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Articles by Barry O'Connor
Olympian Ciara Mageean marries long-term partner
The couple, pictured at the RTÉ sport awards in December 2024 Olympian Ciara Mageean has wed her long-term partner Thomas Moran in a small civil ceremony in Belfast. The athlete, who was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025, posted a number of pictures on her Instagram account. The couple tied the knot on Monday, and the photographs show the newlyweds at various landmarks around the city, including Belfast City Hall, the Titanic Docks and the Cathedral Quarter's umbrellas.
Sinn Féin ministers facing no-confidence vote after Drumcree dispute
The motions against Michelle O'Neill (centre), Liz Kimmins (left), John O'Dowd and Caoimhe Archibald (right) will be debated after it received the backing of unionist parties last week The first minister will face a no-confidence vote at Stormont on Monday over her handling of the Drumcree parading dispute. The motion against Michelle O'Neill and three other Sinn Féin ministers will be debated after it received the backing of unionist parties last week.
'There is hope': Football coach shares anorexia recovery journey to help others
Jordan Caldwell has battled anorexia since he was 12 years old. Now 30 - an age his parents feared he would not reach - Jordan marked this milestone birthday with a long-awaited gym photoshoot. After reaching out to a personal trainer, Jordan, who is a youth football coach, said it was "the day everything changed for the better". He wants to share his journey to show other sufferers that it is possible to find strength "in something that you love and have a passion for".
The unlikely bond formed by an Irish indie-folk band and an English football club
It's a tale as old as time - take one 16-year-old video game, a rising indie folk band and a League One football team and what do you get? A new football anthem for Wycombe Wanderers, courtesy of the unlikely figures of Irish chart-toppers Kingfishr, whose singer was the special guest under the Tuesday night lights of the club's Adams Park stadium this week.
Noel Gallagher and Susan Sarandon among celebrities to sign Drumcree march letter
Oasis' Noel Gallagher, Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar are among dozens to sign a letter in support of residents in a stand-off over a decision to allow a parade down a predominantly nationalist road. There has been 11 days of deadlock between Garvaghy Road residents and the local Orange Order over the proposed march in Portadown, County Armagh. While peaceful, the stalemate has reopened what was once the most bitter parading dispute in Northern Ireland.
Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game not recommissioned by BBC
Give My Head Peace has not been commissioned by the BBC for a new series Comedy shows Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game have not been commissioned for new series, the BBC has confirmed. It comes as the corporation attempts to save £500m over two years as it faces "significant financial pressures".
Teachers in Republic of Ireland begin industrial action
Primary and secondary school teachers across the Republic of Ireland have began industrial action over pay. Two teaching unions, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), began work-to-rule action on Monday, and there will be a full one-day strike on 14 October. INTO, which represents a majority of primary school teachers, has said schools "will be disrupted" as pre and post-school supervision will be withdrawn.
How can musicians get on stage at a festival?
As the festival season comes to an end, budding musicians may be wondering "how can I get on stage?". Well the answers would be, do your homework, make connections and be involved in the "community". That's the advice industry professionals such as bookers, agents and festival bosses have been handing out at a music conference in Belfast on Thursday. Ross Parkhill, from the Stendhal Festival, said those things are "vital".
Killer arrested after nine days on the run
Gary Anderson is serving a 15-year sentence for the murder of Karol Kelly A man who was convicted of murder and has been unlawfully at large for over a week has been arrested in the Republic of Ireland. Gary Anderson, 29, was jailed for life in 2023, alongside his brother, for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry. He was on temporary release from prison to attend his father's funeral when he absconded.
'Roll on 2027' as Fleadh 2026 comes to an end
Chair of Ards CCÉ Niall McClean was instrumental in bringing the event to Belfast The first All Ireland Fleadh in Belfast ended in the early hours of Monday morning with organisers saying they were overwhelmed by the positive response they received from all communities. It is estimated that there were more than a million people in the city centre during the eight days of the fleadh.
