Author: whatsonni

School children in Causeway Coast and Glens are getting an opportunity to experience golf through the development of a new ‘Road to the Open’ programme.

Council’s Golf Camp workshops have been especially created for school children in the Borough.

With the 153^rd Open Championship taking place in Portrush from 13^th – 20^th July, children from local primary schools have been invited to receive golf coaching in schools from local golfing professionals and golfing coaches.

Through Golf Ireland, coaches have been trained in the Community Golf Leader Award and now children from those schools participating will be getting an opportunity to try the sport for themselves.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, who recently hosted a charity golf day in Portstewart Golf Club said: “Council is delighted to offer this programme to local primary schools, and we hope the young people who participate really enjoy this in the lead up to the Open.

“I’m sure we will see stars of the future at the pro-golfers pass on tips for starting out in the sport.”

Following the programme for schools, there will also be a number of ‘Mini Open’ Golf events taking place in the following locations:

• Roe Park Golf Club in Limavady 21^st May
• Bushfoot Golf Club in Portballintrae 11^th June
• Ballyreagh Golf Course in Portrush 17^th June

These events will provide an insight into how it feels to play a golf course in the form of a competition similar to The Open.

Councillor Mc Quillan added: “Council’s Sports and Wellbeing Team have delivered a fantastic programme to local school children in the lead to The Open this summer and who knows we may unearth the next Rory McIlroy on the North Coast.”

“The Road to The Open” project is a collaboration between the R&A, Golf Ireland and The Golf Foundation. From 13th – 20th July, The Open will be played at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

For more information on these events contact sportsdevelopment@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Grammy-nominated global pop sensation Benson Boone has announced his Fall 2025 American Heart arena tour. The run of European dates will follow the release of his highly-anticipated upcoming album American Heart, arriving June 20 via Night Street Records/Warner Records.

Kicking off Thursday 23^rd October at SSE Arena in Belfast before coming to Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday 24^th October, the tour also includes stops at The O2 in London, Accor Arena in Paris and more before wrapping up at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Tickets on Sale Thursday 5^th June at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie

Grammy-nominated global pop sensation Benson Boone continues to level up in 2025. Earlier this week, he lit up the stage at the American Music Awards, delivering an electrifying performance of “Mystical Magical.” 

Next Thursday,  June 4th, he will appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for an interview and performance. Then, he will bring his showstopping set to Governor’s Ball, where he makes his debut on June 6.

Benson’s highly anticipated new album American Heart, arrives June 20 via Night Street Records/Warner Records. In addition to “Mystical Magical,” the album boasts lead single “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else,” which served as his first release of the year and the heartfelt “Momma Song” which was released last week.

In February, he delivered a show-stopping performance of smash hit “Beautiful Things” at the 67th annual Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for Best New Artist. The hitmaker took over the Coachella main stage in April, where he brought out surprise guest Brian May of Queen for an acclaimed, viral performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” On May 3, he lit up the Saturday Night Live stage, where he made his debut as musical guest performing  “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” and “Mystical Magical.”

Boone’s 5x-Platinum hit “Beautiful Things” was the #1 most-streamed song in the world last year, earning the IFPI Global Single Award for 2024. The chart-conquering track has now surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify and over 4 billion total streams since its release last year. Most recently, it broke the record for the longest run of a single music video on YouTube’s US Music Video Chart, with 69 consecutive weeks and counting.

Featured on his acclaimed, Platinum certified debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades, the viral smash logged an impressive 7 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, hit #1 at Top 40, Hot AC, and AC radio, and vaulted to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also earned Boone two Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, an iHeartRadio Music Award, the BMI Champion Award, and multiple global accolades.

Boone has a record year of touring ahead, as well. His American Heart North American arena tour—which includes stops at Madison Square Garden in New York and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, among others—sold out instantly. Last year, he opened for Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour in London at Wembley stadium, following a performance with Lana Del Rey at Hangout Festival in May, in addition to embarking on his own fully sold-out Fireworks & Rollerblades Tour, playing shows across the globe.

Belfast City Council has joined together with Fís an Phobail to deliver a series of workshops in Irish medium schools during June, highlighting the upcoming Oireachtas na Samhna festival.

Belfast is hosting Ireland’s oldest Irish language and arts gathering from 29 October to 2 November at venues across the city.

With just over 150 days to go until its arrival, the council is working with Fís an Phobail, the Irish language network for west Belfast, to encourage young Irish Gaeilgeoirs to get involved in participating and attending the festival.

