Quantcast
Channel: South Down – The Examiner Newspaper of Crossmaglen, South Armagh, Newry and Down
Viewing all 1136 articles
Browse latest View live

Ophelia victim Fintan Goss ‘one of life’s gentlemen’

$
0
0

The devastating effects of ex-Hurricane Ophelia, as it swept across the country on Monday, were felt close to home with the tragic death of a young father-of-two at Ravensdale.

Fintan Goss (33) died when the car he was driving was hit by a falling tree on the Old Newry Road around 2.45pm on Monday.  It is understood he had left work early because of the storm warnings and was returning to his home in nearby Ballymakellett when the accident occurred.  The former St. Patrick’s GFC player, fondly described by friends as “one of life’s gentlemen”, married his wife Pamela last year and the couple have two children, three year old daughter Laragh and son Henry, who is just six weeks old.

The tragedy marks the second such heartbreak for the popular and well-regarded Goss family after eldest son Ronan was killed in an accident in Scotland 15 years ago, aged just 22.  Fintan Goss was laid to rest on Saturday in Calvary Cemetery, Drogheda following requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ravensdale.

Monday’s unprecedented storm also claimed the lives of retired nurse Clare O’Neill in Waterford and Michael Pyke (31) in Tipperary and caused widespread damage across the country, with Cork bearing the brunt of the hurricane-force winds.

In the north, almost 60,000 homes were without electricity as winds gusting at speeds of up to 80mph uprooted trees and brought down overhead power lines.  All schools and colleges were closed on Monday and Tuesday, while many businesses heeded the extreme weather warnings and closed early.


Eve’s memory lives on in Drumilly PS reading garden

$
0
0

The family of a 10 year old girl who passed away last June after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumour have donated a bench to Drumilly Primary School, in memory of their “beautiful, energetic and intelligent” daughter.

Eve Keenan was coming up to her 10th birthday in April 2015 when she started to experience dizzy spells and loss of balance. 

She was quickly referred by her GP to Daisy Hill Children’s Ward after suffering double vision while on holiday in July 2015.  This led to the devastating diagnosis of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G.), a brain tumour which affects around 40 children in the UK every year with no known survivors.

Eve and her family embarked on a journey that was to last 11 months from the date of diagnosis, with the 10 year old enduring four weeks of radiotherapy and regular appointments at the Royal Victoria Hospital in an attempt to manage the symptoms brought on by her tumour.

According to her proud parents, Raymond and Aisling, Eve’s “bravery, determination and unfailing sense of humour” carried the entire family circle through those 11 months, before she passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 21, 2016.

“Eve’s passion in life was reading, writing stories and school in general. From a very early age she impressed all around her with her command of the English language,” mum Aisling told The Examiner.

“The help and support received from the staff of St Brigid’s (Drumilly) Primary School and from Eve’s friends allowed her to attend school up until two months before she passed away.

“Although we could never repay the school for everything they did for Eve, her siblings Anna, Luke and Holly and us, we decided to donate a bench to the school in Eve’s memory.”

With the help of the Eco committee, the idea was developed and expanded on and now the school has a beautiful garden with ample seating for outdoor reading.

“We hope this will be a lasting memory of Eve’s love of literature as each book chosen was special to her,” says Aisling.

“The school has also initiated a yearly creative writing competition for the ‘Perpetual Eve Keenan Literacy Award,’ the inaugural prizegiving of which was hosted in the garden close to Eve’s first anniversary.

“Again, we are very grateful for this gesture and hope it will inspire budding authors whilst remembering our precious daughter Eve.”

Concern over ambulance delay to three-car crash

$
0
0

A worrying delay of almost 90 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of a road traffic accident in Crossmaglen on Saturday afternoon could have had “serious consequences”, according to one local woman who helped tend to the crash victims.

Roisin Murtagh was at work in Morton’s Vegetable Shop when a three car pile-up occurred outside the store at around 12.30pm on Saturday.  The male driver of one vehicle and his elderly father were taken inside the store to await the arrival of ambulance services, while Roisin – who is a trained First Responder – attended to the female occupant of the second stationary vehicle. 

“The woman was in a state of severe shock. She was deeply distressed and hyperventilating very badly,” says Roisin, who stayed with the woman in the vehicle, reluctant to move her in case of internal injuries and helping to calm her breathing as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

After a 40 minute wait and becoming increasingly worried about the woman’s worsening condition and that of the male victims – one of whom was complaining of chest pain – Northern Ireland Ambulance Services (NIAS) was contacted again. 

NIAS are alleged to have advised that an ambulance called to attend an accident at Creggan on Saturday had subsequently been cancelled and this confusion had led to the delay in Crossmaglen. A second ambulance was dispatched from Armagh, finally arriving at the scene almost 90 minutes after the accident.   All three victims were later discharged from hospital without any serious injuries.

“If any of the victims had internal injuries, there could have been very serious consequences,” said Roisin.  “I was terrified that any one of them could deteriorate before the ambulance arrived.  The whole episode is a disgrace, with police only arriving five minutes before the ambulance as well.  Ordinary people were left to handle this emergency situation, completely unaided by medical personnel or the PSNI.”

Emergency ambulance response times in south Armagh have been consistently under the spotlight in recent years with the worrying consequences for seriously ill and injured patients leading to the establishment of the First Responders team in November 2015.

The group of trained volunteers are dispatched to emergency calls throughout the district to provide treatment to casualties as they await the arrival of emergency services.   

Saturday’s incident has shown once again, the importance of trained personnel like Roisin being on hand to assist in emergency situations but it also highlights the worrying problem of prolonged delays in ambulance response times in rural areas such as Crossmaglen.

NIAS were unavailable to provide any comment on the incident at the time of going to press.

Residents hit out as bins go unemptied for 4 weeks

$
0
0

Residents of the Crievekeeran Road in Crossmaglen say they are relieved that their bins have finally been emptied after being neglected by the Council for the last month. 

