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British Government Finally GrantsFinucane Family an Inquiry

British Government Finally Grants
Finucane Family an Inquiry

By Brian Dooley
IA Newsletter, September 14, 2024

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Back in February 1989, George H.W. Bush had just succeeded Ronald Reagan as U.S. president. Margaret Thatcher was the British prime minister, and the conflict in Northern Ireland had another decade to run. Pat Finucane, a 39-year-old human rights lawyer living in Belfast, was shot dead in his home by members of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) on 12 February of that year. … [Read more...] about

British Government Finally Grants
Finucane Family an Inquiry

Author Michael Magee wins John McGahern Prize

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BELFAST based author Michael Magee has won the annual John McGahern Prize for his debut novel Close to Home. The book, which tells the story of two working-class brothers in post-Troubles Northern Ireland, was described as having an “astonishing narrative energy” by the esteemed Irish author Colm Toibin, who selected the 2023 John McGahern Book Prize winner. The prize adds to … [Read more...] about Author Michael Magee wins John McGahern Prize

Teen magician Cillian O’Connor sets Guinness World Record for most tricks performed in a minute

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YOUNG Irish magician Cillian O’Connor has set a Guinness World Record for performing the most magic tricks in one minute. The 15-year-old, who shot to fame last year when he finished third in Britain’s Got Talent, features in the latest edition of the iconic annual Guinness World Records publication, which is on sale today. Cillian O'Connor set the U16 Guinness World Record for … [Read more...] about Teen magician Cillian O’Connor sets Guinness World Record for most tricks performed in a minute

Tributes to Irish hiker who died while on holiday in Sardinia

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TRIBUTES have been paid to an Irishman who died while on holiday in Sardinia. Kilkenny native John Bergin went missing on September 6 while hiking on the Italian island. A search operation was stood down on September 8 after his body was found. In a statement confirming his death, the 39-year-old’s family said: “John passed away on September 6, 2024, following an accident in … [Read more...] about Tributes to Irish hiker who died while on holiday in Sardinia

Domestic abuser jailed for ‘horrific’ assault on ex-partner

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A BELFAST man has been jailed for a “horrific” assault on his ex-partner. Jordan Samuel Spence, of Lawnbrook Drive in the city, was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court yesterday, after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and other offences. The court heard that the 32-year-old, who has a history of domestic violence against women, subjected his ex-partner … [Read more...] about Domestic abuser jailed for ‘horrific’ assault on ex-partner