As the end of the school year approaches, pupils at Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh and Gaelscoil na bhFál will be exploring the history of the festival, first held in Dublin in 1897, and learning more about the various events and activities taking place across arts, music, sean-nós singing and the spoken word.

Other schools keen to take part in the programme can also sign up by emailing gaelige@belfastcity.gov.uk

Joining schoolchildren at the Cultúrlann on Falls Road for the programme launch, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said:

“Belfast last hosted Oireachtas na Samhna in 1997 and we’re looking forward to welcoming it back again, following our successful bid with the Department for Communities, the tourism sector and Irish language organisations, including Visit Belfast, Féile an Phobail, Fobairt Feirste, Conradh na Gaeilge and Fáilte Feirste Thiar.

“Our city’s Irish language community is flourishing and having the festival in Belfast provides a valuable opportunity for young people to see the language in action, meet up with other young speakers and develop their skills even further.

“This festival is a chance to celebrate the cultural significance of language and show exactly why all languages need to be protected and nurtured, for both this generation and those to come. We look forward to showing off Belfast and our many attractions and strengths to those visitors who will be travelling from across Ireland to attend Oireachtas this autumn.”

Up to 10,000 participants and spectators are expected in Belfast for Oireachtas, with a packed timetable of events planned, including competitions, debates, film screenings, workshops, awards and more.

“We look forward to a phenomenally successful Oireachtas festival in Belfast in 2025, in light of the invaluable support being provided by Belfast City Council and other Irish language and arts groups,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas.

“I cannot conceive of a more fitting or welcoming city than Belfast to host this vibrant, annual celebration of the traditional and contemporary performing arts, as well as the dedicated patrons, inclusive of all age groups, who attend the festival in their many thousands every year.

“We have introduced new arts genres this year in honour of local performers, past and present, who have excelled in their chosen artistic form.  The new performing arts genres are rap and choral music (junior – for performers under 18) and solo singing with guitar accompaniment (performers over 18), in honour of the Belfast singer Albert Fry who was President of the Oireachtas when the festival was last held in Belfast in 1997.”

As with previous events in Dublin, Cork, Killarney and other locations, all events at Oireachtas are delivered in Irish, providing a unique opportunity for those from Gaeltacht areas, and Irish speakers from non-Gaeltacht areas, to come together, exchange learning and celebrate language and culture.

“It is over quarter of a century ago since the festival last visited the city of Belfast and we look forward to a very successful, vibrant Oireachtas Festival by the banks of the Lagan in 2025,” said Éimear Nic Ionnrachtaigh from Fís an Phobail.

“We are extremely excited that the Oireachtas is coming to Belfast this year. It is recognition for the incredible language revival taking root in the city over many decades, a community revival which has rightly gained international attention.

“We must, however, make sure that we gain every advantage from the coming of the Oireachtas and the profile that comes with it, especially in terms of our young people.

“We hope to inspire them around the Oireachtas and, in particular, the culture that is showcased at it. We are very grateful to Belfast City Council for their generous support that will allow us to deliver a roadshow to our young people in the coming months.”

Further information about Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 is on the council website at belfastcity.gov.uk/events or on the official festival website at antoireachtas.ie/oireachtas-na-samhna/

The Mercer family has proudly celebrated the official opening of its new location, Hillmount Carrick, as it expands its garden centre portfolio.

Situated at Beltoy Road, the new centre marks a significant milestone in the Mercer family’s fourth-generation gardening business, as it continues to blossom with the addition of this fifth site, extending their presence to five prime locations across Northern Ireland and England.

The £1.5 million investment by the family has transformed the former Sunnybank business into a vibrant and modern garden lifestyle destination. The revitalised Hillmount Carrick site retains the original charm while offering an enhanced customer experience featuring an expanded plant area, extensive range of garden furniture and outdoor living essentials, BBQs, gardening equipment and exquisite giftware.

The newly introduced 60-seater Gardener’s Rest Café, with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, offers visitors a serene spot to relax and enjoy refreshments throughout the day amidst lush greenery.

Robin Mercer BEM, managing director of Hillmount, said: “We are thrilled to bring the multi award winning Hillmount experience to Carrickfergus. Our family has been dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of the gardening community since 1940, urging local families to connect with nature and share in the joy of gardening, and this new chapter in Carrick reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability and community engagement.

“Already we have been inundated with well wishes from new customers of Hillmount Carrick and we are encouraged by the warm welcome we have received from the local community. We are grateful to the Mayor for performing our official opening and we are looking forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbours across the Mid and East Antrim borough.”

