The Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) group gathered on the steps of Stormont on Friday to mark the anniversary of the remain vote in the North and to continue its campaign lobbying for a Special Status within the EU for Northern Ireland.

Speaking to The Examiner ahead of Friday’s protest, BCAB spokesperson Declan Fearon said,

“BCAB are determined to continue our campaign to highlight the need for a Special Status within the EU; the ongoing uncertainty around the whole Brexit negotiations and the lack of devolved government here at Stormont is damaging our economy and making business owners nervous about investing in the future. We are here to continue our lobbying and we will meet some of the political parties to outline our concerns.

“We wish to see all political parties in Ireland agree a position on Brexit which can be put to Dublin, London and Brussels. Given the priority that the EU has given Ireland in the negotiations a common position would be a very powerful statement,” added Mr Fearon – who said the group welcomed the Irish Government’s pledge made at the launch of the Brexit report by the Oireachtas committee on Thursday, that the Irish Government will insist on a Special Status for the North.

He said the Irish Foreign Minister’s support of Special Status signified a shift in the Irish Government’s position, “and they can now as a full EU member request that the EU Brexit Guidelines’ be changed to request a Special Status for Northern Ireland.”

BCAB have recently been awarded the prestigious EU Citizens prize and will be travelling to Brussels in October to attend the prize giving.

“This is a recognition of the work we have been doing in highlighting the very damaging nature of Brexit for our border communities, and we will use that as a platform to continue to lobby EU decision makers,” said Declan.

Southern Area Hospice Services were delighted to be awarded twice in one week with ‘Team of the Year’ at the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards followed by, lifetime Hospice volunteer John Dalzell MBE receiving the ‘Long Service Volunteer’ Award from the Institute of Fundraising NI. 

Both award ceremonies were held in Belfast and celebrated the contribution of employers, employees and volunteers across a number of organisations.

This year, the Irish News received a record number of entries from businesses across a range of sectors and to win an award in such a strong category was testimony to the Southern Area Hospice Services and its employees.

 Irish News business editor Gary McDonald, chair of the judging panel, was joined by representatives of five of our seven premium business partners including Brian Byers (Ulster University), Dolores Vischer (Queen’s University), Orlagh O’Neill (Carson McDowell), Olga Pollock (Phoenix Natural Gas), Nicola Wilson (Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council) and Cathal Geoghegan (Mount Charles).

Representing Southern Area Hospice Services at the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards in Belfast from left to right: Majella Gollogly, Grainne Mulgrew, Orlagh O’Neill of Carson McDowell presenting the award, Dr Osmond Morris, Ann Cooney, Fiona Robinson and Bernadette McGuinness.

The winners were revealed at the gala black-tie dinner by co-hosts comedian Patrick Kielty and broadcaster/journalist Jim Fitzpatrick.  Speaking about the category of ‘Team of the Year’, the hosts revealed the comments from the judging panel about Southern Area Hospice Services saying: “Each department here is like a cog in a wheel, working in perfect sync and contributing towards a shared aim. The judges said they felt like they just wanted to be part of this team”.

Volunteer of the Year Award

At the Institute of Fundraising NI Awards, John Dalzell MBE was awarded the Long Service Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award at an impressive ceremony in Riddel Hall.  This award highlights the dedication, hard work and commitment of an individual volunteer in the community.  John was recognised by the Institute of Fundraising and commended not only for the level of support he has delivered over the years to the Hospice, but for the outstanding amount of money he has raised to date of £1.4million.

James McCaffrey, Regional Marketing Officer said “John is a great friend and ambassador for the Southern Area Hospice and is extremely worthy of this recognition.  He works continuously all year round and has raised a substantial amount of money over the past 25 years, which has enabled our team to continue providing care for patients and their families in our local area”.

Institute of Fundraising NI Awards presentation for Long Service Volunteer from left to right: Claire McCollum, TV Presenter and Awards Host, James McCaffrey, Southern Area Hospice Services, John Dalzell MBE, Hospice Volunteer and winner of Long Service Volunteer and Gillian Shields, Coca Cola.

A young Bessbrook girl described by her family and teachers as a “superstar” has won the Spirit of Youth Award at the 2017 Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers.

Seven year-old Cara McCartan from Newry lives with her parents who are both deaf and do not speak. Cara regularly interprets for them through sign language but back in December last year, Cara helped her mother, who also suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, in another way after she found her struggling to breath. Faced with this frightening situation, brave young Cara kept her cool and managed to phone the ambulance and keep her mother safe until the paramedics arrived.

The Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards recognise and celebrate unsung community heroes – ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things to make a real difference to life in Northern Ireland, touching the hearts of their neighbours along the way.

Over 350 people, including the 10 remarkable winners and their families attended the star-studded bash at the Culloden Hotel, which was hosted by UTV’s Marc Mallett and Pamela Ballantine.

Guests heard that although Cara has faced more challenges than most seven year olds, she always has a smile on her face and leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

She was presented with her award by Eamonn McFadden, from category sponsor Harvey Norman and Lucy Fallon who plays Bethany Platt in Coronation Street.

Celebrities who attended on the night to present awards included veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, who had been on the judging panel along with soap stars from Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Local actresses Bronagh Waugh and Niamh McGrady were also there to present awards and celebrate the winners’ achievements, as well as other big names including NI football manager Michael O’Neill, new boxing world champion Ryan Burnett, Ulster player Craig Gilroy and Miss Northern Ireland Anna Henry.

