11/11/2013 BBC Newsline

Good evening, the headlines on BBC Newsline...

A first for Sinn Fein as its Belfast Lord Mayor attends an Armistice Day

ceremony. Eddie McGrady, the former SDLP MP

for South Down dies - he'd been ill for some time. And it's been a great

start to the week with plenty of dry and sunny weather. Will it stay that

way tomorrow? I'll tell you shortly. People in Northern Ireland today

observed a two-minute silence to remember the armed forces who died

in World War I and conflicts since then. In Belfast the Lord Mayor,

Mairtin O Muilleoir, from Sinn Fein, attended a ceremony at the City

Hall. It is the first time that a representative of the party has done

so, as Ciara Riddell reports. An act of remembrance and a first

for Sinn Fein. Lord Mayor Mairtin O Muilleoir side-by-side with the

president of the Royal British Legion to remember the end of the

First World War. When he took up the office of Lord

Maher, -- Lord Mayor, Mairtin O Muilleoir said he would reach out to

all side of the country. He was out of the country for yesterday was

Micro recently and sell fast -- ceremony in Belfast.

My view is that it was the correct place to be today, it is the right

decision and will world peace and help our city be reconciled, and

will make the East building stronger in the time ahead. -- piece will

link. In the past, Sinn Fein representatives have paid respects

privately ahead of any public ceremony. It is understood Mairtin O

Muilleoir's decision to take part came about after meetings with the

Royal British Legion. The invitation was to the first assistant to attend

the ceremony. It was the first time and we were

delighted he was there under company to buy the deputy Lord Mayor. -- we

were delighted he was accompanied. The presence of Mairtin O Muilleoir

will be seen as significant. The names of the two young men

killed in a car crash near Kesh in County Fermanagh at the weekend have

been released. 18-year-old Sean Martin from Pettigo and 22-year-old

John Irwin from Castlederg were killed when the car they were

travelling in crashed on Pettigo Road yesterday afternoon. No other

vehicle was involved. The former SDLP MP for South Down

Eddie McGrady has died. He was 78. He had been ill for some time. Our

reporter, Shane Harrison, looks back at his long political career.

In 1969, Eddie McGrady, chartered accountant, took his first major

steps on the political stage. Even local councillors stood in the

Stormont election as a left-wing candidate for the National

Democratic party against the future Northern Ireland Prime Minister.

Even then, at the height of the civil rights campaign, he made it

clear that as a Catholic politician he was less interested in Irish

political unity than in bringing the people of Northern Ireland together.

I feel that most of the majority of Northern Ireland at the moment do

not wish this type of unity, and therefore it cannot and should not

be imposed upon them in any way. The only form of coming together that I

can see will be some form of federation in the future. Eddie

McGrady was elected Southdown MP on what he called the glorious 12th in

June 1987. He defeated the Ulster Unionist

Party Micro Enoch Powell. It was his fourth election.

Eddie McGrady has been elected to serve as a member for this

constituency. He prided himself on being a good constituency MP, an

opponent of the Sellafield nuclear plant and a defender of the ice

hospital. -- Down hospital. Today's victory is

an indication to the rest of Northern Ireland and to the world

looking on as that we have got the programme and policies that the

people of Northern Ireland are prepared to give credence to, give

support to and to follow. He was a vigorous in his opposition

to paramilitaries and insisted in early 1994 that there be

cease-fires. I think they ought to the people of Ireland, north and

south, unionist and nationalist like, to declare peace and to enter

into a dialogue regarding institutions following the

declaration of peace. Peace came, followed by the talks

that resulted in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. He regarded the

signing of the deal after hours of negotiations as the proudest moment

of his political career. It was a hugely exhausting week of about 14

days. It was a huge, huge sense of

achievement for everyone involved, I think. I am very proud of my small

part in that agreement and the outfall from it.

If the Good Friday Agreement was the high point of his political career,

the low point was the violence of the troubles. Reluctant to single

out any one atrocity, the UVF murder of six people in 1994 Took Place

just miles from his Downpatrick base.

It was very difficult for all of us. Many of my friends and party

colleagues were hurt and killed in the process. It is so easy to forget

these people. They don't make the headlines but they are there, they

are in your mind and your memory. The former accountant was an MP for

23 years and was succeeded by his former assistant, Margaret Ritchie.

