Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Announce St Patrick's Celebrations

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced their programme of St Patrick's celebrations, under the theme of 'Our Shared Saint'.

The council has invited people to join them at Theatre at The Mill on Thursday 16 March from 7.45pm for a joyous evening of music, dance and verse. This production is a cultural celebration with inspiration taken from the life of Ulster's Scottish Saint, St. Patrick.

Culture vultures aged 10 and up will enjoy acts such as Irish Trad group 'The Muddlers Club' perform alongside Willie Drennan's Ulster Folk Band. 'Our Shared Saint', hosted by BBC's Noel Thompson, will also feature soloists from Northern Ireland Opera, Ulster Scots pipers and Irish dancers from The Kathy O'Connor School of Dance.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross commented: "This is a fantastic opportunity to come together with family and friends and learn more about the life and legacy of our patron saint. With this talented local line-up I have no doubt that those attending will be in for an entertaining evening."

The performance will last approximately two hours. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased for £19.50 each at www.theatreatthemill.com.

SDLP: Further Education Cuts 'Would Be Devastating'

Potential cuts to further and higher education would be devastating, SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has said.

She was speaking following reports that the sectors could face cuts of up to 20% under modelling undertaken by the Department for the Economy.

Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin said: "The potentially devastating cuts proposed by this Department for the Economy modelling are cause for grave concern and will cause huge anxiety for the students who are paying extortionate amounts of money to give themselves a chance in today’s job market, as well as for the staff who have been forced to recently strike for fair pay and pension justice.

"We must stand up for our further and higher education sectors and the contribution they make to Northern Ireland’s economy and society. Far from imposing cuts, these sectors require investment if we are going to expand student numbers, especially in places like Derry where we are crying out for a properly resourced university.

"At a time when thousands of our young people leave our shores every year, cuts will do nothing to reverse this trend and will instead push more young people away to English universities, depriving Northern Ireland of their skills and contributions.

"It is totally inappropriate for these cuts to be imposed from London in the absence of a functioning Assembly here. Our higher and further education sector cannot be another casualty of the Tory austerity that has caused so much harm."

Man Arrested In Connection With Limavady Fire

A man has been arrested in connection with a fire at Rathbreg Crescent in Limavady, Co L'Derry.

According to reports, a fire that began in a shed spread to two nearby houses. There were no reports of any injuries but it is understood that significant damage was caused to the properties.

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information on the incident which began at around 8.25am on Sunday 05 March.