A young Derry woman has achieved her dream of opening a performing arts college and is set to stage her first production next month.

Former Lumen Christi College pupil Cheryl McEvoy recently graduated from London's prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she discovered a love of directing.

After moving back to her home town of Derry earlier this year she wasted no time in establishing The Chorus Academy of Performing Arts in the Milltown Business Park, just over the border in Buncrana.

Before leaving for London Cheryl studied at the NWRC and it was here she discovered how many talented performers there are in the area, which influenced her decision to open a performing arts academy.

"There is talent in Derry that we could use instead of having to bring people over from England for productions” she said.

“Some of the people I knew at the college are better than those in the West End.”

And next month her academy will put on its first Musical ‘The Addams Family’ starring a host of North West talent, including 19 year-old Lauryn Mullholland as Morticia Addams.

Lauryn, who also studies at The Chorus Academy of Performing Arts said: “I've taken part in musicals from as young as 7 years old in Buncrana and Derry, being cast as Annie in "Annie" for Derrys City of Culture 2014.

“I have been singing and performing in productions such as "Joseph and his Technicolour coat" Tour, Londonderry Musical Society and YouthForum for years.

“I have since proudly become a part of the Chorus Academy of Performing Arts for its first year and I am so excited to work with them for this upcoming production of "The Addams Family".

“Cheryl is an amazing director and I can’t wait to be a part of Cheryl’s vision coming to life on stage.’

During her time at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Cheryl discovered a love for teaching and directing.

"I fell in love with theatre, but it's not necessarily musical theatre, jazz hands or the West End which most people would think of," she said.

"In the first year we toured primary schools in Manchester with productions and in second year we went back to Manchester and worked with the LGBT community.

"It was more about taking theatre where people can't access it.

“I've done the acting thing now and I really enjoy the directing side of it.”

And she cannot wait to see her first musical on the stage.

“We do showcases every term but this is the first major production.

“I aim to have the kids in the academy performing as much as possible so when it comes to doing a feis or an audition they are used to it.

“You gain confidence from each performance I always think performing in front of people you know is that hardest thing.”

The cast range from aged three to 30 and Cheryl says they give some great comedic performances.

“It’s shaping up to be a great show,” she said. “It’s very funny and there are some great songs.

“I had seen the script before but when I heard it in rehearsals I was just laughing my head off.

“There’s such a difference between reading something and hearing it aloud with the actors’ own spin on it.”

‘The Addams Family’ will take place on November 8 and 9, The Plaza Ballroom, Buncrana, tickets are available at www.chorusapa.eventbrite.co.uk at 15 Euro and 10 Euro concessionary.

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Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a man in the Springtown area of Derry.

It is understood the man's body was found at a property in the Balliniska Heights development on the Northland Road on Monday night.

A post mortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.

There are no further details at this stage.

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By Eamon Sweeney

Armed republican groups in Co Derry have issued a stark warning that there will be ‘serious consequences’ for people they claim are involved in criminal behavior and who have also falsely accused them of being involved in recent incidents in the north Derry area.

In a phone call to the County Derry Post, using a recognised codeword for the grouping Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH), it was outlined that that organisation, the IRA (New IRA), INLA and the North Derry Republican Group have held recent meetings and agreed to issue a joint statement.

The spokesman for ONH added that the statement has also been approved by the political party Republican Network for Unity, who are said by some commentators to be associated with their paramilitary organisation.

The ONH spokesman stated that in recent weeks a ‘known drug dealer’ has publicly claimed they were ordered to meet with a republican group at a remote spot on the Glenshane Pass.

“He claimed that when he arrived that he was met by three masked and armed men who threatened to kill him.

“We categorically state that this incident did not take place and that this individual is using lies in an attempt to blacken the name of  republican groups.

“Discussions between ONH, the IRA, INLA and North Derry Republican Group have established that this so-called incident did not happen.

“This person has previously been warned about his activities and was ordered to leave the country. He would be well advised to stop carrying on spreading lies against us on social media.”

The ONH spokesman also referred to another incident in the last 10 days in the Altmover Road area of north Derry in which a car was badly damaged, after which he said those involved again attempted to blame republicans.

The caller to the County Derry Post continued: “All organisation's active in the north Derry area are clearly stating that there will be serious consequences for those criminal elements falsely accusing them of being involved in incidents of that kind.”

