National Ploughing Championships To Begin

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill today wished those exhibitors and competitors taking part in the National Ploughing Championships every success.

The Championships, which are taking place during 24-26 September at Ratheniska Stradbally, Co Laois, are in their 82nd year and are the biggest event in the Irish farming calendar and the largest outdoor agricultural event in Europe. DARD will be supporting 12 local exhibitors at the event, helping them to promote their products and develop new marketing opportunities.

The Minister said: "The National Ploughing Championships annually attract over 180,000 visitors and provides an excellent opportunity to show the all-island partnership that continues within our agricultural sector.

"I am pleased that this year 85 exhibitors from the north will be showcasing the diverse range of products, with the aim of securing new market opportunities."

Householders Urged To Follow A Winter Checklist

SDLP Derry City Councillor Angela Dobbins has urged householders across the city to check and service where needed, smoke and fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and have chimneys cleaned and oil/gas burners serviced by professionals.

Ms Dobbins said: "I strongly urge everyone to look at their households and follow guidelines for keeping it as safe as possible. In particular smoke and fire alarms should be checked as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Chimneys should also be professionally cleaned.

"Given that we are at the beginning of the academic year I would also urge student landlords to follow regulations when it comes to checking heating appliances and oil/gas burners."

Overend Welcomes Appointment Of Rev Patricia Storey

Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the appointment of Rev Patricia Storey as Bishop of Meath and Kildare and particularly as the first female bishop in the Church of Ireland, saying that the appointment signals a progressive move by the Church and a forward step for women leaders.

She said: "I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Rev Pat Storey on her appointment as Bishop of Meath and Kildare, particularly since she is the first Church of Ireland female bishop. As a member for the Church of Ireland myself, I warmly welcome her into her new role. This is a progressive step by the Church and one which is deserved entirely on the merits of Rev Storey's previous works."

(CD/JP)