Author: Tina Calder

Celebrating Belfast’s Literary Power At 4 Corners Festival

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Author Glenn Patterson leans against the backdrop of a quote from his debut novel, ‘Fat Lad’, which has been used to decorate the window of the former Priceless Shoes premises in Cornmarket, as part of a new Belfast City Council initiative to showcase Belfast’s literary talent in high profile city centre locations.

The power of a city’s words from the streets of home

Belfast’s literary power, legacy and eloquence will be celebrated by the 4 Corners Festival at an event showcasing how all corners of the city fights well above its population’s weight in the arts in general and literature in particular.

On The Literary Streets Of Home will be presented at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Centre on Wednesday 5 February at 7:30pm.

Acclaimed novelist, Glenn Patterson, Director of the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queens University, will read extracts from his books and share with us how home has impacted his writing.

There will also be poets doing the same, opening up different corners of the city and different corners of our hearts.

Co-founder of 4 Corners, Steve Stockman explained that we need not hide the literary strength in the city.

“The power of words can move us, can inspire and can lead to thought and reflection,” he said. “Glenn and the other writers presenting On The Literary Streets Of Home will demonstrate how Belfast is a powerhouse of arts and literature.”

4 Corners Festival has always sought to transform Belfast into a city of deeper connections and shared humanity, with part of the festival acting as a bridge to bring people together, facilitating a celebration of diversity and sparking essential conversations.

Glenn added: “Belfast is not short on festivals these days, but there is nothing to match 4 Corners for getting to the very heart of who we are and what we are at and where this place we all call home might be going next.”

As always, all 4 Corners Festival events are free of charge, though advance booking is required and tickets will be available to book online via the website.

Reflecting on 4 Corners’ outreach and its intention, co-founder Father Magill added: “We want this festival to be a celebration of our home city.

“As ever, it is not an end in itself but seeks to highlight what is already happening in the 4 Corners of our city, and perhaps to initiate further creative conversations on how we might all contribute to making our home an even better place to live.”

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

Weaving Connections at the 4 Corners Festival

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The annual 4 Corners Festival is back for another packed lineup of events this year. The festival, which will feature a range of art, music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events, runs from January 31 to February 9, 2025 in venues across the city. 

Now in its 13th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The 2025 4 Corners Festival is once again set to inspire connection, reflection and community through a dynamic lineup of events spanning a wide range of disciplines, such as art, music, discussion, sport and other activities.

Held throughout the city, this year’s programme revolves around the central theme of HOME?, an exploration of the complex and multifaceted idea of a place which holds both connection and disjointedness.

Among the festival’s many highlights are two events that weave together tradition, storytelling, and artistry: Peacemakers and 4 Corners Knitters. These events promise to bring people together from all corners of Belfast, creating opportunities for collaboration and reflection.

Under the dome at 2 Royal Avenue, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to Peacemakers, a week-long, large-scale French knitting project facilitated by Glasgow-based artists Heidi and Peter Gardner.

Visitors can drop in to try their hand at the craft, adding to a growing tapestry of colourful, interconnected threads that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Belfast’s stories. At the festival’s closing event, the final piece will be stretched out and presented as a symbol of community and shared identity.

This marks the first time the Gardners’ acclaimed Peace Loom has been brought to Northern Ireland. Since its inception in Scotland in 2014, the installation has been hosted in cities across the UK, engaging participants of all ages and backgrounds. Donations of leftover wool are encouraged and can be brought to the installation throughout the week.

Celebrating St Brigid’s Day, the 4 Corners Knitters event at St John’s Newtownbreda invites knitters and crafters of all levels to gather for a morning of creativity and conversation.

Participants will learn the traditional skill of weaving St Brigid’s crosses. As in previous years, knitted items created during the event will be donated to charities supporting asylum seekers and those experiencing homelessness in Belfast.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Steve Stockman, 4 Corners Festival co-founder, said the focus is rooted in Belfast and its community.

He said: “Home is a powerful metaphor, used by poets, preachers, politicians and others seeking to paint a picture of a sense of belonging to a place. 

“The idea is also used in various encouraging and challenging ways within the Old and New Testament scriptures, but not all homes are happy.