Congratulating the winners, Brian O’Kane, Chairman of Specsavers Northern Ireland, said,

“We at Specsavers are so thrilled and proud to be title sponsor of such a special event which celebrates the unsung heroes in our communities across Northern Ireland and we were absolutely overwhelmed to receive over 1,000 entries this year.

“As a judge it was certainly a challenge to choose just 10 winners as there were so many stories which moved us and highlighted the amazing community spirit which is not just alive, but thriving here.

Cara McCartan is congratulated on her award by Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt in Coronation Street along with Specsavers Ambassadors Alison and Laura Crimmins.

“Each winner has shown incredible courage, grace and strength, putting others’ needs before their own and for that we warmly congratulate them and thank them for the inspirational qualities they have shown.”

Category sponsors of the awards included Lidl which sponsored the Charity Champion and Caring Spirit Awards, Harvey Norman which sponsored the Spirit of Youth category while National Lottery sponsored the Unsung Hero award.

Sunday Life editor Martin Breen, added,

“We’ve been involved in the Spirit of Northern Ireland awards for eight years and I can truly say that each year we continue to be hugely impressed by these very special people who have demonstrated incredible selfless behaviour to improve the lives of others and make our country a better place.

“We had some of the biggest names in entertainment there to enjoy the evening which was fantastic but the true heroes in all our eyes were the winners of these awards. Their stories moved the judging panel immensely and we are delighted to celebrate all their achievements.”

Terry Brennan, Head of News and Programmes at UTV said the channel was delighted to be televising the Spirit of Northern Awards once again this year.

“The awards truly capture all that is good about Northern Ireland, rewarding inspirational people for their achievements and endeavours,” said Mr Brennan. 

“We are very proud to bring the atmosphere and the celebrations of the night to people’s homes, and last year the programme attracted over 200,000 viewers, reflecting its continued popularity among the people of Northern Ireland.”

SDLP Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne has welcomed a U-turn from Council Officials in relation to the Multi-Use Games Area Strategy following his significant lobbying effort for a complete rethink to ensure Slieve Gullion was not being disadvantaged for capital investment.

As chairman of Slieve Gullion DEA, Mr Byrne had requested that both the play strategy and the MUGA (Multi use games area) Strategy were sent back to the DEA for further discussion, to ensure that residents of Slieve Gullion were fairly represented going forward.

“I have consistently argued that the criteria had favoured urban areas over rural areas and it must be addressed to ensure there is a level playing field across the entire district,” the SDLP Councillor told The Examiner.

“Developing strategies based on concentrated population figures in small radial distances only creates a tiered system where rural communities will always be at the bottom. This is simply unacceptable and I have lobbied hard to retain equitable status in relation to both strategies.’

“Rural Proofing legislation was passed in the last assembly to protect those very communities from being disadvantaged when rolling out programmes and strategies. It’s through this legislation that I requested the Director of the Council’s Active Healthy Communities’ Committee to attend our DEA meeting and take seriously my concerns regarding the unfair nature of the current criteria. One size does not fit all across the district and I am encouraged that the Director firmly understands this now. I must give credit to the Director, Mr Lipsett, for giving me a fair hearing, especially on the unfair nature of how MUGA’s were to be originally distributed across the council area.”

Mr Byrne said there is now a clear commitment to revise the strategy and develop possible locations within Slieve Gullion to deliver a Multi-Use Games Area.

“I am conscious of the fact that I can be accused of going on and on about this issue at committee meetings, but it’s simply because South Armagh deserves its fair share of capital investment, and for that I make no apology.

“I will continue to push forward on this issue and invite others to work with me to ensure South Armagh isn’t disadvantaged like it has been in the past.”

Fergal O’Brien from Mullaghbawn, a social worker and Locality Promoting Wellbeing Manager  with the Southern Health Trust Manager, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his outstanding services to the community through Social Work.

A qualified social worker, Fergal began his career in the community sector and has overseen a range of community development and health improvement services for the Southern Trust in the Newry and Mourne area.  He has also worked as a Training and Development Consultant for the Trust’s Social Services Workforce Development and Training Team, taking a lead role in Community Development and Person Centred planning.

While undertaking an MSc in Professional Development in Social Work at the Ulster University, Fergal led a research project on improving life expectancy amongst Traveller men, which was recognised with a number of awards. He has also received a Social Work Leadership and Strategic Award and was shortlisted as finalist in the Northern Ireland Social Work Awards. 

Most recently, he has led the development of a new Community Development Professional in Practice Training Programme in partnership with a range of agencies and Ulster University. The one year course gives academic recognition to and will help to mainstream community development approaches in Health and Social Care.

Having been announced as a recipient in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours list, Fergal says he accepted the award for professional reasons “as I have been trying to advocate a community development approach in the social work profession for many years.

“I have been working for two years on a regional post graduate community development training course with Ulster University which has just been recognised academically and professionally.

Fergal O’Brien from Mullaghbawn who received an MBE for his services to Social Work

“For me the award will feel empty until I finally see this course up and running with social workers and staff from other professions and sectors availing of the qualification,” he added.