The exasperated residents contacted The Examiner last week to express their frustration that, despite several calls lodged with Newry Mourne and Down District Council from householders to advise that black bins had not been emptied, their refuse remained uncollected for the last 4 weeks.   

One elderly resident told us the situation was becoming a “health hazard” with people forced to bag up their extra rubbish and leave it on the road alongside their bins. She said her husband and a number of her neighbours had contacted the Council’s refuse department on several occasions but had “got nowhere.”  The woman claimed that one neighbour had been told that a refuse vehicle had broken down but she questioned how this could lead to a 4 week delay in collecting refuse from the area. 

“We could accept if a vehicle broke down and the bin was collected in the next day or two, but to be left for a month?  I don’t understand why another vehicle hasn’t been sent out in all this time.”

Having been advised of the situation via two emails from The Examiner last week, the bins were finally collected from the area on Friday afternoon.  A Council spokesperson has apologised for the delay in services to the area.

“The Council achieves collection of waste in the vast majority of cases across the district. However, on occasions the Council can experience issues preventing refuse collection, for example blocked access or a resource issue within the Council such as a vehicle breakdown,” said the NMDDC representative.

“In these cases the Council endeavours to collect refuse as soon as possible thereafter and householders are advised to keep their bin out until it has been emptied.”

Crossmaglen student elected Chair of local SDLP branch

$
0
0

Crossmaglen student Killian Thornton, who was recently elected Chairperson of the local SDLP branch in south Armagh, says his appointment is “a great honour and privilege”.

Speaking after his election, Mr Thornton paid tribute to the efforts of his party’s  elected representatives, outlining some of the work they have been involved in: “I look forward to continuing on the brilliant work of outgoing Chair Anne Sheridan who has built a strong team over the last number of years. We have fantastic local representatives in our area, Councillor Pete Byrne from Crossmaglen, Councillor Kate Loughran from Bessbrook and of course Justin McNulty, our MLA representing the Newry and Armagh Constituency.’

‘After a difficult election in May, our branch has refocused and as you can see from recent press coverage, our representatives are providing a first class constituency service.

“Despite the continued absence of the Stormont Assembly, Justin McNulty has been busy week on week representing people across Newry and Armagh. Most notably, he recently secured funding for the Curriculum Sports Programme and the retention of 50 jobs for coaching to take place in our primary schools after leading a cross party delegation in response to the threat.’

‘At local Council level, our representatives are leading the charge to end the democratic deficit which has become more apparent in recent weeks. With the recent debacle over the Albert Basin Park, our Council team has continued to push for the motion to be heard and for a 15-acre Park to be delivered for the people of Newry. Our Councillors have also pushed for fairness in relation to the Council’s Games Area Strategy and have been successful in delivering a multi-use games area for the south Armagh area.”

With a “re-energised local team”, Killian says he is looking forward to the year ahead and added, “With the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement just around the corner, I call on local people to re-engage in politics and get involved for the betterment of all in our community.”

Concerns grow over proposed changes to minibus driving licences

$
0
0

Proposals to implement changes to licence requirements for minibus drivers have prompted widespread concerns among schools, health trusts, community associations and sports clubs – who rely on members and volunteers to drive their minibuses. 

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is set to decide this month if the new restrictions on who can drive a minibus will come into force.  The changes could mean that drivers who currently use a car licence when driving a minibus would need a full minibus driver’s licence and Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) to continue doing so.

DfI previously said that the new interpretation of existing law would not come into effect until at least 1 January 2018, but it now intends to clarify the legal position at the end of October since receiving a legal challenge against the current arrangements.

A consultation on minibus driving requirements is currently underway, with DfI working with those most likely to be affected by the changes and other interested organisations including the Equality Commission, about the delivery of key services.

Barry Mullholland, Chief Executive of the Controlled School’ Support Council (CSSC) said that the number of staff affected by any change “runs into thousands” with schools forced to either pay for drivers to complete the necessary requirements or rely on private providers or curtail activities requiring minibus transport.

Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor said the new licensing proposals “would have a devastating impact on a range of groups who rely on volunteers with car licences to drive mini-buses.”

Mr Taylor said there are genuine concerns that the Department will take advantage of the current political impasse to impose the new regulations.

“It is clear this decision would have a very serious impact on a range of voluntary groups including church, charity and community organisations in the local area and its implementation must be resisted,” he added.

Sinn Fein’s Megan Fearon revealed that her party had met with the Department last week to urge them to engage with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and she welcomed confirmation that this engagement has now begun.

“Rural community transport partnerships, which currently provide over 200,000 trips a year to elderly people, disabled people and the most isolated and vulnerable communities across the north, will be particularly badly affected. Potentially, the future feasibility of these services is under threat,” she said.

Meanwhile, SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Justin McNulty has also called for Stormont officials to scrap the proposals. Speaking after attending a public meeting in Lisburn last week, organised by the Community Transport Network, Mr McNulty underlined the importance of Rural Transport “for the most vulnerable citizens in our society.” “I firmly believe these new rules are a wrong interpretation of EU guidance and do not suit us,” he said, branding the proposals “nonsensical.”

“I am calling on Peter May, the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure to withdraw these proposed changes immediately,” said the SDLP MLA. 

DfI accused of endangering lives with lack of investment in rural roads

$
0
0

Lives of road users in south Armagh are being put at risk due to a lack of investment in the maintenance, upgrade and repair of a number of roads in the area, local councillors have claimed.

At a special Council meeting on Monday last, Divisional Manager Simon Richardson presented councillors with the Interim Report from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) Southern Roads Division.  Its content has caused anger among Slieve Gullion councillors who claim that, despite previous assurances, their requests for work to be carried out on a number of roads have been overlooked.

Expressing his disappointment, Sinn Fein councillor Terry Hearty says the omission of the stretch of Concession Road from Culloville to Ballinacarry Bridge is of particular regret considering its dangerous condition and the fact that it had been deemed “a priority”.