“From the beginning of the 4 Corners Festival we have aimed at encouraging people to get out of the physical corners of this city we call home, and to feel more at home in different parts of their own city; to realise that their home is bigger than they thought.

Fellow festival co-founder Father Martin Magill, hopes the theme of HOME? will bring awareness to the city’s residents, not just shedding light on the encouragement of tourists to the area.

Martin said: “The strapline for Belfast City Council’s current tourism strategy is ‘Make Yourself at Home’, with a laudable emphasis on inclusion. 

“But what about those who already call Belfast their home – be they people whose families have lived here from before it became a city, to those who have settled here from all over the world for all kinds of reasons; those who rarely leave their corner of the city, to those who left it years ago but love to come ‘home’ for special events, including the 4 Corners Festival; those who live in a comfortable home in a vibrant community, to those who are some of the many unseen homeless in our city, not just those who sleep on our streets; those who know every nook and cranny of our city and its complex history, to those who feel uneasy with the direction that the city seems to be heading in the future?”

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

New Enterprise Events To Help Local Communities in Lisburn and Castlereagh Turn Business Ideas Into Reality

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Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched the Go Succeed in the Community programme of events starting on Friday January 31.  

This free community enterprise outreach programme is aimed at supporting and encouraging individuals to start or grow a business through a series of roadshows, networking events and coffee mornings.

Alderman Grehan, Chair Regeneration & Growth Committee said: “We are excited to offer a range of events and initiatives to bring the exciting world of business and enterprise directly to our community. Starting or growing a business can feel daunting, especially without knowing what support is available. 

“The council is committed to making enterprise more accessible through connecting people with successful local entrepreneurs to share valuable information and advice and inspire others to consider starting or growing their own business. Go Succeed can help them build a brighter future for themselves through enterprise.”

All roadshows and events are open to everyone. Whether you have a business idea, are simply interested in becoming a business owner in the future or have already begun your entrepreneurial journey join us!

The events are informal, informative and insightful, with something for everyone. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet with local Go Succeed representatives who can help them on their journey.  

Throughout the programme of events Go Succeed In The Community will be working with statutory, community and third sector organisations across Lisburn and Castlereagh. These include: Lisburn City Library, SERC Lisburn, Ballybeen Women’s Centre, Lisburn YMCA, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, King’s Trust, Stepping Stones, Lisburn Enterprise Organisation, Atlas Women’s Centre, Inspire Business Centre, Impact Youth, Toastmasters, Inclusify Project, Mind Tribe UK and Mums At Work Lisburn.

The first roadshow will kick off on Friday January 31 in Lisburn City Library where attendees will hear from keynote speaker entrepreneur Oscar Woolley, one of the founders of Suki Tea Makers. He will be joined by local businesswomen Sarah Hoppe from Sew Ready and Melanie Coey from M Squared Accountancy and Lisburn City Library Cafe.

On Friday 21 February the Dream It Build It: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs event at Lisburn YMCA will be led by Go Succeed ambassador Jonny Clarke from Inkspirational Branding. Also appearing on the panel will be the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Lisburn & Castlereagh winner Emma Stephenson from Feminatech who also recently scooped the Rising Star regional award for The Ultimate Pitch too. 

The programme of events will see a series of networking events including one at the Stepping Stones Courtyard Cafe on Monday February 24 to talk about how to make a difference in the world in business. From social enterprises to businesses with a social mission, attendees will get the chance to hear from the people who are changing their communities locally with their business. 

All events are free to attend and those interested can attend as an individual or as part of a group.

For more information or to book an event go to bit.ly/GoSucceedInTheCommunity

Six Thought-Provoking Talks at the 4 Corners Festival

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The 4 Corners Festival is returning in 2025 for its 13th year, with a packed lineup of inspiring and thought-provoking talks, discussions, and workshops that promise to engage and challenge attendees. With the theme Home? as its focus, the festival runs from 31 January to 9 February across Belfast, offering a diverse programme designed to spark meaningful conversations.

From exploring the theology of homelessness to uncovering the history of Belfast’s streets, this year’s festival will push the boundaries of dialogue, reflection, and understanding. 

