Derry Now

A Judge today warned a 13-year-old Derry boy that if he does not stop offending in his own community he will come to the attention of ‘paramilitary thugs’ who would have ‘no hesitation inflicting extreme violence’ upon him.

The youth, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court for breaching curfew while on bail for stealing a quad bike on December 29.

The court heard that the boy, who pleaded guilty to stealing the bike, was out until 2am and did not observe the curfew set for him.

A police officer in court said the boy’s mother was in court and that his parents had been ‘trying their very best with him’ but that the 13-year-old has no respect for his parents or any bail conditions.

The officer added: “I believe by him being out at night he is placing himself at risk and is coming to the attention of the community because he is offending in his own community.”

She said that if he were to be released on bail that he should be electronically tagged which would either cause him to realise the consequences of his actions or have him back before the court again.

District Judge Barney McElholm said he was giving the boy ‘one final chance’ and granted him bail but with the condition that he was also to be tagged.

“I am going to put a tag on you today and if you are out after your curfew you will be immediately detected,” he said.

“Start respecting your parents. At your age you have no business being out at 2am. You’re bringing yourself to the attention of paramilitary thugs who will have no hesitation inflicting extreme violence on you.”

The 13-year-old was released on bail of £100 with a surety of £100 and ordered to observe a curfew from 8pm to 7am.

He will also be electronically tagged and monitored and is banned from entering Southway at any time.

Judge McElholm added: “If you throw this opportunity back in the face of the court, you’ll be spending some time in custody.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.

Derry city centre manager, Jim Roddy, has spoken of the ‘difficult decision’ he made in accepting an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.

Mr Roddy (pictured), the chief executive officer of City Centre Initiative (CCI), was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to business and to the community in Derry.

However, Mr Roddy, a former chief executive of Derry City Football Club said that initially, the news of the award ‘did not sit easy’ with him.

“This was a very difficult decision for me, and the news didn’t sit easy with me when I learned of it,” he told the Derry News.

“The first thing I did was contact the people who look after the award and asked them who had put my name forward, but they can’t do that, so I then spoke to someone who would be very aware of the process.

“They told me that the nomination had come locally, and was supported by a large number of local people.”

Mr Roddy added that while he was aware that some people within the nationalist community would not be happy about his acceptance of the MBE, it would have been ‘disappointing’ for the people who had put his name forward had he not accepted it.

“Look, I do a lot of work between both of our communities, and I know they are people out there who are angry about this, and I know that,” he added.

“In saying that, a lot of my work in the city has been about challenging people to take that extra step, and to step outside their comfort zones for the better of this city.

“I’m a Derry man, a proud Derry man, and I love this city, and I put myself into the shoes of others who live in this community, to who this award is very much part of their culture.”

He added: “It would have been very disappointing for those people had I not accepted this, and for those who had put my name

Residents living close to the Lecky Road flyover have been urged to take extra measures to secure their yards after an upsurge in incidents of wheelie bins being stolen and burned.

The advice was issued by Derry City and Strabane District Council after householders living in the Charlotte Street and Bishop Street area reported that their wheelie bins had been stolen.

People living in the nearby Windmill Terrace also reported a number of wheelie bin thefts.

The bins were then taken to an area under the flyover (pictured) before being set alight.

In the most recent incident, in addition to setting bins alight, vandals also tipped a tin of paint onto the ground beside the fire.

Residents in the above areas have said they can no longer leave their bins out at night to be emptied for fear of them being destroyed.

A spokesperson for the council said that it had since cleared the bins from the area, and also issued a a warning those behind the recent vandalism.

“Council officers are currently working with residents and local representatives to address the issue,” the spokesperson said.

“The Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is advising residents of the area about securing their premises and restricting access to bins.

“The damaged wheelie bins have now been removed and the area has been cleared.

“We would like to remind those behind the vandalism that they are carrying out a criminal offence as well as posing a risk to public safety.”

The spokesperson added: “Anyone who has their wheelie bin stolen, or who witnesses such behaviour, should also contact the PSNI to report the incident.”

