the County Derry Post: “I’ve known this family for a number of years and I’m close friends with them.

“Dermot son’s work is on the laptop that was seized. You’d think that a day’s serach would do it and then it would be returned.

“There again, I am still waiting on my own stuff back when I was arrested four years ago. This young lads career is at stake. They are victimising him and this family and that’s totally wrong.

“This is only isolating the community from the police. There’s no need for it. If they want to interview Dermot that’s one thing, but going into his house is totally unacceptable.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI told the County Derry Post: "We do not comment on intelligence matters and no inference should be drawn from this.

"However, in line with all other police services across the UK the PSNI's policy in relation to the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources is strictly governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and is fully compliant with Human Rights legislation.

"Anyone with a complaint to make regarding police action should contact the Police Ombudsman."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

McLaughlin, Mary Bridget (Nee McMullan) 7th October 2018 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, beloved wife of the late Paddy, dearly beloved mother of Rose and Marian, loving mother-in-law, a much loved nan and
great nan and dear sister of Seamus, Emmett and the late George Hugh.
Funeral from her home, 8 Glentaisie Park, Portrush on Wednesday at 11.30 am for 12 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Portrush. Interment afterwards in St Finlough’s Cemetery, Ballykelly. Family time from 10 pm to 10 am please.
Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to Marie Curie Fundraising Office, 60 Knock Road, Belfast, BT5 6LQ . On her soul Sweet Jesus have mercy. Immaculate Heart of Jesus pray for her.

Hamilton, William David (Billy), 8th October 2018, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital. Late of 105 Bann Drive. Dearly beloved Partner of Judy. Loving Brother of Anne, Rab, Darren, Cliff and the late Helga.
Funeral service in his Brother Rab’s home 50 Leckpatrick Road, Artigarvan on Thursday 11th October 2018 at 1pm followed by burial in Ballyoan Cemetery.
Family Flower only, donations in lieu if wished to WH&SCT (ICU Unit) Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry BT47 6SB.
(All enquiries to Adair & Neely Funeral Directors 02871311321).
Deeply regretted by his loving Friends and family circle.
In life he lived for those he loved and those he loved remember.

Meighan, Stella October 8th 2018, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, Stella, 26 Terrydremond Road, Limavady.
Much loved wife of the late Victor, loving mother of Trevor, Heather, Jeanette and Nigel, also a dear mother-in-law of David, grandmother of Michelle, Adam and Jake, great-grandmother of Jamie, sister of Robert, sister-in-law of Elizabeth, Billy (Canada), Doreen, Gilbert, Stanley and the late Adeline.
Funeral service in her late home on Wednesday at 2.00pm followed by interment in Enagh Cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations if desired and cheques payable to Rectory Field Residential Home c/o Browns Funeral Directors, 25 Church Street, Limavady.
Will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her entire family circle.
'Thine Be Done'

Young, Mary Josephine, Passed away peacefully at her home, 3 Mill Pace, Limavady. Much loved mother of Katherine, mother in law of Gary, grandmother of Cole and Eva, daughter of the late Robert and Alice, sister of Margaret, William, Thomas and the late Robert.
Funeral service in her late home on Thursday at 12noon followed by interment in Christ Church.
Family flowers only please, donations if desired and cheques payable to North West Animal Welfare Group c/o Browns funeral directors, 25 Church Street, Limavady.
Will be lovingly remembered by her entire family circle.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

By Eamon Sweeney

John Dallat, SDLP MLA for East Derry has lambasted the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for not making any formal complaints to the police over damage caused to public property in the last three years.

Mr Dallat says he is ‘shocked beyond belief’ that DfI has not complained to the PSNI over damage to kerbstones and roundabouts.

A prolonged spate of vanadlism which heightened inter-community tensions, took place in Limavady during this year’s marching season.

Kerbstones, traffic signs and road markings were daubed in both red, white and blue and green, white and orange colours.

The periphery of the Lisnakelly roundabout at the entrance to the town was also daubed red, white and blue. In one incident workers employed by DfI to restore the structure to its proper status were intimidated out of the area by loyalists and prevented from completing the task.

Mr Dallat said: “I am shocked beyond belief that a government department responsible for millions of pounds of public property doesn’t have a practice of reporting criminal damage as a matter of course.

“The cost of removing paint and replacing signage that has been criminally damaged must run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. But, nothing can be done to deal with the culprits because there are no formal complaints being made by DfI. That’s amazing.”

News that DfI had made no formal complaints to police over damage to public property came after a response to a Freedom of Information request lodged by Mr Dallat.

The SDLP MLA asked for how made formal complaints the DfI had made to police in the last three years. He received a response from the departments Information Manager stating: “In response to your request, I can conform that in the period 2016 to the present, the Department has made no formal complaints to PSNI regarding the painting of road edge kerbs on other public property.”

Mr Dallat continued: “In a recent meeting with PSNI this anomaly was highlighted to  me and was the reason offered to me as to why they have made no attempt to prosecute those involved in painting rounadbouts, kerbstones and other public property.

“The police claimed that in cases where they know the culprits they have not submitted files to the Public Prosecution Services (PPS) because they would be rejected because no one is complaining. They went further and suggested that even if that the PPS were to recommend prosecutions these would be thrown out of court.

