Newry Sinn Féin Councillor Liz Kimmins has said that an announcement from Transport NI stating that they will be introducing new traffic control measures at the junction of the Dublin Road and Flagstaff Road is welcome news for residents.

The Department is to implement double yellow lines on the road and will also investigate the possibility of operating an additional Park & Ride facility from the area.

Highlighting the concerns of many about the issues, Councillor Kimmins explained:   “Following serious issues regarding people parking along the Flagstaff Road while they go to work for the day, I have been lobbying Transport NI to deal with this urgently.  Many residents from the Flagstaff Road had contacted me stating the daily problems they face trying to access their homes, with some being met with verbal abuse from those parking along the road.  The road is very narrow and the cars parked are posing serious health and safety risks not only to motorists, but to also pedestrians, particularly elderly residents who regularly walk this route to attend Mass in Cloughogue chapel.”

Revealing that a response from Transport NI on the issue confirmed the department will introduce double yellow lines at the Dublin Road/Flagstaff Road junction to prevent illegal parking, she added: “The Department is also going to carry out a feasibility study to provide an additional park and share site in this area, the first stage of this will be to identify suitable land for such a proposal.  These developments will hopefully address the safety fears of many and alleviate  the issue for local residents.”

Nine men facing a string of terrorist-related charges arising from a MI5 secret recording operation in Newry in 2014 are to stand trial in Belfast in February next year.

All nine defendants denied the charges put to them when they appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday last. The terrorist charges – including membership of a proscribed organisation and conspiracy to possess firearms – are linked to a major police raid on a suspected dissident republican meeting place in Ardcarn Park in Newry in 2014, following a secret recording operation by M15.  Twelve men were detained in the operation and over 50 PSNI detectives were involved in the long-running investigation with 15 officers wading through vast amounts of audio recordings.

The court had previously heard that the secret tapes allegedly revealed suspected dissidents discussing topics which included weapons training, funding, plans to commit acts of terrorism, the procurement of firearms, recruitment strategies and plots to kill judges and police officers.

The local men returning for trial next year are 62 year old Patrick Joseph Blair from Lassara Heights in Warrenpoint, who has been charged with 15 offences from providing training in explosives and membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, to conspiracy to possessing explosives.

Seamus Morgan (62) from Barcroft Park in Newry, faces a single charge of IRA membership between August and November, 2014;  47 year old Colin Patrick Winters from Ardcarn Park in Newry faces nine charges, including providing a property for the purposes of terrorism, receiving instruction or training in the making or use of explosives for terrorism, and conspiracy to possess explosives; John Sheeny (33) from Erskine Street in Newry,  has been charged with six offences, including receiving training in the making or use of explosives for terrorism, IRA membership, and attending a place used for terrorist training;   48 year old Joseph Pearce from Clogharevan Park in Bessbrook, is facing two counts of collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists, whilst Terence Marks (57) from Parkhead Crescent in Newry, faces two counts, namely IRA membership between August and November 2014, and receiving terrorist training in October 2014.

The remaining men, from separate addresses in Belfast and Dunmurry are also set to stand trial. 77 year old, Joseph Matthew Lynch, from Hazel View in Belfast, has been charged with 12 offences, including IRA membership, engaging in the preparation of terrorist acts by attending a meeting at Ardcarn Park, and conspiring to possess firearms and ammunition.

Liam Hannaway (48) from White Rise in Dunmurry, is being tried on 13 offences, including providing instruction or training in the making of an improvised explosive device to others, collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists, and conspiring to possess explosives with intent.  Forty four  year old Kevin John Paul Heaney of Blackstaff Mews in Belfast has been charged with belonging to the IRA between May 2013 and November 2014.

After each of the nine accused entered ‘not guilty’ pleas to all charges, Mr Justice Colton set a trial date of February 4 2019, with the trial expected to last eight weeks.  All nine men were released on continuing bail.

 The public is being urged to be vigilant following a spate of vehicle break-ins in the Crossmaglen and Silverbridge areas recently.

Police have appealed for information on the incidents, which occurred on Wednesday last 27th June.

Around 3.30pm a car parked beside the town’s Health Centre was broken into and a substantial sum of cash was stolen.  Two vans parked at Fords Cross were also broken into on the same day.  

At this stage police believe the incidents to be unrelated but have appealed for information from the public.  They are especially interested in a Southern registered Grey Audi A4 estate, which was seen leaving the scene at Fords Cross, heading in the direction of Newtownhamilton.

Anyone who may be able to help with the investigation is asked to ring 101 quoting reference number 902 27/06/18.

SDLP Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne has urged vigilance saying: “Following the recent appeals from the PSNI for information about the unconnected break-ins at Fords Cross and Crossmaglen Health Centre, I would urge people to be more aware of valuable items including cash being left in cars. If these items are in anyway on display, then they make easy pickings for thieves.

“Especially during the warm weather, we are currently in the habit of leaving our windows down to avoid the blistering heat. Make sure you carry any valuables or leave them at home. Again, if anyone has any information regarding the two incidents, please contact the PSNI,” he added.

As the principal of St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen, John Jones, bids farewell to the school which has been part of his life for the last 35 years, The Examiner spoke to the much-loved educator, who told us of his pride at being at the helm of the progressive school and how now is the “right time” for him to hand over the reins. 

Mr Jones has spent his entire teaching career at St . Joseph’s, having been appointed “without interview” by then principal, Bernard Crilly, back in 1983 – ”Although, as Bernard liked to remind me, they started interviewing candidates for roles after my appointment!” jokes the outgoing principal, who is renowned for his exuberance and warm personality.

In reality, John’s gift for teaching was recognised at an early stage and his appointment to St. Joseph’s directly from teacher-training college was also based on the strength of glowing  references he received, in particular from Canon Dallan, Principal of St.Joseph’s College of Education, regaling Jones as “an excellent character – full of joi-de-vivre”. Indeed Mr Jones’ zest and enthusiasm has pervaded throughout his career and he is lauded as a man who fosters great relationships with both staff, pupils and parents. 

