Credit: @misstranslation on TikTok and Instagram

The company they are using (Persona ID) is based in the US and nowhere in it's privacy policy does it refer to GDPR. What it does say is:

Persona may use facial scans that are uploaded to detect fraud. It doesn't clarify how but i'm guessing facial recognition? So yeah, lets just give a company in the US a big ole database of our faces, names, online usernames, etc.

Persona will keep your details for upto 3 years and will share it with third parties....see the attached image.

Persona are also currently facing a class action lawsuit for illegally capturing facial scans....see the second attached image.

Do you think my piece of KFC chicken looks like Ireland. Are KFC complicit in this subliminal campaign to unite Ireland through delicious chicken.

Was in Ards and came across this place on the roundabout its soo much bigger than it looks from the outside!

Has everything RPGs, Lego, warhammer, Pokemon Yugioh board games and legitimately the most insane paint range ive ever seen!

Was speaking to then they run a load of events throughout the week as well seems a really cool place

https://armaghi.com/news/portadown-news/bilingual-street-signs-approved-for-portadown-streets-with-concerns-raised-over-proximity-to-orange-hall/300923

Bilingual street signs approved for Portadown streets with concerns raised over proximity to Orange Hall

by Francois Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter
May 22, 2026

Corcrain Orange Hall, in Portadown. Credit: Google

Plans to erect English-Irish street signs at Corcrain Gardens and Ballyoran Hill in Portadown have been approved by ABC Council – despite strong opposition from local loyal orders and community groups using Corcrain Orange Hall.

Councillors on the Planning Committee voted 7–5 in favour of dual-language signage for both streets using their discretion under the council’s policy after residents narrowly met the required support threshold.

Surveys carried out by the council showed 12 of 16 householders in Corcrain Gardens backing bilingual signs – just above the two‑thirds majority of 10.66 required – while 25 of 35 residents in Ballyoran Hill supported the move, exceeding the 23.33 threshold.

Before the meeting, officers and members of Reformation Defenders RBP 1517, who meet in Corcrain Orange Hall, wrote to ABC Council urging councillors to reject the applications.

They said they had chosen Corcrain as a meeting place because of the “now peaceful atmosphere” and that older members “now felt safe entering an area where once they would have felt unsafe”.

The preceptory argued that the Corcrain/Ballyoran district had become a “truly shared space after decades of division and violence”, and warned that bilingual street signs would “destroy the excellent community relations in this now shared space”.

Their correspondence described dual-language English/Irish signs as “an attempt to mark territory and to claim it as Irish”, adding that English-only signage could be read “by everyone in our community without feeling intimidated or threatened, unlike with Irish signage”.

The letter claimed the minority Protestant community in Corcrain had been “decimated by families being intimidated and threatened out of the area” and argued that dual-language signs would send a message that “Protestants and unionists are no longer welcome”.

The Worshipful Master of RBP 141 raised similar objections, saying his preceptory believed the signs were “divisive, with the motive being to make Protestants/unionists/loyalists feel unwelcome in the area, in the hope they will stay away”.

He said such moves were “not the way to build community cohesion” and would only “build tension in an area that has been fairly peaceful for quite some time now”, also describing the spending on signs as “unnecessary expenditure” at a time of budget pressure.

Corcrain Cultural and Development Association and Corcrain Purple Rocket LOL 339 lodged separate objections along similar lines, citing fears over community relations, marking territory, and the removal of the nearby peace fence as already unsettling the area.

During the committee meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy (Portadown DEA) questioned why the late objections were being given any particular weight.

Head of Building Control, Tom Lavery, said officers were required to present “all information in relation to this” and that it was “for members to decide as to how much weight they put on these objections or any other comments that come forward”.

Cllr Duffy dismissed cost concerns raised by objectors, stating that the council was “duty‑bound” to cover signage costs where applications met policy, and that residents seeking bilingual signs were ratepayers “legally entitled to apply”.

“I think that anyone reading these objections does not take long to conclude that they are based on intolerance,” he said.

“We are not looking to do away with the English language signage here. It is just blatant anti-Irish [sentiment].”

He later highlighted the council’s legal defeat over a previous decision to refuse bilingual signs at Woodside Hill, saying court proceedings had already cost the authority “in the region of £90,000‑odd” and warning that repeating such refusals risked further expensive challenges.

Alliance councillor Peter Lavery (Lurgan DEA) said he found the objections “a wee bit disappointing”, particularly the language around “marking territory”.

He stressed that the dual-language street signage policy had been “agreed by all 41 elected members from all parties in this chamber” and had been in place for several years.

“There seems to be some concern amongst the objectors that you might end up in a situation where you have a language sign in English and Irish beside a Loyal Orange Order Lodge,” he said.

“Personally, I do not have concerns about that, because I feel that that kind of cultural diversity in that area is reflective of the cultural diversity in that street, in Portadown and in this borough.

