Latest news with #Portadown
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Parade risks 'glorification of terrorism'
A controversial band parade that "risks stepping over the line into the glorification of terrorism" is due to take place this weekend in Portadown, County Bann MLA Eoin Tennyson was speaking as more than 400 people and 15 bands are expected to take part in the event billed as the Harris Boyle 50th Anniversary Memorial parade on Boyle was known as one of the attackers of the Miami Showband murders in July deputy leader Tennyson added: "Victims should be at the heart of any discussion we're having about celebrations, commemorations and speaking about our past." The parade route is listed on the Parades Commissions website as starting at Levaghery Orange Hall, however, the Orange Order has said it's not a parade it has on The Nolan Show, Tennyson said: "To commemorate and celebrate in this public way is entirely inappropriate and I think it is absolutely wrong."Tennyson said that should apply to both sections of loyalism and republicanism. DUP MP Sammy Wilson told Talkback that while he doesn't know what the "intentions" of the parade organisers are, "I don't believe that we should be, in any way, trying to glorify the terrorist acts of the past". 'Failed to deal with NI's past' Former DUP special advisor, David Graham said there is no doubt that this was an "incredibly tragic event and a needless act of violence".Mr Graham said: "We have failed to deal with the past in Northern Ireland, it is on all of us in a way."He said there are members of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) community who feel like their identity is "constantly under attack" and this was a way for those people to protect and defend their said the commemoration is "not something that I agree with".However, he said the first minister has said in unequivocal terms that there was no alternative in her view to the violence of the past, "there are many people not just in the PUL community, who will simply say, what's good for the goose is good for the gander". Former Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy said the first minister's previous comments about violence in the past should be taken "in context".Mr Molloy added: "We don't have a proper way for remembering the dead and everyone has a right to remember their dead."But, he said that the Miami Showband were some of the "most innocent" people, killed and the "UDR and UVF combined together to take out this band". Commenting on social media, UUP assembly member Doug Beatie, said the parade was "utterly appalling". What was the Miami Showband attack? The bomb and gun attack happened as the band, which toured across Ireland, travelled home to Dublin after a gig in minibus was stopped by a fake Army patrol involving Ulster Defence Regiment and Ulster Volunteer Force Boyle was killed when the bomb which was placed on the Miami Showband bus exploded gang then opened fire, murdering singer Fran O'Toole, guitarist Tony Geraghty and trumpeter Brian Travers and another band member, Des McAlea, were injured but bomb also killed Wesley Somerville who was commemorated in April at a memorial parade in Moygashel in County Tyrone.
BBC News
24-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Portadown: Newspaper print site closure a severe blow, Unite says
The planned closure of a print site in County Armagh will deal a "severe blow to Northern Ireland's newspaper print capacity", a trade union has Associated Print site at Carn Industrial Estate in Portadown, which is operated by DMG Media, is set to close this Graham, Unite's regional secretary, said it "is totally unacceptable that a viable business and its workers face being thrown on the scrapheap"."This can and should be a fundamentally viable business," she said. The union says the closure would occur alongside the proposed shutdown of a printing plant in Cork and "further the centralisation of newspaper production to Britain".It said it is engaging with members on the next steps to try to keep the Portadown printworks a statement, DMG Media said: "After extensive review, we are proposing to consolidate our Irish print operations."This proposed change would unfortunately result in the closure of our print site in Carn in autumn 2025."We are absolutely committed to helping everyone who is affected and supporting them through the process." However, Unite regional officer Neil Moore said: "If Associated Print pushes ahead with closing this site, it will leave just one newspaper printworks operating in Northern Ireland. "That's not just a blow to jobs, it's a strategic risk to the print industry and a wider threat to skills."If the company won't invest in this workforce or this facility, it should be prepared to stand aside for someone who sees the long-term value in this facility. "We are pursuing every available option and will not allow these workers to be discarded without a fight."
