11/08/2014 BBC Newsline

That is all from the BBC News at 6.00pm. So goodbye from me

A major rescue operation as a sudden squall hit an international sailing

event on Strangford Lough. I will have the latest.

A sporting sensation - the plaudits pour in for Rory McIlroy after

Should drunks and drug users have to pay for going to casualty?

The health minister says it's worth thinking about.

The Environment Minister rejects a plan to drill

And ex-tropical storm Bertha may have cleared away but she's

I'll have your weather details shortly.

A big sail boat race in Strangford Lough today turned

into a major emergency incident when a squall hit dinghies

At one stage, reports suggested scores of people were

The event, which involved around 100 14-foot-long dinghies, was taking

place a couple of miles north of Killyleagh, near Taggart Island,

Two helicopters and lifeboats were scrambled to the scene.

Our reporter Eunan McConville is there live with the latest.

This was a GP14 event, a 2-person boat, and about 90 boats were

underwater. The competitors' ages ranged from 16 until 60 and initial

reports came through that as many as 80 people were in the water. That

was not actually the case, they had been hit by bad weather, but those

reports triggered a large-scale rescue operation. It is seven boats

were taking part in this event on Strangford Lough went a squall, bad

weather, came in quickly. Around 20 competitors ended up in the water.

Some of the boats capsized. This is not unusual, crews are trained in

how to write thereabouts, but a further stronger squall registering

37 knots followed the first, capsizing a further number of the

fleet. Coastguards got into action quickly and got onto the scene and

established how many people were in danger and got them safe. Two

helicopters were involved in the rescue operation, as were the

police, Fire Service and ambulance. The Ulster Hospital declared a major

incident but few patients actually needed hospital attention. This was

a large-scale operation that lasted a few hours but it has now been

scaled back. All the people who went in the water have been accounted

scaled back. All the people who went and injuries involved are relatively

taken to hospital, one with a suspected fractured wrist, the other

with knee injury. The accident and emergency department is back to

normal at the Oscar hospital and as you can see, the

normal at the Oscar hospital and as much calmer than it was. It is

obvious things are turning to normal there. It is returning to normal.

One competitor spoke to a colleague and described it as a stir in a

teapot. He said people who take part in these events are used to this

sort of thing, they are trained to get in and out of the boat if it

capsized as. They are wearing and have all the equipment that would

defend them from the cold and that sort of thing, and this event is a

four-day event and racing continues tomorrow morning. Now, it was a

late-night glued to the television screen.

And if you were unable to sit up into the wee small hours,

then you've perhaps missed what Rory McIlroy described

The world number one entered the USPGA as favourite, and once

Rory burst into life in the final nine holes, and in doing so,

It seems that he just cannot stop winning.

This victory wasn't just about talent.

It showcased Rory McIlroy's mental toughness.

Just when it looked like victory was slipping away, like all great

sportsmen, the best player on the planet produced a moment of magic.

It's a magnificent shot, it really is.

The resulting eagle kickstarted Rory's revival.

And when the pressure was really on, he delivered,

There were more yet heroics on the 17th.

Ensuring that he stepped onto the final tee of the final day of the

final major with a two shot lead. As darkness descended on Valhalla,

the brightest star in golf tapped It is glory for a Rory in Kentucky.

