David Blevins
@skydavidblevins
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Senior Ireland Correspondent, Sky News. Longest-serving network news correspondent in Belfast. Views are my own.
Joined June 2011
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Last Seen Profiles
Shauna Flanagan Garwe (5), the youngest of 10 people killed in an explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough, County Donegal. No words.
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Love will win. Hate will not. Remembering Michaela (1983-2011). Don’t repost the video.
#NotInMyName
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BREAKING: Former British soldier David Holden (52) found guilty of manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie in Tyrone 34 years ago. He’s the first British veteran to be convicted of a historical offence in Northern Ireland since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
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When you cannot come home for Christmas so your momma brings Christmas to you. Mrs B - the most nervous air passenger I know - flew 4,500 miles alone yesterday to surprise our daughter. Love conquers fear.
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There are fewer words than usual in my report tonight. I struggled to find them... and sometimes, they’re not required anyway.
#Cookstown
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This post is for every parent in a tough place right now. Never, ever give up. For five years, our son James (23) battled mental ill health and addiction. Today, he graduated from
@QUBelfast
with a BA (Hons) degree in English and Philosophy). ❤️
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Donegal: where they bring hot food to the emergency teams and to journalists standing in the cold. Kindest people on Earth. 💚
.
@skydavidblevins
is in Creeslough, County Donegal where three people have been killed in an explosion at a service station.
Latest:
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube
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BREAK: DUP has NOT yet reached any agreement with the Tories. Sky sources: Downing Street issued the wrong statement in error.
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Anyone posting sectarian comments beneath this picture on social media really needs to set down their smartphone and seek help. 💔
Sonia Amanda Lafferty: 1978-2020
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Side by side on their final journey. Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan Garwe and her Daddy Robert. She was found in his arms after the explosion at Creeslough in County Donegal.
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26 years ago today, I read these words on the radio:
"Breaking news in the last few minutes: the IRA has declared a complete and unequivocal ceasefire."
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If the DUP has lost 2 seats (North and South Belfast) = 8. If Sinn Fein has 7 and the SDLP gains 2 = 9. Nationalist MPs will outnumber Unionist MPs for the first time in Northern Ireland’s history. Defining moment.
#GE19
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Our hearts are broken at the sudden loss of our darling sister Ruth, aged 55. She overcame so many challenges in her short life and despite being both blind and deaf, taught us how to make every day count. This was her dancing with Mum. Tonight, she is dancing with Dad. ❤️
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Unbearably heartbreaking text. “So sorry mum and dad. The route to abroad didn't succeed. Mum. I love you and dad so much. I am dying because I can't breathe. I am from Can Loc Ha Tinh. Vietnam. Mum. I'm very sorry."
#lorrydeaths
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BREAK: Ten people shot dead at Ballymurphy, west Belfast in 1971, were innocent and their deaths were without justification, a coroner has ruled. Their relatives greeted the exoneration with applause.
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82, how do you do?! Happy birthday Mum. Widowed at 42, she finished raising five children alone, while pursuing a successful career in nursing. We owe her everything. ❤️
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Some reunions are worth their weight in COVID tests. What a welcome to Naples, Florida from my granddaughter Clover. ❤️
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An appeal from Noah Donohoe’s mother Fiona, ahead of his private funeral today: “At the time of the funeral, I want everyone to be at home with their children. Embrace them and cherish them, for every moment with them is precious.”
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Firefighting hero. Picture of the weekend by a mile.
@photomcq
is a photographer par excellence.
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Stopped for coffee at a
@Starbucks
in Washington DC to discover all staff are deaf. Honoured the memory of my sister by ordering in sign language instead of writing. It made their day… and mine. ❤️
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DUP and UUP say no. Ulster Farmers Union, CBI NI, FSB NI, IoD NI and NI Chamber of Commerce say yes. Can’t help thinking of John Hume. “You can’t eat a flag.”
#Brexit
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Went to work on Friday morning, finally heading home this evening. I’ll never forget the kindness of
#Creeslough
in its darkest hour. Beautiful place, beautiful people. 💚
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BREAKING: The Irish President has signed the Thirty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018, officially repealing the constitutional ban on abortion.
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Can we just agree now that our doctors, nurses, paramedics and ancillary staff in the health service should never have to strike again for a decent wage and safe conditions? They are heroes on the front line. Good night.
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Summary: Downing Street sends letter requesting extension (and other pieces of paper) to EU...
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Irish donations to a Native American community’s COVID 19 relief fund have just topped $1 million... 173 years after another Native American community sent $170 for famine relief in Ireland. Kindness always comes home again. ❤️
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2020 ain’t all bad. Early this morning, we welcomed our first grandchild to the world. Her name is Clover and she is loved beyond measure by her Papa Dave. 💕
#IrishAmerican
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Our sister Ruth (circa 1970) - she’s 54 now. Ruth is blind and deaf, works full time and has a better social life than her brothers. She is our inspiration. ❤️
#InternationalWomenDay
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It’s remarkable how reading the definition of defamation can rapidly improve a person’s reversing skill. Those who liked and retweeted the defamation should take note.
