In a poignant tribute to their daughters, Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two of the three young girls tragically killed in the Southport stabbing incident, completed the London Marathon. The event, held on April 27, 2025, saw the duo running in memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were among the victims of the July 29, 2024, attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The marathon was not just a test of physical endurance but a deeply emotional journey for both fathers. Aguiar, running alongside teachers from Churchtown Primary School, where his daughter and another victim, Bebe King, six, attended, aimed to raise funds for a new playground. Stancombe, on the other hand, ran to support Elsie's Story, a charitable trust established in his daughter's memory. Their participation was a testament to their resilience and the unbreakable bond between parents and their children.

Support for the runners was overwhelming, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing his admiration for their courage. The families of the victims, including Bebe King's parents, were present to cheer on Aguiar and Stancombe, showcasing a united front in the face of unimaginable loss. The marathon became a symbol of hope and remembrance, with the fathers drawing strength from the thought of their daughters being with them every step of the way.

As the runners crossed the finish line, the emotions were palpable. Aguiar, overcome with emotion, fell to the ground, while Stancombe flashed a thumbs up, a gesture of triumph over tragedy. Their efforts not only honored the memory of their daughters but also brought attention to the causes they were running for, ensuring that the legacy of Alice, Elsie, and Bebe will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.

Kilcoo secured their place in Down football history on Sunday, capturing an unprecedented seventh consecutive Senior Football Championship title with a 1-17 to 1-11 victory over Carryduff at Pairc Esler. The Magpies delivered their strongest performance of the championship when it mattered most, with Paul Devlin's first-half penalty goal providing crucial separation in a hard-fought contest that saw the throw-in time pushed back to 5pm following a pitch inspection.

The match, originally scheduled for 3:30pm, saw Kilcoo demonstrate the championship experience that has defined their remarkable 12-title run over 13 seasons. Devlin's 22nd-minute penalty strike down the middle proved decisive, with the player explaining his calculated approach: "It was a big moment in the game and it needed to go in, so I didn't want to put it in the corner and the keeper has a chance if diving. I just thought I wanted to hit it hard."

Carryduff, making their first final appearance since losing to Kilcoo in the 2020 decider, mounted a second-half rally but ultimately fell short of claiming what would have been their inaugural Frank O'Hare Cup. The South Belfast club had powered past Burren in the semi-final with their full contingent available, but couldn't overcome Kilcoo's championship pedigree despite showing improved form from their previous final appearance five years earlier.

Devlin expressed satisfaction with the victory amid external skepticism, noting "it's nice to see that people want Kilcoo to fall" while emphasizing the team's resilience. "This one is sweet with how the game played out and the build-up where we were doubted in this year's championship," he told BBC Sport NI. "It just shows the character of this team. Big teams play well in big games and we have that experience to put in those big performances." The win solidifies Kilcoo's status as the dominant force in Down football, achieving a landmark that had eluded them when Burren denied their seventh consecutive title bid in 2018.