Other News In Brief

The Killers To Play Belfast Gig This Summer

Las Vegas rock band The Killers have been announced as a headline act for Belsonic this year.

The four-piece will play Ormeau Park on Tuesday 25 June, their biggest show in Northern Ireland to date.

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi will support the band.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 29 March at 9am, from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

£260k Upgrade For Co Tyrone Village

Fivemiletown in County Tyrone has been upgraded with a series of works totalling £260,000.

Work included improvements to the existing play area at Ballylurgan Road and resurfacing, drainage and environmental works at the Market Yard.

These upgrades were delivered under the Village Renewal Scheme.

Welcoming the news, Chair of the Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake said: "Fivemiletown is the latest village to benefit from a significant investment through the village renewal scheme. The completed resurfacing and environmental works at the Market Yard have enhanced the visual appearance of the village, and I hope the local community will benefit from the refurbished playpark, with new equipment and seating offering a public place for families to enjoy."

Chair of Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership, Councillor Sean Clarke, said: "The Village Renewal Scheme is a core element our Local Rural Development Strategy. Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership, as the LEADER Local Action Group in Mid Ulster, has already approved over £1.4m in funding to support a range of village renewal initiatives across the district which will help to improve the fabric of our rural villages for the benefit of those who reside there. Over the coming months a further £750,000 will be approved by the LAG to projects currently in development which is fantastic for our rural areas."

A total of 37 village renewal projects are to be delivered under the Village Renewal Scheme to the total value of £2.86m.

Belfast's Sporting Heroes Honoured At City Hall

Athletes, volunteers and coaches from Northern Ireland's sporting world have been honoured at Belfast City Hall in a reception with Lady Mary Peters and Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey.

As well as a host of awards, three athletes were also inducted into Belfast City Council's Sporting Hall of Fame: Hugh Russell, Sandra Bailie, and Sammy McIlroy.

Hugh Russell came to prominence internationally in 1978 when he won a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. Sandra Bailie is recognised as one of Ireland's most talented bowlers, and Sammy McIlroy was the final footballer to be signed to Manchester United by Sir Matt Busby.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey told guests: "Having the opportunity to meet so many great sportspeople across Belfast is without doubt one of the highlights of my year in office as First Citizen.

"I'm regularly bowled over by Belfast's energy, commitment and dedication to sport- from competitors, coaches and supporters. We're really fortunate to have leisure facilities and infrastructure which are being transformed through a £105 million programme of investment. State of the art facilities at Andersonstown, Brooke and Lisnasharragh are due to open by early 2020- so it's a great era for sport in Belfast.    

"But even more importantly, we're lucky to have volunteers who tirelessly give of their time to coach, mentor, and train to give people opportunities to experience sport, healthy lifestyles and sporting success. As part of the Belfast Agenda, Belfast City Council invests £300,000 each year through Support for Sport; helping clubs, coaches and communities to help empower people of all ages through sport and encouraging them to learn about team work, focus and commitment. And thanks to a successful partnership with GLL and The Mary Peter's Trust, we're able to continue helping young athletes to fulfil their potential and chase their dreams. Tonight is about honouring Belfast's great commitment and passion for sport. A huge congratulations to all our nominees and award winners."



(JG/CM)