Congratulating Fergal on his MBE, Roberta Brownlee, Chair of the Southern Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted that Fergal has received this recognition for his years of dedication to improving the wellbeing of our local communities. Fergal has been a real advocate for taking a community development approach to addressing health inequalities and has worked with a great team of Promoting Wellbeing and Social Services colleagues in helping to improve the health and social outcomes for local people.”

A man who was forcibly taken from his mother minutes after he was born in the former Catholic church-run mother and baby home in Newry, has called for a criminal investigation into the abuse of victims at it and other such institutions in Northern Ireland.

Eunan Duffy was taken from his mother against her will just a few moments after his birth in 1968 in the Marian Vale mother and baby home which was governed by the Good Shepherd Sisters, and put up for adoption.  Having only discovered in February last year that he was adopted, Mr Duffy immediately began searching for his birth mother, believing that she had willingly given him up.  After six months, he traced her to London and was shocked to discover the nature of his adoption and how his birth mother had never forgotten him and spent her life hoping he would get in touch.  Mother and son are now in regular contact and the experience has prompted Mr Duffy to support calls for a criminal investigation into abuse at former mother and baby institutions.

Describing the system as “the human trafficking of babies”, he said calls for an inquiry into the abuse by the campaign group Birth Mothers and Their Children for Justice NI, have been in vain and he accused politicians of “political inertia” on the matter.

“There are hundreds of people out there like me and like my birth mother.  The authorities, public servants and politicians who are ignoring our calls for justice should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.  “Too many people want what happened to be dumped in the history dustbin. Shame on them.

The 49-year-old, who now lives in Portadown, added that the forced adoptions should be treated by police as human trafficking.

“We know that people in the north were moved to the south, or to England.

“In the South many were moved to the north and in England many were moved here. It was the human trafficking of babies,” he said.

As well as a criminal investigation, the campaign group has called for a dedicated inquiry – based on a human rights framework – into what went on inside the institutions from 1921 to 1996, and believe that the religious orders should also financially compensate the victims.

Mr Duffy said he has concerns about the lack of support for adoptees in tracing their family, stating that “too many obstructions” add to the hurt and distress felt.

He has appealed to anyone across Ireland and the UK who may have been affected by one of the mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland to contact the group for support and advice, by email at Birthmothersforjustice.n.i@hotmail.com or by phoning Eunan on 07718645924, Oonagh on 07927943248 or Michelle on 07513874371.

A Newry man serving a life sentence for murder has been granted a judicial review to challenge a security classification which is preventing his release from jail.

Thirty one year old Darren Hart, formerly of Mourneview Park in Newry received a life sentence for stabbing 18 year old Brendan McCabe to death in February 2002.  Hart was still a youth when he carried out the fatal knife attack in Canal Street in the city and, although he has now served his minimum 12 year jail sentence at Maghaberry prison , his security classification means he cannot access parole or pre-release programmes.  

At the High Court last week, his lawyers argued that the Northern Ireland Prison Service breached its duty to act fairly and they claimed the decision is unlawful and procedurally flawed.

Barrister Stephen Toal said the Prison Service had failed to provide a proper account of the information relied on for the security status.

Mr Justice Maguire ruled that an arguable case had been established on some grounds of challenge and he granted leave to seek a judicial review, listing the case for a further review in September.

Speaking outside court, Hart’s lawyer, Kevin McDonnell of O’Muirigh Solicitors, claimed the authorities are out of line with how classifications are determined for inmates in England and Wales.

 “My client believes the security categorisation is unfair, procedurally and substantively, in how the Prison Service arrived at their decision,” said Mr McDonnell

It’s been a huge year for Markethill’s Chloe Hawthorne – turning 18, completing her A-Levels and working two jobs –  but this amazing girl has still found time to raise huge funds for a charity close to her heart.

Over the past 12 months Chloe has led family and friends in raising over £16,000 for HDANI, the only charity in Northern Ireland that provides information, advice and support to people living with Huntington’s Disease. Her efforts were commended by the Institute of Fundraising who awarded her Young Fundraiser of the Year despite a very high calibre of entries at their awards ceremony in Riddel Hall, Belfast on 6th June.

All money raised by Chloe helps HDANI support over 500 patients, carers and family members impacted by Huntington’s Disease in Northern Ireland. A rare disease, HD causes gradual loss of control of thoughts, feelings, behaviour, movement, communication and swallow until patients become wholly dependent on care. There is currently no cure or any means of slowing the disease which affects men and women with symptoms usually starting to show from 35-50 years.

Chloe explained why she made such a tremendous effort to raise funds despite all the pressures she was under;

“My granny and my mum have Huntington’s disease and lots of other family members are affected. Mum is tired all the time and can have problems with her balance and her ability to do things we always took for granted.

Chloe with Claire McCollum (awards host) and Gillian Shields (Coca Cola – awards sponsor)

“Myself and my younger sister are at risk of inheriting HD too. Our family received such amazing help from the charity and I wanted to do whatever I could to make sure that they have the funds to help other people like us, especially young people. It is really hard seeing a parent sick and knowing that they won’t get better and then knowing that you could be next so we rely on HDANI to connect us to other families and help us access support and information to deal with what lies ahead”.

