A Northern Ireland warehousing, logistics and shipping firm showcased how the introduction of emerging technologies into their operations has enabled them to “run shoulder to shoulder” with companies “three, four, five times the size” of theirs.

SJ Henderson Fulfilment is just one of 172 businesses across the country who have benefited from support from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF). Since November 2023 the fund has released £2.5 million into the business community to support the adoption of one or more of the six emerging technologies.

From AI and machine learning, process automation using robotics/cobotics and immersive tech such as AR and VR to big data and analytics, IoT and system integration and block chain; DTFF gives businesses the opportunity to improve internal systems and processes.

Recently, Stephen Henderson of SJ Henderson Fulfilment welcomed Department for Economy (DfE) Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to see how his innovative 3D imaging and big data driven tech scanner not only provides more accurate information for warehouse storage but also allows Stephen to maximise space whilst minimising costs for fulfilment clients.

The company, based in Kilkeel, Co Down, specialise in all aspects of online fulfilment, including e-fulfilment, warehousing and storage, pick and pack, distribution and returns management. 

The £7.5 million DTFF programme operates across all four City and Growth Deal regions in Northern Ireland, reflecting a shared ambition between central and local government to deliver digitally driven innovation to accelerate business growth and regional economic development.

Having just completed the applications round of call four, expressions of interest are now open for call five applications in July.

DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, DAERA and all local authorities in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered by all 11 Councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and is led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. 

Speaking at the site visit to SJ Henderson Fulfilment, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister said: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund provides funding for small and micro businesses across the north to engage in transformative digital solutions, which will drive innovation and boost productivity.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a great example of a company which has taken the first step to automate its processes, which will pave the way for further digital transformation. This investment will make the company more efficient and allow it to fulfil more orders, increase its ability to meet the needs of more customers and grow its business.  

“With £5 million of funding still available through this initiative, I encourage businesses across the north to seize this opportunity to increase transformation, boost competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.”

DTFF is part of a broader digital ecosystem that serves as a stepping stone for businesses seeking additional Growth Deal funding to grow and develop their ideas. 

Highlighting the programme’s significance, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne explained: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is not just about technology adoption; it’s about ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to innovate, streamline operations and unlock new growth potential through digital transformation. 

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment is a successful rural business in Newry, Mourne and Down and DTFF is a testament to our commitment to driving digital ambitions and supporting our local businesses as they embrace the future.”

The receipt of DTFF support represents a significant step in SJ Henderson Fulfilment’s digital transformation journey, allowing them to drive digital innovation within their operations.

Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, added: “I am delighted to have visited SJ Henderson Fulfilment on behalf of Minister Muir.  It is interesting to see how the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund investment has helped SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd transform its business in terms of providing a new digital storage and retrieval system for all its customers.  The company has ambitious plans for growing its business over the next five years in terms of improving productivity, increasing revenue and providing additional employment and this investment has certainly helped it to start its growth journey.  

“DAERA’s investment of £1.1m in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund ensures that rural businesses such as SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd are given greater access opportunities for digital innovation support. I wish SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd every success in the future.”  

During the site visit Stephen was able to demonstrate how the DTFF funding enabled him to streamline operations in the warehouse and explained how he is supporting other local companies to take advantage of the unique position Northern Ireland holds in the fulfilment landscape.

He said: “Without the support of DTFF we would not have been in the position to implement this technology into our operations. Having now completed the project it has allowed us to run shoulder to shoulder with companies that are three, four, five times the size of ourselves in the mainland or overseas.

“Quite often it’s the case that these clients don’t have product dimensions or weights or they’re not accurate, and so whenever the stock lands here, we have to get measuring tapes out and scales out and measure these units individually. And it’s quite tedious. It’s not 100% accurate, because using measuring tapes, and with this, this technology ensures accuracy to a 100th of a millimetre and the right down to the last gram as well, in an instant. So as soon as you scan the item you get the three dimensions and your weight in real time, and that also then translates it into a spreadsheet which we can upload to our system. Within minutes, it’s already live on our system, ready for shipping.

