A mum-of-five who is battling breast cancer is preparing to have her shoulder-length hair shorn to raise funds for a cancer support charity and help increase awareness of the devastating disease.

Originally from Shelagh near Crossmaglen, and now living in Newry, Barbara Rooney was diagnosed with breast cancer in July this year.  Having undergone surgery to remove a tumour, last week she commenced chemotherapy treatment and faces further treatment including radiotherapy and biological therapy.

Well aware that the treatment will result in the loss of her long hair, 45-year-old Barbara has decided to have her locks shorn as part of the Macmillan ‘Brave the Shave’ initiative, to raise funds for the charity.  The event will be streamed live on Facebook this Thursday 21st September, a decision Barbara says she has taken in a bid to raise awareness of the affects of cancer and to encourage the public to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Her family and friends have set up a Go Fund Me page [https://www.gofundme.com/barbaras-braving-the-shave] where donations can be made online, and its initial target of £2,000 has already been surpassed.

Having first-hand experience of breast cancer when her mother Brigid battled the illness ten years ago, Barbara says she was shocked at her own diagnosis but has undertaken this fundraising initiative “to give something back”.

“I can see how this has affected so many women, from people writing to me and kindly sharing their personal stories,” she said.  “When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too.”

As part of her fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support, Barbara will host a coffee morning this Sunday 24th September at 11am in the Shamrocks GAC (Páirc Esler) in Newry.  A raffle will be held on the day with a number of fantastic prizes on offer and should any of you culinary enthusiasts wish to showcase your baking skills, then bring along your tasty fare, take some friends, and enjoy a chat and a cuppa while supporting Barbara in raising money to assist cancer sufferers.

News that the loyalist paramilitary group – which was responsible for the murders of three people in a gun and bomb attack at Silverbridge in 1975 – is seeking to be legalized, has been met with opposition by some of its victims’ families.

The Red Hand Commando (RHC) carried out the December 1975 attack on Donnelly’s Bar, killing father-of-three Trevor Brecknell (32), Patsy Donnelly (23) and 14-year-old Michael Donnelly, the owner’s son.

On Wednesday last, a delegation representing the organization, and backed by the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), travelled to London to petition the Home Office to be de-proscribed. 

In a statement the LCC said: “It is further hoped that this course being taken by the Red Hand Commando can lay out a road map for the transformation of loyalist groups in general and that this action might be followed in due course by the other two main loyalist groups.”

Reacting to the news, Trevor Brecknell’s son Alan says, while the move away from paramilitary association is to be welcomed, the name of the RHC is “soaked in blood” and should not be used in connection with community work.

“It is obviously very laudable that people are trying to improve their community and move young people away from paramilitarism, but I just don’t see how you can do that while holding onto the Red Hand Commando name. The role of a commando is to kill people,” he said.

Alan was seven years old when his father was killed and he now works at conflict resolution with the Pat Finucane Centre.   He says it is good that supporters of the RHC are engaging in community work “to get people moving in the right direction” but questioned the necessity for the organization to retain its name, claiming it is “soaked in blood and brings back so much heartache and pain for so many people”.

Kenny Donaldson, the spokesman for Innocent Victims United, said the RHC request to be de-proscribed is “not appropriate”.

“Our first concern is with the innocents and their families whose lives were stolen as a result of the terrorist actions of the RHC,” he said.  “The IRA, UVF/RHC, INLA, UDA etc must be remembered in history for what they were – organisations of oppression with ideologies which encouraged and indeed demanded one neighbour to murder another.

The decision on de-proscription is made via the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) by Secretary of State James Brokenshire, who has 90 days to consider the application.

A young Man United fan from Bessbrook realised a lifelong dream recently when he led the Man United legends team onto the Theatre of Dreams pitch for their match with Barcelona legends.

Eleven year old Shea Burns Watters, a Year 8 pupil at St.Paul’s High School in Bessbrook was selected to be a mascot at the legends match on September 2nd after dad Gerry had applied on his behalf a number of times without success. 

Shea led out the team with Captain Dwight Yorke and got to meet club legends like Edwin Van Der Sar, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Wes Brown as well as mingling with Europe’s elite including Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids and Abidal.  He was also part of the minute’s silence before kick-off for the victims of the Manchester and Barcelona terror attacks.

Describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for his son, Gerry revealed that he had kept the secret that Shea was going to be a mascot right up until they reached the stadium.  The pair entered via the director’s entrance before the gob-smacked 11 year old was handed a gold arm band for the mascot quarters.

Recalling the emotional moment his son realised he was to be a mascot, dad Gerry said,

“He looked at me and his eyes just welled up. He’s a huge United fan so to lead the team out really was a dream come true for him.  It was unreal and both myself and Shea had a truly memorable day at the Theatre of Dreams.