His wife, Patricia, died before him. He believed his family paid a price

for his involvement in politics. You only realised after a time that

they suffered from me being in politics, my wife and three

children. My house was ticketed on occasions for several days. It was

very upsetting for the family but they stood by me and they were very

determined and came out very well it. I thank them very much for it.

Eddie McGrady was in the last Parliament be free in the news at

the size of some of his expense claims as an MP.

In many ways, he was the shy and quiet man of the SDLP, but a proud

man, too, widely respected across the political divide.

And the SDLP leader Alistair MacDonald has issued a statement

paying tribute. He described him as one of the founding pillars of the

party, a great patriot and a great Democrat.

A man has gone on trial charged with murdering an RUC reservist in 1981.

John Proctor was shot dead in the car park of Magherafelt Hospital

after visiting his newborn son. 57-year-old Seamus Martin Kearney

from the Gorteade Road in Maghera denies murdering him and possessing

an Armalite rifle. Elaine McGee reports.

Seamus Martin Kearney during an earlier court appearance. Today he

was charged with murdering a police officer 30 years ago. Six hours

before he was shot, John Proctor attended the funeral of a friend who

had been murdered right the IRA. He is circled here in the crowd. That

night, the reserve constable was shot dead. He was 25 when he was

murdered in September 1981. He had just said goodbye to his wife,

Kathleen, and new baby son when he was shot in the hospital car park.

The prosecution at the nonjury trial at Belfast Crown Court said the RUC

had at the time found to cigarette at sneer spent cartridge cases at

the murder scene. Forensic investigation in later years found

the DNA of one of the cigarettes matched that of the defendant. The

prosecution also said forensic examinations carried out on a rifle

used between a reservist patrol later was matched.

Seamus Martin Kearney denies the charges in this case, the trial is

due to resume tomorrow. The principal of a Catholic

secondary school has written to the education minister asking him to

stop giving free bus passes which enable pupils to go past her door to

a Catholic grammar school. Under the current rules, children get passes

only if there isn't a school of the same type closer to them. Maggie

Taggart explains why this secondary school is so annoyed.

Two years ago, this college in Coleraine abandoned academic

selection as an entrance requirement, but despite that it is

still classed as a grammar school and be -- pupils can choose it over

a local secondary school and have transport provided free. That has

been queried by the principle of the secondary, 15 miles away in

Limavady. She wrote to the education minister and the education committee

says that -- saying that because it is a nonselective catholic school,

rubles from Limavady should no longer be given free bus passes to

travel there. The result would probably be to

divert more pupils to the secondary. It has pitted one Catholic secondary

school against another. We see pupils driving past a when

the education in that school is as good as anywhere else. As Sinn Fein

politician in the area says the college should not suffer because it

uses academic selection but understands the problems faced by

its low skill. It is difficult when there are four

schools. There is fierce competition they

are. Not only to losing kids going to the likes of Coleraine, but also

even within the partnership itself. The principal of Saint Mideast did

not want to be interviewed. The Minister has written explaining the

policy and she is satisfied. -- the principal of Saint Neary's.

But... It doesn't make good economic sense, it doesn't make sense in

terms of the time young people have on buses rather than being involved

in learning or extracurricular midis.

And from the school 's perspective it may seem to disadvantage one

school over another. The arrangements over transport are due

to be reviewed but no date has been set for that yet.

A man was injured in a student in Ballymoney yesterday evening. He was

approached by two men at half past eight. -- in a shooting. A pipe bomb

alert was given in north Belfast this morning.

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes and the Street

has been reopened to traffic. Two former soldiers say the living

victims of war should not be forgotten on Armistice Day. Both men

have suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. And they echo a

call made on this programme recently by the girlfriend of a soldier who

died by suicide. They say soldiers in Northern Ireland are particularly

disadvantaged because they have no dedicated support centre. Kevin

Sharkey reports. Walking back into civilian life,

these men were not aware of the battle ahead. They are now. They say

serving in Iraq and a chemist and changed their lives. You start to

think about the situations you have been in and that is when it plays on

your mind. These men, both in the 30s, escaped

physical injury but which this to comrades being seriously hurt and

killed. And, while it happened far away, the

memories of walking home with them. -- the memories of war came home

with them. Because they also served in Northern Ireland they asked us

not to reveal their identities. One of the men says he struggles to

cope and tried to take his own life. The army, he claims, is not

doing enough to hope. The MoD needs to say enough is

enough, we trained you to go to war and we need to bring you after or

give you treatment after. The MoD says the government has

invested over ?7 million to improve the mental health services available

and ensure mental health help is available for everyone who needs it.