“I need to go back to the DfI to establish who took the decision not to prosecute and for what reasons.

“I wonder what happens when a motorist damages road signs in a traffic accident? I imagine they are responsible and replacement of the signs is part of a claim.

“Assuming this to be the case, I then have to ask why those going out with paint brushes to cause criminal damage to public property appear to be exempt from prosecution.”

A spokesperson for the DfI said: "The Department does not condone damage to its property, however, it is mindful of taking actions which would heighten community tension and compromise the safety of its staff. It does maintain liaison with the PSNI and will be raising this issue at the next liaison meeting later this month."

And, a spokesperson for the PSNI told the County Derry Post that the police had no comment to make regarding Mr Dallat's comments.

PICTURE: The Lisnakelly roundabout just outside Limavady.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Five students from North West Regional College have been chosen to star in the West End show Evita which opens at the Millennium Forum tonight.

Eoin Callaghan, Reece Cullen, Joseph Gallagher, Morgan Coyle and Kieron Clarke who are all studying for Higher Level courses in Performing Arts at Strand Road campus will take to the stage in a number of roles with the West End cast who have been touring the UK with the award winning show.

Evita, penned by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from humble beginnings through to extraordinary
wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

Eoin Callaghan, who is in his final year of the HND in Performing Arts at NWRC said: “When our lecturer Michael Poole told us about the opportunity to star in Evita, we couldn’t say no, it was basically an opportunity to do our dream job for a week.

“I knew a lot of the songs beforehand and the basic storyline, but the more I listen to the Evita score, the more I realise that it is a masterpiece.

“Five of us will be playing a variety of roles that include being in the general Argentinian public, protesters and picketers, in fact it’s hard not to enjoy being a protester on stage because the music is so empowering."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The Department for Communities has announced Neighbourhood Renewal Investment funding of £781,836 towards  a new community centre in the city.

It will go towards the capital costs of demolishing the old Rosemount Resource Centre and building a new modern community facility which will be located in the Rosemount area of Derry.

Hayleigh Fleming, Sinn Féin representative  welcomed the news.

“This is welcome news for the Rosemount area. It comes at a time when we have also seen massive investment in Brooke Park and the Creggan Burn which has added greatly to the regeneration of the entire area.

“We also look forward to plans for a new community centre in the Glen becoming a reality."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Opry le Daniel, TG4 television’s highest rating country music series from Millennium Forum in Derry, airs tonight Tuesday, 9^th October.

It features the up and coming stars of the future with Stuart Moyles, Keelan Arbuckle, Olivia Douglas, Brandon Mc Phee and Caitlin.

With varied songs such as ‘Will you go lassie go’, Westport Town and ‘My heart skips a beat’ from Olivia, Stuart and Keelan, viewers are in for a very entertaining night.

Brandon Mc Phee, the virtuoso accordion player who made the trip from Scotland gives us ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ while Caitlin sings the beautiful tearjerker, ‘To Daddy’.

Opry has long since established a niche for giving the ‘newbies’ a chance to perform in front of a T.V. audience and so many have gone on to become household names. No doubt our performers from Tuesday’s show will become stars in the future.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

By Eamon Sweeney

Walkabout Resources, an Australian based mineral exploration firm with licences to examine the Sperrins for mineral resources, has identified four potential drilling targets in Co Tyrone.

However, the firm have yet to declare the results of their analysis of the Co Derry countryside they have surveyed.

The firm has identified copper, cobalt and silver targets around the Corvanaghan-Golden Hollow area at Slieve Gallion.

The company also oversees major mining projects in Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana.

Executive Chairman of Walkabout Resources Trevor Benson said: “We are assembling a portfolio of highly prospective exploration licences for gold and based metals in a part of Europe that has seen significant under-prospecting for decades.

“While European exploration environments are somewhat different to those in Africa and require extensive community engagement, Walkabout believes that potential value upside for all stakeholders is achievable and will strive to introduce our unique brand of inclusive, community-integrated mineral exploration.”

The County Derry Post asked the company if they were in the position to release details of any potential drilling targets within the licence area they have been awarded in south Co Derry. Overall, Walkabout holds five exploration licences in Northern Ireland.

Walkabout Resources did not give a direct answer to the question about Co Derry, however a spokesperson for the firm said: “The company has identified four areas of interest and within these areas provisional drill targets have been modelled.

“Our four current areas of interest are located in County Tyrone in an area  with numerous quarries. These possible locations are being reviewed for their suitability for drilling and once this is finalised, the proposed drilling program will be discussed with the relevant government departments, local councils, stakeholders and landowners, all national/local regulations will be followed.”

The identification of the Co Tyrone targets came from the results of an electromagnetic airborne survey carried out by the Danish SkyTEM company in May.

Walkabout Resources say that all potential mining targets were initially checked on the ground and that all targets identified as “being cultural or those that fell within environmental sensitive areas (e.g. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)) as delineated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency was indicated as such and removed from the list of targets for follow-up exploration.”

Executive Chairman, Trevor Benson also said: “Although the target areas are close in proximity to numerous quarries, borrow-pits and associated industries in the region, the drill collar positions still need to be verified and general planning permissions obtained to enable the company to proceed with the drilling campaign.

“This involves various governmental departments, local councils and landowners and all efforts will be made to keep stakeholders informed through the process and to comply with local regulations.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.