03/02/2012 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Donna Traynor. The headlines

this Friday evening: a man accused of murdering a reporter is jailed

for three years. A jobs blow for Armagh as 50 workers are made

redundant at this haulage firm. A woman goes back into a house fire

to save her dog and has to be rested herself. 30 years on, every

union for the stars of the Billy plays.

As the Six Nations rugby championships gets underway this

weekend, I'm live at Belfast City Hall with three Ulster greats.

And after we record the lowest temperature of the winter so far,

will it be just as cold tonight? A man previously accused of

murdering the Sunday World journalist Martin O'Hagan has been

given a reduced jail sentence after promising to help the police

investigation. Neil Hyde got three years for a catalogue of other

offences linked to the Loyalist Volunteer Force. He pleaded guilty

to all the offences after joining the Witness Protection Programme

which allows a criminal to get a shorter sentence, in return for

giving valuable information to the police. This report from Kevin

Martin O'Hagan was killed in 2001, shot dead in front of his wife and

children, a short distance from their home. Neil Hyde was charged

with murdering the Sunday World journalist she agreed to tell the

police information about who killed him. He faced 48 other charges,

including having guns, petrol bomb offences and drug running. He

pleaded guilty to all 40 it charges. The judge said his crimes included

notorious crimes. Neil Hyde had a propensity because of violence and

was known as an informs us. She told him you have a long history of

criminality, strewn with Aniston -- innocent victims of the LVF. He was

sentenced to 18 years in prison with a 75% reduction for agreeing

to help the police and a further reduction for pleading guilty.

Dissenters was reduced to three years. The time already spent in

custody take into account, it means he could be out within five months.

Reports are coming in that a man has shot himself dead in a

hairdresser's in done Dan. The police found this to getting an

incident in this area but they don't believe a crime has been

committed. We have no further details at the moment.

A haulage company in Armagh is closing down with the loss of 50

jobs. Noel Zwecker Transport had been in business for 40 years. And

also on economic matters, there have been some developments at the

Ulster Bank. Our business correspondent Kevin Magee is with

me now. Thailand was a well-known refrigeration haulage business. --

Noel Zwecker Transport. It started They would have transported all

manner of perishable materials. From across UK and Ireland and

further afield. Today, the company has gone into voluntary

administration. Have they given a reason? We spoke to the company

today and nobody would do an interview with us but they did

confirm they had made the decision to call in the of illustrators and

and 50 jobs would be lost. They did issue a brief statement in which

they said it was due to a reduction of trading and problems with fuel

prices. The suggestion was it is cheaper for the customers to do

business in the Irish Republic. It survived for 40 years but none the

current climate. Another 350 jobs are going in the Ulster Bank.

the details of the voluntary redundancy package have been

outlined. They are being offered three-and-a-half weeks' pay for

every year of service. That means that it is capped at 104 weeks and

it means the maximum anyone who opts for voluntary redundancy at

the Ulster Bank is two years salary. You would need to be there 30 years

in order to qualify for that but the finance union have rejected

that. They have said it is not enough and they have asked the

Ulster Bank to come back with alternative proposals. They are not

satisfied with those. Firefighters have rescued a woman

who went back into her burning home to save her dog. The blaze badly

damaged the house in Glengormley early this morning. A 50 it year-

old man has been arrested. Chris Page has more. Their living room is

a blackened shell. The man and woman who live here were not

seriously hurt. The fire service say the outcome could have been

much worse. The couple got out of the House when the fire started.

Looking at this damage, it is obvious the claims must have been

very fierce but the woman went back inside the house to try and rescue

dead dog. The woman was overcome by fumes in the upstairs bedroom.

