Behind the Story: Ballymena riots and the online forces at play
The unrest has come following protests on Monday night linked to an alleged sexual assault.
Two teenagers have since appeared in court charged with attempted rape, while on the streets cars have been set on fire, houses have been targeted, and water cannons have been deployed.
Many of those targeted have been migrants living in the area, and the police have described the rioters' actions as "racist thuggery".
As all of this has unfolded in the town, online there were calls to action from well-known far-right figures.
In the latest episode of Behind the Story, David and Fran are joined by RTÉ's Northern Correspondent Conor Macauley to go through what he has seen on the ground in Ballymena, and what the reaction has been.
They are also joined by Senior Analyst for the Institute of Strategic Dialogue Ciarán O'Connor to hear about how far-right figures have turned their attention to Ballymena, and what kind of influence that has had.
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Irish Times
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Author Joseph Birchall: ‘Crime fiction can bring us something we don't often see in reality - justice'
Tell me about your debut novel In Plain Sight . It's a crime thriller based in Dublin with a couple of twists along the way. Darcy Doyle is a rookie in the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and she's paired up with the once brilliant and now weather-beaten Mick Kelly. There's a serial killer on the Dublin streets, but meanwhile, as they try to catch the killer, Darcy's own secretive past is catching up with her. At the book's core are two very different characters - the keen but green Darcy Doyle and the somewhat jaded and cynical Mick Kelly. Why do you think they work as a duo? They don't realise it at first, but they both need each other. Darcy has experienced childhood trauma, but she can't show any vulnerability in her work as a detective. This is detrimental to her personal relationships. Her job is her prop. Mick's crutch is the drink. In the 1990s you came close to having a feature film made with David Anspaugh, who directed Gene Hackman in Hoosiers. Tell us a little about the story and how the experience ultimately stalled your writing? My wife found my 20-year-old screenplay in a box in the attic (I know that sounds made up!). It was a coming-of-age film called Stuck on Orange about four lads in Dublin who risk everything to improve their lives. I suppose, looking back, being so close to such big success when I lived in California, which ultimately got shelved, turned me away from writing for quite some time. Thankfully, after finding the script, my wife encouraged me back to putting pen to paper once again. To fail, fail again and fail better. If your book were to be adapted for film, who would play Darcy and Mick? Dream casting would be Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell - minus the penguin suit. READ MORE You spent years working on a kibbutz. Have you considered writing about that experience? What do you make of Israel/Palestine today? My heart is broken for the people of the region, particularly the children of Gaza who are experiencing generational trauma. An Israeli friend's brother is still being held hostage today. It makes me realise how lucky we are to have had peace on our island for the last three decades. If anything, that still gives me hope. Your family has been living in Tallaght in Dublin for more than 100 years, and the city and its more marginalised are central to the novel. Did you draw on your own experience in writing the book? I had a very fortunate upbringing in Tallaght with two hardworking parents and a loving and supportive family and community, so fortunately, I haven't had any of the kinds of experiences that befalls Darcy. Reading books by investigative journalists such as Paul Williams, Nicola Tallant, Paul Reynolds and Pat Marry helped me gain vital procedural knowledge of the crime world. Irish crime titles seem to be enjoying phenomenal popularity. Why do you think that is? What drew you to the genre? We see so much inequality and transgression in everyday life that crime fiction, and indeed other genres, can bring us something we don't often see in reality - justice. The crime is solved, redemption is meted out and the killer is rightly punished. You left Ireland in the 1990s and lived in France, Israel and California before returning home. How has Ireland changed? We're a more confident people than we once were, more self-aware, and we take pride in who we are, but I think we've managed to retain our unique blend of social righteousness and having the craic. You are the co-founder and director of . Is there a link between entrepreneurship and creativity? You most definitely need to be creative when building a business and not be averse to taking risks. There's more cognitive liberty when writing, though, but the financial rewards are not as good! Well, not yet - maybe if the movie comes off! Which projects are you working on? Reported Missing, book two of the Darcy Doyle series is with the editor and is due to appear in 2026, and book three is about to go off to Poolbeg Press for their initial… let's call it 'appraisal'. Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage? I once went to London in my early 20s to visit 221b Baker Street, fictional home of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. I still have the photo! What is the best writing advice you have heard? Read Stephen King 's book – On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft . Who do you admire the most? My wife. (I know, I know!) You are supreme ruler for a day. Which law do you pass or abolish? That all children become the number one priority for every government – their education and their wellbeing. Which current book, film and podcast would you recommend? Colm Tóibín – Long Island (if you've already read Brooklyn ) Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning The Rich Roll Podcast The most remarkable place you have visited? Jerusalem. Your most treasured possession? My Dad's radio. What is the most beautiful book that you own? A first edition of The Borstal Boy. The best and worst things about where you live? The best things are the location, the community, nearby family, and the view of the Dublin Mountains. The worst is like everywhere in Dublin: traffic. What is your favourite quotation? Motivation follows action. Always. Who is your favourite fictional character? Too many, but Lisbeth Salander popped into my head first. A book to make me laugh? Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. A book that might move me to tears? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
