Mark Simpson

The importance of punctuation …

Full coverage next Sunday on BBC 🎤

One of the great characters of the Belfast press pack. Jim was a brave & brilliant journalist who it was a privilege to have known.

I looked up to Jim McDowell. In every way. Brave. Brilliant. Best of Belfast. He loved the city. First met him at CIYMS rugby club (he used to say CIYMS stood for Come In Your Ma's Shouting) Learned from him at City Hall (Dome of Delight) Belfast has lost a giant of journalism.

"He stood his ground. "He fought with people. "And he fought for people." Brian Rowan on his friend Jim McDowell. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/obituarie…

Jim McDowell RIP

Jim McDowell RIP, former editor of the Sunday World, was a strong campaigner for justice for Martin O’Hagan RIP. Jim was editor of the Sunday World at the time of Martin O’Hagan’s murder. He was an active and member of the Belfast and District NUJ branch and a fearless reporter.

RIP Jim McDowell. I took this picture last year upstairs in Jim’s beloved Duke of York pub. He shared the traumatic night of the murder of his friend and Sunday World colleague Martin O’Hagan, and the many times they were attacked and threatened. Thoughts with Lindy & family.

@AlanStout19 @chrisadonnelly 👏👏👏👏

@chrisadonnelly @BBCMarkSimpson He also spoke at a series of talks my Dad organises through his church. Very different but equally captivated audience.

“I may have lost my sight, but I did not lose my vision.” Richard Moore, chief exec Children in Crossfire

@chrisadonnelly I can believe it. 👋

@BBCMarkSimpson We had the privilege of hosting a school assembly in which Richard spoke to pupils & staff for an hour. I’ve never had a visitor capture the attention of children & adults quite like it. Richard is a very special human being.

100 days to go until Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast. 💯

Michael Lowry captain. 👏 #Leader

@MrMRHouston @AmandaFBelfast @BBCSport Good call.

@AmandaFBelfast #SPOTY 2026 @BBCSport @BBCMarkSimpson Too soon?

I love that it’s the fella from here helping prop yer man up. Of course it is.

Francis Mauigoa to Jaxson Dart: "I'm ready to die for you" 😤

New honorary Professor at QUB, @TKbytesback Tom Kelly. ✍️ @irish_news 🎓 irishnews.com/news/northern-…

@chrisadonnelly So true. I'm staying up late ... to be educated.

And yet so much time is dedicated to hearing fans’ opinions…🤣 @BBCMarkSimpson