The hustle and bustle of a busy Friday afternoon in Newry was disrupted by an audacious armed robbery which took place in a popular casino in the city centre.  Staff from the Vegas Casino in Cornmarket were left badly shaken after the incident which occurred shortly before 3pm on Friday last.

A man, brandishing a suspected firearm, entered the busy casino and demanded cash from terrified staff. After being handed a sum of cash from the till, the man made off from the premises.

The culprit is described as being aged in his late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5’7” or 5’8” tall, of athletic build, with dark thin well groomed eyebrows.

Police said he was wearing a ‘very distinctive’ grey hooded top with the word ‘Duffer’ on the front, along with black trousers and navy and white trainers.  He was carrying a black coloured foldaway carrier bag.

Detectives from PSNI Reactive and Organised Crime have appealed to the community to focus on the branded ‘Duffer’ emblazoned on the hooded top worn by the thief, and any person who fits the description and owns or has access to such a distinctive top.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that can assist the investigation is urged to contact detectives in Newry on 101.

The inquest into the 1976 Kingsmill massacre has been adjourned after coroner Brian Sherrard agreed  that police should be given time to pursue a new lead in the investigation which emerged just a week after the inquest into the atrocity began.

The families of those who died at Kingsmill were informed of the new forensic evidence just moments before the coroner opened the court proceedings on Tuesday May 31st.

The evidence – a palm print found on a getaway van used in the attack has been linked to a well known veteran republican, after being re-examined.

The IRA was widely blamed for the massacre of 10 Protestant textile workers outside the Co Armagh village of Kingsmill in January 1976 but no-one has ever been convicted of the attack.

Mr Sherrard advised last Tuesday that, given the significance of the evidence, the PSNI should be allowed the opportunity to investigate it.

“My obligation to the deceased, to the families of the deceased and to the community as a whole, and in the interests of justice, demand that the police be allowed the opportunity to investigate this new lead.

“That, however, cannot be an open-ended opportunity,” the coroner said.

“I am acutely aware that more than 40 years have passed since the attack and that those closest to the deceased require answers while they are fit enough to participate.”

The coroner said the discovery of the palm print had “shaken the confidence of a number of families who now wonder who to believe and what they can believe.” He agreed that their reaction was “quite understandable given the timing”.

“These families wish the inquest to push on despite this development as they see it as the best way for them to gain an insight into the deaths all those years ago,” he said.

“This is the first and best opportunity since 1976 to establish a verifiable link between the person who has been identified and the attack. That link may produce many more leads,” he added.

Speaking outside the court after the adjournment was announced, Colin Worton, whose brother Kenneth was killed in the atrocity, said: “The first thing we need is truth. You don’t get justice until you have the truth.

“At the minute we are just waiting for the truth, and obviously justice will follow.”

Mr Worton also said that his faith in the police investigation was “ebbing away.”

Judge Sherrard said a timetable would be put in place and that families would be kept informed as to the progress of the investigation.

The inquest is expected to resume on 21 June.

A budding Newry photographer has managed to complete an ambitious mission to capture amazing pictures of a legendary abandoned car graveyard in Sweden.   On Friday 3rd June Sean Donegan of Newry Man Lost photography set off on an epic adventure to track down the scrapyard, which has become something of an urban legend in Sweden, travelling to the heart of a rural Swedish forest miles from civilization.

The forsaken vehicles were amassed by two Swedish brothers who collected the cars left behind by US servicemen after WWII.  Over one thousand classics including Buicks, Mustangs, Beetles, Dodge and even Morris Minors reside in the forest.  The collection thrived as a business up until the eighties due to the high price of cars in neighbouring Norway, before being abandoned to the elements in the nineties. It is believed that the vehicles left behind have a scrap value of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Spurred on by the fact that they would be the first Irish photographers to locate and hopefully capture this urban legend, Sean and fellow photographer Cathal from Uncharted Ireland photography, flew to Gardermoen airport in Norway where they hired a car and set off across country for the Norwegian Swedish border.

Their base for the weekend would be a hostel in the small Swedish town of Tockfors.  Armed with nothing but hope and some local knowledge, the pair set off early on Saturday morning driving deep into the countryside.

Picking up the story of his Swedish escapade for The Examiner, Sean continued,

“The small winding road went on for miles and miles and we began to give up hope. The road turned into a gravelly track and we were about to turn back when suddenly up ahead we could see what looked like a dodge truck sticking its nose out of the forest.

“We drove on another few hundred metres and more and more rusted relics of automotive history began to appear between the trees.  We knew then that we were getting close. We drove another half a kilometre down the track and when we turned the next bend suddenly out of nowhere the Valhalla of classic decaying vehicles was right in front of our very eyes.

“There was nothing else for it – we jumped out of the car and grabbed our cameras and spent the next 14 hours in 32 degree heat swarmed by mosquitoes trying to capture the magical scenes that lay in their rusting resting place.”

Sean describes the momentous find as a day of “mixed emotions” where the delight at discovering the classic relics was combined with sadness at the decay and disrepair of the vehicles.

“One thing is for sure,” adds Sean, “It was an adventure I’ll never forget!”

Sean is well known locally for his avid interest in all things historical and spooky and as well as being member of Paranormal Searchers and Investigators Ireland, he is also behind the hugely successful Nocturnal Ireland Paranormal Investigators in Newry – a company which offers members of the public the chance to become paranormal investigators in some of the most notoriously haunted locations in Ireland.

Through the local paranormal group he continues to bring something different to the city, with murder mystery nights, paranormal tours and ghost hunts regularly booked out.  Having recently branched out into photography under the guise of Newry Man Lost and Sean of the Dead Photography, Sean is definitely carving a name for himself in the industry, capturing atmospheric and unusual images of the world on his travels.

