All five were the very best in the world at what they did. They all transcended their individual sport and became iconic figures way beyond the boundaries of their own field of excellence

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The countdown is over and the very best of the best make the top five Northern Ireland sport stars of all-time.

All have solid claims to be number one but, as ever, there can only be one.

All five were the very best in the world at what they did. They all transcended their individual sport and became iconic figures way beyond the boundaries of their own field of excellence.

Some have airports named after them, others may do in future.

But it’s fitting that on the final day, our number one sport star is on top of the leaderboard as he defends the title he won in such memorable circumstances 12 months ago.

Rory McIlroy is our number one choice – an iconic player who is admired the world over by fans, rivals and other sporting stars. He was a star from a young age and has managed to stay right at the very top of a global sport to this day and beyond.

On day one, we had international hockey star Katie Mullan, gymnast trailblazer Rhys McClenaghan, rugby legend Mike Gibson, GAA colossus Kieran McGeeney and Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Dan Wiffen.

At number 20, on day two, was soccer legend Pat Jennings. Former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody was in 19th, while Norman Whiteside, ex of Manchester United was in 18th. Three-time All-Ireland winner hero Sean Cavanagh was next in 17th, with boxing legend Wayne McCullough in 16th.

At number 15 was Paralympic legend Bethany Firth. Down GAA hero of the 1960s Sean O’Neill was 14th, while Ireland and Lions rugby icon Willie John McBride was 13th.

At number 12 was Belfast two-weight world boxing champion Carl Frampton and at number 12 was six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea.

In the top 10, Olympic champion Mary Peters came first, with Northern Ireland and Tottenham football legend Danny Blanchflower in second.

Tyrone GAA hero Peter Canavan was eighth. Ireland rugby grand slam skipper Jack Kyle was in seventh with motorsport icon Joey Dunlop in sixth.

This is the top five in Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sport stars..

5. JIMMY McLARNIN

Born in Hillsborough, his family briefly moved to Inchicore in Dublin and then to Canada.

Made his pro debut on his 16th birthday and became a two-time Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.

The BoxRec website ranks McLarnin as the second greatest pound for pound fighter of all time, only behind Sugar Ray Robinson.

In mid May of 1928 he was outpointed by Sammy Mandell in a lightweight title challenge; he was six months shy of 21, which makes him Ireland’s youngest ever world title challenger to this day.

Five years and one week after that, he challenged welterweight champion Young Corbett III at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles – and floored Corbett three times en route to stopping him in just 157 seconds.

Six weeks before he turned 29, he beat reigning lightweight champion Lou Ambers in a non-title bout in a full Madison Square Garden and then promptly announced his retirement with a record of 55-11 and three draws.

During his career he fought 23 times against former, current or future world title holders and beat all but one of them, former welterweight and future middleweight champion Lou Brouillard.

4. ALEX HIGGINS

Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins is remembered as a chaotic genius who revolutionised snooker into a high-speed, popular TV sport, earning him the title ‘The People’s Champion’.

The Sandy Row man’s legacy is defined by winning two World Championships (1972, 1982) and his charismatic, aggressive, and unpredictable style inspired generations.

Higgins won the Masters title in 1978 and 1981 and the UK Championship in 1983, where he recovered from 0‍–‍7 behind to defeat Steve Davis 16‍–‍15 in the final.

Despite his volatile behavior, he was immensely popular, admired for his raw talent and attacking, “death or glory” approach to playing.

His career was marked by controversies, including fights with fellow pros like fellow Northern Ireland snooker star Dennis Taylor, disciplinary issues, and public struggles with alcohol. Higgins passed away in 2010 at age 61 after a long battle with throat cancer.

3. AP McCOY

Moneyglass man Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy is recognised as the greatest jump jockey in history, achieving an unmatched 4,358 career wins and securing 20 consecutive Champion Jockey titles (1995–2015).

After a long wait, he won the 2010 Grand National on Don’t Push It, the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup, three Champion Hurdles.

He is the only sportsman of his kind to have been awarded ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’ (2010), the ‘BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award’ (2015) & ‘BT’s Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award’ (2015).

McCoy also set a record for the highest number of wins in a season (289), surpassing Sir Gordon Richards’ record. He retired in 2015 after a final victory at Newbury.

McCoy was appointed Knight Bachelor in 2016 for services to horse racing and continues to work as a respected TV pundit.

2. GEORGE BEST

He was truly the best, but sadly he could have been so much better.