“The DTFF funding has opened my eyes to the automation solutions that are out there, which I believe are required for businesses like ourselves to take out the mundane tasks and enable us to offer higher paid, higher skilled jobs.”

For more information on the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund or to register your expression of interest for call five opening in July go to dtff.co.uk

With Glenn Irwin, the winner of the last eleven Superbike races in a row at the Briggs Equipment North West 200, sitting out this year’s meeting, the three premier class races at Ireland’s biggest road race are more wide open than ever as the sun is set to shine on the north coast all week.

Local favourite Michael Dunlop said he wants to be a winner again around the 8.9 mile Triangle course after notching up a maiden victory on his new M1000RR BMW at the recent Cookstown 100. The local favourite, who hasn’t won a race at Portrush since 2016, has made a major machinery change for 2025, switching from a Yamaha R6 to a Ducati V2 Panigale in the Supersport class and opting for BMW power in the Superbike and Superstock classes. The Ballymoney man will debut a superbike-spec version of the M1000RR when qualifying for the three day event begins on Wednesday morning.

With the weather forecast set for a fine, dry week the action will be hot and furious as Dunlop faces stern opposition in his victory quest. Alastair Seeley, the north coast event’s most successful rider, will be one of his biggest challengers as he returns to the NW200 fray following a 2024 sabbatical when he was unable to secure suitable machinery.

The 45 year old will be mounted on a SMS/ Nicholl Oils Racing M1000RR BMW in the Superbike and Superstock classes this year plus a CD Racing by MSS Performance ZXR 636 Kawasaki in the Supersport races. The all-time record holder at Ireland’s biggest road race will be chasing a landmark 30^th victory at the seaside event where he won his first race in 2008.

‘Sometimes a year’s wait can be worth it because it makes you even hungrier to put on a good show.’ the Carrickfergus rider says.

‘I will be leaving nothing on the table now that we have bikes that are good enough to do the job.’

Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison has stood on the NW200 podium five times over the last two seasons but has not been able to break his victory famine around the high speed course. The Bradford man will line up in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes this year with seven chances to make his breakthrough.

‘I suppose not winning at the North West has been down to my lack of commitment on the coast road on the last lap.’ the Yorkshireman says.

‘I need to be more aggressive, to get myself into the right place at the right time because you can be part of a big train slipstreaming on the straights and you can go from first to sixth on that last lap.’

8TEN Racing duo, Peter Hickman and Davey Todd, will also be chasing their first North West 200 Superbike victory. The duo will face an uphill battle however as they race against time to prepare their new Superbike and Superstock-spec M1000RR BMWs for the high speed encounter at Portrush.

Todd enjoyed a hat-trick of wins in the Supersport and Superstock races at last year’s event and Hickman scored a double in the Supertwin races aboard a Swan Yamaha. In the smaller capacity classes Todd will campaign a CBR600RR Honda in Milenco Padgett’s colours this year while Hickman will be aboard a Supersport-spec Triumph and a R7 Yamaha in the ‘Twins class. But with the clock running down to the start of the road racing season, neither rider has enjoyed much testing or race laps on their new for 2025 mounts which is far from ideal preparation ahead of the NW200 speed fest.

Former North West winner Ian Hutchinson will line-up alongside Cork’s Mike Browne on another pair of BMWs in Michael Laverty’s newly formed team. Described as the busiest man in bike racing, the former British Supersport champion from Toomebridge, who is now a MotoGP TV pundit, looks set to be juggling a lot of plates at Portrush.

Former NW200 outright lap record holder and double British Superbike champion, Josh Brookes, is another leading name who will be trying to get his name on a NW200 Superbike trophy for the first time. Brookes will have a Jackson Racing Honda at his disposal in the premier class events this year.

‘I like the course, it’s pretty easy to figure out and where the important bits are, but what I like the most is the mass start.’ Brookes says.

‘That, for me, is what makes the NW200 both exciting and

rewarding. I’ve been on the podium a few times and I’ve set lap records, but I want to win one and get that particular box ticked. It’s a thorn in my side that I haven’t won one. I like racing bikes and I like racing at the NW200, but I want to win as well so that’s my focus for coming back in 2025.’