A Derry-based business widely recognised as one of the North West’s leading fitness providers has rebranded ahead of the launch of new outlet next week.

Fighting Fit, which has bases in Springtown Industrial Estate and in Dungiven, will now be known as ‘FF Fitness’, and now has its sights firmly set on transforming the lives of thousands of people throughout Ireland, the UK and around the world.

Since opening its doors in 2012, the company has built a solid reputation as a centre for excellence in helping clients achieve fantastic health and fitness results.

With the launch of FF Fitness, the company now hopes to reach a wider market, with the first franchise set to open in Letterkenny next Monday, January 11.

FF Fitness founder Seamus Fox described the offering of the new fitness experience in Donegal as an ‘exciting beginning to a huge project’.

“In FF Fitness we have created a highly successful business model and we’ve have achieved great success as a business and produced fantastic health and fitness results for thousands of clients in the last three years.

“We have rebranded as FF Fitness to accommodate large scale expansion.

“The move has hugely increased our business potential and client reach, and over time will allow us to improve the lives of thousands of people well beyond our borders.”

Seamus added: “Our primary goal is to continue to boost the health and fitness of our existing members while bringing our brand to a much wider market.

“We further plan to improve the lives all of those associated with our franchise. We will achieve this through the creation of wealth for our franchisees, the creation of secure and successful employment opportunities and through our support of charities, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Registration for FF Fitness in Derry and Letterkenny will take place this Saturday and Sunday (January 9 and 10) from 12-2pm. Promotional introductory classes will be hosted at FF Fitness in Derry and Letterkenny on Monday, Wednesday andFriday at 7pm this week.

Photo shows FF Fitness Limited founder and owner, Seamus Fox, centre, with (from left) fitness trainers Pius McIntyre, Sean Heaney, Sean McCloskey, Kevin Harkin, Gerard McDaid and Billy Hutchison.

The government department which will take over responsibility for the Ebrington site in Derry’s Waterside has said it will continue to develop the site as a ‘major events space’ for concerts such as MTV Crashes (pictured).

It comes after it emerged last year that the urban regeneration company, Ilex, who were responsible for the development of the site, would be wound up come March 31 this year.

The responsibility for the regeneration of Ebrington Square will return to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

That will become effective as of April this year after the resignation of the entire management team at Ilex.

It is envisaged responsibility for the site will eventually be transferred to Derry City and Strabane District Council by April 2017.

However, during the interim period up until council take over the site, OFMDFM said it would continue to work with ‘all parties in interested in the promotion of Ebrington Square as a major events space.

The comments came following an Assembly question from the Foyle DUP MLA, Gary Middleton, who had asked OFMDFM who would have responsibility for sourcing and managing major events such as the MTV Crashes event at the Ebrington site after the closure of Ilex.

The response from OFMDFM stated: “Since the opening of Ebrington Square in 2011 it has played host to many major events particularly during the City of Culture year.

“The plan is that responsibility for the site will move to Derry City and Strabane District Council by April 2017.
“In the interim, the Department will continue to liaise with the Council and all parties interested in the promotion of Ebrington Square as a major events space.

“This will ensure that the full potential of the site continues to be fully realised during this exciting phase of its ongoing development.”

The DUP MLA also asked First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans they had for further investment at the Ebrington site.

In response, the OFMDFM said that early in 2015, it commissioned an independent review of the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company to determine if it remains the best model to take forward future development of Ebrington.

“The review found that while there has been some progress by Ilex, there has been insufficient focus on the development of Ebrington and recommended that the site be transferred to Derry City and Strabane District Council from 2017,” the response added.

“This approach has been accepted and the intention is for a future transfer of the site to the Council. “However, in the short term given the recent resignations of the entire senior management team of Ilex, we have decided that the development of Ebrington will be taken forward by the Department from April 2016.

“Ilex will continue to have responsibilities in respect of the site until 31 March 2016. A capital budget of £2.1m is available for this work within 2015/16.”

It concluded: “An Outline Planning application for the entire site is being considered by the Planning Service.