Dungiven based Sinn Fein Councillor Sean McGlinchey told the County Derry Post: “All of the young people that come under threat of attack in the area come to me. I go through Community Restorative Justice (CRJ) and a liaise with the police and try to resolve it.

“I have to stress that making threats like this is definitely not the way forward. The time to be acting in this way has come to an end.

“But, I am alarmed that a number of these young people are saying that they have been threatened because after I looked into and CRJ checked it out they weren’t threatened at all.

“Also, some family members have been using so-called threats to cover the criminal activities of young relatives. There's also instances of people telling statutory agencies that they have been threatened to get money and housing. The agencies hand it over immediately if they hear people have been threatened. There needs to be proper checks around these claims.

“It causes problems when there is a genuine threat. It makes it much harder to resolve then.”

Oglaigh na hEireann broke away from the Real IRA around a decade ago. They have been responsible for a series of gun and bomb attacks, most notably against Catholic police officer Peadar Heffron in January, 2010.

However, in January this year the group announced a suspension of ‘armed activity against the British state.’

A statement from ONH at the time said that the “environment is not right for armed conflict at this time”, but added that “the leadership of ONH remain unbowed and unbroken. We will continue to protect our membership base as we move forward in a spirit of united determination to achieve our political aims.”

The republican group also said the decision followed a review and discussion with its membership after which it expected there would be action on prisoner issues. But, after the ONH announcement former members formed a new group called the Irish Republican Movement and threatened to ‘continue the fight against Crown Forces.’

The INLA formally ended their armed campaign in October 2009 stating “The objective of a 32-county socialist republic will be best achieved through exclusively peaceful political struggle.”

The North Derry Republican Group have been responsible for a number of attacks in the last few years, most notably in Dungiven.

In October last year the group issued a threat against those it said were ‘pushing drugs’ in the north Derry town. In a statement to the County Derry Post it warned that those selling drugs in the area had 48 hours to come forward.

“We have information about people in Dungiven, young and old, who are pushing drugs. They have 48 hours to come forward to a community worker to clear their name. If they don’t we will be paying them a visit,” the group said.

The other group involved in the joint statement, the New IRA,was blamed in July by PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton for being the main orchestrator of a week of violence in Derry's Bogside.

The statement from the republican groups in Co Derry comes as the PSNI today prepares to launch a public awareness campaign on paramilitary style attacks. The campaign is part of a wider scheme called the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme which was part of the Fresh Start agreement at Stormont in November, 2015.

It set up a three-person panel called The Fresh Start Panel to make recommendations on the disbandment of paramilitary groups.

PICTURE: FILE PICTURE OF AN ARMED REPUBLICAN.

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Anthony McGuinness
16th October 2018 beloved husband of Peggy, loving father of Martina, Raymond, Harriet, Peter, Oliver, Ricky, Pearl, Hazel, Tony and James and a much loved grandfather, great grandfather and brother. Funeral from his home 130 Dunlade Road, Greysteel, on Thursday at 10.15 am for 11 o’clock Requiem Mass in Star of the Sea Church, Faughanvale. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Lindsay (nee Parke)
14th October 2018 (suddenly) at hospital, Yvonne, dearly loved mother of Stephen, Michelle, Elizabeth and Jonathan, dear mother-in-law of Stacey, Eamonn and Trevor, devoted grandmother of Ashleigh, Callum, Cameron, Thomas, Alicia, Aoife, T.J. and Caoimhe, dearly loved daughter of Jean and Gerald, much loved sister of Nigel, Angela, Linda, Rodney, Margaret and the late Adrian and dear partner of Kevin. Funeral from her daughter's home, 50 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh on Friday at 2.00pm to St Paul's Parish Churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired for The Dogs Trust c/o Mrs Mona Murdock, 31 Bushmills Road, Coleraine. Deeply regretted by her loving family and entire family circle.

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Representatives of Peace IV funded projects from three local Council areas met in the Guildhall this week for a specially arranged networking event.

Derry City and Strabane District Council have worked closely with Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Council to promote cross-border and cross-community working and reconciliation content within their locally delivered PEACE IV projects.

The Derry City and Strabane District Council area has secured £6.7 million of EU PEACE IV funding and the positive impacts are being felt across the council area as Chair of the Peace IV Board, Councillor Caoimhe McKnight explained.