Each race is packed with talent and a host of riders who could make their mark on the 2025 NW200.

Richard Cooper has become something of a Triangle course specialist since making his North West debut in 2019.

The 42 year old added a maiden win in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on Alastair Russell’s R6 at last year’s NW200 to his four previous Supertwin victories at the north coast event with Ryan Farquhar’s KMR team and he is staying put with the same teams for 2025.

Jamie Coward will return to the north coast  with his KTS Racing squad after a three year break. Previously a podium finisher at Portrush, Coward will have his sights set on a similar result at least in the Supersport and Supertwin classes in particular.

Manxman Conor Cummins will be hoping to impress as he makes his NW200 debut with the RK Racing/Burrows squad team on BMW and Ducati machinery and Finland’s Erno Kostamo is always one to watch in the big bike events.

Two men who have well and truly served earned their NW200 stripes are veterans John McGuinness and Michael Rutter. Rutter will be aiming for his 100^th race start this year having competed in 97 races since making his debut in 1992. Only Alastair Seeley and 15 times winner, Robert Dunlop, have been more successful at the North West 200 than the Englishman who will ride a BMW in the Superbike races and a R7 Yamaha in the Twins class this week.

Honda Racing’s McGuinness, who made his debut two years after Rutter, will be hoping for a similar result to last year when he received the loudest cheer of the day as he climbed on to the rostrum after finishing third in the CP Hire Superstock race.

Schedule

The action is set to begin on Wednesday morning with roads closing between 9am and 3pm for Newcomer’s practice and qualifying.

Final qualifying resumes on Thursday between 9am and 3pm before roads close again at 4.45pm and the racing begins with the Milwaukee Superbike event at 5.30pm, the Fraser Homes Supersport race at 6.30pm and the Amici Ristorante Superstock clash at 7.15pm. All three races will be run over four laps with roads scheduled to re-open by 9pm

On Saturday the roads are scheduled to close at 9am and the action set to begin at 10am with the Maxwell Freight Services Supertwin race (4 laps) followed by the Briggs Equipment Superbike race, the Tides Restaurant Supersport race and the CP Hire Superstock race, all run over 6 laps.

The 4 lap JM Paterson Supertwin race over is the penultimate event with the 6 lap Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race bringing the curtain down on the high speed festival on Saturday evening with roads scheduled to re-open by 7pm at the latest.

InterTradeIreland has signed up as a lead sponsor of the TechFoundHer Summit 2025, powering the event’s inaugural Breakthrough Awards for women innovators at the upcoming all-island gathering.

The announcement comes as final preparations are underway for the high-energy, purpose-driven event, which is expected to attract over 300 women-led startups, funders, and tech allies from across Ireland and beyond.

Taking place at the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin on Wednesday, May 14, the summit is led by TechFoundHer CEO Máirín Murray, a prominent tech entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology from County Down.

Elaine Patterson, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager from InterTradeIreland said: “InterTradeIreland is proud to sponsor the TechFoundHer Summit 2025 – Women Innovators Rise. TechFoundHer is an all-island network, and this summit helps facilitate those critical in-person connections between women innovators in tech. InterTradeIreland is keen to empower and connect women entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland to start, grow and scale a business.

“By supporting this summit, we aim to amplify women’s voices, accelerate their growth journeys, and help build a more inclusive, digitally transformed landscape for businesses across the island to thrive.”

The global gathering will see women of all backgrounds gather who are building and scaling tech solutions to solve real-world problems. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Máirín said: “This isn’t just another tech event, it’s a high-energy, purpose-driven gathering for women building and scaling tech solutions to make a positive impact on society. 

“This year, the message is clear – the future of tech must be diverse, daring, and include women.

“We are thrilled to host the Breakthrough Awards at Summit 2025  –  so important to shine a spotlight on women innovators making breakthrough progress! Our first ever Breakthrough Awards will recognise three standout founders from our Innovation Labs programme who are boldly progressing impact-driven tech ventures.”