Firefighters brought her to safety, then went into the house the second

time to get the dog. The fire rescue service says people should

not go back into a burning building, even if something precious is at

risk. Your life is not worth your family pet's life. I retread just

to stay at once you get out. She was very quickly overcome and only

because we were so close, it could have been a whole different

situation here this morning. After the woman and dock were rescued,

the man was clapped. -- the man collapsed. A number of police

officers were at the house this mind. They were examining the

living room when the fire began. Police now believe the blaze was

started deliberately. The widow of one of six men

murdered in the Loughinisland murders in 1994 has launched a High

Court challenge to a Police Ombudsman's report. The report

found insufficient evidence of security force collusion with the

loyalist killers. Brigid Green's 87-year-old husband Barney died in

the shootings at the Heights Bar. Her lawyers have lodged legal

papers claiming the ombudsman's findings are flawed, irrational and

that they wrongly define collusion. You're watching BBC Newsline and

still to come on the programme: On The iconic Billy plays are back on

our screen once again. And some of Ireland's legendary players give

some of their predictions on the eve of the Six Nations rugby tour.

The daughter of a man accused of murdering Philip Strickland near

Comber last month has appeared in court accused of withholding

information about the killing. Lesley Weir was released on bail.

Her father Jimmy Seales and two of her brothers are charged with the

murder at Ballydrain Road. The 20- year-old appeared alongside 20-

year-old Melissa Dickson, who's also accused of withholding

information. Nine people have now been charged in connection with the

killing. A previous court was told it was linked to drugs and

criminality. The Irish Justice Minister is considering calls for

an investigation of the former Provost and run Bethany home in

Dublin. More than 200 children died and many more were ill-treated at

the home in Bath Ghat which closed in 1972. Enquiries have already

begun into the Catholic ran baby laundries. Survivors of the best

anyone to be included as well. Why has the government been so

reluctant to include Guy macro in this investigation? Because the

state of disputes that it has any responsibility for the home. If you

think back to the report and character exposed the systemic and

endemic abuse of children in Catholic ran institutions around

Ireland, it was very clear in that case that the institutions were

being run by the Catholic institutions on behalf of the state.

As far as Bethany is concerned, the state maintains it was an

independent home, it was not a residential institution for which

the state had responsibility. Campaigners say they have unearthed

evidence which disputes this. the campaigners get what they want,

eventually? What do they want? They want recognition for they suffer.

We know there was a high infant mortality rate, we know they were

buried in unmarked graves and campaigners say starvation and

neglect were widespread. For what compensation what they suffered and

by inclusion in the state redress scheme which has paid out over 1

billion euros so far it to mostly Catholic survivors, but not all. We

are talking about a very small number of people, no more than two

dozen people who are now elderly and the Campaign for them has

stepped up somewhat. They have been representations to Aisling Foster

among others and while the Justice Minister has said there are no

immediate plans for the Bethany home to be included in the Magdalen

inquiries, he said he was willing to consider how the issues could be

addressed. If you're a fan of the arts, you've probably heard of the

Old Museum Arts Centre, known as Omac. Well, now Belfast has son of

Omac, simply called the Mac. Our arts correspondent Maggie Taggart

has been looking back at the struggle which has led to the

building of a new arts centre in the Cathedral Quarter. We were here

in 2007 when Meryl Streep visited here. Now, we can reveal the

results of this fund raiser. It will have the two theatres. The

biggest will hold 350 and the smaller more intimate one will take

120. But it is not just tutors. The Mac will make up for a lack of

galleries. In April, the main walls will carry paintings by L S Lowry

and William,. It is very tall. This whole gallery is closed control, as

it is called, which allows us to control the heat and light and

humanity. That means we can have more priceless artworks from around

the world. The first drama will be a play about the Titanic. It would

tell the personal stories of the survivors. You are looking at the

smaller picture, the human stories. They are real. They are in people's

words themselves. It cost �80 million, most of it government

money for the first and Deputy First ministers were keen to be at

the lodge. They joined Mariella Frostrup whose memory of Belfast is

not as a city of culture. There is a lot of arts in the north of

Ireland and unfortunately, up until now, it has had little room to

express itself. In many ways, the Mac is like a huge loudspeaker that

can shut out to the world, this is what we can do and try and keep up

to us if you will. High visibility jackets and a hard hat because it

is still a building site. But it will be beautiful by April and when

it opens then, I will be opening -- A massive weekend of rugby lies

ahead with the start of the Six Nations Championship. Stephen

Watson is in the perfect location to look ahead to Ireland's opening

game against Wales. Tell us where you are. Not at the stadium, as you

might expect. I'm at Belfast's City Hall, where tonight some of

Ulster's greatest-ever players have all gathered under the one roof.

