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  • Tyrone man opens up about his time as an IRA leader

    Tyrone man opens up about his time as an IRA leader

    A Co Tyrone man has spoken about his life in the IRA.

    Brendan Hughes, described as a ‘former IRA leader’, has opened up about his time in the organisation for a new two-part Spotlight programme.

    Hughes, who is in his late 70s, offered an apology to those impacted by his actions during the Troubles.

    He said he had come to realise the long-term implications he had on the lives of ‘ordinary, innocent and decent people’.

    “I’m telling my story to tell people who I am, what I am and where I am today, and where I am today, I would not do any of those things,” said the Ardboe man.

    “I’m not prepared to lift one finger in a violent way ever again. Never will.

    “I see war as the most futile and destructive thing that man ever created.”

    In his interview, Hughes said he wanted to engage with a truth commission to give victims answers about what happened during the Troubles.

    “It wasn’t worth leaving one family without a father or a brother or a sister.

    “It was a total waste, absolute total waste of energy, of life, of resources,” he said.

    You can watch Spotlight’s ‘Those Who Want Me Dead’ this evening at 10.40pm on BBC One.

  • Cookstown councillor condemns latest Irish street sign attacks

    Cookstown councillor condemns latest Irish street sign attacks

    More Irish language road signs have been vandalised parts of Tyrone.

    Councillor John McNamee has condemned what he sees as an orchestrated campaign targeting bilingual Irish-English street signs.

    Speaking at the monthly meeting of Mid Ulster District Council, the Sinn Féin representative for Cookstown DEA commented: “I want to condemn the latest attacks on our dual-language signage.

    “Last week a number of signs in the Coagh and Ballinderry area were targeted, and UVF was painted over them.

    “Members will recall at December’s Environment Committee, I referenced the report from the BBC, highlighting damage to over 300 dual-language signs across the North, and in different Council areas as well.

    “Most concerning was that 209 – approximately two thirds – were damaged in Mid Ulster.

    “This clearly [is] evidence [of] an orchestrated campaign taking place across Mid Ulster.

    “Over the last four or five years, Sinn Féin has continually raised attacks on dual-language signage, either at different council meetings, or at Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) meetings, but to date and for whatever reason, there has been a failure of political Unionism to address the concerns of my party and that of other council members here tonight.

    “Even though these attacks have resulted in thousands of pounds of damage to council dual-language signs, it has also resulted in hate crime, and it is attacks on those communities who, through a democratic process, have chosen to have their street or road reflected in both the Irish and English language, and it has impacted on community relations.

    “So chair, I’m calling on the unionist members of this council here tonight to send a clear message to the perpetrators responsible for causing this damage, to step up to the mark and call it out for what it is.

    “It’s wrong, it shouldn’t be happening, and it needs to stop now.”

    Council Chairman, Councillor Eugene McConnell was ready to move on to the next item on the agenda at that stage, however Cllr McNamee pursued the matter further, challenging his unionist council colleagues to respond.

    “Maybe if the unionist members want to make a response to that. This is ongoing damage taking place over five years, and there seems to be silence at meetings, or deflection at meetings. No one seems to want to answer what really is going on here,” said Cllr McNamee.

    The council Chairman brought the matter to a close, reminding Cllr McNamee that the issue had been brought up under Chair’s Business, which is not meant to allow for any form of debate.

  • Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    Coyle (Dungannon) March 1st 2025. Suddenly. Aileen beloved mother of Gerrí, Sara Lee, Jacob and Darcie, dearly loved daughter of Roisin Madden and loving sister of Darren (Mandy), Cara (Maxy) and Molaí. Funeral on Tuesday in St. Malachy’s Church, Edendork at 12pm. Burial afterwards in Carland Road Cemetery. House strictly private. Family only please. On her soul sweet Jesus have mercy. Deeply regretted by her loving mother, daughters, son, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

    The death has occurred of Paddy Connolly. Peacefully, in the loving care of the staff at The Palliative Care Ward, Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex, 2nd March 2025 R.I.P. Beloved husband of Kathleen, much loved brother of Bridget (Mc Evoy) and the late Mary, Bernie and Eddie, cherished son of the late Eddie and Constance. In keeping with Paddy’s wishes, reposing at his late home (12, Glen Road, Aughnahoo, Castlederg) on Monday 3rd March from 12 noon to 8 p.m. to family, neighbours and close friends. The house is private at all other times. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 4th March at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Aghyaran. Interment afterwards in the adjoining Churchyard. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired to The Palliative Care Ward, Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex c/o Charles Lynch, Funeral Director. Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by his entire family circle. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on his soul.

