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The Ulster International Rally will form a counting round of the 2026 FIA European Historic Rally Championship when the event celebrates its 50th anniversary on 7 and 8 August 2026.
The prestigious inclusion was announced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile in its recently published calendar for the rapidly-growing historic rallying championship. The Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece event in recent years has played host to both the prestigious British and Irish championships, and now Europe awaits in 2026 as the rally will welcome crews taking part in the FIA EHRC Pre-2000 Championship.
The inclusion of the Pre-2000 category, open to cars built between 1993 and 2000, is particularly exciting for rally fans. This era represents one of the most iconic periods in World Championship and Irish rallying history, the dawn of the World Rally Car regulations and the height of fierce manufacturer and driver rivalries. Spectators could see legendary machinery such as the iconic flat-four Subaru Impreza, dominant Toyota Celica GT-Four and cutting edge 1999 Ford Focus WRC taking to the Northern Irish lanes once again. For many enthusiasts, these cars define the sights, sounds and spirit of rallying's modern golden age, making their return to competitive action a thrilling prospect.
Wayne Turkington, Clerk of the Course for the Ulster Rally, said: "We are extremely proud to be joining the 2026 FIA European Historic Rally Championship. This inclusion recognises the rich rallying heritage of Northern Ireland, the challenging terrain and roads as well as the passionate support from the wider community."
He continued: "We are also delighted to confirm our 2026 date. By moving forwards a week we can accommodate the European championship, while still providing similar conditions, as well as the successful two-day format which worked well this year. Planning is well underway for the 50th anniversary next year and we look forward to welcoming many historic rally competitors and fans from across Europe in August 2026."
The Ulster Rally, a fixture of Northern Ireland's sporting calendar, has seen the very best drivers from around the world take to the Northern Irish lanes across the years, with heritage spanning five decades. Now the rally takes its place among other popular European events, with the inclusion on the FIA calendar further underlining its growing stature on the international stage.
Further details on the 2026 event will be released closer to the event. Teams and spectators are encouraged to mark the dates of 7 and 8 August 2026 in their calendars and monitor www.ulsterally.com for further updates.
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As the darker nights draw in Zen Kenpo North East based at Warrenpoint Enterprise Park is dedicating November to empowering the community through self-defence.
If you feel concerned about your safety or that of your loved ones you can join them and discover how to build a practical toolkit for protection whether you enjoy walking, running, socialising, or simply want peace of mind at home.
Their sessions teach you to spot danger before it happens, Escape from grabs, holds, or pins and restrain and strike back effectively.
Developed by experienced door supervisors and combat veterans, their modern combat system is designed for real-world situations.
For more information see www.facebook.com
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Members of the Cúchulainn Gaels senior GAA team are set to step out of their comfort zone next week when they get spray tans as part of a fundraising calendar for the Omeath club.
The squad is looking to raise funds for an extended pitch, walking tracks and new clubrooms, and the lads have agreed to be photographed for a calendar after getting tanned at a new automated booth in the village. They'll be among the first customers at Niamh McCloskey's Radiant Tan, which is launching at the Radiant Beauty salon on Saturday 15 November.
The public is being invited along to watch the GAA players get their tans and see the results at a Sip and See event running from 3pm to 4pm at the salon on Station Road in Omeath. On the day there will be free walk-ins for anyone wanting to try the booth themselves, plus a free raffle to win three tans by downloading the Radiant Tan app.
The automated tanning booth is new to Ireland and the UK and runs 24 hours a day. Owner Niamh McCloskey said she's thrilled to be opening Radiant Tan and delighted the Cúchulainn Gaels players are brave enough to be first through the door. She said: "We can't wait to see them glowing both on and off the pitch. Come celebrate with us!"
Roddy McQuaid, Chairman of Cúchulainn Gaels GAC Club, said the club is happy to back Niamh's new business as part of their fundraising efforts. He's encouraging people to head down to the salon on 15 November for a bit of craic with the senior team.
The event promises to be a bit of fun for the local community, whether you're interested in GAA, spray tanning or just a good laugh.
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The Down Rally will return in 2026 as one of the selected rounds for the UK Asphalt Rally Championship, with organisers confirming a new date of 22 August for the popular motorsport event.
