Only a small proportion of items recovered from archaeology digs in Northern Ireland ever make it into museums for public display, with the rest preserved and stored elsewhere. The facility is full of rare artefacts, from flint spearheads to a seven-metre, 4,000-year-old log boat found near the River Bann. Sapphire Mussen examines artefacts held at the archaeological store (Liam McBurney/PA)One of the experts involved in the project is curatorial archaeologist Sapphire Mussen. Ms Mussen said researchers from around the world have sought access to the storehouse. Northern Ireland’s archaeological storehouse in Co Antrim (Liam McBurney/PA)“We’ve had people from America and Scotland and the south of Ireland, people from all over.

British researchers say a cure for Alzheimer's disease could one day be possible, with experts suggesting truly life–changing treatments may emerge within the next five to ten years. Small amounts of healthy brain tissue, normally discarded during such procedures, were instead rushed straight from the operating theatre to Dr Durrant's laboratory. Once removed, the brain tissue must reach the lab and be placed into incubators within two hours to remain viable. 'I've not seen so much hope in Alzheimer's disease research than I do right now and there's just so much to look forward to. She said future treatments are likely to combine multiple strategies rather than rely on a single target.

Britain faces mass GP practice closures within five years if business models are not radically overhauled, a leading medical accountant has warned. Vijay Acharya, whose medical accountancy firm represents hundreds of GP practices across the UK, has now raised alerts about the potential impact on surgeries. He also urged ministers to encourage freshly-trained medics to commit to GP practice life rather than being locums. GP surgeries in England are now required to keep online forms open for the duration of their working hours for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests. Mr Streeting has vowed to make it easier for patients to access their GP practice.

Pilgrims and tourists are finally returning to the birthplace of Christianity for the first time since the war in Gaza broke out. Nazareth, the ancient city of Jesus's upbringing, is slowly re-awakening as visitors tentatively step back into the cradle of Christmas. Because Nazareth is home to the biggest Arab-Christian community in Israel, and for many locals the return of visitors brings back a sense of hope. And next to the Basilica of the Annunciation stands a sparkling 100ft Christmas tree – one of the tallest in the Middle East. So far I haven't seen many tourists yet, but you can still feel the Christmas spirit today.'

No individual quite captures the symmetry of this story as perfectly as Fr Victor Akongwale, a priest of the diocese of Ogoja in southeastern Nigeria. “In all his years in Africa, he built over 500 schools and was bishop of two dioceses: Ogoja and Abakaliki,” Fr Akongwale says of McGettrick. I am proud that I’m a priest and I am very proud that I’m in Ireland where my story started. Photograph: Conor McKeownBefore his transfer to Co Mayo, Fr Akongwale served in Switzerland and Southwark in London. Coming from Africa, Fr Akongwale has found the weather in the west of Ireland “challenging” but he is “happy in Ireland”.

PASt Stephen’s Day will bring sunshine to most areas today, Met Éireann has said. However, it will be cold today, with temperatures ranging between 4 and 8C, remaining the mildest near the east coast. There will be a mix of cloud and clear spells, with temperatures will drop to between 1 and 5C. Meanwhile, Sunday night will continue dry and mostly cloudy, accompanied by patches of mist and fog or freezing fog forming. Frost will form in some areas, as the lowest temperatures will drop to below freezing, from -1 to 4C.

Nicola Roberts has announced the joyful news she is pregnant and expecting her first child with her fiancé Mitch Hahn. The hitmaker revealed she is currently five months pregnant and due to give birth in the spring. Nicola penned: 'Mitch and I have had the most magical Christmas Day sharing the most precious news with our families. We are five months pregnant! Join the debate How do you think becoming a parent will change Nicola Roberts' life in the public eye?

Aristocrat meets maid in trailer for Cinderella-inspired Bridgerton seriesBy Hannah Roberts, PA Senior Entertainment ReporterThe bohemian son of a viscount can be seen searching for the maid he met at a masquerade ball in a trailer for the new Cinderella-inspired series of Bridgerton. In the new two-and-a-half minute teaser, Benedict’s attitude to love begins to change after his mother Violet Bridgerton, played by Ruth Gemmell, puts on a masquerade ball. Benedict attends the event and consequently bumps into Sophie, a maid who has disguised herself as a member of high society. Among the returning cast members this season are Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton. Bridgerton series three focused on the relationship between Coughlan and Newton’s characters in a season that saw a steamy carriage scene nominated for a Bafta award.