Soldiers have been remembered yesterday and again this Armistice

Day. But the soldiers are asking what happens to them when they have

to integrate back into society with the problems caused by their

experiences of war? I just want the Army to help us,

plain and simple, that is all I can say, to help soldiers like myself. I

am sure there are other stored -- soldiers who will feel the same. Do

you know others? I do, I know a few who have killed

themselves due to their mental health. Here in Northern Ireland?

Yes. Who have served abroad recently?

Who have served abroad recently, yes. It has got too much for them.

For now, these men are supporting each other and looking for more

military help for them has -- themselves and others. With me is

David Babington from the charity, Action Mental Health. There are a

number who fit that category and we estimate something in the order of

15 or 20 who come to us. We cannot identify them because they do not

want to identify themselves. We do not have the specialist services to

look after their particular needs. Post-traumatic stress disorder, some

people who have lived through the Troubles, civil -- civilians have

also suffered that. What make the soldiers different? They have been

through harrowing situations. I know there may have been civilians who

have suffered also but when they have been abroad, especially some of

those in that report, they are particularly harrowing and we are

not quite sure what has happened to them. The severity of what has

happened to them is greater than what we have seen here in Northern

Ireland. What needs to be done for them? They have specialist needs and

so we need specialist support here. We provide services for clients with

particular needs but they are general needs over a whole range of

issues. These are particular needs that need to be looked after by

specialists and that does not exist here.

Men and women dressed in the historical uniforms of the Ulster

Volunteer Force at the time of the Home Rule crisis were on parade in

Dublin today. The unique event at Glasnevin cemetery was aimed at

promoting and explaining unionist culture and history amongst people

in the Republic. I am in the republican plot here in

Glasnevin cemetery in the north of Dublin. Around the eye the graves of

people like double era, born and and others, well-known Irish publicans.

Behind me, in the glass building are other names on display for the first

time. Names like Edward Carson, Craig and the UVF. This is the first

time a collection of UVF memorabilia of this size has been gathered

together in one place. The fact it is the burial ground for some of

Ireland's best-known republicans speaks volumes for the unique nature

of this occasion. In 2011, the committee did a broad consultation

with loyalist groups in Northern Ireland. The main priority that came

out of it was education for all communities about the history, the

shared history. Medics took place with various government ministers in

Dublin and we got to the point where last night and was mentioned as a

location and to us, it is a bargain at Trinity. The exhibition is

called, the home rule crisis, the unionist response. It was officially

opened by the Irish Minister for arts and heritage. I think it will

help the overall understanding of our country then and how this island

was divided, so that is very important. From that point of view,

I think at this stage, where we can differ with each other's points of

view, it is important that we understand each other and respect

each other's wind of you as well. A priest read the prayers before some

members laid a wreath to those from the Republic who died fighting for

the Allies in two world war. There is great excitement in

Limavady at the homecoming of a priceless hoard of gold artefacts.

It is known as the Broighter Gold after it was found by two ploughman

who were working in a field in the local townland in 1896. The pieces

which include necklaces and a collar will go on display to the public

tomorrow. The gold is reckoned to be the most impressive find of Celtic

Gold from the early Iron Age. The Broighter Gold has been the talk

of Limavady since it has been disclosed that it is coming home. A

number of the local Councillor, a very interesting story? Yes, back in

1896, two men were ploughing in a field in Limavady and they

discovered this wonderful selection of gold. Once it was washed and came

in, it consists of two collars and necklaces and a small cauldron and a

little old and the boat which we are not able to have because of its

fragility. It has had to remain in Dublin. What is the history of the

gold? It is over 2000 years ago, hitting back to the Iron Age. It

would have been discovered at the time in the land was underwater.

Most of the land is reclaimed today so it goes right back and we are so

pleased to have it back home. This is a significant coup for Limavady

in its 400th year? Yes, this treasure trove is easily one of

Limavady and Ireland's most treasured possessions and they are

so honoured to have it here. The exhibition is open tomorrow and runs

until the 23rd of November. Last year's Ulster club Gaelic

football champions are out of the competition although it took a

mighty performance to beat them. A record crowd of just under 10,000

watched Kilcoo and Crossmaglen replay their Ulster club

championship quarterfinal in Armagh. It was another thriller, going to

extra time yet again but this time the men from Down clinched it, and

in style. It pretty much had the lot, goals,

points, drama, red cards, yellow cards, more extra time but this

time, and eventual winner, Kilcoo. They had to do it with 14 men. They

had one man sent off for this challenge. Crossmaglen were seven

points behind in the second half but typically they came storming back.