To check out Sean’s work, find him on Facebook as both Sean of the Dead Photography and Newry Man Lost.

As the Brexit referendum approaches on 23rd June, the debate around the issue has intensified, with those in favour of remaining in the EU warning of the potential impact for the local and wider economy of the reintroduction of controls along the border, should a vote to leave the EU be carried.

Last week, Northern Ireland’s Catholic bishops weighed into the discussion, warning of the “profound implications” for trade and economy and for society should border controls be reintroduced.

A statement issued on the second day of the Summer 2016 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference last Wednesday, on behalf of Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor, Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey, Bishop of Clogher Liam MacDaid and Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown, described the decision facing the electorate on June 23 as “charged with far-reaching political, economic and cultural implications” for Ireland and for the whole of the European Union”.

While the statement does not urge the electorate to vote either way, it veers towards making a case for rejecting a Brexit and seems to cite the “disruptive impact” of border controls in Northern Ireland “on the day-to-day life of those who live in border areas or cross the border frequently” as reason to vote to remain in the EU.

The five bishops also highlight “links between the core values of Catholic social teaching and the founding vision of the European Union” and they add that the European contribution to Northern Ireland “in the quest for peace and reconciliation has been evident in many ways, including the creation of important spaces for dialogue, financial support for the work of peace and reconciliation, freedom of movement of people, and the development of infrastructure to support new relationships across the island of Ireland and with the UK.”

The statement cautions against reducing the “wide ranging benefits” of membership to a single calculation of net economic gain or loss and warns that “The valuable work carried out to date to build new relationships across these islands must not be undermined.”

In conclusion the North’s bishops say the referendum “offers a valuable opportunity to ask ourselves how well the European Union is living up to these values today and what we need to do as citizens to ensure that this framework for cooperation continues to guide nations towards global peace, human development and the common good of all peoples and nations,” before encouraging all voters to participate “in this important decision.”

The issue of border controls in the event of a Brexit vote was also raised by Chancellor George Osborne during his whistle-stop tour of the local area on Monday last as part of the Remain campaign.

Mr Osborne cautioned of job losses, increased tariffs and border checks should a Brexit occur.

“If we quit the EU, this is going to be the border with the European Union and all the things that those who want to quit the EU claim would happen – ie: new immigration checkpoints, border controls and an end to free movement  – that has a real consequence,” the Chancellor said during his visit.

“There would be a hardening of the border imposed by the British government or indeed by the Irish government.  That would have an impact on business.”

Mr Osborne also claimed that the economic impact of Brexit here would be even more significant in Northern Ireland “because of the border and customs checks that would have to be implemented.”  He said it was inevitable that a vote to leave the EU would lead to changes in border arrangements which “is simply not a price worth paying. Northern Ireland is the most pro-EU part of the UK, so I urge people to make sure they are registered ahead of the deadline and turn out in force on June 23rd and back the Remain campaign.”

The impact of the reintroduction of border controls in the country should a Brexit vote be reached in the upcoming referendum was reiterated at last Thursday’s Sinn Fein conference in the Carrickdale Hotel.

The event to discuss Brexit and its implications for Ireland was well attended and headed by a panel which included Louth TD and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, Matt Carthy MEP and  Dr Conor Patterson, Chief Executive of Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency.

Speaking on the night, Gerry Adams called for a clear vote in support of remaining in the EU and said that in the “event that the referendum result is for leaving the EU, Sinn Féin believes there would then be a democratic imperative for a border poll to provide Irish citizens with the right to vote for an end to partition and to retain a role in the EU.”

The Sinn Féin leader admitted that his party is critical of many aspects of the EU “and of the profound lack of democracy at its core.”  Describing Sinn Fein’s approach to the EU as a “critical engagement” he added,

“Where measures are in the interests of the Irish people, we support them. Where they are not, we oppose them and campaign for change.”

Underlining the party’s support for a “social Europe” of equals where people and parliaments have a greater say in creating positive policies, and its opposition to what he called “a fortress Europe which turns its back on refugees,” Mr Adams added that,

“The possibility that a part of our nation could end up outside the European Union while the other part stays in is not a situation that will benefit the Irish people.”

He warned that Brexit threatened the important change which had come about in Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement which saw the border “become all but invisible” and said a vote to leave the EU risked inflicting “significant damage” on both economies.

Echoing her party leader’s sentiments, South Armagh MLA Megan Fearon said a Leave vote would be “bad for Ireland, bad for business and trade, bad for our farmers and bad for human rights and workers’ rights.”

“Partition is at the core of many of the problems we face today and leaving the EU would only copperfasten the worst effects of partition,” said the Sinn Fein Junior Minister.

“The most obvious and retrograde of these would be the reintroduction of a hard EU border in Ireland.

“In areas like this we know all too well what the border has meant.  Traveling from here to Crossmaglen – just a few miles – involves crossing the border several times.

“Thousands of others in border areas across the north from Derry, Strabane, Fermanagh and elsewhere make similar journeys every day for work, study and to visit family and friends.

“A so called “Brexit” could lead to patrols, checkpoints and a return to the disruption of daily life that the border would bring.”

Speaking from the floor Slieve Gullion Councillor Terry Hearty said that European funding, which had been crucial for rural communities, would be in jeopardy “if we are dragged out of the EU.”

Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady added,

“While there are many problems with the EU it has provided huge funding to communities along the border and anyone who thinks, in the event of a Brexit, the British Government is going to replace that funding, is mad.”

A Newry pub has removed all Euro Championship flags from its premises after receiving a threatening phone call, The Examiner has learned.