“Most of our local PEACE IV funded projects are well up and running at this stage,” she noted.
“These range from small grants projects up to £50,000 each which were won by 12 local community groups, Council led projects on a range of service areas like Peace Tourism, Community Planning and Sport; and 19 major tender awards totalling over £2 million.

“The tender awards are predominantly allocated to leading Community and Voluntary sector groups locally.

“Networking across council areas will encourage and strengthen our local projects which are continuing to put in tremendous work for reconciliation.’

Catherine Cooke from Foyle Women’s Information Network and Co-Chair of the PEACE IV Board added:

“We’ve a second round of small grants opening in November where groups can apply for up to £50,000.

“If any local community groups have ideas for sustained cross-community projects with clear reconciliation content they should contact the PEACE IV Team and find out more information.”

With so many local projects, there are wide-ranging opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved as participants.

Anyone interested in supporting local reconciliation, cross-community and cross-border work is encouraged to sign up online for the monthly e-newsletter on www.derrystrabane.com/Peace-IV.

“There are frequent opportunities arising now for individuals to get involved in projects for free,” said Sue Divin, Council’s PEACE IV Programme Manager.

“That may mean signing up for cultural workshops, community training courses, conferences or other community activities.

“There’s something for everyone if they are interested in community activity which supports peace building locally.”

The PEACE IV Programme is supported by the European Union, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

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By Eamon Sweeney

The ten MLAS elected to represent Mid Ulster and East Derry at the currently defunct Northern Ireland Assembly have claimed just over £7,000 in travel expenses in the periods between the last election in March 2017 and June 2018.

It was revealed last week that more than £275,000 has been paid to MLAs for travelling to Stormont although Northern Ireland has been without a functioing devolved governmennt since January 2017.

The figures were revealed in the latest Quarterly Report on MLAs expenses which are routinely published on the Northern Ireland Assembly’s website.

Overall, during the 2017-2018 financial year, half of the 90 MLAs claimed the full amount of travel expenses they are entitled to.

MLAs are entitled to an allowance solely for travelling to Stormont, ranging from £600 within Belfast to £6,000 in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

In Mid Ulster the overall total for travel to Stormont between the constituency’s five MLAs was £5,734.95. All of the MLAs in Mid Ulster-Keith Buchanan (DUP); Linda Dillion (Sinn Fein); Patsy McGlone (SDLP); Ian Milne (Sinn Fein) and Michelle O’Neill (Sinn Fein-all claimed the same amount of £1,0749.99.

In East Derry, the two DUP MLAs, George Robinson and Maurice Bradley claimed nothiung from the allowance as did Independent MLA Claire Sugden. Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Fein) claimed £1,275 and John Dallat (SDLP) claimed £425.

Between both constituencies, the total is £7,074.95.

Under Stormont’s rules all of the MLAs are entitled to claim from the travel fund.

Whilst there is no day-to-day assembly business they still wotlk from their offices at Parliament Buildings.

In line with cuts to pay packets, due to effect next month, travel alloawnces are also going to be introduced.

At the moment MLAs have to travel to Stormont 72 days in every year to be able to claim the maximum travel allowance. This is due to rise to 100 days which will make it harder to achieve the maximum claim because of the lack of political activity.

Salaries will be refuced from £49,500 to £36,000 by January next year.

According to the latest figures made available on the assembly website, a total of £7.7 million was paid in expenses between April 2017 and June this year. This figure did not include MLAs salaries.

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Sinn Fein Presidential candidate Liadh Ní Riada has condemned remarks by fellow candidate Peter Casey regarding the Travelling community.

Independent candidate Casey, who resides in Greencastle in Inishowen, claimed Travellers wre “basically people camping in someone else’s land.”

The 61-year-old (pictured) told The Floating Voter, the Irish Independent’s political podcast, that he had sympathy for people living near Traveller camps.

In the podcast, he said: “Do you think they are sitting here going this is great for my property value now that I’ve got three dozen caravans down the road? That’s just wrong.”

Condemning the comments Ms Ní Riada said: “As an MEP I have worked closely with the Travelling community in the Ireland South constituency in relation to housing and education issues.

“I was happy to launch the Accommodation Rights Charter put together by the Travellers of North Cork, in UCC last year.

“The Travelling community are an integral and historic element of the Irish nation who have faced discrimination and marginalization at the hands of the state and local authorities for many decades.

