“I am there for my community when they need us most”
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are recruiting for enthusiastic and committed On-Call Firefighters from local communities across the country.
Advertisement
The ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ campaign is aimed at those who live or work within 5 minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station, who want to make a real difference in their community.
As part of NIFRS’ commitment to recruiting the best possible candidates, information evenings are being held in every recruiting station throughout the duration of the campaign.
NIFRS is recruiting On-Call Firefighters across 26 Fire Stations including:
Advertisement
Ballycastle
Ballyclare
Glengormley
Portrush
Portstewart
Whitehead
Armagh
Ballynahinch
Crossmaglen
Holywood
Keady
Lurgan
Newcastle
Newtownhamilton
Portaferry
Warrenpoint
Comber
Belleek
Clogher
Dromore (Tyrone)
Irvinestown
Lisnaskea
Enniskillen
Newtownstewar
Pomeroy
Carryduff
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Western Area Commander David Doherty said: “We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community.
“Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities. On-Call Firefighters demonstrate incredible dedication to protecting their local community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information.”
Megan Walsh from Crossmaglen combines her role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working in a children’s entertainment centre, volunteering in her local community and attends the gym regularly.
She said: “My primary employer, a children’s entertainment centre, is very supportive of my role as an On-Call Firefighter. They allow me to respond to fire calls with a minute’s notice.
Advertisement
“Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it’s very worthwhile.”
Oran Swift combines his role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working as a bricklayer and looking after his young family.
He said: “Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day. I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I’m spending time with my family.
“Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding. I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had.
Advertisement
“It’s so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe.”
The closing date for applications is Friday 13 March at 12noon anc candidates can apply online and download application packs from NIFRS’s website
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live?Making us your preferred source on Googlemeans you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simplyclick here
Throughout 1,460 days of the Ukraine war, two figures have remained central.
The decisions made by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, their leadership styles, and their standing on the international stage have shaped a conflict soon entering its fifth year.
But how have the war’s two central figures changed in the past four years?
Sky News has explored each leader’s domestic and global image, as well as how the conflict has shaped them personally, in this piece.
Mr Zelenskyy has undergone one of the most dramatic image transformations of any contemporary leader in the past four years, going from a relatively inexperienced president to a central symbol of resistance and democratic defiance.
While his background in acting made his rise to Ukraine’s highest office an unlikely one, Mr Zelenskyy fit the presidential mould in his early years, at least in appearance.
Advertisement
Often seen clean-shaven and suited, images of Ukraine’s leader from before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 now make him appear boyish compared to the hardened wartime leader of 2026.
Mr Zelenskyy is now rarely spotted in anything other than military fatigues, something that famously irked Donald Trump when he hosted the Ukrainian president for a disastrous meeting at the White House last year.
Zelenskyy at home
Domestically, the 2022 invasion saw Mr Zelenskyy experience an initial surge in approval and trust as Ukrainians rallied behind their leader.
Advertisement
His decision to stay in Kyiv and lead from the capital, even after offers to evacuate for his own safety, became symbolic of Ukrainian resistance, enhancing his credibility and sense of purpose.
“The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride,” he reportedly told US officials as Russia’s 35-mile armoured convoy closed in on the capital.
February 2022: Zelenskyy says he’s staying in Kyiv as his country comes under Russian attack
From that moment on, Mr Zelenskyy has remained a central unifying figure in Ukraine, providing nightly video updates to inform and rally his people and making visits to frontline towns to inspire his troops.
Mr Zelenskyy’s global standing skyrocketed after 2022. He became not just Ukraine’s leader but the face of its diplomatic effort, repeatedly addressing parliaments, world leaders and public audiences to sustain foreign support.
By framing the war with Russia as a broader struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, Ukraine’s president positioned his country on the world stage as defending both European and Western values.
Advertisement
He’s been successful in his repeated attempts to bring financial and military support to Ukraine and maintained working relationships with key allies throughout the war. He even wrestled Donald Trump back from the brink after their disastrous White House meeting last February.