The Journal
7 hours ago
- The Journal
First person jailed over Ballymena riots handed four-month sentence
THE FIRST PERSON convicted of rioting in Ballymena, Co Antrim, in June has been handed down a four month prison term by Ballymena Magistrates' Court. Jamie Lee McCracken (34) was sentenced yesterday to four months in custody after he pleaded guilty to riotous behaviour. McCracken, of no fixed address, was arrested 'during one of the nights of sustained race-motivated disorder', a statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said, in the area of Bridge Street on Wednesday 11 June. The first night of rioting in Ballymena began after a vigil for the victim of alleged sexual assault, when people learned that two teenage men accused of sexually assaulting the victim required a Romanian translator in court. Advertisement Nightly violence then occurred in a number of locations in Northern Ireland. Multiple buildings and the homes of immigrants were targeted, with many damaged, vandalised or set on fire. PSNI Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said McCracken was seen throwing a brick towards officers and was arrested minutes later in the Linenhall Street/Church Street area. She said the police force has charged 46 people and made 53 arrests in relation to the riots to date. The arrested people were men and women aged between 12 and 56. Steen added that the prosecution of those involved in the riots will continue over the coming months. 'Our dedicated public order inquiry team is working tirelessly to ensure that those involved in this shameful violence are brought before our courts to face the consequences of their actions,' she said. Steen described the riots as 'shameful' and 'largely motivated by pure race hatred'. Related Reads I went to talk to people in Ballymena, and was told to make myself 'scarce' or there'd be trouble 'This area of Ballymena town was ravaged by people intent on causing harm. Damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises with people left fearing for their lives,' she said. 'Our officers came under attack and many left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them,' she added. She said the PSNI will 'work tirelessly' to restore calm and ensure that anyone who was involved in the riots will be brought to justice. Speaking to those affected by the violence in Ballymena, Steen said: 'We are committed to keeping our communities safe. Hate crime has no place in our society and we will continue to be proactive in our approach to ensure justice for victims.' 'We would also repeat our appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Witness appeal after trio of armed robberies of off-licences over 24-hour period
An appeal for witnesses and information has been issued following a string of armed robberies at off-licences in south Belfast this week. Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) revealed that they received reports of three armed robberies at off-licences within 24 hours and they are all believed to have been carried out by the same person. Detective Sergeant Leeman said: "We received a report at around 9.05pm on Wednesday, 30th July that a man had entered an off-licence store in the Sunnyside Street area. He told the staff to hand over money from the till before threatening them with a knife. He then made off with a sum of cash in a small brown paper bag, headed in the direction of Haywood Avenue. "The suspect is described as being approximately 6ft tall and of medium build. He was wearing a blue Adidas hoodie which had red upper arms featuring three white stripes and a red hood, pulled tight around his face. He also wore black tracksuit bottoms and black and white trainers, along with sunglasses and black gloves." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Any witnesses to this robbery, which took place between 8.40pm and 8.50pm, or who saw the suspect, can contact investigators on 101 and quote reference number 1567 of 30/07/25. Reports of a second armed robbery were received by police just before 1pm the next day, Thursday July 31, when a man went into an off-licence in the Stranmillis Road area. Detective Sergeant Leeman said: "The male entered the store at around 12.45pm and threatened staff with a knife, demanding cash before making off in the direction of Stranmillis Park. "He is described as being 5ft 10'' tall and of average build, with a dark beard. He was wearing a red and blue hoodie with the hood tied across his face, along with navy jogging bottoms and a dark-coloured glove with light sections on his right hand." Anyone who saw a man matching the above description or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage of the around the time of the incident can contact investigators on 101 and quote reference number 699 of 31/07/25. A third armed robbery was reported later that day, at 8.20pm, when a man entered an off-licence in the Ormeau Road area. Detective Sergeant Leeman said: "Again, this report involved a man entering the store and threatening staff with a knife, demanding that they hand over the contents of the till. "We believe this is the same individual involved with the previous two robberies, who is described as being 5ft 10'' - 6ft tall, of medium build and approximately 40 years old. He was wearing light-grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey fleece, along with a navy beanie hat, a white T-shirt or bandanna used as a mask and black gloves. He also wore khaki-coloured trainers and carried a white plastic bag. "The suspect made off in the direction of the city centre and we're appealing to anyone who saw a man matching this description, or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1448 of 31/07/25." A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form here or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here. Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
