NI schools could stay closed until Easter + NI health workers set to receive one off ‘thank you’ payment

	Jan 26, 2021

	Good morning We hope you are well on this cold wet day. Today's headlines: * Unionist politicians have condemned the crowds attending the funeral of IRA veteran Eamon McCourt on Monday. * Schools in Northern Ireland could be closed until Easter, it has emerged. * The daughter of a former police reservist murdered by the IRA has broken a 30-year-silence to ensure her father “is not a forgotten victim”. * The Northern Ireland Executive has given a clear signal that it intends to reward the remarkable work of health and social care employees with a one off ‘thank you’ payment. * An urgent appeal has been launched by an NI food bank which is in ‘crucial need’ of supplies. * If you want to enjoy accurate, fact-checked journalism that you can trust, why not sign up for a digital subscription? You can have unlimited access to the work of our top journalists, thought-provoking columnists and exclusive content from as little as £1 a month? Check out your subscription options here. Stay safe Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor


	NI schools could stay closed until Easter: Options for NI Executive revealed

	Schools in Northern Ireland could be closed until Easter, it has emerged.

Images emerge of crowd of mourners at new republican funeral procession

Images have begun circulating online this evening of crowds of mourners following a funeral cortege of IRA man Eamonn McCourt.

Bereaved daughter breaks 30-year silence to commemorate RUC dad

The daughter of a former police reservist murdered by the IRA has broken a 30-year-silence to ensure her father “is not a forgotten victim”.

SF MLA indicates that republican funeral was toned-down event

Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney has indicated that the farewell given to IRA man Eamonn McCourt in Londonderry on Monday was a toned-down affair – even though the PSNI is investigating “likely” breaches of Covid restrictions connected with it.

Irish Sea border sees hundreds of items disappear from corner shops

About 100 small corner shops and larger convenience stores are losing more than 400 items from their shelves because of the Irish Sea border, the News Letter can reveal.

Young girl left 'deeply shocked' after car flipped and overturned

A young girl has been left "deeply shocked" after nearly being hit by a suspected drink driver in the Cookstown area this afternoon.

Michelle O’Neill backs NI Protocol, despite growing problems at Irish Sea border it created

The deputy first minister has firmly backed the Northern Ireland Protocol which creates the Irish Sea border, despite the growing evidence of the problems that border is creating.

THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Minister pledges to bring electricity to more Ulster farms

From the News Letter, January 26, 1950

North Down couple urge others to consider fostering, saying “it’s a decision you will not regret”

A North Down couple has urged Belfast residents to consider fostering, saying that welcoming children into their home has given them “such great memories to cherish”.

Sean Connor blasts 'nonsense' 12 team Irish Cup suggestion

SEAN CONNOR believes suggestions the Irish Cup should go ahead featuring only Danske Bank Premiership sides is ‘absolute nonsense’ and a decision which would devalue the competition.

Linfield should ‘enjoy and embrace’ the challenge

Linfield manager David Healy wants his league leaders to ‘enjoy and embrace’ tonight’s derby date against Cliftonville.

Roy Torrens was ‘Mr Irish Cricket’ - insists ex-skipper William Porterfield

Former Ireland captain William Porterfield says Irish cricket has lost a legend after the sad passing of Roy Torrens.

Baloucoune part of Ulster quartet to sign fresh deals

Ulster have secured the services of Robert Baloucoune, Luke Marshall, Alan O’Connor and Aaron Sexton until 2023 after the quartet all penned fresh contracts to stay at the Kingspan Stadium.

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