Advertisement
Sky’s David Blevins takes us through the Ukrainian and US presidents’ meeting at the White House
Outside questions remain – largely from Europe – over Mr Zelenskyy’s ability to tackle corruption at home, while his reputation in Russia has remained negative, but his image on the world stage overall remains positive.
Zelenskyy the man
Advertisement
So, what about how the last four years have changed Mr Zelenskyy personally?
There is no doubt about the toll the war has taken on the president and his family, as it has for millions of Ukrainians.
In the early months of the war, his family were evacuated and taken to secret locations to keep them safe. That separation had a clear impact on Mr Zelenskyy.
According to First Lady Olena Zelenska, her husband now appreciates the simple things more, such as communication with his family.
Advertisement
“Send him a photo of his son or tell him what his daughter said. And it touches him very emotionally now,” she said in 2023.
“He wasn’t so sensitive to it before.”
Vladimir Putin
Image: File pics: Reuters
Despite hoping to see Ukraine capitulate within days, Russia’s invasion has now dragged into its fifth year. In that time, Mr Putin’s global standing has largely deteriorated to pariah status.
The Ukraine war has recast his image, both domestically as the wartime leader Russia “needs” (in state narratives) and internationally as a more marginalised, conflict-driven figure.
Advertisement
Personally, the Russian president has become more isolated since the invasion, both in terms of his public appearances and his demeanour – claiming he “jokes less” since the war began.
Putin at home
Inside Russia, Mr Putin’s popularity has been sustained by a mix of state-controlled messaging, repression of dissent and wartime patriotic mobilisation, even amid economic strain and military setbacks.
His approval ratings initially rosesharply after the invasion began, reaching some of the highest figures in years, with a surge in patriotic sentiment and support for “defending Russia”.
Advertisement
Image: Vladimir Putin shakes hands with a wounded Russian soldier in Moscow, December 2025
And while sanctions, mobilisation and economic pressures dented some support, independent and state pollsters still often report significant backing for Mr Putin among many Russians.
Even so, it can be difficult to gauge public opinion of the president inside Russia thanks to censorship and media control.
The Kremlin has demanded active participation in and support for the war from society since 2022, not just quiet compliance.
Opposition politics are outlawed, independent media has been almost entirely dismantled or subjected to strict “foreign agent” laws, and even mentioning the war in ways that contradict official narratives can lead to prison sentences.
But that hasn’t stopped some direct criticism. One womanwrote to Mr Putin demanding an explanation as to why her late son, an 18-year-old conscript, had been involved in combat.
Advertisement
The spiralling cost of living has also damaged Mr Putin at home. For many households, everyday essentials – from basic groceries to fuel and housing – have become markedly more expensive, squeezing incomes despite official assurances of economic resilience.
During his2025 annual address, Russians sent messages for the president to answer, many of which raised concerns over the state of the economy.
The key moments of Putin annual press marathon
Putin abroad
Advertisement
Outside Russia’s borders, Mr Putin’s reputation has worsened markedly.
While relations with many Western governments were already strained before 2022, the invasion of Ukraine transformed long-standing suspicion into broad diplomatic isolation.
Mr Putin no longer sits comfortably at global tables and forums frequented by world powers, while several Western governments have severed ties entirely.
In response, Russia’s president has kept relationships with his few remaining allies close, narrowing his diplomatic circle.
Mr Putin had no contact with the White House during the early stages of the war under Joe Biden. But the return of Donald Trump brought a shift in approach: several phone calls and a face-to-face meeting in Alaska have suggested a desire to redefine the two powers’ relationship.
Advertisement
Image: Donald Trump replaced Joe Biden as US president in 2025. File pics: Reuters
Putin the man
As with Mr Zelenskyy, there is little doubt that four years of war have also taken a significant toll on Russia’s leader.
During his 2024 year-end press conference, he stated that the ongoing war in Ukraine had changed him, causing him to “joke less” and “almost stop laughing”.
