Other NI News In Brief

Lyric Theatre To Open

Belfast's Lyric Theatre is set to open for its first rehearsals in the newly rebuilt theatre for a production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. The new theatre was built on the Lyric's existing site in Stranmillis on the banks of the River Lagan at a cost of £18m. It includes a 389-seat main auditorium, a new studio, dedicated youth and education space and improved facilities for staff and artists. The funding campaign for the building began in 2003 and has been backed by the likes of Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh, Ballymena's Liam Neeson, Seamus Heaney and Meryl Streep. The original theatre opened on the Lisburn Road in 1951 and moved to premises on Ridgeway Street about 20 years later.

Belfast Marks 'Titanic 100'

Two months of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the launch of RMS Titanic are to be organized by Belfast City Council. Exhibitions, talks, plays and special commemorations all will be part of the 'Titanic 100' programme. A major photographic exhibition will also form part of the event. The 'Titanic 100' exhibition will celebrate the building of the ship from its inception to launch, focusing on the photography of RJ Welch, the official photographer for Harland and Wolff. The exhibition will remain on display in the City Hall grounds until mid-May. The second exhibition, in City Hall itself, will focus on the story of the SS Nomadic, also launched in 1911, telling her story from construction to the current restoration programme. The Nomadic exhibition also will feature rare artifacts from both the tender and the White Star line, and will open at the beginning of May. Throughout April and May, there also will be a series of tours, both on land and water, visiting key landmarks associated with the Titanic story, including bus and walking tours of Queen’s Island and guided walking tours of Edwardian Belfast. See www.belfastcity.gov.uk/titanic

Apology Over Death Of Shot Girl

The Government has issued an apology to the family of a 12-year-old girl who was shot dead by the Army in County Armagh in 1976. A letter signed by UK Defence Secretary, Liam Fox, is to be handed over to the family of Majella O'Hare later. This marks the second time an apology has ever been offered for incidents involving the Army during the Troubles - the other was last year in relation to the Bloody Sunday killings of 1972. Majella O'Hare from Whitecross was on her way to church on 14 August 1976, when she was hit in the back by a bullet. At the time the soldier responsible claimed he had fired in response to an IRA sniper attack. Private Michael Williams, of the Parachute Regiment was charged with manslaughter after the RUC's investigation, but was acquitted in court. In August 2010, the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) said it supported the findings of the original RUC investigation into the death.

Teen Motorcyclist Killed

A 19-year-old motorcyclist has died in a road accident in Belfast. It happened on Mountmerrion Avenue in Castlereagh. The motorcyclist was Brian Kerr was from the east of the city. Mr Kerr died at the scene. No other vehicle was involved in the accident and the police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. Local Councillor, Michael Long has expressed sadness at the death of the 19-year-old motorcyclist. Cllr Long said: "I want to pass on my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man that was killed in this tragic motorcycle accident. It is absolutely awful that someone so young has lost their life. Everyone in the area is in a real state of shock at this terrible tragedy."

Charity Leads On Fundraising Technology

A local charity has teamed up with a local company to launch a new fundraising mechanism, which could revolutionise the way people donate to charities. The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) and Portstewart-based InstaGiv, have developed the new fundraising tool, or 'widget', which is the UK's first charity specific social media application. It allows charities to integrate the ease of mobile text fundraising, the power of video and the reach of social media in one easy application. Managing Director of InstaGiv, Michael Carlin commented: Recent regulatory changes in the UK market mean that charities now receive 100% of a mobile text donation from leading operators. There has also been massive world-wide growth in the use of social media platforms as vehicles for communication and this trend will continue." The Chief Executive of NICFC Gillian Creevy added: "Like many charities in these challenging financial times, the NI Cancer Fund for Children is keen to explore innovative ways to raise funds. From this we are delighted to be the first charity in Northern Ireland to be involved in this pioneering technology which will enable us to connect more effectively with a wider-audience, ultimately increasing donations to the charity."

End Of 50/50 'Bad Decision'

The decision to end 50/50 recruitment to the PSNI has been criticised by South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey. 

The party's Policing Spokesperson said: "Firstly I reject totally the move from absentee Minister Owen Patterson that the time is now right for the ending of 50/50 Recruitment to the PSNI. 

No police service, anywhere in the world, cannot simply expect the total support of the community if it is not fully representative of that community. 



Clearly progress has been made in relation to policing but that has been slow and painstaking; collectively we still have some way to travel yet."

(JG/BMcC)