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Six hairdressing students from Southern Regional College's Newry campus have qualified for the regional stage of WorldSkills UK, a record for the campus, being the first time six students from the one campus have progressed to the regional competition in the same year.
The six were shortlisted after successfully completing an initial entry stage assessment, which required entrants to create a fashionable festival-inspired look for long hair. They will now travel to North West Regional College in Derry on 28 May, where they will compete against around 15 of the norths top emerging hairdressing students for a place in the UK national finals.
The Newry campus students competing are Aoife Hanna (19) from Kilkeel, currently working at Shade Hairdressing in Kilkeel; Kayla Larkin (19) from Mullaghbawn, currently working at Thee One Hair Salon in Warrenpoint; Ella McMahon (20) from Bessbrook, currently working at Hair by Tracy Smyth in Whitecross; Niamh Boyle (18) from Warrenpoint, currently working at Michelle Mallon Hair and Beauty in Meigh; Aoife O'Malley (20) from Newtownhamilton, currently working at Studio Quinn Hair on the Old Dublin Road in Newry; and Matthew McMullan (18) from Dromintee, currently working at Haus of Hair in Camlough.
At the regional qualifier, each competitor will complete two live assessments. The first is a ladies' long hair bridal styling challenge, to be completed within one hour and 30 minutes. The second is a cut, colour and styling test lasting three hours. Scores from all stages of the competition will be combined to determine who progresses to the national finals.
Regional winners will be announced on the day, though those who advance to the national finals will not be confirmed until mid-July, after all regional qualifiers have concluded.
SRC lecturer Caroline O'Neill said: "Reaching this stage of the competition is a huge achievement for all students and a real reflection of the time, effort and creativity they put into their work every day. Competitions like WorldSkills UK push students outside their comfort zones and provide them with valuable experience in a professional, high-pressure environment. We're incredibly proud of how far they've come already and excited to see their progress as they represent SRC, their employers and themselves at this upcoming regional competition."
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St Colman's College in Newry has become the joint first school in County Down to be awarded the prestigious Gaelbhratach flag, receiving the honour at a special ceremony in Limerick on 12 May. The college was also the only school in Ulster to attend this year's ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the Irish language in the school and the wider county. Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor also received an award.
The Gaelbhratach flag award recognises the vibrant use of Irish throughout the entire school community over the past academic year, driven by a student-led Gaelbhratach committee made up of pupils from first through to seventh year. The committee was chaired by Seán Devlin, with Fionn McCaul as secretary and Finn Cumiskey as PRO.
Sixth and seventh-year A-Level Irish students played a central role in the initiative, acting as ambassadors for the language among younger pupils and staff. Among the highlights was an outreach programme in which students taught Irish to pupils at two local primary schools, St Patrick's Primary and St Joseph's Primary. Staff from across the school, including secretaries, receptionists, classroom assistants, canteen staff, cleaners and teachers, also took part in a six-week beginner Irish-language programme taught by the students, which culminated in a Christmas outing.
The college's calendar of Irish-language activities included céilís with Sacred Heart Grammar School and Our Lady's Grammar School, quizzes, games, a Bingo Loco event, Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, a presentation to the Irish language committee in Dáil Éireann and a trip to TikTok headquarters in Dublin. The PE department also contributed, with senior students delivering Irish-language football training sessions for junior pupils using Irish as the sole language of communication.
The committee launched an Irish-language TikTok account, GaeilgeCC, posting daily content during the 17 days of Seachtain na Gaeilge which amassed tens of thousands of views and likes.
Students travelled to Limerick on 11 and 12 May for the Gaelbhratach awards celebrations, where they took part in treasure hunts, interviews, workshops and collaborations with TG4, and even stepped in as weather presenters for the day. In addition to the Gaelbhratach flag, the college returned with an Award of Excellence Plaque for its outreach work with local schools and staff. The awards were presented to Principal Mr McCormac McKinney and Vice-Principals Kevin Franklin and Helen Doherty.
The college was also awarded a special prize - Most Inclusive Committee, for particularly outstanding work in ensuring all students were involved in the Gaelbhratach initiative within the school. This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags.
Speaking at the event, a past pupil on the scheme, Máire Ní Churraoin, TV presenter, sean-nós singer and social media influencer said: “Gaeilge is such an important part of my life and identity, and it continues to open doors for me in so many ways. It’s a real privilege to be here today celebrating the passion and energy Down students bring to the language.