The Institute of Fundraising supports organisations and individuals to ensure that fundraising practices are innovative, collaborative and in line with best practice. The annual awards recognise the best of the best in fundraising from across Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the awards, HDANI’s Chief Executive Sorcha McGuinness said:

“We are delighted that Chloe’s efforts have been recognised. She is such an inspiration to the other young people we work with. As a small charity it is easy to get over shadowed by the big household names when it comes to awards so this proves that you can make a huge impact regardless of the size of your team. We are grateful to everyone who gives their time and money to us and ensure it is used to help families dealing with HD.”

Chloe and her family are already planning their next event- a barn dance with Ritchie Remo on Saturday 9th Sept from 8.30pm at Speers Silo, Keady Rd, Armagh. Tickets £15.

For more information about HD visit www.hdani.org.uk

Beginning today (Monday 3rd July) extra trains will operate between Newry and Belfast at peak morning and evening times, and a late evening service will depart Belfast at 10.10pm from Monday to Saturday.

The enhanced rail service is Translink’s response to years of lobbying by politicians, businesses and the local community.

Translink’s Rail Services Manager Hilton Parr said the company has “been listening to our customers”.

“We have seen strong growth over the last year with an increase in excess of 4.5% in passenger journeys* on this route as more and more people make the train their first choice for travel; now we want to build on this,” he said.

“In addition to the timetable developments, we also have a range of everyday value travel tickets available for commuters such as weekly, monthly and mlink tickets, together with an excellent park and ride facility at the station, it’s a really easy and cost effective way to commute to Belfast.”

Mr Hilton says the later evening train from Belfast to Newry is an attractive option for those wishing to socialise in Belfast, “and with one third off day returns available after 9.30am and our £17 Family and Friends Ticket too, it’s a great value option,” he added.

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said the move is a major achievement for the local community.

“The relentless campaigning by many in the local community forced the then Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard and his officials within Translink to act. Full credit must go to the local community and I had the pleasure of working closely with them in their efforts,” he said.

Mr McNulty says rail services “should be a priority” across the country and has called for further investment in the industry: “I want to see the network and services provided expand right throughout this island. I firmly believe that additional services will generate additional demand. If there are the right services at the right times, people will move from their cars towards public transport.

“However investment is not just needed in upgrading the stock and the rail network, it is also needed in regular maintenance,” he added, pointing out that a recent schedule did not operate due to a technical fault.  “This is simply unacceptable and comes on the back of much heralded investment in train infrastructure. We need to see a full package of investment to maintain and grow the rail network across this island,” he said.

Meanwhile the additional Newry/Belfast services include: early morning express service from Newry to Belfast (6.35 a.m.); evening train from Belfast to Newry for commuters (6.20 p.m.); late evening service from Belfast to Newry (10.10 p.m.).

Further enhancements include additional Saturday services from Newry to Belfast (7.50 a.m.) and Belfast to Newry (5.30 p.m. and 10.10 p.m.).

Full details of these enhancements and timetables can be found on Translink website

http://www.translink.co.uk/services/ni-railways/routes-timetables/all-timetables/.

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have issued a statement to clarify that a proposal from Regen Waste Ltd to develop a new waste management facility at the Harbour “will be subject to exactly the same rigorous processes, procedures and scrutiny as any other proposed development on the site.”

It was recently revealed that Regen Waste Ltd had applied for a Pollution Prevent Control (PPC) permit to operate an installation involving the treatment, transfer and temporary storage of hazardous waste on the shores of Carlingford Lough.  The proposal has prompted huge public opposition and concern regarding the health safety and wellbeing of people living in the surrounding areas both north and south of the border, due to the toxic nature of the waste to be stored treated and transferred at the proposed site.

In a statement released last week in response to the outcry, a Warrenpoint Harbour Authority spokesperson said,

“In this instance, this will require the applicant to achieve the necessary permits and licenses from the NI Environment Agency, appropriate planning approval for the development and of course the approval of the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, if this project is to progress.

“At this stage the applicant is very much at the starting point of these processes and they do so entirely at their own risk. For our part we will continue to monitor closely how their plans progress.

“Warrenpoint Harbour Authority remains fully committed to working with the community for the benefit of all our stakeholders. As such, we have encouraged the applicant to undertake a comprehensive community consultation exercise to ensure full transparency around this project and to give stakeholders an opportunity to have any concerns around this proposal addressed.

“We welcome their recent confirmation that this consultation programme will begin in the near future.”

Re-Gen Waste Ltd has submitted a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Permit application to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) for the operation of a waste management facility in Warrenpoint Harbour. 

Re-Gen Waste is the sole applicant for the aforementioned permit. Warrenpoint Harbour Authority is in no way associated with this application.

The PPC application process is a regulatory system implemented in Northern Ireland and regulated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.  A PPC license is the first of several regulatory approvals required to operate a facility of this nature.

As part of the process, as with any application of this nature, operators have to demonstrate that best available practices are being implemented to prevent and minimise emissions into the environment.

An application has been submitted to NIEA that outlines how the facility will be developed and managed in accordance with best available techniques.

This facility would primarily serve as a transfer point for hazardous waste that is already transported through the port daily.

The facility would be regulated by the NIEA to ensure that it is being operated in a manner to mitigate any impact on the environment and residents in the area. 

Once operational, NIEA would undertake regular site audits to ensure that the facility is being operated in a compliant and environmentally safe manner.

The facility would be purposely developed for the management of aqueous waste that requires ph stabilistation.

All surfaces at the site would be a suitable hard standing for the activities conducted, to prevent potential contaminants from entering the soil. 

