Belfast Telegraph
@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Northern Ireland news, sport, features, opinion and debate
🏆 News Website of the Year - #RegionalPressAwards
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
🏆 News Website of the Year - #RegionalPressAwards
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
“They spoiled me for pies for life because they were the best pies in the world...”
‘Best in the world’: Praise on national radio sends Co Down pie shop’s sales soaring
Sales of savoury pies from a Moira shop have soared after an Englishman sang its praises on national radio, sparking a frantic hunt for the outlet’s whereabouts.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 2:41 PM
“They spoiled me for pies for life because they were the best pies in the world...”
"Performing is very pressurised. You’re acting in present time and it’s extremely stressful," the music legend said. “If you look at my calendar, I’ve had to cut back a lot because I had burnout..."
‘The gigs, the travel, the pressure of fame all gave me burnout’: Van Morrison on why he had to cut back his workload
Workaholic Sir Van Morrison admits suffering from PTSD and burnout because of his relentless workload.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 2:05 PM
"Performing is very pressurised. You’re acting in present time and it’s extremely stressful," the music legend said. “If you look at my calendar, I’ve had to cut back a lot because I had burnout..."
Loyalist who was questioned over the murder of John Boreland claimed blade had only been used on fishing trip
Suspect in UDA gangland execution caught in street armed with a knife
A convicted killer suspected of being behind a loyalist gangland assassination has been found guilty of carrying a knife.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Loyalist who was questioned over the murder of John Boreland claimed blade had only been used on fishing trip
Wilson’s Hospital has become synonymous with the ongoing protest by its history teacher. But there is far more to the school than that, according to students and its new principal.
‘Enoch Burke does not define us’: Life beyond the controversy at the most famous school in Ireland
A 30-minute walk from the nearest village, the principal of Wilson’s Hospital School jokes that its remote location makes it a bit like Alcatraz. There’s little chance of pupils mitching class here.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Wilson’s Hospital has become synonymous with the ongoing protest by its history teacher. But there is far more to the school than that, according to students and its new principal.
Two billionaires have said they are backing Michael Flatley in his dispute with a Northern Irish company that has taken legal action against the dance impresario in a battle for control of the Lord of the Dance shows.
Billionaires say they will back Michael Flatley in legal row with NI company over Lord of the Dance shows
Billionaires Luke Comer and Maurice Regan have said they are backing Michael Flatley in his dispute with a Northern Irish company that has taken legal action against the dance impresario in a battle f...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Two billionaires have said they are backing Michael Flatley in his dispute with a Northern Irish company that has taken legal action against the dance impresario in a battle for control of the Lord of the Dance shows.
New IRA terror veteran Nuala Perry is back on the streets after being released following more than two years in Hydebank Prison.
New IRA terror queen returns home to hero’s welcome after more than two years in prison
New IRA terror veteran Nuala Perry is back on the streets after being released from jail following more than two years in Hydebank Prison.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM
New IRA terror veteran Nuala Perry is back on the streets after being released following more than two years in Hydebank Prison.
Broadcaster Hugo Duncan has reassured fans who've been shocked by his dramatic five-stone weight loss that he doesn’t have cancer.
In a new interview, the veteran radio star opens up about his health battles and his pride in his late mum.
In a new interview, the veteran radio star opens up about his health battles and his pride in his late mum.
‘It’s not what everyone has been thinking’: Hugo Duncan reassures fans after dramatic weight loss
Singer and broadcaster Hugo Duncan has reassured his thousands of fans who've been shocked by his dramatic five-stone weight loss that he doesn’t have cancer.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Broadcaster Hugo Duncan has reassured fans who've been shocked by his dramatic five-stone weight loss that he doesn’t have cancer.
In a new interview, the veteran radio star opens up about his health battles and his pride in his late mum.
In a new interview, the veteran radio star opens up about his health battles and his pride in his late mum.
"Given that there often appears to be increasingly few policy differences between the DUP, UUP and TUV, a pact would make sense," writes Suzanne Breen.
"But Jon Burrows will be no rollover for Gavin Robinson in any discussions..."
"But Jon Burrows will be no rollover for Gavin Robinson in any discussions..."
Pacts might save some seats, but unionism needs a better strategy to preserve the status quo
He won’t officially take up the job for another fortnight, but already the UUP’s next leader has received a ‘Dear Jon’ letter.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 9:58 AM
"Given that there often appears to be increasingly few policy differences between the DUP, UUP and TUV, a pact would make sense," writes Suzanne Breen.
"But Jon Burrows will be no rollover for Gavin Robinson in any discussions..."
"But Jon Burrows will be no rollover for Gavin Robinson in any discussions..."