“When I was in school, being part of the Gaelbhratach committee was an experience I’ll never forget. It gave us the confidence to take ownership of Irish and to make it part of our everyday lives in a fun and meaningful way. It’s fantastic to see that same spirit alive and growing stronger every year.”
Funding of £500 from scheme funders Gael Linn and Foras na Gaeilge supported the purchase of promotional resources throughout the year. The college also expressed thanks to the local Irish-language community, particularly Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, and to Gaelbhratach officers Dean Sloan and Corey Hanna.
This year's Gaelbhratach motto, "Díograis agus Dúchas," meaning hardwork and heritage, was said to have captured the spirit of the initiative.
Also speaking at the presentation ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said: “We are delighted to return to Mary Immaculate College for the third consecutive year to celebrate the achievements of post-primary schools involved in Gaelbhratach from Down. The continued growth of the programme is a testament to the enthusiasm, hard work and love of the language displayed by students and teachers alike.
“At the heart of Gaelbhratach is the student voice. Through their committees, students lead and shape the scheme within their schools, finding creative and meaningful ways to use Irish in their daily lives. This year’s record number of participating schools, including those from Down, along with the outstanding standard of work recognised through our special awards, shows just how impactful that approach can be.
“It is incredibly encouraging to see Irish being embraced in such a positive and authentic way by young people in Down and across the country. The feedback we receive highlights not only increased confidence in using the language, but also a genuine enjoyment in bringing it into everyday life.”
With these St Colman's College initiatives the future of Irish at the school looks brighter than ever.
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Almost 4000 young people throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down district have taken part in a Building Aspirations Programme, developing skills in confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving. The programme, delivered across 14 post-primary schools, was completed through 50 sessions combining interactive workshops with real-life enterprise experiences.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: "The success of the Building Aspirations Programme demonstrates the power of partnership in shaping brighter futures for our young people. By working alongside Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, Go Succeed and the James Kane Foundation, we are providing meaningful opportunities that build confidence, develop key skills and inspire ambition. The impact across our schools and communities is clear and we are proud to support initiatives that help our young people realise their full potential."
The programme was delivered by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Go Succeed, with support from the James Kane Foundation. Students gained practical skills in preparing for work, managing money and understanding how business works, with many reporting increased confidence and a greater awareness of career options and entrepreneurship.
Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise charity, said: "The support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Go Succeed for the Inspiring Futures project has been vital in providing this support to students and schools in the local area. Young people have a strong interest in starting and running businesses and it is important we equip them with the skills to succeed on this pathway."
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The Higher Level Apprenticeship team at Southern Regional College has been named as a finalist in the Business Excellence Awards, with the results set to be announced at a ceremony in Belfast next month. The Newry-based college's team has been shortlisted in the 'Excellence in Skills & Workforce Capability' category.
The team, which was first established in September 2024 with a single HLA programme, seven apprentices and four employers, has expanded considerably since its inception. At the start of the 2025/26 academic year, the team recorded its largest ever intake, with 272 apprentices enrolled across 20 Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes spanning sectors including Accounting, Science, Business, Computing, Construction, Digital Marketing, Engineering, Fintech, Hospitality and Sport, supporting 209 businesses across the workforce.
A key part of the team's growth has been the development of a purpose-built digital HLA portal, which connects employers directly with HLA applicants. The platform has reduced administrative burdens and improved the experience for both businesses and prospective apprentices by streamlining the recruitment process.
The team has also focused on employer and community engagement through its annual 'Big Apprenticeship Events'. The most recent events, held in February 2026 in Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, attracted almost 2,000 attendees over two nights, with participants engaging with more than 80 employers and support organisations.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see our Higher Level Apprenticeship team recognised as finalists in these prestigious awards. This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation and hard work of staff who continue to drive the programme forward.
"The growth the team have experienced, highlights the real demand for high-quality apprenticeship pathways that directly support industry needs while creating meaningful career opportunities for people across the region.
"We are particularly proud of the strong partnerships we have built with local businesses and the impact our HLA programmes are having in developing the skilled workforce. To be shortlisted in this category is a significant recognition of the College's aim to be at the forefront of providing a positive learning environment and working with local employers to meet the needs of the economy."
