NEWS

Golf Ireland outgoing President Michael Evans and new President Fiona Delargy at the Golf Ireland AGM in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. (Photo credit: Bryan Keane / Inpho.) A proud moment for the north coast — and a landmark for women in sport — as Cushendall’s Fiona Delargy has been appointed President of Golf Ireland, becoming the first Ulster woman to take on the prestigious role. Her appointment was confirmed at the organisation’s 2026 National AGM, held on Saturday (Marc

Presenter Stephen Watson, left, with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who is joining the BBC Sport NI team for coverage of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy. Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream takes centre stage this week — and one of football’s most iconic names will be there to witness it. Italian legend Gianfranco Zola  is set to join BBC Sport NI’s live coverage as Michael O’Neill’s side face Italy in a crucial World Cup play-off semi-

Decosta in the ring! A Ballymena teenager is continuing her remarkable rise in Irish boxing after claiming another All-Ireland title — and setting her sights firmly on the international stage. Fifteen-year-old Decosta Gillen delivered a standout performance at the National Stadium in Dublin last weekend, securing the National Boy/Girl 4 Championship with a dominant unanimous victory. Competing in the 61kg category, the Corpus Christi Boxing Club athlete defeated Grace Fenlon

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart A 12-year-old Ballymena fighter is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young combat sports prospects after claiming gold at one of the region’s top competitions. Lacey Stewart, a Year 8 pupil at Dunclug College , delivered a standout performance at the Battle of the North tournament at Templemore Sports Complex, securing a unanimous decision victory in the 11–12 years novice category. Her latest triumph builds o

Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards winners are pictured with our sponsors, Mayoress Mrs Allison Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, Communities Minister Lyons and Claire McCollum. Impressive achievements, a historic first, and even a world record set the tone for a standout night as Mid and East Antrim’s finest athletes were celebrated at the 2026 Sports Awards. Held at the Galgorm Resort in Ballymena and hosted by Claire McCollum, the event brou

On Your Marks… launching the 2026 Larne AC 10 Mile Race is Kathryn Douglas of headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions alongside Larne AC Co-Chairs Paul Tilson and Diane Hawthorne, and Larne AC athlete Jordan Heron. The much-loved Larne 10 Mile Race is set to make a powerful return this spring, with a new sponsor and growing momentum cementing its place as one of Northern Ireland’s standout road running events. Organised by Larne Athletic Club, the race will take plac

(L-R) Investors John Demakas and Chris Fechter on a visit to Carrickfergus, pictured with local Alliance councillor for Knockagh, Aaron Skinner Mid and East Antrim councillor Aaron Skinner (Knockagh) has led the praise for Carrick Rangers after a landmark weekend that brought 150 American investors to Carrickfergus—shining an international spotlight on the town and its football club. The visitors, part of a wider group of more than 2,200 investors backing the club, travelled

Football fans across Ballymena are set for a rare treat this summer as two of Celtic’s most iconic figures, John Hartson and Jackie McNamara , come together for a special live event at the Tullyglass House Hotel. Taking place in June, An Evening with Celtic Legends promises a night of stories, laughter and behind-the-scenes insight from two players who helped define a successful era for the Glasgow club. A night of stories, silverware and survival John Hartson, who joined Cel

The Ross family at The Showgrounds – home of Ballymena United A heartfelt community effort led by Ballymena United supporters has raised an extraordinary £90,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, transforming personal tragedy into a life-saving legacy. The fundraising campaign, launched in memory of lifelong fan Lydia Ross, has united players, staff, and supporters of the Sky Blues — and even rival clubs — in a show of solidarity that continues to resonate across the Irish

Northern Ireland’s rapidly expanding sports-leisure scene has gained another boost with the opening of a new padel facility in Ballymoney, as the world’s fastest-growing racket sport continues to surge in popularity. Let’s Go Padel officially opened its latest venue to the public on Saturday, 7 March, marking the company’s seventh location across Northern Ireland and a further step in its strategy to bring the rapidly growing sport to more communities. The Ballymoney site joi