The Breakthrough Awardees, selected from 35 women who completed TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs pilot programme, will be judged by a powerhouse panel including Dr. Lollie Mancey, Professor Maura McAdam, and Elaine Patterson.

“Every one of the 35 women who completed the recent programme is a champion, and these awards celebrate the bold steps, outstanding progress, and unstoppable momentum they’re making!” Máirín added.

The summit will explore a range of themes, including tech inclusion, product innovation and closing the funding gap by investing in women led tech business – addressing inclusive innovation, startup growth, funding pathways and real-world product development strategies.

The event is Headline Sponsored by Dublin City Council.

Dublin City Council’s continued support ensures the summit can provide a platform where women across the tech ecosystem in Ireland feel centred, supported, and celebrated.

The TechFoundHer Summit 2025 will feature a strong international and local lineup, including keynote speaker Kelly Vero, the game developer behind Tomb Raider and Halo 3, known globally for her work in AI-led product design, ethical innovation, and digital futures.

Other confirmed speakers include US investors Wendy Ryan, CEO of Kadabra and executive producer of Show Her The Money, and Lata Setty, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a track record of supporting women-led startups.

Former European boxing champion and now tech founder Lesley Sackey will speak about her journey building AI-powered platforms for survivors of domestic abuse, alongside Irish innovation leaders Dr Patricia Scanlon, Áine Kerr, Barbara McCarthy, Áine Denn, and Naomh McElhatton.

Additional support for the TechFoundHer Summit 2025 comes from U.S. Bank Europe and Enterprise Ireland as Network Sponsors, with WITS (Women in Technology & Science Ireland), BlockW and Nigma MVP Development Specialists confirmed as Catalyst Sponsors.

TechFoundHer was founded in 2024 by Máirín Murray and launched in Belfast the same year. It is a women-led, purpose-driven organisation supporting women founders through events, training, and access to networks. Its mission is to reimagine innovation acceleration and empower women to build and lead in tech.

Separately, InterTradeIreland was a funder of the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme, delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, with KPMG Ireland as lead sponsor. The Labs programme supports early-stage women-led tech ventures across the island of Ireland and will also feature at the summit.

Tickets for the TechFoundHer Summit 2025 are now available. For more information, go to www.techfoundher.com

The sights, smells, and sounds of Market Place’s Spring Continental Market are set to return to the Belfast City Hall gardens from the 22 – 26 May.

Traders will be showcasing an array of tantalising flavours from across the globe and unique handcrafted gifts, during the five-day event. 

This year’s market is hosting over 70 stalls, offering food enthusiasts, families, and everyday explorers the very best international cuisine, artisanal products, and handmade goods. In addition, the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Traders Market will form part of the Spring Continental Market on the 24th, 25th and 26th May, giving twenty-five young, local entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products to thousands of visitors.

Visitors to the market can enjoy exquisite flavours from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and further afield. Firm foodie favourites include exotic meat burgers and loaded dirty fries. The Dutch pancake stall will be serving mouth-watering delicious bite-size pancakes with lashings of butter and sugar, an extravagance native to their homeland. Sip on refreshing beers or chilled soft drinks from Lavery’s beer tent or the Continental Bar, perfect for relaxing, soaking up the spring sunshine, and enjoying a bit of people-watching.

In addition to the delicious food and drink offerings, the market will also feature a range of artisan products and handcrafted goods such as luxury soaps and fragrances,  vibrant flowers and garden accessories, beautifully crafted pottery from Tunisia and original paintings and prints.

Market Place Manager, Andy Pidgen said:

“We are delighted to be returning to Belfast, the city that has become our second home and is without doubt one of the friendliest cities we visit. The energy, enthusiasm, and warm welcome from both locals and visitors make it a true highlight in our events calendar. We are also thrilled to be supporting young traders in Northern Ireland through our partnership with the NMTF. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to showcase their creativity, talent, and passion.’’

There is lots happening across the city over the month of May, including the return of the highly anticipated Twilight Market on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st May from 4 – 10pm. Taking place in the iconic St George’s Market, the event will shine a spotlight on some of Northern Ireland’s finest local traders and artisans, offering local produce, live music, great food, and community spirit.

