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The sky’s the limit for Cúig with airline sponsorship boost

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With their musical career rocketing, the sky is (literally) the limit for young Trad band Cúig, having secured sponsorship from the country’s premier airline, Aer Lingus.

The five-member band – Camlough brothers Eoin and Cathal Murphy, Miceal Mullen from Killeen and brothers Ruairi and Ronan Stewart from Tyrone – are currently fronting a new promotional video for the airline, which has already been viewed more than 200,000 times across the globe.

The band spearheads Aer Lingus’ advertising of the world-famous Milwaukee Irish Fest, North America’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.  Having graced the stage at last year’s event, Cúig were invited to return this year, with the Aer Lingus team following them on the journey.  The result is a two-minute video featuring the boys as they travel trans-Atlantic to perform their music in front of thousands at the US festival, with the track ‘Carry On’ from their new, soon-to-be-released album used as the soundtrack to the video.

This level of exposure is the stuff of dreams and signals exciting times ahead for the young musicians who say they still can’t quite believe it.

Speaking to The Examiner from America, where they are continuing their summer tour, Miceal Mullen explained how the opportunity came about: “We got the initial email from Aer Lingus when we were in Paris playing a gig there at the Irish Cultural Centre and to say that we were shocked would be a complete understatement!, he enthused.

 “We played Milwaukee Irish Fest last year and had such an amazing time so we were already buzzing to be going back for a second year; the sponsorship with Aer Lingus was just a massive bonus.  We never expected to ever get this kind of exposure and the fact that Aer Lingus enjoyed our music enough to feature it on an advert is still hard for us to get over! 

“The track ‘Carry On’ is a song from our new album that will be coming out later this year with launches being organised for local venues,” Miceal added.

The boys are due to return home later this month where they will spend just a few weeks before embarking on a month-long German tour.  All this while continuing with their studies at their respective universities is no mean feat for these young men, the eldest of whom has just turned 23.   But in light of what they have already achieved, Cúig can be assured of a stellar future in the music industry.


British Army visit to school criticized

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News that some students from a Newry school are being compelled to take part in an event with soldiers from the British Army has been criticized by a local republican group.

Saoradh an Iúir says the visit by soldiers to Newry High School, scheduled for today (Monday) is “totally unacceptable”, particularly as the Year 12 students involved have been told it is compulsory to participate.

The event involves students interacting with army personnel in activities such as “team building, command tasks, thinking skills and decision-making”, Saoradh an Iúir spokesperson Stephen Murney revealed.

Voicing his opposition, Mr Murney said: “Newry High School is a mixed secondary school. Forcing pupils, many of whom come from a Nationalist background, to take part in an event along with the British forces of occupation is shameful to say the least”, adding that he had been contacted by numerous people who have raised concerns about the visit.

Police officers sanctioned over Newry road rage investigation

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Three PSNI officers have been disciplined for their failure to properly investigate a road rage incident in Newry during which a woman was allegedly assaulted.

The sanctions against two sergeants and a constable have been recommended by the Police Ombudsman’s Office following the conclusion of its investigation into a complaint by the injured party that the PSNI officers failed in their duty to conduct proper inquiries into the incident.

The probe derived from an incident where the woman claimed she was assaulted by a man after he had blocked her car with his vehicle.  She subsequently took her complaint to the Police Ombudsman after the alleged assailant was issued with a community resolution notice (CRN) as an alternative to prosecution.

The woman said that although she was too distressed to make a statement to police at the time, she had made it clear she wanted the man prosecuted and claimed the constable’s failure to follow up with witnesses and to ascertain the extent of her injuries had meant the allegation of assault had not been fully investigated.

Police Ombudsman investigators upheld her complaint while also recommending misconduct proceedings against two sergeants.

The constable was found to have failed in his duty to investigate by not conducting proper inquiries before issuing the CRN, while the sergeants had failed in their duty to supervise.

The woman told Ombudsman investigators that the incident began after the man accused her of taking his parking space and subsequently parked behind her vehicle, preventing her from moving.  When she knocked on the man’s window to ask him to move, she said he struck her by opening his car door before grabbing her by the arm and swinging her against the door of her own vehicle.

A woman who witnessed the incident and phoned the police supported the complainant’s version of events.

The police officer confirmed to investigators that the woman was in an extreme state of distress when he arrived on the scene and had to be accompanied home, where she agreed to make a statement when calmer. 