Last Tuesday’s public meeting in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, which was part of a pre-consultation process on Reshaping Stroke Services in the Southern Trust area, was extremely well attended with some of the invited speakers putting forward a powerful case to safeguard the future of stroke services in Daisy Hill Hospital.

Chairperson of the Daisy Hill Action Group, and a vociferous advocate of the campaign to maintain and develop stroke services in Daisy Hill, Mr Francis Gallagher renewed calls for a hyper acute stroke unit to be developed in the hospital.

Welcoming “encouraging comments” at the meeting, Mr Gallagher told The Examiner: “There should be no borders when it comes to health care and this is why the Department of Health needs to develop the specialist stroke unit at Daisy Hill into a seven day a week hyper-acute stroke unit, one that will be part of an acute hospital network at Newry to cater for this whole border region. 

“Newry and Crossmaglen has a natural hinterland that stretches into Louth and Monaghan, so the population of these counties need to be considered with the figures for Down, Newry, Mourne and the rest of Gullion when planning our health care provision here. Even without considering the border counties in the Republic, the population of this part of the Southern Health Trust is increasing significantly. All this needs to be taken into consideration when deciding how to plan stroke services for this region.”

Highlighting the significance of having a hyper acute stroke unit, he revealed that someone who suffers a stroke caused by a clot, can make “a miracle recovery” if they receive a clot-busting injection within the first 30 minutes.

“This fundamental medical fact is a strong argument to have a hyper acute stroke unit at Daisy Hill and, eventually, in a new teaching and research acute hospital for this whole border region,” Mr Gallagher said.

“There are advances in stroke treatment through mechanical retrieval methods but only a few doctors can do this highly specialised procedure and I have been informed they are located in Belfast. Every minute spent on the A1 to Belfast means the loss of more brain cells and permanent disability if early intervention is not given at Daisy Hill.”

Also in attendance at the meeting, Ulster Unionist Party Councillor David Taylor says there is a “strong desire” within the local community for stroke services at Daisy Hill to be retained and enhanced.

“There is a genuine fear that this review of stroke services could lead to the closure of the stroke unit at Daisy Hill Hospital, however, it was emphasised to health officials at the public meeting that this was not an acceptable outcome,” Councillor Taylor said.

“It is crucial for any patient who suffers a stroke to receive necessary medical treatment as quickly as possible to aid their recovery.  This is why it is imperative for the local community, particularly in rural areas such as south Armagh and the Mournes, to be able to receive vital initial treatment at the specialist stroke facility at Daisy Hill Hospital.

“I sincerely hope health officials will take on board the genuine strength of feeling that exists regarding the retention of stroke services at Daisy Hill Hospital.  This health facility is an essential asset to the local area and must be protected as part of the review of services in Northern Ireland,” he added.

The campaign to transform the derelict Albert Basin site in Newry into a 15 acre “people’s park” has taken a major step forward with a joint motion to be brought before Council at the next full Council meeting in Downpatrick on 2nd October.

On Saturday, the supporting councillors met for a photoshoot at the Albert Basin to launch the long awaited motion which will see all councillors from across the district get the chance to decide on the project.

The signatories to the motion are Patrick Brown (Alliance), Gary Stokes (SDLP), Jarlath Tinnelly (Independent) and David Taylor (UUP) – all of whom hope to garner cross party support to commit Newry Mourne and Down District Council to making the Albert Basin Park vision a reality and “delivering a park in parallel with other capital works projects in Newry within the next Council term.”

The protracted campaign for a “people’s park” at the city centre site has been driven by Newry 2020, with the group successfully gaining widespread support from all sectors of the community, including over 80 local groups, the majority of local schools and medical practices and over 11,000 people who have signed a Newry 2020 Petition.

As well as calling on the council to confirm its commitment to a full 15 acre community park project on the Albert Basin, the motion also calls for a task and finish group to be set up within three months to move the project forward. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s launch, Alliance Councillor Patrick Brown said he is delighted to have the opportunity to propose the motion, which if implemented properly, “has the potential to transform the centre of Newry, contribute to economic regeneration, boost tourism and build a stronger, healthier community.”

Praising the hard work and perseverance of the Newry 2020 group for getting the project off the ground, the Alliance Councillor says the park project is “an opportunity for the Council, and Councillors, to play a leading role in giving something back to the ratepayer beyond the standard Council services.”

“We have already secured cross-party and cross-community support for this project, with Alliance, SDLP, UUP and independent Councillors signing the motion. I really hope that all elected representatives will get behind this motion, the passing of which will be the first step in a partnership project between Council and the Community to deliver the Park.”

Long term supporter of the project, Councillor Gary Stokes said the people of Newry have been calling for a city park for many years.

“While people recognise the quality of Kilbroney and Slieve Gullion parks, they ask why can we not have a park we don’t have to drive to?” said the SDLP Councillor.