It’s believed the threat related to the Northern Ireland flag which The Brass Monkey had erected, alongside flags from the Republic of Ireland, Poland and the Czech Republic, to celebrate the start of the tournament on Friday.

Just hours later the bar received a threatening phone call ordering the NI flag to be removed or the premises would be burned down.

The management immediately took the decision to remove all the flags.

UUP MLA Danny Kennedy expressed his disappointment at those who issued the threat.

“It’s a sad reflection on the character of the person who has thought it necessary to issue this threat.  It says much more about that individual than it does about genuine football fans and sports lovers,” the MLA said.

Mr Kennedy said the Brass Monkey is a well-respected bar and restaurant in the city, enjoyed by all sections of the community.

“The owners have been placed in a very difficult situation.  I don’t blame them at all for the action they’ve taken.  The blame rests squarely at the feet of those who thought this was an appropriate way to behave.

“Whoever is responsible for this threat needs to take a look at themselves and catch themselves on,” he added.

A local comedy duo who have created a hilarious video blog sharing the wisdom and wit of Irish women “Nuala and Noleen” have received an unprecedented response with several of the blogs topping 75,000 views!

“Know it All with Nuala and Noleen” is the brainchild of formidable funny women Rozlyn Sheridan from Newry and Teresa McBride from Silverbridge, whose skits take a lighthearted poke at Irish life and everyday situations and sayings.

From things every Irish Mammy says on the eve of exams to their very own tourist guide for Ireland, to diet tips and more, characters “Nuala and Noleen” have perfectly captured things only the Irish can understand and have struck a chord throughout the country since posting their first video just two weeks ago.

Shared and reshared on YouTube, Facebook and by national and local media sites, both Roslyn and Teresa say they are delighted with the positive reaction to the wacky pair who almost everyone can relate to. Both women are no strangers to the comedy scene having whetted the appetites of packed audiences in Newry Town Hall during a hugely successful run of the rip roaring comedy, “Dirty Dusting” in 2013.   They are familiar faces on the Newry drama scene with Rozlyn also running the Sheridan Stage School in Newry and Teresa lecturing in Performing Arts in Southern Regional College.

The ultimate goal for the comedy partnership is to take a self-penned comedy show on tour – something which could very well be in the pipeline if their “Know-it-All” alter egos continue to gather such a huge following.

“We were encouraged by our Snapchat friends to do something together as we were getting such positive feedback from everyone,” says Rozlyn.

“We have started to write our own comedy show and the dream would be to take it on tour. We have received messages from women all over who have had a giggle at our recent videos and we are so overwhelmed and grateful!”

To keep up to date with Nuala and Noleen’s pearls of wisdom, visit the Know it All with Nuala and Noleen Facebook page.

The family life and personal independence of amputee and father-of-two Mark Toner, from Newry, has been transformed after he recently received a stair lift, generously donated by the English manufacturing company, Acorn Stairlifts.

Thirty-six-year-old Mark lost his leg earlier this year after undergoing four years of treatment following by a 16ft fall at work.  After his surgery, the painful disability meant the dad of two young girls had to remain downstairs in his home all day, only able to make it upstairs at bedtime by going backwards.

Mark, who lives with his wife Margaret and daughters Aimee (4) and Faith, who was born seven weeks prematurely in April, explains the circumstances of his disability: “I broke ten bones in my right leg and severely damaged my left when I fell.  After ongoing treatment, I finally made the difficult decision to have it amputated.  I was so limited with what I could do in the house and after Faith was born, I felt even more helpless – my wife would have to run up and down stairs looking after all three of us. Looking after any new baby is difficult but when you have a premature baby, everything is so much more stressful. I couldn’t support them without any freedom around the house. I knew something had to change.”

Mark contacted Acorn Stairlifts, a Yorkshire-based manufacturer who had fitted a stairlift in his grandfather’s home, to arrange a survey.

“I knew I wanted an Acorn stairlift as both the product and the company have my grandad’s seal of approval, but after the visit I realised it was an expense we just couldn’t afford.  We’d just had a baby and with so many new priorities and responsibilities, it was simply out of reach. I just broke down and then had to try and put the whole thing out of my mind,” Mark recalled.

In desperation, Mark’s wife made a second call to Acorn to try and find an alternative solution. And upon hearing his story and understanding his plight, the company offered to provide and install a stairlift for free, much to the delight of Mark and his family.

Acorn company secretary, Dave Belmont, said staff were deeply moved by Mark’s story: “No-one should feel trapped within their own home and unable to join in normal family life. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone, but in this case we were pleased to be able to help ease a difficult situation by donating a stairlift.  We know it will make a huge difference to Mark, to the time he can spend with his daughters and the support he can now give to his wife,” he said.

A delighted Mark has extolled the praises of the firm: “I’m so appreciative of what Acorn Stairlifts has done for me – for all of us. I feel like I’ve got my freedom and my life back.  Being able to go up and down stairs independently has solved so many problems and is already making life a lot easier.  I can be much more hands on with my family which is something I was starting to think would never happen.  It’s been transformational for us all,” he added.

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty MLA says the EU referendum result will see Northern Ireland dragged out of the European Union, in opposition to the will of the people here and are now “shackled to a future they did not vote for”.

“The referendum result presents huge challenges for the North and in particular a border community like ours. This result has the potential to repartition this island, to drive a wedge between our economies and to set progress made over recent years back generations,” Mr McNulty said.

“It is devastating that almost 20 years into the peace process we are in danger of seeing the return of a hard border across Ireland. In real terms it will impact on the way ordinary people go about their daily business, the way people work and the way businesses work.  The consequences are yet to really unfold and the uncertainty is damaging.”