“This section of the Concession Road is nothing short of treacherous with two sections of the road that actually throw lorries onto the same side of the road as oncoming traffic.  Officials had assured us that this potentially lethal section of the road was a priority for them and yet it doesn’t even appear in the report,” Mr Hearty argued.

 “As a result Sinn Fein MLA Megan Fearon has requested an urgent meeting with officials on site so they can see for themselves just how urgently it needs upgraded and also to view the major works carried out by both Louth and Monaghan Councils along with the National Roads Authority (NRA).  Road Services are endangering lives with this treacherous section in between.”

SDLP councillor Pete Byrne says he and fellow councillor Kate Loughran had compiled “a comprehensive list” of roads posing “a significant risk to residents”, most of which were not included in the report, and he accused the DfI of “ignoring representations” made by his party on behalf of ratepayers.

“I was keen to highlight the need for traffic calming measures particularly around schools and churches…the most notable areas being the Roxborough Rd in Dorsey, St. Michael’s Primary School, Newtownhamilton, Chapel Road in Meigh and the main road through Mullaghbane,” Councillor Byrne advised.

 “I was assured that an investigation would take place into the possibility of placing additional signage at these specific locations. I also urged Mr. Richardson to consider a pilot programme around schools and churches to attempt to reduce speed in these areas.”

At the meeting, Councillor Hearty also raised concerns that many rural roads have been allowed to deteriorate to “atrocious conditions”, arguing that “penny pinching” on simple maintenance such as failing to clean road gullies is “extremely short sighted”.

“It will end up causing hundreds of thousands of pounds in the long run as silt builds up in the drainage pipes and the vast majority of them will have to be dug out and replaced,” he said.

“This is one of the greatest blunders that Road Service has made in rural areas and it’s all the more baffling considering they continue to do it despite the damage they are causing being pointed out to them numerous times.  Not only will it put a huge strain on the public purse when pipes have to be replaced, but blocked road gullies are now causing water to flow out onto roads. As we head into the winter months this means there is potential for a huge amount of ice on rural roads, which are not salted.  Every year it’s a battle to get these roads salted and every year it puts people’s lives at risk as they try to get to work or school.

“Maintaining the safety of our roads is not a luxury. It is a basic and essential service that the Department is obliged to provide. Lack of money is not an excuse for putting lives at risk,” Councillor Hearty added.

Meanwhile Councillor Byrne criticized the lack of funding invested in traffic calming measures, pointing out that despite more than 400 requests submitted to the Southern Division alone, current funding allows for just one or two to be implemented.

“Excuses around funding and policing will not wash if a child is knocked down and killed due to poor infrastructure,” Mr Byrne said.

“This is just another example of how our area continues to be disadvantaged for capital investment. Despite announcements of extra funding being made available, south Armagh did not benefit. The only assurances that were made in relation to roads was that a full Winter Service would be provided, similar to previous years. However, this does not fill the residents of south Armagh with optimism as the gritting service on our roads last year was appalling.  We simply cannot allow unelected civil servants to continue to oversee the further decline of our roads. We need a Minister in place to ensure the safety of road users,” he added.

Calls for review of Out of Hours service as figures reveal bases closed hundreds of times

$
0
0

There have been calls for a fundamental review of the GP Out of Hours service in the Southern Trust amid revelations that bases across the region have been closed to the public hundreds of times in recent months.

Speaking to The Examiner about the issue,  SDLP MLA Justin McNulty claimed that Out of Hours centres across the Southern Trust have been closed a staggering 347 times in the last eight months.

“Too often people from Armagh and Kilkeel are being told that the local Out of Hours Base is closed due to lack of medical cover and they have been directed to go to Craigavon, Dungannon or Newry,” explained the SDLP Assembly Member.

Revealing the closure figures, he added, “The Kilkeel base was closed 104 times, Dungannon 91, Armagh 77, Craigavon 39 and Newry 36 times over the period January to August.  The ironic fact is that Dungannon has a Minor Injuries Unit, Craigavon and Newry have Emergency Departments whereas Armagh and Kilkeel are left with nothing. This is simply not acceptable.”

Calling for the service to be a “stand-alone” facility, Mr McNulty said he believes the problem remains that Out of Hours is dependent on GPs, “many of whom have already completed a day’s work in their own surgery to come and operate the out of hours service.”

“We need to get to the point where the service is standalone and lets GPs do their day jobs, and have a quota or directly recruited GPs dedicated to running an out of hours service so that it is functional at all times.  This is something which must be reviewed as a priority,” he added.

In response to the closure claims, the Southern Trust insisted that the service itself has remained operational at all times despite some bases being temporarily closed due to ongoing staffing pressures being experienced across the Trust.

“The Southern Trust GP Out of Hours service has never been closed to residents in this area,” a Southern Trust spokesperson maintained.

“As a phone-based service, patients must always phone first and the phone lines are always open at evenings and weekends.

“During those times when a GP Out of Hours centre is closed due to the ongoing challenge of securing enough clinical cover for all shifts, patients are still able to get telephone advice, home visits continue to take place and appointments are provided at the nearest available GP out of hours base, if required.”


Police appeal for information on Drumgullion shooting

$
0
0

Police are continuing to appeal for information following last week’s shooting incident in the Drumgullion area of Newry.  A man in his fifties was shot in the hip whilst answering his front door in the Armagh Road housing estate around 8.15pm on Tuesday last (24th October). A burnt out grey Peugeot 206 was discovered nearby in Violet Hill Avenue close to St. Patrick’s Primary School.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in a stable condition in Daisy Hill Hospital.  It is understood the man works as a bouncer in the city but police say a motive for the attack remains unclear.

© NewRayPics.com 24 Oct 2017 Northern Ireland – –
Police guard the scene – the remains of a burnt out car at the rear of St Paticks Primary School, Newry ,
Image of a burnt out car is ¼ of a mile from the scene at Drumgullion Avenue, Newry, where a shooting took place around 9.30pm on Tuesday evening.
picture Newraypics.com

Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MP Mickey Brady, who knows the victim and his family,  “utterly condemned” the attack, branding it “disgraceful.”