Here are six thought-provoking talks taking place during the festival in 2025.

  1. Caring for Our Earthly Home

Sunday 2 February 2025 at 7PM
Jennymount Methodist Church, 222 North Queen Street

Dr Lorna Gold, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Movement, delves into our shared responsibility to care for the Earth in this compelling event. Drawing on her book Climate Generation – Awakening to Our Children’s Future, Dr Gold explores how faith and action can address the threats of climate change. 

Attendees will be challenged and inspired to consider how connections between humanity and the planet can create a more sustainable future. The event also features a musical performance by Cork songwriter Clare Sands, whose innovative style reimagines traditional music.

  1. Naming Belfast: Learning About Street Names in the Four Corners of Belfast

Monday 3 February 2025 at 7:30PM
The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue

Take a journey through Belfast’s history with Dr Paul Tempan, Fr Martin Magill, Linda Ervine, and singer-songwriter Brian Houston. This enlightening discussion uncovers the stories behind the city’s street names, exploring how layers of conquest, empire, and cultural shifts have shaped its identity. 

Expect a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Belfast’s heritage, brought to life through music, conversation, and fascinating insights.

  1. Home in a Time of Homelessness

Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 7:30PM
St Comgall’s, Divis Street

Homelessness takes many forms, and this powerful talk by Siobhán Garrigan, Loyola Professor of Theology at Trinity College Dublin, challenges modern theology’s understanding of ‘home’. Siobhán explores the intersection of theology, consumerism, and nationalism, presenting a revolutionary idea of home as ‘participating instead of possessing.’ 

The event features music by Caroline Orr, Norman McKinley, and Peter Greer, creating an atmosphere of reflection and hope.

  1. Can We Bring Reconciliation Home?

Thursday 6 February 2025 at 7:30 PM
St Mary’s College, 191 Falls Road

How far has Northern Ireland progressed on the road to reconciliation? This panel discussion, hosted by Will Leitch, brings together speakers including Davy Adams, Nicola Brady, Monica McWilliams, and Spike Murray to examine the challenges and opportunities for peacebuilding. 

The event also features a dramatic performance based on Psalm 85, offering a creative prelude to a vital and timely conversation.

  1. In Conversation About Home with Anthony Toner and Andrea Montgomery

Friday 7 February 2025 at 7:30 PM
Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, 77 University Street

Join songwriter Anthony Toner and playwright Andrea Montgomery for a captivating conversation about how the concept of home shapes their creative work. Anthony reflects on his Coleraine childhood and East Belfast roots through his music, while Andrea shares stories from her global career, spanning four continents. 

Hosted by Steve Stockman, this event offers a unique blend of music, art, and storytelling.

  1. I’ll Call You Home

Sunday 9 February 2025 at 7PM
St Colmcille’s Church, 191a Upper Newtownards Road

The festival’s closing event features a reflection on the creativity and community fostered by the Peacemakers project. Rev. Neil Craigan will bring together the themes of the festival, culminating in a stirring performance of I’ll Be Your Home by Dana Masters. 

The evening concludes with Andrew Masters leading attendees out of the festival, inspired to make Belfast a home for all.

All events at the 4 Corners Festival are free, but booking is essential. For full programme details and to secure your place, visit 4cornersfestival.com.

7 Music Acts Appearing at the Upcoming 4 Corners Festival

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The 4 Corners Festival is back for its 13th year, bringing an eclectic programme of events to Belfast from 31 January to 9 February 2025. 

With this year’s theme of Home?, the festival promises to inspire thought, connection, and community through a diverse range of art, music, discussion, and faith-based events.

Among the highlights of the festival are a series of captivating music performances and collaborations that explore the idea of home from a range of creative perspectives. 

Here are 7 incredible music acts set to appear at this year’s festival:

  1. Canticle Sacred Music Society Choir – Morning Service

Sunday 2 February 2025 at 9:30AM
Church of St John the Evangelist, 444 Falls Rd, Belfast BT12 6EN

The Canticle Sacred Music Society Choir, the choir of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast will set a reflective tone for the annual Morning Service broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster. Known for their dedication to sacred music, the choir’s harmonies will enrich this special service. 