All drainage associated with waste storage areas would be diverted to a sealed tank.  Any liquid captured in this tank would be removed from the site to an appropriately licensed treatment or disposal facility.

A detailed management plan has been developed for agreement with NIEA to control all operations on the site and put in place measures to prevent impacts such as:

• Odour

• Noise

• Litter

• Potentially polluting emissions to air and water

• Pests and vermin

Any liquids received and stored at the facility that have a potential to impact on the environment would be stored within sealed tanks in bunded areas with a capacity of 110% of the stored volume. 

Therefore in the unlikely event that a leak was to occur, this would be immediately and effectively captured and contained within the bund.

If approvals are granted, the facility will be operated by Re-Gen Waste and licensed by the NIEA.  Re-Gen Waste is an environmentally responsible organisation with vast experience the waste management sector having undertaken the management and processing of waste throughout the UK and Ireland since 2004. 

Re-Gen Waste has a comprehensive quality and environmental management system, which the proposed facility at Warrenpoint Harbour would be operated in accordance with.

Re-Gen Waste will undertake a comprehensive community consultation exercise prior to 31st August 2017 which will be advertised in local press, the company website, the company’s social media channels and through political representatives in the area. Any concerns with regard to the application will be addressed during this exercise. There will be no further developments with regard to the facility until this consultation has taken place. 

Re-Gen Waste is invested in our people and their families and continues to play an integral part in the community. We are committed to applying the highest possible duty of care to our employees, the environment and the wider community.

A project initiating a consultation and engagement process with medical professionals, stakeholders and the local community to develop proposals for the delivery of sustainable acute and emergency care in the Newry and Mourne area has been welcomed by local political representatives and activist groups.   

The details of the Pathfinder Project were approved at a meeting of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Board on Thursday last.

A final report on the outcome of the project is due in November, with implementation of the recommendations expected to make significant progress in the following 15 – 18 months.

The Daisy Hill Emergency Department Pathfinder Group will oversee the project, chaired by Dr Anne-Marie Telford, an experienced public health doctor who has worked within the Southern area for over 20 years and has been involved with major regional and local improvement projects.

“Full and inclusive community participation will be fundamental to the success of the project, and the input of service users and carers through co-production will be a major part of the process,” said Dr Telford,

“There will be community members on the Pathfinder Group and the various work streams that will support the project. This is a ground-breaking process for Northern Ireland, and one that reflects the commitment of both the Department of Health and the Trust to maintaining access to emergency health care for people living in the Newry and Mourne area.”

The Group will also have staff side representation, nursing, medical and ambulance staff and public health experts, all tasked with developing proposals for sustainable acute and emergency care that reflects the needs of the Newry and Mourne community.

“This is an opportunity to not only secure services for the Newry and Mourne area, but also to  provide learning opportunities to inform the provision of acute and emergency care elsewhere in Northern Ireland, “ concluded Dr Telford.

Dr Anne-Marie Telford

The process for bringing together community interest groups will start immediately, and will be taken forward over the next few weeks, with the first full meeting of the Pathfinder Group taking place this month.

The project has been welcomed by the Save Our Emergency Department group, who have described the development as “a positive indication the recognition of how absolutely vital the service is to the community.”  A group spokesperson said the launch of the Pathfinder Project is all the more significant, given the publication of recent illustrating that Daisy Hill is the fastest growing ED in terms of attendance numbers in Northern Ireland.

“The Trust appear to be listening to the seismic public outcry regarding any temporary night time closure of the ED by seeking to engage directly with the community and setting up the Daisy Hill Hospital Pathfinder Group,” said the Save Our ED Committee member.

“There is a vast amount of expertise and huge commitment to this issue by the people of the Newry, Mourne and south Armagh area. We hope that by drawing on this valuable resource, the Trust will be able to find creative and practical solutions to ensure a permanent solution is found.”

The group hope to participate in the work streams outlined and are urging the public to engage positively with the Pathfinder Project.

“We hope that the Pathfinder Project’s engagement of experts from all five of the Health and Social Care Trusts, other bodies and the Permanent Secretary for Health, will mean that any solutions found will also be able to applied to the other hospitals in Northern Ireland that also currently face the same issues as Daisy Hill.

“It is only through communication and proactive management by all of these agencies that the staffing issues faced by every ED will be solved. This will allow for acute health care to be provided fairly, equally and safely to everyone across the province,” concluded the spokesperson.

Newry, Mourne & Down Council Chairperson Roisin Mulgrew and Mickey Brady MP have also welcomed the approval of the groundbreaking initiative which they say “will alleviate some of the concerns held in the local community about the future of their local hospital and its emergency services.”

Save Daisy Hill Committee members who are in favours with the Pathfinder.

“Consultation as part of this project must be extensive and involve huge sections of our community, from people in all walks of life. There is a robust strength of feeling on the ground that must be made clear to the Trust,” said Councillor Mulgrew, who also made clear that her priority campaign as Council Chairperson in the coming year will focus on bringing the community together to speak cohesively on their concerns regarding the future of Daisy Hill:

“Since my election as Chairperson of Council on 1st June, I have contacted local groups and stakeholders in an effort to bring them together in a forum that will share concerns and ideas surrounding Daisy Hill Emergency Department. I will then make these concerns known to the Trust,” she added.

