Finn Purdy
As seen in:
Bottom Line,
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
BBC,
BBC News,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo News Australia,
Yahoo News Malaysia
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Finn Purdy
'The department has lost touch with farmers' - call for minister's resignation over cattle cull
A farmers' union has called for the Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to resign over how a cull of 51 cattle was carried out in County Tyrone. The cows were shot in June, leading to complaints about the manner of the cull which was carried out within earshot of members of the public. The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) President John McLenaghan said there were concerns about the independence of a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) review into the incident.
'The department has lost touch with farmers' - call for minister's resignation over cattle cull
A farmers' union has called for the Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to resign over how a cull of 51 cattle was carried out. They were shot in County Tyrone in June, following a court order after the cattle owner's conviction on animal welfare grounds, leading to complaints about the manner of the cull, which was carried out within earshot of members of the public.
North Belfast residents say they feel 'abandoned' by police
Follow North Belfast residents say they feel 'abandoned' by police Finn Purdy; Kelly Bonner - BBC News NI Fri, August 14, 2026 at 4:20 AM EDT North Belfast residents say they feel 'abandoned' by police Police have defended their response to two incidents in north Belfast on Wednesday night saying their aim was to "establish what has occurred, protect the community and secure opportunities to identify those responsible".
Boy has 'sparkle' back after 8-year wait for heart transplant
A nine-year-old boy who inspired changes to Northern Ireland's organ donation laws has received a heart transplant after an eight-year wait. Dáithí Mac Gabhann's father had said he is so grateful that his son "has a new beautiful heart beating inside him" and that he has made "amazing progress over the last few days" since his operation. Dáithí was born in 2016 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart did not form correctly.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann receives heart transplant
A nine-year-old boy who inspired changes to Northern Ireland's organ donation laws has received a heart transplant after a lengthy wait. The family of Dáithí Mac Gabhann posted on social media on Tuesday to say that he was "at the beginning of his recovery". "There have already been some big wins for him, but there is still a long road ahead, and we would ask you all to keep him in your thoughts and prayers," the post said.
Pantomime legend says his jokes helped save a life
Across 34 years of playing the pantomime dame at Belfast's Grand Opera House, John Linehan, aka May McFettridge, has performed to hundreds of thousands of theatre-goers, and poked fun at a sizeable proportion of them. But it was a chance encounter with one fan of his work that he said has made it all worthwhile. "She came up to me and says...
No room for pro-Israeli views in the arts, says TV writer
David Ireland wrote the ITV drama Coldwater as well as the play The Fifth Step [Getty Images] People in the arts community who have sympathy with Israel are treated "basically like a Nazi", according to the writer of a new TV drama. David Ireland said that the situation in Israel and Gaza is an "impossible thing to talk about" for some people working in the arts.
Easter parades held to commemorate 1916 rising
Events and parades have been held across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to commemorate 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. In Dublin, the Irish President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath outside the General Post Office (GPO) to commemorate those who died in the rebellion before a minute's silence was observed.
Tourist attraction shut nearly as often as open
A Northern Ireland tourist attraction which has received millions for repairs and maintenance has been closed nearly as many days as it has open in the past decade. The Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee, County Antrim reopened to the public in 2015. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has spent about £4.3m since 2017 on repairs to the path, which has faced prolonged closures due to rockfalls, storm damage, planned works and inspections.
Sinn Féin accuse Irish parliament speaker of 'breathtaking' failure
Verona Murphy has said she "fully intends to continue" in her position [PA Media] The Sinn Féin leader has accused the Daíl (lower house of the Irish parliament) speaker of an "unprecedented and, frankly, breathtaking" failure to perform her duties. Mary Lou McDonald also insisted that Verona Murphy "had to go" during a confidence vote on Wednesday. It is the first time that a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) has faced such a vote in the history of the Dáil.
Sinn Féin accuse Irish parliament speaker of 'breathtaking' failure
The Sinn Féin leader has accused the Daíl (lower house of the Irish parliament) speaker of an "unprecedented and, frankly, breathtaking" failure to perform her duties. Mary Lou McDonald also insisted that Verona Murphy "had to go" during a confidence vote on Wednesday. It is the first time that a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) has faced such a vote in the history of the Dáil. The motion of confidence in Ceann Comhairle Murphy was upheld by a vote of 96 to 71.