Speaker Lorna Gold will share insights into our responsibilities toward the Earth, while the choir’s performance will underscore the service’s themes of care, unity, and faith.

  1. Clare Sands – Caring for Our Earthly Home

Sunday 2 February 2025 at 7:00PM
Jennymount Methodist Church, 222 North Queen Street, BT15 3DH

Clare Sands, an innovative Cork-based songwriter, brings her groundbreaking style to the Caring for Our Earthly Home event. Known for blending and blurring genres, Clare reimagines traditional music with her self-titled debut album, which challenges conventions in music, language, and subject matter.

Her performance will add a creative dimension to this event, which features Dr Lorna Gold discussing the intersection of faith, environmental stewardship, and collective responsibility.

  1. Brian Houston – Naming Belfast: Learning About Street Names in the Four Corners of Belfast

Monday 3 February 2025 7:30PM
The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue, BT14 6BP

Belfast-born singer-songwriter Brian Houston brings his musical talents to Naming Belfast, an event exploring the city’s history through its street names. Known for his dynamic performances and heartfelt lyrics, Brian will weave music into the storytelling, adding a rich, emotive layer to this fascinating journey through Belfast’s past.

Alongside Dr Paul Tempan, Fr Martin Magill, and Linda Ervine, Brian will help uncover the hidden stories and cultural significance behind the city’s streets, inviting attendees to reflect on how history shapes our sense of home.

  1. Caroline Orr, Norman McKinley, and Peter Greer – Home in a Time of Homelessness

Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 7:30PM
St Comgall’s, Divis Street, BT12 4AQ

Festival regulars Caroline Orr, Norman McKinley, and Peter Greer return to provide the musical backdrop for Home in a Time of Homelessness. The event explores the pervasive challenges of homelessness through the lens of theology, led by Siobhán Garrigan, Professor of Theology at Trinity College Dublin.

Their music promises to deepen the reflective and thought-provoking atmosphere of the evening.

  1. Anthony Toner – In Conversation About Home with Anthony Toner and Andrea Montgomery

Friday 7 February 2025 at 7:30PM
Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, 77 University Street, BT7 1HL

Celebrated songwriter Anthony Toner, best known for his poignant storytelling and evocative lyrics, joins the festival for the annual In Conversation event. Anthony, whose album Six Inches of Water chronicles life in East Belfast, will share his thoughts on the theme of home alongside his partner, Andrea Montgomery. 

The evening will feature music, art, and discussion, offering a glimpse into how home shapes creativity and identity.

  1. Iain Archer – 30th Anniversary Homecoming Concert

Saturday 8 February 2025 at 3:00PM & 7:30PM
Lyric Theatre (Naughton Studio), 55 Ridgeway Street, BT9 5FB

Two-time Ivor Novello award winner Iain Archer returns to Belfast for a rare solo performance marking 30 years since his first headline show at the Lyric Theatre. Known for his songwriting collaborations with James Bay, Snow Patrol, and Liam Gallagher, Iain will take audiences on a journey through his extensive catalogue of work. 

With unallocated seating and high demand, attendees are encouraged to book early for this unmissable homecoming concert.

  1. Dana Masters – I’ll Call You Home

Sunday 9 February 2025 at 7:00PM
St Colmcille’s Church, 191a Upper Newtownards Road, BT4 3JB

The festival closes with a performance of Dana Masters’ poignant song I’ll Be Your Home, which embodies the essence of the 2025 theme. The event will reflect on the festival’s highlights, featuring a talk by Rev. Neil Craigan and a presentation of the Peacemakers project. 

Dana’s soulful voice will leave audiences inspired as they are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of home and belonging.

All events at the 4 Corners Festival are free, but booking is essential. For full programme details and to secure your place, visit 4cornersfestival.com.

8 New Jobs Created At Derry/Londonderry’s Moksh Indian Restaurant

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Authentic flavour-packed menu prepared by passionate chefs

A new restaurant has opened in Derry/Londonderry following the expansion of a well-known local takeaway.

Moksh, which has created 8 new jobs in the city, has launched its new restaurant on the city’s Spencer Road where beautiful Indian meals are prepared by their top rated chefs.