Mr McNulty says the Newry and Armagh constituency has been “like a shining light” in terms of EU benefits: “A vibrant economy embracing cross border trade and movement of goods and people.  In public all-island administration terms, we have the home of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh city and we have Inter Trade Ireland based in Newry city. These are essential cross border institutions established through the Good Friday Agreement and with the aid and support of the European Union.”

His party will resist any moves to return to “a physical border” in Ireland, he says.

“When we enter discussions with parties in Dublin, London and Brussels, the SDLP will be very clear that there can be no return to a physical border across this island. There must remain freedom of movement for people, goods and services across Ireland.”

SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne says he is shocked and saddened by the outcome of the Referendum.

“There will be a lot of tough decisions ahead, but as public representatives, we all must act in the interests of the people of this island,” he said.  “I am a strong believer in a United Ireland, but we now, more than ever, have an obligation to spell out what a United Ireland would look like. Right across the north of this island, people will pay the biggest price following this outcome, regardless of their political persuasion. The dice has been rolled on the future of our children and we must stand up to those who wish to plunge us into reverse.

“The best way to make your voice heard is to get involved… join our team in the SDLP and fight for the future you believe in.”

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy says England’s decision to leave the European Union means that a referendum on a United Ireland is now vital.

“56% of the electorate in the north have made clear their wish to remain within the EU, yet English votes have overturned their democratic will,” he said.

“The British government has no mandate to drag the north of Ireland out of the EU. It has no mandate to re-erect border controls between north and south and it has no mandate to represent the views of the north in any future negotiations with the EU.  It is unacceptable that a majority in England and Wales can alter the constitutional status of the North against the wishes of the people there.”

Mr Murphy says the “conditions now exist” for a referendum on Irish unity.

“A referendum on a United Ireland is now a democratic imperative and it is incumbent that the Irish government and all Irish nationalist parties support this demand.

“Sinn Féin has been clear that Ireland’s role, both North and South, is to seek progressive change in Europe from within the EU.  Whilst recognising the democratic deficit at the heart of Europe, and the neo-liberal tendencies within the bloc, our approach is to critically engage with the EU.

“There is no doubt that Brexit will cause immense difficulties across Ireland, but we must be prepared to deal with them to through unity, resolve and determination,” he added.

However, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has rejected Sinn Fein’s call for a border poll, stating that the circumstances for which it would be called do not exist.

“The Good Friday Agreement is very clear that the circumstances where the secretary of state is required to have a border poll is where there is reason to believe there would be a majority support for a united Ireland.  There is nothing to indicate that in any of the opinion surveys that have taken place,” she said.

Stating that she was “delighted” with the Brexit result, Ms Villiers was very positive about how the border system between the North and South of Ireland would work.

“With common sense between us, the UK and Ireland can maintain a border which is just as open after a Brexit vote as it has been for many years.  It’s important that it will,” she said.

As brave Belleek’s girl Séanín Smith finally embarked on her arduous two week journey by boat to America last Monday where she will undergo vital surgery and tests, her army of supporters were preparing themselves for the main event of a dedicated fundraising campaign to raise the remaining £40,000 needed for her medical treatment in the States.

Hundreds turned up to Friday night’s epic Lip Sync Battle, which saw 18 fantastic acts go head to head on the Canal Court stage to deliver some spectacular lip syncing performances.

The unforgettable night also featured local dance hero Shane McKeever and everyone’s favourite, Big O, who kept the crowd laughing during the Lip Sync interval.  Séanín’s supporters also dug deep to generously bid during a charity auction which included amazing prizes such as a pair of Carl Frampton signed boxing gloves and a Paddy Barnes signed Olympic boxing robe from London 2012.

Séanín’s sister Louise, who organised the event, described it as a “great night of entertainment with something for everyone” and thanked all who took part.

“All the participants put a huge effort into fundraising and putting on a great show and I can’t thank them enough for this,” she told The Examiner.

“I’d like to thank Shane McKeever and Big O who provided entertainment during the interval. Special thanks to all those who sold and bought tickets, promoted our event, donated to our auction, made donations, to all the acts who took part and to the committee over the last couple of weeks and to everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a success!

“We are overwhelmed that the amazing total raised is £27,000!”!

After two long years of hospitalisations, research and fundraising, EDS sufferer Séanín faces one more week of intense travel before she reaches Maryland, where she will undergo cranial stabilisation surgery and a host of medical tests to ascertain how her debilitating condition can be treated.

Séanín’s life has dramatically changed since being diagnosed with the rare and debilitating condition known as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS).  The progressive and incurable disease affects the skin, joints and muscles causing frequent strokes and seizures as well as affecting vital organs. The medical interventions in the USA are her only hope and, as she is unable to fly due to her complex health issues, Séanín had no choice but to undertake the journey to America by boat.

Accompanied by her devoted parents, the travelling has already taken its toll on the 23 year old with her fragile health suffering a setback as exhaustion and pain rendered her unconscious for a period on Wednesday evening before she boarded the ship in Southampton on Thursday. They are due to arrive in New York on Friday morning where they will rest for 3 nights before continuing their journey by train on Monday 4th July to Maryland.

With Séanín now more than halfway there, the Fight on Campaign Facebook page has been flooded with messages of support and love for the local girl whose battle against a cruel and debilitating condition has captured the hearts of people throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.  As she approaches her destination, it is clear that the prayers and thoughts of her family, friends and the entire community are firmly with Séanín as she faces the long road ahead in her battle to lead a normal life once again.