“There can be no place for these brutal actions in our society,” he said.

“This is an attack on the whole community in Newry and I would encourage anyone with information to bring it forward to the police.”

Community mourns tragic death of popular young man

$
0
0

News of the tragic accident early yesterday (Sunday) morning that claimed the life of a young Silverbridge man has stunned and devastated the wider south Armagh community.

Brian (Bob) Hearty was killed when his car hit a wall at Rathmore, Kilkerley on the main Dundalk to Castleblaney Road around 12.20am.  The sole occupant of the vehicle, he died at the scene. 

Bob was travelling from a function in Crossmaglen marking a charity Truck Run he had taken part in earlier in the evening.  Poignantly, the event coincided with his 26th birthday and he had spent his last hours in the company of family and friends. 

An extremely popular young man, Bob’s friendly personality and amiable good-nature earned him many friends who are devastated at the tragic loss. 

He was well known in the area through his work with the family fuel distribution business, Hearty Fuels, which he operated from a site next to his home on Drumill Road.

Bob’s tragic passing will also be keenly felt by Silverbridge Harps GFC where he was a senior playing member and active contributor to club events. A post on the club Twitter account on Sunday read: “Your prayers are asked for the happy repose of the soul of our senior playing member Mr Brian Hearty RIP (who we lovingly referred to as Bob), who lost his life tragically last night in a road traffic accident.  May he rest in peace.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family at this sad time.”

Expressing condolence to the Hearty family, Secretary of Silverbridge Harps GFC, Jarlath Burns, paid tribute to Bob’s contribution to the club: “Bob was a loyal and dedicated player who represented the club as a classy forward at every level and was sponsor of our under 14 team. He comes from a family which is highly respected and steeped in Silverbridge GAA for many years.  He will be deeply missed by his friends on the senior team, but also by everyone in the club because when it came to Bob, to know him was to love him. The club sends its sincerest condolences to his family and friends and all members are asked to support them at this sad time.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Barra Ó Muirí, a neighbour and friend of the deceased, said the community is “heartbroken” for his bereaved family.

“The news of the tragic death of Bob (Brian) Hearty has shocked the local community, we are heartbroken  for the Hearty family on the news of their tragic loss. He was the friendliest of lads, a talented footballer and well got by all.  Bob was a good friend to myself and he was widely known and respected. His grieving family are in our thoughts and prayers as they try to come to terms with this tragedy.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Funeral arrangements have been impacted by today’s (Monday) RoI public holiday and remain unconfirmed at time of going to press.  However, following a post mortem examination, Bob’s remains are expected to be released on Tuesday to his grieving family.

Gardaí investigating the fatality have asked anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Bob is survived by his heartbroken parents Gerard and Carmel, sister Geraldine, brothers Aidan and Conall, and wide family circle to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Success of Halloween Festival a reflection of ‘community spirit’

$
0
0

Sinn Fein Councillor Terry Hearty has offered his congratulations to everyone involved in organizing the fun-packed day of Halloween festivities in Crossmaglen on Tuesday last and paid tribute to local “community spirit” that made it such a success.

“There was a vast array of activities for all age groups and the Square was thronged with people from mid-day. This all culminated in a brilliant fireworks display in the council football field watched by hundreds of children and their parents from the safety of Cross Rangers stand. After this it was back to the Square led by the Pipe Band and music with The Timekeepers,” Councillor Hearty explained.

“My warmest thanks and praise for the great amount of time and effort put into these events by the organising Halloween Committee, Crossmaglen Community Association and South Armagh Safety Group.  It is a tribute to the community spirit of South Armagh that these events are so successful.”

Commenting on the incidents of anti-social behaviour that occurred on the night, Councillor Hearty added: “It would, however, be remiss of me not to mention the unnecessary and intolerable anti-social activities of the few young people and some not so young people, who drifted from area to area, but particularly Ardross, intimidating and terrorising residents, setting off fireworks at houses and causing damage, both to buildings and vehicles. 

“On more than one occasion, the stewards, whose task is to maintain the safety of those participating in festival events, risked their own safety by confronting these people. The Fire Brigade came under a barrage of fireworks as they went about their business and I sincerely hope this does not affect the great working relationship we have always had with the Service.

Calling on parents to take responsibility for their children, the councillor also appealed to police “to at least attempt to put a stop to the roving cars [and passengers] throwing fireworks out their windows as they drive around”.

Concluding on a brighter note, Councillor Hearty said: “Despite the bad behaviour of the few, it is important to remember that Halloween is a time of festival and fun and we should not be distracted from this. I am sure the Halloween Committee is already planning next year’s events and I know the Community Association is already getting ready for the Christmas Lights switch-on and the annual visit of Santa Claus.”

Judge rules that Hooded Men treatment was ‘torture’

$
0
0

The daughter of a Newry man who became one of the “Hooded Men” – fourteen Catholic men who were subjected to horrific interrogation methods carried out by British soldiers and sanctioned by the British government during internment in 1971 – says the recent high court ruling which finally deems the men’s treatment as “torture” has stunned the surviving men and their families.

Mary McKenna’s father, Sean, was taken from his home along with his 17 year old son (Sean junior) on the morning of internment, 9th August 1971.   Sean senior was taken to a secret interrogation centre in rural County Derry where he and 13 other “hooded men” were tortured for up to 10 days with hoods placed over their heads the entire time.  The men were subjected to the soon-to-be infamous “five techniques” of hooding, stress positions, white noise, sleep deprivation and deprivation of food and water – combined with brutal beatings and  death threats. Some reported being blindfolded and thrown from helicopters they were told were hundreds of feet in the air when they were just several feet off the ground. None of them would ever fully recover from what they suffered in Ballykelly and several did not recover at all.

Mr McKenna, who was the oldest of the hooded men and suffered from a pre-existing heart condition, was one of those who did not recover and, according to lawyers, medical evidence backs claims that the torture he endured was responsible for his death in 1975 as well as his prolonged psychiatric effects.