The new restaurant builds on Moksh’s already renowned flavour packed takeaway service and has created eight new jobs.

It is owned by businessmen Umesh Aggarwal, Pushpender Thakur and Sushil Malik.

Co-owner, Umesh Aggarwal, said the restaurant stands out for its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine, emphasising fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

“We invested in the whole building,” he said. “Refurbishing the interior and exterior with Moksh colours to create a calming ambiance.

“We hired additional well-trained staff to help create a happy and friendly environment where people can come to relax and enjoy authentic Indian food and drink.” 

Mr Aggarwal said the ambiance of the restaurant is designed to reflect Indian culture. Bringing people together to provide a memorable dining experience. Additionally, Moksh prioritises sustainability and local sourcing.

“We have a diverse menu that includes regional specialities, vegetarian and vegan options in unique fusion dishes.

“We offer a wide range of different authentic Indian Starters, Curries, Biryani’s, Kebabs, Naan, Rice, Vegetarian curries & Chef’s Specialities as well as Soft and Alcoholic Beverages.”

Since opening in 2023 in its previous Culmore premises in 2023, the move to Spencer Street earlier this year enabled Moksh to develop the high standard restaurant.

Fellow co-owner Pushpender Thakur said customers will be able to choose from rich and creamy curries, sizzling kebabs, fragrant biryani, or the tantalizing goodness of Indian street food.

“Our diverse menu offers a delectable selection of dishes that cater to every palate, from mild to fiery, vegetarian to meat-lover, and everything in between, said Mr Thakur. 

“Our chefs are passionate about crafting each dish with the finest ingredients and traditional Indian spices to ensure an unforgettable dining experience.

“And, don’t miss our Chef’s Specials, where our culinary experts showcase their creativity with innovative, one-of-a-kind creations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.”

Partner in the business Sushil Malik said the team were looking forward to extending the Moksh Indian Restaurant welcome to all lovers of great food.

He added: “Whether you’re planning a cosy night or hosting a gathering of friends and family, Moksh Indian Restaurant is your go-to destination for delicious Indian food that never compromises on quality or authenticity.

Join us on a flavourful journey through India’s culinary treasures. Taste the Moksh difference today.”

Moksh Indian Restaurant is at 162 Spencer Rd, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6AH.

Our Common Home Exhibition Highlights Environmental Responsibility at 4 Corners Festival

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A striking photography exhibition exploring environmental responsibility is set to open as part of the 2025 4 Corners Festival.

The Our Common Home Exhibition will launch at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, at 4pm on Friday January 31, marking the beginning of its week-long run.

The 4 Corners Festival, now in its 13th year, runs from January 31 to February 9 with a mission to inspire connection and reflection across Belfast’s communities. 

This year’s theme is HOME?, offering another year of diverse range of events including art, music, drama, and faith-inspired activities aimed at encouraging attendees to explore new corners of the city and forge meaningful connections. 

Speaking of the exhibition, director of Westcourt Centre, Cormac McArt said: “The idea for the exhibition this year came around because 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of Laudato Si, which was Pope Francis’s encyclical about environmental responsibility and care for the earth. 

“The exhibition will be produced by Westcourt camera club, a local camera club of around 20 members who will create a series of images that reflect environmental responsibility on our own doorstep. It’s no longer a case of hearing about climate and environmental issues in other parts of the world – we’re now seeing very real concerns on our own doorstep

“We think of things like Lough Neagh, Belfast Lough and how we can reduce the carbon footprint locally, and how each of us, with our daily actions and routines, can take more responsibility in terms of the environment.”

Our Common Home Exhibition commemorates the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si – On Care For Our Common Home. The encyclical, addressed to all people, advocates for environmental responsibility and a global dialogue on creating a sustainable future. 

Co-founders Steve Stockman and Father Martin Magill said the festival is a celebration of diversity and belonging, with this year’s events rooted in the concept of home as both a physical and emotional space.

Speaking of the exhibition Martin said: “This is now the third year we have worked with Westcourt Camera club.  We’ve gone back to them again this year because they take time to understand the theme we choose for the festival.  In the previous two years, I’ve been moved by the photographs which the club have curated, indeed photographs and the accompanying text are powerful and compelling”.