Few could move with a football at their feet like the brilliant Belfast man. He made even the heaviest and muddiest pitch look like an ice-rink, as he glided around opponents as if they weren’t there.

He scored 181 goals for Manchester United, and nine in 37 caps for Northern Ireland, and won two First Division titles and a European Cup during his time at Old Trafford.

Best was named the European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or) in 1968 at the age of 22, becoming the first and only Northern Irish player to win the prestigious award. That came after a stellar season where he helped United secure their first European Cup, scoring in the 4-1 final win against Benfica.

It’s such a shame that off-field temptations led to his career spiralling downwards by his late-20s, but he had done enough by then to convince the world that he belonged among the pantheon of greats.

1. RORY McILROY

Holywood man Rory McIlroy has been one of golf’s defining stars of the modern era.

He is a five-time major champion, including a Masters win in 2025 that completed the career Grand Slam. McIlroy is one of only six golfers in history to achieve that feat, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. McIlroy is the first European Grand Slam winner.

He also has 29 PGA Tour victories. Add in a stack of season-long trophies – seven Race to Dubai titles and three FedExCup titles – and you get a measure of his success and longevity in a truly global sport.

The 36-year-old has played for Europe at the Ryder Cup in every edition from 2010 to 2025, with Europe winning six of those

McIlroy is among a rare group of global athletes whose presence transcends their sport, making him a global ambassador for golf. He has also spent 122 weeks as the No. 1 player in the world.

He puts his green jacket on the line at The Masters this week and shared the lead after round one.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump’s seemingly out-of-the-blue statement Thursday denying affiliation with disgraced sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein left people still wondering Friday what prompted the public declaration at a time when the case had receded from the spotlight.

Reading prepared remarks at the White House on Thursday, Melania Trump said she and her attorneys were fighting back against “unfound and baseless lies” in regards to her connections to the late financier, a convicted sex offender who leveraged connections to the rich, powerful and famous to recruit his victims and cover up his crimes.

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”

The first lady didn’t take questions from the press after her statement, leaving many with questions:

The message came as her husband, President Donald Trump, and his administration had finally seemed to move past more than a year of controversy surrounding Epstein, especially as the Iran war had become all-consuming in Washington.

The first lady’s comments almost assuredly will serve to push the story back into the political spotlight even as the president urged the public and media to move on from the case.

Who was Melania Trump responding to?

Melania Trump seemingly referenced a brief email from 2002 with the sender and recipient blacked out. It begins, “Dear G!” and ends “Love, Melania,” and compliments the recipient on a magazine article about “JE.”

“I know you are very busy flying all over the world,” it says. “How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY.”

That email was sent the same month that a New York Magazine article was published about Epstein in which Trump called him a “terrific guy.”

Melania Trump said Thursday that she was not friends with Epstein or his confidant and onetime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, but was in overlapping social circles in New York and Florida. She described an email reply she sent to Maxwell as “casual correspondence” without elaborating.

“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she said.

Among other documents released was an image from Epstein’s home showing a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Maxwell.

Melania Trump noted Thursday that several individuals and organizations have had to apologize for their “lies about me.” Of the examples she cited, the most recent was in October. In that case, book publisher HarperCollins UK apologized to the first lady and retracted passages from a book suggesting Epstein played a role in introducing her and Donald Trump.

What did President Trump say about his wife’s comments?

MS NOW reporter Jacqueline Alemany said on social media Thursday that President Trump told her he ⁠did not “know anything about” Melania Trump’s statement about ⁠Epstein.

The White House press office did not respond to requests for comment.

Nick Clemens, a spokesperson for the first lady, said the West Wing was aware beforehand that she was making a statement. But he deferred to the West Wing on whether the content of what Melania Trump planned to say was known.

In recent weeks President Trump’s public appearances have largely centered around the war in Iran.

What is the status of the release of the Epstein files?

The first lady brought Epstein back to the forefront months after federal authorities released millions of pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the law enacted after months of public and political pressure. It requires the government to open its files on the late financier and Maxwell.

Lawmakers initially complained when the Justice Department made only a limited release, but officials said more time was needed to review additional documents that were discovered and to ensure no sensitive information about victims was released.

Did anyone get punished after the files were made public?

Several key leaders in Europe have been punished for their affiliation with Epstein but there have been no comparable prosecutions in the U.S.

Most notably, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — Britain’s former Prince Andrew — was arrested in February following the most recent trove of files that were released. Mountbatten-Windsor’s name frequently appeared in the files, depicting a close relationship with Epstein.