#Journalism
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Father John Joe Duffy was the first person I spoke to in Creeslough and last person I spoke to in Creeslough. Standing with his people during the search, he went on officiate at 8/10 funerals and did numerous media interviews. The epitome of pastoral ministry.
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That holy water exchange in full: Jokingly given holy water to take to his next meeting with Boris Johnson, Leo Varadkar asked: “Do I throw it over him?”
#Brexit
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When it comes to sign language, the Irish are in a league of their own… as with most things. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
#AmandaCoogan
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Veronica Guerin (5th July 1958-26th June 1996). The bravest of journalists, murdered by cowards. Never forgotten.
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Widowed aged 44, she worked two jobs so her children would have every opportunity. We owe her everything. Happy 83rd birthday to our incredible Mum! ❤️
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Forever young. Lyra McKee should have been celebrating her 31st birthday today. In April 2019, she was murdered by the so-called New IRA. A courageous journalist murdered by a coward.
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Analysis: Whether this is aimed at Protestant Loyal Orders or the Catholic Civil Rights Movement, it demonstrates breathtaking ignorance re. Northern Ireland’s history, is highly offensive and inflammatory, not least because there’s no power-sharing government in place right now.
The Home Secretary says “hate marches” are what “we are more used to seeing in Northern Ireland.” Quite a statement from a British Government minister.
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Analysis: If the devolved government has sovereignty on this issue, on what basis did the UK government take Northern Ireland out of the EU? 🤷🏻♂️
“This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. It is something that is within their legal remit.”
NI Secretary
@BrandonLewis
- speaking on ITV’s
@peston
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A 29-year-old woman is dead. Murdered while doing her job. Anyone who thinks this is the moment to tweet political points to me or argue about “Derry” or “Londonderry” really needs to reflect on their priorities.
#Lyra
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The Home Secretary says “hate marches” are what “we are more used to seeing in Northern Ireland.” Quite a statement from a British Government minister.
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I make no apology for posting these Northern Ireland numbers again. Lots of people are struggling. Remember, you are not alone.
Lifeline: 0808 808 8000
Samaritans: 116 123
PIPS (Public Initiative for Suicide Prevention): 0800 088 6042
Links Counselling: 02838 342825
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I’ve reported this island for 30 years and this honestly may be the best speech about it I’ve ever heard.
@PatricKielty
"A
#SharedIsland
means challenging ourselves to go beyond our own comfort zones, and what we are prepared to give up to make things better for others and ourselves..."
🗣️Comedian
@PatricKielty
's brilliant address to yesterday's
#SharedIsland
Forum🗨️👇
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You get used to sectarian abuse (from both sides) when reporting Northern Ireland. It’s the tweets mocking your appearance (from people with the words ‘Be kind’ in their profile) that blow your mind. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. 😀
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25 years ago today, I joined Sky News and wondered how long I’d survive in the television news business... 🎥
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BREAKING: A 48-year-old former British soldier will be prosecuted for manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of Aiden McAnespie in County Tyrone in 1988.
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Wherever I am when I die, please bring me home to this island for the send-off. ❤️
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BREAK: Northern Ireland’s devolved government has published a five-step plan for gradually emerging from lockdown. It’s science-led, not date-led, and will be reviewed every three weeks. Their message for now remains:
#StayHomeSaveLives
.
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Tweet of the week.
I was set upon by a group of immigrants in Dublin yesterday. They gave me a triple heart bypass and saved my life 🫀😊
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If I hear another politician in Northern Ireland use the words “have went”, I’m going to start a campaign for an English Language Act on the hill. My ears hurt. 🙉
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For the beautiful people of Creeslough, who have been so kind to us while dealing with their own incomprehensible loss.
#Donegal
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King Charles has sent a message of condolence to the President of Ireland following the explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal.
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No COVID-19 deaths reported in the Republic of Ireland yesterday. No COVID-19 deaths reported in Northern Ireland today.
#Hope
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She has her own little girl now but Sarah will always be my little girl. I’m so proud of my daughter adapting to life in the USA but the goodbyes are tough. ❤️
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In the last two hours, three different local businesses have delivered food for firefighters to the command centre in the Mournes. Welcome to the Northern Ireland I know and love.
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Dublin taxi driver: "We didn't lower the age for presidential candidates 'cos the kids would elect
@NiallOfficial
before he's ready for it."
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Oops. Our friends at BBC Breakfast may want to review their “UK” graphics this morning. 😳
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For the first time in Northern Ireland’s history, Catholics (45.7%) outnumber Protestants (43.5%).
#Census
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To us, they are faces. To someone, they were family. God forbid we ever forget.
#Omagh
#TwentyYears
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Moments before his passing in 2013, the poet Seamus Heaney texted some Latin words to his wife. They have never felt more apt: “Noli timere” (Do not be afraid).