Advertisement
He also said that his focus has shifted, stating his happiness would not be complete until all Russian forces return from the frontline.
Mr Putin also appears to have become more physically and socially isolated during the war, with fewer spontaneous public interactions and reduced foreign travel compared with pre-war years.
From Monday, residents can expect mostly cloudy skies with a few brighter intervals.
It should stay largely dry through daylight hours, with only a small risk of a light shower later in the day.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach around 9–11C, falling to between 6C and 8C overnight, though it will feel cooler in a fresh south-westerly wind.
Advertisement
Tuesday is likely to remain overcast, with thicker cloud at times bringing patches of light rain or drizzle.
There will be some drier interludes, but the day is expected to feel quite blustery as strong south-westerly winds bring locally gusty conditions.
Temperatures should again sit near 9–11C during the day, holding up at 7–9C overnight.
On Wednesday, conditions look more unsettled, with cloudy skies and outbreaks of rain or showers moving through, some of which could be heavy for a time.
Advertisement
Brief brighter intervals are possible between showers.
Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 9–11C, before dipping to about 5–7C overnight as slightly cooler air moves in.
Winds will stay breezy from the west or south-west, easing a little later.
Thursday is set to bring a mix of cloud, some brighter spells, and scattered showers.
Advertisement
Many places should see several dry hours, but the showery nature of the day means the odd downpour cannot be ruled out.
Temperatures are likely to be a touch lower, with highs of 8–10C and overnight lows of 3–5C, giving a cooler feel, especially under any clearer skies.
Winds from the west or north-west will generally be moderate, occasionally fresh.
By Friday, cloud is expected to thicken again with further spells of light to moderate rain at times, interspersed with drier but still mostly cloudy periods.
Advertisement
Daytime temperatures should remain around 8–10C, with nights again near 3–5C.
A west or south-westerly breeze is forecast, mostly moderate but at times fresh, keeping things feeling on the cool side despite relatively mild readings for the time of year.
Mohamed Salah has received an instruction regarding his Liverpool future
Liverpool will already be planning for next season as the summer transfer window approaches. The Reds are aiming to secure a Champions League spot this term as the club nears the final stretch of the campaign.
Advertisement
While it has been a mixed season for the reigning Premier League champions following their eye-catching transfer activity last year, it could benefit the team in the long term. Several of Liverpool’s major signings will look to kick on in their second year at Anfield, but there is still work to be done with the squad.
Mohamed Salah is set to be the subject of speculation over his future as he enters the final year of his Liverpool contract. The experienced forward spoke out against manager Arne Slot after being dropped to the bench earlier this season, and has since been consistently linked with a high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League.
Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has also faced a difficult first year in Spain. Here, MirrorFootball takes a look at some of the biggest stories surrounding the Reds.
MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE!Click here to activateor add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Advertisement
Mohamed Salah verdict
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart has weighed in on Mohamed Salah’s future and advised Liverpool’s talisman to leave the club. The 33-year-old is still contributing to Slot’s team, despite not replicating his goalscoring feats from last season, but Van der Vaart believes the time is right for Salah to bid farewell to Liverpool.
“When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age,” he told Sky Bet. “When you look at Virgil van Dijk, age is less important for a defender.”
He added: “Having a big player and a big name (like Salah) is sometimes a problem for both the player and coach. When you expect certain things as a coach from him and he doesn’t do it, then of course you have the right to put him on the bench, but because it’s Mohamed Salah, this can cause a massive issue – in every press conference every question will be on Salah. It could be best for both sides if Salah goes somewhere else in the summer.”
Advertisement
Trent Alexander-Arnold regret
Alexander-Arnold decided to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer, but the full-back has faced several issues during his debut season, with injuries and competition for places limiting his game time. His comments upon leaving the Reds hinted at regret over how Liverpool supporters perceived the move.
“I completely understand the feelings that go with that [leaving Liverpool], and I’ve felt it myself, so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“Obviously, that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that.”
There were previously claims that the England international could be moved on in the summer, though these have since been dismissed. New Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken positively about the ex-Liverpool star during the early weeks of his reign.