    Martin – March 1st 2025 (peacefully) at Antrim Area Hospital, Henry Arthur (Artie), devoted Husband of Kathleen, 5 Ballygonney Road, West, Coagh, loving Father of Andrea and Warren, a dear Father-in-Law of Elaine, proud Granda of Katie, Andy, Henry, Sam and Harry and dearest Brother of Bobby and the late Dai, Tom and Andy. House and Funeral strictly private. Family flowers only please. “Forever loved, till we meet again”

    Duffy Omagh 1st March 2025 Eugene R.I.P 9 Sperrin Park. Peacefully in Three Rivers Care Home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Margaret and cherished father of Helena (Alastair), Charles (Jacqueline), Damien (Fiona), Michael (Emma) and Clare (John), loving grandfather and great grandfather. Funeral Tuesday at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church which can be viewed on Drumragh Parish Webcam with interment in St Mary’s Cemetery Drumragh. Deeply regretted by his entire family circle. Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on his Soul.

     

  • Today’s weather forecast for Co Tyrone

    Today’s weather forecast for Co Tyrone

    Today is expected to become dry and brighter, with a mix of variable cloud and hazy sunny spells. A milder day with gentle winds.

  • Fears about the future of rural communities in Omagh council area

    Fears about the future of rural communities in Omagh council area

    A LOCAL councillor has warned that rural communities are under threat due to the continued loss of essential services.

    Speaking at a recent meeting of the rural affairs sub-committee of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Independent councillor Dr Josephine Deehan highlighted the decline of post offices, banking services, and rural schools in villages and hamlets across the council district.

    “If you look at our district, aside from the two county towns and larger villages, we are primarily a rural community with a dispersed population,” she said.

    “Every time I come to council, I see our rural way of life being eroded. We have virtually lost all our rural post offices, banking services are disappearing – even in major towns – and there has been an ongoing onslaught on our rural schools.

    “Planning legislation is also making it increasingly difficult for people to build in rural areas, which is not how we have historically lived. If you drive through the countryside, you see abandoned small holdings and tumbled-down cottages – evidence of a way of life that is fading.”

    Cllr Deehan expressed concern that if services continue to decline, the district will face ‘regrettable’ losses.

    “One of the biggest challenges we face as a council is ensuring rural vibrancy. What will replace the Rural Development Fund? What will happen to agricultural subsidies, particularly in less-favoured areas?

    “How do we support our rural communities in the future?”

    She added, “My fear would be that the way in which we live as a rural community is going to be fundamentally changed, and and I think that that would be very regrettable and a great loss.”

    Alan Mitchell, the council’s data science and intelligence officer, acknowledged that the ‘situation has worsened’ regarding services in rural communities.

    “When the Rural Affairs Sub-Committee was first established, we mapped access to cash as a vague proxy banking and post office availability. I have no doubt that the situation has changed and probably worsened since then.”

    Mr Mitchell said that discussions are ongoing with DAERA about rural development funding and that agricultural subsidies are being examined by the council’s agricultural liaison group.

  • New TV series tells the Sperrins stories of Tyrone people

    New TV series tells the Sperrins stories of Tyrone people

    THE people of Tyrone whose lives are rooted in nature and protecting the Sperrin Mountains is the theme of a new BBC series.

    Commencing on Monday, March 3 at 8pm, ‘Chronicles Of The Sperrins’ the show has been filmed across all four seasons, and reveals the unspoiled heritage of these mountains which span 40 miles across the heart of Mid Ulster – as well as the people living and working on these landscapes steeped in history and legend.

    Narrated by actor Colin Morgan, episode one begins in spring, with Annie and Vinny and their team of social farmers preparing for planting and lambing season in the Glenelly Valley.

    At Mullaghcarn, peatland officer Rory battles the weather as conservation efforts are under way to restore boglands on the mountain side.

    In the Gortin Glens, walking guide Sean Harpur and his guide dog Bennie explore the woodland’s hidden history.

    Lissan House near Cookstown was gifted to the community in 2006 and we meet the volunteers working to restore the estate to its former glory – including the 200 year old historic clock.

    Across the countryside, abandoned rural houses are a constant reminder of the past.

    Glenelly Valley local Rose Mary has started a project to uncover the stories behind these homes and welcomes John and Lynn who have travelled from America to trace their ancestral roots.

    The Sperrins are an official Dark Sky area and the perfect location for photographer and night-sky hunter Martin McKenna to capture the Northern Lights at Beaghmore Stone Circles.