MP for Newry & Armagh, Mickey Brady was present at the meeting of the Trust and took the opportunity to voice support for the project, while urging the Trust to go further:

“This is an opportunity for the Trust not only to maintain services at Daisy Hill, but also expand and enhance those available to the local community,” said Mr Brady.

“Daisy Hill Hospital has for some time now suffered dangerously low consultancy staffing levels, has relieved too heavily on locums, and training supervision has been inadequate. This will have a knock on effect to other sections of the hospital as resources are increasingly strained.

“This Pathfinder Project is an opportunity for the Trust to embrace a clean slate and provide the necessary resources to a hospital and Emergency Department that is increasingly unfit for purpose.”

Tears of joy were shed across Newry and Mourne last week as news emerged that a much-loved Newry couple who turned a tragedy into a charity that has helped so many families had become the National Lottery’s newest millionaires.  

Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the renowned Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) were presented with their cheque for a cool one million pounds at a National Lottery Function in the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday last.  As news quickly spread of the charity champions’ jackpot win, the phrase “good things happen to good people” became the motto of the day.

The people of Newry rallied around the Bell family four years ago, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in a matter of days to help repatriate their beloved son Kevin from New York after he was tragically killed in a hit and run accident there. The money raised was more than enough to bring their son home and the couple pledged to plough the remaining funds into helping other families suffering the same loss. Thus the KBRT was born and continues to alleviate the financial and logistical hardship of bereaved families, repatriating the remains of 330 people from all over the world to every county in Ireland since its inception in 2013. 

Now, in the most heartwarming turn of events, the couple have become the north’s latest Lottery Millionaires after scooping the jackpot in the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker on Tuesday 10th June.  Celebrating after the presentation of their cheque, Colin said the main beneficiaries would be their six children, aged between 26 and 32.

Revealing how they discovered their win, retired teacher Colin (64) and Eithne (61), a retired nursery school worker, said they were settling in for a quiet night in front of the telly when their evening took an unexpected but remarkable twist.

“I was watching the early evening news with Eithne when the EuroMillions numbers flashed up on screen,” said Colin.  “I remembered that I’d bought a ticket for the draw but that I hadn’t checked my numbers so I took out my wallet, went online and was disappointed to see that I hadn’t matched any numbers.

“However, when I checked the unique Millionaire Maker code I was totally floored to see that it matched my code!” he added.

In disbelief, Colin turned to his wife to tell her that they had just become millionaires!

“I told Eithne that I thought we had just won £1M and she laughed, thinking that I was joking. But when I repeated it and she saw the look on my face, she soon realised that I was being serious.”

Once the shock passed, the couple went to their daughter Ciara’s house who double checked the code and “started dancing around the room and whooping.”  With the win finally sinking in and having received confirmation from Camelot, they contacted each of their children to tell them the amazing news.  Daughter Maeve (26), who was travelling back home from Australia as the events were unfolding, only discovered her parents’ good fortune after being collected at the airport the following day. 

“We said nothing of our news until we had her safely in the car but when she heard we had to pull over as she was in total shock and needed some air.  Her reaction was priceless,” said Colin.

When asked what they plan to spend the money on Colin commented “My wife would love a sun room extension on the house and a new car and I plan to buy a couple of 10 year Premium Level Tickets for Croke Park,” and he concluded “But we’ll spend most of it changing the lives of our children – that will bring us so much joy!”

Lislea Community Association is delighted to announce that following successful applications to The Big Lottery Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, they are hoping to begin works on an Outdoor Community Space project this August with an anticipated completion date of the end of October. 

Lislea Community Association have been awarded £198,213 of National Lottery funding through Big Lottery Fund’s People and Communities Programme which includes funds for the employment of a part time activity coordinator and tutors to deliver a range of programmes and activities for people of all ages over the next five years.  Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have offered £80,000 match funding through their Financial Assistance Capital Call Fund.

The Community Association have raised more than £17,000 through community concerts, coffee mornings, plays and raffles, to secure the land and pay the associated legal and professional fees required to enable the project to commence.

An Outdoor Community Space will be developed on land adjacent to the community centre to provide a new community ‘craft shed’, children’s play equipment, adult fitness equipment, an outdoor covered area for community BBQs, picnics and entertainment, a story telling area and allotments.  The health and well being needs of the community, expressed through local consultation, will commence once landscaping has been completed and fixtures and fittings provided on site.

Welcoming the funding, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Roisin Mulgrew said: “This project represents genuine community spirit. I know that the Community Space Project will benefit not just local residents in Lislea, but the surrounding areas also. I wish Lislea Community Association well in the construction phase, and I look forward to returning in the future to see the finished community space”.

Commenting on the grant, Chairperson of Lislea Community Association Mr Thomas Keane said: “We’re delighted to be granted funding from The Big Lottery Fund and Newry and Mourne District Council. This project has been a number of years in development and has involved extensive consultation with the local community in Lislea and surrounding areas.

“This is a rural community with a very vibrant heart whose generosity knows no limit. For over forty years the Community Association has been instrumental in the development of capital projects and community development in Lislea. The current committee have worked tirelessly to bring this new Outdoor Community Space project to fruition and as Chairperson, I am proud of our success to date.

“When complete, the project will deliver state of the art facilities and innovative programmes for the people of Lislea and our neighbouring communities and I look forward to the next stage of this development”.

