Other News In Brief

State-Of-The-Art Sports Centre Opens In Co Down Village

A new modern sports centre has opened in Saintfield, Co Down, offering locals the chance to utilise first class training facilities.

The £1.4 million Saintfield Community Centre offers a large indoor 3G pitch, complete with four changing rooms, while the main hall, studio and meeting room will host a wide range of activities.

As well as supporting sporting excellence in the region, the centre will become the most energy efficient centre within the district, with the provision of solar PV panels to provide electricity to run electrical equipment and LED lighting. In addition, air source heat pumps run from the PV panels to heat the building and water.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey officially opened the new facility last week.

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday 26 June, Cllr Casey said: "One of the Council's key aims is to provide high quality community facilities and to explore partnership opportunities to ensure sustainability of Community Services. We also aim to build community capacity to empower local people to effect change within their communities.

"This beautiful state-of-the-art building is an excellent example of partnership working between statutory and voluntary groups."

This project was delivered under the Shared Spaces and Services theme which aims to create a more cohesive society through an increased provision of shared spaces and services.

The new centre will be managed by the Saintfield Community Trust through a Facility Management Agreement with the council.

Damian Scarlett, Chairperson of Saintfield Community Trust added: "This is the beginning of a new era for the community of Saintfield. We now have excellent facilities within our doorstep that will be a benefit to all. It was a long and hard road to bring this project to a close and although I speak to you today as the chair of Saintfield Community Trust, we must pay tribute to the volunteers of the Saintfield Development Association who were the driving force for the community at the beginning."

Tyrone Comedian To Bring Sell Out Show To His Hometown

Comedian Ruairi Woods, from Strabane in County Tyrone, is set to return home with his highly anticipated new show for one night only.

After selling out the Limelight in Belfast, Ruairi will perform at The Alley Theatre on Friday 19 July.

Set in the cabaret style auditorium, the performance promises to be a relaxed evening in a comedy club style filled with laughter and plenty of jokes about his home town.

After his appearance on 'The Blame Game' and various sold out theatre shows, Ruairi has gone from strength to strength, further establishing himself amongst Northern Ireland's elite comedians. Having supported many big comedy names such as Colin Geddis, Neil Delamere and Jake O'Kane, he is the main attraction in the new 'Panic Groom' show.

Ruairi's live stand up shows are not to be missed so grab your ticket from The Alley Theatre website now to avoid disappointment. The show will also feature support slots from comedians Dave Elliott and Mark McCarney. Tickets are priced at £10.

Entries Open For The 2019 Lisburn Triathlon & Aquathlon

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched the 2019 City Triathlon and Aquathlon in conjunction with Triathlon Ireland.

The annual sporting event will take place on Sunday 28th July, at 9.15am from Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.

Open to everyone aged 16 and over it is the ultimate test of endurance. Competitors will demonstrate strength and stamina across the following disciplines; a 750m pool swim, 24km cycle and 5km run.

The Aquathlon will enable young people to shine and put their training into practice across a continuous, two-stage race involving a 200m pool swim and 2km run.

Speaking at the launch of the event, the Vice Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor Hazel Legge said: "Following the hype and success of the Lisburn HBC Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run, the Lisburn City Triathlon and Aquathlon is the next big event on the sporting calendar, which we are extremely proud to host.

"The annual event will see some of Northern Ireland's top triathletes be pushed to their limits in what is known as one of the most demanding events in the world of sport. I hold huge admiration for those who literally go the extra mile to ensure that they are in tip top condition to compete and be the best that they can be!

"The Council is passionate about promoting physical activity at all levels and I hope this year’s Triathlon will encourage anyone who is up for a challenge to go online and register at www.triathlonireland.com and give it a go!"

The Lisburn City Triathlon and Aquathlon is perfect for both beginners and experienced athletes alike. The entry fee for the Triathlon is £26.00 and £8.00 to enter the Aquathlon. There will be £750 prize money up for grabs, plus each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

To take up the challenge, please register online. Deadline for entry is Sunday 21st July 2019 at 4.00pm.