But his arrest didn’t have anything to do with sexual impropriety. Instead, he was arrested for allegedly sharing confidential trade information with Epstein.

Melania Trump called on Congress to hold a public hearing centered on survivors of Epstein’s crimes, with a chance to testify before lawmakers and have their stories entered into the congressional record.

“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”

Everyone wants a happy-ever-after (by their definition) in love, and when things don’t turn out that way it’s an easy, but not helpful, habit to look outside the relationship for blame or influence.

Actually, in many cases, it’s our own patterns, fears, and blind spots quietly running the show. And that’s good news because that means the secrets to success lie within your own remit.

Astrology offers a revealing lens into these habits. Each zodiac sign has strengths in relationships, but also a signature way of self-sabotaging love — usually without realising it.

Here’s how each star sign tends to get in their own way.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

How Aries self-sabotages in love: Impatience

Burning passion often has a shelf life, and you’ve got the intensity but not always the longevity when it comes to love affairts. Your self-sabotage is impatience. You want passion now, resolution now, certainty now.

Slow down, let things unfold at their own pace, and accept what comes. You might be surprised that slower-building love can reach deeper and last longer.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

How Taurus self-sabotages in love: The Taurean love of certainty and stability can create a side-effect fear of change which can keep you stuck in situations long past their sell-by date.

Even when you know things aren’t right, you don’t let go. And this can waste months, even years, of life! Love takes work and isn’t all sunshine and flowers, but it shouldn’t feel like an endurance test either.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

How Gemini self-sabotages in love: The overthinking! Your mind can be heaven or hell, a best friend or a worst enemy… and in relationships there’s always doubts, strange moments, whispers and crossed wires which provides more than enough fodder for analysis and projection and assumption.

Don’t jump to conclusions, always get the facts, or validate your hypothesis, before you decide how someone feels about you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

How Cancer self-sabotages in love: Your fear of rejection can make you retreat or test people emotionally. You self-sabotage by expecting others to ‘just know’ how you feel.

Then, when they inevitably fail these tests, you can sulk or withdraw and will not offer any reason why, because you fear they’ll be scared off by knowing how intensely you ‘monitor’ them. Open up, talk about it, ask for what you need.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

How Leo self-sabotages in love: Everyone loves Leo — but your need to feel valued can tip into seeking constant validation and tying your worth to how much attention or affection you receive.

Your partner isn’t a bottomless well of compliments and passion for you alone and (long term) things won’t feel like a movie romance, or an effortless passion fest centred on you. Self respect and love are your route out of this.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

How Virgo self-sabotages in love: You are naturally a helpful person who wants to ‘fix’ whatever is visibly wrong in your own and your loved ones’ lives. Your self-sabotage is perfectionism. This urge to repair, upgrade and improve can exhaust other folk, make them feel they’re not up to scratch, inject a mood of stress and tension and judgment into what should just be an easygoing, fun time.

It’s hard for you to drop your standards but, sometimes, love just needs to be accepted as it is. You can’t force or make other folk something that they’re just not.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

How Libra self-sabotages in love: You’re effortlessly charming and diplomatic but this can slip into a desire to keep the peace that can lead you to avoiding all conflict or suppressing your true feelings. Ultimately it always backfires because resentment builds when you’re always accommodating others, and then you explode.

Face into small battles sooner and fight them well, start out on firm and fair footing, nip things in the bud.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

How Scorpio self-sabotages in love: Love is a deep and intense emotion when you’re truly attracted and magnetised to someone — but your fear of betrayal can make you guarded or controlling. Sometimes this leads to you testing loyalty by laying traps, or holding emotional power with silence or distance.

Real intimacy requires vulnerability, not surveillance, so you must force yourself to trust someone until the point they truly give you reason not to. Start out open-hearted, not on guard.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

How Sagittarius self-sabotages in love: Avoidant behaviour is a common trait of Sagittarian folk because you crave freedom and adventure. Keeping things as light and casual as possible feeds your need for independence, because you think you should always be able to see the exit sign… but true love asks you to stay, not go.

You must resist this urge to bolt when things start to get serious — it only means you have to start all over again, anyway. Stay and see what happens!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

How Capricorn self-sabotages in love: Stoicism, ambition and strength are such deeply attractive traits in you, but they do have a flip-side. You self-sabotage by closing off your feelings when you feel unsure or emotional.