 

The Spring Continental Market at City Hall runs from Thursday 22 – Monday 26 May and will be open from:

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 9pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Monday 10am – 6pm

 

Gathering Stitches, a two-day festival of yarn, textiles and sustainable fashion which brings together local and small businesses showcasing textile artists and craft supplies, supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, will take place on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th May at WWT Castle Espie Comber.

Across the two days festival-goers can enjoy a marketplace of vendors with high quality unique goods, craft workshops including brioche knitting, flower pounding (Tataki-zome), embroidery and weaving, as well as a panel discussion on Saturday 17^th May highlighting how creativity, community, and conscious choices can shape a better future. Each day between 10am – 11am, is designated as a sensory friendly time for festival-goers who require a calmer, less crowded environment.

Entry to Gathering Stitches includes standard admission to WWT Castle Espie, allowing festival-goers to enjoy both the immersive natural beauty of the wetlands and the vibrant creativity of the event in one visit.

Gathering Stitches organised by Ards based social enterprise Inspiring Yarns, was formed through a shared passion for yarn.  As well as supporting small independent businesses, all proceeds from their events go directly to support their work to improve mental health and social isolation.  The festival marks an ongoing collaboration with WWT Castle Espie, helping to connect people with community and nature with a focus on supporting mental health and well-being.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:
“Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to support the inaugural Gathering Stitches festival. Held within the beautiful grounds of WWT Castle Espie, this tranquil location provides the perfect backdrop for a festival that will showcase local textile businesses and local people with a focus on sustainable practices. I am sure it will be a fabulous event with something for everyone to enjoy.”

 

Claire Anketell organiser of Gathering Stitches, from Inspiring Yarns, said:
“We are so grateful for the support from Ards and North Down Borough Council, and very excited for the opportunity to host our first Gathering Stiches festival. It’s been something we’ve planned for some time, being able to support and showcase people working in textiles is something we’re very passionate about. Also, with our ongoing collaborative work with WWT Castle Espie, we are delighted we can showcase such an amazing place which highlights the beauty of the area, and the importance of wetlands and wildlife – especially for mental health and well-being.”

 

Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, Paul Stewart added:
“We’re thrilled to be working with Inspiring Yarns to bring the Gathering Stitches two-day festival to WWT Castle Espie. This event speaks to the heart of what we do — connecting people with nature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, love supporting local makers, or simply looking for a weekend of inspiration in a beautiful setting, Gathering Stitches Festival promises something for everyone.”

For further details and ticket prices visit www.gatheringstitches.co.uk  for any further queries e:mail hello@gatheringstitches.co.uk. Follow Gathering Stitches on Facebook: gatheringstitchesfestival and Instagram @gathering_stitches_festival.

Visit Armagh is on the hunt for an adventure-seeking family in a new ‘Family Explorer’ competition set to showcase the very best of family-friendly attractions and experiences across the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon region.

Just in time for summer, families with children aged 16 and under are invited to apply by sharing in 100 words or less why they should be chosen. Applications can be submitted online at visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer, with the competition closing on May 18.

As the destination’s official Family Explorer, the selected family will kick off their journey with a stay at Tepee Valley – a one-of-a-kind glamping experience set in the heart of the Orchard County’s countryside. The adventure continues with VIP access to standout attractions, including the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory – the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland – and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Tayto Castle in Tandragee, home of the iconic crisps.

Throughout 2025, they will be invited to attend a vibrant calendar of festivals and events. From the Georgian Festival, where Armagh’s 18th century charm comes to life with family-friendly events and festive markets, to the Food and Cider Festival celebrating the area’s rich harvest and its famed PGI-certified Armagh Bramley apple and the return of the Wickerman event in August, a dramatic Lughnasa celebration featuring music and crafts.

This latest initiative reflects the region’s commitment to families seeking memorable, high-quality experiences.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Manager at Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “As a region, we’ve made it a priority to invest in experiences that speak directly to families – not just as visitors, but as a core part of our tourism proposition. This competition is just one example of how we’re bringing that to life, offering a chance to experience the very best of what Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon has to offer. We’re continuing to evolve our attractions and activities to reflect what modern families are looking for. In fact, we’ve just launched a range of new experiences designed to cement Armagh’s status as a must-visit destination for families to connect, explore, and make memories together. Our aim is simple: to create meaningful, accessible experiences that don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.”

