Mark Simpson

Belfast, Dublin, Holywood

Reporter at BBC

BBC NEWS Correspondent. Founder of #DigitalSiesta Trust me, I'm a journalist …

Articles

Parishioners and church leaders pay tribute to 'humble' Pope

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Mark Simpson |Keiron Tourish |Darran Marshall

Members of the public and church leaders have expressed "sadness" after the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning. The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said the Pope had been "showing immense courage and serenity in the face of frailty and suffering". Catholics in west Belfast and Londonderry expressed their shock at hearing the news on Easter Monday.
NI church leaders and mass-goers pay tribute to Pope Francis

3 days ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson |Keiron Tourish |Catherine Doyle

NI church leaders and mass-goers pay tribute to Pope FrancisGetty ImagesPope Francis is greeted by Archbishop Eamon Martin as he arrives at Dublin Airport on 25 August 2018 in DublinMark Simpson, Keiron Tourish and Catherine DoyleMembers of the public and church leaders have expressed "sadness" after the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning.
Rory McIlroy's former principal says school took 'risk' with absences

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Former principal says he took 'risk' over McIlroy's absences Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentBBCMcIlroy's former principal, John Stevenson, said the school needed to match the sacrifices the golfer's parents madeA confidential memo from Rory McIlroy's time at school shows how plans were in place in case his golf career did not work out. Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, County Down, went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the golf-mad teenager kept studying.
'Stay and cement the peace' says Good Friday Agreement negotiator

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentThe American mediator who negotiated the peace deal in Northern Ireland has called on young people to ensure political progress is not lost. Senator George Mitchell said he was "alarmed" by the number of people still leaving to live elsewhere. Speaking to an audience at Queen's University Belfast, including many teenagers and students, he encouraged them to work to cement peace.
Celebrations at Holywood Golf Club

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Fans 'sick with nerves' at McIlroy's hometown golf clubMark SimpsonBBC News NI community correspondentReporting fromHolywood Golf ClubPA MediaHolywood made a lot of noise on Sunday nightNot even the early closure of the bar could spoil the party at Rory McIlroy's hometown golf club after his long-awaited Masters victory. The last pints of beer and glasses of wine were served at Holywood Golf Club more than two hours before the dramatic golf tournament ended, but nobody cared.
Thousands gather for rally on lack of progress

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Rally held over failure to redevelop Casement ParkMark SimpsonBBC News NI community correspondentBBCSeveral thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (r) and former Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey (l), gathered in west Belfast for the marchSeveral thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium.
Man sentenced for £1.3m banking fraud

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Man sentenced for £1.3m banking fraud Mark SimpsonBBC News communities correspondentBBCCartmill speaking to the BBC in 2015A self-confessed conman who once scammed TV presenters Stephen Nolan and Eamonn Holmes, was today sent to jail for further offences. John Cartmill, 43, from west Belfast, admitted more than 40 fraud and money-laundering charges, amounting to more than one million pounds. Judge Sandra Crawford described him in court as a "professional fraudster".
Belfast roadworks completed

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Mark SimpsonBBC News NI community correspondentLong-running resurfacing work on one of the busiest roads in Belfast has been completed. Work began on the Sydenham Bypass six months ago and the regular closure of lanes led to complaints from motorists, especially at weekends. Belfast City Airport is beside the A2 bypass, which connects Belfast to heavily-populated areas in Bangor and Holywood.
Older people's voices 'need to be heard'

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentThere needs to be a wider discussion around the issue of assisted dying in Northern Ireland, according to the newly-appointed Commissioner for Older People. Siobhan Casey said it was a "very divisive" subject but believes opinions should be aired. Ms Casey, 62, took up the commissioner role in Northern Ireland this week, replacing Eddie Lynch who stepped down in December.
Sydenham Bypass roadworks completed

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Mark Simpson

Mark Simpson - BBC News NI community correspondentWed, April 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM UTC1 min readLong-running resurfacing work on one of the busiest roads in Belfast has been completed. Work began on the Sydenham Bypass six months ago and the regular closure of lanes led to complaints from motorists, especially at weekends. Belfast City Airport is beside the A2 bypass, which connects Belfast to heavily-populated areas in Bangor and Holywood.