Love isn’t something to manage like a project — it needs presence, vulnerability, and the courage to ride the waves with someone, never guaranteeing how it’ll all turn out. Love is an adventure not a job.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

How Aquarius self-sabotages in love: Aloof and detached are words that get used to describe Aquarians many times. You are warm, friendly and outgoing but, in love, your colder side can emerge, maybe to protect your free spirit from being trapped, maybe to ensure you’re getting the space to express yourself fully.

You can step back and observe rather than experience things too, which also looks like detachment to others. Let yourself feel, not just analyse.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

How Pisces self-sabotages in love: Those in love can wear rose-tinted glasses about their partner, and this is definitely true for Pisces. Your self-sabotage is escapism. You see potential instead of reality. This can lead you to believing whatever you’re told, vs shown, if it upholds the daydream and vision of love you’ve bought into.

Come down to Earth, see folk for what they are, take actions over and above words. You’re too good to be treated poorly!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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Lynette Hooker bounced around the deck of the docked Soul Mate, smiled into the camera and proclaimed: “We’re finally leaving Kemah,” referring to a Texas port town.

“It’s only been four months,” she said as her husband, Brian, tugged on some rigging as they got ready to set sail.

The “Gulf Crossing” video more than three years ago marked the start of a sailing adventure — chronicled on Facebook — for a couple who are now at the center of criminal investigations after Lynette went missing in the Bahamas.

A few days after Lynette disappeared, police in the Atlantic Ocean island nation arrested Brian. He denies causing his wife’s death and has been cooperating with law enforcement, his attorney, Terrel Butler, said.

On Friday, Brian’s attorney reiterated his innocence and said his wife has not been found. She said police had just finished an intensive 4-hour interview with him in which she described him as continuously asking about his wife.

“He was a bit puzzled because he was uncertain as to why they were questioning him about causing harm or possible murder when they had not given him any information in terms of where she is, if they had recovered her,” she said.

Brian Hooker had told police that his wife of more than 20 years fell overboard Saturday night from a small motorboat that was carrying the couple from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, small islands on the eastern end of the Bahamas. He said Lynette, 55, had the keys and the boat’s engine shut off.

“Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her,” police said in a statement Saturday.

He paddled to shore and alerted others early Sunday, said authorities, who arrested and questioned him Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an investigation separate from the one by Bahamas authorities.

Karli Aylesworth, Lynette’s daughter, has said it’s unlikely her mother would “just fall” from a boat.

And while the couple is seen smiling, laughing and joking in social media videos of their voyage, they have a history of contention.

Brian and Lynette Hooker accused each other of assault in 2015, according to a Kentwood, Michigan, police report obtained by NBC News.

Brian Hooker, who was intoxicated and bleeding from the nose, told police his wife had struck him multiple times in the face, the report said. He told officers Lynette also was drunk. She was arrested for assault and spent the night in jail. A warrant was denied because it wasn’t clear “who started the assault.”

Aylesworth also told NBC that the couple’s relationship was volatile and that they have a “history of not getting along, especially when they drink.”

The pair were seen clashing on the Ant and Dec programme over Gemma pulling out of a musical tour

I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Sinitta has slammed ITV as she claimed that her argument with Gemma Collins on the ITV programme was ‘edited’.

Fans of the series sent their support online to TOWIE’s Gemma after she was seen getting into an argument with Sinitta on Thursday night (April 9). After the main camp were reunited with those in Savannah Scrub, Gemma was quizzed by Sinitta about being cast in a production of Chicago back in 2022.

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Gemma pulled out of the tour with a knee injury before the tour began after she was cast in the role of Mama Morton, which Sinitta previously played. “But what happened with Chicago? You were supposed to follow me as Mama Morton,” Sinitta asked.

To which Gemma replied: “I had a terrible injury… it was something to do with the insurance.” Sinitta continued: “I’m sorry, but I’m going to admit it, when I heard you were going to do it, I thought it was a joke announcement. I think you’d just presented something at an awards show and fell off the stage. It was like you were more of a comedian.”

Gemma then stated: “Not a joke, Sinitta, I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. Did all the training and everything. Had the voice coach.” Comparing Gemma to Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sinitta went on to say: “Very camp, very glamorous.

“But I thought you were that girl. Like, you don’t really do anything, you make a great entrance, and you make everybody laugh. But, I didn’t know you could actually sing, dance and all of that, and all that jazz.”

Insisting that you don’t get ‘cast as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition’, Gemma soon went for a lie down to avoid further conflict. Speaking in the Bush Telegraph, she reiterated that she’s not a joke.