Irish government jet travels to UAE for Kinahan extradition
Gangland rivals tried to shoot Daniel Kinahan during a boxing weigh-in event in Dublin's Regency Hotel 10 years ago The Irish government jet has travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of an operation to extradite suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan. Kinahan was arrested in Dubai under a warrant issued by the Irish courts in April but has fought attempts to extradite him.
'You can't describe the loss' - the reality of bovine TB on farmers
Rachel Leader said she plans to respond to the consultation The effects bovine TB (bTB) has on farmers ranges from emotional to financial. Breeder Rachel Leader said the loss of cattle "has a devastating effect on all of the family". "The loss of that one animal, or animals, that you've grown up with, and suddenly there's nothing after these years of generation... it's just mind boggling, and you can't describe the loss when you do lose your cattle." But what can be done to tackle bTB?
Sunday trading times pilot to begin in Belfast - what do people think?
Larger shops across Belfast will be allowed to open at 11:00 BST on 2 and 9 August rather than normal 13:00 A pilot scheme to extend Belfast city centre trading hours on a Sunday will begin at 11:00 BST. It means that for two days - 2 and 9 August - larger shops that would usually remain closed until 13:00 will be able to open at the earlier time. The two Sundays are during the city's hosting of the all-Ireland music and dance festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Dior to make Irish debut with Dublin show
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Updated Wed, July 22, 2026 at 2:32 PM UTC Jonathan Anderson's show will be in Trinity College, Dublin, on 4 December From Paris's iconic Avenue Montaigne to the hallowed halls of Trinity College Dublin, Dior designer Jonathan Anderson plans to bring his latest collection a little bit closer to home. Known as the home of the Book of Kells, the university's Old Library will play host to the fashion house's Fall 2027 collection on 4 December.
How a former Blue Peter presenter stunned America's Got Talent judges
Joel Mawhinney, from Bangor, County Down, appeared on America's Got Talent A 50th birthday gift from her fellow Spice Girls, a picture of a dog and a mobile phone. Those were the prized possessions that three America's Got Talent judges watched a former Blue Peter presenter appear to smash with a hammer. But like all magic tricks, everything was not quite as it seemed and moments later the treasured items returned.
Man wanted in connection with murder arrested in Jordan
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Mon, July 13, 2026 at 7:49 PM UTC Man wanted in connection with murder arrested in Jordan A man who gardaí (Irish police) want to speak to in connection with the murder of a woman has been arrested in Jordan. A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said the force was aware the man had been arrested by Jordanian authorities. Gardaí had not sought his arrest or detention, but Garda headquarters has been informed of the development.
Irish police to engage with Jordan in murder investigation
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Mon, July 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM UTC Irish police are set to engage with their Jordanian counterparts as part of a murder investigation, according to Ireland's justice minister. Last Tuesday, gardaí (Irish police) said they responded to an incident at an address in Killarney, County Kerry, where a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.
Great-grandfather says 'everything is gone' after house fire
An elderly man who has lost his home after a fire gutted two terraced houses in County Antrim has said the blaze has destroyed everything his family owned. Davy Haighton had lived in his house at Knockleigh Walk in Greenisland, Carrickfergus for the past 56 years. The retired great-grandfather told BBC News NI that "everything is gone - clothes, money, documents, all our memories".
Fire service received more than 300 calls on Eleventh night
A huge bonfire in Portadown was burned on Friday night as part of the Twelfth of July celebrations Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) received 303 emergency calls, and responded to 151 operational incidents, between 18:00 BST on Saturday and 02:00 on Sunday. Some bonfires across Northern Ireland were lit ahead of the Orange Order's Twelfth of July parades.
Football club wants 'unconditional' apology from party over badge use
Linfield said it was "shocked and extremely disappointed" on Friday A football club has called for "full and unconditional apologies" from the Alliance Party after the club's badge was used in an image on a social media post where the party was promoting a bill that will "tackle abusive flags". The image posted had a flag which bears Linfield FC's badge and the text on the image said "striking the right balance".