Happy being a two-time major champion coming into this year and

all of a sudden I am a fourth time major champion and going for the

career grand slam in 291 days, not that I'm counting, but it has been

an incredible run of golf and I couldn't be more proud of myself or

happier with where my game is at. Even at this early stage of his

career, re-McIlroy is being compared to the greats of the game, and many

of them had been paying tribute to his performance. Greg Norman said on

Twitter out of darkness comes the brightest star in the future of

golf. Congratulations, Rory, you seized the moment in time. And the

most successful of them all, Jack Nicklaus, said Rory might even

overhaul his total of 18 titles, but the current world number one wants

to create his own legacy. I am trying to put all this talk aside

every time it comes up, but Tiger and Jack are the two most successful

players in our sport of all time and I am on a nice track at the moment,

a nice pass, I still have a long way to go, but to be in their company at

this age is very special. Rory will now take

a few well-deserved days off, before the Manchester United fan

will parade his silverware in front of the Old Trafford crowd ahead

of their opening league fixture. Some high praise there are indeed

from some real golfing greats. The County Down man's victories are

having a real spin-off Mervyn Jess' report begins with

the celebrations As darkness descended on Valhalla,

Rory McIlroy lifted his fourth major, illuminated by the

flashlights of the world's media. This morning, just a few hours

after that victory, the Seniors team from his home club, Holywood,

were competing against Dunmurry. Despite this putt, the Holywood men

lost this particular match, but their spirits were still up

after McIlroy's win in Kentucky. He played really well last night. He

has been fantastic for the club because they in a father and son

competition last Tuesday, the juvenile people around Holywood is

unbelievable. He has given great encouragement.

So how is the McIlroy factor affecting tourism

Visiting golfers put more than ?22 million a year

The average spend per day by a golfer is ?385,

As well as the jewels in our crown like County Down, we have a real

breadth in courses of abilities and budgets and there is so much more to

do in Northern Ireland's other than play golf.

At Holywood Golf Club today, some English visitors were preparing

I come golfing to Ireland every year and Northern Ireland doesn't get the

credit it deserves. People like or we are doing a fantastic job. In

three or four years if he keeps going he will be top of the pile. In

the next five years he will be an all-time great. There is no doubt

that Rory McIlroy's success is attracting people, but one coat says

getting people into the game at an early age has been a struggle. There

is financial help there and pros are willing to coach kids and get them

involved in golf and out playing, and just getting them to hit balls,

even in an indoor area, is a start. Their re-McIlroy factor looks set to

continue. I would say next to Bono, re-McIlroy is

continue. I would say next to Bono, successful and well known face. If

you go to the jungle you will find someone there who recognises Rory

McIlroy. This staggering success someone there who recognises Rory

re-McIlroy on the world stage has not just added bonus to his step but

will also come as a massive boost to the game here in Northern Ireland.

Still to come on the programme, after another day of destruction in

the centre of Belfast, one trader says it's time to ban all parades

and protests from the middle of the city.

The Health Minister's told the BBC he can see merit in the idea

of charging people who end up in Accident and Emergency

There has been pressure on services in emergency departments

and a number of deaths have been linked to waiting times.

There has been mixed a reaction to Edwin Poots' comments.

Waiting times are a constant worry and resources are often stretched.

Hours and minutes can mean the difference between successful

Colette's mother died at the Royal Hospital in Belfast

And the trust later admitted that delays at the emergency department

may have contributed to her death and for others.

Even when she was seen after six hours, it was hours after

that before she was scanned and then there were numerous issues.

We often think maybe if we had made more of a noise in A, maybe

And there have been months of problems,

not just here but at A and health trusts across Northern Ireland.

During the busy periods here in the emergency department,

there have been patients lined up and down this room on trolleys,

either waiting for treatment or waiting to be admitted, and that's

New ways of working have been introduced to try to move patients

out of A and into other departments quickly, and 40 extra

I know people have to sit for hours waiting but it's just unfortunate

and I think if there were more finances put in, I think it would be

a better system and maybe get back to the way it was years ago.

The pressure on emergency departments tend to be greatest at

the weekend, when alcohol inevitably contributes to the numbers.

It's led some to call for a debate about charging people

who end up in hospital as a result of their own actions.

We already charge people, insurance companies for example, for

people who have come in as a result of road traffic collisions, etc, so

there is an ability to recoup money from various sources, so it's not

This suggested of making people pay the system.