The wider 4 Corners Festival will encompass a wide variety of talks, discussions, practical workshops and more, spreading the word of local and global contextual issues across its ten day run. 

Aimed at broadening perspectives and helping people to think about bigger issues, such as homelessness, the care of our common home, the earth, transport and accessibility within our home city, these heavy integral topics are interwoven together with lighthearted festivities like music, poetry, drama and the visual arts.

The event’s schedule of activities will also challenge attendees to step beyond the physical and psychological ‘corners’ of Belfast, discovering new parts of their city, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

Explore Enterprise Helps Entrepreneur Sally O’Kane Turn Her Company Concept Into An Impactful Business

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2024 marked a year of reinvention for Sally O’Kane, with the challenges of navigating both a redundancy and a divorce needing her attention alongside being a single mother to her 10-year-old twin boys.

Deciding to take back an element of control in her life, Sally took a leap of faith to turn her extensive experience in environmental management into a business of her own, launching SOK Consultancy with the backing of Enterprise NI’s Explore Enterprise support service.

Hailing from Elgin, Scotland originally but living in Northern Ireland for the last 16 years, the Feeny resident opted to curate a sustainability-focused business that aims to help companies embrace circular economy principles and reduce their environmental impact.

Along with the help of Roe Valley Enterprises mentor and business advisor Alice Quinn, Sally took the step to start her business after 13 years as Head of Compliance and Sustainability at Frylite, joining the Explore Enterprise service within weeks of leaving her job. 

Reflecting on her journey, Sally said: “I had an opportunity to take redundancy and it was really a question of where do I want to go next?

“I had the idea for my own business during COVID, I really wanted to be able to do something different than what I’ve been doing for 13 1/2 years, where I could use all the knowledge and experience I’d gained in nearly 25 years in the industry.

“I wanted to put that experience and time to good use to support businesses on their journey to developing sustainability plans and looking at carbon reduction, so I knew that there was a good opportunity for me to go out on my own as a consultant, and that’s where I approached Explore Enterprise.”

After seeking guidance on setting up her now-budding consultancy company, Sally credits Alice’s expert guidance and positivity as an invaluable source of encouragement and practical advice.

Sally said: “Alice has been fantastic from day one. 

“She has supported me through everything, from applying for grants to building my confidence when I had doubts. 

“On the hard days, she’s reminded me why I started this journey and kept me motivated.

“The people I’ve met through the programme have become friends and a support network, so it’s been vital, especially as someone working solo.”

SOK Consultancy focuses on helping SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) navigate sustainability planning and resource efficiency, offering tailored support to clients, from waste management audits to developing carbon reduction strategies. 

Identifying her passion for applying simple, achievable steps for businesses to integrate sustainable practices, Sally transformed the support given to her during her time with the service into support that she can give to other businesses.

She said: “A lot of smaller businesses struggle with where to start, so my role is to help them see that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about creating a practical plan that fits their goals and reduces environmental impact.

“Enterprise NI was very much there to support me and help me on that journey, whether it’s been confidence building or marketing.”

Sally’s expertise builds on her experience implementing a five-year sustainability strategy for Frylite, where her work sparked an interest in applying sustainability on a broader scale, particularly in areas like reducing waste and incorporating circular economy principles.

Starting her business as a single mother hasn’t been without its challenges, but Sally sees her journey as proof that change is possible with determination and support.

She said: “Sometimes, it’s hard to acknowledge the wins when you’re in the middle of everything, but I’ve learned to celebrate keeping things going. 

“Every three months, I set small milestones, and so far, I’ve been able to say, ‘Yes, I can keep going.’

“I needed a career that suited my family life better and starting my own business gave me control over my schedule, but while it’s still hard work, it’s a step forward for all of us.”

For those considering starting their own business, Sally hopes that her story will inspire others, particularly women balancing family commitments or personal challenges, to believe in their potential.

She said: “If you’ve got that feeling in your gut, don’t ignore it because you don’t need all the answers to start, you just need to take the first step. 