In 1978 the European Court of Human Rights found that the UK had carried out inhuman and degrading treatment – but it fell short of defining it as “torture”. In 2014, following an RTE documentary, The Torture Files, the Irish government asked the European Court to revise its judgement in the case of the “Hooded Men.”

A High Court judge ruled on October 27th that the men’s treatment would probably be viewed as “torture” today. Mr Justice Maguire rejected claims that the state was in breach of a legal obligation to carry out a full and independent investigation, given that the events occurred decades before human rights legislation came into force, however he quashed a PSNI decision not to take further steps to identify and potentially prosecute those responsible for any criminal acts.

Mary, who joined the families and the 9 surviving men in the Belfast courts to hear the ruling, said it took them all by shock.

“We had not expected there to be such a decision at this point,” she said.

“The court has now recognised that if the same treatment was handed out today, it would be seen as torture,” added Mary, who said the case was now expected to go to the EU courts and be up and running in the next six weeks. Describing the admission of torture as “what we wanted to hear for so long”, the Newry woman said her 90 year old mother Bridget was also pleased to hear the Belfast Court’s ruling but she asked how much longer the families and survivors were expected to wait for full justice to be served.

“Men who are now in their 80s and 90s were the Hooded Men. How much longer can they wait to see justice?” she asked.

“Our case may be different to some others as my father is now dead, but he had his right to life, which should have been protected.

“All we want is justice, for all those who were tortured, justice for all the lives taken by the British.  Justice so we never see this type of treatment happen to anyone ever again, no matter what country.

The men’s solicitor, Darragh Mackin, described the judgment as “truly momentous in the Hooded Men’s campaign for justice”.

“For the first time, the court has directly held that the description of ‘torture’ is an accurate reflection of the treatment to which our clients were subject,” he said.

“For over 45 years, it has always been our clients’ case that they were the victims of torture.

“Today’s judgment exonerates their campaign.

“We look forward to the next step, and for the first time an investigation into the tortuous treatment to which they were subject.”

The Newry solicitor celebrated another human rights victory recently after helping to secure the release of Dublin man Ibrahim Halawa last month.  The Irish-Egyptian man was detained in Egypt for more than four years on charges related to a 2013 Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo. The renowned Human Rights lawyer with Kevin Winters KRW law firm, was a key figure in the four year long legal battle to release Mr Halawi and he also represents a number of ongoing legacy cases throughout the north.

Unruly mobs tarnish towns’ Halloween festivities

$
0
0

Despite the best efforts of community activists in delivering a first class Halloween festival in Crossmaglen on Tuesday last, the despicable antics of a few threatened to overshadow what turned out to be an excellent evening of family entertainment.

A small number of youths briefly wreaked havoc in areas of the town as they targeted people and properties with exploding fireworks.  Several rockets were directed towards Fire Service personnel who were answering a call in Ardross estate and, in one instance, an anxious resident, who had taken measures to prevent damage to his property, was arrested and cautioned by police.

It has also been reported that a teenager received facial injuries after being hit by a firework, and subsequently required hospital treatment.

Crossmaglen was just one of a number of towns where unruly mobs attacked Fire Service crews with fireworks.  Similar incidents were reported in Armagh and Keady, where a fire engine was damaged in an attack.  A local resident blamed gangs of youths who she said gathered “to terrorise the people throughout the town”.

NIFRS confirmed none of its firefighters were injured in the series of attacks.

Politicians condemned the behaviour of those responsible.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said he shared the anger and disappointment of many within the community: “I would appeal for anyone involving themselves with such activity to reflect that it could be your family in need of rescue by emergency services and such disgraceful actions put lives at risk,” he said.

His party colleague Megan Fearon MLA, who attended the Halloween celebrations in Crossmaglen, said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the attacks on the Fire Service and said they should be viewed as “not only violence against Emergency Service staff but also as an attack on the entire community”.

Condemning the attack on the Crossmaglen fire crew, SDLP councillor Pete Byrne said: “Those involved have no respect for the crew who put themselves in harms way to keep us safe.  Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year which makes this attack even more disgraceful. Those involved in this attack should be ashamed of themselves.”

Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor also condemned the incidents of anti-social behaviour in Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen.

“Fire Service personnel place themselves at risk day and daily to provide a vital emergency service to the local community.  It is despicable therefore that their safety was compromised as a consequence of the dangerous actions of youths who attacked them on Halloween night,” he said.

Referring to an incident in Newtownhamilton where a burning tyre was rolled down the main road, he added: “This was terribly reckless behaviour on the part of those individuals who perpetrated this act.  It is difficult to comprehend their mindset when it is abundantly clear their irresponsible actions placed the safety of residents and properties at serious risk.”

Ó Muirí: Rural ambulance service would benefit from greater north/south links

$
0
0

Forging a greater collaboration between emergency services on both sides of the border could help deliver an more efficient ambulance service to people in rural areas of south Armagh, Sinn Féin councillor Barra Ó Muirí has claimed.

Pointing out how, at present, ambulances regularly attend incidents in both jurisdictions, he says the arrangement “could be formalized to the mutual benefit of all” to help prevent occasions where ambulance call-out times fall outside the recommended remit.

Councillor Ó Muirí raised the issue with the chief executive of the Ambulance Service, Mr  Shane Devlin, at a recent special meeting of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, highlighting how the geographical location is putting people at further risk. 

After hearing from Mr Devlin service how a Category 1 call should be attended within eight minutes, Councillor Ó Muirí questioned if this timescale is realistic for an ambulance to reach parts of Dorsey or Newtownhamilton in life or death situations.  He drew attention to three recent occasions where it had taken an ambulance more than 45 minutes to reach a category 1 call in Newtownhamilton, Cregganduff and most recently in Crossmaglen and says that the time has come to look for alternatives to compliment, not to replace the ambulance service”.

Mr Ó Muirí referenced a pilot scheme in Lurgan where the Fire and Rescue Service are alerted to emergency calls about cardiac/respiratory arrest and chest pain, and he called for a similar scheme to be introduced on a trial basis in south Armagh.