Irish language sign row not a crisis - Robinson
The approval of Irish language signage at Belfast's Grand Central Station was "bad process" but "that's not to suggest that this is a crisis" for the Stormont executive, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party leader has said. Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins approved £150,000 for Irish language signs saying it was a "hugely positive development". But Gavin Robinson said the minister "decided to squander" the money "in the absence of political discussion".
Irish language sign row not a crisis - Robinson
The approval of Irish language signage at Belfast's Grand Central Station was "bad process" but "that's not to suggest that this is a crisis" for the Stormont executive, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party leader has said. Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins approved £150,000 for Irish language signs saying it was a "hugely positive development". But Gavin Robinson said the minister "decided to squander" the money "in the absence of political discussion".
Suspect in John George murder appears in court
A man arrested over the murder of John George has appeared at an extradition hearing at a court in Portugal. Jonny Smyth, 26, had been named in international arrest warrants circulated by Interpol having fled Spain following John George's disappearance. Mr George, from Belfast, went missing in Spain in December. His body was found by Spanish police on 7 January in a remote lemon grove, having been stabbed and shot in the chest and face.
Suspect in John George murder appears in court
A man arrested over the murder of John George has appeared at an extradition hearing at a court in Portugal. Jonny Smyth, 26, had been named in international arrest warrants circulated by Interpol having fled Spain following John George's disappearance. Mr George, from Belfast, went missing in Spain in December. His body was found by Spanish police on 7 January in a remote lemon grove, having been stabbed and shot in the chest and face.
Flights from Northern Ireland to Heathrow resume
The first flights from Northern Ireland to London Heathrow since Friday's disruption have arrived at the west London Airport. Heathrow was closed for most of Friday after a fire at an electrical substation nearby that powers the airport. The airport hopes to run a full service on Saturday, after some flights began taking off and landing late on Friday, however at least nine flights scheduled to land this morning have already seen cancellations.
NI airports tell Heathrow-bound passengers not to travel
A fire close to Heathrow Airport has thrown flights to and from the London airport into chaos with flights from the island of Ireland being heavily impacted. Heathrow Airport will be closed all day on Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power. At least 1,351 flights to and from UK's busiest airport could be cancelled on Friday, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
NI airport tells Heathrow-bound passengers not to travel
A fire close to Heathrow Airport has thrown flights to and from the London airport into chaos with flights from the island of Ireland being heavily impacted. Heathrow Airport will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power. At least 1,351 flights to and from UK's busiest airport could be cancelled on Friday, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
Donald Trump raises ‘massive’ trade imbalance during Irish PM meeting
Raymona Crozier & Finn Purdy BBC News NI US President Donald Trump has raised a “massive” trade imbalance with Ireland and accused the European Union of treating the US “very badly”. He made the comments during a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin as part of the Irish government’s traditional St Patrick’s Day engagements. Earlier on Wednesday, the European Union announced it will impose counter tariffs on €26bn ($28bn) worth of US goods from next month.
Ireland appoints new Defence Forces chief
Brig Gen Rossa Mulcahy has been appointed as the next Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Announcing the appointment, the Defence Forces said that Brig Gen Mulcahy has more than 35 years of experience across a variety of roles, both at home and overseas. He has served in deployments to Lebanon, Syria and Afghanistan with the United Nations and NATO. Since 2021, he has held the role of assistant chief of staff and he is due to take up the new appointment on 1 June.
Backlash against proposed lighting changes to historic lighthouse Original
Backlash against proposed changes to historic lighthouse Getty Images St. John's Point Lighthouse is located in County Down Dozens of objections have been submitted to a proposed change to the light source at an historic lighthouse at St John's Point in County Down. The proposal includes replacing the mercury that makes the light rotate with a low-energy LED alternative. Campaigners fear that altering the mechanism controlling the rotating light could harm the landmark's historic character.
Paramilitaries 'won't be paid to leave'
Paramilitaries 'won't be paid to disband', says Benn Enda McClafferty and Finn Purdy BBC News NI PA Media Hilary Benn said paramilitary groups are "still causing harm to communities" Secretary of State Hilary Benn has insisted paramilitaries will not be paid by the government to "disband". But he defended the government's decision to explore the possibility of formal engagement with paramilitary groups.
Bishop apologises over alleged abuse by priest
A senior Catholic Bishop has apologised to the alleged victims of a deceased parish priest. In a statement, the Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian, said that his diocese had received several "credible allegations of sexual abuse" against Fr Patrick O'Neill. The statement revealed that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was received by the diocese in 2004 and another similar allegation was made "recently".