Tucking into Christmas leftovers after Boxing Day could make you seriously ill, food safety chiefs have warned. Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials say 'keeping Christmas dinner remains for more than two hours' or eating food that's been left out with no chilling is a major food poisoning risk. In updated festive guidance, the FSA urged the public to respect use by dates and be cautious of leaving buffet food out for more than four hours. Food poisoning can also occur because the fridge is too warm. Around 70,000 people in England and Wales seek medical advice for food poisoning over the Christmas period, stats suggest.

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Buccaneers to host lunch event with Munster and Ireland legendMunster and Ireland rugby legend Peter O’Mahony has been unveiled as guest speaker for the Buccaneers Business Networking Lunch which takes place in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone on Friday, February 27 (1pm to 5pm). O’Mahony is one of Ireland’s legendary rugby players first coming to notice as captain of the country’s U-18 and U-20 teams. He was an iconic figure with his home province Munster and the flanker was a key backrower for the Ireland senior side for many years, winning over 100 caps. The Cork native captained both sides and also the British & Irish Lions in a test against New Zealand in 2017. Prize for two tickets to Ireland v Scotland Six Nations match plus two nights B&B and one dinner at Hyatt Centric Hotel, Dublin, will be drawn at the lunch.

Courtesy of Two Doors Down (Christmas Eve, BBC1), who doesn’t know how to get from Glasgow to Galway? Ted was showing his age, which fitted in with the general mood of the Christmas special. AmandalandBBC1, Christmas Day***Neighbour Mal and Amanda (Samuel Anderson, Lucy Punch) spend Christmas in a very cold house in the country. All Creatures Great & Small: Behind the Scenes(Christmas Eve, 5)*****Hit of the season looked like being All Creatures Great and Small (Christmas Eve, 5). Among the many fun facts Graeme discovered was that the festive special is shot in June, complete with fake snow.

Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts announces she is pregnant with first childBy Lauren Del Fabbro, PA Entertainment ReporterGirls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts has announced she is pregnant with her first child. The singer revealed in a post shared on Christmas Day that she is five months pregnant and expecting her first child with footballer Mitch Hahn in the spring. “We are five months pregnant! Sending you much love!”Nicola Roberts posted her news on Instagram (Jonathan Brady/PA) Photo by Jonathan BradyFormer Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, who is pregnant with her second child, commented: “Oh my goodnesssss! Congratulations beautiful!”Roberts rose to fame as a member of Girls Aloud, which was formed in 2002 on ITV show Popstars: The Rivals.

As the year draws to a close, John Daly looks back at some of the best Irish and international business books of 2025. Gareth Sheridan featured in the 'Irish Examiner' in 2014 as the winner of the Best Young Entrepreneur South Dublin award for his startup Nutriband. Turning a college thesis in to a successful enterprise, Sheridan brought it to the US, navigating the shark-fest of public trading. Each generation confronted new challenges, until the author’s great-great-grandfather bought out his glamorous older brother and floated Guinness on the stock exchange. “The nostalgic smell still hits me as I walk around The Liberties today, and I always know, then, I am home,” Guinness writes.

Bruno Rodrigues (left), a fitness instructor in Athlone Regional Sports Centre, with Paul McCabe, who coached Bruno in bodybuilding. Athlone bodybuilding veteran leads Bruno to successPrevious Next Image 1 of 2 Bruno Rodrigues shows off his physique in a bodybuilding competition. Image 2 of 2 Bruno Rodrigues (left), a fitness instructor in Athlone Regional Sports Centre, with Paul McCabe, who coached Bruno in bodybuilding. Both men are well-known these days for training at Athlone Regional Sports Centre, where Bruno has worked as a fitness trainer for the past 18 months. The two men will continue to train together aiming for further bodybuilding competition success.