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BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
The Open 2025: Golf fever hits Portrush ahead of golf tournament
The finishing touches are being made in Portrush as the town prepares to welcome Rory McIlroy and the golfing world for The Open Open is being held from 17-20 July with four official practice days beforehand and tickets for all eight days are sold out as 'Open fever' grips the north of the main car parks in the seaside town has already closed and is being turned into a TV compound for international the closure of the East Strand carpark, which is popular with beach walkers and sea swimmers, has led to complaints. Members of Royal Portrush golf club will also no longer be allowed to play the course after Sunday, to protect the fairways and 270,000 spectators are expected during the eight days of practice and play next fact that the East Strand carpark has closed already, three weeks before the tournament, has caused some McCarron from Causeway Coast and Glens Council told BBC News NI: "The council totally understands the frustration there. "But the carpark is being used as a key cog in the machinery of putting on this Open championship." "Through the media and through this wonderful event, there will be pictures of this part of the world shown in hundreds of millions of homes around the world," he from Portrush Primary School were given a tour of the first tee, the 18th green grandstand and practice facilities on of them, Martina, 10, said: "The grandstand surprised me, I didn't think it would be that big." Gary McNeill, head professional at Royal Portrush, showed the pupils around but public access will soon said: "From Monday, the course is essentially shut but it's available for any competitors who want to play before the official practice starts."Everything is ready. It's all in great shape." The world's top golfers will arrive next month and those who played at The Open in Portrush in 2019 will not see many changes, on or off the are some tweaks to tees and fairways, and more corporate hospitality boxes but no major NI has estimated that golf tourism is worth almost £70m to the economy annually. Extra buses and trains are being organised by Translink as organisers of the tournament, the Royal & Ancient (R&A), have urged spectators to use public transport if and ride facilities will also be Shane Lowry won The Open at Portrush in 2019 amid raucous scenes of celebration on the 18th McIlroy's recent victory in the Masters means he will be the focus of attention when the four-day tournament begins on 17 July.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
‘We'll all be cheering for Rory': Portrush pupils get behind-the-scenes glimpse of iconic venue ahead of The Open
The likes of Rory McIlroy will be among those battling for the famous Claret Jug when The Open returns to the seaside links course. Around 280,000 spectators are expected over the four days of competition and the famous old course has been undergoing a transformation since the start of April. All this week local schoolchildren have been taking a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on the spectacle and getting a chance to try their hand at the sport — all part of a special Road to the Open outreach scheme from Causeway Coast and Glens Council, the R&A, Golf Ireland and The Golf Foundation. Today was the turn of P6 pupils from nearby Portrush Primary School. After making the famous walk up the 18th and into the arena surrounded by grandstands, the man on the green waiting to talk them through the set-up for the event could hardly have been better versed in The Open. Club professional Gary McNeill stepped in to play the final two rounds in 2019 as a marker. While thousands watched these two rounds, and he still has the videos to prove it, his audience so far in 2025 has been schoolchildren. 'We managed to bring kids from a lot of local primary schools to the club to give them a little tour of what's going on — introduce them to golf,' he explained. 'Many of them might not have played before. They have maybe watched golf on the TV, but it's a fantastic opportunity for them all to come along, get to experience the venue and try their hand at golf. 'It's been very well-received. They're asking a lot of good questions and one of the highlights has been the chance to get their photographs taken with the trophy that the winner will be presented with here on the 18th green in a few weeks time. 'The build started here right at the beginning of April. It's considerably bigger than it was in 2019. There's seating around the course for around 15,000 people, 5,000 around the 18th green arena alone. 'When we brought the kids through to the 18th green area to show it to them, they were very impressed by the scale and size of it. 'I think it's really important to do this. The likes of Rory McIlroy do so much to promote golf in Northern Ireland — he attracts so many young people to the game. Just asking them all who they think might win and there's one name that comes up every time. "That's the impact he's had. But what better way to encourage the next generation of golfers than bringing them along to the venue, letting them see for themselves what the atmosphere is like and what the game is all about, maybe pick up a putter for the first time and give it a go.' "I think they were quite shocked by how fast the ball moved across the green with just the slightest touch. It's not as easy as the professionals make it look,' added Gary. 'It's been lovely and the kids have all been so appreciative of the experience, taking a great interest in what we're saying and what we've been doing.' Portrush Primary School pupils Sam and Tom both said they'd love a go around the real course next — and they will both be back to watch the professionals take it on next month. 'I'd really like to play golf now,' said Sam. 'We have tickets to come on the Saturday and Sunday of the tournament so I'm really looking forward to seeing it,' he said. 'Sadly I don't,' said his classmate Georgie. 'But now I wish I had.' And when they're asked who they most like to see lifting the trophy, which was on display alongside the first tee box for them to get a closer look, there was only one name on their minds. 'We'll all be cheering for Rory McIlroy,' said P6 pupil Martina. Teacher Parlato Taylor admitted she was also starting to catch the golfing bug. 'My brother has been at me for a while to come out and have a go,' she admitted. 'Seeing what's been going on this year has been great and the opportunity for the children to come along and walk around the course, see the work that's been going on, has been brilliant for them.' Also casting his eye over preparations was Mayor Oliver McMullan. 'I have to say, it is a good year to be Mayor when one of the biggest sporting events in the world is being hosted on our doorstep,' he said. 'There would be no sense in having something as big as this and not allowing the whole community to experience it in some way. 'I do play a little golf myself, but having seen around here, I think I'll leave this course to the professionals.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Farm animal thefts linked to organised crime
