Other NI News In Brief

Duke Meets Ullans

HRH The Duke of Gloucester has attended the annual celebration of the life of Columbanus. The event took place yesterday at the Clarion Hotel Carrickfergus, hosted by The Ullans (Ulster Scots) Academy. The Ullans Academy is a voluntary organisation founded in 1992 under the leadership of historian Dr Ian Adamson. It aims to encourage and promote Ulster Scots and Ulster Gaelic heritage, culture and language through community and education programmes and initiatives. Last night he then attended as Guest of Honour the 95th Anniversary Battle of the Somme Dinner at Belfast City Hall. HRH is the Somme Association President. The Somme Association, a registered charity, was formed in 1990 to co-ordinate research into Ireland's part in the First World War and to ensure that the sacrifices of all those from Ireland who served in the War, and those of their families, would continue to be honoured and remembered. During dinner the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment (TA) provided background music. Following dinner an Entertainment Programme was provided by the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment (TA), followed by a screening of a DVD presentation by the Somme Association and a ballot.

Derry's Bishop Resigns

Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Catholic Bishop of Derry Séamus Hegarty who is standing down for health reasons. Announcing his decision, Dr Hegarty, 71, asked for prayers to guide the selection of the new Bishop of Derry."On a personal level, I would entrust my health to the prayers of the people of the diocese," he said. Until an appointment is made, Pope Benedict has asked that the Diocesan College of Consultors, a group of eight priests who govern the diocese collegially for up to eight days, meet and elect a diocesan administrator. Dr Hegarty submitted his letter of resignation earlier this month. In a statement he said he had received a diagnosis of a condition which was "unfortunately, irreversible and progressive". It meant he was "no longer able to fulfill the role of diocesan bishop".

Homes Going To Auction

The recession-hit housing market is turning to auctions to get property sales moving. Belfast City Auctions has joined forces with CPS estate agents to take on the burgeoning property auction sector. Together on November 29 at 7PM they will have at least 30 properties under the hammer with guide prices starting from as little as £30,000. The biggest bargain making headline news is a four-bedroom north Belfast townhouse, which once sold for £350,000 but has a guide price of £150,000 - the buyer could be saving an amazing £200,000, and possibly more if it doesn't meet that estimation. Another standout lot is three-bedroom Manor in Craigavon, which is going on sale for under £100,000, when once it was valued at £190,000. Commercial lots include a unit currently let as a hairdressing salon off Belfast's Oldpark Road, which has a guide price of £78,000.

(BMcC)