“World cities are defined by their city parks whether it be New York or Dublin. The benefits to local people will be huge. It will improve health and wellbeing. It will act as an economic driver, people to work and invest in pleasant areas. The site is perfect being in a central location between the canal and river and is already in council ownership,” he added.

Reiterating his support for the upcoming Council motion, UUP Councillor David Taylor said he believed the Albert Basin Park would “serve as a considerable asset to the City of Newry and indeed the wider district” and he underlined the strong support for the project throughout the community.

“I sincerely hope the Council can move forward at the earliest opportunity with progressing this important project and I trust all elected members can offer their support to the motion due to be presented. The creation of this recreational space would obviously be a positive and exciting development for the local area.”

Independent Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly gave his “unequivocal” support to the city park project saying,

“There is no other site within the city, currently in the ownership of the council that is more appropriate for a People’s Park, and as a resident of Rostrevor, I am thankful everyday for the beauty that is Kilbroney Park, appreciating the physical and mental health benefits that it affords to the people of the district.”

Chairman of Newry 2020, Brian Cleland welcomed the campaign finally being considered by the Council and said he looked forward to an “historic decision” on October 2nd.

Speaking at Saturday’s launch of the Council motion , Mr Cleland said,

“The fact that we have representatives here from Alliance, Sinn Fein, SDLP, UUP and the independent group demonstrates that there is support for this project right across the political spectrum.

“Given that the council has already started work on its Asset Management Strategy, it is a matter of urgency that the Albert Basin is protected from commercial exploitation.The text of the motion has been provided to all the parties so that any potential issues can be addressed before the vote. 

“We look forward to a historic decision on 2nd October, and the council finally fulfilling its promise to develop the Albert Basin as a shared space for all the people of Newry.”

A Silverbridge farmer has been jailed for orchestrating a lengthy campaign of harassment and intimidation against his estranged wife.

Sean Murphy (59), from Carnally Road, was handed a seven and a half month prison sentence when he appeared before Newry Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, on Wednesday.

The court heard how Murphy – a qualified chartered engineer who now runs the family farm – showed “a wilful disregard for court orders”, repeatedly breaching restraining and non-molestation orders and causing fear and distress to his former wife, Caroline Murphy. The father-of-five, it was argued, could not accept the breakdown of the 35-year marriage.

He initially denied harassing Mrs Murphy on several occasions between January and March 2016, the charges then proceeding to trial in January of this year.  However, on the second day of the hearing, and after the victim had given evidence, Murphy changed his plea and admitted his guilt.  Following the plea, a total of seven charges of breaching a non-molestation order were not proceeded with and were ‘left on the books.’

Judge Sandra Crawford revealed that in the period between entering his plea and Wednesday’s sentencing, Murphy failed to attend a court hearing, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued.  His history of breaching restraining and non-molestation orders was also discussed.

Regarding the harassment offence, Murphy admitted to ‘pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment’ of his estranged wife, including texting her and sitting outside her house in his car on five occasions.

Judge Crawford said that after listening to Mrs Murphy giving evidence at the trial earlier this year, it was “clear to the court her vulnerability and the fear and distress she suffered”.

A probation officer’s pre-sentence report concluded that Sean Murphy was in denial that his marriage was over, that he “projected blame” onto his estranged wife, took no responsibility for his actions and that he has shown no remorse.  Judge Crawford said the report indicated his actions also displayed a “high degree of malicious intent”.

“Until you start to recognise the harm your behaviour causes, you will not reduce your high likelihood of reoffending,” she said.

Judge Crawford also issued a restraining order banning Murphy from “intimidating, harassing, pestering or annoying” Mrs Murphy when he is released from custody.

Prior to sentencing, Murphy’s defence barrister requested that his client address the court, however this was refused.

The Daisy Hill Hospital Pathfinder Group will shortly complete its First Phase report on the delivery of sustainable acute and emergency care in the Newry and Mourne area.

The process has brought together community interest groups, staff representations, nursing, medical, allied health professionals, ambulance staff and public health experts.

The report not only considers the delivery of sustainable acute and emergency care but also looks at how these services are changing across Northern Ireland, with very specialist services provided in dedicated centres of excellence; and how a range of alternatives to hospital admissions could be developed in the Newry and Mourne area.

This First Phase report will be presented to the Trust’s Board meeting this Thursday 28th September and subsequently to the Department of Health for consideration.

Speaking ahead of the Pathfinder Group meeting, Trust Chief Executive Francis Rice said:

“It has always been the Trust’s position that we want to maintain the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill.

“The work of the Pathfinder Project going forward will be focused on how to attract and retain staff to enable the Trust to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Although challenges remain we are more confident of recruiting high calibre medical and nursing staff.

“The project will also look at new models of care which can provide more appropriate and timely care for patients, particularly older patients.