“We anticipate that this will provide approval for the Ebrington Development Framework which will facilitate future development on the site.”

A 15-year-old boy has appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with assaulting a tourist who was visiting the city on New Year’s Eve.

The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared before a special sitting of the court.

A PSNI officer told the court the youth had been arrested after a visitor to the city was assaulted by three people while walking on the historic City Walls.

The court was told at around 7.20pm on December 31, police responded to a report of disorderly behaviour in the Foyke Street area and a report of a tourist being assaulted on a section of Derry’s Walls (pictured) adjacent to the Millennium Forum.

The police officer added that three males were involved in the assault, which she said was captured on CCTV.

The officer continued that the defendant matched the description of one of the people involved in the assault, and was subsequently arrested.

The officer added that half an hour after being released from police custody, the youth approached a police officer and told him that he was in breach of his bail conditions, which stated that he must not enter the city centre after 8.30pm unless accompanied by a parent.

Deputy District Judge John Meehan told the court he was prepared to release the defendant on bail, under the condition that he resided at an address approved by the police, observed a curfew from 8pm to 7am, and did not contact his co-accused, the injured party or any witnesses to the alleged assault.

Judge Meehan then asked why the police asked for a provision placed on the bail condition whereby the defendant could only enter the city after 8.30pm if accompanied by a parent.

The officer replied that the alleged incidents took place in an area of the city centre which is ‘known for anti-social behaviour’ and the defendant not being able to come into the area would ‘help to reduce this’.

Judge Meehan said the particular bail condition on the defendant was ‘setting him up to fail’, and removed it.

The youth was released on bail of £300 with a further surety of £300 to appear in court again tomorrow.

BYRNE, Celine (nee Mullins) Ardfert Village and formerly of The Spa, Tralee and Derry. – 3rd January 2016, beloved wife of the late Peter (Windmill Terrace, Derry) and dear mother of Tracey Doyle and Peter. Sadly missed by her loving family, grandchildren Róisín and Caoimhe, sisters Philomena, Ann and Mary, brother Liam, son-in-law Rory, daughter-in-law Annie, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. Rest in peace. Reposing at the residence of her daughter Tracey, Ardfert Village tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Reqiem Mass on Wednesday at 11.00am in St. Brendan's Church, Ardfert. Private cremation will follow. Memorial Mass and burial will take place in Derry at a later date. No flowers please, donations, if desired, to The Palliative Care Unit, Kerry General Hospital, Tralee or c/o The Gleasure Funeral Home, Tralee.

COCHRANE, Robbie - 3rd January 2016 (peacefully) at his nephew's home, much loved son of the late James and Sarah, dear brother of the late Jeannie, Lizzie, James and Sammy, dear uncle of Sammy, Maureen and the late Muriel. Funeral Service tomorrow (Tuesday) in St. Canice’s Parish Church at 2.00pm, followed by interment in adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu, if so desired, to Renal Unit Altnagelvin Hospital, c/o Browns Funeral Directors, 25 Church Street, Limavady. Family and friends are welcome at his nephew Sammy and Karen's home, 293 Clooney Road, Limavady. Will be very sadly missed by his entire Family Circle.

HAWKINS, Jane Hawkins (née Murphy) – 4th January 2016 (peacefully) at her home, 47 Ardnabrocky, dearest wife of the late Freddie, loving mother of Michelle and Adrian, mother-in-law of Sam and Jayne and a devoted and much loved grandmother. Funeral Service in Glendermott Parish Church on Wednesday, 6th January, at 2.00pm followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Any enquiries to Adair & Neely Funeral Directors 028 71311321. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Glendermott Parish Church, c/o Parish Office, Altnagelvin, BT47 2LS or Foyle Hospice 61 Culmore Road BT48 8JE. In Heavenly Love Abiding.

