Man Charged With Trading In Counterfeit Football Kits

A 38-year-old man has been charged with trading in counterfeit products, police have confirmed.

He is scheduled to appear at Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday, 9th June. As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The charge relates to the online advertising and sale of counterfeit football kits. It follows a search and arrest operation that was conducted in February 2025.

Green Party Accuses Executive Of "Selling Off Land For Dirty Profit"

Green Party leader Mal O'Hara has strongly condemned the granting of seven new mineral licences in the West of Northern Ireland, accusing Sinn Féin's Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and the Executive of "selling off our land for dirty profit" and ignoring public objections.

In a statement, O'Hara highlighted that the licences are being granted under a 1969 law and despite over 2,000 public objections.

"The parties who let Lough Neagh die are now selling off our land for dirty profit, ignoring residents, campaigners, and the environment," Mr O'Hara stated. "Their promises to protect nature are as fake as plastic grass-looks good from far away, but up close, it's toxic."

The Green Party leader also criticised the Alliance Party and its Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, asserting they "have shown themselves to be ineffective at standing up to big business and protecting our shared environment from profiteering." Mr O'Hara concluded with a call for greater environmental protection: "Enough is enough. Our land, habitats, and communities are not commodities for the Crown Estate and mining companies. We demand real protection, not more destruction."

Sinn Féin Mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia And Transphobia

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has marked the upcoming International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which takes place this Saturday, 17th May.

The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking during an Assembly debate yesterday (Monday, 12th May) to acknowledge the significance of the international awareness day.

Ms Sheerin stated that in recent months, Sinn Féin has undertaken extensive engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community to listen to and address their concerns.

"Sinn Féin envisages a society underpinned by equality, respect and inclusion for all our citizens," said Ms Sheerin.

"We must continue to make the case for people’s rights to be respected. And we must stand firm and ensure that toxic discourse, which has prevailed elsewhere, does not become mainstream in society here."

She described IDAHOBIT as "an opportunity to celebrate progress towards a more progressive, accepting and compassionate society, and stand with the LGBTQIA+ community."

"As political representatives, we must redouble our efforts to stamp out homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other vile, hate-fuelled behaviours whenever they arise," the MLA urged.

"My party will continue to stand with our LGBTQIA+ community and against those who seek to marginalise, undermine and divide this solidarity."