Following the moment dominating I’m A Celebrity chatter on X, previously known as Twitter, Sinitta took to social media to have her say on the incident.

“Goodness! I know none of you have ever heard of me before because you are young, if you did you would know I’m a very kind person who would never be horrible to Gemma Collins or anyone else.

“We actually bonded over discussing Chicago, I didn’t call her a joke, I said I thought the announcement was a joke at the time as I had not been aware that she sang and danced etc. There was lots of gossip about it in Theatreland when she didn’t do the show. Me and Brenda Edwards had to step in and play the role again,” she said.

According to Sinitta, ITV had ‘edited out’ parts of their conversation. Saying that she and Gemma ‘had nothing in common apart from Chicago’, Sinitta said ITV edited out them ‘speaking amicably about the director’.

Calling out the criticism she’s received, Sinitta concluded, saying: “You are all being genuinely nasty here, because you love her, I get it. But I gave her a chance to tell her side from the horses mouth! Think about it…. That is not rude, it’s called conversations. Why do people fear open conversations ?

“Maybe I’m too old school, but then I AM OLD and been working since the 80’s, I had a successful TV, theatre and film career before I even met Simon Cowell…

“I also apologised at the time of admitting it to you. People thought it was a joke when I was first announced too due to my tiny size and usually Pop vocals. I’m sad you were upset , prove everyone wrong, it feels good! Btw I love Zsa Zsa Gabor, that was a compliment.”

Cholesterol is essential for good health, but too much can lead to serious health issues including heart attack or stroke

Cholesterol in our blood is essential for good health, but an excess can lead to serious and potentially fatal health issues. NHS data shows that approximately 59% of the population have high cholesterol levels, which increases their risk of heart disease or strokes.

According to the NHS, certain groups face higher risk, including those over 50, men, women who have experienced the menopause or individuals of South Asian or sub-Saharan African heritage. It can also be hereditary.

It can additionally be triggered by eating fatty foods, insufficient exercise, being overweight, smoking and alcohol consumption. However, there are straightforward guidelines to follow and simple switches can help reduce the risk of developing the condition while also working to decrease levels in those already affected, reports the Express.

The NHS advises: “Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke. High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.”

What is high cholesterol

Cholesterol is measured by a blood test. This can measure:

• total cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood
• good cholesterol (called HDL) – this may make you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke
• non-HDL cholesterol – the difference between total cholesterol and HDL

These will be examined together with factors such as age, blood pressure and other health conditions to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease. What is a good level is dependent on things like your age, any health conditions you have and your risk of cardiovascular disease. These levels are a guide for healthy adults.

People who have been ill, are taking some medication, or have recently had a baby, might have different levels. It generally does not matter whether you have eaten before your test or not. The figures show what is a healthy level in each category.

• Total cholesterol: Below 5mmol/L
• HDL (good cholesterol): Above 1.0mmol/L for men or above 1.2mmol/L for women
• Non-HDL (bad cholesterol): Below 4mmol/L

Ways to lower cholesterol

Eat less fatty food

To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains saturated fat. You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat. Check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.

Try to eat more:

• oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
• olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils

• brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta
• nuts and seeds
• fruits and vegetables

Try to eat less:

• meat pies, sausages and fatty meat
• butter, lard and ghee
• cream and cheese
• cakes and biscuits
• food that contains coconut oil or palm oil

Exercise more

Aim to do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. Some good things to try when starting out include:

• walking – try to walk fast enough so your heart starts beating faster
• swimming
• cycling

Try a few different exercises to find something you like doing. You’re more likely to keep doing it if you enjoy it.

Stop smoking

Smoking can raise your cholesterol and make you more likely to have serious problems like heart attacks, strokes and cancer. If you want to stop smoking, you can get help and support from:

Cut down on alcohol

Try to:

• avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis
• spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
• have several drink-free days each week

The NHS adds: “Ask your GP for help and advice if you’re struggling to cut down.”

McIlroy sounded without fear about the prospect. “I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point. I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas,” he said. “Don’t protect it. Go out and play freely, keep swinging. A big part of the lesson from the 2011 Masters to the 2011 US Open was: don’t get protective. Go out there and keep playing, keep trying to make birdies, stay as trusting and as committed as possible.”

McIlroy knows his pursuers well. In fact, he knows Patrick Reed only too well. The divisive American saw off McIlroy in the last pairing in 2018 to don his Green Jacket. And then, three years ago, McIlroy took a little revenge over Reed at the Dubai Desert Classic in an almighty ding dong that involved the American throwing a tee at the Northern Irishman and a feud developing through the media.