The Rathfriland Motor Club-organised event has been moved from its usual mid-July slot to become the penultimate Round 6 of the championship. The rally is famous for its incredible Northern Ireland closed road stages, including the legendary Hamilton's Folly, and will play a pivotal role in determining the overall and class titles next year.
The 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship is set for a seven-round showdown spanning England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man. The calendar features familiar favourites, some with new dates, new routes and new formats, as well as an exciting brand-new event location to guarantee a fresh and exhilarating challenge for every competitor.
The UK's premier sealed-surface series is once again run and promoted by the BTRDA and retains its inclusive class structure, designed to welcome the greatest variety of cars and drivers of all abilities who want to challenge themselves on some of Britain's best asphalt stages. Protyre Motorsport, the largest UK supplier of Pirelli, Michelin and Hoosier motorsport tyres, proudly continues as the championship's title sponsor for an unprecedented ninth consecutive season.
The championship format sees the best five scores from seven rallies count towards the end-of-season points tally, with no double-header rounds. The 2026 Protyre Asphalt season launches into action on 21/22 February with the East Riding Stages Rally, with the Down Rally taking place on 22 August as the penultimate round of the championship.
2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship
R1 - 21/22 February….East Riding Stages Rally
R2 - 8/9 May….Manx Rally
R3 - 22/23 May….Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally
R4 - 19/20 June….Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally
R5 - 25/26 July….Tour of Epynt
R6 - 22 August….Down Rally
R7 - 19/20 September….Hills Ford Stages
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Newry Olympic Hockey Club has announced MOTIS Ireland Ltd as the new sponsor for their ladies' teams and launched new playing kit at the club grounds on Belfast Road on Saturday 8 November. The partnership was revealed ahead of home matches for both the first and second teams on Saturday afternoon.
Laura Wharton from MOTIS Ireland Ltd, a Newry based international shipping company, said the firm was delighted to partner with Newry Olympic and support the ladies' teams within the club. "Sport is a great outlet for all ages. There's so much to be gained in improving health, fitness and in making new friends," she said. She added that the hockey club has excellent facilities, both playing and social, and offers opportunities for the whole family, young and old, to get involved. MOTIS wished the whole club every success for the season and good luck in particular to the ladies' teams in all their league and cup competitions.
MOTIS Ireland Ltd is one of the most progressive shipping companies in Europe with over 6,000 customers throughout Europe. Its network covers over 500 freight ferry routes throughout Europe and many other services relating to the European transport industry. Founded in 2002 by David McComb, a Newry local, and by Patrick Hutley, the company has grown from its first small office in Hill Street with five employees to its current newly refurbished head office on the Downshire Road and employs over eighty people throughout Europe.
The head office is open 24 hours, seven days a week to take bookings. The company also has a sales office in Stoke on Trent in England and local offices in Prague in Czech Republic, Poznan in Poland, Vilnius in Lithuania and Bucharest in Romania as well as sales representation in Germany, France and the Benelux. MOTIS has also made significant investments within the Port of Dover providing truck parking facilities and logistical services 24 hours a day.
Laura handed the new home and away playing kit over to the club ladies' captain Steph Smart and to the club head coach Francesca Santoro-Ferrer. The playing kit, supplied by another Newry company Playr-Fit, was a huge hit straight away going by the feedback from the players. The whole ladies' senior section was on hand to try out the new outfit, with both the first and second teams having home matches in the afternoon.
Club trustee Willie McCague thanked Laura and MOTIS Ireland for their support. "Everyone within Newry Olympic is really grateful for the backing from MOTIS Ireland. It's particularly pleasing to have a major local company, literally just down the road from our club grounds, come on board and help with the development of the club and support our members," he said. He added that they look forward to developing the partnership over the next two years, with the sponsorship making a huge difference to what the club and the committee can do for their members now and in the future.
Although certainly looking the part in the first outing with their new playing kit, there were mixed results for the Newry Olympic ladies' teams on Saturday. The Olympic Ladies first team continued their great start to the season in Senior League 3 with a well-deserved 2-0 home win over Ballynahinch. The whole team played superb hockey throughout the match with the home defence limiting the Ballynahinch forwards to just a few shots on the Newry goal, while the midfield and forward line created plenty of scoring chances. Goals from Katie McCullough and captain Steph Smart were enough to secure a well-deserved win and all three points for Newry.