Dog attack on sheep had 'massive impact' says farmer Original
Dog attack on sheep had 'massive impact', says farmer Louise Cullen and Finn Purdy BBC A farmer whose sheep were attacked by dogs has said the incident was "devastating". John Hazlett from County Fermanagh told BBC News NI that he hasn't slept properly for "weeks" since the attack.
Customers still without broadband after Storm Éowyn
A customer who is still without broadband after Storm Éowyn has described the service as "a complete disaster from beginning to end". Davy Uprichard is one of about 1,500 customers of broadband company Fibrus still without a connection following damage caused by the storm more than three weeks ago. Fibrus said almost 90% of customers who were out of service as a result of damage to the network have since been reconnected.
Fibrus broadband service after storm damage a 'complete disaster' Original
Customers still without broadband after Storm Éowyn Davy Uprichard Davy Uprichard said he was "getting slightly frustrated" after nearly a month without broadband A customer who is still without broadband after Storm Éowyn has described the service as "a complete disaster from beginning to end". Davy Uprichard is one of about 1,500 customers of broadband company Fibrus still without a connection following damage caused by the storm more than three weeks ago.
Call for food influencers to post 'more honest' reviews Original
Call for food influencers to post 'more honest' reviews Chetna Makan Chetna Makan is vice-president of the Food Writers Guild Online content creators should be "more honest" in the reviews of food that they are posting online, according to the Guild of Food Writers (GFW). Reviews of restaurants or other food outlets have become increasingly popular on video-sharing platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Control zone in place after bird flu detected in captive birds
A small number of captive birds have had a preliminary positive test for bird flu at a nature reserve outside Magherafelt, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The department has put in place a 3km temporary control zone around the reserve, which among other measures limits the movement of poultry, captive birds and poultry products both into and out of the zone.
Bird flu detected in captive flock, control zone in place
Control zone in place after bird flu detected in captive birds Getty Images Restrictions must be adhered to by all poultry and captive bird keepers within the 3km zone around the affected premises A small number of captive birds have had a preliminary positive test for bird flu at a nature reserve outside Magherafelt, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Daera).
Teachers suspend planned industrial action
Four unions representing teachers in Northern Ireland have suspended a planned industrial action. The action short of strike was due to begin on Monday and run for four weeks. INTO, the UTU, the NEU and NASUWT had balloted their members over what they described as the lack of "a satisfactory pay offer for 2024-25". The unions have now said the action has been suspended "in an effort to successfully conclude negotiations".
'Major' pollution incident at popular NI beach
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating a pollution incident at a County Down river that flows into one of Northern Ireland's bathing beaches. The NIEA confirmed that it has received a report of pollution in the Cotton River in Bangor and a water quality inspector was tasked to investigate. It said that the pollution was confirmed and an investigation to determine the source was underway. Advertisement The river flows into the sea at Ballyholme Bay.
Pro-Palestinian protest interrupts cathedral service
Protesters interrupted a service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh on Sunday to "highlight the silence from the Catholic church on genocide in Palestine". In a livestream of the service shared on the parish social media, about 30 protesters can be seen entering the cathedral holding placards. Speaking in a video posted online, one protester Deirdre Murphy Linder, said they are "a group of cross-community Christians" who held a "silent a dignified procession at the end of communion".
Community centre attacked and sprayed with graffiti
Police are investigating a report of criminal damage after the windows of a community centre in Broughshane, County Antrim, were smashed and anti-Sinn Féin graffiti sprayed on the walls. The building on Main Street houses Broughshane and District Community Association. Bréanainn Lyness, the Sinn Féin deputy mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said he understood the attack to be a result of the community association inviting him to switch on the town's Christmas lights.
Son of IRA murder victim calls Disney drama 'horrendous'
Michael McConville has said that the portrayal of his mother's murder and secret burial by the IRA in a new Disney drama is "horrendous" and "cruel". Say Nothing, which is based on a book by Patrick Radden Keefe of the same title, tells the stories of several people living in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Among the stories featured in the series, is that of Jean McConville, who was among those "disappeared" by the IRA during the conflict.
Son of IRA murder victim calls Disney drama 'horrendous'
Michael McConville has said that the portrayal of his mother's murder and secret burial by the IRA in a new Disney drama is "horrendous" and "cruel". Say Nothing, which is based on a book by Patrick Radden Keefe of the same title, tells the stories of several people living in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Among the stories featured in the series, is that of Jean McConville, who was among those "disappeared" by the IRA during the conflict.