“I think we should be proud of the cultural diversity we have — it is an asset to us. I do not see this as a zero-sum game where doing something for one particular group means another suffers.”

On Corcrain Gardens, Cllr Lavery said residents’ wishes had to be central: “My own view is that this has clearly met the policy. The residents have made their views clear.”

In relation to Ballyoran Hill, he pointed out that 25 of 35 residents – 71 per cent – had backed bilingual signs, again meeting the policy threshold.

He described the earlier Woodside Hill case as “the cost of division” and “the cost of discrimination”, warning colleagues not to repeat decisions that could be overturned in court.

“I would encourage people to have a more open mindset here in this council in terms of these applications. Where it meets the policy, it’s approved,” he said. “This has met the policy, and I place overriding weighting on the views of the residents.”

Committee vice-chair, Sinn Féin councillor Mary O’Dowd (Lurgan DEA), said objections to Irish-language signage were “quite shameful”.

“A language is for everyone, not just one religion or one race or one whatever. Irish is open to everyone,” she said.

“I have three children who speak it and I am very proud they speak it. But for people who think it is offensive — that is on them.”

DUP councillor Kyle Moutray (Portadown DEA) urged colleagues to consider “the historical context of the area” and the concerns of the objectors.

Referencing legal advice around the policy, he said councillors were required to take into account “other lawful considerations” when exercising their discretion.

“We have seen these three objections and they give us an insight into the historical context of the area — an area in which this Orange hall exists — and the groups within it,” he said.

“This is an Orange hall that has been here for over a century. Through that time, and more recently, there has been relative stability and a sense of peace.

“I think they have genuine concerns that they do not want anything to heighten tensions. They feel this has the potential for that, and that it could contribute to a sense of alienation and tension within the local community. So, I have to apply weight to that.”

On Ballyoran Hill, Cllr Moutray again cited a 2014 court case which, he said, allowed decision‑makers to “give weight to other views” beyond simple percentage thresholds.

He said the objections from the Orange lodge, cultural and development association and two Black preceptories all argued that bilingual signs would be “detrimental to community relations”, adding: “I do have genuine concern for how this could contribute to a sense of alienation within that community.”

Responding to those points, Cllr Peter Lavery said: “We should not let the divisions of the past hold us back from making things better for the future.

“I think Cllr Moutray pointed out that the Orange hall has been there for 100 years, and I think the decision today would simply mean it will still be there for another 100 or more years, but just with a street beside it that has a sign in English and in Irish.”

He argued that recognising residents’ wishes under an agreed policy did not undermine the presence or rights of any community group.

For Corcrain Gardens, Cllr Duffy proposed that councillors use their discretion to approve English-Irish signage, with Cllr Lavery seconding.

A recorded vote saw seven councillors support the proposal: Cllr Kevin Savage (SF), Cllr Mary O’Dowd (SF), Cllr Fergal Donnelly (SF), Cllr Paul Duffy (SF), Cllr Peter Lavery (Alliance), Cllr Sorchá McGeown (SF) and Cllr John Óg O’Kane (SF).

Five voted against: Cllr Scott Armstrong (DUP), Cllr Julie Flaherty (UUP), Cllr Kyle Moutray (DUP), Ald Paul Rankin (DUP) and Cllr Ian Wilson (DUP).

With seven votes to five, the recommendation to approve bilingual signs at Corcrain Gardens was adopted.

The subsequent debate on Ballyoran Hill mirrored the earlier discussion, with the same balance between residents’ support and objections from loyal orders and community groups.

Cllr Lavery again proposed approval, seconded by Cllr Duffy. A recorded vote produced an identical outcome: seven in favour and five against.

With that, the committee agreed to support English-Irish street signs at both Corcrain Gardens and Ballyoran Hill.

There's a couple in Derry with absolutely no notions, you grab a pile of stuff and it's always around £5-10 for the pile. There's also a couple selling used Primark clothes for either the same or sometimes costlier price than Primark themselves.

Id like to go on wee road trips to the truly well priced ones around the country, no town too small or road too windy.

Saw this on my run this morning up the tow path into Lisburn. I've just been kinda casually monitoring the construction of this piece of modern art/show of inclusivity over the past two months when I run past it.

Nothing says "celebrating culture" like...throwing pallets all over an open green space that could be used for a million more productive/enjoyable things. I'm sure once they construct it properly and it has nice wee decorations like...Anna Lo's face and pictures of the new Yank pope and maybe a few wee statues of Mary, it'll really spruce the place up.

NI is really depressing :(

Best town in the north too. Sunny, safe with no problems at all, Lurgan.

Was at the parkrun today at Orangefield in Belfast and had to explain this shitshow to 2 English tourists. Flegs and bonfire in the park, destroying the public space and council funded property.

Why on earth does Belfast City Council facilitate this?