It's for a very special re-union to celebrate Ulster's proud history

with the the British and Irish Lions - a touring side which brings

together the best players in the home nations every four years.

Tonight, 18 of the surviving 22 Ulster players are here, and I will

be talking to three of Ireland's greatest ever players in a moment.

A few Lions not able to make it like Tommy Bowe and Stephen Ferris,

who have a slightly more important engagement against Wales on Sunday.

And today Ireland had to make a late change to their starting team.

Gavin Andrews reports. Munster's Keith Ferris has been forced to

withdraw from the side for family reasons. His newly-born daughter is

unwell. Her Wales are missing some of their key players. Islander well

aware of what they are capable of. -- island are well aware -- island

are well aware. They have a good pack and can finish with very good

speed. They are the full package. We will pay them respect that the

Matt deserve, but focus on ourselves, and after that...

quarter final defeat to Wales at the World Cup was hard to take but

both sides have moved on. We have played them twice last year and be

a plea done quite a few times at Leinster and Munster so we know

what they can be like. They might be using it as motivation. It pence

to be a fiery match when the sides clash and Ireland are relishing the

challenge. It is a long time, so, we're pretty eager to get out there

and play. Of recent meetings are anything to go by, a expect plenty

of drama. What about this for a talented line-up of former Ireland

players, among them, Willie-John McBride, the most capped British

and Irish lines Blair. Are you still confident for Ireland this

weekend? Yes, they have got a good blend of experience and younger

players and must go up there can be confident. It is always a bit of a

knock to have somebody pull-out at this stage but in this professional

world, that should not be a problem. They have a good bet to the squad.

And the All Wales won. -- we owe Wales one. A said, that great lines

tour of 19 some before will be one of the things talk about. Yes, it

will be one of the things top of it. We got it right, and that was a

huge commitment and it was successful. That is something to

remember, and to treasure. 1955, Cecil, a very long time ago, you're

lying stir, but still a special moment in your life. -- Lions tour.

People said to me were you not surprise to get on that tour? And I

said no, because my uncle was manager, and my cousin was on it so

there was no way that they can leave me off! He was there, and he

let -- met Tony O'Reilly and met him after recommit of Robben Island,

Nelson Mandela, I don't mean Tony, I don't mean -- I mean him. It is

going to be a very interesting night. Onto Gaelic games - the

Allianz National Football League gets under way this weekend - the

All-Ulster clash sees 2010 all Ireland finalists Down take on last

years beaten semi-finalists Donegal. They are the Ulster counties to

have made the biggest championship impact in recent years. County Down

came within one point of winning the summer while Trophy into 1010.

Last year, Donegal created headlines. -- the Sam Maguire

Trophy. Not all of them were without controversy also Kevin

Cassidy's departure led to an unsettled winter, but now, the

manager wants to look forward, not back. It was a decision that had to

be taken, although it was difficult. The issue had to be dealt with, and

it has been dealt with. That is all I can say. It is 2012, and we are

now facing County Down. As for their opponents, their league

ambitions are modest. To when it would be nice but everyone in the

league apart from Dublin, Cork and Kerry wants to avoid relegation and

we are and the same boat, I suppose. They a top-quality team and have

been moving towards the summit themselves, so obviously, they have

got bigger ambitions and that is a big game for both counties. This

Division One match will not decide whether trophies are going but it

will lay down a early marker as to where the strongest also challenges

likely to come from. -- Ulster challenge. The former Wales and

Celtic footballer John Hartson was here this week to promote awareness

of men's health issues. He says his experience of cancer is a warning

to others. Mark Sidebottom reports. He was one of the most bruising and

physical footballers of his generation. But, John Hartson's

story is a cautionary one. From footballer and superstar or to

being laid low by the ravages of cancer. You do not leave it seven

years like I did. It almost cost me my life. I kept putting it off. And

then the cancer spread from my testicles to my lungs to my brain.