While at her home the constable was informed the suspect had been stopped by other officers and left to speak to him.  He interviewed the man under caution before issuing him with a CRN after discussion with his supervising sergeant.

During the Police Ombudsman’s investigation, the constable admitted that he had been unaware of who had reported the incident and had not identified any other witnesses at the scene, nor had he consulted the complainant before issuing the CRN despite being aware of her wishes.  He did not establish the full facts of the altercation and accepted the man’s answers during interview without clarification, and agreed that, had he had all the available evidence to hand, the man could have been arrested and brought to court.

Investigators also found that two sergeants responsible for supervising the constable did not check his actions in following all reasonable lines of enquiry.

The Police Ombudsman’s Office recommended that the two officers be disciplined.

The PSNI has since acted on this recommendation and the two sergeants have received management action. The constable was dealt with by way of performance procedures.

Pensioner’s birthday donation to granddaughter’s legacy charity

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Generous pensioner Annie Theresa McNamee marked the occasion of her 85th birthday recently by donating the fantastic sum of €660 to a cancer charity set up in memory of her cherished granddaughter who passed away from cancer three years ago.

Last month Annie Theresa, from Killeen, Newry, hosted a party in the Carrickdale Hotel, which was attended by family and friends.  Unselfishly, the pensioner insisted she did not want to receive birthday gifts, but instead encouraged guests to consider making a financial contribution, which would be donated to the Sabrina Ryan Foundation.

Ensuring her cherished granddaughter would be a part of the special occasion, Annie Theresa told her family: “Sure what would I need presents for, at my time of day?   I rather do something that will help others, but also remembering my beautiful granddaughter Sabrina”. 

Having endured the loss her son David at the age of 46 to bowel cancer, Annie Theresa has first-hand experience of the traumatic effect cancer has on the lives of sufferers and their families.  Her proud family have described her as “an inspirational lady to both young and old” and are delighted that her generous and thoughtful deed will have a positive effect on the lives of cancer patients.

The Sabrina Ryan Foundation was established last year in memory of the 32-year-old mother-of-one who lost her courageous battle to a rare form of lung cancer in August 2015.  The charity offers financial and practical help and support to cancer patients throughout Ireland who are undergoing treatment, such as weekend breaks, complementary therapies and helping towards the cost of wigs for patients experiencing hair loss.  For more information or to make an application to the charity, visit www.sabrinaryanfoundation.com.

Pride in Newry

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Hundreds of people joined in the Pride celebrations in Newry on Saturday, the streets awash with colour and cheer as the annual LGBTQ Pride Parade wound its way through the city.

Events also included an outdoor concert and children’s funfair, and culminated in the Pride Ball, held in Bellini’s.

Local politicans praised the organisers and those who came out to support the day’s events.

Sinn Fein’s Megan Fearon said: “It was great to see …a wonderful display of unity and determination to win the fight for equality of opportunity under the law.  That means equality for all our citizens, but particularly for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.”

Ms Fearon described it as “a disgrace” that the right to marriage equality is still being denied. 

“The vibrant, colourful and loud message from today’s Newry Pride parade is that the ‘north is next’ and Sinn Féin will continue to campaign to ensure that this becomes a reality,” she added.

SDLP councillor Pete Byrne used the opportunity to call for a greater understanding and acceptance for the LGBT community.

“‘Visibility for the LGBT community has never been more important, by simply being seen and heard we allow for greater understanding and acceptance in our society. We must continue to foster a place which allows people to live authentically.  While the fight continues for equality under the law, we all have a responsibility to ensure the inclusion of our LGBT brothers and sisters in society,” he said.

Opposition to proposed demolition of campus wall

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A planning application to remove a stone wall which forms part of the boundary of Southern Regional College (SRC) campus in Newry has been met with strong opposition from local residents.

SRC is seeking approval to demolish the structure, which dates back to the 1820s, however locals have objected, claiming the wall is an important part of the city’s heritage as it is the last remaining section of the town’s old pig and cattle mart.

On Saturday, protesters gathered at the spot on Patrick Street to register their disapproval to the move and call on SRC to withdraw the application.

Lending his support to the campaign to retain the wall, MP Mickey Brady said it “cannot be demolished out of our history”, and on Friday he met with SRC senior management to discuss the issue.

“I believe there is now a clear understanding within the Southern Regional College management of the very genuine concerns by many about the proposal and the depth of opposition to the dismantling of this iconic wall.  What is needed now is a discussion with the local community and all other appropriate stakeholders with the aim in resolving the issue ending the current dilemma.”