“The delivery of emergency care is of course an issue for the whole of Northern Ireland, and will ultimately require solutions at a regional level. I am confident that the work being carried out by the Pathfinder Group will help to identify examples of regional learning and look forward to working closely with colleagues across the HSC to design a model for emergency care that makes the best use of our resources and which is sustainable in the long term.”

Chair of the Daisy Hill Pathfinder Group, Dr Anne-Marie Telford thanked the team “for their excellent and comprehensive work on this First Phase and for their continued commitment in developing the Second Phase of this important project.”

Speaking after attending the European Parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt’s address to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas Committees on European Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in Dáil Éireann, Justin McNulty MLA has reaffirmed that the border between north and south must remain invisible.

“The border issue is a consequence of the UK’s decision to exit the EU. The UK is entirely responsible for developing a unique solution that does not adversely impact, business, agriculture, the agri-food industry or any of the freedoms the people of Ireland, North or South have become accustomed to,” Mr McNulty said.

“A practical solution must be created which protects the Good Friday Agreement, preserves the Common Travel Area and avoids any possibility of a hard border. The Brexit decision by the UK cannot compromise EU Citizenship rights for Irish passport holders – a mechanism must be found that enables Irish citizens to continue to enjoy the rights of EU citizenship.  It is imperative that through the Brexit negotiations a unique workable solution is developed whereby the North remains part of the Customs Union and the Single Market.”

A joint sitting of the Good Friday Implementation Committee in Dáil Éireann on Thursday was of ‘historic significance’, Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said.

Members joined other committees for European Union Affairs, and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence in Dublin during a visit by the EU Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator, Guy Verhofstadt.

Mr Brady says the meeting was an important engagement, adding that is essential that “all EU officials are continuously briefed and informed on what Ireland needs from the Brexit negotiations”.

“These needs must be a priority given Ireland’s unique position,” Mr Brady said.

“The joint committee meeting indicates the strength of the all-Ireland campaign against Brexit and the imposition of an EU frontier on this island.”

Expressing disappointment at being denied speaking rights at the hearing, he added: “The decision to deny speaking rights to Irish MPs flies in the face of the need for an all-Ireland approach to Brexit.  Our team stressed Sinn Féin’s position that it is an absolute imperative that the North is given Designated Special Status within the European Union.  This is crucial in order to defend the political, social and economic interests of all Ireland and to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts.” 

The Sinn Fein MP pledged his party’s continued representation in Dublin, Belfast and Brussels, to highlight the impact of Brexit on Ireland.

The Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) group has met with former Belgian prime minister, Guy Verhofstadt, during his two day fact finding visit to Belfast last week. 

BCAB spokesperson, Declan Fearon, told The Examiner the campaign group were pleased with the discussions held with the EU Parliament’s Coordinator on Brexit and he commended Mr Verhofstadt and his team on the level of work and research carried out into the effects of a hard border in Ireland.

During his visit, Mr Verhofstadt said a “unique solution” was needed to avoid a hard border and he insisted that responsibility for finding a workable solution lay with the British government and not the EU.  The EU Brexit Coordinator also suggested that problems surrounding a post-Brexit border could be overcome if the north remained in the customs union and single market.

Mr Verhofstadt was also sceptical about proposals in a recent government position paper which suggested there would be no need for physical customs checks even if the UK was outside the customs union, stressing that a border solution needed to be put forward by the UK government.

“The EU Brexit Coordinator’s team is made up of a range of people with long experience in drafting and managing the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programmes,” BCAB’s Declan Fearon added.

“Mr Verhofstadt is very highly respected in the EU parliament and his recommendations to the Parliament on Brexit will be pivotal as EU parliament has a veto on the final Brexit deal with the UK.

“During our engagement with him, we outlined the risks to our peace, the very damaging economic fallout out of Brexit, the rights of EU Citizens living in the North, as well as the huge implications for sectors who export to the EU dependent on EU licenses such as the financial, the chemical and pharmaceutical sector.

“The agriculture and agri food sector would suffer enormous damage if Brexit was to proceed as the British government has outlined in their paper and Mr Verhofstadt recognises this and wants a unique deal for the North to remain within the customs union and the single market. This proposal though must come from the British government,” reiterated Mr Fearon.

BCAB will travel to Westminster in November to lobby British MP’s, Peers and Ministers on the avoidance of a hard border in post-Brexit Ireland.

The MEP’s visit to Ireland comes ahead of a crucial summit in Brussels in October which will see leaders of the 27 EU states decide whether adequate progress has been made in the first phase of Brexit negotiations to progress talks to focus on future trading relations.

The EU has outlined progress has to be made in three key areas: citizens’ rights, the size of the UK’s exit bill and the shape of the Irish border post-Brexit.