LAMONT, Kenneth – 3rd January 2016 (peacefully) at Antrim Area Hospital, dearly loved husband of Jean, 2 Moyola Terrace, Curran, much loved father of Denver, Cedric and Alvin , a loving grandfather and great-grandfather and brother of Derek, Uel and the late Wallace. House strictly private. Family and friends welcome at D. Watters Funeral Home, Tobermore this evening (Monday) from 7.00pm – 9.00pm and tomorrow evening (Tuesday) from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Funeral service in D. Watters Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 6th, commencing at 1.30pm, followed by burial in Desertmartin Parish Churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Cancer Research, payable to D. Watters (Donations A/c), 46 Main Street, Tobermore Magherafelt BT45 5PW. "At Rest"

RITCHIE, Mary Elizabeth (Mamie) - 2nd January, 2016, (peacefully) at Brooklands Nursing Home, Magherafelt, Mary Elizabeth (Mamie), beloved wife of the late William, 36 Killyfaddy Road, Magherafelt, dear mother of Robert, mother-in-law of Iris and loving grandmother of William, Alison and Craig, also a special aunt of Adele and the late Rhonda. Funeral service in First Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt on Monday January 4th at 1.30 pm, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, for MS Society payable to Garvin’s Funeral Service (Donations A/c), 15 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6BP. Lovingly remembered by the entire family circle.

GUYLER, Martha (née Taggart) - 3rd January 2016 (peacefully) at Altnagelvin Hospital, formerly of 15 Gortnarney Road, Drumsurn, beloved wife of the late Alec (RIP), caring mother of Lexie, Nora, Phonsie, Rosetta, Betty, Frances, James, Geraldine, Eugene, Finvola, Madonna, Lawrence, Eamon, Dominic, Damian and the late Anna (RIP). Her remains will leave her late residence tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10.15am for 11.00am Requiem Mass at St. Matthew’s Church. Internment immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Deeply regretted by the entire family circle. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her.

KELLY, Bernadette (née Doherty) - 3rd January 2016 (peacefully) at Foyle Hospice. (formerly of Ballynally, Moville), beloved wife of Gerard, loving mother of Ciaran, Orlaith and Dearbhaile. Funeral leaving her home, 23 Templegrove, tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9.20am to Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty for Requiem Mass at 10.00am. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery.Sacred heart of Jesus, have mercy on her soul. Our Lady of Lourdes, intercede for her.

Getting married is one of the most exciting times of your life and also one of the most stressful times. From table planning to finding the right photographer, it can all get a little bit much for the average bride.

For this piece, I had a little help from my newly wed friend Naomi. Together, we've come up with the dos & the don'ts when it comes to bridal planning.

Book that trial

Make sure you go for a trial with your make- up artist and hairdresser.

If you are wearing false tan, ensure you have a trial run before your big day. There is nothing worse than spending your time and energy on making your whole day perfect to walk up the aisle looking like something resembling the sun all because your fake tan went wrong the night before the wedding. Book your trial run for your hens do, it's a great excuse!

Try on your veil

You have tried your dress and that fits you perfectly but have you tried your veil?

If you know you are having your hair up on the day of your wedding, pop your hair in a pony when your at home and try the veil on, practice walking, turning, twirling and posing with it on.

The perfect smile

I can say from experience what it means to look at a photo and the first thing you focus on is your smile. For years I had an overlap on my front teeth and uneven bottom teeth. Although I still worked modelling, in pictures with certain poses you just couldn't miss that overlap!

I decided to get clear braces, and I can tell you hand on heart it was the most satisfying, confident boosting thing I've ever done.

Your smile is an investment for life not just for one day, it will bring you confidence and radiance on your big day. If anything let this be your wedding present to yourself. learn to love your smile!

Get the right photographer

Grannies, Granddads, aunties and uncles will all appear in your wedding album, but the question is will they be in the right photo, at the right table, posing appropriately with the right amount of light all before the evening reception begins?

It sounds like a lot of work and a lot of stress that you most certainly do not want to take on of the day of your wedding. It is of the utmost important you take into consideration who you are hiring to capture those precious moments for you. A photographer is like the glue to a wedding if they know what they are doing.

For you and your partner this is when you invest your time into researching and meeting with different photographers. You want pictures to show your children and your grandchildren, so invest your time and energy in picking a photographer that knows exactly what you want and what you are trying to capture.