The Newry Olympic 2s weren't so lucky in the Ulster Hockey Junior League 11 though losing out to Kilkeel 0-5
An unbeaten run of four matches for the Ladies 2s in Junior League 11 was brought to an abrupt halt by an experienced Kilkeel team in the local derby at the Belfast Road grounds on Saturday. The visitors were too strong for Newry on the day, running out the winners by five goals.
The new partnership with MOTIS Ireland marks an important step for the club's ladies' section and provides valuable support for their campaigns in the Ulster Hockey Senior League.
MENS HOCKEY RESULTS – Saturday 8 November
Ulster Hockey Intermediate League:
Raphoe (7 – 3) Newry Olympic 1s
PHOTO - Goal Scorers: Noah Lutton, Simon McCa\erty, Gareth Mo\ett
Ulster Hockey Junior League 4:
CI Annadale 4s (1 – 2) Newry Olympic 2s
Goal Scorers: Colin Henning, David Andrews
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Newry Olympic Hockey Club's men's section unveiled their new playing kit on Saturday 15 November at the club grounds on the Belfast Road, with long-term sponsor Advance Fasteners Ltd continuing their support for another season.
Hugh Williamson, Managing Director of Advance Fasteners Ltd, was present to hand over the new kit to 1st XI Captain Ryan Simms and Club Chairman Andrew Baird. The new home and away playing kit, supplied by Newry company Playr-Fit, proved a hit with the men's teams, just as it had been with the ladies the week before.
Based on the Old Coach Road in Hillsborough, Advance Fasteners Ltd is a supplier of high-quality nuts and bolts to CE specification. Established in 1981, the company has over 44 years of experience in the industry and provides excellent customer service to the huge number of trade and private individuals they serve every day. Company products include fasteners, hand tools, power tools, a vast range of consumables, fastening supplies, work wear and more.
Hugh said: "Advance Fasteners is delighted to continue our sponsorship of Newry Olympic Men's teams for the new season. My brothers and I have a long association with the hockey club and in hockey in general from our own playing days at Newry High School. It's great to still be involved with the club and be able to contribute to the ongoing development of hockey in the area. We wish all the teams every success for 2025-26."
Club Trustee Willie McCague thanked Hugh and Advance Fasteners for their ongoing support. Willie said: "All the players in the Men's section really appreciate the continued support from Advance Fasteners. It's important to have all the teams well-turned out on the pitch. The sponsorship from Advance Fasteners ensures that Newry Olympic are the best kitted out club at all levels in Ulster Hockey."
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MENS HOCKEY RESULTS
Ulster Hockey Intermediate League on Saturday 15 November
Newry Olympic 3 – NI Civil Service 4
The Men’s 1s tried out their new playing gear in a tough game at home against NI Civil Service. In an exciting match the home side lost out by one goal in seven, as Civil Service took all the points with a 3-4 win.
It was a tough result for Newry, after taking the lead with just six minutes to go. The home side couldn’t hold on as Service scored the winner with the last hit of the game.
Goal Scorers: Ryan Simms, Jeremy Greer, Josh Porter
Ulster Hockey Junior League 4 on Friday 14 November
Newry Olympic 2s 0 – Lisnagarvey 5s 2
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LADIES HOCKEY RESULTS
Ulster Hockey Senior League 3 – Saturday 15 November
Newry Olympic Ladies 1 – Cookstown Ladies 3
Goalscorer – Rhianna Hale
Ulster Hockey Junior League 11 – Saturday 15 November
Newry Olympic Ladies 2s 3 - CI Ladies 6s 0
Goalscorers – Caralyn Ferris, Sarah Irwin, Diane McMinn-Johnston
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Armagh and Down were well represented at Croke Park on 14 November when an amazing twelve clubs from the counties received awards recognising their work towards promoting the Irish language.
The Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha awards were presented to 53 clubs from counties all over the country, with awards also presented to five county boards who took part in a special development strand of the Fondúireacht.
The local Down clubs honoured were Naomh Eoin Bosco CLG/St John Bosco GAC - Bonn Cré-Umha and Cumann Pheadair Naofa GAC Warrenpoint - Bonn Cré-Umha
Other Down clubs that received awards included Baile Mháirtín/Ballymartin - Bonn Cré-Umha, Naomh Pádraig CLG Sabhall/St Patricks GAC Saul - Bonn Cré-Umha, Tulach Lís CLG/Tullylish GAC - Bonn Cré-Umha, Toigh Chonnachta CLG/Teconnaught GAC - Bonn Airgid, Achadh Dearg agus Baile Uí Mhearlaigh CLG/Aghaderg and Ballyvarley GAC - Bonn Airgid, and Droim Ga CLG/Drumgath GAC - Bonn Cré-Umha.