Staff and service users at Crossmaglen Day Centre are celebrating after being awarded the top title in the Daycare category in the Southern Trust at the Best Kept Health and Social Care Awards, sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport.

The prestigious environmental awards are organised annually by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and this year over 100 representatives from health and social care facilities across Northern Ireland entered the Best Kept Awards scheme.  NIAC judges have been visiting the facilities since June to find the best kept medical practices, daycare centres, clinics and residential homes.   

Entrants from all over the north gathered at Antrim Area Hospital on Tuesday last (September 19) for the NIAC Best Kept Health & Social Care Awards Ceremony.

Crossmaglen Social Education Centre impressed the judges with its environmental initiatives and projects that helped staff and service users come together to make an improvement to their surroundings, and to create a place for everyone to enjoy.

Congratulating the local Day Care facility, Doreen Muskett, President of the NI Amenity Council, said,

“The judges were impressed with Crossmaglen Social Education Centre’s efforts as it displayed a fantastic example of the whole centre working as a community for the benefit of all, both in the creating, maintaining and enjoying of the grounds and environment around them.

“The Best Kept Health & Social Care initiative is a fantastic opportunity for facilities across Northern Ireland to work with their service users to have a practical and positive effect on their direct environment. We are extremely grateful to Belfast City Airport for its support this year.”

Speaking to The Examiner about the award, Crossmaglen Day Care Support Worker, Veronica Crossey told us,

“We’re all over the moon to have won the award!  Our outdoor plants and flowers really help with the wellbeing of our service users.  They are involved in the planting and looking after the flowers and plants, giving them a sense of responsibility.  They have something to look after and they can see the end results and be proud that we won such a big award.  It was a bit like the Sam Maguire coming back home!” joked Veronica, who said the centre had been celebrating the award with a party for its users last week.

“ We don’t have a garden so we’ve made the most of our outdoor space with plant pots, window boxes and hanging displays.  We’ve tried to recycle things so we hung an old bike on the wall and hung flowers and plants from it. We try to bring nature inside the facility as well so we have our indoor plants and we often buy flowers so our users can do some flower arranging to decorate the centre.”

Congratulating all the worthy winners on the night – including fellow south Armagh facility, Millview Resource Centre in Bessbrook who were runners-up in the category – Joanne Deighan, Commercial Manager at Belfast City Airport, said,

“The efforts have been incredible and it’s fantastic to hear about the direct impact that the initiatives have had on staff and service users.

“Well done to Crossmaglen Social Education Centre as winners and Millview Resource Centre, Bessbrook as runners-up in the Daycare category in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.”

The Best Kept Health & Social Care Awards is part of the wider Northern Ireland Best Kept Awards initiative, now in its 60th year, which seeks to identify and celebrate Northern Ireland’s best looked-after towns, villages, schools, health and social care facilities and housing areas.

First established in 1957, the competition has grown over the years and now includes 90 awards across a number of categories.

Winner in the Daycare Category of the NI Best Kept Health and Social Care Awards in the Southern Trust is Crossmaglen Social Education Centre. Joanne Deighan, Commercial Manager at lead sponsor Belfast City Airport, Bryce McMurray, Southern Trust, Doreen Muskett, President of the NI Amenity Council (NIAC) and NIAC representative Charlie Smyth present Daycare Support Worker Veronica Crossey, service user Eamon Carragher and Assistant Manager of Crossmaglen SEC with the prestigious award.

The PSNI has come under heavy criticism for failing to contact relatives of victims of the Glenanne Gang to offer a new investigation into the murders. 

Relatives of the gang’s victims have described the police silence as “insulting” and “unacceptable.”

A judge found in July that police chiefs unlawfully frustrated any chance of an effective inquiry into suspected state collusion with the Glenanne Gang, whose members included serving officers of the RUC and the UDR.  The gang is believed to be have been responsible for up to 120 murders in nearly 90 incidents in the Troubles, including the Miami Showband massacre in 1975 and the Step Inn pub bombing in Keady a year later.

Justice Treacy said victims’ families were denied in their legitimate expectation that the now-defunct Historical Enquiries Team (HET) would publish an overarching report on the UVF gang’s killing spree throughout the 1970s.

A draft HET report into alleged collusion between security forces and the killers was said to have been 80 per cent finalised before being shelved by former Chief Constable Matt Baggott.

In the wake of the momentous judgement relatives called for a “fully resourced and robust” independent inquiry into the collusion claims and for the PSNI to complete the unfinished HET report and publish its findings.

Lawyers were given until the start of September to try to agree on the appropriate form of relief in the case, however that deadline has now passed.

Darragh Mackin of KRW Law, who wrote to Chief Constable George Hamilton following the ruling to arrange a meeting, revealed he has still not received any acknowledgement from the PSNI.

“We would have expected at least the offer of a meeting to discuss a way forward at this stage, which is all we initially asked for,” he said.