Join our LFC WhatsApp communityand get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Almost 1,800 people who went to A&E in January waited more than 12 hours to be admitted
A record number of patients had to wait for more than 12 hours in A&E in Cambridgeshire last month. Almost 1,800 people who went to A&E in the county this January had to wait for more than 12 hours from a decision to admit to actually being admitted.
Advertisement
That’s up from nearly 1,300 in December and 1,400 in November. It’s also the highest number on record, surpassing the previous record of 1,500 set in January 2025.
The number of attendances at Cambridgeshire A&Es that face waits of more than 12 hours has been on the rise ever since the pandemic.
In January 2020, only 47 attendances at the county’s A&Es faced a wait of more than 12 hours. That was a record at the time, more than double the amount of any previous month.
By January 2021 that rose to 68, and then to 502 in January 2022. A year later 1,100 faced a 12-hour wait. In January 2024 it was 1,500 and in January 2025 it was over 1,500.
Advertisement
You can see how 12-hour waits at your local trust have changed by using our interactive:
A Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Delivering shorter waiting times for patients coming to hospital in an emergency is one of our top priorities. In 2023, 9.9% of patients waited 12 hours or more following their arrival at our Emergency Department, rising to 11.3% in 2024. In 2025, this improved to 8.8% of patients. This is in the context of increasing levels of demand with 151,914 patients requiring access to urgent and emergency care in 2025, an increase from 139,019 in 2023.
“We are working hard to reduce the time patients are waiting in the Emergency Department. We have invested in a newly refurbished and expanded Urgent Care Centre to help patients get the right treatment in the right place as quickly as possible. Along with improved same day emergency care facilities, we are working hard to discharge those patients ready to go home and freeing up beds for those who need them by using our virtual ward and increased capacity in the discharge lounge.”
Kerry Carroll, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke, and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals, said: “We are working hard to reduce waiting times in our Emergency Departments, and it remains a high priority for us.
Advertisement
“Whilst we have seen improvements to waiting times through 2025, we are continuing our focus upon the recovery plans to further shorten waiting times as we know how much this improves patient experience. This work is being delivered along with our local health system partners to support improvements for patients at every step of the urgent and emergency care journey.”
The number of people waiting over 12 hours in A&E is on the rise across England as a whole. There were 71,500 attendances at A&Es in England in January where there was a 12-or-more hour wait from a decision to admit to being admitted.
That’s up from 61,000 in January 2025, 54,300 in January 2024, and 42,800 in January 2023.
Today’s star signs as Scorpio advised to spend time outdoors for clarity of thought.
Aries
You find yourself on your own while others expect you to take charge in a group setting. This situation may have caught you off guard and you might struggle to communicate your thoughts effectively or create the desired personal impression. Make it your intention to win over a team of moderators. Trust that your unique perspective can be a vital asset.
Advertisement
Taurus
Keep your distance from people who are being difficult. Your emotions are chaotic right now. Give yourself time to see if your feelings remain the same tomorrow. If you feel a need to reach out to a family member or close friend, go with your instincts. The bonds you share will provide comfort, remindingyou that support is always within reach.
Gemini
A happy start to the day has something to do with a close relationship and this gives you a lot to be pleased about. As the warmth of connection surrounds you, relish these joyful moments. At the same time, acting on impulse later could lead to regrets. If you’re dissatisfied with your job, it would be best to hold off from quitting until you secure another position.
Cancer
Recent troubles are fading away. Even though the situation isn’t totally clear, it will be a relief to see improvements. Be cautious about believing everything you hear in private conversations at work. Take an interest in an internal training scheme. Embrace the positive changes, for they may lead to unexpected opportunities that enhance your journey.
Leo
If you’re getting into a debate, whether this relates to politics, religion or community issues, keep in mind that you might be wrong. Be respectful of differing views. The exchange of ideas can be enlightening, opening doors to a broader perspective. It won’t be a problemto delay travel plans if a relative has several valid reasons for you to stay home.