More than 3,000 animals were reported as stolen in Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2024 in a pattern that is being linked to organised crime. New figures obtained by BBC News NI show that the vast majority were farm animals such as sheep and cattle. Most of the reported thefts took place in rural council areas like Mid Ulster and Causeway Coast and Glens. Police said the high value of livestock suggests that some of the cases will have a link to "organised crime and cross-border criminality". And an Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) representative said the amount of planning involved in stealing large numbers of animals suggests a link to organised crime. PSNI Rural and Wildlife Crime lead, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, said police had been working to decrease the number of animal thefts and in some cases were working alongside An Garda Síochána in the Republic of Ireland. John McCleneghan from the UFU told BBC News NI that livestock theft is something they hear about a lot. "When you look at some of the cases of dozens of cattle or sheep being taken, that takes planning, so that alone is evidence of some form of organised crime being involved. "The reality is that as the value of livestock has increased in recent years, the value to the criminal and the incentive to the criminal has also increased." He added: "That's why we would say to farmers to take all the steps they can in terms of security to try act as a deterrent, to protect their livestock, so things like tags on their animals locks on gates, regular checks and things like that, CCTV or tracking devices. "But we appreciate that all this is also an added cost and financial burden to the farmer in already tough times." In January 2024, 50 lambs were stolen near the village of Park in Londonderry in what farmer Dermot Mullan said was a "well-planned operation" that would cost him up to £7,000. "I received a call from my brother that the sheep weren't in the field, but I honestly just thought they had escaped", he said. Later that day the scale of the theft would become apparent to Dermot and his family. He said: "I was in shock, it took a while to sink in, for 50 sheep to be taken in one go without detection would take a lot of planning. "They came in the middle of the night, it was very stormy so we wouldn't have heard much, they must have rounded the sheep up and had a large trailer waiting and away they went." Dermot said the whole incident has had a huge impact on his family. "It's been tough, it's a big financial loss, but there is also an impact on your mental health, not just on me but on the whole family. "Yes you have the animals to make money, but you get attached to them, especially with the lambs, my two sons looked after them on a Saturday and things like that, so it was a real loss." Dermot said the figures on the overall number of animal thefts across Northern Ireland are "shocking". He said: "Unfortunately, I know of other farmers who have had livestock stolen, it happens lot. "But a lot of them are men who don't want to come forward and talk about it or in some cases to even report it, for a whole lot of reasons like fear and stigma, but we need to shine light on this issue, because it can have a devastating effect on people" BBC News NI previously reported that that the Mid Ulster farming community were left "traumatised" following a string of burglaries related to agricultural equipment last year. The cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland decreased last year, according to new figures from the rural insurer National Farmers Union (NFU) Mutual. It fell by 9% to an estimated £1.8m in 2024 compared to 2023, in what NFU said is a result of co-ordinated action against organised and serious crime in the countryside. But the new report suggests that livestock theft remained high across the UK at an estimated cost of £3.4m in 2024. The PSNI said there was no evidence to suggest that there had been an upsurge in animals being actively targeted. But Supt McDowell gave some advice to farmers and other animal owners. He said they should: close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves lock outbuildings at night that hold livestock check lighting, alarms and cameras are working microchip or tag animals to help with recovery if they do get stolen In a statement the Department of Agriculture said it took the theft of farm animals "very seriously". A department spokesperson added: "Rural crime, in particular the theft of farmed animals, is a direct threat to the livelihood of our farmers and to the integrity of the traceability system which is vital in providing assurance on the safety, integrity and quality of our food." Farming community 'traumatised' after burglaries Farmer describes theft of 50 lambs as 'shocking'
BBC News
15-06-2025
- BBC News
Farm animal thefts in Northern Ireland linked to organised crime
More than 3,000 animals were reported as stolen in Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2024 in a pattern that is being linked to organised figures obtained by BBC News NI show that the vast majority were farm animals such as sheep and of the reported thefts took place in rural council areas like Mid Ulster and Causeway Coast and say the high value of livestock suggests that some of the cases will have a link to "organised crime and cross-border criminality".And an Ulster Farmers' Union representative says the amount of planning involved in stealing large numbers of animals suggests a link to organised crime. PSNI Rural and Wildlife Crime lead, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, said police had been working to decrease the number of animal thefts and in some cases were working alongside An Garda Síochána in the Republic of Ireland. 