'Systemic failures' by state in mother and baby homes, panel finds
The actions of a nun should be investigated for sexual abuse, and a social worker for "baby trading", as part of an upcoming public inquiry into mother and baby institutions, Magdalene Laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland. An independent panel has found "systemic failures" by the state led to a series of "serious human rights issues". Those who took part spoke of abuse, neglect, degrading treatment and experiences likely to "reach the threshold of inhuman treatment".
Would you travel to the World Cup if your country hasn't made it?
Would you travel to the World Cup if your country hasn't made it? Would you travel thousands of miles to go to the Fifa World Cup, even if your country wasn't playing? Neither Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland qualified for the tournament. But that hasn't stopped some football fans making the journey to North America to see some of the world's best teams. BBC News NI has been chatting to some fans about just how far they would go for the love of the game.
'Hard to see trust not take accountability for failings at Muckamore,' says victim's sister
Jennifer Dawson's brother Matthew was in Muckamore for 17 years The sister of a man who was a patient in a hospital for vulnerable adults where some patients suffered abuse said it is "hard to see" the Belfast Trust not "taking accountability for what went on". Jennifer Dawson said her brother Matthew is "suffering from trauma" from his time in Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
Protecting native ash trees from pest that can strip them bare
A sticky trap on an ash tree in Belvoir Park area of Belfast Traps have been laid as part of a research project to protect native ash trees from an invasive species of insect that can strip a tree bare. The ash sawfly larvae feeds on tree leaves between May and June. Scientists will spend the next three years looking at the best, environmentally-friendly, ways to deal with the pest.
Water cannon fired after protesters take to streets for second night
A water cannon has been used to disperse a large crowd after people returned to the streets of Northern Ireland for a second night. Riot police have come under sustained attack from a group throwing bricks, bottles and pieces of wood at a major roundabout in County Antrim.
Smacking children remains legal in NI as amendment is not selected
Alongside England, Northern Ireland is one of two places in Britain and Ireland to not have completely outlawed smacking children Proposals to make smacking children illegal have been dropped from new laws making their way through the Northern Ireland Assembly. Some say a ban would have offered young people legal protection against assault, while others say such a change would have criminalised parents. Striking a child is outlawed in Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Murder investigation launched after man dies following break-in
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Sun, May 17, 2026 at 6:37 AM UTC A murder investigation has been launched after a 51-year-old man died following a break-in at an apartment building in east Belfast. Nicholas (Nicky) Gordon was attacked as a number of intruders entered an apartment on the Holywood Road early on Tuesday morning. He was taken to hospital but has since died from his injuries.
People moved from their homes in security alert
Ross McKee; Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Wed, May 6, 2026 at 8:03 PM UTC Black, grey and green PSNI crest on a wall. A number of people have been moved from their homes due to a security alert in Lambeg, County Antrim. Police say they are at the scene of the alert in Hillview Avenue. They have asked the public to avoid the area at this time. SDLP councillor Pat Catney said he believed there could be "up to 100 people that are affected by this".
Eggs of elusive bird rescued by firefighters during wildfire
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Fri, May 1, 2026 at 3:54 PM UTC The eggs of an elusive bird were saved by firefighters during a "significant wildfire" as their nest was close to being lost in the blaze. During the fire in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, a curlew nest, directly in the fire's path, was found.
'Veil of secrecy' around wildfire arsonists in Mournes
As wildfires have been raging in the Mourne Mountains, the environment minister has rejected a claim there are no consequences for people who deliberately set fires in the countryside. Andrew Muir said arsonists could face prison in some cases, but he added that the authorities need the public's help to bring them to justice. "There does seem to be maybe a veil of secrecy around this, no-one is giving up the culprits who are involved," the minister said.