“They have been demonized and vilified by elements of the media who see Travellers as a handy scapegoat when discussing social problems.

“For anyone seeking public office, let alone that of the nation’s first citizen to engage in lazy, racist stereotyping of any ethnic group is unacceptable.

“The type of vision I have been presenting in this election is one of a New Ireland built on the glorious diversity of our people.

“As I have stated previously, if elected, I will be seeking to appoint a representative from the Travelling community to the Council of State.
“My platform is for an equal society for women and men, citizens of all abilities and disabilities, settled and Traveller, LGBT and straight, young and old, black and white, Orange and Green. That is the way forward for Ireland in 2018.”

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After a gap of 30 years, Bellaghy U15s won the Ulster Óg Sport title, a crown held by their neighbours Lavey.

It was the club’s second Ulster Óg Sport success.  Manager Karl Diamond captained the last winning team and his sons Charlie and Luke were part of their latest triumph.

The competition provided some stiff opposition, from Tyrone and Armagh especially, but the Bellaghy boys looked very strong from the outset.

Two of their starting seven, Charlie Diamond and Lee Brady, were selected for the Ulster U15 team this year and both played some exhibition football throughout the competition.

Conal Craig playing the role of sevens goalie with ease.  With the strength of Cahal Chambers, Pauric Neeson and Ryan Laverty all playing superbly, it was difficult for any team to break through.

Charlie Diamond and Lee Brady excelled, working tirelessly at midfield, while Michael Mulholland, Finn Milne and James Donnelly all proved very dangerous up front.

In their match against Ballymena, Bellaghy lost Luke Diamond to a broken wrist.  This was a massive loss as Luke posed a real danger up front having scored three goals in the Derry final against Lavey.

The young Tones pushed on nevertheless, showing great determination playing some exceptional sevens football and they went on to lift the title beating Carrickmore very convincingly in the final.

It’s another feather in the cap of the club’s recent underage production line.  Sunday’s win in the minor championship was a first in 24 years for the Tones.  Earlier this season Bellaghy won their third U14 title in succession.

BELLAGHY SQUAD:

Finn Milne, Conal Craig, Luke Diamond, Lee Brady, James Donnelly, Seamus O’Sullivan, Pauric Neeson, Michael Mulholland, Cahal Chambers, Charlie Diamond and Ryan Laverty.

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Brexit has no bearing on learning for hundreds of school children who are taking part in a cross border, shared learning, Maths Week Ireland initiative.

The Maths With No Borders initiative will come as a breath of fresh air to many amid the threat of a hard border and the bluster of this week’s EU Brexit summit, as it showcases how maths education best practice is shared in border communities.

Four schools from Derry and Donegal took part in the first fun learning event to mark Maths Week (October 12-21) at Rosemount Primary School in Derry.

The events are being hosted by the creators of unique teaching and learning resource Izak9 which organises a number of Maths With No Borders events throughout the year.

Izak9 creator Franz Schlindwein, a maths teacher turned inventor from Derry, said his team is delighted to partner with Maths Week Ireland to facilitate the ‘Maths with No Borders’ workshops.

“We’ve already hosted a wonderful event in Rosemount Primary School in Derry which involved children from Oakgrove Integrated PS; Moyle NS, a Church of Ireland school in Co Donegal and St Colmcille National School in Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal.

“With all of the bluster over Brexit recently, this type of cross border co-operation and shared learning will no doubt be a breath of fresh air to many.”

He added: “Maths Week presents a great opportunity to sow seeds from which passion for mathematics can grow throughout the year and year on year. It is also a time to take risks with learning and break from normal classroom maths teaching practices.

“At each workshop, there will be four schools in attendance, two from the North and two from the South with a mix of Controlled, Catholic Maintained, Church of Ireland and National School children.”

Maths Week Ireland founder Eoin Gill said: “Maths is vital to the economy of both parts of the Island and to succeed, young people need to have a positive attitude to maths. Maths Week offers the unique opportunity for pupils from both sides of the border to meet and collaborate on maths related tasks together.

Children from both sides of the Irish border engaged with Maths at Rosemount Primary School in Derry as part of the Maths Week Ireland shared education initiative ‘Maths With No Borders’.

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Sinn Fein has announced the Councillors  selected to contest the upcoming local government elections in 2019  for the party in the Waterside area of Derry.

Councillor Christopher Jackson will be joined by  Sharon McLaughlin.