“I’ve been a one school man. I started here in September 1983 after a year of substitute work in Newry and South Armagh. I applied for the job through an ad in the paper and I’d hardly been to Crossmaglen in my life,” says the Newry man, who remains fiercely proud of his Derrybeg roots.

Immersing himself in his south Armagh family, John rose through the school and spent 11 years as Vice Principal alongside revered former Principal, Kevin Scally, before taking over at the helm five years ago. 

Recognising the unique feat of a 35 year career in one school, Mr Jones told The Examiner that after more than three decades serving the community of south Armagh at St. Joseph’s, “I definitely have green and yellow blood in my veins.”

“I was accepted into the St. Joseph’s family and the south Armagh community as a blow-in from the very beginning of my career. It’s been like a second family to me, I really have been adopted by the community and feel privileged to have worked with and served the youth of south Armagh for the last 35 years,”  said the outgoing principal, who has seen generations of local families pass through the school during his time.

Reflecting on his years working with the area’s children,  Mr Jones says he has loved being involved with young people and hopes his legacy is one of being child-centred.  “I think it’s important in this job to have a sense of humour and able to laugh at yourself too,” says the much-loved principal, who many would say embodies those qualities. 

“As a local family school, I’ve always strived to know each child individually by their name,” he says, admitting that he regularly scours through his photo book and makes it his business to to speak to a child whose picture he has not recognised and “to call them by their name.”

“I think it’s so important that children don’t feel like they’re just a number,” he says.

Elaborating on his decision to retire early from a role he so clearly relishes, he told us, “I think the time is right.  I had it in my head that when I reached a certain age, I would know when to stop.”

“I think that it’s a good time both for me and the school. St. Joseph’s is in a very good place and we have a great team here. With the school’s new build around the corner, it seems like a natural hiatus to hand over the mantle to the next principal, who I’m so delighted is going to be leading the school through such transformation.”

Describing his worthy successor,  Marie Millar, as a “dynamo”, Mr Jones praised her “total commitment to her students and to the school.” 

“It is the icing on the cake that Marie has been appointed principal,” he said.  

“She is young and dynamic and is immersed in St Joseph’s, having arrived here on her very first teaching job 24 years ago!”

On the much-anticipated new build for the school, Mr Jones says,

“My mantra to the students has always been ‘let’s put St.Joseph’s on the map’ – and the new build is certainly going to help do that.  It is no more than the children of south Armagh deserve, a brand new state-of-the-art building and facilities which will only further enhance and develop the educational experience at St. Joseph’s.”

“Crossmaglen has been demonised in the past but the progress made over the years in St.Joseph’s has helped to change that.” 

The retiring principal has always championed the cause of all-inclusive comprehensive education and is immensely proud that the school is now one of the most academically successful all-inclusive schools in the north, consistently achieving GCSE and A level results above the national average.  Outside of academics, St Joseph’s continues to have success on the sporting field and in music and the arts. 

“I think our education goes beyond the yardstick of GCSE and A-Level league tables though,” says John.

“We strive to fulfill the potential of every child and, as a non-selective, co-educational school, we don’t judge people by exams at 11 and yet we are bucking the trend in that we’re doing very well in both GCSE and A-Level” he adds.

“We currently have 611 pupils and that figure will grow next year – with 124 going into first year in September. The introduction of A-Levels by my predecessor, Kevin Scally,was a game changer for us and I would love to see the numbers to grow so that A-Level provision can be increased.”

An initiative which Mr Jones is particularly proud of is the Shared Education project which sees collaboration between St Joseph’s, St Paul’s, Newtownhamilton High and Newry High schools. 

“The project has been instrumental in knocking barriers down and has enriched the education of the children from all the schools involved,” he says. 

“It is monumental that the children of Crossmaglen, Bessbrook, Newry  and Newtownhamilton now travel to each other’s school for collaboration. Our agriculture classes are like a rainbow of uniforms and it is great to see it.” 

Memorable highlights for the popular principal include being winched off a boat into a helicopter to accompany a sick student during a school trip to France, and his introduction to the school – playing a lead role in The school’s production of the Sound of Music when the student actor took ill.  “A great way for the children to see another side to you, “ says John, whose sense of fun has pervaded throughout his career. 

“I’ve also made lots of great lifelong friends and the people of south Armagh have been very good to me. For parents, the most important people in their lives are their children and I’d like to think we’ve nurtured and cared for all our students.  The great strength of this school is the relationships we have with the children, which are just phenomenal. 

“I’ve always insisted on high standards of discipline, of academia, to bring a child to their full potential.  The discipline in our school is very good and it’s down to our dedicated staff and the co-operation of our students.”

Mr Jones credits his dynamic and visionary senior management team and teaching staff for enabling the wonderful achievements of the school in recent years and particularly remembered key figures over the years such as principals Bernard Crilly, Frank McCreesh and Kevin Scally, as well as Brid McMahon, Gerry Brown, Maura Comiskey, Maire Mulligan and Maria Hamill.

He paid particular tribute to the “epicentre” of the school, his PA, Majella Hatzer, as someone instrumental in his role and the daily running of the school, and revealed that she had been named as “the person who really runs St.Joseph’s” by a visiting student from Newtownhamilton High!

“Outside of St.Joseph’s, Hugh Mallon (former principal of St.Joseph’s Boys’ High School in Newry) has been a big influence on me, mentoring me and offering guidance.  I have really benefitted from his wisdom and his experience over the years.  

“I am forever indebted to Bernard Crilly for giving me the start in my career and to the people of south Armagh for accepting me so wholeheartedly,” said the Newry man. 

“Having spent 35 years of my life in this community, I feel like half a native. I’m a Down man, but you could say after being at St.Joseph’s in Crossmaglen for more than three decades , my heart’s at home in Ireland in the County of Armagh!”

“It is the end of the most amazing chapter in my life and I hope I’ve helped made a difference to the lives of children in south Armagh. I look forward to watching the school’s progress as it undergoes its transformational new build.”

For now a month long holiday with family in Australia beckons as well as a pledge from avid football fan John to see his beloved Leeds play more often.  