Mr Brady confirmed he has also raised the matter with the Chief Executive of Newry Mourne & Down Council, Mr Liam Hannaway, and said he “made it absolutely clear to him the level of opposition to the planning application”.

 “As one who was born and raised in this community, I share the concerns of many that an important part of our built heritage could be lost, and will oppose this planning application. I will work with the local community and to ensure that our objections are heard at the highest level and that they are addressed.  The Mart was a key part of Ballybot’s and Newry’s social and economic life and cannot be demolished out of our history,” he said

Widespread shock at the discovery of handgun in alleyway bin

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The community of Barcroft and Ballybot has been rocked by the deadly discovery of a handgun in an alleyway bin in the area last week. There has been widespread condemnation of those responsible for dumping the firearm, after it was discovered in a bin in the alleyway of John Martin Street in the city at around 6.30pm on Tuesday evening. The gun continues to be examined by forensics and police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Commenting after the disturbing find was made, Detective Sergeant James Johnston said those responsible were “reckless in the extreme to leave such an item in a residential area which is frequented by all members of the public, including children.”

Newry SDLP councillor Michael Savage said those who dumped the firearm have “no regard for the safety of children in the area.”

Describing the dangerous find as “deeply worrying”, Councillor Savage highlighted that it was the latest in a number of worrying incidents in the Ballybot/Barcroft area in recent weeks.  Just last month four people narrowly escaped injury after a volley of shots was fired at a property in the Barcroft area. 

Commenting on the handgun find, Mr Savage added,

“Those responsible for this reckless act don’t care about the children and the people of Barcroft or Ballybot. This weapon was found in a residential area which is frequented by all members of the public, including children. In recent weeks I chatted with young teenagers who meet up in this area and I am just grateful that they or children in the area didn’t find this deadly weapon.”

The SDLP councillor said he intended to meet with local PSNI Chiefs in the coming days to get a full briefing into the discovery and other recent incidents in the area.

Police say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm find. 

Residents vow ‘to reclaim their neighbourhood’

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Concerned residents from the Barcroft/Ballybot community gathered in Raymond McCreesh Park in Newry on Friday evening for a public meeting to discuss what they claim is an escalation of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The Barcroft/Ballybot Residents Association (BBRA) called the meeting as part of a community campaign which has included a 1000 leaflet drop, calling on residents to ‘reclaim their neighbourhood’ after a series of disturbing incidents – the most recent being the discovery of a handgun in a bin in the John Martin Street area, close to the Raymond McCreesh play park.  The firearm find came on the back of a separate shocking incident where gunshots were fired at a house in Barcroft Park.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, BBRA spokesperson, Gavin Malone, told The Examiner that the city centre play park and Doran’s Hill area have become “no go areas” due to the level of  anti-social behaviour taking place with youths and adults congregating regularly to use the wooded areas as “drinking dens.”

“If we continue to tolerate what’s going on then quite simply our children will suffer,” he said.

 “We all have a duty of care to stand up and be counted,” said Mr Malone. 

Friday’s meeting drew a huge turnout, with elected representatives among those present.  SDLP Councillor Michael Savage, who has been working with the BBRA in addressing ongoing issues in the area, updated those gathered on the proposed measures to clear overgrowth on the Doran’s Hill, Kiln Street and Raymond Kelly Park areas, where anti-social behaviour has been taking place.

Mr Savage appealed to all groups in the area to work together “to develop positive programmes for young people and to build on the positive work already being done in the area.”

BBRA representative, Gavin Malone, said the PSNI seemed to have significantly increased patrols in the area since the concerns were highlighted, describing the police presence as “great to see.”

“Our community is under siege,” he added, “There are serious problems in our area and we will do our best to make it safe for everyone.”


Repeated breakdown of hospital’s CT Scanner “of great concern”

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Having met with officials from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in relation to the need for a new CT Scanner in Daisy Hill Hospital, Mickey Brady MP has revealed that the current scanner was out of action again last week, the third time the machine has reportedly broken down within a short period of time.

Trust management have confirmed the need for a replacement scanner and are currently working on a business case for it, Mr Brady has claimed.  He has called for the project to be expedited, stating that the “age, condition and effectiveness of the current machine is a cause of great concern”. 