Video game fanatic travels more than 1,000 miles to achieve dream
A video game fanatic who travelled more than 1,000 miles for a football match achieved his "dream" of seeing his adopted club play in the flesh on Saturday. Italian Andrea Lai has been playing the Football Manager series for almost 20 years and one day chose Coleraine Football Club, at random, as his new team to manage.
Raw sewage posters at lough not official, says minister
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Tue, April 14, 2026 at 8:16 AM UTC Andrew Muir, the minister in charge of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said he did not know who had erected the posters Posters placed along the County Antrim coast telling people not to go into Belfast Lough, due to "raw sewage" have not been placed by a Stormont department and are "misleading", a minister has said.
Airport seeking public's help to reunite parrot with owner
Can you help reunite a parrot with its owner? Well, Dublin Airport is trying just this and is seeking the public's help after the bird was found on the grounds on Easter Sunday. The bird was discovered by airport police near terminal one after being spotted perched on a rubbish bin. And this isn't the first time a parrot has been lost in Dublin Airport after one attempted to take off from the main runway in 2019. It was later reunited with its owner. But can this be a similar success story?
Easter Rising commemorations take place in Dublin
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI Sun, April 5, 2026 at 12:40 PM UTC A wreath was laid by the Irish President Catherine Connolly at the General Post Office (GPO) in the Irish capital Commemorations have taken place in Dublin on the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The 1916 rebellion was an attempt to overthrow British rule in Ireland and has been credited by many historians as paving the way towards an independent Irish republic.
'Deeply infuriating': The Irish speakers fed up over fada-less forms and flights
The Irish language is having a moment, but some online forms don't allow fadas Between Kneecap, CMAT's dual-language single Euro-Country and Jessie Buckley's closing words when accepting her Oscar, it feels like the Irish language is having a moment. Its renaissance in the cultural world has made it more prominent far beyond Ireland's borders, with cúpla focal - a few words - being heard on streets and in classrooms as far away as New York and Sydney.
Two of the world's rarest lions put to sleep at zoo
Two of the world's rarest lions have died at a zoo. The Barbary lionesses, Thheiba and Fidda, were 22-years-old and were the remaining two females of a pride at Belfast Zoo, with one male lion named Qays left. The zoo said they will be "fondly remembered" by staff and visitors. Barbary lions are now extinct in the wild. Thheiba and Fidda They were previously housed at Port Lympne Zoo in the south of England.
British and Irish citizens in the Middle East urged to register
Iran has retaliated with strikes on Israel and Arab Gulf countries British and Irish citizens living in the Middle East are being encouraged to sign up to registration schemes. It comes as Iran launched fresh attacks across the region in response to an ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel.
Chinese New Year 'a great time for celebration' in Belfast
The event was run by ArtsEkta, an intercultural organisation, from its new building in the city centre A Chinese New Year event held in Belfast on Saturday to celebrate the start of the Year of the Fire Horse brought colour, music and crafts to the city during what one participant called "a great time for celebration". Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is marked not only by Chinese people, but also by many others, including Vietnamese, South Korean and Thai communities.
Belfast-based short film reaches first stage of Bafta awards
Kathryn Ferguson, who directed Nostalgie, said she was a 'little stunned' at the nomination [Getty Images] The director of a Belfast-based short film, starring Aidan Gillen, has said it is "so exciting" after it was longlisted for a Bafta award. Kathryn Ferguson directed Nostalgie, a story about a faded '80s pop star (Gillen) from England who is invited to perform at an event in Northern Ireland.
'Weird couple of years' for Stranger Things star
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI January 16, 2026 at 4:19 PM Amybeth McNulty joined the cast of Stranger Things in the fourth series [Charley Gallay/Getty Images] Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has said it has been a "weird couple of years" since joining the cast of sci-fi horror series Stranger Things.
Would lower speed limits improve road safety?
The minister for infrastructure has launched a consultation on speed limits [BBC] More than 50 people lost their lives in road traffic crashes last year in Northern Ireland. The figures make for grim reading and behind every statistic lies a very human tragedy. This week, the minister for infrastructure launched a consultation on speed limits. We all know the advertising slogan – Speed Kills – and one of the proposals is to introduce a 20mph speed limit in all areas that are currently 30mph.