“The help from the Explore Enterprise Support Service is fantastic and there’s someone there who wants to see you succeed.

“I also kind of feel that from the women I’ve met in the last six months, there are lots of other women that are in the same boat as me, whether they’re divorced or they’ve got children and they’re trying to balance their job. 

“There’s so much opportunity and if you’ve got that drive or the idea, there shouldn’t be anything that stops you, and I know that sounds a bit cliche, but maybe that will help to inspire somebody else in a similar situation to go for it.”

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Explore Enterprise Support Service has provided £1.8 million in support to help entrepreneurs like Sally realise their dreams.

Sally O’Kane’s journey is just one example of how the Explore Enterprise Support Service empowers individuals to turn challenges into opportunities, building thriving businesses that make a difference.

For more information on Enterprise NI go to www.enterpriseni.com

Exploring Home? Anthony Toner and Andrea Montgomery Join 4 Corners Festival Line-Up

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As part of the much-anticipated 4 Corners Festival 2025, songwriter Anthony Toner and artist/playwright Andrea Montgomery will take centre stage in an intimate and thought-provoking event titled In Conversation About Home. 

Hosted by festival co-founder Steve Stockman, this annual conversational series will delve into the theme of Home?, offering a unique blend of music, art, and storytelling.

Taking place on Friday February 7 at 7.30pm at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast the show is just one of a series of interesting and thought-provoking events in the festival calendar.

Anthony Toner, well known for his heartfelt songwriting, brings a deeply personal perspective to the discussion. 

From reflecting on his childhood on Coleraine’s Harpur’s Hill estate to capturing the spirit of East Belfast in his album Six Inches of Water, his work encapsulates the complexity of what it means to belong.

Joining him is Andrea Montgomery, an accomplished playwright, director, and producer whose artistic journey spans four continents. 

Born in Delhi, raised in Canada, and now calling East Belfast home, she offers a global yet deeply personal insight into the concept of ‘home’.

This event promises an engaging exploration of the questions that lie at the heart of this year’s 4 Corners Festival theme. What does it mean to call a place home? How do our experiences shape our understanding of belonging?

Steve Stockman, co-founder of the 4 Corners Festival said: “As soon as we came up with HOME? As the theme for the Festival, I wanted Anthony for the In Conversation as he always writes about our wee place. 

“I then thought I’d like his partner Andrea to join him and as it turns out she has been making home in various different places all her life. 

“The perfect couple to talk about HOME? I cannot wait.”

The 4 Corners Festival, now in its 13th year, runs from January 31 to February 9 with a mission to inspire connection and reflection across Belfast’s communities. 

This year’s theme is HOME?, offering another year of diverse range of events including art, music, drama, and faith-inspired activities aimed at encouraging attendees to explore new corners of the city and forge meaningful connections. 

Co-founders Steve Stockman and Father Martin Magill said the festival is a celebration of diversity and belonging, with this year’s events rooted in the concept of home as both a physical and emotional space.

The wider 4 Corners Festival will encompass a wide variety of talks, discussions, practical workshops and more, spreading the word of local and global contextual issues across its ten day run. 

Aimed at broadening perspectives and helping people to think about bigger issues, such as homelessness, the care of our common home, the earth, transport and accessibility within our home city, these heavy integral topics are interwoven together with lighthearted festivities like music, poetry, drama and the visual arts.

The event’s schedule of activities will also challenge attendees to step beyond the physical and psychological ‘corners’ of Belfast, discovering new parts of their city, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

Local Charity Explores Parallels Between M.E. And Long Covid With Leading Experts At Newry Event

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Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland recently hosted an evening that highlighted the devastating effects of post-viral illness, through an exploration of the striking similarities between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and one group of Long Covid patients diagnosed with Covid-induced M.E..

The event provided information centred around M.E., including a screening of an episode of ‘Dialogues From a Neglected Illness’, followed by a compelling Q&A session with renowned experts and advisors to the charity, Dr. William Weir and Prof. Tom Trinick, OBE.

Held inside Newry’s Mourne Country Hotel, the October 4 event was aptly titled ‘The M.E. & Long Covid Connection’.