“Daisy Hill Acute Hospital, Newry City is in the largest locality in the Southern Trust in Newry & Mourne, and also provides for the wider catchment population which also includes south Armagh and south Down,” Mr Brady said.  “It is essential that to ensure that the objectives of ‘increasing capacity to meet future demand and to further improve quality and safety’ are met, that investment and funding for new, up to date major CT and MRI scanning equipment is made available as a matter of urgency.”

It is believed the new CT Scanner will have an increased specification compared to the current machine, thus the business case approval from the Department of Health for the replacement scanner will therefore also require approval for an increase in the low voltage electrical supply to the site, as well as additional space due to the footprint of the scanner, Mr Brady revealed.

“Whilst the business case process is ongoing, approval has been sought by the Trust  for the use of a mobile scanner in the interim period. This again is welcome but can only be a temporary solution to the problem,” he added.

Relax Recycling Centre rules to help combat fly-tipping: Byrne

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Regulations governing the access and usage of the Council Recycling Centre in Crossmaglen must be relaxed to address the growing issue of domestic dumping in the south Armagh area, a local councillor has claimed.

SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne says he is calling on Newry Mourne and Down District Council to consider reducing its restrictions on vans and commercial vehicles being permitted access to the site, which may help combat the rise in illicit dumping of waste at roadsides.

“I have called for rules surrounding the access to Crossmaglen Recycling Centre to be relaxed to ensure the Council does all within its power to address the issue,” he said. 

“At present, there are restrictions on vans and commercial vehicles being allowed access to the Crossmaglen facility to offload domestic waste. This only encourages the type of dumping that we have seen in recent times and the subsequent clean-up is a further drain on Council resources.

“Council policy also restricts the amount of waste that is kept on site in Crossmaglen. This includes restrictions on the capacity of skips and number of disposed appliances the site can store. If these policy restrictions remain in place, we must ensure that waste is removed as soon as possible to ensure we don’t turn people away.”

Councillor Byrne says he has asked “on numerous occasions” for the restrictions to be changed and has welcomed a commitment received from Council officials to review its policy.

“It is important that we maximise and enhance the potential of our own facilities to ensure accessibility,” the councillor said.  “With the Slieve Gullion area fast becoming the biggest tourism driver within this district, it is a shame that we continue to have problems with dumping and fly tipping. These are just a couple of common sense measures that will make the Crossmaglen Recycling Centre more accessible to those looking to dispose of domestic waste. It is within our gift to transform how the Crossmaglen facility operates and we shouldn’t allow policy to block the potential to address this issue.”

Residents optimistic that plans to demolish wall will be scrapped

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Concerned residents remain optimistic that a planning application to demolish the perimeter wall of the Southern Regional College (SRC) campus in Newry will be withdrawn.  

Last week, a campaign led by local politicians to oppose the removal of the stone wall on Patrick Street, -which is deemed to be a historic structure as it once was the boundary of the former pig and cattle mart – gained momentum.  A public rally calling for the application to be withdrawn was held at the spot while the area’s MP Mickey Brady led a delegation of local community representatives in a meeting with SRC management.

Commenting on the events of the meeting, Mr Brady said: “We were assured by the Southern Regional College representatives at the meeting that the old Mart wall would remain as it is, and that a consultation process would begin which would involve all stakeholders including residents, local elected and community representatives. 

“We are not against modernisation and development, however there must be a balance and a commitment made to protect this iconic wall which is very much part of Newry’s, social and economic history. 

“Whilst we appreciate the opportunity facilitated by the Southern Regional College to discuss the issue which has caused huge distress to the local community, it is imperative that communication continues until all concerns are alleviated,” he added.

 Meanwhile Newry SDLP Councillor Michael Savage says has asked Newry BID (Business Improvement District) to co-ordinate a meeting with senior SRC management with a view to seeking alternative proposals to the removal of the wall.

Councillor Savage said: “I can understand the parking element of what SRC is trying to do with this proposal and I have always been supportive of SRC expanding its presence in our city to offer our young people a pathway to a career. However the tearing down of the old pig and cattle mart wall, which has been in Patrick Street from 1820, is a step too far and I believe SRC should go back to the drawing board and consult with local residents and Councillors on an alternative.

“I met with local residents at the launch of their campaign and petition on Thursday evening and the anger in the area to tearing down the wall is palpable. Residents in this area believe that the wall is one of the few landmarks of old Newry left in Ballybot and it must be protected. They live here 24/7 and see the wall as an historic and aesthetic feature that adds character to the area,” he added.

