12/10/2016 BBC Newsline

the weekend while between those heavy bursts of rain it should feel

warmer. Tonight's top stories: A Co Armagh

teenager describes the moment an armed gang broke into her home

when she was there alone. The Secretary of State feels

the heat in the political kitchen after he pulls out of a DUP

fundraising breakfast. Scientists who identified

a Mid Ulster 'giant gene' hope to stop it being passed

onto future generations. Prisoners in Maghaberry are offering

a vital listening service to fellow inmates suffering

with mental health issues. Not everyone you see will be OK. But

it's great to build that person back up. Is using a smartphone bad for

your health? In sport tonight: Who'd be

a Northern Ireland defender? We're happy we didnt

get whalloped, really! Gareth Mcauley's rather blunt

appraisal of last night's defeat And some more dry and settled

weather to come this week. A teenager has been describing

the moment she thought an armed gang of men were going to kill her

after they broke into her home. 17-year-old Chloe Hawthorne

from Markethill in County Armagh said one of them threatened

to shoot her. She has been explaining

what happened to our south east Smashed it. Chloe has been

describing the moment she was confronted by a masked gang,

threatening to kill her. That was all that they were interested in.

The car. Keys. Keys or I'll shoot. That is all that I can hear in my

head. The police believe that this chain of events could have begun

here. This house was broken into, and among the items taken was an

illegally held gun. It is not immediately clear what time this

happened at but police have been investigating the link, between this

crash to May was away. This car was being driven by a local woman, the

Vauxhall had been stolen at Dublin. A number of people in the vehicle,

all male. This home is yards away. Chloe was there along. I heard

noises. I knew that somebody was at the house. I grabbed my phone.

Originally I thought it could have been my uncle, grandad, checking the

sheep. Something like that. But I saw the gang, coming over. Gun. Just

pointing at me, shouting open the door. Chloe accepts that putting

this event behind her is not going to be easy. You always imagine it is

a nightmare. It is a local farm. Even being there, at work, I am

going to be nervous. I am going to be on my own. Scared in case that

happens. Hopefully does not but it is always good to be at the back of

my mind, then coming over the fence, guns. Chloe's car was later

recovered in Dublin and two arrests have been made.

And the Gardai say a juvenile has been charged in relation

to the incident, while another teenager has been released

The Secretary of State has pulled out of an event run by the DUP

after it was revealed to be a fundraiser for the party.

The SDLP leader says James Brokenshire needs to show he's

not favouring the party over any other in Northern Ireland.

Here's our political correspondent Gareth Gordon.

This is the Osborne taffy that the Secretary of State will not be

attending. Listed as Brexit breakfast, he was lost alongside

Arlene Foster, ?30 a plate, table for ten at ?300. The invitation said

it was an excellent opportunity to network with business

representatives, but James Brokenshire has withdrawn after

unwelcome publicity. This is going to have caused some and Irishman for

the Secretary of State and the DUP. DUP refused to comment. I speak, the

party had a champagne reception at the Conservative conference, after

crimes that they had both done a deal after the Brexit vote. Critics

have been quick to jump on this, as growing ties. It is pretty clear,

after the Conservative Party conference and the champagne, James

Brokenshire attending the fundraiser that they seem to be walking close

together. But the British Secretary of State and the British government

should not be in the pockets of any one party. He has to go overboard,

show that he has not been captured by the DUP and is going to stand up

for what is correct. Not what Arlene Foster Timpson. The Secretary of

State to deem it DUP MPs, and it was described as useful. It was part of

a series of meetings, represented at Westminster.

Scientists have confirmed that Mid Ulster is a hot spot for a gene

that causes people to grow much taller and larger than is usual.

Stories of Giants such as Finn McCool are a feature

of Irish myths and legends, but geneticists in Belfast believe

there is a genetic link to those stories.

People who carry the gene can suffer from serious health problems

The story of the Irish giant gene begins with the DNA of somebody

living at Ulster two and a half thousand years ago. Since then it

has been passed down through generations. Today it has been found

in more than 400 people, including this man. 6'9. He was diagnosed as a

giant. He is related to the 18th-century giant Charles Burn.

More than 7'5 tall. It can cause brain trimmer that makes glands

produce too much growth hormone. The condition, if that untreated, when

we look at examples of the past, most of these guys died in 20s, 30s.

Just as a result of having the condition. Three years ago

scientists greened almost 1000 people at Dungannon and the area

discovered was a hotspot. Ca people carry the gene compared to one in

2000 in the UK. Many people are going to carry that gene but never

have a problem, it can go from tall stature to problems with growth of

the hands and feet for older people. It is associated with problems

related to headaches, because of the tumour. The scientists hope that the

work is going to come to identify those at risk of passing the gene

two children. The benefit of doing this is not just to reassure people

who have the gene that they are normal, it is to stop the children

suddenly getting a massive growth spurt, if you see an increase in

height over one, two years, you can get treatment with drugs and tablets

to stop that happening. As a result of the research, the gene could be

consigned to history, along with the legends of Irish giants. It is

romantic for some people. But those who have been affected by this

condition probably are not going to object to the end of this. By

raising awareness of the giant gene, it is hoped that fewer people are

going to suffer the consequences. Still to come on BBC Newsline:

A Donegal Orange Hall is re-opened two years after it was burnt

in an arson attack. Teaching unions here have

rejected a pay offer The employers offered no cost

of living rise for last year The unions say teachers' pay

in Northern Ireland is falling behind their counterparts

in England and Wales. The largest union NASUWT says it

will now consider plans for strike action and from next

week its members will refuse to attend meetings

outside school sessions. Vestas put has been going for so

long because of the failure of the Department for Education to address.

