As we say goodbye to 2024, we’re taking a look back through some of the highlights of the year, with a focus on some positive, uplifting stories.
There have been plenty of tough times this year for us in Northern Ireland and it can feel like things are doom and gloom a lot of the time – particularly when it comes to the news. However, despite it all, there was still plenty to make us smile this year.
Throughout the year, we were still inundated with heart-warming stories and tales of overcoming adversity from individuals and communites right across Northern Ireland, doing their bit to help others or trying their best to bring some good news.
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Here at Belfast Live, we’re lucky and honoured to be able to continue sharing the stories of inspirational people every day. Stories of people helping their neighbours through difficult times, people from here achieving big things, and stories of people helping to keep spirits up.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite good news stories we’ve been lucky to cover in 2024. Happy New Year, and here’s to plenty more in 2025!
Barber honours promise to give recovering addict a job after seven months clean
Thomas Finn with barber Jay Millar who has handed him a lifeline by giving him a free training course and a job
(Image: Jays Barber Shop)
A Belfast barber has honoured his promise of giving a recovering heroin addict a job a year after he said he would after getting himself clean.
Thomas Finn, 32, has struggled with addiction issues for 15 years and met Rathcoole barber Jay Millar while he was providing haircuts to those on the streets of Belfast city centre last year.
Jay promised he would offer him a free training course and job if he turned his life around and this year, he honoured that promise. Read more here.
History made in NI as councillor becomes country’s first black Mayor
Cllr Lilian Barr, SDLP
(Image: North West Migrant Forum)
In April, SDLP councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr made history as she became the first black Mayor in Northern Irish history.
Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “Since moving to Derry from Kenya, Lilian has embedded herself in the centre of life in our city, getting involved in a range positive initiatives, mostly notably helping others from migrant backgrounds adjust to life in their new home.
“She has become an important community activist, speaking out on behalf of those who are marginalised and at times, struggle to have their voices heard.” Read more here.
North Belfast youth club uses wood cuttings to post positive messages
The Ardoyne Youth Club youth committee spreading positivity for Suicide Prevention Day
To mark Suicide Prevention Day in September, the youth committee at Ardoyne Youth Club aimed to boost the spirits and mental health of their community by sharing positive messages throughout the area.
The youngsters placed positive messages on small wood cuttings in the Ardoyne area in order to show how small acts of kindness can make a difference in people’s lives. Read more here.
NI fashion designer named on 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list
NI designer Hope Macaulay
(Image: Submitted)
A Northern Irish fashion designer has been featured on this year’s 30 Under 30 Europe list by Forbes.
Hope Macaulay, 27, pioneers and creates mindful, feel-good knitwear pieces, which are handmade to order by her team of talented local knitters here in Northern Ireland. To read more, click here.
‘Dream come true’ for WWE fan as belt recovered one month after SSE tour
Barry Leckey receiving his customised WWE belt back on Friday morning
(Image: Submitted)
A Northern Ireland wrestling fan was overjoyed after a precious customised WWE belt was returned to him after being recovered by Belfast Harbour Police.
Barry Lecky attended WWE Live at the SSE Arena in April and left the belt with his name on it on a chair for a few minutes to queue for a high-five from one of the stars of the show, Cody Rhodes. When he returned it had been taken.
A Belfast Live appeal asking for information on the whereabouts of Barry’s belt was shared thousands of times. Read the full story here.
Belfast musician nominated for Grammy Award
Jordan Adetunji performs onstage at the Guinness Live & Rising at Whites Garden on May 19, 2024 in Belfast.
(Image: Carrie Davenport/Getty Images for Guinness)
In November, Belfast rapper Jordan Adetunji was shortlisted for a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap performance.
He was shortlisted in the category alongside the likes of Beyoncé and The Weeknd for his song ‘Kehlani’, which has reached over 300 million streams worldwide. Read more here.