Alan Brecknell, whose father Trevor was killed in a loyalist gun and bomb attack on Donnelly’s Bar in Silverbridge in December 1975, described the lack of contact as “insulting, unacceptable and damaging to public confidence in the PSNI.”

Anne Cadwallader whose book Lethal Allies documents the activities of the loyalist gang, said: “Every day that passes is yet another day when the families are denied their rights.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, Head of PSNI Legacy and Justice Branch, said the judgment was due to be released within the next few weeks.

“Once we receive the judgment we will consider it carefully,” he said.

The overnight theft of hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of machinery and equipment from a farm near Keady on Tuesday last (26th September) was carried out “with a level of organization”, Councillor Darren McNally has claimed.

Criminals targeted the farm in the Crossnenagh Road area, stealing a raft of equipment, among them a valuable vintage tractor.  The Massey Ferguson tractor bears the registration plate JSY 34G.  Other equipment stolen included an Ifor Williams 12ft cow trailer, a Weeks single axle 10×6.5ft trailer, a PZ 5′ drum mower and a Ferguson two furrow plough.

Councillor  McNally says the theft bears the hallmarks of an organized criminal gang.

 “I don’t believe this crime was carried out by opportunists, the items that were taken show a level of organisation among the criminals involved,” he said.

“They are a scourge in the rural community.  I would appeal to anyone who knows or hears of anything surrounding this crime to come forward, this type of activity has to come to an end once and for all.”

DUP MLA William Irwin also condemned the theft and he urged the PSNI to make every effort to apprehend those responsible.

“There is significant value in these items and we have a farmer who has lost a lot of farm equipment who now must look for replacement items at cost and in the interim be without important equipment necessary for farming,” Mr Irwin said.

 “It is vital that the PSNI continue to investigate the recent spate of thefts and ensure that every effort is made to apprehend those behind this costly crime.

“It is important that the public also continue to report any suspicious activity to the PSNI immediately. Rural crime is a blight on our rural community and it is a scandal that these criminals continue to prey on our farming community.”

A  man accused of a drunken attack on a heavily pregnant woman in Newry has been refused bail.  Thirty-one year old Thomas Pearce, of Dromore Street in Banbridge, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage, after the incident which took place in the early hours of September 23rd. 

He also faces further counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm to a neighbour, possessing cannabis, assault on police and breaching a violent offences prevention order by being drunk at the scene.

The Belfast High Court heard last week that police were alerted to the disturbance at an address in Hillside Court in Newry by the alleged victim’s eight year-old son.  A Crown lawyer told the court that the child reported that his eight and-a-half-months pregnant mother and a female neighbour were both being attacked by a man named Tom.

The prosecutor submitted that the pregnant woman’s attacker punched her, stamped on her head and grabbed her hair, “smashing her head into the ground.”

“He also attempted to drag her by the hair back into the home address,” he added.

It is also alleged that Pearce shouted obscenities at the woman during the assault which left the victim with facial and body injuries.

According to the prosecution the defendant knew the female through his sister and it is understood he may have been attempting to form a relationship with her.  The barrister alleged that a woman who lives next door to the victim was also pushed to the ground when she tried to intervene.

Defence counsel Mark Farrell stressed that the pregnant woman has not yet made a statement of complaint.   Mr Farrell described the alleged attack as “horrific and barbaric”, and argued that there may not be the evidence to sustain a case.

Denying bail for the defendant, Lord Justice Gillen said another witness has provided an account of the attack.

The Southern Trust has welcomed findings from the Daisy Hill Pathfinder Project First Phase Report – which was tabled at the Trust’s Board meeting last Thursday, 28th September.

Interim Chief Executive Mr Francis Rice said the report supports the Trust’s position that a 24/7 Emergency Department should be maintained at Daisy Hill Hospital.

“Although challenges remain, through the Pathfinder Project we will continue to work together to develop a sustainable model for the service that will support our workforce and ensure that we can achieve the very best outcomes for our patients,” said Mr Rice.

The Report will now be presented to the Department of Health for consideration.

The Interim Chief also welcomed the five community representatives to the Pathfinder Group; Mr Donal Duffin, a recently retired Consultant at Daisy Hill Hospital; Mr Jerome Mullen on behalf of Daisy Hill Action Group and Save Our Emergency Department Action Group; Mr Karl Hughes representing Newry, Mourne & Down Wellbeing Action Partnership (WAP); Ms Marian Cully from the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, and

Mr Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade.

Dr Anne Marie Telford, Chair of the Daisy Hill Pathfinder Group said: “We are delighted to have five community representatives join the Daisy Hill Pathfinder Group. Together we can ensure an inclusive process for the community and bring a wider range of knowledge, skills and experience to the project.”