Advertisement
Virgo
Career anxiety or concerns about a romantic situation are causing you to feel unsettled. Don’t let it turn into a reality when someone tries to instigate a surprise scheme. Rash actions will only worsen existing issues. Instead, focus on repairing your relationship with your partner. Embrace the opportunity for heartfelt conversations.
Libra
Your faith in a workmate or neighbour could turn out to be misplaced. Someone who said they would help you seems less keen now to carry out this promise. By the time they are ready to play their part, it will be too late to achieve anything worthwhile. The afternoon is likely to be exhausting, leaving you to question the reliability of those around you.
Scorpio
A quick change to arrangements with your partner or a close friend may lead to stress and disagreement. You might believe you’ve heard everything others have to say, but expect further verbal repercussions down the line. If you can, choose your words with care. Spending time in the garden or outdoors will be therapeutic, allowing clarity of thought.
Sagittarius
If you’re busy with home renovations or a project has begun without any planning, you may wish you had adopted a more structured strategy. Now you’re facing challenges that could disrupt your work and commitments. Is it possible to go back to square one? Trust your instincts; sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to unexpected solutions.
Advertisement
Capricron
Community activities aren’t going well. A newcomer to the scene will seem to rub other people up the wrong way. A friend’s laid-back approach makes it difficult for them to assist with practical matters. Everything feels off until the early evening, when a team effort finally starts to improve. As the day unfolds, a spark of creativity may emerge.
Aquarius
A person you barely know might suggest a money-making opportunity. It’s wise to proceed with caution. Not all relevant information is clear yet and you can’t be sure if this person is trustworthy. If you’re invited to invest in an ambitious scheme, take a momentto reconsider. Trust your instincts; sometimes a second glance reveals hidden truths.
Pisces
It’s all systems go now. A persona lplan promises to transform your lifestyle. You have complete trust that this is going to turnout as planned. Work or volunteer activities related to music, art or entertainment will be a success. In your job, a timely action or revelation will prove to be effective. The creative energy may lead to new connections.
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE
Noah Donohoe inquest: Everything you need to know after week four of proceedings | Belfast Live
Need to know
The inquest heard this week from police officers involved in the initial search for the missing schoolboy
Noah Donohoe
Everything you need to know after week four of Noah Donohoe inquest
On Monday, a police officer who was one of the first to attend the area Noah Donohoe was last seen said he was “not aware at the time” it was a high risk missing persons case. Constable Wilson was one of the first officers called to Northwood Road, after reports of Noah’s bike being found. He also recalled finding trainers and a jumper along the road, which he put into evidence bags and placed in the police car. However, these bags were not forensically sealed.
Earlier in the day on Monday, the inquest heard from Conor McConnell, who was at his mother’s partner’s house on Northwood Road on Sunday, June 21. He said he thought it was a “prank” when he saw the schoolboy cycling naked on the day he disappeared. Mr McConnell was questioned about the number of calls he made to police, and the timings of these.
A former police inspector told the inquest on Tuesday how he crawled through an underground storm drain tunnel system as part of efforts to find the missing schoolboy. The retired officer said he believed the tunnels would have been a “very challenging place to survive if you were naked.” Mr Menary told the inquest he had attended Northwood Linear Park in north Belfast on March 24, three days after Noah had gone missing.
Mr Menary told the inquest there were “hundreds of local residents in quite an agitated state” in the park due to the disappearance of Noah. He said it took more than an hour to clear the park so police could begin an inspection of the storm drain tunnel system. A subsequent statement said there were up to 400 people in the park. He said the crowd were “mostly well-meaning”, but that some were “behaving in a hostile fashion”. He said: “It was simply not possible to engage in the search before clearing the park.”
