Other News In Brief

NI Sporting Success Celebrated

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated two local athletes on their recent successes at the World Track Championships in Belarus and at the Alpine Skiing World Championships in Spain.

The Minister said: "What a superb championship it has been for Martyn Irvine, starting off with a silver medal in the individual pursuit and followed up by a gold in the 15k men’s scratch race only an hour later – a tremendous achievement. Martyn’s success also marks an historic day for Irish cycling and a remarkable couple of months for Martyn personally, following on from his participation in the London 2012 Olympics, his success at the Track World Cup in November and now this double win.

"Kelly Gallagher continues to ski from strength to strength. To win a bronze medal in the women’s downhill, followed up with a silver in the Super G is a fabulous achievement. Congratulations Martyn and Kelly- you have done us all proud."

L'Derry Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman was convicted at Londonderry Magistrates' court on Friday for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Shirley O’Bryan, (46) of Milltown View, L'Derry claimed Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £25,623 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a five month prison sentence suspended for three years.

She will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Norman Morrow, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at the DHSSPS, has been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th annual Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards in Belfast.

Dr Morrow, who took up his post in 1995, was presented with the award by Health Minister Edwin Poots who was keen to congratulate not only the winners on the night, but everyone who took part.

Speaking at the gala event in the Europa Hotel to an audience of clinicians, staff, academics and business people from across the health and social care field, Mr Poots said: "You should be proud of the excellent service you provide for the people of Northern Ireland, whether or not you have received an award. I hope that you will all have been inspired to continue your good work. These awards recognise and celebrate the high standard of healthcare carried out in the province and also to encourage innovation and the translation of evidence into practice to improve the quality and safety of patient care."

(GK)