Wedding fairs

There are so many wedding fairs out there that it can become slightly overwhelming to chose which one to go to and which one to leave out.

My suggestion to you is go to the one that has everything under the one roof. 'The Bride of the Year Show' is running in the RDS Dublin the 30th and 31st of January 2016.

This bridal fair has everything you need for your big day. View the luxurious wedding limousines from vintage to top of the range Mercedes, admire all the various floral arrangements on view along with stunning cake displays.

Not to mention the fabulous bridal fashion shows that run throughout the day - mother of the bride, bridesmaids and occasion wear outfits are all featured. A fantastic day for the bride and her bridal party.

Top tips

Start taking a multivitamin a couple of months before the day to keep your immune system healthy and to prevent yourself from getting run down.
Wear your shoes before your big day. I can't imagine anything worse than having sore feet on your wedding day, all because you forgot to break your shoes in.
If your dress requires you to go braless pick yourself up a pair of nipple daisies to avoid any discomfort.
Mitchum Deodorant is a brilliant deodorant to compact sweat. You will be running around chatting to everyone, standing in pictures and dancing the night away so avoid any embarrassing sweat patches and pack on deodorant.
Drink plenty of water in between those glasses of champagne, nobody wants to see a messy bride!

DEANE, Mary (née Coyle) - 3rd January 2016 (peacefully) at Altnagelvin Hospital (formerly of 102 Bogside). beloved wife of the late Joseph, loving mother of Joseph, Fiona, Sean, Eamonn and Tony, dear sister of Gerard, Frankie, Nellie, Bridie and the late Bobby, Tommy and John. Funeral from her home, 73 Circular Road, Derry tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11:30am to Saint Mary’s Church, Creggan for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Interment immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery. Loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Sorely missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on her soul.

HAWKINS, Margaret Jane (née Murphy) - 4th January 2016 (peacefully) at her home, 47 Ardnabrocky, dearest wife of the late Freddie, loving mother of Michelle and Adrian. mother-in-law of Sam and Jayne and a devoted and much loved grandmother. Funeral Service in Glendermott Parish Church on Wednesday, 6th January, at 2.00pm followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard (any enquiries to Adair & Neely Funeral Directors 028 71311321). Family flowers only, donations if desired to Glendermott Parish Church, c/o Parish Office, Altnagelvin, BT47 2LS or Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road BT48 8JE. In Heavenly Love abiding.

Race 1 (300 yards): 1, Inishowen Review 2/1 fav; 2, Benbradagh Mist 3/1. Time: 17.24. Distance: 2.5 lengths.

Race 2 New Year Lotto Sprint heat 2 (300 yards): 1, Jesses Honour 3/1; 2, Tarmac Bandit 3/1. Time: 17.32. Distance: a short head..

Race 3 Christmas Lotto Sprint heat 3 (300 yards): 1, Icecream Nancy 2/1; 2, Sugarland Alice 2/1. Time: 17.10. Distance: 2 lengths.

Race 4 New Year Lotto 500 Final (500 yards): 1, Lisneal Tootsie 5/2; Kylea Seanie 2/1 fav. Time: 28.62. Distance: half a length.

Race 5 (500 yards): 1, Aughaderney Ark 5/2; 2, Coopers Daisy 5/2. Time: 28.66. Distance: 1.5 lengths.

Race 6 New Year Lotto 500 heat 1 (500 yards): 1, Greenville Luck 3/1; 2, Coolcholly Razl 2.1 fav. Time: 28.72. Distance: 2 lengths.

Race 7 New Year Lotto 500 heat 2 (500 yards): 1, Asteria 3/1; 2, Any Excuse 7/4 fav. Time: 28.60. Distance: a length.

A woman was taken to hospital following a single car crash in Co Derry.

Fire crews from Kilrea, Coleraine and Ballymoney attended the collision which occurred at Gorran Road, Garvagh.

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to release the 23-year-old woman from the vehicle.

She was conveyed to hospital by ambulance. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The collision occurred just after 7.00am yesterday but details have just been released.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning ahead of heavy rain predicted for Derry tomorrow.