    Summer has arrived and on Mullaghcarn, Sean and his guide dog Bennie lead the annual hike to the mountain peak, and later in the series the pair climb Bessy Bell to visit a Holy well believed to hold healing powers.

    The Holm is the heartbeat of the cricket mad village of Donemana.

    For professional cricketer Rumesh who is visiting from Sri Lanka it’s the last match of the season, and he is hoping to help the Dunamanagh team become the champions of the North West.

    As the seasons continue the peatlands burst into life and in Creggan, peatland officers Rory and Bryan discover some surprising wildlife, while entomophile Dakota searches for unique insects on Glenullion Bog.

    As autumn and winter approach the volunteers are busy keeping Lissan House warm and dry. We also meet Lynne and her pilot husband Miller who take to the skies to view the Sperrins from above.

    In the final episode, the mountains are covered in snow, creating a winter wonderland and perfect weather conditions for adrenaline junkie and seasoned snowboarder Kieron.

    Christmas celebrations are in full swing and Annie and Vinnie celebrate a busy and successful year at their Glenelly social farm, before the cycle of the seasons begins all over again.

    ‘Chronicles of the Sperrins’, made by Waddell Media, starts Monday, March 3 at 8pm on BBC One Northern Ireland. The full series will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

  • Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    Duffy Omagh 1st March 2025 Eugene R.I.P 9 Sperrin Park. Peacefully in Three Rivers Care Home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Margaret and cherished father of Helena (Alastair), Charles (Jacqueline), Damien (Fiona), Michael (Emma) and Clare (John), loving grandfather and great grandfather. Funeral Tuesday at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church which can be viewed on Drumragh Parish Webcam with interment in St Mary’s Cemetery Drumragh. Deeply regretted by his entire family circle. Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on his Soul.

    Coyle (Dungannon) March 1st 2025. Suddenly. Aileen beloved mother of Gerrí, Sara Lee, Jacob and Darcie, dearly loved daughter of Roisin Madden and loving sister of Darren (Mandy), Cara (Maxy) and Molaí. Funeral arrangements later. On her soul sweet Jesus have mercy. Deeply regretted by her loving mother, daughters, son, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

    Breen, Caroline (Omagh, formerly of Loughmacrory) died suddenly at home. Beloved daughter of Jeannie and the late Charles. Sister of Kate, Helen and the late Jackie (Casey). Aunt to Conall, Dara, Bróna and Caolán. Funeral and wake arrangements to follow.

    CAMPBELL, March 1st, 2025 WILLIAM JOHN (BILLY) Peacefully at South West Acute Hospital, late of Hillcrest Nursing Home and formerly of 12 Lisanelly Park, Omagh. Dearly beloved husband of the late Elizabeth, a devoted father of Julie (Marshall), Ian (Mary), Janet (Steve) and Neil (Julia), cherished grandfather of Alison (Barney), David (Chelsea), Andrew (Rebekah), Paul (Melissa), Mark, Clare, Kate, Nathan and Finlay, a much-loved great-grandfather of Harvey, Oscar, Fiadh and Raya. House Private. Funeral arrangements to follow: Family flowers only please Donations in Lieu if desired to Maine Methodist Church Made payable to Robert Armstrong & Son Funeral Directors, 19 Mountjoy Road, Omagh, BT79 7AY Lovingly remembered by the entire family circle, “Peace Perfect Peace”

    Gormley Jay, (Killyclogher, Omagh), formerly of 5 Gleannan Close, Killyclogher, BT79 7YA died peacefully in the South West Acute Hospital on Saturday 1st March 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters. Beloved husband of the late Rita. Treasured father of Fiona Beattie (Adrian), Noreen O’Neill (Kevin), Linda Roycroft (Peter) and Maeve Conway (Rory). Loving and devoted grandfather to his 8 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Cherished brother of the late Sheila McGartland and Vona McCann. Funeral and wake arrangements to follow and will be posted here. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving daughters, sons in law, grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and entire family circle and friends. Our Lady pray for him.

    The death has taken place February 28th 2025 at Altnagelvin Hospital of Frances McConnell (née Potts) 143 Urney Road, Clady. Beloved wife of the late Vincent (Bing), much loved mother of Patricia, Catherine, Diane, Paul, Frances and Linda, and sister of Jim, Charlie, Mary, Johnny, William and the late George and Danny. Reposing at her home on Saturday (March 1st) from 5p.m. Funeral leaving her home on Monday (March 3rd) at 11.20a.m. for Requiem Mass in St Columba’s Church, Doneyloop at 12 noon. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing son, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sister and family circle. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Family time please from 10p.m. to 11a.m. The Requiem Mass can be viewed live via St. Columba’s Church, Doneyloop. @st.columbaschurchdoneyloop2112. 741

     

  • Today’s weather forecast for Co Tyrone

    Today’s weather forecast for Co Tyrone

    Today will see a mix of bright spells and patchy mist and fog to start. These will lift through the morning, leaving variable cloud and a chance of the odd spot of rain later on. A breezy day.

