Education Minister John O’Dowd welcomes progress on The Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone

Executive Information Service

Department of Education

24 September 2015


Education Minister John O’Dowd welcomes progress on The Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone


Education Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed progress on the The Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone, following a meeting today with community representatives.

The Zone was launched in September 2014 by the Greater Shankill Community Convention and received the endorsement of several Executive Departments.

Commenting following today’s meeting, Minister O’Dowd said: “One year on from the launch of the Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone, I’m delighted to see how much progress has been made and in particular the buy-in from the community and the support received from others including Queen’s University, Belfast.

“It is very encouraging to see the commitment shown by the Greater Shankill Community Convention to improve the life chances of children and young people in the Greater Shankill area. Ministers and their departments have a role to play but so much more can be achieved when a community itself takes the lead.

“It is well known that schools need the support of parents and communities if they are to ensure that young people are supported to achieve to their full potential. We know how much difference this support can make and that is why I launched my Department’s Education Works campaign, which focuses on encouraging parents to get involved in their children’s education. I commend the Greater Shankill Community on the progress they have made and I am happy to continue to lend my support to their work to improve the lives of children in their community and beyond.”

Notes to editors:
Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.


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Ní Chuilín congratulates Jonathan Rea on winning World Superbike Championship

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Jonathan Rea on securing the FIM World Superbike Championship.

The County Antrim rider sealed the title today at Jerez in Spain with five races to spare and becomes the first local motorcycling world champion since 1986.

Hailing Jonathan’s achievement, the Minister said: “Winning the World Superbike Championship is a phenomenal achievement for Jonathan and it caps a remarkable season in which he has finished on the podium in almost every race.

“Jonathan has been riding motorcycles most of his life and has always been a fierce competitor. Having originally favoured motocross, Jonathan only switched to circuit racing in 2003. To become world champion a little over 10 years later is testament to his skill, determination and commitment.

“Jonathan becomes the north’s fourth world motorcycle champion, after Joey Dunlop, Brian Reid and Ralph Bryans. Jonathan now joins this illustrious list of motorcycling legends.

“I offer huge congratulations to Jonathan and the Kawasaki team and hope this title can be a springboard for further success in future.”

Notes to editor:

Media enquiries to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office, Tel 028 9051 5046 or email DCAL Communications: communications@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours call the duty officer on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Ní Chuilín congratulates Michael Conlan on European gold

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Belfast boxer Michael Conlan on winning gold at the European Elite Championships.

Michael defeated Great Britain's Qais Ashfaq in the final in Samokov, Bulgaria.

Congratulating Michael on his achievement, the Minister said: “I am delighted that Michael Conlan has secured a European bantamweight championship gold, going one better than the last time he competed in this competition in 2013, when he took silver. Michael is yet again showing what an inspiration he is to young athletes, especially boxers.

“Boxing is a sport that is accessible to all and particularly offers opportunities to people from marginalised communities to develop their fitness and, in turn, their overall mental health and wellbeing.

“Michael is a credit to his club, to his local community, and to the north as a whole. He can look ahead to the Rio Olympics next year with confidence.”

The Minister also congratulated Westmeath fighter Joe Ward on taking gold in the light heavyweight section and Dean Walsh of Wexford on securing bronze at light welterweight.

She said: “The whole Irish team has performed strongly in these championships. It is great to see boxers from right across the island bringing home medals. Well done to the whole team and to all the coaches, staff and of course the families and friends who support the boxers all year round.”

Sports Minister congratulates local boxers

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings on their wins in Texas tonight.

Carl Frampton successfully defended his IBF World Super-bantamweight title in a really close fight against Alejándro González Jr and Conrad Cummings also defeated Mexican Oscar Riojas in El Paso.

The Minister said:  “Huge congratulations to Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings on their wins tonight in El Paso.  Our local boxing stars are continuing to shine and do us proud.  Hopefully, tonight will be the start of a great career and exposure in America for Carl and Conrad.

“Carl showed great skill and determination throughout a tough fight.  González Jr pushed Frampton hard but Carl was rewarded at the end of twelve rounds by retaining his world title.  Conrad defeated Riojas in the 2^nd round.

“Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings, along with other local boxers, are a real inspiration to young people and have encouraged them to visit their local clubs and try out the sport. Once again congratulations to Conrad and to Carl, who is returning home still Super-bantamweight World Champion.”

Notes to editors:

    Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Communications Office by telephoning 028 9051 5047 or email communications@dcalni.gov.uk. For out of office queries please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.