Talented Crossmaglen photographer Judy Boyle has added to her growing list of accolades, scooping a prestigious international award with the French-based world body of photography, Federation Internationale D’art Photographique.  The achievement is all the more remarkable as Judy is the first Irish woman to receive the highly sought after Gold Distinction EFIAP award.

Attending a special ceremony in the Eddie Chandler Gallery, Dublin last week, Judy received her prize from Irish Photographic Federation President Dom Reddin. 

Before this latest achievement, Judy had already gained the highest distinction in photography in Ireland – a Fellowship FIPF with the Irish Photographic Federation- and in UK, a Fellowship FRPS with the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, with panels of her creative photographic images.

To reach this pinnacle in Irish photography, she had to submit 150 photographs of the highest standard, in photography salon competitions in 15 different countries, achieving an amazing 500 acceptances.  Each acceptance represents one of the best images in a photographic salon. The images entered in photographic salons can be of any subject matter and Judy had no shortage of photogenic models for her portrait photos in her many nieces and nephews.  

She also included still life photographs and character portrait photos captured locally, as well as across Ireland and further afield. Other subject matter for her photos included Irish horse fairs, Croagh Patrick, old derelict cottages, parades and fine art creative photographs.

To date, Judy has won over 30 gold and silver medals for the top images in various international photography salons. And adding to her talents, she is also a master in photographic printing, producing all her own images to the highest standard.  

On no less than 17 occasions, Judy has represented her country on the international professional photography stage, one of the highlights being in 2012  when, as a member of the Irish team, she won the Best Country in the World accolade in both colour and monochrome photography.   

 Judy is a prolific traveller, visiting many countries to capture a wide variety of photographs for her EFIAP gold distinction. 

Earlier this year she travelled to Kolkata in India where she spent a week wandering the city, photographing locals in their varied environments that included a visit by invitation to capture the living conditions of families in two of the city’s slums.   She also visited the country on three previous occasions to photograph the people of Rajasthan while some of her best known photographs and award winning images were taken in Eastern Europe during her four trips to Romania and Moldova.  

Judy is a long-time member of the Drogheda Photographic Club and, with the help of her award winning images, the club is the country’s most successful, winning the top Photographic Club award in Ireland more than 15 times.

A competent lecturer in photography, as well as an accomplished judge at every level of competition, Judy is also a member of the assessment panel of the Irish Photographic Federation, responsible for conferring distinction degrees in photography.  Earlier this year she judged the Dutch Super Circuit of photography in Amsterdam, one of the top events in the world.

Judy is appreciative of the level of support and encouragement from her family, enlisting the help of husband Gene who has become expert in framing and mounting her photographs; while daughter Kerri Ann is responsible for the artistic critique and analysis of the photographs.  

Not content to rest on her laurels, Judy has set her sights on becoming the first Irish woman to obtain a Masters Distinction in Photography with the world body FIAP, and with such an impressive track record, there’s little doubt she will achieve just that.

Police are warning shop owners throughout the district – especially those with stand alone ATM machines – to carry out a review of their crime prevention measures following a spate of burglaries at rural commercial premises in south Armagh and south Down this month.

Detective Sergeant James Johnston revealed that ATM machines were targeted in all of the recent break-ins.

The latest incident occurred overnight on Friday (6th July) with thieves breaking into premises on the Camlough Road in Newry. The alarm was disabled and an ATM machine was smashed open.  A sum of cash was taken, as well as a quantity of cigarettes.

According to the detective, three similar incidents have occurred in the Newry area since the beginning of July and police are investigating a possible link between the incidents, the first of which occurred overnight on Saturday 30th June in  a shop on Main Street in Forkhill. Police say an alarm was activated at the premises at around 2.45am and that ladders owned by the shop were used by the suspects to gain entry. The suspects fled the scene after the alarm sounded.

Three nights later, at around 1am on Wednesday 4th July, three unknown males forced entry into a filling station on the Dublin Road in Newry. The gang attempted to break into an ATM machine in the premises but were disturbed by police activity in the area shortly after 3am and fled the scene empty-handed.

The following morning (Thursday 5th July) at around 1am, shop premises on the Edenappa Road in Jonesborough were targeted.  The suspects cut electricity and phone lines in the area before making an unsuccessful attempt to gain entry.

“Police are investigating the possibility that all of these incidents are linked,” said Detective Sergeant Johnston.

“One line of enquiry is that these premises are being targeted because they have stand-alone ATMs on site, and it is believed that these are the offenders’ primary target.

“I would advise businesses to regularly review their crime prevention measures to minimise their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Advising shop owners of some simple security measures, Detective Sergeant Johnston said minimum cash should be kept on commercial premises. 

“Leave the till empty and open overnight. If an ATM is a self-fill option, reconsider having a managed machine or the use of a Cash Security Company.”

The police officer said signs stating clearly that minimal cash is in tills or ATMs or that time delay safes are used which employees cannot access may act as a deterrent.   He also advised against counting cash in public view, or filling ATMs in opening hours and reiterated the importance of checking all security equipment including CCTV and alarms are working properly and that ladders or items which may assist access to premises are locked away

“If you saw any suspicious activity in the Camlough Road areaon Friday night or Saturday morning, please get in touch with us on 101, quoting reference number 330 of 6/7/18,” added the PSNI officer. 

“More generally, I would encourage people who live close to rural businesses like filling stations and local shops to tell police immediately if they see any unusual activity or people in the area.  For example, if you hear machinery late at night or in the early hours please let us know.  Report any power outages close to rural commercial premises during the hours of darkness via 101.  Also, if you see people or vehicles appearing to pay particular attention to certain premises, call police on 101. In an emergency or if you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999.”

 An arrest was made in Newry last week in connection with the suspected murder of a missing Belfast woman. An address in Omeath was also searched as the murder probe was launched into the disappearance of Saoirse Smyth more than six months ago. 

Ms Smyth was last seen in Belfast on April 11, last year. Her last known movements have been traced to Omeath, where she was living at the time. She had been reported missing in December 2017 – but she has never been found.  

A 40-year-old man was arrested in Newry on suspicion of murder on Wednesday but has since been released on bail pending further investigation.

A 48-year-old woman was also arrested last month in connection with the disappearance and was released on bail.

According to the missing woman’s friends, she was a troubled young woman battling drug addiction. The 28 year old’s mother died when she was a young girl and she lost her 19 year old sister to substance abuse.  Her sister-in-law, Jennifer Dornan, was stabbed to death in her west Belfast home three years ago.

During a televised press conference on Friday, PSNI detective inspector Paul Rowland said the murder probe is a “fairly open investigation” at this stage.

“There are several lines of investigation and that is the reason for this press appeal, to try and bring that information forward, to see where Saoirse was living, who she was living with and all those details that are very important to the murder investigation,” he said.

DI Rowland told the press conference that Saoirse was last seen in the Belfast area on April 11, 2017, and it is believed she returned to Omeath later that day.

“She has very distinctive red hair and has not had any contact with her family or friends since then, including on significant dates such as her birthday and Christmas, and this is very unusual,” said the Detective Inspector.

“Saoirse hasn’t responded to any of her family’s pleas on social media, this, along with other information obtained during the police investigation, now leads me to believe that Saoirse may have been murdered.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and an address in Omeath is currently being searched in connection with Saoirse’s disappearance.

“I am appealing for information about the circumstances leading to Saoirse’s disappearance.

“Her family deserve to know what has happened to her. She was a daughter, a sister and a grand daughter.

“I am particularly interested in speaking with anyone who has seen Saoirse or had contact with her since April 2017, and ask for anyone who has information to please call police with even any small detail.”

Ms Smyth’s family have urged anyone with information to come forward to police.   In  a statement issued by police on behalf of the family, they said,

“Somebody out there must know something about what has happened to Saoirse and we would plead with anyone who knows anything to contact the police – and Saoirse if you are out there, please contact your family and let us know you are okay.”

Anyone with information about her disappearance can contact detectives at the incident room Ladas Drive on 101 or 028 9065 0222 if phoning from the Republic.

A convicted paedophile who was caught by vigilantes in Mullaghbawn after being on the run, has avoided jail for breaching his bail conditions.

Twenty six year old Jason Lydiard, who is also known as Alexis Gusto, and is originally from Bessbrook, went on the run with fellow convicted paedophile, James White, in April.  A nationwide hunt was launched for the men after police alerted the public that they had broken strict bail conditions following their release from custody earlier this year.  Lydiard has nine previous convictions for sexual assault and threats to kill.  

After several sightings of the pair throughout Ireland over the course of two weeks, the men were eventually tracked down to south Armagh, where they were apprehended by locals before being tied to a bench and covered in paint. 

Appearing in Newry Crown Court on Thursday 28th June on charges related to his absconding the jurisdiction on February 15, without prior permission of the PSNI, Lydiard admitted to breaching conditions of two Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPO) by failing to inform the authorities of his whereabouts and attending probation meetings.

He was handed a conditional discharge on the first breach, and was given a two-month custodial sentence for the second breach.  

Lydiard walked free from court and was later spotted boarding a bus to Belfast.  His release sparked public outcry on social media, with concerned members of the public branding the justice system “a joke”  and calling for tougher sentencing for convicted paedophiles who commit serious breaches of bail conditions.   

Newry city is set for a new £7.3million Whiskey Distillery, Bar, Restaurant and Visitor Centre which is also being billed as a huge potential tourist attraction – to be built on the historic site of the ArmaghDown Bar in Monaghan Street, formerly home to the Matt D’Arcy & Company distillery business, which goes back as far as 1817.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council granted permission on Wednesday for the development, which is the brainchild of well-known Newry businessman and entrepreneur, Michael McKeown.

The project will see the revival of whiskey production at the old D’Arcy distillery site and, once operational, the new fully functioning distillery aims to produce around 9,000 cases of single-malt whiskey each year. The size of the entire project site is expected to be around 14,000 square feet over several floors with the £7.3million investment spread over three years.

Mr McKeown, owner and investor of Matthew D’Arcy & Company, purchased the site in February 2017 and the multi-million pound investment will result in the creation of a fully restored Victorian bar, restaurant and international visitors centre. The project is expected to take around 18 months and will create around 50 hospitality jobs, as well as positions for a Master Distiller and staff with cooperage skills, to oversee the future maturation process of the whiskey. 

Mr McKeown said he hopes to turn the landmark site into a “flagship international tourist attraction”.

“I’m thrilled that we are now moving forward with enthusiasm and that the benefits of this great asset will be felt by the business and hospitality sectors locally and nationally, ” said the local entrepreneur.

Chief executive of Matt D’Arcy & Company, Andrew Cowan, who has over 20 years international experience with a host of iconic Irish brands such as Jameson & the delivery of Ireland’s largest tourism initiative, The Gathering 2013, said he is confident the new venture will be “very successful”.

“This is a really special development which will create jobs, fill local hotels and bring many tourists to this key attraction on the eastern corridor of Ireland, perfectly positioned between Belfast and Dublin,” said Mr Cowan.

“Our ambition is to create a world class tourist offering through the restoration of the 200 year old site famous for whiskey distillation. Our ultimate aim is to produce around 9,000 cases per year of single malt and to retain stocks for at least 10 years aimed at the premium market.”

The chief executive revealed that the company has been maturing its own whiskey off site for several years now and are set to release a premium matured merchant Irish Whiskey in early 2019 prior to distilling at the Monaghan Street location on completion of the construction phase.

Describing the development of the project on the historic site into an international tourist attraction as “a passion of mine for some time”, owner Mr Keown added,

“I’m thrilled that we are now moving forward with enthusiasm and that the benefits of this great asset will be felt by the business and hospitality sectors locally and nationally.”

The investment in the city centre scheme has been widely welcomed, with Newry & Armagh MLA Conor Murphy one of the first to congratulate Newry businessman, Mr McKeown and the Matt D’Arcy Company “on their commitment to Newry and this project.”

“He has worked diligently with all, including elected representatives, to bring his vision of creating this project at the old Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Distillers to life,” said the Sinn Fein MLA.  

“This is good news for Newry City and the entire region with the potential of 50 jobs being created .I look forward to work on the development starting soon.”

Two Newry firms are among a total of eleven employers across Northern Ireland that have been issued with fines for failing to pay the National Living and Minimum Wage to staff.

Exact CNC (NI) Ltd, an engineering company in Carnbane, failed to pay £576.16 to 17 workers, amounting to average arrears of £33.89 per worker; while Hypersync Limited, a computer support service based in Tandragee, was found not to have paid £1,518 to one employee.

The Dromore Diocesan Trust, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, was also among those on the list, having failed to pay £3,844.98 to three workers.

Secretary of State Karen Bradley said it is only right that affected employees “will get the back pay they deserve”.

The top five reasons for underpayments were: taking deductions from wages for costs such as uniforms; underpaying apprentices; failing to pay travel time; misusing the accommodation offset; and using the wrong time periods for calculating pay.

The first phase of construction works which will see the opening of a new Direct Assessment Unit at Daisy Hill Hospital has begun.

 The work follows last month’s announcement by the Department of Health of an initial £1.65m investment package for the beleaguered hospital as part of a long-term plan to sustain and bolster urgent and emergency care there.  The investment includes an initial £650,000 this year from the Department’s health and social care transformation fund which will be used to modernise services for patient assessment, diagnostics, discharge and care in the community and to appoint a new hospital director.  A £1m capital funding allocation from the Southern Trust will fund infrastructure improvements at the hospital site, including the establishment of the new admissions and assessment unit alongside the ED. 

Over the coming months a number of staff and services will relocate throughout the hospital to make way for the new Direct Assessment Unit in the current General Outpatients Department. 

 Welcoming the new development, Southern Trust Chief Executive Shane Devlin said:

“We were delighted last month when the Department of Health confirmed details of an investment package to support our Pathfinder proposals and we are now continuing to work closely with our Community and Voluntary partners to implement these plans to sustain the Emergency Department, enhance our High Dependency Unit and develop a Direct Assessment Unit for the hospital.

 “We are keen to ensure that the Direct Assessment Unit is operational this winter and so have an ambitious programme over the coming months which will transform the hospital. We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us to plan this project so far and ask for the continued co-operation of all staff, patients and visitors to the site whilst we make these exciting changes to our hospital.”

 The project has three main phases with the first period in July/August entailing refurbishment of the ground floor of the Nurses Home building.  In September, the relocation of General Outpatients Department and GP Out of Hours from main building to the Nurses Home will take place, culminating in the opening of the new Direct Assessment Unit in December. 

 The news that construction has begun has been heralded as “very positive” by Sinn Fein MP Mickey Brady, who said the establishment  of a Direct Assessment  Unit in Daisy Hill “further reinforces the position of the hospital as a leading regional  medical facility.”

“I wish to once again acknowledge the input of all who stood together  as one to ensure that the  Daisy Hill Hospital Facility and Services would be valued and recognised for the importance that they are. United we can achieve a lot,” said Mr Brady, adding, “it is imperative that investment of both finance  and resources into the Hospital continues

A 33-year-old Lithuanian man who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his friend in a heroin overdose earlier this year has received a two year jail sentence.  Fifty one year old Stephen Millington died in his flat on the Dublin Road in Newry on January 17 after he was injected with the Class A drug.  

Newry Court, sitting in Belfast heard that Mr Millington, a known drug and alcohol user, had given his friend, Mantas Cepas,  £40 to buy heroin – which he had previously smoked but never injected.

Cepas admitted both supplying the Class A Drug, and the manslaughter of his friend. Prosecuting barrister, Geraldine McCullough, told the court that Mr Millington and Cepas had drank “two to three litre bottles of vodka” with their girlfriends at the deceased’s flat from the previous day and, following a conversation about drugs, Mr Millington gave Cepas £40 for a bag of heroin.  When Cepas returned and administered the drug into Mr Millington’s arm, the deceased eyes rolled back and he slumped over.  

An ambulance was called after attempts to revive him failed but he was pronounced dead at 3.20am.

The prosecution lawyer said toxicology reports showed the level of alcohol in Mr Millington’s system would have produced “extreme drunkeness” and they also indicated heroin use prior to death. The court also heard that Mr Millington’s death was a result of the intoxicating effects of the alcohol, heroin and a benzodiazepine which were found in his system.

Cepas admitted during police interviews that he had purchased the drugs, and he told police  he had thrown water on the deceased’s face and performed CPR on him. He said that he didn’t think the amount of heroin – between three to five millilitres -was too much, and that his friend’s death had left him “in shock” and he was sorry.

Defence barrister Greg Berry QC said the remorse expressed by Cepas was genuine.

During sentencing on Monday last, Judge Melody McReynolds said the unpredictability of heroin made it “a very dangerous drug.”

The judge ordered that Cepas would spend two years in prison, following by two years on licence and added the condition that, while on licence, he should take up a place on programmes designed to tackle drug addiction.

Police have welcomed the sentence, with PSNI Detective Superintendent, Rachel Shields, branding drugs “a scourge on society”. 

“Those who supply and sell them are quite often selling a death sentence,” she added. “In this case, Mantas Cepas both supplied and administered the lethal drug that cost Stephen Millington his life and he will rightly serve time behind bars for his crime.” She said that she hoped the sentence would “bring some small measure of comfort to the Millington family.”

The NI Fire Service experienced its busiest period of the current spell of hot and dry weather when its resources were stretched to full capacity dealing with numerous gorse fires across the area over the weekend.  Such was the demand on resources that firefighters from Belfast were called in to assist local crews who were working around the clock to deal with the wildfires.

On Friday afternoon six fire appliances and specialist Wildfire Resources were tasked to deal with a large gorse fire at Ballintemple Road on Slieve Gullion mountain where approximately three acres of gorse was ablaze.  A spokesperson for NIFRS said it was working alongside the Forest Service, which has responsibility for the mountainous area, to deal with the blaze.  The wildfire was located close to Ballintemple Viewpoint, a popular scenic picnic area.  People were advised to avoid the area as firefighters fought to keep the flames under control.

At the same time, a number of other wildfires were also visible in the Ring of Gullion – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

On Saturday, fire crews tackled a number of fires on Sugarloaf Mountain in Lislea.  Large plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away as firefighters battled to contain large areas of the mountain which were ablaze.

In the week from 27th June to 5th July, the Fire Service attended 665 callouts to gorse fires across the north.  In light of this, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) advised visitors to rural areas as well as residents to be “vigilant”.  They asked people to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and follow the advice and instructions of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).  People should avoid creating open fires, such as barbecues, and ensure other potential sources of fire are carefully minded.

“Under the current conditions, any ignition source in hazardous fuels may give rise to wildfire development,” the department said.  “Such a fire can spread very quickly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time and may be hazardous to human life, property and wildlife.

“Wildfires are not natural – they are almost always started by humans either deliberately or through carelessness.  They put lives at risk, destroy our surroundings and the wildlife in them, and are a real cost to society.”

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Alan Walmsley also warned of the dangers of wildfires: “Under the current hot weather conditions gorse fires can rapidly spread and can be difficult to extinguish due to their remote location.  Gorse fires can pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment, as well as placing extra strain on fire service resources,” he said.

Asking the public to be vigilant and not discard cigarettes or litter in the countryside, he added: “Our number one priority is to keep the public and firefighters safe whilst we deal with these challenging conditions.”

Meanwhile, the prolonged dry spell has continued to put pressure on water supplies with the hosepipe ban – which was introduced ten days ago – still in force.  Some areas have been hit with interruptions in supplies, with others experiencing a drop in water pressure.

NI Water thanked the public for supporting the hosepipe ban and appealed for people not to use water for washing cars, filling paddling pools or sprinkling gardens.  It has also asked the public to take shorter showers and turn the tap off when brushing teeth in a bid to further conserve supplies.

With the dry weather expected to continue and temperatures forecast to rise again this week, the restriction on domestic water usage is likely to continue for a number of weeks yet.

A Donegal man, who was born in Daisy Hill Hospital 50 years ago, is appealing for help in tracing his birth mother, who was sent to the Marianvale mother and baby home in Newry as a teenager when she became pregnant to a British soldier. 

Mark McCollum was born in Daisy Hill on October 27, 1966. Christened Paul he was baptised at the Parish of Lower Killeavy, Bessbrook, before being separated from his teenage mother and adopted. 

The 51 year old dad-of-two, who says he was “lucky enough to be adopted by lovely parents in Donegal”, has a genetic heart condition and is desperate to trace his biological mum before it’s too late. He learned that his birth family have also been searching for him but says release of information laws between jurisdictions has only allowed him access to snippets of details.  

“My mum, if she is alive, is only 67 but the clock is ticking for all of us. I have a genetic heart condition and have had a quadruple bypass. So I feel I want to find my mum sooner rather than later,” Mr McCollum told Belfast Live. 

Mr McCollum said he has visited the site of the former Marianvale mother and children’s home and admitted, “it chilled me to the bone.”  

He said to think of his mother “in there – alone, afraid and desperate” broke his heart and added,

“I want to meet my mum and put my arms around her and say hello.”

Earlier this year, a BBC investigation uncovered allegations of ‘illegal’ cross-border adoptions at the Marianvale home, which was run by the Good Shepherd nuns. 

A search for human remains also took place at the site of the former mother and baby care home in March last year, prompted by the discovery of an underground chamber holding the remains of hundreds of babies at a similar home run by the Bon Secours order in Tuam, Galway.  The archaeological dig at five areas of land around the Marian Vale home on the Armagh Road revealed there were no babies buried in the grounds of the home.

Mr McCollum knows his mother’s name is Kathleen and that she was 16 years old when she became pregnant with him. Originally from West Belfast, she fell pregnant after a brief affair with a British soldier and was sent to the Marianvale Mother and Baby Unit. He believes his mother may still have some sisters living in Belfast.  Mr McCollum has never been able to trace his birth certificate. 

Appealing for anyone with information they think might relate to his birth family or mother to get in touch, he added,

“There is no shame in being loving and being loved.

“The only shame is for the people who separated me as a baby from my mother. That’s theirs to deal with, not us.”

There has been high praise for the cross border collaboration of emergency services which responded to the recent gorse fire which raged across Ballintemple mountain for five days earlier this month. The Irish Air Corps were called in to help deal with the huge blaze which engulfed an area of approximately 100 acres at Ballintemple in Slieve Gullion on Sunday 8th July. 

The assistance of the Irish air team followed a request from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) to attend the incident due to the deep-seated nature of the fire, which encroached upon an area of special scientific interest at Slieve Gullion. The fire came perilously close to houses and was just a few hundred metres from the site of building works at the new Killeavy Castle hotel.

Two Irish Air Corps helicopters attended the scene, bringing water from nearby Camlough Lake to quench the inferno.  The Augusta Westland helicopters are equipped with a ‘Bambi’ bucket aerial firefighting system capable of dropping 1200 litres of water in one drop.  Concentrated in small areas, this amount of water makes an immediate impact on wildfires. 

The co-operation of the Air Corps along with Forestry Service, fire crews from 19 stations across the north, specialist wildlife resources and agencies was instrumental in bringing the fire under control. Their efforts were recognised by SDLP Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne who placed on record his own thanks and the thanks of the entire community to everyone involved in the massive cross border effort to tackle the blaze.  

His colleague, Justin McNulty MLA also lauded the collaboration between NIFRS, the Forestry Service and the Irish Air Corps.  Mr McNulty said everyone involved had “collaborated bravely and tirelessly to extinguish the wild gorse fires that raged around the Ring of Gullion.” Visiting the scene of the operation, the SDLP MLA said he was “very impressed by the team work, the camaraderie and the tireless bravery” of all who had strived to put the fires out.

After 5 days of working on dangerous mountainous terrain and in the sweltering heat, the cross border crews finally succeeded in quelling the flames, with the operation officially stood down on 16th July. 

The success of the cross-border emergency operations has prompted concerns however about how such an operation would be delivered post-Brexit.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council representatives met with the Fire Service to discuss those concerns last week. Expressing the council’s appreciation to the Fire Service and the Irish Air Corps for their help, council Chairperson, Mark Murnin, said the council were currently assessing the amount of damage that has been done at both locations. 

Abby McSherry, of the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, said the fire had threatened homes and forestry and added,

“We don’t know what the final Brexit agreements will be. But certainly if that sort of co-operation is prevented or made more difficult it really will have an impact.

“The co-operation is so essential, I would hate to see it disappear.”

The family of a three year old girl who is battling a rare and aggressive childhood cancer are asking people across the district to come together in a major fundraising drive in the hope that their happy and fun-loving toddler can take part in US based clinical trials which aim to stop the deadly disease from returning.  

Little Ellen Treanor was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in January this year after months of doctors visits complaining of tummy pains and a series of kidney infections. The tot has undergone gruelling treatment over the last six months, including 8 cycles of high dose chemotherapy which started within days of her diagnosis, a 13 hour surgery to remove the tumour in her stomach and a stem cell transplant – as well as fighting off countless infections and side effects of her treatment.

Much to her delight, little Ellen was reunited with sister Lucy, who is just 17 months older than her, and older siblings Jack and Anna (both 14), when she was discharged from hospital on Friday, having spent 25 days there undergoing a high dose chemotherapy cycle and stem cell transplant. Sisters Ellen and Lucy are especially close and mum Claire says Lucy has missed her younger sister terribly, having been unable to visit her in hospital for the last month.

The next step for Ellen is radiotherapy followed by 6 months of antibody treatment. 

“If all the remaining treatment goes to plan this will have taken up 15 months of her short life so far,” mum Claire told The Examiner. 

Recalling the moment on 29th December 2017 when “their lives changed forever” after a radiologist indicated she wasn’t happy with the results of an ultrasound on Ellen, Claire says the New Year passed in a blur for the family as they waited for their daughter to undergo an MRI scan on 2nd January.  During the scan the oncologist shared the devastating news with Claire and husband, Paddy, that while they would have to wait for biopsy results to confirm it, he was certain that she had neuroblastoma. 

Ellen’s journey began the following day with surgery to insert her central line, a biopsy of her tumour, a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow biopsy.

High-risk neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive and complex cancer to treat, with a high likelihood of returning and a low survival rate if it returns. Only around 40% of children with the disease are still alive five years after first diagnosis. 

While they try not to dwell on the frightening statistic, Claire admits “it is always there in the back of our minds.”

Desperate to stop the disease from returning, the family have joined forces with Solving Kid’s Cancer, a neuroblastoma charity, to try to raise money that would allow Ellen to take part in a clinical trial, in the hope of increasing her chance of survival.

“Our hope is that we can get Ellen into remission by the end of her frontline treatment. There are two different clinical trials, both in America, for children in remission, which both aim to stop the disease from returning,” explains Claire.

Such treatment will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, which the couple, almost reluctantly are asking for the public’s help to raise. 

“We know that we are asking for a lot. But we have to ask, because our wee bird is worth every penny to us. We just want to be able to look back on this horrible time in years to come and know that we did everything we possibly could to save Ellen,” says the worried mum.

Little Ellen’s plight has captured the hearts of people everywhere and already friends and family and the local community have organised fundraising initiatives and donations have started to pour in to support “Ellen’s Journey”.

“We really can’t thank everyone enough for all the support being given to our fundraising efforts, the community spirit is unbelievable,” says Claire who also thanked medical staff who “have gone above and beyond” in caring for Ellen over the last six months.

Claire’s cousins, Terence and Ciaran Feehan, are seeking sponsorship in aid of Ellen’s Journey when they take part in the Bessbrook Duathlon Memorial Event event next month and a family walk event (Walk With Us) has also been organised to take place on Friday 3rd August.   Entry fee will be £5 per person or £10 per family, with the walk beginning at 6pm and registration at Bessbrook Town Hall at 5pm.

There are many ways you can help Ellen and support her journey: by making a personal donation; holding a fundraising event; getting sponsored to take on a challenge; or by following and sharing her story through the Ellen’s Journey Facebook page.

For more information and fundraising resources visit Ellen’s page on the Solving Kids’ Cancer website – you can also make a donation via her Solving Kids’ Cancer page or you can donate by text if you send ELTR77 and your amount £1 – £10 to 70070

The water level of Newry Canal, which has been significantly reduced due to the recent prolonged spell of dry weather, is to be topped up with supplies from Bessbrook Pond and Camlough Lake, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced.

In a statement, the Council’s Head of Maintenance Aidan Mallon said Council staff have been daily monitoring the situation regarding the low level of water in the Canal and “did not want to be hasty” in taking water from the Bessbrook and Camlough sources, but insisted “the integrity of the canal structure must be maintained”.

“Given that Camlough Lake is a recreational area and animal habitat, which needs careful management for water levels, and whilst Bessbrook Pond is not used for recreational use, Council officers must still consider the ecological issues of taking water from these sources,” Mr Mallon said in his statement released on Friday.

“As rain is forecast over the coming days, Council staff did not want to be hasty in taking water from the sources in Bessbrook and Camlough, however the integrity of the canal structure must be maintained and a decision was made to allow water from the Bessbrook Pond on a phased basis and subsequently from Camlough Lake to flow into Newry Canal.  The levels of all three areas will be monitored regularly to ensure that no detriment is caused to any watercourse area.”

The low water level has also permitted dredging work to be carried out, as well as the removal of algae, which “will greatly enhance the visual and environmental management of the canal when water levels return to normal,” he added.

A local councillor says consideration should be given to erect “neon road signage” at the Fords Cross junction near Silverbridge in a bid to reduce the number of accidents and improve public safety.

Sinn Fein’s Barra Ó Muirí made the comments following an incident last weekend when a car failed to stop at the junction and ploughed into the memorial on the opposite side of the road.  No one was injured in the accident, however the councillor says now is the time to introduce improved traffic signage for motorists.

Pointing out the accident black-spot “has unfortunately had its fatalities”, he said: “Many incidents involving vehicle accidents at this junction are a result of motorists being unfamiliar with the road layout.  In the interest of public safety, it would make enormous sense to place new, neon signage at both junctions at Fords Cross.”