“Hopefully SRC will respond positively to this initiative to bring everyone around the table and we can work to come up with alternative proposals that meet the college’s needs and maintains its strong relationship with the people of Ballybot.”

Cross-party delegation to seek permanent funding for schools coaching programme

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A cross-party delegation led by Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA, Justin McNulty, and including various sports’ governing bodies is set to meet with the Department of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Derek Baker, to argue for the retention of the schools coaching programme –  a scheme provided by Ulster GAA and the Irish FA which sees Gaelic and soccer coaches provide coaching in primary schools throughout the north.  

About £1.3 million has been spent by the department annually since it first launched. 

The programme has been saved twice since the collapse of the Stormont executive in January last year, but with funding due to end next month, and the Stormont stalemate continuing,  the Department of Education says it needs a Stormont minister to approve the continuation of the scheme.

According to SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, Irish FA chief Patrick Nelson and Ulster GAA chief executive Brian McAvoy  will join  political representatives at the face-to-face discussions, to “press for a permanent resolution” to the funding issue.

Speaking about the upcoming meeting Mr McNulty hailed the Curriculum Sports Programme  “one of the most successful” such schemes delivered in local schools.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the programme, but don’t just take my word for it, talk to school principals, sports bodies and parents,” he said.

“The benefits to children participating in sport are vast. In an era of rising mental health issues in young people, as well as worrying figures around childhood obesity, the benefits of participation cannot be overstated. Sport opens doors of opportunity to young people that they may not get otherwise.”

Mr McNulty said he is “delighted” to have a cross-party consensus in supporting the programme, blaming the political instability at Stormont for placing the future of “this successful and positive programme in jeopardy.” 

“Since the collapse of the DUP / SF Executive the programme has faced numerous threats of closure and it has had a number of reprieves,” he added.

“More than 50 coaches face redundancy, and children will be robbed of this very valuable sporting programme if the programme is not put on a permanent funding stream.

 “I appreciate education is facing very difficult funding challenges at present, but this cannot be a casualty of those pressures. Physical activity is every bit as important as classroom activity in the development of our children.”

Legendary south Armagh musician receives Musical Icon award

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Over 50 of Ireland’s leading musicians gathered in Bellini’s last Thursday night to pay tribute to South Armagh’s world renowned pianist, fiddle player, composer and teacher, Josephine Keegan, as she received the Iúr Cinn Fleadh Musical Icon Award. 

The evening got off to a rousing start when over 25 members of the 83 year old’s former Fiddle Group reunited to pay homage to their mentor and inspirationalist. They were followed in quick succession by musicians who testified to Josephine’s legacy, which includes over 500 self-composed tunes, many of which are in the mainstream of performances of today’s young musicians.  

The Dundee born musician came to live with her Irish parents in Mullaghbawn in 1939, at the age of four. A childhood spent playing piano and fiddle from the age of six – being taught by both parents at home – later led to formal lessons.  Josephine went on to study classical music on both instruments as well as playing traditional music. Her early involvement in the John Murphy céilí band developed from sessions in the houses of members. Keegan won many competitions including the Gold Medal at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin in 1955.

Fiddle playing took a back seat after that and she concentrated on being a piano player, as accompanist to pianist Seán Maguire and many other legendary musicians including Joe Burke, Seamus Tansey and Jim McKillop. 

The Octogenarian recorded her first of five solo albums in 1976 and in 2006, after a gap of twenty five years she recorded a new solo album. The Mullaghbawn woman is revered throughout the traditional music scene around the globe as a great musician, a collector composer of tunes and a generous teacher and mentor to hundreds of musicians for decades.

No stranger to awards throughout her career, Josephine received a special accolade at Boston College in 2003, in appreciation of her life-long dedication to traditional music and her invaluable contribution to Irish Cultural preservation. Two years later she won the TG4 composer of the year award and received an award from Newry and Mourne District Council for her contribution to music.   In 2014 TG4 dedicated a special Sé mo Láoch TV programme to her lifelong achievements

Last week’s Lifetime Accomplishment Award was one of the major events in this year’s  Iúr Cinn Fleadh programme, drawing musicians and fans from all over Ireland.  One determined fan refused to let a car accident on his way to the event stop him from paying tribute.  As he sat on the grass verge at the roadside waiting for a pickup truck, Oliver O’Connell from Doolin, County Clare penned a poem in her honour and emailed it through to co-presenter Tommy Fegan, who read the poem – which hails Josephine as “the greatest player of all” –  to an appreciative audience on the night. 

