Menu
06/12/2004
Former Afghan captive returns home to NI
Former Afghan captive Annetta Flanigan has arrived back in Northern Ireland.
The Co Armagh woman, who is originally from Richhill, arrived at Belfast City Airport on Sunday but left by a side entrance to evade waiting journalists.
Captured on October 28, along with two colleagues Shiqpe Hebibi from Kosovo and Filipino diplomat Angelito Nayan, Ms Flanigan spent 27 days in captivity.
Initial reports indicated that the trio had been freed as part of a series of successful security operations in Afghanistan, but a Nato spokesperson later said that the three had not been freed as a direct result of military operations. Government sources denied that a deal had been struck with the captors.
Following their release the three met briefly with the Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Last week, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy, welcomed the news of the release. Mr Murphy said he hoped that Annetta and her colleagues "can now begin to put this dreadful experience behind them and carry on with their lives".
Ms Flanigan and her husband had reportedly planned to return home to Northern Ireland for Christmas shortly before she was kidnapped.
(MB)
The Co Armagh woman, who is originally from Richhill, arrived at Belfast City Airport on Sunday but left by a side entrance to evade waiting journalists.
Captured on October 28, along with two colleagues Shiqpe Hebibi from Kosovo and Filipino diplomat Angelito Nayan, Ms Flanigan spent 27 days in captivity.
Initial reports indicated that the trio had been freed as part of a series of successful security operations in Afghanistan, but a Nato spokesperson later said that the three had not been freed as a direct result of military operations. Government sources denied that a deal had been struck with the captors.
Following their release the three met briefly with the Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Last week, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy, welcomed the news of the release. Mr Murphy said he hoped that Annetta and her colleagues "can now begin to put this dreadful experience behind them and carry on with their lives".
Ms Flanigan and her husband had reportedly planned to return home to Northern Ireland for Christmas shortly before she was kidnapped.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2004
Flanigan to return home after short holiday
The UN worker from County Armagh, Annetta Flanigan, who was held captive for 27 days in Afghanistan is expected to return home after a short holiday. Ms Flanigan is reported to have left the Afghan capital at the weekend for a break with her husband Jose, before going on to visit family and friends in Richhill, County Armagh.
Flanigan to return home after short holiday
The UN worker from County Armagh, Annetta Flanigan, who was held captive for 27 days in Afghanistan is expected to return home after a short holiday. Ms Flanigan is reported to have left the Afghan capital at the weekend for a break with her husband Jose, before going on to visit family and friends in Richhill, County Armagh.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
19 November 2002
Murphy reveals legislative priorities for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said that priority will be given to children's issues, infrastructure investment and the environment in the government's coming legislative programme. Mr Murphy told members of the East Belfast Rotary Club today that the work of the executive prior to suspension would "not be wasted".
Murphy reveals legislative priorities for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said that priority will be given to children's issues, infrastructure investment and the environment in the government's coming legislative programme. Mr Murphy told members of the East Belfast Rotary Club today that the work of the executive prior to suspension would "not be wasted".
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