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Portadown sign winger Tulloch from Shelbourne
Portadown have signed winger Rayhaan Tulloch from League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shelbourne, subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old progressed through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion, for whom he made his debut in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2019. The Birmingham native went on loan to Doncaster Rovers, Rochdale and Dundalk before returning to West Brom ahead of further loan spells at Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town. He made a permanent move to Shelbourne in July 2024 and made 12 appearances, scoring two goals, in helping Shels win the League of Ireland title last term. Portadown manager Niall Currie expressed his delight at securing the services of the former England under-17 squad member, describing him as "a huge talent". "A huge thank you to our board as this signing is huge and enables us to progress and kick on as this season is going to be every bit as hard with the huge expenditure that's going on around the league now, our board did everything they could to make this happen," said Currie. "We're delighted Rayhann chose us, he will excite our supporters very much."
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Portadown sign winger Tulloch from Shelbourne
Portadown have signed winger Rayhaan Tulloch from League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shelbourne, subject to international 24-year-old progressed through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion, for whom he made his debut in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in January Birmingham native went on loan to Doncaster Rovers, Rochdale and Dundalk before returning to West Brom ahead of further loan spells at Bradford City and Shrewsbury made a permanent move to Shelbourne in July 2024 and made 12 appearances, scoring two goals, in helping Shels win the League of Ireland title last manager Niall Currie expressed his delight at securing the services of the former England under-17 squad member, describing him as "a huge talent"."A huge thank you to our board as this signing is huge and enables us to progress and kick on as this season is going to be every bit as hard with the huge expenditure that's going on around the league now, our board did everything they could to make this happen," said Currie."We're delighted Rayhann chose us, he will excite our supporters very much."
Sunday World
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Community praying for a miracle as Co Armagh footballer critical after crash
Aaron Moffett (38) was involved in a collision near Markethill A community is coming together to support the family and loved ones of a Portadown footballer who is fighting for his life in hospital following a collision over the weekend. Aaron Moffett (38) was involved in a collision near Markethill while making his way back from the Twelfth celebrations in Keady on Saturday. The crash happened on the Coolmillish Road at around 4.30pm. The former Dollingstown FC captain and club stalwart, who is from the Knocknamuckley area, remains in critical condition. Dollingstown chairperson, Hubert Watson, said Aaron has been with the club for 18 years and is loved and admired by everyone. 'Thirteen years as club captain club and then once he retired he became the club's secretary,' he said. "Throughout his playing career he lifted 14 or 15 trophies for the club and he has been a leader both on and off the pitch. "Everyone associated with the club has been shocked by this terrible tragedy, all we can do now is hope and pray for a miracle.' Mr Watson said many people in the local community have been reaching out to show support for Aaron which has been 'unbelievable'. "My phone has been going non stop with players, members of the club, former players, players from other clubs, it just show the extent of his character and the respect people have for him,' he said. "I've been getting phone calls from across the country, Newry, Armagh, Coleraine, Sligo, right across the island- people just offering the their support and prayers.' Mr Watson has visited Aaron in hospital following the crash. "It's the least I could do as the club chairperson, I spoke to his mother and father, we are praying for a miracle but it's really a day by day thing at the minute. He is in an induce coma until the swelling goes down and then the surgeons are going to see what they can do.' DUP MLA, Jonathon Buckley, also offered his support to Aaron's family. "Many of you will have heard that Aaron was involved in an accident on the 12th July. "He continues to be treated in hospital as he fights for his life and our prayers are very much with Aaron and the wider Moffett and Robinson family at this time.' Aaron's former team Loughgall FC has also expressed support for the retired footballer online. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with former player Aaron Moffett who remains in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital following an accident on 12th July," it said 'Please everyone keep Aaron and his family in your prayers at this time of need hoping he makes a full recovery 'Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.' Meanwhile Portadown FC has also offered prayers to Aaron's family. 'Everyone at Portadown Football Club wish to pass on their thoughts & prayers to Aaron Moffett who is currently in hospital following an accident,' the club said. 'Aaron has strong connections to the club through his brother in law, Chris Wright and also as Portadown were the opposition for his testimonial game against Dollingstown in 2021. 'We send our love and support to Lindsay and all of the family circle.' PSNI Roads Policing Inspector Cherith Adair said: 'Detectives are conducting enquiries after a male passenger sustained serious injuries following an incident involving a vehicle shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday, July 12. 'One man has been cautioned. 'Our investigation is ongoing, as we work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. 'We would appeal to anyone who has information which might assist, or any dash cam or mobile phone footage, to contact 101, and quote reference number 1461 of 12/07/25.'