The Fleadh’s Musical Icon award was a fitting tribute to the much-loved south Armagh musician who has brought joy to traditional music fans all over the world for many decades. 

Regret over lack of justice for Kingsmill bereaved

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The lead detective in the most recent investigation into the Kingsmill massacre has spoken of his remorse that he failed in his bid to get justice for the families of those murdered.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harrison made the comments on Wednesday at the resumption of the inquest into the January 1976 attack when ten workmen were ordered from their minibus and shot dead at Kingsmill, near Whitecross.  Alan Black was the sole survivor, despite being shot 18 times. 

No one has ever been convicted of the atrocity and DCI Harrison said it was a “horrendous situation” for the bereaved families.  Referring to a palm print found on a van police believe may have been used by the gunmen, which came to light two years ago, he blamed “system and human error” for the 40-year delay in identifying its owner.  

Harrison led a fresh investigation into the atrocity in 2016 after the palm print was successfully matched. It had been taken from the vehicle by police forensic officers during the initial investigation, and unsuccessful attempts were made to match it in 2010 and 2014 using police database systems.  Following the positive identification of the owner, in August 2016 a 59-year-old man was arrested by police in Newry and questioned in connection with the crime.  In February last year, the Public Prosecution Service announced it would not be pursuing a case against the man due to insufficient evidence.

Giving evidence at last week’s resumption of the inquest, DCI Harrison told the court: “I sit here with remorse today that my investigation has not given the families the justice they deserve.  If I could change the situation I would.”

Reading a section of the report he submitted to the PPS, he revealed some difficulties in proving whether the van had been used by the gunmen, due to a lack of witnesses and a lack of firearms residue inside the van. 

The court heard that the man arrested in 2016, referred to as ‘S54’, made no comment during police interviews when asked to account for how his palm print was found in the van. The inquest also heard the suspect was described in a police intelligence report as “a very dangerous terrorist who would be familiar with police procedures” and who “should be treated with caution.” 

The detective told the inquest it is his belief that the van “more likely than not” was used by the gunmen but with no witness accounts to place the vehicle at the scene, couple with a number of informational and evidential gaps linking S54 to the murder, he said there was a lack of certainty over how the palm print came to be in the van, with police unable to “discount that the palm print had been placed there innocently.”

DCI Harrison added that there is no active police investigation into the Kingsmills murders at present.  The hearing continues.

Mulkerns Eurospar scoops ‘Best Food-To-Go Outlet’ at prestigious awards

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Mulkerns Eurospar at Newtowncloghoge has scooped another top industry award – 

this time clinching the ‘Best Food-To-Go Outlet’ at last week’s Forecourt Trader Awards  – the most prestigious and respected awards in the UK’s petrol retailing calendar.

The glittering Moulin Rouge themed evening was held at the London Hilton Park Lane on Thursday last (13th September), hosted by presenter, singer, dancer and actress Kimberley Walsh and celebrated the brightest and best in the industry. 

Speaking to The Examiner after receiving the accolade, Terry Mulkerns, owner of Mulkerns, said, 

“We’re absolutely thrilled at being selected as Best UK Food-to-Go Outlet this year at the prestigious Forecourt Trader Awards. It’s a testament to the huge effort our team have put in day after day and really without them, none of this would be possible.”


Forkhill firm says Health Service losing out on £1.2 million savings

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A Forkhill company which distributes surgical gloves throughout Ireland claims the north’s Health Service is losing out on £1.2 million savings. 

Best Putra Gloves in Forkhill sells its highly-rated sterile and non-sterile products to doctors, dentists and veterinarians, but has been unable to win business from the Health Service – despite meeting the strict requirements for inclusion in the list of approved medical suppliers.

The company, which has been trading since 2010, says its product range offers value-for-money and could deliver savings to the hard-pressed Health Service totalling £1.2 million over three years.

Managing director Paddy Smyth says: “We’re selling well in the private market with satisfied customers on both sides of the border. Our business has grown in five years, but we know we could do much more if we were able to sell into hospitals.

“It might not seem like a big saving, but £1.2 million could provide more than 100 hip operations, almost 500 cataract operations, 3,000 hospital bed days or 350 new hospital beds.

“Anything that delivers quality at competitively priced rates deserves to be looked at closely. The benefits are appreciable and simply cannot be ignored.”