He was admitted to hospital and his life hung in the balance. I stared

death in the face. And I do believe that I did lead this place, at one

stage, and for whatever reason, I came Fred. He says he owes it to

his doctors to give something back. And the message to Belfast and

beyond is a stark one. If you find a lump or a bomb, do not ignore it.

-- or a bump. There's a full programme of local football

tomorrow. Top game Linfield against Crusaders. We'll have action from

four games just after 5 on BBC 2 at 5 oclock. And the rugby, Ireland

against Wales, is live on Sunday. It's 30 years since the first

showing of television drama which many say altered the perception of

Northern Ireland in Britain. The Billy plays were written by Graham

Reid. The actors included James Ellis and until then, the little

known Kenneth Branagh and Brid Brennan. Now we've a chance to see

the programmes again, and hear from those who took part in a piece of

television history. Will Leitch reports. It too late to top two

Billy came to this greens and January 1982, an authentic

portrayal of Protestant working- class Belfast and not specifically

about the Troubles, something you for a programme shown across the

BBC. Audiences were moved by it and loved it. The Billy plays were

billion. It was the first thing I remember being filmed in Belfast.

One with a houses are changed, because the people have not! --

only the houses have changed. is too many people on this House

trying to tell me what to do. elder children were played by a

relative unknowns, Kenneth Branagh and Brid Brennan. Maureen Gorman

played the youngest daughter and she and James have not met since

filming ended all those years ago. I cannot believe it. Is it 30

years? I cannot believe it. You are still as big as ever it! You can

still call me daddy, you know! the street off the Donegal Road

where the plays were set, they met up. It was a masterpiece. Plays of

this stature do not grow on trees. The wife and mother of their family

was dying, and for the sisters the taboo subject was her previous

affair with an insurance man. - he just rambles. He hasn't a work to

say. He was her boyfriend. goodness sake, Anne! I remembered

the words. You could remember the whole thing? Yes, because we did

this seen so many times! We were precocious a spoiled brats. Jimmy

sat on Ken's shoulders. Least 11 s, we torture people. They give us

ways to keep us quiet every single day but everybody was brilliant

with us. -- they gave us sweets. was a better a bloody man than you

but you could not appreciate that but she loved him, she despised you

but she loved them. After 30 years there is bound to be another

generation whose fathers or grandfathers may have seen this

plough, and lives into their 30s will not have seen us play. --

lives -- lads. I trust they will be glued to the TV, every Sunday from

the Sunday. The story's form these Belfast streets are both funny and

sad. Mostly, though, they take you back 30 years. And you can see that

documentary Talking to Billy this Sunday on BBC Two at nine o'clock.

The first of the three plays will Time now for the weather forecast.

It is going to be chilly tonight, but not as cold as last night.

Route -- we recorded the lowest temperature of winter so far, minus

eight Celsius, at Katesbridge. War cloud pushing and from the West

tonight, and it will become damp from western areas. Tomorrow,

getting off to a done start for some, it is not going to be as cold,

but more rain is on the way and the wind will become stronger. The

weather are quickly coming in from the West during the day. Some of it,

heavy, persistent and blustery. Temperatures will be mild for the

time of year at around nine Celsius. During the second part of the day,

becoming drier from the West. Into tomorrow evening, holding onto some

clear skies. To do just dipping to below zero in some places, but the

cloud should act as a better club like it. -- temperatures dipping. -

- cloud shook act as a bit of I blanket. More rain to come on

Sunday, from the West. Becoming drier, as we going to the evening.

Temperatures, we will hold on to those milder temperatures of around

seven Celsius. Into next week, it looks as though it will stay

unsettled. One thing to bear in mind over the weekend is that if

you are heading towards Britain, in some places we are expecting snow

fall of up to 10 centimetres, and that could lead to some trouble

destruction. Stay tuned to the forecast. More details on line. The