Unionists urge Michael D Higgins to clarify if he will attend NI Centenary service with Queen

Province's oldest married couple die less than a year apart

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Subscribe              Sep 16, 2021             Michael Cousins Acting Managing Editor Good morning Unionists and the Alliance Party have asked for clarity after it emerged that Michael D Higgins would not be present at the event in Armagh next month. It is understood the Queen has also been invited to the service, which is a focal point of a programme of events in 2021 to mark 100 years since the island of Ireland was partitioned. A spokesperson for the Irish president said he was "not in a position to attend", but did not explain why. Grim tidings were aired at a Stormont committee yesterday, as a haulage boss indicated that the protocol is such a "bureaucratic nightmare" that it may finish off his firm within months. Mark Tait was just one of a number of freight industry figures giving evidence about the Irish Sea border to MLAs on the finance committee, overseen by UUP MLA Steve Aiken. Northern Ireland's oldest married couple have passed away less than a year apart, both reaching the age of 102. Joseph Graham died in December last year and, following a spell in hospital and a nursing home, his wife Nellie passed away yesterday – nine days shy of what would have been the Randalstown couple's 79th wedding anniversary.  Don't forget you can access unlimited articles, exclusives, agenda-setting opinion, expert analysis, get daily puzzles and see 70% fewer online ads from just £1 a month. For the same price you can also gain full access to our app (Digital+) and read every print edition of the News Letter on tablet or mobile. Sign up today and become a News Letter subscriber under no obligations. Your support allows us to continue reporting on the issues which matter to you. Have a good day           Unionists urge Michael D Higgins to clarify if he will attend NI Centenary service with Queen           Unionists have urged Irish President Michael D Higgins to clarify if he intends to "snub" a major event next month marking the centenary of Northern Ireland.                 NI Brexit protocol: Northern Irish cattle can travel to shows in Great Britain – but cannot come back afterwards says Ulster Farmers' Union   A senior member of the UFU has given a small flavour of the "ludicrous" situation created by the post-Brexit rules.           NI married couple Joseph and Nellie Graham pass away after reaching the age of 102   Northern Ireland's oldest married couple have passed away less than a year apart, both reaching the age of 102.           Maxi Beattie was a talented international bowler as well as his local Church Warden but primarily he was a family man   Maxi Beattie was a quiet country man who would have gone out of his way to help neighbours, friends and family.           Leading GP warns 'circuit breaker' lockdown may be inevitable for NI   A leading Northern Ireland GP says he believes a Covid lockdown will be "inevitable" this winter, after the UK Health Secretary refused to rule out the measure.               Expected time of travel update today on red, green and amber list changes   Switzerland, Canada and Denmark were among seven countries added to the UK travel green list in the last update from the UK government, opening up more quarantine-free holiday options for Brits.       Culture Night Belfast trail will lead visitors to the Ogham Grove   An impressive lighting and sound installation will be unveiled on Friday at Writers' Square, Belfast, at part of this year's Culture Night.                             Special award presented in memory of Irish road racing chaplain Rev Noel Agnew           Highly respected Irish road racing chaplain Rev John Kirkpatrick has paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow Minister Noel Agnew, marking a year since he fell ill at the Cookstown 100.                   Ulster fan power key to trophy progress for Kieran Treadwell   Lock Kieran Treadwell is hoping the return of fans to Kingspan Stadium this season will inspire Ulster to win their first piece silverware since 2006.       Steven Gerrard wants Rangers to keep concentration against Lyon   Steven Gerrard will go into his 50th European tie as Rangers boss believing Lyon are "arguably the best" team his side will have faced so far.       Luke Georgeson the clear winner of NCU awards pick after dream debut   The Northern Cricket Union's senior season recently featured the final round of Robinson Services Premier League fixtures.                   View more news

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