Galgorm Collection has announced a new sponsorship partnership with the Antrim Camogie Minor squad. Sean Kelly, Antrim Camogie Public Relations Officer is pictured with Tiarnán O’Neill, Chief Financial Officer at Galgorm Collection and some members of the Antrim Camogie Minor squad.   A new partnership between Galgorm Collection and the Antrim Camogie Minor squad is set to provide a significant boost for the county’s rising players as they prepare for the season ahead. The h

Mark McKane (middle) after scooping the club lifted Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025, with Ben and Daniel McKane, representing Ballymena Squash Club at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club. A squash club formed just two years ago is already reshaping the sport locally — with Ballymena Squash Club crowned Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025 and its driving force Mark McKane recognised nationally as Squash Ireland Volunteer of the Year . The double recognition marks a significant m

Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott and TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston along with members of North Ballymena Rangers FC Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott has welcomed a major milestone for North Ballymena Rangers FC after the club officially received the keys to Lamont Park Football Stadia on Thursday evening (March 5), under a long-term lease agreement. The venue — more commonly known locally as Smithfield — will now serve as the club’s permanent home ground, br

Football and books came together in Ballymena this week as players from Ballymena United Football Club swapped the pitch for the classroom to help inspire a love of reading among local pupils. The club joined pupils and staff at Dunclug Primary School on Thursday (March 5) to celebrate World Book Day 2026, turning the usual school routine into an energetic mix of football, storytelling and lively questions from curious young fans. First team players Donal Rocks and Brad Wade

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Scheme with players and the Chairman of Wellington Rec Football (l-r) Royce Balmer, Rachael-anne Seymour, Kenny Thompson (chairman) and Ben Tilney. A £9million funding injection aimed at transforming grassroots football facilities across Northern Ireland has been unveiled by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons  — with grants of up to £1.5million n

(L-R) Eva Lilly Beckett and Taleen Eldris, pictured with Ballymena Academy Principal Mr Stephen Black, and school netball coach, Julie-Anne Cairns Two Ballymena Academy pupils are set to step onto the European stage this week — and they are doing it in an Ireland dress. Taleen Eldris and Eva Lilly Beckett have been selected to represent Ireland at the upcoming Netball Europe event in Aberdeen, taking place from Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026. The international tournam

Brandon McCaughan (Pics: DPPI Images / Ligier European Series) Ballymena racing talent Brandon McCaughan is stepping onto the biggest stage of his prototype career yet after confirming a full 2026 campaign in the Ligier European Series with reigning champions Team Virage. After dazzling in limited appearances over the past two seasons — including a flawless double victory at Silverstone last year — the 22-year-old has now secured a full-time seat in one of Europe’s most compe

Plans for a new 3G pitch and stand at Ballymena Showgrounds A planning application for a new full-size 3G football pitch and spectator stand at Ballymena Showgrounds has been approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee. A planning officer told the committee, which met at The Braid in Ballymena on Thursday, that the existing grass pitch (number seven) is one of several within the Ballymena Showgrounds complex. In addition to upgrading the pitch to a 3G

Royal Portrush will stage The 132 nd Amateur Championship in 2027. Royal Portrush is set to welcome the world’s elite amateur golfers once again, after The R&A confirmed the iconic County Antrim venue will stage the 132nd Amateur Championship in June 2027. The announcement places Portrush firmly back on the global golfing stage, less than a year after hosting The 153rd Open, and reinforces its standing as one of the sport’s most revered links destinations. The championship wi

What began as a tribute between friends became a remarkable show of community strength, determination and love — and by the time the final whistle approached in Coleraine, more than £10,000 had been raised in Lydia Ross’s memory. On Friday 20 February, members of Block F Supporters Club completed the “Derby Day Dander”, walking almost 28 miles from Ballymena Showgrounds to Coleraine Showgrounds ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off between Ballymena United and Coleraine FC. The walk w