The region’s newest offerings give families the chance to explore the heritage of the area including the ancient art of road bowling in Armagh City to Dan Winter’s Cottage, where children and adults alike can learn about traditional weaving in one of Ireland’s oldest thatched homes. Young adventurers can enjoy a brand-new activity sheet filled with fun and educational content, while families can embrace the local food scene and the outdoors with orchard tours, outdoor cooking experiences, adventure play trails in Gosford Forest Park and Moo Valley Artisan Gelato’s farm-to-table tastings.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “Summer is one of the most exciting times to visit our borough – the energy, the colour, and the sense of welcome are second to none. We see families returning year after year because they know they’ll find something special here. Whether that’s stepping behind the scenes at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, delving into ancient myths at Navan Centre & Fort, or indulging in some retail therapy at The Boulevard, we truly believe this is the best place on the island for a family escape – and during the summer months, there’s simply no better time to experience it.”

Families are invited to visit visitarmagh.com/familyexplorer and to submit an entry. T&Cs apply.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.

This free exhibition opens to the public from Tuesday 6^th May 2025 and commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons, and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his home town this May.

Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads” and his extraordinary career boasted 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.

Beyond his racing prowess, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as a local hero and global ambassador for motorcycling.

The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.

Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.

Of particular note is the racing leathers Joey wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore all black as a protest. The exhibition also features the very gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.

Visitors will be able to explore restored and original racing bikes, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.

The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and many of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition which will run daily Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm from Tuesday 6^th May – Saturday 30^th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).

“We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan.

“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”

The Joey 25 Exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey’s passing and Jamie Austin, Councils Museum Officer said: “Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.

“I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.

“The Museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.”

On May 24, 2025, the Joey 25 Celebration will feature over 25 motorcycling legends, including World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, riding Joey’s iconic bikes in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney’s town centre.

“Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,” said Linda Dunlop.

“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”

Longing to travel but tight on time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With increasingly busy lives holi-dayers of all ages are finding the best way to satisfy their wanderlust is with a daycation.

Same-day travel offers an affordable and convenient way to experience the best of new places. It eliminates the need to book accommodation, removes luggage worries and minimises the amount of time you need to take away from work and all of life’s other responsibilities.

And, thanks to Stena Line, a day-trip to the Scottish seaside has never been easier.

Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an afternoon filled with picnics and sandcastle building on one of Scotland’s best beaches, put your putting skills to the test with some mini-golf at Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Centre or get your cultural fill at Robert Burn’s birthplace museum, there is no shortage of fantastic experiences to be had in Ayr on the country’s west coast.

Crossing the Irish Sea in just over two hours, passengers can leave their car, and cares, at home while they relax, unwind and enjoy the unrivalled style and comfort of Stena Superfast and a return coach trip to Ayr.

Your holiday starts the second you set foot onboard and passengers seeking instant relaxation are invited to take a dip in the jacuzzi or enjoy some time out in the sauna at the Pure Nordic Spa, where day-trippers are also entitled to 20% off all treatments.

Start your day with a great value meal in the Taste Restaurant and bag yourself a bargain in the Onboard Shop, where you’ll also receive a £5 off shopping voucher if you spend at least £30.

Or simply relax and unwind in The Living Room or upgrade your trip and enjoy the luxury of the Stena Plus Lounge or the Hygge Recline Lounge.

Departing Belfast at 7:30am, guests will arrive in Cairnryan and take a one-hour coach trip to the seaside town where they will enjoy six hours of free-time, before they return to Belfast at 9:45pm.

Prices start from just £28 per adult and £22 per child. Stena Line passengers will be able to enjoy a day out in the beautiful seaside town of Ayr on select Thursdays and Saturdays from April 24 to September 25.

For more information visit stenaline.co.uk/special-offers/day-trip-to-ayr.