Locally Armagh clubs that received awards Cumann Sheáin Ui Neill, CLG/ Shane O'Neill's – Bonn Airgid and Naomh Pádraig CLG, Coilleach Eanach/ St Patrick's Cullyhanna – Bonn Airgid
Also awarded were Naomh Pól an Lorgain/ St Paul's Lurgan – Bonn Cré-Umha and Cumann Iománaíochta Sheáin Uí Threasaig/ Sean Treacys – Bonn Cré-Umha
Sports presenter Gráinne McElwain, who was bean an tí for the occasion, announced the three clubs that achieved Boinn Óir (gold), the 13 clubs that achieved Boinn Airgid (silver), and the 37 clubs that achieved Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) this year. Three county boards received Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) and two boards received Boinn Airgid (silver).
Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (FSMD) is a partnership scheme between Glór na nGael and the CLG dedicated to increasing the presence and use of Irish in GAA clubs throughout the country. The awards are evidence of the clubs' ongoing efforts to integrate Irish into their activities and to foster its growth among their members and communities.
After the ceremony, Cáit Ní Choirbhín, FSMD Manager, said: "Putting Irish at the heart of club life is a long-term project, and these awards are a recognition of that work. We are seeing more clubs every year planning carefully, using Irish on a daily basis, and bringing people with them. This success would not be possible without the strong partnership between the clubs themselves, Glór na nGael and Croke Park."
Speaking from the stage, Cathaoirleach of the GAA Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Áine Uí Choinn, expressed heartfelt thanks to the people working in the clubs, especially the oifigigh Gaeilge (Irish Officers), saying: "You are the ones doing the really vital work on the ground, encouraging Irish in every activity from the games to the meetings, from social media – and there is fantastic work happening on social media – to the community events you organise."
Jamie Ó Tuama, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge an CLG (GAA Irish Language Development Officer), said the GAA is extremely proud of what the clubs are achieving as they promote the language in a strategic way, adding: "It is truly wonderful to see the clubs here together, celebrating the fruits of their work in nurturing the language through sport."
The event was not just an awards ceremony but the culmination of a year in which the presence and status of Irish were actively promoted in the clubs and the communities where they are based. More information about the criteria, the levels and how to register for the next round is available at www.glornangael.ie/clg.
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Newry AC's U17 boys squad have brought home bronze medals from the Irish National XC Championships at Sport Ireland Campus, finishing third behind Dublin clubs Donore Harrier and Raheny Shamrocks in what proved to be a brutally tough day of racing.
The championships took place on the purpose-built cross country course at Sport Ireland Campus, the same venue that hosted the European Championships a few years back. After a prolonged period of rain, conditions underfoot were horrendous, providing a proper XC race for proper athletes across a course that tests everyone from club runners right through to European elite competitors.
The six-strong Newry squad is made up predominantly of St Colman's College students, with five of the six attending the school. Luc Le Blanc, Aaron Agnew, Ronan Scullion, Caolan Ryan and Oisin Sands were joined by their Abbey CBS teammate Sean Smyth to secure the Irish podium spot in the extremely competitive U17 category.
The team had been edged into second place at the recent Ulster Championships in November, partly due to an incomplete squad after illness impacted the lineup. However, the national bronze medal will no doubt make up for that runner-up spot.
The success continues a long tradition of Irish National Championship medals being won by Newry AC athletes, ensuring the club remains the premier athletics outfit locally. That success is built on foundations put in place by junior athlete coach Chloe O'Hare, with senior coach Kookie O'Hagan continuing to deliver Irish national podiums for the seniors, most recently this year with Gary Crummy securing Senior Irish National 10 Mile Championship silver. Paul LeBlanc is now working with this talented group of young athletes who are only continuing to develop and get stronger.
The tradition and drive for cross country running within St Colman's College was curated by the late Rory Friel, with that passion now transferring across to club athletics with Newry AC. Championship medals are the only currency that hold any true value in successful running, and Luc, Aaron, Ronan, Caolan, Oisin and Sean are now within the select few to hold such honours.
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