A “Ravensdale Ramble” will take place this Sunday 3rd July in aid of the Fight On Campaign for Séanín. The 5 mile leisurely walk through the beautiful Ravensdale Forest will begin at Jonesborough Graveyard at 1pm on Sunday, returning to Cagney’s at the Carrickdale Hotel for certificates and refreshments.  The Nooks Duo Band will be playing in the Carrickdale Beer Garden on the day. Entry to the Ravendale Ramble is £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Donations to the Fight On Campaign can be made at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/fighton-seanin.

A glossy booklet recently produced by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the Southern Health and Social Services Trust (SHSST) detailing alcohol and drug support services in the district has prompted anger at its omission of any mention of Cuan Mhuire, the area’s leading centre for addiction rehabilitation.

The booklets covering the Newry and Mourne area and Down district provide information of services available to those seeking help and support to deal with alcohol and drug addiction.  However the glaring omission of the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Centre – the country’s largest voluntary provider of rehabilitation treatment for those suffering from varying addictions – has led to a backlash from some closely associated with its work.

Just last month, Newry Mourne and Down District Council hosted a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Newry’s Cuan Mhuire centre, which is located on the Dublin Road in Newry, and lauded the efforts of its founder Sr. Consilio.  Cuan Mhuire,  now the Council has been accused of merely “paying lip service” to the renowned facility.

Defending the decision to omit Cuan Mhuire services from the booklet, a spokesperson said the publication provides information solely on government-funded services, ie NHS regional treatment units.

Responding to The Examiner, the spokesperson said: “PCSP acknowledges and admires the work of Cuan Mhuire and the many other agencies and organisations working on issues of drugs and alcohol throughout the district.  However this leaflet, produced in partnership with Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts, only details services funded as regional treatment units.”

This response has been described as “feeble and insulting” by Bessbrook man, Pat McGinn, a former Sinn Fein councillor and one of many to successfully complete Cuan Mhuire’s rehabilitation programme.

Now an active promoter and volunteer with the charity, Mr McGinn says he is disgusted that its exceptional services have not been mentioned in the booklet.

Revealing that a PCSP representative told him it while it has “great respect” for the service Cuan Mhuire delivers, as it is not funded by the Southern Trust, it did not merit a mention in the addiction information booklet.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership stated that the ‘Addiction Information’ booklet prepared by them to inform the people of Newry, Mourne and Down about help they can access in relation to addiction, wasn’t really prepared by them, but by one of the other Agency “partners”, the Southern Trust HSCT which gave them the data of local service providers,” Mr McGinn said.

“Because the service provided by Cuan Mhuire (which they all have the greatest of respect for) isn’t funded by the Southern Trust (a damning statement in itself), it didn’t merit being put in a glossy information booklet, which was meant to give support to the suffering addict and their families and communities.

“This excuse is misleading, feeble and insulting.  Another classic example of ‘joined up’ strategies by departments and agencies tackling the scourge and consequences of addiction.  I see why our most vulnerable, those mostly in need, are lying and dying on our streets.

“Cuan Mhuire and its founder Sr Consilio celebrated 50 years of giving love, care and support to the people of Ireland. Newry, Mourne & Down Council recognised this with a recent civic reception.  Unfortunately all the above has been ignored by those involved with this publication.  A shame and a disgrace and a reflection I believe on the [lack of] seriousness behind this publication to addressing the issue of alcohol and drug harm and support provided. This is exactly what it is – just another publication lacking sincerity,” he added angrily.

The victory for the Leave campaign came as a shock to many when results of the EU Referendum emerged early on Friday. Despite the majority in Northern Ireland voting to remain in the European Union, we now find ourselves in unchartered waters with no definitive answer to many questions and fears for the future.

In the long term, the move will see significant changes, the effects of which will be keenly felt in rural areas, particularly those along the border.  As yet, little has been suggested to allay concerns of a reinstatement of the ‘hard border’ experienced during the height of the Troubles when vehicles were routinely stopped and searched, as it’s likely the EU will insist on some form of checks on the movement of people for security reasons, and goods, for the purposes of gathering any taxes due on products entering its territory from a non-member state.

The result has also plunged the agriculture industry into a state of quandary with farmers reliant on EU subsidies now fearful for their livelihood.

Shock Brexit result sparks economic and border concerns

As the reality of the UK vote to leave the European Union after 43 years began to sink in over the weekend, questions remain for Newry and Armagh constituents over its impact on Northern Ireland and particularly its border with the Republic of Ireland.  On a local level, as the Brexit result emerged on Friday morning, the general consensus was one of overwhelming shock and disappointment.  This was demonstrated by voting figures which showed that 62.9% of voters in the Newry and Armagh area voted to remain in the EU.

The Brexit decision came despite Northern Ireland voting to remain in the EU by a majority of 56% to 44%.  However Britain as a whole voted to leave the European Union by a narrow margin with a turnout of 72 per cent.

Leave won the referendum with 51.9 per cent (17,410,742 votes), while Remain finished on 48.1 per cent (16,141,241 votes).

The result has led to a plethora of questions over what it means for Northern Ireland as the only part of the UK that physically borders an EU country.   The questions arising on the impact of Brexit are particularly important for the border areas of Newry and South Armagh with growing speculation that it could mean a return to physical borders between the North and South, something which would heavily impact on both the free movement of people and the transfer of goods.

Border concerns were paramount amongst the Remain camp ahead of the historic referendum, with local political representatives from both Sinn Fein and the SDLP warning that a vote to leave would have huge implications for the area.  In the wake of the Brexit result Sinn Fein immediately called for a border poll. Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said the conditions now existed for a referendum on Irish unity and he said it was incumbent that the Irish government and all Irish nationalist parties support the demand for a border poll. Mr Murphy said the British government had “no mandate to drag the north of Ireland out of the EU,” nor has it a mandate to re-erect border controls “or to represent the views of the north in any future negotiations with the EU.”