It could still be delicious and following his 69, Reed agreed. “It’s one of those golf courses that if you go out and you post a low number, you just never know,” he said. “That’s the thing about this course, when it starts playing this firm and fast. just have to wait and see what the weekend entails. At the same time I love the position I put myself in. Hopefully I can go out and have a good day tomorrow and have a good shot going into Sunday.”

One shot back of second is McIlroy’s Ryder Cup partner Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman conjured two eagles in his 68 and with only two blemishes on his card – on the first and last – he will be relishing the challenge of going two better here than two years ago and one better than his two runner-up finishes in the majors.

The tree marks the 400th anniversary of Lisburn, but its plaque and mount dedicated to the former Duke of York was removed due to his links with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

A Lagan Valley suggestion box on the future of a controversial Irish Yew tree planted by ‘Prince Andrew’ closes today amid public views to chop it down for a bonfire or dedicate it to a victim.

The tree marks the 400th anniversary of Lisburn, but its plaque and mount dedicated to the former Duke of York was removed due to his links with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council elected members have been given a month to express their views on the future plans for the tree and any potential new plaque on site at Lagan Valley Island civic centre.

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Only one suggestion has been made public from an email sent by Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney to all elected members saying he felt the plaque should remain “to not re-write that historical record”. He has since “clarified his position” and “believes the plaque should be permanently removed”.

This week, a party spokesperson said: “The SDLP believes the plaque should be permanently removed.

“The SDLP has been clear from the outset of the Epstein scandal that tributes to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor are inappropriate, and we were among the first to call for their removal.

“Our thoughts are with all the victims of Epstein and those associated with him.”

The plaque in question was inscribed ‘planted by HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York’ in 2009 ‘to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Lisburn’.

Some social media suggestions from the public have called for the tree to remain with the plaque kept removed.

However, other public suggestions have called to “chop down” the tree or to be “thrown on a bonfire” whilst another says to name the tree after a “victim”.

An Alliance spokesperson said: “As we made clear in the consultation process, it would be our collective position that a new plaque should be installed at the tree reflecting the great significance of Lisburn’s 400th anniversary, but that makes no reference to who planted it.”

‘Prince Andrew’ recently gave up titles including the Duke of York due to continued accusations linking him to the late Jeffrey Epstein.

King Charles III, later stripped the now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of the rest of his remaining titles.

Virginia Giuffre, the woman who alleged that Prince Andrew had sex with her at Ghislaine Maxwell’s house when she was 17, has since died by suicide earlier in 2025. The former Prince has continued to deny all sexual abuse allegations.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service also contacted the DUP, Sinn Fein and UUP for comment.

A council letter from CEO David Burns had been sent to all councillors in March seeking any suggestions “to recognise the significance of the Yew tree by the 10th April”.

A spokesperson from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said: “The council can confirm that all suggestions received regarding the future of the Irish Yew Tree, associated plaque and mount will be considered, and any decisions or reports on the matter will be provided to councillors in due course.”

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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) posted to social media on Wednesday (April 8), asking the public for information about what was believed to be a potential kidnapping.

They said the incident had taken place at 4.30pm on Monday (April 6) on Manchester Road in Bolton when a man was approached by a car.

Officers said the occupant engaged with the man in conversation before it was suspected he was forced to “get into the car against his will” and the car then drove towards the town centre.

The incident took place on Monday on Manchester Road (Image: Google Maps)

They said that after “initial enquiries” they believed the man “may have been a victim of a crime” and were keen to speak to him to find out what happened.

Today (April 10), GMP announced they are now “satisfied” the incident was not a kidnapping and thanked the public for their help.

In a Facebook post, they said: “Following an appeal regarding a suspected kidnapping in central Bolton on Monday, we’re now satisfied that no kidnapping occurred.

“We’d like to thank the public for their help.”

An 18-year-old man was remanded in custody to appear in court at 9.15am today (Friday, April 10).

It came after North Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a disturbance in Victoria Court, Scarborough, at approximately 11.50am on Thursday (April 9).

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A force spokesperson said: “On arrival, officers found the victim who had sustained several injuries.

“During initial enquiries, the suspect was spotted by officers in the West Square area and was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

“He was later charged with wounding with intent, possessing an offensive weapon and criminal damage, and was remanded in custody to appear at York Magistrates’ Court at 9.15am today (10 April).

“Swift action and great work by all the officers involved.”