Ms McLaughlin said: “I am very honoured to have been chosen by my fellow activists in the Waterside to represent the party in the next years local council elections.

“I know there will be a lot of work ahead but I am looking forward to the challenges it brings."

The 48 year old graduated from Ulster University in 2015 with a degree in Environmental Health and is now employed as an environmental officer in a local engineering firm."

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Police have made an appeal for information following a report of a livestock theft in the Eglinton area.

Constable Bob Watt said: “It was reported that 2 Limousin, 2 black Aberdeen Agnus and 3 Charolais cows were taken sometime around October 10^th.

"If you can help please call Police on the 101 number quoting reference number 729 of 10.10.18."

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New Derry Ladies Chairman Jock Groogan has made a plea for clubs to ‘wake up’ in a bid to save the game within the county.

It comes after a decision taken at Tuesday’s extraordinary AGM which saw all activities in the county ceased.

“After last night’s extraordinary AGM all activities within the remit of the Derry LGFA has ceased due to main positions not being filled (Treasurer and Secretary),” outlined a statement posted on Derry Ladies’ social media channel on Wednesday.

“At this stage all football in Derry for the 2019 season, at either club or county level, cannot take place.  Current chairman Jock Groogan has agreed to stay in place to try and find solutions as to how we as a County can provide football to all our girls,” the statement concluded.

Trials for the U16 and U14 squads have also been cancelled this week.  It has been confirmed however that Faughanvale’s Ulster semi-final clash with Trillick (2.00 in Trillick) will go ahead as planned.

Groogan took the post of Chairman at the AGM, but when the positions of Treasurer and Secretary weren’t filled an Extraordinary AGM was called for Tuesday night, October 16.

The positions weren’t still weren't filled on Tuesday night.

“Clubs need to step up to the mark,” Groogan told the County Derry Post.  “We are trying to make the clubs wake up, because if they don’t wake up there will be no football next year.”

When people come forward Groogan will ‘reconvene’ all activities, as he continued.

“I will reconvene the whole thing as soon as somebody takes the Secretary and the Treasurer positions.

“They are the two most important jobs.  You cannot work without them.  We can’t work if we don’t have the full quota.”

Derry Ladies were first affiliated to the Ulster Council in 1995, with five clubs – Dungiven, Desertmartin, Magherafelt, Swatragh and Glen.

There are now 18 clubs in the county but Groogan confirmed only 11 were present at Tuesday’s meeting.

Derry are the current Ulster junior champions and lost the 2017 All-Ireland Final to Fermanagh after a replay.

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Ulster University’s prominence in the field of Data Analytics and artificial intelligence has been further boosted today through a significant donation to establish the Dr George Moore Chair in Data Analytics.

This position will play a pivotal role in further elevating Ulster University’s world-leading work in this field, at the Magee campus.

Angela Moore, the wife of the one of the founding fathers of the data analytics industry Dr George Moore, has donated £5 million to Ulster University to further enhance its impact as a global data analytics centre of excellence in memory of her husband.

In the University’s largest philanthropic donation from one individual, the £5 million contribution will enable the establishment of the Dr George Moore Chair in Data Analytics. The Chair will be a stellar, world-class academic, who will lead an innovative research team responding dynamically to the real-world needs of data analytics.

In recognition of Mrs Moore’s gift, Ulster University will recruit an associated research fellow and 3 PhD students who will contribute to revolutionising global AI and data analytics research.

Dr George Moore, born in County Louth, left Ireland in 1972 and established Targus Information, a world leading data analytics service provider, whose technologies are used by many Fortune 500 companies.

A visionary businessman, Dr Moore predicted the explosion of information that would follow the creation of the internet and his genius was to recognise the commercial value of harnessing this information though data analytics.

Ulster University awarded Dr George Moore an honorary doctorate in 2005 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to society and his global impact on the field of data analytics.

The Dr George Moore Chair in Data Analytics will be based at Ulster University’s Magee campus.

The family of Dr George Moore visited the new £11 million teaching centre at the Magee campus which opened its doors to students in 2018, funded by the Department for the Economy. At the launch event, Programme Director for The Alan Turing Institute-Defence and Security partnership Dr Mark Briers spoke to students and staff of Ulster University and industry stakeholders on the future of data analytics.

