NEWS

George Mitchell, 48, from Harryville, Ballymena Tributes have been paid to Ballymena man George Mitchell, who tragically died in a house fire at his home on Boxing Day. Mr Mitchell, aged 48, lost his life in the incident at a property on Waring Street, which occurred on Friday 26 December. Emergency services attended the scene, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the property. Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries into the circu

Sparky, the Budget Energy mascot, joins players as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms the eight Northern Ireland representatives for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section, the first official team announcement ahead of next summer’s 43rd edition of the tournament. Pictured left to right are Callum McCabe (Rosario YFC) , Dylan Harkin (Maiden City), Archie Muir (Ballymena United) , Flynn Johnston (Cliftonville), Luke Duddy (Linfield) , Lorcàn Duffy (Newell Academy), Ben Robinson (Glen

As the festive season draws to a close, residents in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland are being advised to prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures and the possibility of wintry weather in the coming days. According to the latest forecasts from the UK Met Office, the week from Monday 29 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026 will bring predominantly cold and dry conditions at first, transitioning to more unsettled patterns with a risk of snow toward the latter part of th

Staff, community partners, service users and family members pictured at a celebration event marking 20 years of Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Adult Community Learning Disability Team (ACLDT) is marking two decades of shared progress, partnership and positive change through its Day Opportunities service — a milestone that reflects how support for adults with learning disabilities has evolved to place choice, independence a

A man in his 40s has died following a house fire in the Waring Street area of Ballymena, police have confirmed. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before 9.45am on Friday 26 December. Police officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the property. In a statement, police said enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing. At this stag

Some of the Farm Families Health Checks Team at Balmoral Show earlier this year. Farm Families Health Checks will return to livestock marts across Northern Ireland this January, continuing its mission to bring vital healthcare directly to farming families following a year of significant impact and national recognition. As 2025 draws to a close, the team has highlighted its continued commitment to improving health and wellbeing across rural and farming communities. The award-w

Local police officers pictured with members of Harryville Men’s Shed Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Mid and East Antrim stepped in at the last minute to help spread festive cheer, responding to an urgent request “from up North” to support Harryville Men’s Shed in delivering Christmas magic to local children. In a light-hearted nod to the season, officers said it was a call they simply could not refuse. “After all you don’t say no to a man who c

Community Rescue Service (CRS) Central has issued a heartfelt Christmas message thanking its volunteers, their families, supporters and partner organisations for their dedication throughout the year — while confirming crews will remain on call 24/7 over the festive period. As families across Northern Ireland gather to celebrate Christmas, CRS Central has highlighted the quiet but vital work continuing behind the scenes to keep communities safe, even during the holiday season

Police and forensic officers are in attendance today (Wednesday, 24 December) at the scene of a sudden death in Ballymena. Officers were called to a residential property on Moat Road, in the Harryville area of the town, earlier today. The area remains cordoned off while enquiries continue. Witnesses reported seeing police vehicles and forensic personnel at a home in the Moat Road area, prompting concern among local residents. The incident has drawn attention in what is typica

Drumtara estate in Ballee, Ballymena Police have arrested a man following a reported assault in the Drumtara area of Ballymena earlier today (Tuesday, December 23). Officers attended the scene shortly after a report of an altercation involving two men was received mid-morning. Emergency services were called as a precaution, with both men requiring hospital treatment for their injuries. Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “Shortly after 10.30am, officers received a report of two

Mervyn Millar and Jaxon (5) from Galgorm, Ballymena . Families from Ballymena and surrounding areas were among more than 80 Northern Ireland children to enjoy a magical trip of a lifetime to Lapland this Christmas, thanks to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT). Local families from Galgorm, Cullybackey, Rasharkin and Ballymena joined the special journey, which departed from Belfast International Airport on Wednesday 17 December, bringin

Northern Regional College student Luke Kirkwood, who was awarded the Spirit Award at this year’s Study USA graduation ceremony. A Ballymena student who spent an academic year studying in the United States through the Study USA scholarship programme is encouraging other eligible students to consider applying, describing the experience as “an opportunity that can genuinely change your future”. Luke Kirkwood, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at Northern Regional

Pictured outside the newly expanded JAQ Group facilities in Randalstown is Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, and Managing Director, Connor Martin. An innovative Northern Ireland e-commerce fragrance company is creating dozens of new jobs after significantly expanding its manufacturing and logistics operations in Randalstown, County Antrim. The JAQ Group has invested in a major extension of its facilities at the Craigstown Industrial Estate to meet

Police in Ballymena have launched an investigation following a reported assault involving a female member of staff and a customer at a local bar. The incident is reported to have taken place late on Friday evening, 19 December 2025, at the Grouse Bar in Ballymena. Officers have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing as they seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The incident, which occurred during what is typically a busy period for hospitalit

Nominations for the prestigious Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards 2026 will open in early January, offering residents the chance to celebrate the Borough’s outstanding sporting stars, teams, coaches and volunteers. Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the annual awards shine a spotlight on those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, dedication and service across the local sporting landscape — from grassroots participation to elite performance. The awards

Sarah and Paul Thompson, owners of Ballymena-based embroidery business Ted & Stitch, and co-founders of Tedberry Market Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector has received a significant boost following the latest Tedberry Market, which helped participating businesses generate an estimated £650,000 in combined sales. Running for the first time over a three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday, the event attracted more than 9,000 visitors, according to a post-event survey of

90 years young: Ernie O’Hara (Images: David A. Scott Photography) Glarryford Young Farmers’ Club has paid tribute to one of its most devoted members, Ernest (Ernie) O’Hara, as the club came together to celebrate his 90th birthday and honour more than seven decades of unbroken service. The milestone celebration was held on Wednesday 29 November 2025, bringing together past and present office bearers to recognise a man whose commitment has helped shape the club for generations.

As the festive season approaches, Ballymena Elim Church on Castle Street is opening its doors to the local community with two special Christmas services designed to bring people together in celebration and reflection. The church is hosting a traditional Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 21 December at 6.30pm , followed by a poignant Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday 24 December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm . In a heartfelt message, the congregation emphasised their d

The Farmers’ Choir has enjoyed a highly successful and uplifting Christmas season, delighting audiences across Northern Ireland with a programme of festive music, warm humour and community spirit — while raising thousands of pounds for local charities along the way. The choir’s Christmas celebrations began with a festive concert in First Larne Presbyterian Church, hosted by Larne Foodbank. Performing a range of much-loved Christmas favourites, the choir entertained a warmly

Cahal Bradley, a charge nurse based at Antrim Area Hospital As families across Northern Ireland prepare to gather for Christmas and New Year, a frontline nurse at Antrim Area Hospital has appealed to the public to take simple but meaningful steps to protect loved ones, vulnerable patients and overstretched health services. Cahal Bradley, a charge nurse based at Antrim Area Hospital , said small acts of consideration — such as staying at home when unwell and planning ahead — c