The opening of Hillmount Carrick enhances the local retail landscape and contributes to the community with the creation of 10 new retail and hospitality jobs. The expansion comes at a time when consumer interest in home gardening, outdoor living, and green wellbeing continues to grow, and Hillmount is well-positioned to meet this demand.

Hillmount Carrick is open seven days a week, offering a new destination for garden lovers, families seeking inspiration, great service and an enjoyable day out. Hillmount Carrick joins the expanding Hillmount portfolio of award winning garden centres in Ards, Bangor, Belfast and Cheshire, each renowned for their quality products, expert horticultural advice, and strong community ties.

For more information, visit www.hillmount.co.uk and follow the Hillmount Carrick on social media.

This September, Ballymoney Museum will open a special exhibition celebrating the legacy of Sherwood Medical Industries Ltd, one of the town’s key employers of the 20th century.

The museum is appealing for photos, memorabilia, and personal stories from anyone who worked at or had connections to the factory.

Sherwood, originally opened in 1966 as Brunswick Corporation and was later known as Argyle Medical Industries, producing disposable medical equipment, such as syringes and catheters. At its peak, it employed over 250 people and gained international recognition, including a Queen’s Award to Industry in 1972.

The factory played a vital role in humanitarian aid, sending hundreds of thousands of syringes abroad during global health crises, including cholera outbreaks and earthquake relief efforts.

But Sherwood was more than a workplace – it was a community. From football leagues and charity fundraisers to the popular Miss Sherwood beauty contests, the factory was a hub of social life in Ballymoney for over four decades.

The factory closed in 2007 and is now the site where Happy Days Community Childcare is located.

The museum team hopes to capture these memories and share the local stories behind the industry.

Do you have photographs, uniforms, awards, newspaper clippings, or fond recollections of working at Sherwood?

If so, Ballymoney Museum would love to hear from you. Please contact the museum at museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or via their Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services Facebook page: https://bit.ly/4mIquou.

Co Down Artist Kathryn Callaghan is exhibiting her ‘Irish Golf’ artworks of 13 iconic Irish links golf courses from 5 June to 31 July on Northern Ireland’s historic ‘golf coast’.

This captivating showcase of poured original paintings will be on display in The Bushmills Inn together with ‘Master Swing’, a Rory McIlroy inspired work to celebrate his win at The Masters and career grand slam.

Visitors will be able to purchase originals and prints of these unique paintings which include Ardglass, Royal Belfast, Connemara Links, Royal County Down, Royal Dublin, Galway Bay, Lahinch, County Louth, Old Head, Portmarnock, Royal Portrush, County Sligo and The Island (Co Dublin),

Speaking about the inspiration for her latest collection, Kathryn said: “Few places in the world rival the raw beauty and character of Ireland’s landscapes, especially its iconic links golf courses. With The Open making its much-anticipated return to Royal Portrush, I felt compelled to honour this moment through art. I set out on a journey across the island, visiting 13 of its most prestigious courses, capturing their spirit, energy, and unique charm in my signature poured-paint style. The response so far has been incredibly heartening, and I’m truly excited to share the full ‘Irish Golf’ collection with visitors at The Bushmills Inn.”

Known for her distinctive poured-paint technique, Callaghan captures the essence of her subjects with vibrant energy and spontaneity. Her work, which blends realism with abstract expression, has garnered international acclaim and is featured in collections across the globe.

The ‘Irish Golf’ exhibition is free to visit and follows on from Kathryn’s Northern Ireland Art Trail, a series of ten original artworks which were displayed in venues along the stunning Northern Ireland coastline last summer.

To view the collection online, visit https://www.kathryncallaghan.co.uk/irish-golf-exhibition-by-kathryn-callaghan/ and follow Kathryn Callaghan on social media.

Whether a sky-high whiskey experience, a unique dining offering, or a spa treatment for golfer dads, two of Northern Ireland’s finest destinations have some enticing ideas for Father’s Day.

Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Whiskey Flight Experience at The Observatory – June 14 & 15 (£40)
Raise a glass to Dad at Ireland’s tallest bar – The Observatory. This exclusive experience includes a handpicked trio of Irish whiskeys, each offering a journey through the rich heritage of Ireland’s finest distilleries – Bushmills 10 Year Old, McConnell’s Sherry Cask, and Redbreast 12 Year Old.