For further information about the Daisy Hill Pathfinder Project Visit: http://www.southerntrust.hscni.net/about/3695.htm or email Daisyhill.pathfinder@southerntrust.hscni.net

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a series of burglaries in South Armagh and South Down recently.

It was reported that sometime between 9pm and 10.45pm on Wednesday 20th September, entry was forced to a shop on the Concession Road in Crossmaglen and an electric hob was stolen.

Sometime overnight on Wednesday 20th September entry was forced to a shop on Windmill Street in Ballynahinch during which damage was caused to a shutter of the shop and a sum of cash stolen.  The same night, entry was forced to a house on Tanmaghmore Road outside Ballynahinch, while a licensed premises on the Hilltown Road in Kilcoo was also broken into.

Sometime between Tuesday 18th and Thursday 21st September entry was gained to an unoccupied property on Church Street in Downpatrick and a petrol Stihl saw stolen.

Detective Sergeant Johnston appealed for anyone who may witnessed any of the incidents, or with any information that can assist with the investigation, to contact detectives in Downpatrick on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Be assured we robustly pursue those who wish to target local householders and businesses and will continue to do so. We would also ask the public to continue to report any suspicious activity immediately with as much information as possible,” he added.

Advice

In the wake of this most recent spate of burglaries, Det Sgt Johnston offered some advice to home owners and businesses:

“Burglaries are a violation of the things people hold most dear – the possessions they’ve worked hard to buy and to enjoy as well as the items of sentimental value they cherish. I would appeal to property owners not to take security for granted. When you leave the property, make sure all the doors and windows are locked and secure and always keep your keys safe. Always keep your doors and windows locked and ensure you can identify callers before you open the door.

“We would also asked the business community to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place. There are a range of simple and effective measures worth taking to ensure your business stays crime-free. Reduce the amount of cash you have in your tills regularly and make sure you transfer it to a safe. Have your money taken to a bank frequently by a recognised Cash in Transit (CIT) company. This ensures your money has the safest possible journey to your bank, reducing the risk of it being stolen. 

“You should also consider a “drop” safe. This is where you can keep money that is due to be lodged at a bank until a CIT company comes to collect it. Its access can be limited to just two people, including the CIT company staff. Once the money has been dropped into the safe, only authorised individuals can get access to it. The safe should be located in a secure room.”

Reminding residents to be vigilant, he added: “Being a good neighbour is one of the best deterrents, as criminals and thieves can’t operate if they know their every move is being watched. As it only takes a few minutes to commit a burglary, the importance of promptly reporting of all suspicious activity to the police should be obvious.

“I would also ask anyone who notices suspicious activity in their neighbourhood to call us immediately as this could prevent someone from becoming a victim of crime.”

A lack of social and affordable housing in rural areas is damaging the long term sustainability of schools, communities and businesses, Sinn Féin Councillor Terry Hearty has claimed.

Speaking after a recent Council meeting with senior officers from the Housing Executive, Mr Hearty says a housing policy, planning system and funding regime to deliver a meaningful increase in the number of social and affordable housing in rural areas is essential to help sustain communities.

“The issue of housing in rural towns and villages is of huge importance, especially that of social housing availability. There has been no new build of social housing in over ten years in the likes of Crossmaglen, Silverbridge, Culloville and Glassdrummond. This will eventually impact on the long term sustainability of our schools, communities and rural business and services,” Councillor Hearty said.

“Housing is key to the sustainability of our rural communities. Non availability of social housing is highly damaging.”

Highlighting concerns over the type of housing required, he added: “The Housing Executive have stated that there is no turnover of two bedroom houses in these areas.  However if a person is registered as requiring a two bedroom house, they cannot be considered for a three bedroom one. This effectively means that they have no chance of being allocated a Housing Executive home [in that area].”

The issue of timescale and standards of maintenance of Housing Executive property was also discussed at the meeting, the councillor added.

All eyes will be on Sinn Fein councillors tonight (Monday 2nd October) as the historic Albert Basin Park motion is brought before the full council meeting in Downpatrick. 

Uncertainty still remains over the party’s stance on the motion after a statement issued by Sinn Fein group leader Mickey Ruane which claimed to support the call for a city park failed to specifically outline support for the proposed 15 acre park at Albert Basin.

The campaign to transform the derelict Albert Basin site in Newry into a “people’s park” took a major step forward last week with the announcement of the joint motion to be brought before Council.  On Saturday 23rd September, the supporting councillors met for a photoshoot at the Albert Basin to launch the long awaited motion.  The photoshoot was attended by nine councillors from four parties, including Sinn Fein, who were represented by Councillor Liz Kimmins.

A statement issued by Sinn Fein group leader Mickey Ruane following Saturday’s photocall maintained that the delivery of  a city park for Newry is a key issue for their group on Newry, Mourne and Down Council and he said that the party’s elected representatives were “committed to providing an effective level of leisure and recreation opportunities throughout this Council area and ensuring that those facilities are accessible to the public.”