This suggested of making people pay is controversial but there was some

support for it in Belfast. If you are going in there drunk,

self-inflicted, you could avoid it. I think it's fair enough

because it's not an accident and you're in accident and emergency

taking the time of doctors. I know the service is

in a bad way at the moment, something has to be done, but I

don't know about charging for it. And there are always political

sensitivities when people challenge the principle

of free health care for all. An 18-year-old woman has died

after a collision involving two cars It happened on the Portaferry Road

shortly before 8:30pm. Two other people were taken to

hospital for injuries which aren't Police have asked

for anyone who was travelling on the road around the time

of the collision to contact them. The Environment Minister's given

the thumbs down to a plan to test The announcement came late this

afternoon and our reporter Julian, what else has the Minister

said? Town bored and moved onto this quarry two weeks ago. It wanted to

drill a 750 metre deep borehole to test for shale gas. The process

would not involve fracking and the company believed it could use

permitted development rights but today the environment said the

company must apply for full landing permission. He said he was taking a

precautionary approach and he believed the work being carried out

here could cause significant environmental damage. I have

listened to many people over this past period who have raised numerous

concerns, chiefly around the hydrology in the Fermanagh area, and

that remains a key concern for me. It is one that we have not seen

conclusive evidence there will not be an impact, and in absence of that

evidence I have no option other than to ask for an environmental

statement. Julian, what has the reaction been from locals?

Protesters have maintained a permanent presence here at the

quarry for the last three weeks and tonight they will hold an ecumenical

service. There is a real air of celebration here but testers have

also said their campaign will continue. The Minister has made the

right decision. This is the first time we will have the chance to be

consulted on this. This is something that is of grave concern to the

local community and the fact we have to go through a full planning

process with the environmental impact assessment may delay this up

to a year. What about the company involved? Has it responded to the

Minister's announcement? If it wanted to carry out the work you're

at the quarry it must now apply for full planning permission and carry

out an environmental statement and the community will be involved in

that process. It may also decide to challenge the Minister's physician

in the courts. In a brief statement tonight, the company said it was

deeply concerned at the announcement and said it would be reviewing its

position. Thank you, Julian. Now, under new management but a shock for

within field as the new season gets under way. -- a shock for Linfield.

Trade in Belfast city centre was down 70% yesterday as a result

of disruption caused by a republican anti-internment

One Belfast businessman says it's time to consider banning all marches

and protests from the middle of the city.

It's the not type of footfall city centre shops want.

For the type of traffic. -- or the type of traffic.

Little wonder, then, that so few shoppers stayed

The parade went down Royal Avenue past Castlecourt shopping centre.

The police managed to keep the republican marchers and loyalist

It was over within 15 minutes, but the damage had been done

Businesses in the city are losing money and patience.

This restaurant was surrounded yesterday by police.

The owners used to Twitter to try to let customers know they were still

open in spite of the ring of steel, but it was too late.

Our sales are hard, and the home restaurant is half as well. People

do not come into town when there is that his presence. What is the

solution? I think the answer for me and other traders are, can we not

keep town out of protest parades? Go to Stormont, somewhere else, people

have the right to protest, I am not getting involved in politics, but

town should be a safe haven. Balancing politics and economics in

Belfast is difficult. This was an example of how parades in the city

can hurt trade. Business was done by 70% yesterday on the same week last

year, that is not good and needs to be resolved. We respect the right of

people to rate and protest but the risk and economic impact and people

have to consider this. The policing bill alone run into tens of

thousands of pounds. More than 500 officers were on duty. The bad

weather meant it would never be a bumper day for business, but after

that parade the city centre was virtually deserted. 24 hours later

and Belfast is buzzing again. This city does have remarkable powers of

recovery, but then again it has had plenty of practice over the years.

Now, it was a busy weekend of sport that didn't really end

There were a few bleary eyed sports reporters in the office this

morning. What a payday firm Rory McIlroy and great to see those

celebration shots. Here is a statistic, he is the third youngest

player behind Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to win or majors. There was

also great company at Croke Park at the weekend.

Three Ulster teams travelled to Croke Park at the weekend, but only

one remains in the All-Ireland Championship, and that's Donegal.