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 4 June at Titanic Belfast, where the final results across all categories will be announced.
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Construction has officially begun on the new £14.5 million Newry Innovation Centre, with a sod cutting ceremony marking the start of work on the Southern Regional College project on Patrick Street in the city. The two-storey, 2,223m² building will be built on the former car park of the Newry East Campus, on the site previously occupied by Newry Sports Centre.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Department for the Economy, along with representatives from contractor Felix O'Hare and Co. Limited and design firm McAdam Design.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "I am delighted to see the Newry Innovation Centre project now reach this significant milestone. The College remains committed to building a strong educational future offering inclusive, high quality learning experiences while investing in cutting-edge, modern, and pioneering facilities that align with regional needs and progression pathways. This is an exciting time for Southern Regional College, the city of Newry and the wider region, and I look forward to seeing the project take shape in the months ahead."
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy and designed by McAdam Design, the new facility is expected to open in September 2027. Once complete, it will include purpose-built project-based learning areas, collaborative workspaces and breakout zones, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency.
Newry contractor Felix O'Hare and Co. Limited will deliver the project, with the build expected to generate local employment, including a number of apprenticeship and Higher Level Apprenticeship roles.
Mark Campbell, Managing Director of Felix O'Hare and Company Limited, said: "It's a privilege to be appointed as main contractor for the Newry Innovation Centre. Felix O'Hare is a Newry firm, and a project of this importance, built in our own city, means a great deal to everyone on the team. We'll be recruiting locally right through the build. That includes a number of apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships, giving young people here the chance to train on a major scheme and to build a career without having to leave the area. Skilled trades take years to develop, and projects like this one are how it's done. We're looking forward to delivering a best in class facility that Newry can be proud of."
Mr Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, said: "I am pleased to be in Newry today to celebrate an important milestone for this project, which is being funded by the Department for the Economy. The construction of this new, state of the art campus will contribute to the Department's economic priorities, creating valuable employment and apprenticeship opportunities. I look forward to seeing the project develop into a vibrant educational environment that will inspire many."
The Innovation Centre represents a significant investment in Newry's educational infrastructure, with the project set to deliver modern learning facilities for the city and the wider region for many years to come.
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The choir of the Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry is set to feature in a live BBC Radio Ulster broadcast this Sunday, 31 May, as part of what has been a remarkable year for the school's Music Department. You can tune in at 9am to hear the choir sing during the live broadcast Sunday Mass.
The choir will feature music from Bob Chilcott's 'A Little Jazz Mass', with the school's Traditional Group also taking part on the day. Head of Music Cathal Murphy said the pupils are really looking forward to performing and have displayed a huge amount of commitment and dedication over the last number of weeks.
It has been a busy year for the choir beyond the classroom, with highlights including performing at the Evora Hospice 'Light up a Life' ceremony and taking part in the 'Candlelight Christmas at Clonard' concerts.
The spring season has kept the Music Department particularly active, with a full Feis season followed by the school's annual Spring Concert, held on 21 April at St Clare's Hall. The evening featured performances from the school's Orchestra, Traditional Group, Senior and Junior Choirs, as well as a number of smaller ensembles and soloists, performing to a packed hall. The concert raised just over £2,000 for the mission of the Sisters of St Clare in Central America.
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A charity supporting grocery industry workers is making £1 million available to help families with back-to-school costs, with applications opening next week. GroceryAid's School Essentials Grant offers £150 per school-age child, for up to three children per household, and does not have to be paid back.
Applications open at 9am on Tuesday 2 June 2026 and close at 5pm on Thursday 4 June 2026. To be eligible, applicants must work in the grocery industry and have done so for six months or more. Successful applicants will be selected at random from those who meet the criteria and submit the correct documentation.
The grant is open to workers throughout the grocery sector, including supermarkets, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, convenience stores and independent retailers. It is supported by The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust.
Kieran Hemsworth, Chief Executive of GroceryAid, said: "We know the summer holidays can be stressful. For families who are already juggling childcare and rising household costs, the back-to-school shop is a big expense."
He added: "We hope the School Essentials Grant can help ease some of that pressure for those working in grocery who do so much to keep supermarket shelves stocked and the nation fed, while giving children a confident start to the new school year. This is the helping hand grocery workers have earned."