Former Larne FC team bus driver Arlene Leitch has been dealing drugs for almost 20 years, according to locals.
The 54-year-old is currently on bail appealing a four-month prison sentence for attempting to import £10,000 of cannabis to her home.
The 54-year-old is currently on bail appealing a four-month prison sentence for attempting to import £10,000 of cannabis to her home.
‘She’s friends with drug dealers and ran in those circles for years’: Pals rubbish claims ex-Larne FC bus driver was set up
Former Larne FC team bus driver Arlene Leitch has been dealing drugs for almost 20 years, according to locals in the seaside town.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Former Larne FC team bus driver Arlene Leitch has been dealing drugs for almost 20 years, according to locals.
The 54-year-old is currently on bail appealing a four-month prison sentence for attempting to import £10,000 of cannabis to her home.
The 54-year-old is currently on bail appealing a four-month prison sentence for attempting to import £10,000 of cannabis to her home.
"It does not have the budget of blockbuster movies but BBC’s Titanic Sinks Tonight is such a harrowing depiction of lives on the liner in its final hours in April 1912 that it should cause us all to reflect on whether it would be better if the wreck had never been found."
BBC series a haunting reminder that Titanic is a graveyard — and will make many wish wreck was never found and plundered
It does not have the budget of blockbuster movies but BBC’s Titanic Sinks Tonight is such a harrowing depiction of lives on the liner in its final hours in April 1912 that it should cause us all to re...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 1:55 PM
"It does not have the budget of blockbuster movies but BBC’s Titanic Sinks Tonight is such a harrowing depiction of lives on the liner in its final hours in April 1912 that it should cause us all to reflect on whether it would be better if the wreck had never been found."
A man jailed for striking a paramedic in the face with a belt buckle and trying to drive off in his ambulance has abandoned his appeal against the sentence.
Man who attacked paramedic with belt and tried to take ambulance abandons appeal against jail sentence
A man jailed for striking a paramedic in the face with a belt buckle and trying to drive off in his ambulance has abandoned his appeal against the sentence.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 12:52 PM
A man jailed for striking a paramedic in the face with a belt buckle and trying to drive off in his ambulance has abandoned his appeal against the sentence.
The Ulster Unionist Party has an opportunity for “revitalisation” under the leadership of Jon Burrows, its incoming deputy leader has said.
But in an interview with Belfast Telegraph, Diana Armstrong said that her reasons for opting to join Mr Burrows’ ticket will remain private.
But in an interview with Belfast Telegraph, Diana Armstrong said that her reasons for opting to join Mr Burrows’ ticket will remain private.
Jon Burrows’ leadership an opportunity for ‘revitalisation’, says UUP running mate Diana Armstrong
The Ulster Unionist Party has an opportunity for “revitalisation” under the leadership of former senior police officer Jon Burrows, its incoming deputy leader has said.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM
The Ulster Unionist Party has an opportunity for “revitalisation” under the leadership of Jon Burrows, its incoming deputy leader has said.
But in an interview with Belfast Telegraph, Diana Armstrong said that her reasons for opting to join Mr Burrows’ ticket will remain private.
But in an interview with Belfast Telegraph, Diana Armstrong said that her reasons for opting to join Mr Burrows’ ticket will remain private.
A former midwife who was banned from nursing after being caught on CCTV stealing drugs has now been barred from working in social care.
Disgraced ex-midwife who stole drugs from hospital is now barred from social care work
A former midwife who was banned from nursing after being caught on CCTV stealing drugs has now been barred from working in social care.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 11:40 AM
A former midwife who was banned from nursing after being caught on CCTV stealing drugs has now been barred from working in social care.
A mum-of-six has called for greater fire safety awareness after her 10-year-old son had to be rescued during a house blaze that gutted their family home in Bangor earlier this month.
Bangor mum on house fire ‘chaos’ after son rescued from blaze: ‘It could have been a whole lot worse...’
A mum-of-six has called for greater fire safety awareness after her 10-year-old son had to be rescued during a house blaze that gutted their family home in Bangor earlier this month.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 10:56 AM
A mum-of-six has called for greater fire safety awareness after her 10-year-old son had to be rescued during a house blaze that gutted their family home in Bangor earlier this month.
Four more people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Wayne Reid.
Four arrested over Coleraine murder amid claims victim was attacked because of £200 debt
Four more people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Coleraine.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Four more people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Wayne Reid.
When you think of destinations for day trips and weekends away in the UK, it is unlikely to be among the places that immediately spring to mind.
But one Co Tyrone town is a surprise entrant on Time Out magazine’s top destinations to visit in 2026.