Bands of heavy showers are expected to result in an an increased risk of both surface water or river flooding as well as some local disruption to transport.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is advising motorists not to chance driving through floods.

Group Commander Eddie Carroll said the biggest risk to the public and members of the emergency services was those people who drive into flood water, especially if it is fast-flowing.

He added, “We’d like to remind motorists that they should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords.

“The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.

“Motorists should heed road closure or flood signs and find an alternative route. Leave extra time for your journey.

“Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels; these can cause serious injuries or even death.

“Continue to keep an eye on weather reports on local TV/radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary.

“If you do get stranded and there is a risk to life call 999.”

Work has begun on a new documentary to mark the 50th anniversary of the setting up of the Civil Rights movement in the North.

Among those already interviewed have been veteran Derry Civil Rights leaders, Ivan Cooper and Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh.

Others will follow this year ahead of the film being released next January to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the meeting of fellow co-founders of Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) in Belfast.

Mr Ó Dochartaigh said the film’s main focus would be based on the question, "What is the legacy of the Civil Rights era that current and future generations, might learn from?”

He added: “This latest Civil Rights documentary is historically significant, simply because the leaders of the movement, naturally, become fewer with each passing year.

“It’s important, therefore, that they personally record their own testimonies for posterity.”

The film is being made by Derry man Gavin Patton whose documentaries include “Derry Detoxed” which now has over 26,000 views on YouTube.

Photo shows Gavin (standing) with Ivan Cooper (left) and Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh following their interviews for the new documentary.

Are you finding it difficult to drop the early winter weight’?
Can’t quite achieve the tone you’ve been longing for? Or maybe you aspire to a healthier lifestyle but are not sure how to go about it. Why not achieve your personal fitness goal and at the same time support your local cancer charity!
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has teamed up with local Limavady gym, Adonis Fitness Limavady, to bring an innovative and inspiring fitness challenge for local people.
The six week challenge, led by local men Andy Chapman and Michael Walsh, aims to help 20 men change their lifestyle for the better and help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
At the programme induction which takes places on Wednesday, all 20 participants will have their measurements recorded and again at the end of the programme. Participants will attend a number of scheduled weekly fitness classes and a group session every Sunday. A healthy eating plan will be put in place from week one, and tips and advice will be offered throughout the six weeks that can be used by the participants once the programme comes to an end.
Entry is free but all participants are asked to fundraise a minimum of £300 for Cancer Focus NI.
Cancer Focus NI Community Fundraiser, Emma McCann (who is pictured along with Michael Walsh and Andy Chapman of Adonis Fitness said: “Although this is a physical challenge, it’s also a fundraising challenge – and that’s where I come in. I will be on hand to offer all participants advice and support regarding their fundraising activities.
“There will be an overall winner of ‘The Big Six’ challenge based on a point system. Points are awarded for each class attended, the overall improvements in health, and at the end, for the most money raised. Every additional £100 raised over the £300 minimum will earn a point.
“The money raised from the challenge will be invested in the Cancer Focus NI Keeping Well van that will bring cancer prevention services to the Limavady area.”
Andy Chapman, co-owner of Fit for Life gym said: “Michael and I are very excited to have been asked to deliver this six week challenge for Cancer Focus NI. We look forward to meeting “The Big Six” team and look forward to the fun, sweat and sense of achievement ahead of us all.”
Places are limited to 20 and the programme is filling up quickly. To book your place call Emma McCann on 077 313 75022. Adonis Fitness is based in Aghanloo Industrial Estate (the old TY Fitness unit).

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has encouraged the public to respond to a fresh appeal by the PSNI for help in solving the murder of Brian McIlhagga.

The 42-year-old father-of-five was attacked by a group of masked men before being dragged from a house at Riverview Park in Ballymoney and shot in both legs on 5 January last year.

He later died from his injuries.

The PSNI believe the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) had a role in the killing.

Appealing for people to come forward with information, Mr Dallat said: “The PSNI have expressed disappointment that so few people have come forward to assist them with their inquiries into this horrific murder which was carried out in full view of four children and their mother.