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That moment when you’re addressing students in Ohio and one of them asks a question... in a Tyrone accent. “Where are you from?” I asked. “Near Ballygawley,” he replied, “Mickey Harte is my Dad.” 😳
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Whatever your politics around the centenary of Northern Ireland, there is one we can all agree on - the place we call home is very special. ❤️
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A new life in lockdown. Our first grandchild, due in August. The best reason ever for more visits to America. Isn’t she just beautiful? ❤️
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“The PM might amend the Good Friday Agreement?” It’s an international treaty, four years in the negotiating and ratified by the electorate in Northern Ireland and the Republic. It’s not the PM’s to re-write. 🙄
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27 years ago today, I read these words on
@downtownradio
-
"Breaking news in the last few minutes: the IRA has declared a complete and unequivocal ceasefire."
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26th June, 1996. Veronica Guerin: a fearless journalist, murdered by cowards. Never forgotten by her family, friends and colleagues.
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Belfast Trust has successfully performed the first paediatric living donor transplant in the UK or Ireland. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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“I’ve got more hair than you Papa and it’s absolutely hilarious!” Our granddaughter has the sweetest smile… but I may be a tad biased. ❤️
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In a telephone call tonight, Sinn Fein leader
@MaryLouMcDonald
told
@theresa_may
that a referendum on Irish unity must be held in the event of a no deal
#Brexit
.
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BREAK: Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill has accepted an invitation to attend the coronation of King Charles. Northern Ireland’s First Minister-designate told
@SkyNews
“we live in a changing space” and said she was honouring her pledge to “represent all of the community.”
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“We’re living our own miracle on this island.”
@PatricKielty
should be running for President, Taoiseach and First Minister rolled into one. He nails it every single time.
#Hope
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OPINION: I dare you to do something tonight. Stop looking for orange and green. Instead, see two daughters and two mothers as anxious about family as you are. If ever there was a moment to set sectarian politics aside and work together, this is it.
#COVID19
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I don’t care what you’re doing. Stop and listen to this. Padraig was busking on Grafton Street when
@Glen_Hansard
turned up. Just magical.
#FallingSlowly
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If I ever write a book on how to report Northern Ireland, the first chapter will be: Northern Ireland is not “the province”. Ulster is the province and it straddles the (currently) invisible border.
#PetHate
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Rumours circulating that the PM got on so well with the DUP and Sinn Fein yesterday, she has appointed a new independent mediator...
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That address to the nation was, in my opinion, the defining moment of Leo Varadkar’s political career.
#COVID19
“This is the calm before the storm, before the surge, and when it comes and it will come, never will so many ask so much of so few.” (Leo Varadkar)
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His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh made a staggering 56 official visits to Northern Ireland.
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Just in case you missed THE story today: police arrested a 26-year-old man for impersonating a police officer after he stopped an actual police officer driving on the M1 near Portadown. Don’t ever change Northern Ireland. Goodnight! 🚔
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The brightest light in the darkest year - the arrival of our first grandchild, Clover. From this sweet little Irish-American and me: Merry Christmas. ❤️
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The world’s largest cargo plane is about to depart
@belfastairport
with three 18-tonne oxygen generators and 1,000 ventilators for
#India
.
#COVID19
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“Are you an Irish terrorist?” was tonight’s email. Tomorrow I’ll have one accusing me of British bias. The joys of reporting Northern Ireland for the last 30 years.
#Journalism
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I honestly do not recall the resignation of any Northern Ireland MP prompting such warm tribute from across the political spectrum. Speaks volumes about Lady Sylvia Hermon.
#GeneralElection2019
#GE2019
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Coastal defences completely breached at Salthill, Galway. The Atlantic now extends to the promenade.
#Ophelia
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Yes, I know, there are more worthy recipients... but I’m grateful to be in Prague and to have received The European Journalism Institute’s Freedom of the Press Award 2019. It marks my 30th year reporting and I accepted it for all of us who still believe in journalism.
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19 unforgettable words, spoken 21 years ago today. “I am pleased to announce that the two governments and the political leaders of Northern Ireland have reached agreement.” (Senator George Mitchell)
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Shot and wounded but still reporting - our friend and colleague Stuart Ramsay, journalist extraordinaire.
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Donald Trump supporters attempting to cast aspersions by posting a photograph of Joe Biden with Gerry Adams have short memories. Some of us have been around the block a few times...
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BREAK:
@EamonnHolmes
tops Northern Ireland honours list with an OBE for services to broadcasting. Thoroughly deserved.
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I will be reporting live from a pub today as they re-open in Northern Ireland. The fact that said pub is my ‘local’ (and walking distance from my home) is purely coincidental. 😬
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There’s busking... and then there’s Belfast. (Dublin and Belfast have the finest street musicians on planet Earth. Biased? Me? Never!)
Sometimes you never pay attention to buskers but this lad in Belfast can sing RT and help make him famous
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He became a social media sensation during lockdown - and "no matter what happens" to Twitter under Elon Musk -
@patrickdextervc
has vowed to keep playing the cello that made him famous.
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The search is continuing for a number of people missing after an explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough, County Donegal. The local Bishop has told me “the news will not be good” and “there is a sense of “impending loss.” Beyond tragic.
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