Complemented by stunning panoramic views of Belfast and the option of an artisanal sharing menu of sourdough, charcuterie, and local cheeses, this promises an evening of sophistication and flavour.

Beef Wellington Experience (£150 per couple) available from June 15^th
Set in the chic surroundings of The Grand Café, the three-course Beef Wellington Experience is the perfect celebration of flavour and finesse. Begin with a flavour-packed sharing board, followed by a Beef Wellington main course and finish with a decadent dessert.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the Grand Central on Father’s Day and avail of the Summer Upgraded package (from only £196) with a complimentary room upgrade and breakfast.

The Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood

Set against the stunning backdrop of Belfast Lough and only minutes from the Royal Belfast Golf Club, the Culloden offers a luxurious retreat in Holywood – the hometown of golf legend Rory McIlroy. The area is steeped in golfing heritage and natural beauty, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing Father’s Day escape.

Golfer’s Tonic (£95)
Available from July 14-27 in celebration of The Open Championship in Portrush, the Golfer’s Tonic offers a 50-minute treatment perfect for post-golf recovery. Enjoy a back exfoliation, detoxifying mask, hot stone massage, and a rejuvenating leg and foot massage – with an optional light lunch at Zest café for just £15. The package also includes full access to the award-winning spa’s thermal experiences including a Eucalyptus Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Rainforest Shower, Swimming Pool and Sauna with serene views over Belfast Lough.

Gentleman’s Escape – (£170)
Available throughout June, this rejuvenating spa package features a full body and scalp massage, an express deep cleanse facial and full access to the award-winning spa’s thermal experiences including a Eucalyptus Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Rainforest Shower, Swimming Pool and Sauna.

Enjoy a Summer Escape to the Culloden on Father’s Day (from £264) with a complimentary upgrade and breakfast the following morning.

For reservations and gift vouchers phone 028 9023 1066, www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com or for the Culloden Estate & Spa phone 028 9042 1066, cullodenestateandspa.com

Local football star, Rory Holden, helps launch this year’s competition!

The 2025 O’Neills Foyle Cup Tournament, which takes place between July 21st and 26th, was launched at a special event held at St Joseph’s School, Westway, Derry.

The venue was a fitting choice as the school won the Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup in 2025, and they also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C.

St Joseph’s School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, said: “It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the O’Neills Foyle Cup and I commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since  its humble beginnings in 1992.

“I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and am even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled.”

John Murphy, on behalf of O’Neills Sports, title sponsors of the tournament, said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the O’Neills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection.

“With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the O’Neills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together.

“At O’Neills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.”

The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district.

“I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories.

“As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our city and district.  We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Ciarán McQuillan said: “As Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, I am delighted to be with you today as we prepare to welcome the return of the O’Neills Foyle Cup.

“July is set to be a fabulous month for football fans who can look forward to world class football on their doorstep and it is very encouraging to see that we have an even bigger tournament to look forward to this year.

“For many players the tournament will be an important stepping-stone in your football career. This is where you could be discovered and perhaps go on to play at the highest level.

“Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is a proud supporter of the Foyle Cup and we continue to build on the relationship through the use of Council’s playing fields at Scroggy Road and Roe Mill Road, Limavady and Curragh Road, Dungiven.

“The Foyle Cup makes an important contribution to our local economy but equally important, it promotes the very best attributes of our youth and promotes good relations between our communities by fostering meaningful and lasting friendships through sport.

“On behalf of the Council, I would like to express my appreciation of the huge amount of work that goes into organising the event.  Derry & District Youth Football Association deserve great credit for their continued commitment to the six-day tournament.  All of this is done on a voluntary basis with many people devoting their time, skills, and expertise for the benefit of our young people. Well done to you all.

“Finally, I would like to thank O’Neills, the title sponsor of the tournament and the various other sponsors which make this festival of sport possible. To each competing team, I wish you every success. The tournament will be complemented by our unrivalled tourist attractions and our unique hospitality and we look forward to welcoming fans, visitors, and players to our beautiful Borough. I hope it is a memorable week for everyone involved.”

CEO Joan Gallagher from Derry Credit Union expressed their delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament.

“A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.

Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district.

Cyril said: “It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College.

“The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this.

“I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.”

Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, who played in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales as well as playing in the Champions’ League and Europa League competitions this year.

Rory said: “This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.”

Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the Draw, advised all that details of the draw were now available on tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch.  He thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26.

Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, said: “Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, O’Neills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.

“Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.”, concluded Diolain.

Visit www.foylecup.com for further information on the competition and to see the results of the draw.