Woman 'sickened' by demands to return flood payment
Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Woman 'sickened' by demands to return flood payment
GAA stars step out with their partners at PwC All-Star Awards in Dublin The top GAA stars around the country were in attendance at the RDS for this year's PwC GAA All-Star awards with partners joining them for the …
Posters at surgery 'abusive and hostile,' says GP
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
Journalist and campaigner Nell McCafferty dies aged 80
Finn Purdy - BBC News NI August 21, 2024 at 3:04 AM·2 min read The Irish journalist and campaigner Nell McCafferty has died at the age of 80. Born in Londonderry in 1944, she was a founding member of the Irish Woman's Liberation Movement and wrote for the Irish Times among other publications.
Newtownards WW2 bomb to be 'dealt with on site'
Finn Purdy - BBC News NI August 20, 2024 at 9:33 AM·1 min read A suspected World War Two bomb found at a housing estate in Newtownards in County Down is to be "dealt with on site", police have said. Police said the decision followed discussions at great length about whether the 500kg (1,100lb) device should be removed or dealt with at the scene. The device was assessed and a decision was made not to remove it.
Campaigners hold 'vomiting' protest at Moy Park
Finn Purdy - BBC News NI August 12, 2024 at 6:08 AM·2 min read Environmental campaigners held a protest on Sunday outside the Moy Park factory in Craigavon, County Armagh. The protest, organised by Slí Eile who describe themselves as an anti-capitalist climate action group, involved protesters simulating vomiting outside the factory.
Number of XL bullies on register more than doubles
Finn Purdy - BBC News NI August 9, 2024 at 3:10 AM·3 min read The number of XL bully-type dogs registered in Northern Ireland has more than doubled since it was announced that the breed would be banned. Owners who want to keep their dog after the ban need to get an exemption cetificate. Applications opened on Friday and are only available for people whose dogs are registered.
Number of XL bullies on register more than doubles
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
All-Ireland final 'bigger than Christmas' in Armagh
With Armagh set to make their first appearance at All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final since 2003, GAA fans have been painting the county orange and white. Local clubs and businesses across the county are showing their support for the team led by manger Kieran McGeeney. Ahead of the showdown with Galway on Sunday, BBC News NI took a road-trip of the Orchard County, to meet some of Armagh's most loyal supporters.
Estate agents resolve dispute with website Original
Estate agents resolve PropertyPal dispute By Finn Purdy, BBC News NI BBC PropertyPal is the largest property website in Northern Ireland A group of estate agents who had stopped posting listings on PropertyPal have returned to the website after resolving a dispute with the company over fees. PropertyPal is the largest website in Northern Ireland for property sales and rentals.
Lough Neagh blue-green algae 'back with a vengeance'
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Lough Neagh blue-green algae 'back with a vengeance' Original
Lough Neagh blue-green algae 'back with a vengeance' By Finn Purdy, BBC News NI BBC Blue-green algae is visible around the popular Antrim Lough Shore walking area Blue-green algae is "back with a vengeance", according to the Lough Neagh Partnership. The Earl of Shaftesbury, who owns the bed and soil of the lough, is travelling to Belfast on Wednesday to discuss its future with stakeholders.
Trinity College withdraws €214K student union fine Original
Trinity College drops €214K student union fine Getty Images The student body at one of Ireland's top universities has hailed a "win for the right to protest" after a fine issued against it by university administrators was withdrawn. Trinity College Dublin Students' Union had previously been handed an invoice for €214K (£183K) for revenue lost due to student protests. TCD have now said they "will not be pursuing the invoice".
Crime statistics: Shoplifting up by 20% according to PSNI figures
Shoplifting is up nearly 20% in Northern Ireland in the last year, according to the latest crime figures release by the police. It comes despite an overall drop in crime levels. A shop manager in Belfast city centre told BBC News NI that shoplifting had become "really bad". Adele Reilly said she had seen an increase in the past couple of years and that people were mostly taking food. The spike in shoplifting is at odds with the overall crime figures, which show a drop in the past year.
Crime statistics: Shoplifting up by 20% according to PSNI figures Original
Shoplifting is up nearly 20% in Northern Ireland in the last year, according to the latest crime figures release by the police. It comes despite an overall drop in crime levels. A shop manager in Belfast city centre told BBC News NI that shoplifting has become "really bad". Adele Reilly said she had definitely seen an increase in the past couple of years and that people were mostly taking food. The spike in shoplifting is at odds with the overall crime figures, which show a drop in the past year.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Finn
Contact Finn, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack