GAA 'Bombed'

A bomb attack on a GAA facility has been foiled. The attack took place at a community centre in the Stiles estate, Antrim, where two devices described as "crude" and "non-viable" have been recovered. GAA players who were training at the community centre were escorted from the building during the alert by police, who believe the attack was sectarian. The building was cordoned off for a time on Thursday night and Friday morning but the security alert is now at an end. See: GAA 'Bombing' Condemned

Jailed Man's 'Relief' Over Drugs

An intimate search of a Magilligan prisoner which revealed cannabis, Tamazepam, Diazepam, and a mobile phone concealed inside in his rectum led to six drugs charges being heard at Londonderry Crown Court yesterday. Liam Patrick Campbell, 27, who admitted having the items when he returned from home leave in 2008 was however, doubly relieved when he was acquitted by the court which heard that he had been ordered to bring the drugs into the prison by an inmate he feared. The jury accepted that he had been acting under duress and unanimously acquitted him of the six charges. The not guilty verdicts followed a two-day trial, after which Campbell was returned to custody on other offences.

Dungannon Shooting Probed

Police in Co Tyrone have launched an appeal for information after shots were fired at a house in Dungannon last night. Shortly after 10pm the volley of shots were fired through the back door of a house in the Lisnahull Gardens area of the town. No one was injured in the attack. A PSNI spokeswoman said a number of items have been removed from the house for further investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Dungannon.

Six Mile Water Outlook 'Bleak'

Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has said that while an information leaflet drawn up on the characteristics and quality of the Six Mile Water River "paints a bleak picture, it also signposts the routes to improvement", and as such is very welcome. "The Environment Agency leaflet on the condition of the river and its tributaries is certainly welcome, identifying as it does a number of priorities for action. We now have a good, clear picture of what we are facing, particularly with regards to the Doagh River and Plaskets Burn, which have been specifically identified as areas of concern," he said this week. "The river was badly polluted last year, and while nature can achieve wonderful things, we too have a role in helping it along and this document provides a valuable opportunity to take responsibility for the damage allowed to occur either through negligence or simply inaction."

UCF Backed By Lidl

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is partnering with Lidl, the food discount retailer, on the placement of clothing banks in selected stores. Customers shopping at the Ballyclare, Ballynahinch and Magherafelt stores are now able to do their bit and dispose of unwanted textiles while raising vital funds for UCF. These special clothing banks offer shoppers the opportunity to recycle clothing, household textiles, paired shoes, handbags and belts. Lizzie Lumsden from Lidl Northern Ireland said: "Lidl aims to raise maximum funds through various initiatives across Northern Ireland involving both staff and customers."

Slippy Ice Cuts Into Operations

It has emerged this week that some orthopaedic operations have been postponed due to the high number of people needing treatment after falling on ice, Belfast Health Trust has said. In Belfast's Musgrave Park Hospital, 40 patients have had orthopaedic surgery on knees and hips postponed. All NI trusts report an increase in fractures with more expected as people venture out as the thaw begins.

Marketing Students Accolade

Outstanding University of Ulster marketing students were recognised for their exceptional achievements at a special ceremony in the Jordanstown campus yesterday. The university's Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy Marketing Excellence Awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of marketing students with Charlotte Jess, winning Best Overall Final Year Student and Best BSc Dissertation. She was also celebrating having landed a job at Randox Laboratories in Carrickfergus just a few months after graduating last year.

Consumers Protected

The re-appointment of the Deputy Chairperson to the Board of the General Consumer Council NI, Siubhan Grant, has been announced by the NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster. Mrs Grant will serve for a period of two years. Welcoming the re-appointment, the Minister said: "Her experience as Deputy Chairperson for the last three years will be of great value to the Council as it continues to pursue its aim of championing the rights of all consumers in Northern Ireland."

(BMcC/GK)