The local campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit has been awarded the prestigious European Citizens Award 2017 for its efforts in safeguarding and promoting cross border cooperation.

The group was nominated for the prize by six Irish MEPs – Martina Anderson, Matt Carthy, Lynn Boylan, Liadh ni Riada, Marian Harkin and Nessa Childers – and the award will be conferred at a ceremony this Friday 14th July in Monaghan’s Garage Theatre at 7.30pm.  The event is open to the public and a spokesperson for the group is encouraging local people who have been involved in and supported their efforts to come along and join in the celebrations.

Established following the shock Brexit referendum result, the primary aim of the group is to lobby political parties and relevant agencies involved in the Brexit negotiations to “defend the will of the people of the north who voted to remain in the EU”.

“We have worked very hard to get the interest of border citizens onto the political agenda in Europe,” the spokesperson said.  “While this award is recognition of our efforts, it is also an indication that the EU institutions understand the impact that Brexit will have on border communities, whether that is through fluctuations in currency, removal of EU funding, impacts on trade or a return to customs posts. These issues will affect every business, farmer, community group and individual in this region. It is heartening to know that our communities’ concerns have been elevated to this level after a year of campaigning.”

Encouraging local attendance at the award ceremony, the spokesperson added: “The ceremony next Friday evening is open to the public and we hope to see all those who we have engaged with and who have supported us there. This prize is recognition of Border Communties and our place in the EU.  An EU prize ceremony will take place in October and we will use that opportunity to continue to lobby on behalf of border communities in the face of Brexit.”

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty claims the British government’s planned cuts to benefits will have a significant impact on social housing provision in his Newry and Armagh constituency and will hit some of the most disadvantaged people the hardest.

Having attended a meeting with the Chartered Institute of Housing, he said its latest report warns of a deepening housing crisis across the north.

“There is a real need for investment in new build social housing and indeed increased maintenance of the existing housing stock,” Mr McNulty said.  “There are many people on waiting lists for suitable housing, be they single storey houses, family homes or dwellings for people with complex needs.  The latest wave of Tory cuts will have a devastating impact on social housing provision here.  We need to stand up and speak out for those who are facing the burden of welfare cuts from a cruel and callous Tory Government and we need an Executive that will take urgent action to protect them.”

Fearing the cuts will increase the risk of rent arrears, eviction and homelessness, and have a knock on effect on the ability to build more social housing, he added: “The report recommends that urgent action needs to be taken to introduce changes in Northern Ireland and to do that we need an Executive.”

Nicola McCrudden, Chartered Institute of Housing Director for Northern Ireland said the planned changes to housing benefit will put people’s homes at risk and threaten the ability to build new social housing in some areas.

“Currently tens of thousands of working-age social housing tenants are protected against the bedroom tax – however these additional changes will see pensioners affected for the first time and single people under 35 strongly impacted. Unless action is taken, tenancies will be put at risk,” she said.

“The absence of the Stormont Executive isn’t helping – we need a devolved administration up and running to prepare for these legislative changes. It is vital to ensure we keep roofs over people’s heads and that we scale up the level of social house building that we desperately need.”

A public meeting is set to take place later this month to discuss concerns over the pre-release of a notorious murderer in Newry.

35 year old Stephen Scott is understood to be living in the city after serving 17 years of a life sentence for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend in 1998.

Scott gave his 17 year old girlfriend, Sylvia Fleming, alcohol and sleeping pills before blindfolding her and tying her to the bed at their home in Omagh in April 1998.

The cold blooded killer then taped up her eyes and mouth, injecting her with insulin before strangling or smothering her – the exact cause of death was never established.

He kept her body in the attic until the following day when he returned from a swimming session, carried her body into the bathroom and hacksawed her into eight pieces.

Scott’s two friends later helped him to bury the pregnant teenager’s remains about a mile away at a housing development on Circular Road.

The gruesome murder outraged residents and sent shockwaves throughout the country, sparking three nights of rioting in Omagh, with relatives of suspects being burnt out of their homes.  Scott was sentenced to life in prison in 2000 and ordered to serve a minimum 19-year term.  He was described as a psychopathic bully who was so violent he is said to have scared even Johnny Adair while in prison.

Last week Sylvia’s heartbroken sister spoke out after being told that Scott had been spotted painting a fence in Newry.  Josie Fleming told BBC Radio that, even though her family knew the time of his pre-release was approaching, they are “angry and fearful” that he is back on the streets.

“That man should never, ever be released because he committed such a cruel cruel thing,”  she said.

“He’ll be able to start a new life for himself while Sylvia can’t grow old.”

“You never can come to terms with what happened, we’re learning to live with it but we’ll never, ever get over it.”

The public meeting called in response to the murderer’s pre-release will take place in Ballybot House, Newry on Tuesday 25th July at 11am.

Freelance makeup artist, blogger and local fashionista Rosie Kirk is looking forward to seeing what Dundalk has to offer in the style stakes when she joins an esteemed panel of judges for Ladies Day at the annual Racing Post Dual Race Day this Wednesday (12th July). 