He added: “We’ve gone to great lengths to explain the benefits of our gloves and how they are priced, but we’re finding it really difficult to convince the Health Service of the benefits.

“We will be redoubling our efforts to break into the Northern Ireland Health Service supplier market.

“Of course, it would be good for business if we sold more to hospitals and surgeries, but it would also be beneficial for the Health Service and, ultimately, the taxpayer.”

Best Putra Gloves also sells into the lucrative GB market from its Forkhill base.

The company was recently included in the list of approved suppliers for 230 health trusts in GB, which opens up a market worth millions of pounds a year.

Convicted child killer arrested in Newry

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A convicted child killer was arrested in Newry last week after being escorted over the border by Irish police. John Clifford was arrested on Monday last (September 10th) after a week on the run from authorities.

The 56-year-old was jailed in 1989 for the rape and murder of his eight-year-old niece Sue Ellen Clifford.  He had been released from Belfast’s Burren House unit for prisoners approaching the end of their sentences on Sunday September 2 to attend an appointment but failed to return when expected. 

Police said he was spotted boarding a train to Dublin at Belfast’s Lanyon Place Station, after he abandoned a mobility scooter there. 

During his time on the run, sightings of him had been made in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, and in Dublin city.  It is understood Clifford was spotted by locals at a homeless charity near the seafront in Bray, Co Wicklow, on Monday afternoon. Gardai were called and the abuser was driven to the border by Irish police and handed over to PSNI officers who arrested him at around 4.25pm in Newry.

Clifford, who is also serving time for convictions including cruelty to children and indecent assault, was returned to prison following his arrest.

In 1988 he had been trusted to babysit his eight year old niece in her north Belfast home. He sexually assaulted and strangled her before dumping the child’s body on a railway line. The trauma caused her mother Martha Adair to take her own life less than two years later.

It was revealed last week that the killer was previously released to a secret location in 2005, but was returned to prison after breaching the terms of his probation.

Detective Inspector Michael McDonnell thanked An Garda Síochána colleagues for their assistance in locating Mr Clifford and facilitating his return to Northern Ireland.

“I would also like to thank those members of the public who contacted us with information and the media for their assistance in publicising our appeals for information,” he added.

Police urged to fast track evidence against Kingsmill suspect

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A lawyer for the families of the 10 men killed in the Kingsmill Massacre has urged police to fast-track the review of evidence against a suspect in the atrocity who later went on to secure a British government comfort letter.

The long running inquest into the 1976 massacre, which saw 10 Protestant workmen lined up and shot dead as they returned home from work, heard that two suspects named in documents related to the murders received On The Run (OTR) letters around 30 years later.  The OTR scheme saw letters sent to republicans on the run during the 2000s assuring them they were not being actively sought by the authorities in the UK.

One of the suspects has since died, but on Wednesday last the inquest lawyer for some of the bereaved appealed to coroner Brian Sherrard to ask detectives to prioritise the case.

A critical report on the contentious OTR scheme led to the PSNI undertaking a review of 228 individuals considered under it, with a number of cases identified as a priority.

A lawyer for the PSNI told coroner, Mr Sherrard, at a preliminary inquest hearing in Belfast that the surviving Kingsmill suspect who possessed an OTR letter was not one of the the 228 priority cases so a review into the circumstances of that letter had not yet begun.

Alan Kane QC, representing some of victims, suggested that the coroner might “encourage if not ask” the PSNI to turn its focus to the Kingsmill suspect so “the work of this inquest could be brought to a conclusion sooner rather than later”.

Mr Sherrard said he would reflect on the request, adding that he had an “open mind” on the matter.

The coroner revealed that both OTR recipients were only mentioned once as suspects in all the files related to the killings so could be considered “peripheral” to the case, given the number of other suspects identified in the media.

Mr Sherrard said he would consider whether it was appropriate to request that a UK government representative appear before the inquest to explain issues related to the issue of the letters.

“I remain open minded and positive in relation to having someone here to talk to me about On The Runs,” he said.

“I would then decide the parameters of that questioning.”

During Wednesday’s hearing, the coroner also took the unusual step of confirming that an individual arrested in 2016 in connection with a palm print found on a suspected Kingsmill getaway vehicle was not a man a daily newspaper alleged was the owner of the print.

Mr Sherrard said he was responding to a “unique situation” in an effort to “address any confusion” among family members caused by the article.

The coroner confirmed he would not be releasing any further information about people named on Kingsmill files as suspects, who are referred to in court only by coded ciphers.