However the statement did not specifically mention the 15 Acre Park sought at the Albert Basin or tonight’s council motion.

Commenting on the Sinn Fein response, Newry 2020 Chairman Brian Cleland welcomed the fact that the delivery of a park is a “key issue” for the party and thanked them for their support over the course of the campaign – but he said the group were concerned that the Sinn Fein statement did not mention either the Albert Basin or the council motion.

With the issue of Sinn Fein’s ambiguous declaration of support also prompting concern and questions from the public on the Albert Basin Project Facebook page last week, Sinn Fein Councillors weighed into the debacle.  Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein Councillor Barra O’Muiri pointed people back to Mr Ruane’s statement which he said was issued on behalf of all Sinn Fein Councillors and he accused the Newry 2020 group of not considering that fact when compiling an infographic showing the councillors who had pledged to back the motion.

As members of the public continued to question the strength of Sinn Fein’s support, the Newry 2020 group revealed on Friday that it had received a call from Mr Ruane.  Whilst not disclosing the full details of the conversation, the group intimated in their ensuing social media post that whilst the Sinn Fein group leader confirmed  “that a Newry city park was a priority for his party and that the Albert Basin was the proper location for the project,” the campaign group were “disappointed that the party is still not convinced that a 15 acre park is needed.”

“Mickey also made it clear he did not want to discuss the upcoming motion on Monday,” added the Newry 2020 spokesperson.

“We explained to Mickey, just as we did to Liam Hannaway last year, that allocating the full 15 acres to public use is central to our campaign.  Newry needs a *top quality* city park, and second best will not do. “The group also reiterated that sending tonight’s motion back to committee “would be a serious mistake.”

“ After 31 years of broken promises we need action now – not next month or next year!

“This campaign has been backed by over 11,000 local people, and more than 80 schools, GPs and community groups.

“We hope that all the parties will vote to support the community on Monday and commit to delivering a 15 acre park for Newry city.”

A man died as a result of a two-vehicle collision on the Tandragee Road in Newry on Saturday evening, police have confirmed.

The victim, aged in his 40s, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car close to the junction of Appletree Hill.  A female pillion passenger was taken to hospital with serious injuries.  The accident was reported to police shortly after 7.00pm and the road between Jerrettspass and Poyntzpass was closed while police examined the scene.   

PSNI Inspector Leslie Badger is appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Tandragee Road and who witnessed the collision to contact local officers in Newry or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference number 1277 of 30/09/17.

 The local ‘Run for Autism’ charity is celebrating 10 years with its annual run this Saturday 7th October and this year’s event looks set to host its biggest turnout since its inception back in 2007.

The event aims to raise awareness of autism and all proceeds will support ‘Run for Autism HAND’ – a registered charity solely committed to helping those living with autism, and their families in the Southern area across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down districts.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. This is a condition that cannot be cured. You see, hear and feel the world differently to others around you. Autism is a spectrum condition and one individual’s experience of it will be completely different from the next. Autistic people can have learning difficulties, disabilities, mental health issues meaning different levels of support are needed case by case, but with the right help and support, each person can be helped to live a more fulfilling life with those closest to them.

Hundreds of professional and amateur runners, walkers and families of all ages and abilities are already registered and ready for the starting line in Newtownhamilton to make their way to Lissummon and the finish.

Getting set and ready to go for this year’s big event, Chairman of the charity, Sean Quinn said: “Around 300 children are newly diagnosed with Autism each year here and this number is increasing.  Without the support from you, the public, we would be unable to provide funds to local groups, schools with special needs classes and charities which help individuals with autism and their families. We are proud to have supported dozens of projects over the last 10 years right across the Southern area which has benefited so many individuals and families, and we hope with the public’s support behind this event, we will continue with this important work for years to come.

“All our members, I am very proud to say, are volunteers and I am truly grateful for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions which has helped this charity grow from strength to strength since 2007.

 “I am calling out to all runners and walkers to come along and join us and run or walk for autism, have a great time and most importantly help contribute to a very worthy cause.  We have produced a very special medal for this year’s 10th run and there will be goodie bags for all finishers,” Sean added.

Participants can register for either the half marathon or 10mile run or walk. You can pre- register for the event online at www.runforautismHAND.com or register on the day from 11-12.45pm.  The events commences from Newtownhamilton Community Hall.  The 10m walk starts at 12 noon, half marathon at 1pm and 10 mile run 1.15pm. Shuttle buses will be available between each location before, during and after the event.  Refreshments and changing facilities will be available at Lissummon Community Hall when you cross the finishing line.  Check out Facebook and Twitter for more details on the event.  This is an event on your doorstep not to be missed. Get outdoors, enjoy some exercise and have fun!