Mark Simpson

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

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pope 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. 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".

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Holywood made a lot of noise on Sunday nightBBC News NI community correspondentNot 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.

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (r) and former Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey (l), gathered in west Belfast for the marchBBC News NI community correspondentSeveral thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a decade.

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, Cartmill speaking to the BBC in 2015BBC News communities correspondentA 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".

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bins which have been overfilled more than once will be issued with a red tag and not collectedBBC News NI community correspondentHousehold bins in Belfast which are so full that the lid cannot close may soon not be emptied by Belfast City Council. A new zero-tolerance policy is set to be enforced before the end of June. Bins which have been overfilled more than once will be issued with a red tag and not collected.