Corrie legend joins cast of Irish soap
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI January 14, 2026 at 12:09 PM Actress Beverley Callard has swapped one iconic soap opera for another as it has been announced she is joining the cast of Fair City. Callard, best known for her role as Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, will play a new character called Lily. She joined the cast of the cobbles with her on screen husband Jim - played by Charlie Lawson from Northern Ireland - and sons Steve and Andy in 1989 before leaving the ITV show in 2020.
Price increase on school meals will 'acutely' affect children in poverty
Chris Quinn has called for a "fundamental rethink" of school meal provisions [BBC] School meal price increases will "acutely" affect children living in poverty who do not qualify for free school dinners, Northern Ireland's Commissioner for Children and Young People has said. Chris Quinn has called for a "fundamental rethink". School meal prices will increase in January for the first time since 2017.
Some NI Water staff on strike over pay
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI December 31, 2025 at 1:33 AM NI Water has said they have "robust contingency planning arrangements in place and will seek to minimise the impact of any industrial action taken" [Getty Images] About 350 workers at NI Water have begun a one-day strike in a dispute over pay arrangements and terms and conditions. Members of the trade union Nipsa, who are mostly administrative staff, voted in favour of industrial action following a recent ballot.
Irish battalion safe after coming under fire in south Lebanon
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI December 5, 2025 at 4:20 AM The battalion is part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in the south of Lebanon [Reuters] All members of an Irish Defence Forces battalion "are well and accounted for" after they came under "small arms fire" in south Lebanon. The incident happened at about 18:30 Ireland time (20:30 Lebanon time) on Thursday. A Defence Forces spokesperson said the 127 Infantry Battalion had been conducting a patrol.
CMAT, Fontaines D.C. and Gorillaz to play Electric Picnic 2026
Irish singer CMAT was also announced as one of the acts [Getty Images] Fontaines D.C. and Gorillaz have been announced as headline acts at Electric Picnic in 2026. Gorillaz will headline on the Saturday night and Dublin post-punk band Fontaines D.C. will headline the Sunday night. Irish singer CMAT was also announced as one of the acts to play Ireland's largest gathering of music and arts. Zara Larsson, Sombr, Skepta, Wunderhorse, Role Model and Geese complete the list of acts announced on Monday.
Belfast's Elle Vosque is runner up in Drag Race UK final
RuPaul's Drag Race was Elle's first foray into performing outside of Northern Ireland [Getty Images] Northern Ireland drag queen Elle Vosque has taken second place in the series seven final of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Elle, known as Evan Keating out of drag, appeared in the final alongside fellow drag queens Silllexa Dixon, Catrin Feelings and the series winner Bones. Friends and fans went along to a watch party for the west Belfast finalist at Union Street bar in the city centre on Thursday night.
'Callous' beheading of stag prompts police investigation
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI November 28, 2025 at 5:31 AM A council in the Republic of Ireland is seeking information following the "callous" beheading of a stag. Fingal County Council has issued an appeal for information after the headless body of the stag, that was part of a herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate in County Dublin, was found by staff on Thursday.
'Callous' beheading of stag prompts police investigation
Barry O'Connor - BBC News NI November 28, 2025 at 6:31 AM A council in the Republic of Ireland is seeking information following the "callous" beheading of a stag. Fingal County Council has issued an appeal for information after the headless body of the stag, that was part of a herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate in County Dublin, was found by staff on Thursday.
Belfast's Elle Vosque is runner up in Drag Race UK final
Ru Paul's Drag Race was Elle's first foray into performing outside of Northern Ireland [Getty Images] Northern Ireland drag queen Elle Vosque has taken second place in the series seven final of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK. Elle, known as Evan Keating out of drag, appeared in the final alongside fellow drag queens Silllexa Dixon, Catrin Feelings and the series winner Bones.
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