On Wednesday, Mr Menary resumed his evidence in the inquest, telling Belfast coroner’s court that anyone entering the tunnel without protective clothing would have been “absolutely frozen”. He told the jury his team resumed to search of a stretch of the storm drain network on Thursday June 25, four days after Noah went missing. The tunnel could be accessed from a culvert entrance in Northwood Linear Park in north Belfast, close to where Noah had last been seen on the Sunday before. Mr Menary told the jury that at this stage he was involved in a search operation, not a body recovery operation. He said at that point there was “no evidence” Noah had gone down into the storm drain.
The barrister representing Fiona Donohoe, Brenda Campbell KC, questioned the retired officer on the pace of the search operation. Mr Menary agreed with Ms Campbell’s statement that the search “neither started nor proceeded with any sense of urgency.”
On Thursday, a police constable told the inquest he viewed CCTV footage of a naked youth jumping off his bike and running towards wasteland. Constable Morrow told a court that he had attended Northwood Road in north Belfast on the night after Noah disappeared in June 2020, and was shown the footage on a resident of the street’s mobile phone.
Responding to the announcement of more money targeted towards making mainstream schools more inclusive, Matt Wrack, general secretary of the union NASUWT, said: “£1.6bn over three years may sound like a lot of money, but it equates to just a few thousand pounds per setting.”
“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships”
East Broadway Theatre Company
When they came up with the idea to start their own theatre company in the living room one day, Alex McKelvey and Katie-Rose Spence could never have imagined the musical magic they would create a decade on.
Both with extensive backgrounds in drama and musical theatre, the pair decided to open East Broadway Theatre Company, a dynamic performing arts organisation based in East Belfast.
Since 2016, East Broadway has been dedicated to bringing people together through creativity, confidence, and community and offering affordable tuition to young people wanting to follow their passion.
In their 10th year, they are kicking off celebrations with a production at the Belvoir Studio Theatre of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ – and Belfast Live popped down to see rehearsals getting underway.
Creative director Kaite-Rose and Musical Director Alex met through performing with the Belvoir Players and decided to go out on a whim and stage some things themselves.
Katie-Rose said: “Alex wanted to do a concert and around the same time, we were asked to perform at Sunflowerfest and if we could do something for kids and their families.
“The two things happened around the same time and we were like ‘oh we’ve enjoyed this, should we maybe try and make something out of it’ – 10 years later we’re here with a building and like 30 people downstairs ready to rehearse and perform.”
A charitable theatre company, East Broadway creates and produces a wide range of shows, concerts, and community performances, offering opportunities for people of all ages to develop their skills in acting, singing, and dancing.
“We started very small,” Katie-Rose continued. “It was a group of like 4 or 5 of us just that were doing small performances.
Advertisement
“We had started doing classes and rehearsing in Downser Hall on the Cregagh Road and after doing the classes for a while, Alex had the idea of doing a show.
“Our first show was Jungle Book Kids and we had nin children in it all playing various parts and double rolling – just making it happen.”
From that initial small group, East Broadway has continued to grow year on year and in 2025, secured their own rehearsal space where they can teach, inspire, and perform a new generation of talented performers.
She continued: “It’s been absolutely amazing getting to see the kids that have been with us from they were four starting in the classes, now like 11 or 12 and still with us, still doing the shows.
Advertisement
“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships – that was such a huge thing for me whenever I was wee, I had zero confidence and really struggled to make friends.
“Now watching the kids that maybe come in for their first audition or their first night, and they’re looking around and they’re terrified, just 3 weeks later having a group of friends. It does the heart good.”
Alex is in charge of all things music at the company and he has been honoured to watch a generation of young performers build their musicality over the past ten years.
Advertisement
He described getting their own space last year as “phenomenal” and a “pinch me moment” for East Broadway as their work is all voluntary and couldn’t happen without the passionate team of people involved behind the scenes.
Alex said: “We have always been and always are a community theatre. We’ve got affordable drama here – when we first started, we found that things were a bit dear, especially just for the skills that we acquired when we were young people.
“We’ve seen so many people grow in confidence and become a completely different person. They’ve tried out other groups and it hasn’t worked out, but it’s just so nice that it has worked out here for them.