Since 2010, teacher pay has fallen in real terms by 15%. This morning

they have insulted the teaching profession. This is a joke. It is

time for them to stand up and put down a marker. Teachers have to be

paid a decent wage. A solicitor has appeared

at Londonderry Magistrates Court accused of falsifying

legal aid documents. 42-year-old Damien McDaid,

from Templegrove in the Buncrana Road area,

was released on his own bail to appear at the Crown

Court next month. A County Antrim anaesthetist has

pleaded guilty to 27 charges of making indecent

photographs of children. Piotr Dziurdzik, of Meetinghouse

Street in Ballymoney, worked The Northern Trust says an interim

suspension order has been placed on the doctor's registration

by the GMC. The care of prisoners with serious

mental ill health has come under An unusual service aimed at helping

inmates in emotional distress has been operating in our two largest

jails for many years - In the first of two special

reports on the scheme, Donna Traynor has been

to the high security Maghaberry Here and at other presence, male

inmates are eight times more likely to die from injuries and are more

likely to suffer from depression. Many of them have gone to the

Samaritans and they have a 24 hour for the line. But the present also

runs a scheme that allows prisoners to offer a listening ear to other

inmates. Listeners walk the wings. Convicted criminals who have

volunteered to help other prisoners suffering emotional distress. The

prisoners can contact the Listeners at any time. If they want to do so,

when they are in their cell, they simply press the button. They can

also speak to them informally, during daily activities. This is one

of eight Listeners. He did not want to be identified. I have called him

Mark. He has served five years of an eight year sentence for GBH. Why do

people come to you? What sort of issues? Many reasons, but the

dominantly -- predominantly family issues. If something is going on,

that can be a big issue. And a lot of people have poor mental health.

And drugs. And people who talk to you, suicidal? Depressed? A mixture

of both? It is extra. -- a mixture. At busy times, Listeners can be

asked to see 23 prisoners every day. -- three. One of the busiest times

as Christmas. Mark says it can be tough but rewarding. It makes you

realise that your problems are minuscule. It has made me a stronger

person. And it gives me satisfaction, not everybody is going

to be OK, but it is good when you are able to build that person back

up. Possibly improved their life. The Samaritans have been operating

the Listeners scheme across the United Kingdom and Ireland, they

have said that prisoners are ideal for the job because fellow inmates

are more likely to trust them than somebody outside the system. They

have said that the volunteers who do the job also benefit. I think you

have something very redemptive about the process. People who are being

sent to prison for punishment are being given a chance. And have been

trusted. That can be really good for the individual to say that people

around and do not stigmatise them. They trust them. The work often does

not end when they leave prison. A number of the Listeners have

continued to assist the Samaritans by helping to train volunteers

dealing with calls from prisoners. Last year the Listeners scheme was

contacted 1600 times. Tomorrow, we have the remarkable journey of

prisoner who has taken part and I am going to be talking to the governor

about what could be done. A rural Orange Hall in Donegal

is celebrating after rising from the ashes of an arson attack

two years ago. It comes at a time when Orangemen

in the County have been doing their part to remember

the lives of local men lost Here's our North-West reporter,

Keiron Tourish. Set in rural County Donegal... The

Orange Hall has reopened. It was formed in 1913. It was a memorial

for those who died in the Great War. It is exciting and if you take a

look around, we are just delighted to be back. To help, it is something

to be proud of. The Orange Hall was destroyed two years ago when

arsonists targeted the building. Work has been going on to install

security features to make it safe. This is a state-of-the-art system.

HD CCTV. It is going to run for 24 hours. It is really the best that

money can buy? Letters. HD quality. You can see the images. You have the

clear shot. And we also have the other cameras, 16 in total. It is

connected to the intruder alarm and the fire alarm. The new building is

going to be dedicated to those who lost lives in WW1. The Orange Hall

itself is memorial, Ed was formed by those coming back from the First

World War and this is what the and for those who did not come back. It

was sadly burned down. And it is good to see it rebuilt. Local lodge

members gathered to commemorate the Battle of the Somme. Reflecting on

life 's lost. Many of those Ulster men, Orange men, lay down in the

cause of freedom. It is 100 years since the death of one of the

members. He died during a raid attack. We are remembering all of

those who have left this area, is not coming home. Another Orange Hall

was also destroyed but is being rebuilt. Incorporating a heritage

centre, telling the job of story. The Orange order has said that it

wants to thrive and prosper alongside everybody with a respect

for tolerance and diversity. Now we can look at the impact of mobile

technology. Mark since and has given up his smartphone for the week. But

he has still been working and today he is looking at the effect of

overuse on mobiles can have. Remember the days when making a

telephone call was quite an ordeal? For most people, those days are long

gone. Communication and information, instant. At your fingertips. Many

benefits. But also a downside. A number of common complaints.