“While I share the disappointment of the detectives and continue encourage the public to come forward, I understand the fear under which people in North Antrim and East Derry live with the threat of the UDA who have no intention of ending their criminality despite promises by the leadership.

“Conducting a leaflet drop in the murder area on the first anniversary hopefully will bring some hope to the family but until the PSNI make serious inroads to the activities of the UDA from Larne to the Waterside in Derry, it is highly unlikely that local people will have the confidence to engage in helping to solve this murder or any of the other criminality which loyalists are involved in.

“A few months ago the Executive was thrown into crisis after the murder of two former IRA men in Belfast with the Secretary of State issuing almost hourly bulletins and the British and Irish governments fully engaged in resolving the crisis.

“The unsolved murder of Brian McIlhagga calls for a concerted effort by the PSNI backed by politicians to end once and for all the activities of Loyalists who have been guilty of continuing criminality particularly in North Antrim and East Derry where this murder took place.”

A Derry athlete is to benefit from funding from the Mary Peters Trust to help further her career.

Fencer Rosie McGonagle is one of 30 sportsmen and women to benefit from an £18,000 boost from the Mary Peters Trust.

The funding was announced at a Podium Programme event, supported by George Best Belfast City Airport, which provided the athletes, their parents and coaches with the opportunity to enhance their sporting career by learning from industry experts.

Held bi-annually, the Podium Programme event included seminars in health, communicating with the media, managing their online presence, nutrition and strength and conditioning.

Eilish Rutherford, chairperson of the Mary Peters Trust, said it is a pleasure for the charity to be able to support up-and-coming athletes.

She added: “For many athletes, competing professionally would not be an option for them without the financial aid they receive through the Trust.

“I am delighted that we can present financial awards to these young people based on their skills, commitment and achievements, helping them to reach their full sporting potential.”

Photo shows Rosie with Eilish Rutherford, chairperson of the Mary Peters Trust, and Stephen Patton, Human Resources Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport,

Britain’s leading accounting franchise has Derry in its sights as it seeks out dynamic entrepreneurs for new franchises in Northern Ireland in 2016.

TaxAssist Accountants have currently two franchisees in the North, one based in Ballymena with the other in Belfast.

However, they believe there is room for more as the large SME (small and medium sized enterprises) sector continues to thrive here.

They have announced plans to expand operations throughout the North and targeted areas include Derry and Coleraine.

Commenting on the news that they planned to expand in the Derry and Coleraine areas in particular; Ian Aiken (pictured), from Co Antrim, of TaxAssist Accountants, said: “TaxAssist Accountants are a prosperous, award winning brand and business model which has worked for me and my business.

“I’m aware that the franchise is looking for franchises in the North West and I believe that there is great scope for other local entrepreneurs to join this network.

“This is a forward thinking accountancy franchise which looks after the accounting needs of small businesses as it is those businesses that power the economy.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for local entrepreneurs wishing to change career, work for themselves and with a great organisation like TaxAssist Accountants behind them they have the potential to create a new but much needed business.

“With the assistance and guidance of their business model and brand, those looking for a new opportunity can really benefit from being their own boss, but in a much more secure environment.”

Mr Aiken said franchising was renowned for being a low risk business start up option.

He said it was reported fewer than one in ten franchisees fail, and when economic forecasts showed doom and gloom, 95% of franchisees were still operating profitably after 18 months, compared to approximately 64% of home start up businesses; demonstrating that franchising was a much less risky option.

He added: “The advantages of owning your own business are obvious but so too are the risks.

“Becoming a franchisee is certainly a less risky option than starting your own business from scratch. I can testament to that with TaxAssist Accountants.”

Mr Aiken concluded: “The future looks bright for many small businesses in Northern Ireland and there are more SMEs than ever before. In turn the demand for small business accountancy is on the rise for this thriving market so I’d definitely recommend getting in touch!”

TaxAssist Accountants is recognised as the largest national network of accountants in Britain and Ireland, specifically working for small to medium sized enterprises, with over 260 offices nationwide and in excess of 56,000 business clients.