'They are more than just livestock' John McCleneghan is from the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU). He says livestock theft is something they hear about a said: "When you look at some of the cases of dozens of cattle or sheep being taken, that takes planning, so that alone is evidence of some form of organised crime being involved."The reality is that as the value of livestock has increased in recent years, the value to the criminal and the incentive to the criminal has also increased."He added: "That's why we would say to farmers to take all the steps they can in terms of security to try act as a deterrent, to protect their livestock, so things like tags on their animals locks on gates, regular checks and things like that, CCTV or tracking devices."But we appreciate that all this is also an added cost and financial burden to the farmer in already tough times." In January 2024, 50 lambs were stolen near the village of Park in Londonderry in what farmer Dermot Mullan said was a "well-planned operation" that would cost him up to £7,000."I received a call from my brother that the sheep weren't in the field, but I honestly just thought they had escaped", he that day the scale of the theft would become apparent to Dermot and his said: "I was in shock, it took a while to sink in, for 50 sheep to be taken in one go without detection would take a lot of planning."They came in the middle of the night, it was very stormy so we wouldn't have heard much, they must have rounded the sheep up and had a large trailer waiting and away they went."Dermot says the whole incident has had a huge impact on his family."It's been tough, it's a big financial loss, but there is also an impact on your mental health, not just on me but on the whole family. "Yes you have the animals to make money, but you get attached to them, especially with the lambs, my two sons looked after them on a Saturday and things like that, so it was a real loss."Dermot says the figures on the overall number of animal thefts across Northern Ireland are "shocking".He said: "Unfortunately, I know of other farmers who have had livestock stolen, it happens lot."But a lot of them are men who don't want to come forward and talk about it or in some cases to even report it, for a whole lot of reasons like fear and stigma, but we need to shine light on this issue, because it can have a devastating effect on people" BBC News NI previously reported that that the Mid Ulster farming community were left "traumatised" following a string of burglaries related to agricultural equipment last cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland decreased last year, according to new figures from the rural insurer National Farmers Union (NFU) fell by 9% to an estimated £1.8m in 2024 compared to 2023, in what NFU says is a result of co-ordinated action against organised and serious crime in the the new report says that livestock theft remained high across the UK at an estimated cost of £3.4m in 2024. Security measures The PSNI said there was no evidence to suggest that there had been an upsurge in animals being actively Supt McDowell gave some advice to farmers and other animal owners. He said they should:close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieveslock outbuildings at night that hold livestockcheck lighting, alarms and cameras are workingmicrochip or tag animals to help with recovery if they do get stolenIn a statement the Department of Agriculture said it took the theft of farm animals "very seriously".A department spokesperson added: "Rural crime, in particular the theft of farmed animals, is a direct threat to the livelihood of our farmers and to the integrity of the traceability system which is vital in providing assurance on the safety, integrity and quality of our food."
Belfast Telegraph
04-06-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
‘A giant issue': Coins to be removed from Giant's Causeway amid call for tourists to stop wedging tokens into cracks
The National Trust has confirmed it expects to remove all coins wedged into cracks of the basalt rock of Co Antrim's famous Giant's Causeway. It follows a report by the British Geological Survey that found that coins left by visitors from across the globe were having detrimental effects on the World Heritage Site. While the coins celebrate the wide ranging from tourists that come to Northern Ireland to enjoy the natural landmark, they subsequently will rust and expand causing the rock to crumble as well as stain. The National Trust had urged people to refrain from further damaging some of the site's 40,000 columns last Wednesday. However, after completing a recent trial to remove the coins safely, the National Trust have confirmed they plan to proceed with their overall removal, which is expected to cost upwards of £30k. 'A giant issue with coins has emerged at the Giant's Causeway,' a National Trust spokesperson said. 'The causeway, said by legend to have been created by the giant Finn McCool, is one of Antrim's most loved landmarks, and attracts visitors from across the globe. 'Wedging coins into the cracks in the basalt rock columns here has become a tradition for some visitors. 'But this seemingly harmless action is causing damage to the World Heritage Site. As the coins rapidly corrode they expand, causing the rock to flake and leaves rust coloured streaks. 'We're pleased to say that a recent trial to remove the coins safely has been successful and now it is hoped the coins – from all over the world – will be removed across the causeway.' The National Trust, in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, deployed specialists in stone conservation to 10 test locations at the site and remove coins without causing further damage. Dr Cliff Henry, National Trust nature engagement officer at the Giant's Causeway, urged visitors to preserve the natural site for future generations. 'When coins start to corrode, the steel often corrodes faster and separates from the different metal of the outer layer. This delamination causes the basalt to flake,' he said. 'The coins here also have accelerated corrosion because they are often soaked in saltwater spray and the mixture of metals means they break down faster.' Dr Henry added: 'We know that visitors really love and cherish the Giant's Causeway, and many form deep personal connections to this special landscape. 'We know some may want to leave a token of their visit, but the coins are causing damage and we are urging people to stop the practice and to leave no trace so this natural wonder remains special for future generations.' The Giant's Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago when lava erupted from cracks in the earth which cooled and broke into hexagonal columns. However, the popular tourist spot is steeped in mythology with Irish legends stating that it was formed by Irish giant Finn McCool to cross the sea battle a Scottish Giant.