The notion of a border poll was shot down by Secretary of State Theresa Villiers who said the circumstances for which it would be called do not exist.

“The Good Friday Agreement is very clear that the circumstances where the secretary of state is required to have a border poll is where there is reason to believe there would be a majority support for a united Ireland.  There is nothing to indicate that in any of the opinion surveys that have taken place,” she said.  Ms Villiers, who has been vociferous in her support for a Leave vote, said she was delighted with the Brexit result and remained confident that “with common sense between us, the UK and Ireland can maintain a border which is just as open after a Brexit vote as it has been for many years.”

As the country moved into unchartered waters, perhaps the one silver lining for the local area and other border towns in the north will be the influx of shoppers from the Republic of Ireland eager to cash in on the plummeting value of sterling as the pound slumped to its weakest level in more than three decades in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit result on Friday.

That slump led to one local Bureau de Change owner on the old Dublin Road in Newry to report his busiest day ever on Friday as customers clambered to change their holiday cash into Euros before the sterling value fell any further.

The historic referendum which brought to an end the 43 year relationship with the European Union will certainly have wide reaching global consequences and the shock result promptly led to the resignation of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, who promised the referendum as part of his parliamentary campaign three years ago.  Mr Cameron announced on Friday morning that he would continue for three more months in his post then step down in October.

The result also prompted a parliamentary petition calling for a second referendum. The peition launched on Friday become the fastest petition on parliament.uk to reach the 100,000 signature threshold that requires it to be considered for debate by MPs.

The petition had attracted almost 3 million signees by Sunday evening  and a response from the Home Office on a second referendum is expected in the coming days.

For now, the uncertainty continues for everyone as questions about the full impact of the Brexit vote on all aspects of life in Newry and Armagh and in Northern Ireland, remain unanswered.

Farmers among biggest losers

Farmers will be among the biggest losers following Britain’s decision to leave the EU, south Armagh MLA Megan Fearon has said, adding that the agriculture industry will now face “serious problems”.

“In terms of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) alone, farmers here stand to lose in the region of €34,000 a year, which would cripple their livelihoods.  This is not to mention the impact restrictions on cross-border trading would have,” Ms Fearon claims.

“The agriculture industry, one of the most vital industries on this island, now faces serious problems.  The British government has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the people of the north and I have absolutely no faith that they will fight for interests of Irish farmers in their negotiations with the EU.”

Councillors may have to debate and vote again on the naming of a Newry playpark after IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh, the Equality Commission has recommended, reversing a decision it made last year.

The controversy over naming the park on Patrick Street after the Camlough man has been ongoing since 2001 when Newry and Mourne District Council initially took the decision.  Since then, in light of objections, the Council has voted three times to retain the name.

In 2014 the Equality Commission criticised the Council for retaining the name, saying the decision went against the Council’s equality scheme and recommended it be reviewed. The review led to a public consultation on whether to retain or abolish the name, the findings of which agreed it should be retained.

Following this, the Commission said it was “disappointed” by the decision, but accepted that a Council review had taken into account legal obligations around equality and good relations.  However this was also called into question when opponents of the park’s name launched judicial review proceedings earlier this year.

On the back of this action, the Commission has now decided the Council did not fully comply with its recommendations, specifically on transparency.  As a result, commissioners are calling for the Council to debate and vote on the issue “in public and properly recorded” with councillors given “qualitative analysis” of the consultation responses.

Dr. Michael Wardlow, head of the Equality Commission, said: “When we made our previous decision, the Commission expressed its disappointment that the opportunity was not taken to find a name for the play park that would have more positive resonances with all those in the Council area and that would be more conducive to good relations between the communities. That remains our view”.

It is now up to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to further examine the issue.

Ulster Unionist representatives, Danny Kennedy MLA and Councillor David Taylor welcomed the Commission’s recommendation, saying it represented “a significant U-turn by the Commission, which although belated, was still welcome”.

In a joint statement, they said: “We look forward to the Council, as quickly as possible, overturning and changing for good the disgraceful and offensive decision taken originally by NMDC and we are confident that there is a clear potential majority on the current Council to make that change, if the political will is there.

“There is now a clear onus on all of the members of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council to do the right thing and change the name of this play park  to something more appropriate and acceptable.”

SDLP MLA Justin Mc Nulty has raised a number of post referendum concerns pertaining to a range of issues in his constituency of Newry and Armagh.

Speaking during the Final stage of the Budget Bill in the Assembly Mr McNulty pointed out that an estimated 30,000 people cross the border every day – a large proportion of whom are from his own constituency – and many are worried about the consequences as a result of the referendum.

“The result has huge ramifications, not only for people in Newry and Armagh but for Ireland. I have spoken to our farmers in south Armagh, and they want to know if the single farm payment is guaranteed for the next two years, they want to know if the export of live lamb to the South will continue,” he said.

“People in our tourism industry are worried about the images we are sending out to the world.  I have met industry [representatives] in Newry city. They are worried about their competitiveness. Will there be tariffs?  They need answers.

“What are the implications for Invest NI? An outcome of [the referendum] decision is that access to the Single Market now has a big question mark over it. Will Invest NI have no certainty for two and a half years? What do they do now? Do they just press the pause button?” he asked.

“I have spoken to our voluntary and charitable sector. They say that, without EU funding, they will not have the funding to support jobs, which are the mainstay of the projects.  I have spoken to our tradesmen, men who leave in their vans for Dublin every morning. They are worried about the impact that Brexit will have on them.”