  • Fixing pot-holed road a ‘priority – but no money to do the work

    Fixing pot-holed road a ‘priority – but no money to do the work

    A Mountfield road has been highlighted as a ‘priority’ for resurfacing – but there is no money to carry out the much-needed repairs.

    The junction of the Lenagh Road and Inishclan Road on the outskirts of the village is badly damaged, with large potholes causing problems for motorists travelling along the rural road.

    The majority of the damage is believed to have been caused by the number of lorries using a nearby quarry.

    The state of the road was highlighted this week at the Northern Ireland Assembly following a question from West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan.

    The SDLP representative asked the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmons, to detail the work her department was undertaking to improve the roads network around Mountfield.

    In response, Ms Kimmons highlighted the financial pressures faced by her department.

    “Unfortunately, as a result of budgetary constraints, my department has had to introduce a limited service maintenance policy over the past number of years meaning that only the highest priority road defects are repaired.

    “This underfunding has resulted in a deteriorating road network.

    “The condition of the roads in the Mountfield area are reflective of the historical underinvestment in our road infrastructure and, unfortunately, the condition of these roads are similar to many rural roads in the area.

    “With regards to roads maintenance, my department is heavily reliant on in-year funding to carry out road repairs and react to deteriorating roads over the winter period. Unfortunately, due to other budgetary constraints no additional monies were able to be allocated to road maintenance activities from the recent January monitoring round.”

    The Infrastructure Minister said while there was no resurfacing work being undertaken at present, her officials were aware the junction of Lenagh Road and Inishclan Road has been identified as a ‘resurfacing priority due to heavy plant accessing the local quarry’.

    “This section is currently in a proposed programme to be considered when funding becomes available.

    “In the meantime, my department will continue to complete their inspection of roads in the Mountfield area in line with our limited service policy and action any defects that meet the threshold for repair.”

  • Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    Today’s death notices for Co Tyrone

    HADDEN (nee Gamble) – February 27th, 2025, peacefully at Greenpark Nursing Home, Betty, Dromore House, Caledon, wife of the late Fred, dear mother of Alan, Roy and the late Nicola, mother-in-law of Sylvia and grandmother of Calum and Abby. Funeral Service on Monday 3rd March 2025 in Minterburn Presbyterian Church at 11.00 am followed by interment in Hillhead Presbyterian Churchyard, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal (arriving approximately 3.00 pm). HOUSE STRICTLY PRIVATE. No flowers please, donations if desired payable to The Leprosy Mission, c/o Dereck Marshall & Sons, Funeral Directors, Stangmore Park, 4A Far Circular Road, Dungannon BT71 6LW or online via dereckmarshallandsons.co.uk. Will be lovingly remembered by her Family and all the Family Circle. “The Lord is my Shepherd”.

    Loughrin (née Smith) – February 27th 2025 (peacefully) at her home, surrounded by her loving Family, Nora, 12 Kiltyclay Road, Rock, Dungannon. Dearly beloved Wife of the late Derek, much loved Mother of Angela, Gary and Katrina, a loving Mother-in-Law of Brian and Lisa, devoted Nanny of Ben, Matthew, Jake, Daniel, Ryan, Rachel, Ella, Chloe, Hannah, Luke and Joshua and a dearly loved Sister of Betty, Ronnie, Anna, Doris, Winifred, Ivor and Jennifer. All welcome at her home today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) from 4:00pm – 9:00pm. Funeral will take place from her home on Sunday, March 2nd at 1:45pm, to Sandholes Presbyterian Church (kindly granted) for service at 2:30pm, followed by burial in the adjoining Churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Marie Curie and Faith Mission, can be made online or payable to D. Watters (Donations A/c), 55 Main Street, Tobermore Magherafelt BT45 5PP. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4 v 7.

    MORROW – February 25th, 2025, peacefully at hospital in Truro. Neville, Treveale Farm, Ladock, Cornwall, (formerly Edentilone, Aughnacloy), loving husband of May, dear father of Wendy (Paul) and Irwin, much loved grandfather of David and Philip, brother of Stanley, Daphne, the late Pearl and Kathleen. Will be lovingly remembered by his sorrowing Wife, Family and Family Circle. Cornwall, Portadown and Aughnacloy. “At Peace”.