But one Co Tyrone town is a surprise entrant on Time Out magazine’s top destinations to visit in 2026.
NI town dubbed ‘hidden gem’ by locals after making Time Out’s list of ‘must-visit’ places
When you think of destinations for day trips and weekends away in the UK, it is unlikely to be among the places that immediately spring to mind.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:28 AM
When you think of destinations for day trips and weekends away in the UK, it is unlikely to be among the places that immediately spring to mind.
But one Co Tyrone town is a surprise entrant on Time Out magazine’s top destinations to visit in 2026.
But one Co Tyrone town is a surprise entrant on Time Out magazine’s top destinations to visit in 2026.
An historic listed building in north Belfast could be transformed into a ‘neurodiversity campus’ after new plans were lodged.
New plans revealed for historic Belfast courthouse nearly two decades after its closure
An historic listed building in north Belfast could be transformed into a ‘neurodiversity campus’ after new plans were lodged.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:01 AM
An historic listed building in north Belfast could be transformed into a ‘neurodiversity campus’ after new plans were lodged.
Deciding what to do with BBC NI and RTE might seem like one of the easier areas to resolve in a united Ireland, writes Sam McBride, but the complexity of this issue speaks to a question with far wider implications.
The Irish unity dilemma almost no one has considered, but which would impact everyone
More than half a century ago, the Rostrevor-born architect of the economic model which has shaped modern Ireland wrote a confidential note to the Taoiseach in which he set out a heterodox analysis of ...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Deciding what to do with BBC NI and RTE might seem like one of the easier areas to resolve in a united Ireland, writes Sam McBride, but the complexity of this issue speaks to a question with far wider implications.
Broadcaster and former TV news presenter Donna Traynor has revealed she is suffering from the health condition dubbed “the Celtic curse”.
“I found out by chance. I was in hospital having a scan for another condition when they discovered something on my liver...”
“I found out by chance. I was in hospital having a scan for another condition when they discovered something on my liver...”
Donna Traynor: I have the ‘Celtic curse’ – a dangerous blood condition that can rust your organs
Broadcaster and former TV news presenter Donna Traynor has revealed she is suffering from the health condition dubbed “the Celtic curse”.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Broadcaster and former TV news presenter Donna Traynor has revealed she is suffering from the health condition dubbed “the Celtic curse”.
“I found out by chance. I was in hospital having a scan for another condition when they discovered something on my liver...”
“I found out by chance. I was in hospital having a scan for another condition when they discovered something on my liver...”
Warning: #TheTraitors spoilers in here 👇
NI star tightens grip on The Traitors after admitting ‘white lie’ in pivotal intervention
Maghera man Matthew Hyndman was nearly banished from The Traitors show on Friday night - but the 35-year-old creative director lives to see another day.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Warning: #TheTraitors spoilers in here 👇
Construction giant Heron Bros is planning to build a £25m industrial complex outside Londonderry with the potential to create 100 jobs.
Construction firm plans new £25m industrial complex project in Derry
Construction giant Heron Bros is planning to build a £25m industrial complex outside Londonderry with the potential to create 100 jobs.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Construction giant Heron Bros is planning to build a £25m industrial complex outside Londonderry with the potential to create 100 jobs.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and causing criminal damage to a hospital emergency department.
Man ‘unlawfully at large’ arrested, but proceeds to ‘damage hospital and assault police officers’
A man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and causing criminal damage to a hospital emergency department.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
A man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and causing criminal damage to a hospital emergency department.
A police officer who has pleaded guilty to domestically abusing his partner has been sacked from the PSNI.
PSNI officer sacked after pleading guilty to domestic abuse: ‘His conduct was appalling’
A police officer who has pleaded guilty to domestically abusing his partner has been sacked from the PSNI.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 3:29 PM
A police officer who has pleaded guilty to domestically abusing his partner has been sacked from the PSNI.
Most people see the headlines. Subscribers see what’s really happening in Northern Ireland. Subscribe today from £3/month. 🗞
tinyurl.com/4sddxa7p
tinyurl.com/4sddxa7p
January 16, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Most people see the headlines. Subscribers see what’s really happening in Northern Ireland. Subscribe today from £3/month. 🗞
tinyurl.com/4sddxa7p
tinyurl.com/4sddxa7p
Job losses are taking place at a major Belfast financial services company following a “strategic review” by the business, Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
Job losses to come at Northern Irish financial services firm
Job losses are taking place at a major Belfast financial services company following a “strategic review” by the business, Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Job losses are taking place at a major Belfast financial services company following a “strategic review” by the business, Belfast Telegraph can reveal.