Cuchulainn Initiative – Ulster GAA

Mayoral reception for the Bangor Boys Cuchulainn GAA team at Bangor Castle.

North Down and Ards Mayor, Gilliam McCollum, will host a reception for the Bangor Cuchulainns Cross community GAA team. The Bangor Cuchulainns are a team of U15 boys from St Columbanus and Bangor Academy Sixth form college that came together through sport to represent their town at the All Britain Championships, in London, in July.

The boys, none of whom had any background in Gaelic Games, prepared for 3 months to learn the skills of the game in a team setting to form friendships that will last a lifetime.

They are the first team from Bangor to participate in Ulster GAA’s flagship cross community initiative and represented their schools, their family and their town with distinction.

 

 

Historical Tour – Slieve Croob Area

Tour of Slieve Croob

Visiting Drumaness, Loughinisland, Castlewellan and Dundrum

Please note that as the tour includes walking around the various sites it will not be suitable for those with mobility issues.  Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

ITINERARY

Wednesday 15th October                

10.00 am         Meet at car park opposite Dan Rice Hall, Drumaness

10.15 am         History of the Mill Town

11.00 am         Explore the 3 churches at Loughinisland

12.00 pm        Development of Castlewellan Town

12.30 pm        Lunch

Stew/wheaten bread, tea/coffee and tray bake

1.30pm            Dundrum Castle and inhabitants

2.45pm            Return to Drumaness for drop off

Numbers are limited and places will be distributed on a first come first serve basis and you should advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking e.g., celiac, vegetarian etc.

Booking can be made by telephoning Tuesday to Friday 07720204472 during office hours or by email ellen.brennan@nmandd.org. As this event is funded by Good Relations participants will be required to complete a feedback questionnaire form following lunch.

Rowallane Communities Leading Change Event

Newry, Mourne & Down District Council Participatory Budgeting Event,

Projects that have passed Stage 1 of the application process will now move to the next stage:

Market Stall voting event in Ballynahinch Community Centre on 9th October 2025 from 6pm-9pm where groups have the opportunity to showcase their  project to the local community.

Here’s how it works:

  • Set up a Stall to showcase the  project .
  • Members of the public will visit your stall, listen to your project idea and get a stamp on their voting sheet.
  • Once all stamps have been collected they will vote for their top 5 favorite projects
  • The projects with the most votes will receive funding, with the aim of funding as many groups as possible

Communities leading change; Mournes voting event

Community and voluntary groups across the district are invited to apply for grants of up to £1000, for projects  to promote health and well being, successful projects will selected by public vote at this market stall event.

Social Housing Flyer Launch Donegall Pass

Collaboration with local groups in South Belfast, Ark, Woven, NIHE and others to produce a social housing flyer. Residents can come along, to learn more on the housing allocation process.

Discover Derriaghy: A Celebration of Culture & Community

Description
A family-friendly cultural celebration co-designed by Derriaghy Community Association and the local Indian church (based at the former Masonic Hall). The event will feature music, dance, food, and activities showcasing both local and Indian traditions. With entertainment, children’s activities, and shared meals, the day will celebrate diversity while strengthening connections between established and new communities.

Delivery/Format

  • Cultural performances: Indian drummers, Highland dancers & Lambeg drummer
  • Shared catering: BBQ, Indian food, tray bakes, tea/coffee & soft drinks
  • Children’s activities: bouncy castles, face painting & petting farm
  • Live music & local DJ entertainment
  • Community stalls & shared conversation spaces

Date & Venue

  • Sunday 2nd November 2025 11am – 6pm
  • Former Masonic Hall, Derriaghy (home of the Indian church)
  • Open community event – no registration required

Our event will create

  • Strengthened relationships between local residents and the Indian church community
  • Increased visibility and integration of the Indian community in Derriaghy life
  • Positive example of grassroots partnership and collaboration
  • Participation of approx. 150–200 people across both communities

Voices That Connect: Women Shaping Peace & Prosperity

Description
A one-day gathering of women from across Lisburn & Castlereagh, exploring women’s leadership, care, and peacebuilding.

Guided by the Pillars for Peace toolkit and rooted in lived experience, the event will include a gentle wellness element to support reflection and balance. A complimentary lunch will create space for meaningful connections and networking.

Date & Venue

  • Monday 13 October 2025, 09:30am – 4:00pm
  • La Mon Hotel & Country Club

Target Audience
Women across Lisburn & Castlereagh

We hope to

  • Celebrate the role of women in building sustainable peace and community connection
  • Strengthen peer networks and collective resilience
  • Recognise the value of informal leadership in nurturing inclusive, prosperous shared spaces