He also called for “closer working relations” with ambulance services in Louth and Monaghan, stating how ambulances already regularly attend incidents in each other’s jurisdiction, an arrangement that could be formalised to the mutual benefit of all, he said.

By collaborating with the Fire and Rescue Service, and stronger North/ South links, the people of south Armagh could finally get the ambulance service that they deserve, he added.

Huge funeral ‘a testament’ to Bob’s popularity

$
0
0

“Simply a wonderful fellow, so loving and caring, and who made such an impact in his short life”.  Those were the words of  Fr. Kevin Cullen as he addressed the packed congregation at the funeral Mass of 26-year-old Brian (Bob) Hearty on Thursday last.

Beforehand, Bob’s familiar tanker lorry led the cortege, bearing the colours of his beloved Silverbridge GAA club and flanked by his senior teammates, on its way to St. Patrick’s church in Crossmaglen.  A lone piper led the procession and students from St. Joseph’s HS in Crossmaglen, where he was a past pupil, and from St. Paul’s HS, Bessbrook, where his mum Carmel is a member of staff, formed a guard of honour at the church entrance.  Hundreds of mourners packed inside while many more listened outside as tributes were paid to the talented young footballer who tragically lost his life in a car crash the previous weekend.

Gifts symbolizing various aspects of his life were brought before the altar, they included a fuel tanker representing his work; his club jersey, football and golf glove, symbols of his love of sport; family photographs; and the key to his new house, which he moved into just a day before he died.

His heartbroken parents Gerard and Carmel, sister Geraldine and brothers Aidan and Conal were comforted by family and friends, many of whom travelled great distances from Australia, Canada and America, to pay their respects to their much loved friend.

Fr. Cullen spoke of Bob’s keen interest in sport, listing his many accolades won in school football, from underage to senior with Silverbridge GFC, and successes he achieved at Ashfield Golf Club, where he became a member at just ten years old.  He paid tribute to Bob’s outstanding business acumen, for which he had “a natural flair”, but reserved the highest praise for his easy-going and kind temperament, surpassed only by his unique sense of humour that endeared him to everyone, young and old.

As the requiem Mass concluded, Bob’s cousin and best friend James delivered a moving eulogy, recalling happy times spent together over the years and paying tribute to the “legend” who packed so much into his short life, leaving behind those who loved him with “a life full of memories”.

Sinn Fein councillor Barra Ó Muirí, a neighbour and family friend, said the huge turnout at the funeral was “a testament to the kind of fella Bob was”.

“He had a very friendly, affable character about him and he always enjoyed the craic.  You would never have seen him without a smile on his face.  He was a good pleasant lad and he will be sorely missed,” he said.


Dromintee family living in fear after second racist attack

$
0
0

A Dromintee family who recently bore the brunt of a sickening racist slur, when the walls of their home were sprayed with racist graffiti, have been targeted once again in an attack they believe is linked to September’s disturbing hate crime.

Briege Roe and her 14 year old son Patrick were devastated by the mindless attack which saw their property scrawled with vile racist graffiti and the distraught mum says both she and her son had been living in fear of more attacks when they awoke on the morning of the 23rd October to discover that the tyres had been slashed on their car.  The vandalism left the family with no form of transport for over 48 hours and has compounded their fears that they are being deliberately targeted in a hate campaign.

Speaking to The Examiner about the latest attack, Briege told us she has no doubt the incidents are linked and she revealed that her son has been subjected to a torrent of racial abuse in recent months –  which she says police have been informed about.

The traumatised mum told The Examiner she had heard a noise on the night of the tyre slashing incident but when she failed to see anything suspicious outside her home, she put it down to the anxiety she has suffered since the racist graffiti attack. It was only when she went to leave Patrick to the bus stop for school the following morning that they discovered three of the four tyres had been slashed.   Briege says two exterior garden lights were also stolen from the property on the same night. 

Miss Roe says that being targeted a second time has left both she and her son “absolutely terrified.”

“We’ve lived in Dromintee Parish for 14 years and whilst Patrick has suffered various forms of racism and bullying over the years, nothing as sinister as this has ever happened before,” she said.

“The graffiti attack absolutely floored us and Patrick could not understand why it was happening.  I’ve spent the weeks since the attack reassuring him that it was a one-off and nothing else would happen, and then we are targeted again!  How do I reassure my child and tell him he’s safe in his bed at night?” asked the worried mum.

“The fact that they have returned to the house has really, really scared us both and even when I was reporting this to the police I could barely speak or catch a breath I was so upset.

“My son has had nightmares since the first attack and, having looked up these sort of hate crimes online, he is terrified about what could happen next.  I have retreated into myself and am suffering from anxiety and depression because of this ordeal and I am so petrified at night, I am barely sleeping.  These people are the lowest of the low and are terrorising my son and I.  We don’t deserve this and I can only hope that the police investigation leads to these thugs being caught so we can get on with our lives in peace.”

Branding the culprits “cowards”, Briege insisted she would not be intimidated from her home. 

“If that’s what they want, they won’t get it,” said Briege.  “Why should we move and start all over again somewhere else because of these cowards? The last number of weeks have been worse than anything we’ve ever experienced and I hope whoever is doing this is caught,” she said adding,

“It wasn’t children who sprayed the graffiti on our walls and it certainly wasn’t children who slashed our tyres.”

“We are members of this community and I won’t be intimidated out of my home.  We are frightened and worried but I can’t allow this to ruin our lives and I need to be strong for Patrick.”

PSNI Sergeant Kerr has appealed to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of the 22/23 October to contact Police at Newtownhamilton on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 234 23/10/17.

Shane O’Neill’s Senior Ladies prepare for momentous China trip

$
0
0

Senior ladies’ footballers from Shane O’Neill’s in Camlough are set to travel to China over the Christmas and New Year period in an academic and cultural exchange visit which will see the team teach Chinese students the rudiments of gaelic football. 