NI teen ‘living her dream’ after being invited to America’s Got Talent auditions
Sophie Lennon on the set of America’s Got Talent
A Co Down teenager made Northern Ireland proud as she sang her way onto TV screens across the world on America’s Got Talent this year.
Sophie Lennon, 14, from Mayobridge said she was “pinching herself” when was invited to audition for the famous talent show headed by Simon Cowell. Read more here.
NI man completes 27 marathons in every EU capital
Ben Gaston (right) pictured during one of his marathons
A 27-year-old from Ballymena completed 27 marathons in every EU capital city to raise money for mental health charity Movember.
Ben Gaston set out his goals on JustGiving : “Every year I mindlessly attempt to grow a moustache and chuck a few quid in donations. This year I want to do more.”
However, in August, eight marathons in, he told Belfast Live that his hip was “flaring like crazy,” and he was already having to “keep figuring ways around the wee niggles.” Read more here.
NI comedians raise over £32k for Children’s Cancer Unit through charity boxing
Micky Bartlett, Sinead Lynch and Shane Todd with funds raised for the Children’s Cancer Unit
In June, a charity boxing event featuring some of the biggest names on the Belfast stand-up scene raised £32,000 for the Children’s Cancer Unit.
Sinead Lynch, Fundraising Manager of the Children’s Cancer Unit, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the event was such a success and has raised this incredible total, which will have a really positive impact on the children and families we support.” Read more here.
Meet the Belfast women beating social isolation through crochet and chat
The Happy Hookers crochet club at Grace Family Centre in Ardoyne
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Earlier this year, we caught up with a group of women in North Belfast who have been creating friendships and socialising while learning how to crochet.
The Happy Hookers crochet group operates from the Grace Family Centre in Ardoyne, and was set up around 14 years ago in order to tackle social isolation by getting people out of the house and making new connections. Click here for the full story.
Family captures moment Bruce Springsteen hugs young fan in front row
Bruce Springsteen hugs Farrah Lavery, 7, in a special moment at his gig in Belfast on Thursday night
(Image: Aiken Promotions)
During the summer, Bruce Springsteen performed in Belfast – and it was a gig to remember for seven-year-old Farrah from Aghagallon who had a special moment with The Boss during the story. Full story and video here.
Kneecap among host of Irish talent shortlisted for the Oscars
Kneecap at The Kennedy Centre
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/ Belfast Live)
Irish language rap trio Kneecap are among a host of talent from the island to be shortlisted for the Oscars.
The film Kneecap has been shortlisted in the best international feature film category and for best original song for Sick In The Head. Read more here.
NI woman on going from 50% chance of survival to opening own business
Demi Nelson outside her own business, Hair by Demi in Whiteabbey
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Demi Nelson, 23, shared her remarkable story of survival and success with us this year. After experiencing fainting episodes since she was two, and being told she only had 50% chance of survival, the Ballyclare woman opened her own business this year.
Demi told us: “I just value every day and I just think I’ve been kept here for a reason, there’s no doubt about it. For my parents to be told my heart was stopping and there’s not much of a medical explanation for me to be alive right now, I’m very grateful to be here.” Read her full story here.
Belfast pop-up stall introduced renowned celebrity chef to Filipino food
KUBO founder Nallaine Calvo (left), Rick Stein and sous chef Chai Doyle
(Image: Nallaine Calvo)
Celebrity chef Rick Stein has included his first ever Filipino dish in his new cookbook after a visit to Belfast last summer.
The cooking legend was introduced to Filipino food thanks to Nallaine Calvo when he visited her pop-up food stall, Kubo, in the trendy Trademarket on Belfast’s Dublin Road, as part of a new BBC cooking show. Read more here.
