Bars Back Six Nations

Rugby supporters gathered at the Kitchen Bar in Belfast this week for the launch of the Six Nations Championship ahead of the Ireland v Italy game on Saturday. On Friday they will be hosting a Six Nations launch party to mark the first game of the tournament and all matches will be shown live in Botanic Inns outlets throughout the competition. Christine Murphy, Leeza Dixon, Melissa Magee and Ciara McStravick are shown celebrating.

West Belfast Man Shot

A man has been shot in the leg in a paramilitary style attack in west Belfast. It happened at 11.15pm on Monday night in the Hawthorn Street area. The victim, 45, sustained two gun shot wounds to his leg and was rushed to hospital where his condition is not believed to be life threatening. Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast Fra McCann has slammed those responsible for the shooting last night: "This type of action will achieve nothing and those responsible need to realise this. There is no support for them or their reckless actions within this community," he said, shortly after the police appealed to anyone who was in the area and has any information to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Rugby Player Dies

A Carrickfergus Grammar School pupil has died in hospital after collapsing during a school rugby game on Saturday. Ben Robinson, who was in year 11, was being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Board of Governors at the school have issued a statement, describing him as "a vivacious and highly popular pupil with a broad smile and a great sense of humour".

Gun Used In Robbery

A handgun was used during a robbery in south Belfast on Monday evening. Police said a man carrying the weapon entered the Rosetta Road premises at around 6.30pm and threatened a staff member before making off with a sum of money towards the Cregagh Estate, via Bannagh Corner. Witnesses are being asked to bring information forward to the PSNI. At the weekend, Alliance Councillor Máire Hendron condemned those involved in a separate knifepoint at a shop on the nearby Castlereagh Road, which took place at around 6.45pm on Sunday evening. "Anyone who can help police catch those behind this should contact police immediately," she said afterwards.

Presbyterian Leader Sought

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland will decide today who will succeed Dr Norman Hamilton as its new moderator. Shortlisted for the post are Ivan Patterson, Roy Mackay, Joseph Andrews, Rob Craig and Roy Patton. The candidate chosen will then be formally elected moderator at the Presbyterian General Assembly in June.

Cash For Chills

A further round of Cold Weather Payments has been triggered by the weather stations at Aldergrove, Castlederg, Katesbridge and St Angelo (Enniskillen). A total of £1.4million will be paid automatically to people who qualify for the payment and are living in the postcode areas covered by these weather stations. The postcode areas affected in the latest round of Cold Weather Payments are BT24-34, 39-46, 74-82 and 92-94. Only those qualifying customers living in these post codes will receive the £25 payment. Those who qualify can expect to have their payment on or around Wednesday 2 February 2011. The total amount paid out this winter will now top £16m.

Older People Supported

DUP Assembly Member and Junior Minister, Robin Newton has said that the Older People's Commissioner, when appointed, has a valuable role to play in raising public awareness of older people's issues and helping to stand up for the interests of the older population with government and statutory agencies. He said: "As a society we must learn to value our older people more and treat them with the respect and care which they are due." See: Portaferry Pensioner's Death 'Unnecessary'

(BMcC/KMcA)