Angela Moore commented: “I am delighted to be at Ulster University’s Magee campus to celebrate the establishment of the Dr. George Moore Chair in Data Analytics, named for my late husband. This is a field that George was a leader in back in his day, and it is a great fit that the University has an established reputation as a global leader in revolutionizing data analytics research and impact. This is a university that is willing to take risks, to be brave and to innovate.

“It is for all of these reasons I chose to make an investment in memory of George. I understand that philanthropy is very important so universities are able to enhance their work and realise their ambitions. I believe it is important for all of us, big and small, to give back and pay it forward.”

Recruitment for the Dr George Moore Chair in Data Analytics has already commenced and selection is ongoing.

Pictured above - Professor Alastair Adair Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ulster University, Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University, Angela Moore and Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact, Ulster University.

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Police in Derry have slammed 'complete morons' who set a fire right beside an oil tank in Bracken Park last night asking would it be worth 'potentially killing an entire family' or 'spending the rest of your life in prison for a laugh'.

The scathing post appeared just a half an hour ago on the PSNI Foyle Facebook page after a fire last night by youths in Bracken Park was set beside an oil tank, putting those living near it in grave danger.

The youths also had the audacity to light another fire as the emergency services were leaving and the victim was thanking them for their help.

Luckily that was also quickly extinguished.

The Foyle PSNI post reads:

Around 8:30pm yesterday evening, some complete morons set two fires at the back of a house in Bracken Park. Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Team are investigating.

I’ve two aims with this post:

1. Any witnesses? We’d love to get the youth/s who did this.

2. Message to young people: look at how close that fire came to the oil tank! You’re hanging out in a group, you’re trying to be cool, throw in a little peer pressure and you’re setting fires.

If that oil tank explodes - maybe the whole house goes up - maybe people inside.

Is it honestly worth potentially killing an entire family and spending the rest of your life in prison for a ‘laugh’ and a ‘kick’?

You think the people who egged you on will come visit you in prison? Fat chance.

Reference: 1295 of 16/10/18 - get in touch with info.
#LuckyThisTime #NoLaughingMatter #ThinkForYourself #KeepingPeopleSafe

For the full story with the terrified victim, a woman grieving for a family member and battling cancer, see tomorrow's Derry News.

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Members of the public are advised that the Brandywell Playground will be closed for a period next week to allow for maintenance works.

During this time, members of the public are asked to avoid the park in the interest of health and safety and to allow the progression of necessary works.

The planned closure is scheduled to take place next Wednesday and Thursday 17 and 18 October, and to reopen as normal on Friday 19.

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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 or editor@derrypost.com at any time.

Declan Harley
15th October 2018, Peacefully at the Royal Hospital.Loving Father of Cara, Declan and Fionnbharr.Dear Son of Ray and Lily and Dear Brother of Raymond, Pat, Catriona and Leontia. Funeral from his home 1 Clarendon Manor on Friday 19th October 2018 at 9:30am to Saint Eugene's Cathedral for Requiem Mass at 10:00am. Interment immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on his soul.House Private from 10pm to 11am.

LAUGHLIN, (née O’ Kane ) 17th. October 2018. Peacefully At Ardlough Care Home, CLARE, (Formerly Of 24 Glenbrook Terrace) Beloved Wife Of The Late Frank, Loving Mother To Peter, Paul, Martin, Jackie And Geri And A Dear And Loving Grandmother And Great Grandmother. Funeral Leaving Her Daughter Jackie’s Home, 41 Woodbrook West, On Saturday The 20th. Inst. At 9:20A.M. To St. Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn For Requiem Mass At 10:00A.M. Interment Afterwards In St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cockhill, Buncrana.Sacred Heart Of Jesus Have Mercy On Her Soul. Our Lady Of Lourdes Intercede For Her.

DOHERTY 15th October, 2018, suddenly, Ronan James, (formerly of Garden City and late of 55 Balliniska Heights) beloved son of Michael and Kathleen, loving brother of Michael, Kieran, Damien, Aidan, Sharon and Annmarie.Funeral leaving his home, 4 Clagan Cottages, Claudy on Friday at 9.00am to St. Mary's Church, Creggan for requiem mass at 10.00am Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery.Sacred heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for him.

