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Missing for 34 years: Patsy O’Sullivan and the secret family no one knew about

It was in April 1992 when Patrick ‘Patsy’ O’Sullivan called into his brother Jerry’s home like it was any other day, but it’s a day that will forever remain etched in Jerry’s memory.  Patrick went missing from his home in Co Kerry that year, and despite extensive searches and emotional appeals, efforts to find him proved fruitless. It would take the O’Sullivan family 34 years to find out the truth.Tessa Fleming is joined by Kerryman journalist Sinead Kelleher and by Jerry O’Sullivan, Patsy’s brother, to discuss his disappearance and how they eventually found out what happened to him.This episode of The BelTel was produced by our sister podcast, The Indo Daily.

'I just spoke from the heart': Content creator and entrepreneur Caroline McKenna on how heartbreak transformed her life

Caroline McKenna is a serial entrepreneur, and an accidental content creator with a highly popular and inspirational podcast of her own. A qualified school teacher, Caroline went viral after sharing her experience with heartbreak after moving to Australia. A series of sliding door moments motivated her to pivot into the business world, to make a difference in both children and adults’ lives.She joined Cathy to talk about how her businesses, including Nurturing Minds Tutoring Services and Co. Down’s Elara Pilates Studio, align with her values around wellbeing, nutrition, and mindset.

Drumcree: Garvaghy Residents’ challenge dismissed, dispute rumbles on despite parade ban

The parading crisis in Portadown seems over on the ground, but it is very much alive in the courts, on the airwaves, and in politics.  The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant stepped in on Friday to ban the Portadown Orange lodge from marching down the Garvaghy Road, now the Orange Order is challenging that decision in the courts. On Monday afternoon, the Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge from Garvaghy residents to the Parades Commission’s decision to allow the parade. In Stormont, First Minister Michelle O’Neill will face a confidence motion after taking part in a protest backing the Garvaghy Road residents, while the TUV demands the DUP take Emma Little-Pengelly out of the Executive. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. 

The St Andrews Agreement 20 years on: Paisley signs up to power-sharing

The St Andrews Agreement was signed 20 years ago on 13 October 2006. Officially. it just amended the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement, but it did bring about some profound changes in Northern Ireland’s politics. It saw the DUP and Ian Paisley signing up to the peace process. Sinn Féin bought into policing, agreeing to work with the PSNI; the DUP agreed to go into government with them. The two parties have dominated Stormont politics ever since.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by political commentator David McCann. 

Bodies of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Jayden and Callum, arrive at the Sacred Heart Church, Waterford

Bodies of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Jayden and Callum, arrive at the Sacred Heart Church, Waterford.

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Mansion house opening never-before-seen cabinets and secret doors

Castle Ward has opened the doors of cabinets and closets to reveal rare trinkets, hidden treasures and historic ceramic sets as part of the National Trust’s inaugural Open Cabinets Month taking place throughout October.

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Book review: Eimear McGovern’s top autumn reads 🍂

Looking for your next autumn read? Eimear McGovern, Assistant News Editor, shares her top book recommendations, including Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel, American Hagwood by Min Jin Lee and Partita by Barbara Kingsolver.Add these titles to your autumn reading list and discover your next great read.

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Spirit of NI Awards: Conor McIlvenny wins Spirit of Sport Award

Conor McIlvenny has been named winner of the Spirit of Sport Award, sponsored by Harvey Norman. The Spirit of Sport Award recognises someone who has used their sporting talents to make a positive contribution to their local community. It has been presented by champion boxer Ryan Burnett and all-round sporting legend Gerry Armstrong, alongside Paul Chapman, general manager, Bedding UK. Getting active and speaking out can save a life. That’s the mantra of Belfast marathon runner and gym coach Conor McIlvenny. For Conor, one marathon wasn’t enough. He took on the gruelling challenge of running seven marathons in as many days, all in the name of mental health. Having overcome his own struggles with depression, Conor was determined to raise money for the charity that had helped to turn his life around. He completed his 183-mile challenge by crossing the finish line of the Belfast City Marathon, having raised an incredible £50,000 for the community mental health charity West Wellbeing. His message for those suffering is simple: “Talk more and move more.”

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