Rosie’s unique style and skills have garnered her a growing social media following throughout Ireland, with the Mullaghbawn woman impressing her followers with an eye for cutting edge style and her ability to mix labels, looks and trends to great effect.  Her funky sense of style and beauty have earned her an enviable reputation in the industry and led to the surprise invitation from Dundalk Stadium to join prolific fashion blogger Lisa of Lisa’s Lust List fame on the Ladies Day judging panel – alongside Cool Fm DJ and Marshes Shopping Centre’s new Personal Stylist Rebecca McKinney, and Neil Cole from NI Gossip.

The mother of two told The Examiner she was “shocked and surprised” to receive the invitation to be a judge alongside such high profile fashion and beauty stylists and bloggers but she says she is relishing the challenge and excited to see what creations are showcased on the day.

Rosie has successfully pursued her passion for all things makeup over the last number of years, having completed her training with Ciara Daly Makeup, Paddy McGurgan’s Fashion and Photographic academy, Mario Dedivanovic Masterclass (Kim Kardashian’s Makeup Artist) and P.Louise Makeup Academy.

The popular freelance makeup artist takes regular bookings for brides to be, hen parties, occasional makeup, lessons and special effects along with her bespoke masterclasses. She also stocks a wide range of beauty items including the popular Aluxe sunglasses, sell-out Polished teeth whitening powder, Aimee Connolly Contour Palette, So Sue Lashes as well as several other makeup related products which are now available online at www.rosiekirk.com.

The talented lady has also collaborated in various styling and makeup shoots and has modelled at Northern Ireland Hairdressing Awards in Belfast as well as making a name for herself with her own distinctive image and fashion choices. You can follow Rosie on Facebook @rosiekirkmakeupartist;  SnapChat @RosieKirk.com; Instagram @rosie.kirk_makeupartist.

The annual Ladies Day sponsored by Marshes Shopping Centre takes place in the afternoon of Wednesday 12th July 2017 with a prize to the value of €4,000 to include a 4 Star Trip to New York and a Marshes Shopping Spree!

A manhunt has been launched to find the perpetrator(s) behind the slaughter of a number of sheep in two separate attacks near Newry.

Both incidents, which occurred just days apart in fields on the Temple Hill Road, Ballyholland, have shocked the community and left farmers fearful for the safety of their livestock.

On Wednesday morning July 4th, a concerned neighbour alerted farmer Ruairi McCartney who, when arriving at his field, said he was “completely devastated” by what he found.  Several animals had been viciously attacked, their throats cut and ears sliced off.  Three sheep has suffered stab wounds while a further three had injuries so severe, they had to be humanely put down by a vet.  Four more animals suffered what appeared to be large stab wounds.

Describing the episode, Mr McCartney said: “It was just shocking. At first I thought it might have been a dog attack, but when I saw it, some of the sheep had their ears sliced off the whole way down, while others had just been cut.”

He said that there were up to 11 sheep in the field overnight.

“We found three of them dead, and then another three had to be put down when the vet arrived,” he added.

Mr McCartney says he has no idea why his flock was targeted.  “There are no grudges held around here, so I don’t understand who would have done this,” he said.

Enquiries into the brutal act were continuing when, on Friday evening July 7th three more sheep were discovered slain in a similar attack a short distance away.  The dead animals had their throats slashed and ears removed.  The owner of the sheep, Gerald Travers, expressed disbelief at the repeat attack and claims at least three people would have been needed to corner the animals and carry out such a horrifying act in an open field.

Referring to the first attack just days earlier, he said: “I knew it had happened up the road a bit, I didn’t really expect it to happen again.  Some sick mind has just kept going.”

Revealing that local farmers are worried about their own livestock, he said neighbours are organizing a ‘Farmers’ Watch’ in an attempt to catch those responsible.

Local SDLP councillor Declan McAteer said there is growing concern for the safety of livestock in the Ballyholland area after the two attacks and he has called for local people to be vigilant.

Police, meanwhile, are investigating both incidents and carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area.  They have appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have information relating to the brutal attacks, to contact officers in Newry on 101 quoting reference number 1246 of 07/07/17.

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 The director responsible for overseeing plans to develop the proposals for emergency care in Daisy Hill hospital is encouraging residents of the district and interested parties to meet with her to discuss ways of implementing the strategy.

Dr Anne Marie Telford, Director of the Daisy Hill Hospital Pathfinder project has invited local community and voluntary groups, service users, carers and public representatives to meet with her, saying community involvement is central to the process.

“I want to ensure the widest possible involvement of people who live in the Newry and Mourne area and who use these important services,” Dr Telford said.  “I have therefore written to a wide range of interested parties and I am keen to meet with as many people as possible during the first week in August 2017. At these initial talks, I would like people to tell me how best we can work together to develop a long term plan which will stabilise, safeguard and sustain local emergency care services.

“I want to ensure strong community representation on the Pathfinder group and the various sub groups that will support the project. Full and inclusive community participation will be fundamental to the success of the project, and the input of service users and carers will be a major part of the process.”

Dr. Telford says work on the project must progress as soon as possible as a final report on its outcome is due in November.

The meetings have been scheduled as follows: Wednesday 2 August at Kilkeel Health Centre Conference Room from 9am to 6pm; Thursday 3 August at Daisy Hill Hospital’s Nurses Home Boardroom from 9am to 7pm and on Friday 4 August in Crossmaglen Community Centre from 9am to 6pm.

To book a 30 minute meeting with Dr Telford, please contact Anna Donnelly on Telephone 028 3756 0015 or e-mail anna.donnelly@southerntrust.hscni.net.