Associated with repeated smartphone usage. Sore neck. Sore thumbs. All

of that tapping. Sore eyes after constantly looking at the screen.

And sleep problems, especially for those who take the phone to date.

And anxiety, being glued to a smartphone can affect your mood. And

accidents if you are looking at your phone, you are not going to be

looking at where you are going. That can be dangerous. With all of these

potential problems it is probably just as well I am going to see a

doctor. Of all the problems, in terms of these devices, what is the

biggest? Undoubtedly the psychological effect. The anxiety.

People checking, thinking they have got to check the device, taking the

mobile phone to bed. I do that myself. I set my alarm, and check my

e-mails. That has a significant effect on health and well-being. And

what do you tell patients? It is difficult but you have got to stop

using it, do not check it out made. I have been doing my own digital

detox. I am not particularly enjoying it. What any advice? You're

looking remarkably well. So I would follow people to follow the example.

It is too soon to judge. Still two more days before I get my phone

back. He will be tempting. Some more people who have gone cold turkey,

the McDonald family. No wifi for 48 hours.

World champions Germany beat Northern Ireland 2-0 last night,

but it could have been a much heavier defeat - Mark's

Yes Tara - 2-0 down after 17 minutes, the floodgates

Evening - the result means Germany stay top of Group C.

Northern Ireland lie third in the table -

the post match sentiments of Gareth Mcauley probably summed up

the night "we're happy we didnt get whalloped, really!"

There are always have the potential to be punishing for Northern

Ireland. Michael McGovern's heroics aside, at times it was simply no

containing Germany. Draxler! Number two came quickly. Sometimes, you

just have to admire the quality. As defenders it is not easy. All of the

team just defending and trying to stop them. But after half an hour,

it was probably the the first time we made eye contact! Laugh, or cry?

We're just happy that we did not get whalloped! We can go all we prepare

for the game at Belfast next month. That is against Azerbaijan.

Unbeaten, the second, three points clear of Northern Ireland. We know

what is required. We have got to win the game. That would leave us

second. It has a respectable scoreline. I was here last year, and

Italy were 4-0 down after an hour. That gives you an idea of how

difficult it is to come here. It was a setback, but defeat Azerbaijan and

this time overall quickly be forgotten.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place in Birmingham

in December and like Damian Lindsay from Belfast -

last year's overall Unsung Hero winner - you could be there.

We're looking for club volunteers from here whose dedication

Irish Rugby captain Rory Best is the BBC's Unsung Hero" ambassador

You do not appreciate the effort. But I remember those who took the

minis. Under 11s. That is all you wanted. And that man, he is still

there. I see the enthusiasm, even those who open up their own clubs.

Tuck shops. The people that get things ready. Throughout a club,

just to have these volunteers that promote rugby, the biggest thing is

that they promote the enjoyment. How appreciative, are you after looking

back? Those Saturday mornings, with coaches teaching you the

fundamentals? Every club and skill has these individuals, characters.

The club revolves around them. Just committing so much to it. Everybody

is eternally grateful. And a lot of the time they do not get the

recognition that they deserve. This board is just a great opportunity to

try to recognise somebody that probably goes unrecognised. It is so

important. It is probably one of the most important thing is

organisation. The only stipulation

is you must be unpaid - nominate online at

bbc.co.uk/unsunghero Finally this evening holders

Cliftonville are on the road to Annagh United in the last

sixteen of the league cup - follow all eight matches

on BBC Radio Ulster Yes. It has been loveless on Sunday

and that is going to continue, at least until the end of the working

week. It has been coming from the East. But generally, it is settled.

I am afraid at the weekend it is a different story. Wet and windy. It

is coming from the south west for the start of next week. Things are

going to get an settled. We have to make the most of what we have got

until then. Overnight, some cloud cover but by tomorrow morning it is

going to have the end. -- thinned. Some for developing but that should

clear. Tomorrow, largely dry through much of Northern Ireland. But what

you are going to notice later, we are going to start to get some

showers, confined across the eastern half but they could pop pop just

about anywhere. Some better spirits, particularly at the West. Continuing

overnight, going from those they and to Freddie. Scotland is going to see

some strong wins, and some heavy rain. Out of the line of fire for

most of it but things are going to be breezy as we go through the day.

Again, feeling cover, 12, 13. But it all changes at the weekend when we

have this low pressure system that is going to ruin the weekend. It is

going to give us strong wins, unpleasant. If you are looking for

an opportunity to get lawn cut, the do it over the next few evenings

before the rain at the weekend. Our late summary

is at half past ten. You can also keep in contact with us

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