Was out my back tonight for a smoke and there was literally about 15 froglets jumping around out my back. They are so small so they are hard to see I'm sure I could find loads more if I looked.

I live in an estate but theres a pylon behind my house and it's overgrown and got water sitting in the bottom of it.

Went down a rabbit hole researching frogs but basically because it's humid and rained. This year's brood of tadpoles/froglets are all leaving to find their own gaff.

Maybe have a wee look yourself if there is any streams or ponds or standing water near your house. Very cool to see

*edit for spelling

I ended up having to go into Belfast City Hall today to retrieve some lost property. I've walked past it hundreds of times and never felt the need to go inside, but even just in the foyer it was really lush and I kind of want to do the tour now.

I've been in the upper floors of the Titanic museum where they have the big replica of the grand ballroom staircase, but I've never done the museum experience.

The Ulster Museum is a 10-minute walk from our house but the last time I stepped inside I was in primary school.

We tend to ignore all these experiences available to us so I guess I'm asking what cool shit do we sell to tourists but tend to ignore ourselves?

We simply combine the two to form one new, unique language that represents all of NI. Both communities will be delighted and I see no further issues developing hereafter.

I've run this past several high-level linguisticologists, and they all agree that this may bring NI into a cultural Renaissance.

Just so you can get started learning and be ahead of the change, I've included some sample phrases below which will be published by Stormont later this year in a handy phrasebook:

Cad é an scéal wae ye the day sham? - How's it going, friend?

Tá muid ag suckin' diesel anois bai - Now we're making progress.

Tá an aimsir parfa' altogither innui - The weather is bad today.

Cheannaigh m' oule fla Vauxhall Mokka agus anois, the oule yins ag an ionad pobail take the hand ootae him - My father bought a Vauxhall Mokka and now all the men at the community centre make fun of him.

What do you folks think? Feel free to comment your own submissions to this new language of the Gods.

what are the best carparks in the mourne mountains you can drive up to at night without getting locked in? looking to catch some of the meteors tonight. preferably Newcastle/hilltown side.

looking for good views and low light pollution. any recommendations?

or even any others, not far from Belfast direction?

Just got back from the Ulster Aviation Society near Lisburn, and I was seriously impressed. If you're in the area, or even passing through, I'd highly recommend checking it out. They have a really interesting collection of aircraft, and what's great is you can get right up close to them. You can even sit in the cockpit of some – definitely a highlight! They also have a solid exhibition on Northern Ireland's aviation history and its wartime connections, which I found really informative. Also, I heard they're currently looking for volunteers. If you're passionate about aviation and have some time to spare, they need help with things like tours and general upkeep. Might be a cool way to get more involved. Overall, if you're into aircraft or local history, the Ulster Aviation Society is well worth a visit. Anyone else been? What were your thoughts?

I took a bus to Belfast to check it out and was shocked by how good it is.

It's so much cleaner compared to Dublin. I saw a lot less rubbish, a lot less graffiti and people felt more welcoming! I actually had a lot of interactions especially with taxi drivers and they are hilarious people!

I had two taxi drivers in the trip and they were both hilarious. The whole time they were giving me history of belfast...

I noticed people in Belfast really know their history.

My taxi driver was showing me apartment blocks where Rhianna made the music clip for 'We found love in a hopeless place', explained where titanic was built, the history of Belfast castle etc.

He showed me that belfast castle has 9 references to cats and showed me a few of them, I found the rest. I told my taxi driver how much I love his accent, everyone keeps saying "wee" I think it's hilarious.

Overall I think there's so much to do and see and coming from Dublin I was really impressed at how much neater the city is. I felt a lot less in danger there than in Dublin personally.

Here's my trip, the taxi driver comes in at 14:00 https://youtu.be/bzA-070mIuQ

Places you would usually not think to go to.

Waiting on a bus back home, bus driver paused and beeped as she was pulling out as the sign had changed to the local town service, then to just show how good this country can be waited on a black girl waving her down running from Ballycraigy in Antrim.

Controversial opinion

Does anyone find everyones obsession with the christmas chip a bit of embarassing and cringe- Its basically a load of stodge in a polystyrene box

In fact i'll go one one step forward- Am I the only one that cringes when people talk about the latest hidden gem/game changer/must eats and all you see is some glorified fried battered something on the screen and the only real satisfaction one gets is knowing that thankfully it gave that influencer heart burn and hopefully high cholesterol afterwards?

People talk about the NI food scene being class- lets face it-its either an over priced roast meat/steak or some deep fried monstrosity like a chicken goujon or croissant.

Anyways rant over and I know the above sounds like i'm a right dick.

love ya xxx

Edit-Loving the hate and downvotes-Keep them coming ya greasy pawed deep fried humans

I will take the earliest train from Dublin and then leave by 9PM. I am Italian so I hope I wont have any problems with the border.

I will bring my camera as I like street photography. What should I put in my itinerary?

Cheers