Mr McNulty revealed that many major stakeholders now do not know the status of their budget: “The QUB cancer researchers, the aeronautical researchers and other higher education research departments rely heavily on EU funding. For us to remain competitive, we need a strong tertiary education system with strong research functions. Who will provide the funding to ensure that this essential work continues?”

Now is the time to see leadership from First Minister Arlene Foster, he said.

“We need to see her plan. This has so many implications across our society and across our Ireland.  On this island, 30 out of 32 counties want to remain part of the EU. Our leadership has a duty to be conciliatory and not triumphalist. The DUP needs to reflect on the divisive nature of this outcome. The SDLP will be there to protect the Good Friday Agreement and to ensure that we get the best deal possible for our people and place,” he added.

The Police Ombudsman is to open a new investigation into the killing of IRA volunteer Colum Marks, from Newry, who was shot dead by the RUC more than 25 years ago.  The move comes after an eyewitness recently came forward with new information, which supports the family’s claims that he was shot after being arrested in April 1991.

Marks was part of an IRA unit planning to launch an attack on a police patrol in Downpatrick when the RUC, acting on intelligence, were lying in wait.  The police officer who fired the shots said he believed Marks was armed, and claimed he refused to stop when an attempt was made to arrest him.  However, no gun was ever found and his family claimed he was shot after being arrested.

Lawyers for the family have said the advance knowledge police had about the attack meant they should have been in a position to arrest him without opening fire and that he was the victim of a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy.

They had commenced legal action for the killing to be investigated by the Police Ombudsman, Michael Maguire, who initially refused because the RUC had already investigated the shooting.  But that changed when an eyewitness came forward two months ago.

The eyewitness has said that on the night of the shooting he saw a man, believed to have been Colum Marks, being walked along a street under police guard.  He said it was clear the man was under arrest, and that three RUC officers were with him.

That completely contradicts the police version of events.

Lawyers for the Marks family disclosed the new information to the Ombudsman and on Thursday last their legal action was withdrawn in the High Court after it was revealed that the Ombudsman has now decided to launch a new investigation.

The decision was welcomed by one of the family’s legal representatives.

“This new information fundamentally undermines the police account of what happened,” said Gavin Booth.

“It supports the family’s claim that Colum was shot after being arrested, at a time when police must have known he was not armed, and that this was clearly a shoot-to-kill operation.”

In a statement, the Police Ombudsman said an assessment of the case will now be carried out to establish when the investigation can begin.

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy welcomed the news and said his thoughts “first and foremost” are with Colum’s family.

“Their fight for justice has been a long and difficult one.   Each time it seemed like there was a breakthrough, the State would always throw something else in their way, heaping more hurt on a family that has lost a beloved son and brother.  Yet through all this they remained determined and dignified,” he said.

“There have always been questions surrounding Colum’s murder.  The RUC statements about what happened on the night have never been credible; the Human Rights Commission said they raised more questions than answers.  This new witness statement seems to vindicate the family’s belief that Colum was unarmed, arrested and executed.

“With each passing inquiry and investigation we seem to learn more and more about Britain’s dirty war in Ireland, whether it was carried out through collusion, assassinations or their shoot to kill policy, and it seems that Colum was a victim of that dirty war.  These investigations only scratch the surface of British involvement in the conflict in Ireland but with each one it becomes clearer why they are so opposed to a truth and reconciliation process.

“Whatever happens with this investigation we can only hope that it brings Colum’s family that bit closer to the truth and to justice.”

The recent announcement by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard that £10m is to be invested in improving the conditions of some rural roads has been welcomed by political representatives in south Armagh.

Minister Hazzard said the extra funding, made available as part of the June monitoring round, has been earmarked for resurfacing work, which would begin “immediately”.

“This will make a big difference for our rural communities who rely on these roads to go about their lives,” he said, adding that his department is considering areas in greatest need that will avail of the scheme.

Assembly member Megan Fearon welcomed the news and said the Minister’s announcement was further evidence of Sinn Féin’s commitment to rural communities.

“When we went to the people in the run up to the last election, one of the major issues we got on the doors was the deplorable state of rural roads.  We told people that we would step in where others have failed and I’m delighted to see that our Minister Chris Hazzard is living up to those promises,” she said.

“Just last week he announced that the roads maintenance budget for Newry, Mourne and Down would be doubled and now we have this announcement of a £10million road improvement package to stop deterioration and repair severe defects on around 1,000 rural roads.”

Ms Fearon revealed that “at least £3.3m” of the funding will be allocated to the Southern Division area.

“This extra funding was released by a Sinn Féin Finance Minister and targeted at areas most in need by a Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister; this is what can be achieved with a little political will and creativity when you respect your mandate and take part in government rather than sniping fruitlessly from the sidelines.  I’m sure the people of south Armagh, and indeed rural communities across the north, will be delighted and relieved to hear that this issue will no longer be ignored.”

The SDLP’s Justin McNulty also welcomed the news but warned against a “pothole patchwork programme”.

“There are miles and miles of roads across Newry and Armagh that have been left in a sorry state of affairs after years on underinvestment in our transport infrastructure. Local people will know that driving through our scenic part of the world has become more of an obstacle endurance test over the last few years,” he said.

“I’m glad that the Infrastructure Minister has decided to take action and [has] announced a new initiative to tackle the poor condition of rural roads. It is important however, that this is more than a pothole patchwork programme.

“Although the Minister was unable to commit to a specific sum for our constituency when I questioned him in the Assembly, it’s clear that we have a particular need for road improvements, across Newry and Armagh and particularly in south Armagh.  I would encourage anyone who notices road faults to report them to Transport NI immediately so that we can avail of as much funding as possible to enhance our roads network,” Mr McNulty added.