“The cipher system remains sacrosanct,” he said.

DfI pledges to tackle ‘parking chaos’ at Cloghogue Bridge

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A commitment from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Traffic Management to install traffic parking restrictions at Cloghogue Bridge near Newry has been welcomed by SDLP Councillor Michael Savage.

He says plans to introduce double yellow lines at the junction of the Flagstaff Road with the Dublin Road will help alleviate obstructions caused by inconsiderate parking, as well as access problems being experienced by residents.

The department is also seeking to identify the potential of developing further park-and-share provision in the area for commuters, Councillor Savage added.

Commenting on the issue, which has exacerbated in recent months, he said: “I have been inundated with calls from residents living in the Flagstaff Road, Cloghogue Bridge and Carrivemaclone areas complaining that they cannot get in or out of their own properties due to commuters parking in these areas and then heading off to work in Dublin and Belfast in work vans or as part of a car pool.

“The [existing] park and share facility is being outstripped by demand in the area and it is in urgent need of expansion to cope with the growing demand. 

“This area is swamped with cars from early morning to late in the evening and residents, farmers and business owners in the area are being greatly inconvenienced by motorists leaving their cars all day without any consideration of the access needs of the people living and working there.  The situation has got worse since I contacted DfI about this issue several months ago to such an extent that the Flagstaff Road now resembles a car park rather than a narrow country road.”

Councillor Savage says the unregulated parking has led to “obvious health and safety issues” and added that “something needs to be done”. 

“Farmers and business owners in the area are struggling to get access with tractors and lorries due to the road being narrowed by parked cars.  The people of this area fully understand that tradesmen and other commuters need to park somewhere when they are car pooling but that is what the Park-and-Share facility was designed for. Unfortunately this concept has become victim of its own success and it is not big enough to cope with demand.”

In response, a spokesperson for DfI confirmed double yellow lines are to be introduced.

“We are also commencing the process of identifying the potential to develop more park and share capacity in this area but it should be noted that projects of this nature take some time to deliver while all the necessary processes are completed.

“Motorists should ensure that they park in a safe manner at all times, as per the guidance in the Highway Code, and not obstruct footways, private entrances or the carriageway, If obstruction is being caused it should be reported to the PSNI as the authority responsible for this enforcement,” the spokesperson said.

Convicted paedophile who sparked nationwide manhunt given two year sentence

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A convicted paedophile who sparked a nationwide manhunt in April this year after violating his warrant and release conditions has been sentenced to two years in jail.

Forty eight year old James White, from Crossmaglen, described in court as a Category Two sex offender, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Monday last, where he admitted breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

He was one of two sex offenders who were apprehended by members of the public in Mullaghbawn in April.  Both White and his accomplice, 26 year old Jason Lydiard from Bessbrook, were discovered tied to a bench in the south Armagh village after a protracted cross-border hunt for the pair, who had absconded from authorities.

The Crossmaglen man, whose current address was given as Antrim Road in Belfast, pleaded guilty to owning both a Samsung mobile and a Samsung tablet last October, without the prior approval of a designated risk manager.

Crown prosecutor Gareth Purvis said White’s breaches were discovered last October, after a police search of his hostel accommodation found a tablet and mobile phone, which were seized and later analysed.

The court heard that White called a woman, and accessed the internet searching for dogs and houses.  Even though the devices were not used for any activity deemed criminal, they represented a breach of the terms of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.  White committed a second breach when he later left the hostel without permission in February this year.

Mr Purvis revealed that White  was “at large in the south, then made this way to the north,” before “he was found with another sex offender in the south Armagh area in April.”

The court heard White had 47 previous convictions on both sides of the border which included sexual offences against “males, females and children”.   His last sexual offence against a child was committed in 1994. The prolific sex offender, who once threatened to kill a social worker with a hammer, was jailed for five years in October 1998 on two counts of buggery and five counts of sexual assault on a teenage boy in County Meath. He was released in 2003.

Judge Geoffery Miller handed White a two year sentence last week for breaching his SOPO. which will be divided between a year in prison, followed by a year on licence.

Handing out the sentence, Judge Miller said White had chosen to “disengage” with the terms of his licence after being released from custody last year, and “failed to avail of the assistance of Probation Service.”

White’s sentence will be divided between a year in prison, followed by a year on licence.

The Judge told White he will not be eligible for release until next September, and recommended that as part of his licence, he participates in programmes designed to reduce any risk he poses to the public.

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