Leaving on Tuesday, December 30, the Camlough based team will spend almost two weeks in the Far East, thanks to the Confucius Institute – a branch of the Chinese Ministry of Education based in the Ulster University at Jordanstown.   

The Confucius Institute has very generously sponsored the ladies team since June of this year and have facilitated and funded the Chinese trip under the Study in China programme.

A 30 strong delegation consisting of players and mentors will make the trip, travelling to Beijing before visiting three universities – Wuhan, Huangshi and Yitchang – over a nine-day period.

The girls and their mentors have been brushing up on their Mandarin with weekly lessons in preparation for the trip and each morning in China they participate in university classes, learning about Chinese language, culture, history and contemporary society.

The team will then spend their afternoons demonstrating and coaching Gaelic football to the Chinese students.

As well as academics and sport the delegation will squeeze in some sightseeing visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Olympic Stadium and Tiananmen Square.

Commenting on the momentous trip, Shane O’Neill’s PRO Brendan Osborne said,

“This represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience and learn so much about the rich culture of this fascinating country.”

“We’re  the first GAA club in the country to be asked to become involved in something like this so it’s a great opportunity for the club.  Conor Murphy MLA is a member of Shane O’Neill’s and he struck a relationship with the Confucius Institute during a trade delegation visit to China last year, where the idea was first mooted that that they would like to become involved with a ladies’ sports club back here.  The relationship grew from there, with the Institute sponsoring a whole new set of jerseys for us at the start of this year.”

Since then Chinese students from UUJ have visited the Camlough club for a number of events, including a very successful Chinese Irish Cultural Day in August.  The event featured Chinese and Irish food, music and dancing, giving everyone a taste of each country’s culture and, for the Chinese students, an opportunity to watch the Shane O’Neill’s Ladies in action during a special match played on the day.

“The China trip is an incredible opportunity for the girls and represents an investment in the future reputation of our club and even more so in our players, who have always been excellent ambassadors for club and county over the years,” added Brendan.

“It goes without saying of course that this experience will certainly add to the personal and professional development of all involved, especially those who are training and studying in the fields of education and business.

“Everyone making the journey are currently going through the visa application process and they completed their final basic language and cultural lessons last week in preparation for the trip.  We’re delighted that Shane O’Neill’s Ladies are getting such a wonderful opportunity and very much appreciate the relationship we have with the Confucius Institute.”

High Court ruling compels Chief Constable to complete Glenanne Gang investigation

$
0
0

A High Court order compelling the north’s Chief Constable to complete an overarching investigation into suspected state collusion in the notorious Glenanne Gang’s killing spree throughout the 1970’s has been widely welcomed.

Mr Justice Treacy issued an “Order of Mandamus” ruling on Tuesday last that compels the police to follow the order of the court and complete the probe into the loyalist unit which was responsible for up to 120 murders in nearly 90 incidents in the Mid Ulster and Irish border areas.  The gang were behind the murders of the Reavey brothers in Whitecross in January 1976 and the bombing of Donnelly’s Bar in Silverbridge which killed three people, one of which was a 14 year old boy. It has also been linked to the murder of 33 people, including a pregnant woman, in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

The murder gang, based at a farm in Glenanne,  allegedly contained members of the RUC and the UDR.

Setting out the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Treacy said victims’ families were languishing “with no end in sight and the ever increasing realisation that nothing much may happen in their lifetime.”

In July this year he ruled that police had unlawfully frustrated any chance of a full and effective investigation into suspected state collusion with the Glenanne Gang.

Following his original ruling, the High Court judge was urged to make an order of mandamus compelling the Chief Constable to conduct a lawful investigation, and complete and publish an overarching thematic report – despite arguments from Counsel for the Chief Constable that it would be an unnecessary step to force police to finalise a comprehensive report he claimed had yielded no new investigative opportunities.

Mr Treacy was advised that the PSNI is set to appeal his judgment, with no steps taken to implement his substantive findings.

“No good reasons having been established in this case, I thus consider that mandamus is appropriate,” he confirmed on Tuesday.

He added that delays which the victims’ families believe are detrimental to addressing their principal unresolved concerns had undermined their confidence in the justice system.

“In the meantime witnesses or potential witnesses are lost and family members of the deceased die without any closure or resolution,” said Justice Treacy.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin described the ruling as a “landmark decision for the families of the Glenanne gang in their pursuit of justice” and he urged  the Chief Constable to put in place the mechanisms for such an independent investigation without any further delay.”

Eugene Reavey, brother of the three men murdered by the Glenanne Gang in their Whitecross home in January 1976, said it was a “big day for us” and for all the legacy cases.

Speaking after the ruling SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said the families’ campaign has been frustrated  “not least of all by leadership of the PSNI.”

“That cannot continue,” he added.

“This ruling by Mr Justice Treacy must be respected and acted upon by the PSNI. There should be no further attempt to frustrate effective investigations or waste precious public resources on further appeals which only seek to deny justice.”

Fresh appeal for Newry man missing for 4 years

$
0
0

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information on missing Newry man Peter Quigley as the fourth anniversary of his disappearance passed last week.

The 35-year-old was reported missing on Thursday November 7th 2013, his last known sighting is believed to be several weeks beforehand, on September 26th at Moira train station.

Peter was last seen wearing a dark hooded top, a blue coloured sweatshirt, three quarter length grey jeans, black shoes/trainers and dark socks.  He is described as being 5’8’’ tall, of medium build with dirty fair hair and blue coloured eyes.

Peter’s last address was in the Newry area where he lived for 10 years with family. However, he never lost his London accent where he was born and where he lived for a number of years in the Heathrow area.

His family and the PSNI are appealing to anyone who believes they may have seen Peter, or anyone who knows anything about his whereabouts, to contact them on the non-emergency number, 101 quoting reference CCS 797 07/11/13.

Smart Parking under the spotlight in law firm director’s report

$
0
0

The practices of a car parking management company which operates two of Newry’s main retail car parks are the subject of an extensive report written by former Camlough man, John Bannon.