Their manager Jim McGuinness will now attempt what many are calling

Mission Impossible, as Donegal take on Dublin for

If Jim McGuinness was to leave Donegal to a third semifinal

appearance in four years and his captain in top form. The Ulster

champions were favourites and got off to a perfect start. However,

there is a grit and determination about our

there is a grit and determination relegation to division three. Just

ask the Donegal team doctor. With eight minutes remaining, the

unthinkable looked very eight minutes remaining, the

Armagh took the lead. However, eight minutes remaining, the

Donegal need their leader, he usually provides, and did so with

the equalising point. One minute later, Patrick McBratney hit the

winner. There was time for some late drama. Tony Kernan had a great

afternoon but did this to go over. It drops short and Armagh were out

of the championship, but will their manager be in charge next season? It

is time to go behind the scenes and talk to the managing team and come

to some resolution, but the most important thing is the progress in

this team and that will important thing is the progress in

no matter who is in charge. Monaghan had the task of taking on the

defending champions in their backyard, and for 25 minutes Dublin

looked rattled. But only for 25 minutes. Two goals in three minutes

meant the game was effectively over at half-time, as Dublin cruised into

the last four with 15 points to spare. The Monaghan manager is

hopeful of remaining in charge in 2015. Obviously people in accounting

make that decision but the process remained and the efforts they showed

will not be affected. Dublin looked unbeatable but the risk at least one

man who believes they very much are. Now, it was the opening weekend

of the Irish League. Champions Cliftonville drew with

Glentoran, but already a little bit of pressure

on this man, new Linfield manager Warren Feeney, after

his side lost 3-0 to Portadown. He won 46 caps for his country and

now has to win the hearts and minds of Linfield supporters. A task which

was easier said than done, as was done cruised past the 51 time league

champions by two goals to nil. He has 35 left in the game of 37 and

that is the only lesson, that is the first game, and they have to realise

it is the real world. Two special guests of honour, Paddy Barnes and

Michael Conlan. There were more medals than goals on offer as the

league champions drew nil-nil with Glentoran. In Lurgan last season 's

Irish cup winners the Navan drew two to with fellow title contenders

Crusaders -- Glenavon. New boys Institute started with a 2-2 draw at

Dungannon. Stephen Flynn's injury time equaliser rescued the side.

Jason McCartney opened his account for a Ballinamallard against

Coleraine, and David McDaid found the net against the ban ciders.

Goals from Ballymena United gave them a winning start against

Warrenpoint as Irish League season got up and running.

Ireland have reached the semifinals of the Women's Rugby World Cup

for the first time by beating Kazakhstan 40-5 in their final Pool

Having followed up an opening win over the USA with a

stunning victory over champions New Zealand, the Irish knew a last-four

They led 14-5 at half-time and added four more tries after the break.

Finally, motorcycling, and Alastair Seeley moved back

into British Supersport title contention by winning yesterday's

It was a Northern Ireland one-two as fellow Carrickfergus rider

That's the sport. Thank you, Thomas. Lots of showers around today. If you

are unlucky enough to catch one, you will be pretty wet. We have what is

left of arcane burst that controlling our weather and some

squally conditions as you saw earlier -- retain Bertha. Squally

showers pushing across the island. This evening there will be a

continuing flow of showers, some heavy, but overnight some will die

away. Temperatures will dip to 10 degrees, the skies tomorrow will

give us a bright start in places but like today we will continue to see

gusty winds and scattered showers, especially in the afternoon. To

begin with many of us start on a dry and bright note but by afternoon

jobbers will come in, especially for the north coast but some will drift

further south, some heavy and donned array, and it will feel fresher with

those westerly winds and temperatures managing just 15 or 16

degrees but with any showers it will feel cooler. There will be good

spells of sunshine to look forward to so it will not rain of the time,

and for many of us tomorrow evening will not be a bad end to the day.

Tomorrow night a few showers come and go, some cloud around so a mild

night, temperatures around 13 degrees. For Wednesday it is like

Groundhog Day, north-westerly winds will still be there, a scattering of

showers, but there will also be some bright and sunny spells so it will

not rain all the time. It looks like temperatures will pick up a little

bit, but further south you are you may get 18 or 19, but with the winds

it will stay fresh around the North coast, today, tomorrow and

Wednesday, scattered showers, lost three conditions. It looks like we

will end their week on a better note, drier and brighter on Thursday

and Friday. Not dry all the time, some showers in the forecast, but it

looks like an improving picture. We will keep you up to date. Follow us

on Twitter if you can. That is good to hear. Thank you for that. Now a

reminder of the top stories. A major rescue operation as a sudden

squall hit an international sailing event on Strangford Lough. I will

have the latest. At one point several people ended up

in the water. No one was seriously injured. The Environment Minister

has refused permission to test for shale gas in Fermanagh. Local people

say it is a relief. The company will appeal the decision.