All articles tagged with #northern ireland
Michael Patrick, a Northern Ireland–born actor who appeared in Game of Thrones and co-wrote the BBC series My Left Nut, died at 35 after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease in February 2023. His wife Naomi Sheehan announced the death, saying he died in hospice care surrounded by family; his final social post noted a prognosis of about a year to live.
Irish-born actor Michael Patrick, known for his work on Game of Thrones and other TV roles, died at 35 in Northern Ireland after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease in February 2023; his wife Naomi Sheehan announced the news on Instagram, saying he passed peacefully in hospice surrounded by family and praising his inspiring spirit.
Sandro Tonali’s low finish from the edge of the box gives Italy a 1-0 lead over Northern Ireland in their World Cup 2026 playoff after a largely cagey first half that finished 0-0; Italy surged after the restart with chances for Kean andRetegui and a string of saves from NI keeper Pierce Charles, while Donnarumma and the Italian defense resisted late pressure as the match remained tight.
Timothée Chalamet’s comment that people don’t care about ballet or opera drew criticism from opera singers and dancers in Northern Ireland, who insist these art forms are alive, accessible and important. Artists like Petra Wells, Charlotte Fastiggi, and Nicole Meier argue ballet and opera require dedication, continue to attract audiences (including sold-out NI productions), and remain integral to local culture ahead of the Oscars where Chalamet hopes for Best Actor.
Two deaths in Northern Ireland were reported to the MHRA as potential adverse reactions to GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs (Mounjaro and Wegovy), part of more than 500 suspected adverse drug reactions in NI over the last two years. The MHRA cautions that such reports do not prove causation and could involve underlying conditions or coincidences; the fatalities were a man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s, with six pancreatitis cases recorded in 2024–25. Most reports came from healthcare professionals; regulators and drugmakers emphasise ongoing monitoring and safety.
Women harmed by vaginal mesh implants across the UK are pressing the government to set a deadline for a funded, government-backed compensation scheme. Campaigners, including Sling The Mesh, plan to hand a letter to the prime minister at Downing Street urging urgent action on compensation, while in Northern Ireland victims report chronic pain and life-changing consequences. The Hughes Report recommended initial payments and a NI scheme, but the Department of Health says medical-device policy is reserved to Westminster and no timetable has been set for redress.
Two deaths in Northern Ireland were reported to the MHRA as potential adverse reactions to GLP‑1 weight‑loss medicines (one tied to Mounjaro, the other to an unspecified semaglutide product), among 511 suspected reports in NI over the last two years. The MHRA cautions that a reported reaction does not prove causation. The dataset also records six pancreatitis cases and shows heavy reporting from healthcare professionals. GLP‑1s are widely used for weight loss and diabetes; in NI, NHS access is restricted, with private options available for some patients. Safety reporting via the Yellow Card scheme is encouraged.
The first full Moon of spring, the Worm Moon, rose over Northern Ireland this week with sightings in Dundonald and Comber. A Blood Moon eclipse was visible elsewhere but not from the UK, and the piece explains the origins of the Worm Moon name and other monthly Moon names, noting the next full Moon will be the Pink Moon on April 1.
Elaine Gracey has waited since 2022 for a hormonal coil to ease heavy, painful periods, a sign of Northern Ireland’s record-long gynaecology waiting lists. The Department of Health says steps and extra funding are being used to reduce delays and expand capacity, but many women still face years-long waits and some turn to private care. The story also underscores broader menopause care challenges and ongoing efforts to streamline pathways across trusts in NI.
Northern Ireland will become the UK’s first region to implement graduated driver licensing for provisional licences held by 17‑ to 23‑year‑olds, introducing a six‑month wait before testing, 14 required training modules, a longer post‑test ‘R’ plate period, night‑time and passenger restrictions for six months after passing, motorway coaching for learner drivers, and removal of the 45mph limit for restricted drivers. Penalties can reach up to £1,000 or three points. The reform aims to cut deaths and injuries among young drivers, who in 2024 accounted for about 24% of fatal or serious crashes despite holding around 8% of licences.
An InDepth examination of Paul Thompson’s 1994 murder in Belfast frames a decades‑long fight over NCND secrecy, pitting bereaved families and police against the government and MI5 over what can be disclosed about state involvement. The Supreme Court upheld keeping material secret for national security, fueling calls for reform as other cases—such as Stakeknife and investigations linked to the Manchester Arena—highlight ongoing accountability gaps for security agencies.
Jennifer Dummigan’s rapid diagnosis and chemotherapy followed by an oesophagectomy led to a cancer-free prognosis, highlighting how swift access to care can influence outcomes; the case stands in contrast to Northern Ireland’s long cancer waiting times, which Cancer Research UK says threaten patient safety and drive calls for urgent, system-wide fixes as the DoH works to strengthen cancer pathways.
A 60-year-old Portrush farmer, Robert Nevin, woke with chest pain, continued working on his farm for five hours, and then drove himself to hospital where he was treated for a heart attack, received a stent, and later completed cardiac rehab; he has since adjusted his routine (including selling milking cows) to reduce risk and urges others not to ignore warning signs, while stressing the importance of monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.
In Northern Ireland, thousands are being offered free genetic testing for haemochromatosis, a common hereditary disorder linked to Irish and Scottish ancestry, to improve early diagnosis and treatment. The campaign aims to address underdiagnosis and raise awareness about the condition, which can cause serious health issues if untreated.
Aileen Moynagh reports on the introduction of free MMRV vaccines in Northern Ireland from January 2026 to prevent chickenpox, inspired by the severe case of Emily Walls, who nearly died from the illness as a toddler. The vaccine is highly effective and aims to reduce serious complications and hospitalizations, with health professionals emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent life-threatening outcomes.