In a 32 page paper given to The Examiner, Mr Bannon, who is the Director of an Independent law firm in London, outlines a number of procedural and legal irregularities he claims are being committed by private car parking company, Smart Parking.  The firm, which manages parking at the Damolly Retail Park and two retail car parks to the rear of Merchant’s Quay in the city, has come under the spotlight in recent months for what many perceive as unfair and extortionate parking charges being issued to unwitting motorists.   

Local political representatives have also vociferously criticised the parking firm’s methods and unreasonably large parking charges with many saying they have been inundated with complaints from angry motorists who have been slapped with parking charges of £100 from Smart Parking for alleged breaches of the company’s terms and conditions. 

Speaking to The Examiner about his report, Mr Bannon said he was compelled to carry out substantial research into Smart Parking’s procedures after his sister was issued with a £100 parking charge for overstaying her time in the Argos car park in Newry by just 16 minutes.  In his substantial paper, which he bills as a “comprehensive “tool-kit” to assist motorists who feel that Smart Parking (or other parking operators) have acted unlawfully or unfairly”, Mr Bannon reveals that he has submitted his work to the Northern Ireland Consumer Council as well as “WHICH” Consumer Service and to the Scottish Parliament’s Consumer and Competition Department.

The report highlights a number of issues of concern including the fact that no notices were erected at either Damolly Retail Park or Merchant’s Quay prior to the change of parking regime in August this year from attendant-monitored by parking company UKPC to CCTV-monitored compliance from Smart Parking – so that previously regular parkers were made aware of the implications of the changeover. 

Mr Bannon maintains that under Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, Guiding Principles, that “Clear rules, policies and procedures should have been in place before a surveillance type camera system is used and these must be communicated to all who may need to comply with them.”  Furthermore he points out that, as the new Smart Parking signage was affixed over the previous signage for UKPC, regular users would presume there was no new signage or new CCTV regime.             

The law firm director also claims that signage terms are listed in a confusing manner at the Merchant’s Quay car park, and that there is no provision to pay for extra time, which he says mitigates the disabled, who may need extra time in certain circumstances.  He also alleges that concerns raised by local political representatives and press as to why the 24 hour parking restriction at the Merchant’s Quay site is only stated on a few of the signs at the site has not elicited a clear response from Smart Parking.

Mr Bannon’s report claims that the appeals process outlined by Smart Parking is not applicable to Northern Ireland as the POPLA service used by the British Parking Association (of which Smart Parking is a member) “does not entertain appeals, even under BPA Code of Practice for motorists in Northern Ireland.”  He also highlights the inflated charges being levied by Smart Parking in Northern Ireland compared to the lower charges issued by other private parking companies in England, and asks why the company are being allowed to issue such extortionate fines.

The report also contains an non-exhaustive list of grounds to legally challenge a parking charge from a private parking company which includes checking the codes of practice for the regulatory bodies for parking operators regarding inadequate or inappropriately illuminated signage.

Mr Bannon also refers to Keeper Liability whereby it is the keeper of the vehicle who is liable for the parking charge and not necessarily the driver and he warns people to be aware of the “double-dipping” practice routinely employed by private companies like Smart Parking where a parking charge is levied where the motorist has made two (or more) visits to the same car park on same day, and yet has adhered to the contractual requirements not to return within two hours.   

The paper outlines grounds of appeal where an event has occurred outside of the motorist’s control, such as a medical emergency or mechanical breakdown and advises that in many cases store managers also have the authority to cancel a parking charge if requested.  He cites his own personal case where his parking charge was cancelled by the manager of a LIDL store in London when receipts proved that a “double-dip” had occurred.

He also believes consumers should consider “hitting the pockets” of retailers at the car parks by complaining and campaigning locally, urging boycotts until a reasonable regime of operating is introduced.  The London-based law director also calls for MPs, MLAs, local councillors and the Chamber of Commerce to initiate sustained campaigns calling for regulation of private parking companies.

Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady, who has personally spoken to Mr Bannon about his important work on the matter, said that this issue had caused major anger, worry and confusion to many.

“Private companies continue to be in the spotlight for unfair and harsh ticketing and issuing unreasonably large fines. This is an issue not new to Newry, indeed it is one that has  been ongoing for quite a few years,” Mr Brady told The Examiner.

“Myself and my Newry City Colleagues have on an ongoing basis voiced concerns raised to us by local people and visitors who have used these specific parks and found themselves facing extortionate fine demands. Mr Bannon’s work highlights procedural, legal and practice issues and it raises many points that hopefully we will get answers to.”

Echoing the sentiments of his colleague, Newry City Councillor Charlie Casey said,

“Local councillors have previously stated that in the first instance we believe the owners of these parks and businesses in their vicinity need to come together to reach some arrangement.

“It is really ludicrous that shoppers are finding themselves in this situation on a regular basis.It is an absolute disgrace that at a time when we are trying to encourage shoppers into the city to spend money they are being targeted in this way.

In a statement released to The Examiner from Smart Parking in response to a number of concerns we had outlined to them, a spokesperson for the private parking firm said,

“The BPA are the leading parking trade association in the UK and have been the conduit between the industry and government for over 50 years,  making it one of the oldest parking trade bodies in the world.  We are proud that we are members of the BPA and follow its guideline strictly. 

“In the case of both Damolly Retail Park and Merchant’s Quay car parks, we operate 24 hour parking restrictions to prevent parking abuse and to stop anti-social behaviour.  At both car parks we use the same parking management system that is in operation in thousands of car park across the rest of the UK, and the vast majority of people have no problems following the rules. 

“At Damolly Retail Park and Merchant’s Quay there are numerous signs that clearly highlight the terms and conditions of use.  Our signage is larger than the minimum requirements set out in the BPA’s guidelines.   However we would remind all motorists that when parking on private land they should always read the terms and conditions of use before deciding to park.

“Parking charges across all of our car parks differ depending on a number of factors, however charges in Damolly Retail Park and Merchant’s Quay are no higher than most other car parks.”

Viewing all 1136 articles
Browse latest View live