Fourteen years on from its inaugural event and campaign launch, the charity has held 16 major conferences and provided virtual webinars, as well as presentations to GP surgeries and Trust headquarters across Northern Ireland.

Speaking on the importance of the charity and its work, Joan McParland, MBE, explained that there is a shocking lack of formal support for sufferers and their families or carers, in Northern Ireland, something that Hope 4 ME works hard to combat.

She said: “There was a recent coroners inquest in England into the death of 31 year old Maeve Boothby O’Neill, severely affected by M.E., and who tragically died at home as a result of malnutrition. The inquest highlighted a number of serious failings in the way that people with very severe M.E. are cared for by the NHS.

“The coroner’s ‘Prevention of Future Deaths’ report, outlined a number of recommendations and immediate actions for the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, to take. The establishment across the country of a small number of specialist ME/CFS centres with dedicated hospital beds, for the assessment and management of people with very severe ME/CFS, being a key priority.

“The politics behind M.E. not being recognised as a severe illness and disability, worthy of NHS services equitable to any other condition, are immense and multi-faceted, not just here in Northern Ireland, or the UK, but globally.

According to Joan, patients on the ground are left today with little or no formal support or health services. At times it can even take years to receive an accurate diagnosis, often sourced privately at great personal cost, with important guidance towards safe and appropriate self-management from the doctor, often lacking.

She explained: “Our job as a charity has been to host education conferences for health care providers since 2011, to raise their awareness of M.E. and associated illnesses. Research shows that early diagnosis and early intervention can give patients the best chance for improvement, and to avoid a worsening of symptoms and overall deterioration.”

October 4 saw a specially-curated video and slide presentation made by Rebecca Logan and Joan McParland shown to attendees. Rebecca, formerly an A&E nurse and fitness instructor, was diagnosed with Long Covid in 2020, and now M.E..The video was aptly named – ‘Long-Covid & M.E. Cousins’ and the presentation offered a powerful look into the numerous parallels of living with Long Covid and M.E., a condition that affects millions worldwide.

Speaking about the importance of these discussions due to a severe lack of government funding and exploration, Joan said: “We’re the only all-volunteer led charity in N.I. offering a free, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified M.E. course along with free information packs for healthcare providers, and also providing support for patients and family members.

“I could never have imagined that getting sick with a sudden flu-like, viral illness and developing M.E., 26 years ago, would also plunge me into what’s been described during a Westminster M.E. Debate as ‘the greatest medical scandal of this century’—yet here we are since the first documented case nearly 100 years ago in Los Angeles County Hospital, still without services, a diagnostic test, effective treatment, or cure. ‘The Tangled Story of ME/CFS’ film accurately documents how over the last 50 years, properly structured biomedical and behavioural research have been constantly obstructed by a powerful psychiatric lobby and explains why M.E. patients still face stigma, disbelief and how the fundamental systemic injustice continues.”

Linda Campbell, Hope 4 ME Chair, added: “It is scandalous that patients and their families have to do all the work. The education and recognition should have been in place long ago.

“We have had to push every step of the way, and even now, the government is only just starting to acknowledge the issue, but it’s still us doing the work behind the scenes.

“The work we’ve done has been essential in pushing for better recognition and education, but the struggle for proper care and understanding continues.”

During his speech at the event Dr. William Weir, a retired Infectious Disease Consultant with a particular focus on the immunology of infectious disease and M.E., shared his expertise on the pressing need for comprehensive research and clearer clinical guidelines.

Also in attendance was Prof. Tom Trinick OBE, who recently retired as Clinical Director of Laboratory Medicine at South Eastern Trust, and who ran a Fatigue Clinic for patients with conditions including M.E., CFS, Post-Viral Syndrome, and Long Covid, who offered his insights into the medical challenges faced by those living with M.E. and Long Covid. Both experts agreed that the lack of effective treatment options is a significant barrier to improving patients’ quality of life, and that continued collaboration between the medical community and patients is essential.

The poignant event not only educated attendees, but also fostered meaningful dialogue with healthcare decision makers about the future of NHS M.E. services and research, and the need for continued advocacy for those affected by these debilitating conditions.

For more information about Hope 4 ME go to hope4mefibro.org 

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