Councillor Ó Muirí confirmed he has contacted Transport NI with his request to erect new signage on the approach roads to Fords Cross junction.

Local political representatives have been united in their condemnation of an attack carried out on Newry Cenotaph last weekend.  The incident, which took place during the early hours of Saturday 14th July, saw several dozen poppy wreaths – commemorating those who died in the First and Second World Wars – torn from the Cenotaph and thrown into the river.

The wreaths were found washed up on the muddy river banks by passersby as they made their way to work early on Saturday morning.  

There was high praise however for a “cross section of the community” who subsequently formed a human chain to retrieve the washed up wreaths from Clanrye River and return them to the war memorial.

The attack came less than a week after wreaths remembering 18 soldiers killed at Warrenpoint were damaged at the Narrow Water Memorial. Hitting out at the latest desecration, Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor described the Cenotaph attack as a “despicable action.”

“The local community are understandably disgusted at this incident and are very clear that the perpetrators of this shameful act do not speak for the vast majority of citizens in Newry,” he added.

“This was reflected in the fact that members of the local community assisted with the retrieval of the wreaths from the river.

“There are still some unfortunately who are determined to try and cause division, driven by a narrow sectarian mind-set and it is sickening to see a Cenotaph targeted in this way as they pursue their warped agenda.

“I would appeal to anyone with information on this hate crime to report it to Police immediately to ensure that those responsible for this heinous action are brought to justice.”

Reacting to the vandalism, Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said there was “no place for such attacks like this in our society.”

“This criminal act at the Newry Cenotaph is wrong and I condemn it,” said the Sinn Fein MLA. 

“Monuments and memorials are important places of commemoration and remembrance within  communities and should be respected. 

“Those involved in these criminal acts need to  be apprehended and face the full rigours of the law.  Anyone with information in relation to this criminal act should contact the PSNI.”

DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin branded the incident “another hate-filled sectarian attack” and added, “It is so distasteful and sickening to see that there are those out there who obviously take delight in causing hurt, distress and offence.”

“It is also certainly worth remembering that the people they are disrespecting by these hateful actions paid the supreme sacrifice in protecting the nation and preserving democratic freedoms for everyone.

“Hopefully those behind this latest attack can be brought before the courts and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact the PSNI immediately.”

Questioning the motives of the perpetrators, Newry SDLP councillor asked,

“What did your actions achieve?”

Slamming the attack as a  “mindless act of vandalism that achieved nothing other than cause hurt to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars,” Councillor Savage added,

“I am an Irishman who recognises that thousands of fellow Irishmen died fighting to protect our way of life. Many of them from our city and surrounding areas from all faiths.

“I believe in a New Ireland that respects all traditions on this island and I work towards creating that New Ireland. Those responsible for this terrible act of disrespect do nothing to help achieve that New Ireland. I would ask them what did their actions achieve and ask them to reflect on the hurt they are causing in their own community.”

Turning down the chance to appear on the BBC hit show ‘The Apprentice’ was a massive gamble for a young Crossmaglen student, but it paid dividends when she graduated with honours from University of Plymouth on Friday last, as part of the first cohort of her five-year degree course in Dentistry.

Sarah Armstrong can rest assured she made the right decision as, not content with immersing herself in her studies, she has established her own fitness and personal training business, as well as regularly playing on the Irish national netball team and taking to the football field with her local club Crossmaglen Rangers GFC – all while undertaking her challenging degree course across the water.

Sarah says she has always had a passion for sport and promised herself she would continue to enjoy it alongside her university studies.

“I think there’s a perception the dental students do so much study that there’s no time for anything else, but I’m proof that that isn’t true,” she told The Examiner.  “With such a challenging course I made a commitment to life on campus to ensure a good work leisure balance and throughout my time at university, I became heavily involved within the Netball Club as first team captain, coach and named sportswoman of the year. 

“Outside of uni, I balanced life in England, including part time jobs, with returning home to represent Netball Ireland – the Irish national netball team – and/or Crossmaglen Rangers in County Armagh at football. I’ve always been sporty and I’m very into fitness and nutrition.”

As her studies progressed, Sarah took the plunge and set up her own fitness and nutrition business, close to her native home in Crossmaglen.

“In my third year of study I began thinking about my passion and love of sport – how could I involve this more in my life? During my third year, I completed qualifications within the fitness and nutrition industry and developed a business plan for [her new venture] ‘Strong Fitness’, a health, fitness and wellness service in County Armagh.”

As a result of her success, she was faced with making a huge decision that could potentially determine her future.

“I applied for The Apprentice, passed the interviews and was offered the show but an intense learning and placement schedule meant I couldn’t move to do the filming for 12 weeks,” Sarah explained.  “Although I was gutted, I was determined to balance my love of sport with my passion for dentistry, and looking back, the show application was kind of where it all started. 

“Granted, what set out to be a summer job [Strong Fitness], soon grew much bigger than I could ever have imagined. Suddenly September had arrived and fourth year was calling.  So staff were hired for Strong Fitness and off I went back to Plymouth trying to manage everything from afar.  By December of the same year, I started providing similar services in Cornwall and Plymouth whilst the brand at home grew bigger by the day. Strong Fitness has just celebrated its second successful year with new premises, a weekly timetable of classes and over fifty members to date.”

The epitome of success, Sarah has high recommendations for her university course and the support she received: “As well as running my own business and competing in sport, I’m so pleased with my time as a student. I have nothing but high praise for how the BDS course was developed, delivered and executed. I have never felt so prepared to enter the working world thanks to the staff and colleagues within the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. I enjoyed the early clinical exposure and spiral curriculum – this ensured a solid foundation of knowledge was gained whilst our clinical skills had time to grow stronger and stronger.”

Sarah will commence work in September as a foundation dentist based in Kilkeel and says she is excited about her future career: “In terms of my future in the dental world, I hope it will involve paediatrics and holistic healthcare. I think my ultimate challenge will be how to juggle these professions and perhaps marry them together in some way. I have come to realise that over the course of university life you should always follow your passions – and I’m proud that this is what I’m continuing to do.”