Two county Derry singers will be eager to take their fledgling music careers to new heights when they appear on RTÉ’s popular talent show ‘The Voice of Ireland’ in the coming weeks.
20 year-old Hannah Ferguson, from Maghera, and 34 year-old Marty Bonner, from Dungiven, both hope they can wow judges, Kian Egan, Una Foden, Rachel Stevens and Bressie with their vocals in series five of the hit programme which retuned to our screens on Sunday evening.
Hannah, a past pupil of St Patrick’s College, Maghera, is no stranger to the stage.
Back in April 2014, she claimed an All-Ireland Scór solo singing title when she represented her club, Watty Grahams, Glen.
Since then she has established her own fan base across the county but she applied for the show with one goal in mind- to get her name ‘out there’.
Hannah, who is studying drama with music at the University of Ulster, Magee described the experience as ‘unbelievable’.
She said: “I had always wanted to go on a reality show like ‘The Voice’ when I was younger but then I decided to focus on my education. When mummy saw that applications for this year’s competition had opened, I realised this could be my only opportunity so I just decided to go for it.”
Speaking about the audition, Hannah said she had ‘never felt nerves like it’.
She said: “I don’t normally get nervous but going into the audition, I was so nervous. I have never felt nerves like it. The fact that I was singing for four famous people was a really weird experience but then when I got to meet them, they were so normal, so that eased my nerves.
“My main goal going into the audition was exposure, I just want to get my name out there but the whole experience has been unbelievable,” said Hannah.
Dungiven man Marty Bonner is also hoping that he can land the top prize of a record deal with Universal Music.
Marty is a member of classic rock band, ‘Bad Penny’ and two-piece band ‘South Paw’.
He has always had a passion for music having studied music production.
However he is now in the process of opening a recording studio in Ebrington Square in Derry along with his former class mates.
Marty told Derrynow.com that he got a ‘great buzz’ from auditioning on the show.
“I have watched the show and I was confident that I could do it but it was my brother who persuaded me to actually apply.
“Auditioning was a great experience. I was nervous but I got a great buzz out if it. It’s definitely not something that I will not forget in a hurry,” he said.
‘The Voice of Ireland’ is on RTÉ One on Sunday evenings at 6.30pm.
Both Hannah’s and Marty’s audition will be televised in the coming weeks.

Electricity supply has been restored to around 1,000 properties in Derry.

An underground fault resulted in homes and businesses in the Pennyburn area of the city being cut off at around 10.30am this morning.

The MET Office has warned of the risk of flooding across County Derry tomorrow (Wednesday) with up to 30mm of rainfall expected in some areas.
The yellow warning, which was issued on Monday, is expected to last until Thursday.
Forecasters say that a band of heavy rain is likely to move across Northern Ireland from the North West on Wednesday, clearing away eastwards on Thursday morning.
Between 15-30mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely within a six to nine hour period, perhaps with as much as 40mm on areas of higher ground.
Following Storm Frank, parts of County Derry have already seen some localised flooding.
On Tuesday, 78mph – 126km/h gusts of wind were also recorded off the coast of Magilligan.
Given recent weather conditions, the MET Office has said that there is an increased risk of flooding.
“With the ground already being saturated, please be aware of the risk of local flooding and possible disruption to transport,” said a MET Office spokesperson.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) has also urged motorists to ‘drive with care’.
A NIFRS spokesperson posted this message on their Twitter page: “Avoid flooded roads, use dipped headlights, slow down and drive with care.”
For all emergencies as well as day to day enquiries throughout Northern Ireland call the Waterline on 0300 2000 1000

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Woman cut free from crashed car

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Work begins on documentary to mark NICRA 50th anniversary

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Anniversary of McIlhagga murder demands action against UDA: Dallat

Charity provides financial boost to Derry athlete

Leading accounting franchise has Derry in its sights

County Derry hopefuls to appear on ‘The Voice of Ireland’

Power restored to Derry homes

MET Office warns of risk of flooding due to heavy rain