Official opening of ‘lifeline’ NI learning disability centre saved from closure
Levi Goulding (service user), Abbey Lowey (Project Worker, Orchardville) and Callum Gardiner (service user) at the official opening of the Orchardville Centre in Bangor
(Image: South Eastern HSC Trust)
Earlier this year, people power saved the day when the Promote Day Opportunities Service, which had been run by the South Eastern Trust and Action Mental Health (AMH), faced closure due to funding issues.
The Bangor-based training centre has offered training and support for 52 adults with learning difficulties since 2008, including the chance to develop new skills, take part in activities and meet new people, while also providing respite to families and carers.
In December, the centre celebrated its official opening. Read more here.
‘Christmas miracle’ as NI man detained in Dubai finally home
Craig in happier times
(Image: Detained in Dubai/Craig Ballentine)
A Northern Ireland man who’d been detained in Dubai over a Google post about his former employer is finally home for Christmas.
Craig Ballentine from Co Tyrone said it was a “Christmas miracle” after disembarking a flight at Dublin airport a week before Christmas. The 33-year-old was arrested in October over allegations of slander that could have meant prison time. Read more here.
New Belfast mural celebrating diversity is largest on island of Ireland
The new mural celebrating diversity at the Holiday Inn on Great Victoria Street in Belfast
A new mural in Belfast celebrating diversity and connectivity is the largest mural on the island of Ireland.
The striking new mural on the Holiday Inn on Great Victoria Street is 32 metres high and 14.5 metres wide, and was commissioned by LQ BID and designed by renowned artist Aches, with the support of Daisy Chain Inc., a Belfast-based creative consultancy known for reimagining spaces. Read more here.
Teen creates over 100 hampers for care homes in honour of great-grandad
Phoebe Cullen has created 106 hampers for care home residents in Carrickfergus this Christmas
Phoebe Cullen, 14, from Carrickfergus created 106 special hampers for three different care homes in the area in the hopes of spreading some joy over the festive season.
She was inspired to make the kind gesture due to her relationship with her great-grandad Sammy, who has been diagnosed with dementia, with this leading her to think about how she could do something special for other vulnerable and elderly members of her community. Read more here.
Parkrun turns 20 with milestone celebration at Belfast’s Waterworks
In October, Parkrunners from across Belfast gathered at Waterworks Park to celebrate parkrun’s 20th anniversary. The landmark event is part of a nationwide celebration happening at parkrun locations across the UK, including 39 sites in Northern Ireland. Read more here.
Belfast boy with cerebral palsy gets dream Disney trip thanks to charity
Daniel with Mickey Mouse ears on ready for Disney
(Image: Submitted)
Seven-year-old Daniel from North Belfast has complex medical needs and severe visual impairment. His difficult start in life included suffering four strokes in the womb and a brain haemorrhage, which severely damaged the left side of his brain, causing cysts to grow and leading to cerebral palsy.
In April this year, Daniel, his three-year-old brother Michael, and their parents were able to go on the trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris thanks to support from a charity. Read more here.
NI man on walking 18,000 miles in four years for mental health awareness
Fleming Keery has walked 18,000 miles over four years to raise awareness of Lifeline
(Image: Harry Bateman/Belfast Live)
Fleming Keery, 73, was spurred on to begin his daily walks in January 2020 after hearing about the rising suicide figures in Northern Ireland and wishing to do his bit to help people who may be struggling.
The Carryduff man has now walked an impressive 18,000 miles over 1,625 consecutive days since he began his mission. Read more here.
Charity’s Christmas miracle for families in need after Belfast Live appeal
Mental Health Movement’s Caoimhin McNulty, Ethan O’Neill, Nicola Clarke and Chloe Henry
It’s been a real Christmas miracle for one Belfast charity which has seen a festive reversal in its fortunes after making an urgent appeal on Belfast Live.
Last week we reported how a North Belfast charity was unable to meet demand for its annual winter appeal and feared many families were facing a bleak Christmas. Within hours of the article appearing on Belfast Live, the group was inundated with donations and offers of help and soon the situation turned from bleak to brilliant. Read more here.
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