“When we got this space, everybody was like this is brilliant because they can call it home – we were rehearsing out of a council building for a while and then now, having our own space, it’s just brilliant.”
Advertisement
Looking ahead to the next 10 years, Alex laughed: “We never thought we would get to this 10 years so it’s crazy to think.
“Katie and I had a conversation not long ago about the fact that if you said to us in 2016 while we were sitting on that sofa that would we be here in 10 years, we’d think we would have laughed in each other’s faces.”
Alex, Katie-Rose and the rest of the East Broadway team and working hard to bring their colourful performance of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat to the Belvoir Studio Theatre from 25-28th March. To buy ticket to the show, see here.
Advertisement
To find out more about what East Broadway does, see here
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live?Making us your preferred source on Googlemeans you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simplyclick here
Martin O’Neill criticised VAR intervention after Auston Trusty was sent off for violent conduct in Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibs, with the defender now suspended for the Rangers clash
Martin O’Neill hit out at VAR interference following Celtic’s costly loss to Hibs. The Parkhead manager voiced his frustration after two pivotal second-half decisions swung momentum against his team in the 2-1 defeat.
Advertisement
With the match level at 1-1 and under 20 minutes left on the clock, Auston Trusty received a straight red card following an altercation in the penalty area with Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath.
O’Neill revealed that referee Matthew MacDermid informed him post-match that he had originally planned merely to have a word with both players before VAR official Grant Irvine instructed him to check the pitchside screen.
After reviewing the replays, MacDermid determined Trusty had engaged in violent conduct, and Celtic’s frustration mounted when, moments later, Liam Scales tumbled in the penalty area during a corner following a shirt pull from Hibs defender Jack Iredale, reports the Daily Record.
Appeals from Celtic players, including the Irish defender, were dismissed by MacDermid, with Irvine opting not to intervene on this occasion.
Advertisement
Discussing the dismissal, O’Neill stated: “Well, I’ve just had a word with the referee. He said he was just going to have a word with the two players, first of all. Then I think VAR intervened and said it was violent conduct.”
When it was suggested to O’Neill that this amounted to re-refereeing the match, he responded: “They’ve been doing it for years, so that’s not going to change.”
O’Neill then addressed the penalty incident involving Scales, commenting: “The referee, I think his words were, he didn’t hold onto him long enough, but it seems a wee bit strange. You’re grabbing someone’s shirt as he’s making a move to get the ball and holding onto his shirt. Some years ago it was a penalty. But VAR, they’ve passed that one on, so there we go.”
Advertisement
Following the final whistle, O’Neill had a word with Trusty, and whilst VAR’s involvement was significant, the manager acknowledged that his centre-back’s actions were misguided given today’s standards.
He explained: “I’ve spoken to him. At the end of it all, you can’t do this. If that’s the rules now, it doesn’t matter if someone is holding onto you, in an attempt to breakaway, you can’t thrust down in the manner in which he did to get away. So I’ve been told it’s violent conduct.”
The dismissal means Trusty will miss Sunday’s Premiership fixture against Rangers at Ibrox.
Celtic previously lodged an appeal last month when the American defender received his marching orders in the 2-2 stalemate with Hearts at Tynecastle.
Advertisement
Nevertheless, considering the seriousness of the infringement and the rationale O’Neill received, the boss doesn’t anticipate challenging this particular decision.
He stated: “Personally I wouldn’t have thought so. The referee has explained to me that’s what VAR said. It was violent conduct, so I don’t think anyone will change their minds on that.”
The red card and penalty came at a crucial moment for Celtic, who had been building pressure and were close to scoring what could have been a decisive 2-1 goal in the latter stages of the match.
However, they ended up losing by that very scoreline, prompting O’Neill to reflect: “We played some really fantastic football. We went in 1-1 at half time and we should probably have been in front.
Advertisement
“The sending off has a big affect. We had the momentum at that stage. We had some chances second half and if you don’t put them away there’s a possibility at the other end.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live?Making us your preferred source on Googlemeans you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simplyclick here.