Two goals from the Down champions mean they go through to the

semifinal. Those guts, that is in their heart. We would see ourselves

of -- as in image of them but it is in the DMA and they saw that today.

The quest for a fourth successive titles and four Crossmaglen but

their manager expects the Armagh champions are to be back again next

year. Oh, they will, certainly. There are other players who have not

been here this year so when those boys come back and we have other

young boys coming through, I guarantee that Crossmaglen will be

back here again next year. I know nothing about boundary because we

have not looked beyond Crossmaglen. I know they certainly have key

players from 2002 who are still there. We will have a look at them

and see but we have been focusing on our own performance. Kilcoo against

Alan Derry will take place in Armagh this Sunday.

Rugby, Ulster's Chris Henry has been ruled out of the rest of Ireland's

autumn international series after picking up a hamstring injury

against Samoa at the weekend. Tommy Bowe has a bruised calf. Shane

Jennings and Luke Fitzgerald have now joined the squad. As for Samoa,

it proved to be a useful warm up for this Saturday's clash with

Australia. Similar were expected to present a

serious challenge but it was arrogant who overpowered them from

the off. Chris Henry was one of the victims of a bruising clash but it

was a day when the younger players grew in confidence. Among them,

Paddy Jackson who kicked six out of eight attempts. Ireland proved a

comfortable win. The first half, we did not click as well as he would

have liked but we held in there and created some good chances in the

second half. There are some things where we can do better but in terms

of a start against a tricky team, we should be reasonably happy with

that. It is another week and we will roll up our sleeves and we will look

forward to next week playing Australia. We are looking at how

best we can attack them. We will make sure there are a couple of

things that we could tidy up on. We lacked a little bit of cohesion that

we would have liked to have had but as an appetiser, the victory tastes

OK but the appearance on the plate was not so good. If that was the

appetiser, the main course does not come much tastier. Roll on Australia

this Saturday. In football, Linfield have extended

their lead to six points at the top of the Irish Premiership. It is now

12 games unbeaten in the league for David Jeffrey's men after their

comprehensive 5-1 dismantling of Warrenpoint Town. Their nearest

challengers are Crusaders who were denied three points when Glenavon

fought back for a 2-2 draw. Gary Bates with both goals. Glentoran are

up to third after a 2-1 win away to Dungannon Swifts. Jason Hill with

the winner. Champions Cliftonville got their title defence back on

track with a 2-1 win over Ballymena to climb to fourth.

Ards ladies hockey team have made it to the final of the Ulster Shield

for the first time in 48 years after they won yesterday's semifinal

against Ballymoney at Stormont. The match finished 1-1 after extra time

and went to penalty strokes where goalkeeper Naomi McKnight saw Ards

through, 4-3 with this save. The final is on Boxing Day when Ards

will meet Pegasus who beat Randalstown 1-0 in the other semi.

Meanwhile in ice hockey, the Belfast Giants extended their lead at the

top of the table to four points with an impressive 4-2 win away to the

Sheffield Steelers. The weather is next.

We have had plenty of dry and sunny weather today and there is more of

that to come tomorrow. Tonight, we hold onto the dry theme. One or two

showers possible but most cases will avoid those. Not too frosty tonight

with temperatures up to five degrees. Tomorrow, plenty of dry and

sunny weather once again. Like today, 102 showers again for parts

of the North Coast. Most other places will enjoy a fine, autumn

date with plenty of sunshine. It is going to be a cold day. Temperatures

today were up to 13 degrees but tomorrow, after normal at around

nine degrees. Not a bad end to the day. Plenty of sunshine before

nightfall. It stays largely dry once again. We should avoid a frosty

night with temperatures up to five degrees. You can see the cloud

beginning to come in from the West tomorrow night. That signals a

change for Wednesday. We get off to a promising start in the East and we

have a weather system ready to push in and with that, we will have some

strong you'll force winds. There will also be really. -- also be

reinforced it will feel much colder. Once this system here is an

improving picture for the rest of the week. For thirsty and Friday,

the sunshine will return although it will still feel cold. Overall,

Wednesday is the odd one out. You can follow this programme on

Facebook and Twitter. From all of us here, good night.