Previous recipients have described what the grant meant to them. One said: "We have three children at secondary school; the grants mean they can all have good quality footwear for winter, new uniforms, and the summer holiday won't be ruined by us parents watching the pennies." Another added: "The struggles at the moment are very real. To have an amazing bit of extra help that I did not expect, will without a doubt, help immensely."
GroceryAid also offers a range of other financial grants for those struggling due to an unexpected drop in income, a traumatic event or a relationship breakdown. Last year the charity provided more than £4.6 million in financial grants to grocery workers.
Hemsworth said: "Even if you aren't successful with your School Essentials Grant application, you may still be eligible for another financial grant from GroceryAid to provide relief in tough times. It's well worth applying; there's absolutely no cost so there's nothing to lose. Wider support is also available for the family such as family counselling and funded counselling for children and young people, all completely free and confidential."
Families are being urged to prepare documents in advance ahead of the short application window. Full details and applications are available at groceryaid.org.uk
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Seven students from Southern Regional College have been placed in this year's Northern Ireland SkillBuild Regional Competition, held at the college's Greenbank campus in Newry on 19 May 2026. Twenty-three SRC students competed alongside more than 100 construction apprentices from across the north in twelve specialist trade categories.
The competition, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board NI and supported by the Department for the Economy, tests skills, technique and the ability to work within tight timeframes. It also aims to raise the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. Awards were announced by journalist and presenter Sarah Travers.
The twelve trade categories were Brickwork, Furniture and Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire Installation, Painting and Decorating, Security Installation, Joinery, Plastering, Drylining, Plumbing, and Wall and Floor Tiling.
The seven students were:
Wall & Floor Tiling: 1st Alan Holubowicz, Tandragee
Electrical Installation: 2nd Thomas Parks, Portadown
Plumbing: 2nd Jake Elliott, Annaclone
Bricklaying: 3rd Ruairi McAvoy, Banbridge
Electrical Installation: 3rd Jack Sterritt, Markethill
Joinery: 3rd Taylor Crooks, Tandragee
Wall & Floor Tiling: 3rd Kristopher McIlrath, Madden
Students who were placed may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at the SkillBuild UK national final, which takes place from 17 to 19 November 2026 in Milton Keynes.
Gary Mackin, Head of Faculty for Building Technology and Engineering at Southern Regional College, said: "SkillBuild gives students the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment and measure themselves against some of the best apprentices from across Northern Ireland. To have seven SRC students place in their categories is a strong achievement and reflects the hard work, commitment and professionalism they bring to their trade."
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive of CITB NI, said: "Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2026. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to showcase their skills, connect with other like-minded individuals and demonstrate their commitment to building a career in the construction industry."
He added: "Events like this play an important role in encouraging and developing the next generation of talent, which is vital for supporting industry growth and shaping the future workforce. I would like to thank our partners CITB (GB) and SRC for their continued support, the Department for Economy and industry sponsors and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November."
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Pupils from St Paul's High School, Bessbrook got a taste of the construction industry in Newry, trying their hand at bricklaying, wiring and joinery. The event was organised by Women's Tec in partnership with the Housing Executive, to help young people, particularly girls, explore trades they may not have previously considered.
Key stage 4 students from the school's specialist provision department visited Women's Tec at its Newry centre where they learned how to build a wall, wire a socket and use a saw under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Women's Tec Programme Manager Claire King said the sessions offer students a chance to try something new. "Days like this offer a safe space for young people to have a go at activities they might never have tried before, discover what they enjoy, and build skills and confidence."
She added that encouraging girls into construction was a particular focus. "It's especially important for girls to try these activities as they are very underrepresented in construction. By partnering with the Housing Executive, we can connect students to a range of career and apprenticeship options to consider once they finish school."
The Housing Executive, which manages 83,000 homes supported the initiative as part of its equality and inclusion work. Tara Kelly, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Manager at the Housing Executive, said it was encouraging to see the reaction from students. "It was great to see the students' enthusiasm, and we hope this day will create lasting memories, break boundaries and help inform pupils' future choices."
Teacher Jon Brown from St Paul's Bessbrook said the day had made an impression on the class. "Thanks to Women's Tec and the Housing Executive for a brilliant day. Pupils loved getting involved with the practical activities and learnt valuable skills about different tools and trades. We've now got a few aspiring builders and joiners!"
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