McDEVITT, 17th. October 2018. Peacefully at Foyle Hospice, LIAM, beloved husband of the late Teresa, loving father to Clare, Kieran, Margaret, Teresa and the late Eugene, a dear and loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral leaving his home 11 Moyola Avenue, Shantallow, on Friday the 19th. inst. at 9:20am to Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, for requiem mass at 10.00am. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul. Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for him.

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 or editor@derrypost.com at any time.

The four solid gold rings dating back to the Bronze Age, known as the "Tullydonnell Hoard," which were discover in Co Donegal earlier this year are to go on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

Donegal TD and Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, will officially open the ‘Tullydonnell Hoard’ exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology next Wednesday October 24th.

The ‘Tullydonnell Hoard’ was unearthed in Donegal in June and, following investigative and conservation works by the experts at the National Museum of Ireland, the four Bronze Age gold rings will now be available for the public to enjoy at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology and, next year, at the Donegal County Museum.

The four gold rings (pictured) are believed to date back to the Bronze Age, the period from approximately 2500 to 500 BC.

Experts from the museum travelled to the site in Donegal where the artefacts were discovered and carried out an investigation of the area to try and ascertain how and when the objects had been left there.

Maeve Sikora, the museum’s keeper of Irish antiquities, said the find had been a “chance discovery” and would play an important role in adding to the history of Bronze Age Ireland.

“Every archaeological find tells you something new about a particular period. For us it’s not just about the objects but also the context – it’s the whole package.”

She added: “It’s an important archaeological find and will reveal something new about the area, that period of time and will add to our understanding of prehistoric Ireland and how rich the culture was then.”

The last big Bronze Age discovery was in 2010 when a hoard of gold artefacts was recovered from a rubbish skip.

The objects had previously been kept safe at a chemist’s shop in Co Roscommon after being discovered in a bog in nearby Coggalbeg in 1947 but were stolen during a robbery.

Gardaí recovered the objects from the bin and they were handed over to the national museum.

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 or editor@derrypost.com at any time.

Magilligan Prison is helping to address a shortage in the number of qualified and skilled metal workers in Northern Ireland.

With the prospect of a job when they complete their sentence, prisoners at the Limavady facility are being taught Fabrication and Welding NVQ courses by North West Regional College.

Already five prisoners have been placed in jobs on release in a pilot programme which offers prisoners training and qualification in Metal and Tungsten Inert Gas (MIG and TIG) welding, as well as Manual Metal Arc (MMA) and Oxyacetylene (OXY) welding.

Magilligan Prison Governor Richard Taylor said: “The welding courses at Magilligan have been very successful. Since January we’ve had more than 74 accreditations for prisoners in both Level 1 and 2 of the vocational training which is being provided. And five prisoners, on their release, have secured jobs as a result of the skills and qualifications attained.

“The metalwork courses, as well as 45 other fully accredited programmes of study at Magilligan, provide prisoners with a daily routine, constructive activity but also importantly an opportunity to take part in meaningful work which may eventually lead to a job once they leave the prison.”

Governor Taylor added: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service will continue to challenge people in our care and support them to change. Encouraging them through vocational skills will help them reintegrate when they are released, reducing the risk of re-offending and help build a safer community.”

Dr Damian O’Kane, North West Regional College Head of Prison Education, said: “In collaboration with the Prison Service we have tailored our curriculum to respond to many of the key skills shortage areas within the Northern Ireland construction industry. Students are encouraged and assisted to develop their knowledge and industrial skills and to obtain nationally recognised qualifications. As a result their employment opportunities and prospects are greatly enhanced.”

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 or editor@derrypost.com at any time.

The mother of a young Derry girl whose death in hospital was found to be avoidable has expressed her anger after it emerged hat no further action will be taken against nurses involved in her daughter's care.

Raychel Ferguson was nine-years-old when she died at the Royal Belfast Hospital for sick Children (RBHSC) in June 2001, a day after an appendix operation at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry.

Four other children - Adam Strain, Claire Roberts, Lucy Crawford and Conor Mitchell - all died at the same hospital between 1995 and 2003.

The Hyponatraemia Inquiry found four out of the five deaths it investigated were preventable.

Hyponatraemia is an abnormally low level of sodium in blood and can occur when fluids are given incorrectly.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has now told Raychel's mother, Marie Ferguson the failings identified have been addressed.

It said no further action was required at this time.

Responding, Mrs Ferguson said she was 'furious' at the decision and called on the NMC to reverse its decision.

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 or editor@derrypost.com at any time.