A Newry woman remains in a critical condition in a Belfast hospital after she was viciously assaulted in the Tandragee Road area, on the outskirts of the city, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Named locally as Mary Clarke, the 51-year-old mother and grandmother was found with serious head injuries at her home in Hollyridge Lane.  Police officers made the discovery while responding to a call about an intoxicated man at the nearby Fiveways Roundabout.  She was initially taken to Daisy Hill Hospital in the city but was later transferred to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

The street was cordoned off until Thursday night as forensics officers combed the area and detectives conducted enquiries.

The PSNI’s Det Insp Colin Patterson said police are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack and have said it is not yet clear how the victim sustained her injuries, describing her condition as “life-threatening”.

Two men were arrested on Thursday in connection with the crime and both were later released on bail, pending further enquiries.

MP Mickey Brady described the attack as “absolutely horrific” adding that the local community “has been left in shock at such a callous attack”.

“People in this area would be quite close knit; this is a quiet area and such a brutal assault has caused genuine fear and unrest.  I’d urge anybody with any information on this despicable attack to contact the PSNI and help make our streets that bit safer,” he said and extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the victim.

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy said news of the attack is “deeply disturbing”.

“I sincerely hope the victim can make a full recovery from her injuries,” he said.  “This incident will shock the community and I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the police immediately.  It is vital that the police have all available information at their disposal as they carry out their investigation.”

Police have asked anyone who may be able to help with the investigation to contact detectives at Ardmore PSNI station on 101, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

Incidents of vandalism on bilingual road signs across the area have been described as “idiotic and futile” by Sinn Féin Councillor Barra Ó Muirí.

Speaking after a recent such incident near Newtownhamilton, Mr Ó Muirí said the Irish language is not to be feared and urged those responsible to consider their actions.

“I would urge them to look into the history of wherever they are from; look into the names of townlands, look at where their ancestors came from and where their own names came from.  It’s a safe bet that the roots of all these things will be in the Irish language.  The Irish language belongs to all of us; it is a part of our shared, common heritage.  It is nothing to be feared or loathed,” he said.

Councillor Ó Muirí said such attacks are a poor reflection on the district: “At a time when we are trying to promote the district as a viable tourist destination, what impression do you think visitors will have of your town or village when the first thing they see is vandalism?”

He called on unionist politicians to show leadership.

“Ever since the Council agreed its bilingual policy certain councillors have been goading people into these actions with their comments.  It is highly irresponsible and frankly, disgusting, for councillors to be encouraging the destruction of council property which then has to be replaced at a cost to the ratepayer.

“I would urge these councillors, who claim to be democrats, to embrace the equality driven bilingual policy that their council voted for and show some leadership in their communities.  The Irish language belongs to all of us and it forms part of the area’s unique cultural appeal to visitors.  I would urge people to work together to make this district a success for everyone rather than engaging in vandalism that only hurts your own communities.”

Meanwhile, police are investigating the incident which occurred on the Blaney Road, Altnamackin and was reported on Monday 11th July and is believed to have happened during the previous night.

Constable Paul Rainey said: “This is being treated as a sectarian hate crime and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area during the night and noticed anything suspicious, or anyone who has information that could help our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference 693 of 11th July.

“There have been a number of similar incidents throughout the district and police are keen to identify potential suspects. If you can help, the number to call is 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” he added.

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said that the proposal for a referendum on Irish unity needs to be on the agenda of any negotiations between the British and Irish governments and the EU.

The Newry Armagh MLA was responding to comments made by British Secretary of State James Brokenshire on a unity referendum where he told MPs he did not believe that the conditions required to call a border poll have been met.

Mr Brokenshire made the comments last week during his House of Commons debut in his new role.  They came after Taoiseach Enda Kenny raised the prospect of a future vote on Irish unity in the wake of Brexit.

Mr Kenny said EU/UK negotiations should factor in the possibility that a border poll could be held in years to come.

Speaking about the new Secretary of State’s comments, Conor Murphy said Mr Brokenshire “represents no one in Ireland.”

“The Tory party has no mandate here.  In the last election they received only 2554 votes right across the north; every single one of our elected candidates, and several of those who just missed out on election, got more votes than the entire Tory party did right across the north,” he added.

“They are in absolutely no position to be telling people here what can and cannot be on the agenda.

“With the prospect of the north being dragged out of the EU by England, more and more people are open to the idea of exploring new relationships on this island in the context of remaining in the EU.”

Mr Murphy said Sinn Féin has urged the Taoiseach to push ahead with an island-wide dialogue to discuss how the remain vote in the north can be respected.

“The proposal for a referendum on Irish unity needs to be part of that dialogue and on the agenda of any negotiations between the British and Irish governments and the EU.”

Meanwhile, in the first 24 hours of a poll held by the Belfast Telegraph on Thursday, 73% of voters said the time was right for a poll.

And 70% also said they would vote for a united Ireland, in the first day of the online vote.

The head of the EU’s policing agency has also weighed into the discussion saying he does not believe there would be an increase in violence if a vote for a united Ireland was passed.

Rob Wainwright, the director of Europol, said Ireland had “come a long way since the Troubles” and that he was “rather optimistic” reunification would not lead to a return of terrorist activity.

Mr Wainwright warned that Brexit had potential implications for the sharing of intelligence on organised crime but he said he did not have any specific concerns about the prospect of a united Ireland.

“The Ireland that we see today is very different to what we saw all those years ago.

“I hate to think that we would slip back into something like that, and I am rather optimistic that we wouldn’t,” said the Europol director.