News that an important EU funding body may visit the site of the proposed £200m Southern Relief Road outside Newry this summer has been hailed as “a significant development.”

MEP Diane Dodds has written to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council advising that  DRD Minister Michelle McIlveen has pledged to ensure that the Council and other stakeholders are included in the itinerary for a prospective visit to the site by a European coordinator of the TEN-T North Sea Mediterranean Corridor, Peter Balazs.

Mr Balazs is one of 11 heavily influential coordinators who control the funding pot which improves port infrastructure across Europe.

According to Warrenpoint Councillor, Michael Carr, the TEN-T fund “has billions in it” and, if the Southern Relief Road’s funding application was successful, it could receive up to 40% of the funding from the EU body.

“The Southern Relief Road would open up Warrenpoint Port, which is what this EU body is all about, so a visit by Mr Balazs to Newry would be significant in progressing the project.”

As of April last year, the project, which is a road crossing Newry Canal and the Clanrye River from the Dublin side of Newry to the Newry-Warrenpoint carriageway to alleviate heavy-goods vehicles utilising Warrenpoint Port, was escalated into Transport NI’s forward Planning Schedule which meant it was now being actively planned.

While work has already begun on the Stage 1 Preliminary Options Scheme Assessment which involves traffic and environmental surveys, the scheme’s progress will depend on several factors, including that it remains a priority compared to other competing projects, and that it secures funding.

Highlighting the benefits of the Southern Relief Road project, Councillor Carr said,

“There are 600 truck movements through Newry each day coming from Warrenpoint Port.

“The air pollution in Newry is in poor condition, so from a Newry point of view, it would relieve all that traffic congestion as well as improve air quality.  Regarding Warrenpoint, it would boost trade at the port and would open up new doors to tourism.”

A renowned Newry based charity which has carried out endless work in helping families in Ireland repatriate the remains of their loved ones who have died abroad has been chosen as one of the GAA’s Official Charities for 2016.  The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) is one of five charities announced as charity partners by the GAA  during a special photo call at Croke Park on Friday.

The KBRT was set up by Colin and Eithne Bell in June 2013, following the death of their son Kevin in a hit and run accident in New York.  Kevin had been a dancing champion and a popular member of his local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club and in the aftermath of his death, friends and supporters in Newry and abroad rallied round to raise funds to repatriate his body.  Within days the fund grew to £150,000 and when Kevin’s American employers agreed to cover the cost of transporting his body home, the Bells decided to use the money raised to help other families who were visited with the same tragedy.   In under three years, the KBRT has helped bring home 169 people who have died overseas.

It now joins fellow charities, Pieta House, Cliona’s Foundation, The Cormac Trust & Shabra Charity Foundation, as one of The GAA’s 2016 Official Charities from around the country which represent a range of different causes. Each designated charity will receive a £20,000 donation from the GAA.

The GAA chosen charities is part of an on-going GAA initiative stretching back to 2010 that has seen the GAA select a number of specific charitable organisations and foundations each year in a bid to assist them in raising awareness about their work and also champion them in their fundraising efforts throughout the coming year.

Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán CLG, said: “We are immensely proud of the position that the GAA holds within Irish society and of the work that we do at enriching the lives of our members and the communities in which they live”.

“We take our role and responsibility in the community seriously and a part of that responsibility is in areas such as this where the GAA can be a positive influence”.

“As people, the generosity of the Irish in helping others in times of need is well known. In the GAA we are an Association with a big membership and a big heart”.

“The charities selected for 2016, like those that have gone before them, are all in their own unique way doing work that is as phenomenal as it is inspirational in its effort to make an extraordinary difference to the lives of ordinary people”.

“We hope that through their link to the GAA as one of our official charities in 2016 that their work gains more deserving recognition and that their fundraising efforts are also enhanced.”

An 88-year-old pensioner has been granted permission to mount a High Court challenge over a Newry playground being named after hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.

Bea Worton – whose son Kenneth was one of 10 people murdered in the Kingsmill massacre in January 1976 – is challenging the decision by the former Newry and Mourne District Council to call the park after the Camlough man who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh in May 1981.

Mrs Worton was granted leave to seek a judicial review against the Equality Commission and the Council.

In court on Friday her barrister described how McCreesh was reportedly in possession of a rifle used in the Kingsmill killings when he was captured later that year.

David Scoffield QC said: “The applicant’s outrage at this decision (in naming the park) is particularly acute.  She was and remains shocked and bewildered by the insensitivity of the decision.”

Proceedings were issued against the Commission and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Part of the case involves a claim that the naming process breached Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, which requires public authorities to promote good relations between those of differing religious backgrounds or political opinion.

The Equality Commission, according to Mrs Worton’s legal team, should have found against the local authority and referred the matter to the Secretary of State.

Tony McGleenan QC, responding for the Commission, argued that it had gone through a painstaking process before making recommendations stating: “It’s difficult to establish any arguability that there’s been a public law wrong by the Commission.”

However, Mr Justice Maguire ruled that the challenge should proceed to a full hearing on claims that the Commission was in breach of Section 75 requirements.

He also held that an arguable case had been established against the Council over allegations its decision was irrational, unreasonable, pre-determined or biased.

Dismissing calls for the case to be thrown out due to delay, he said: “There’s a matter of public interest involved in this particular decision.”

Mrs Worton, who was present in court for the hearing, expressed her delight at the outcome.

A local Independent councillor has called for changes to the expenses system for Stormont MLAs after recent figures revealed that Newry and Armagh MLAs alone have claimed over £3.5 million in expenses between them in the last 5 years.

Since 2011, the MLAs in question – the SDLP’s Dominic Bradley and Karen McKevitt,  Sinn Fein’s Mickey Brady, Conor Murphy, Cathal Boylan and Megan Fearon, UUP’s Danny Kennedy and DUP MLA William Irwin – have claimed the whopping total of £3,572,886.77 in addition to the basic annual MLA salary of £48,000.

The issue of politicians’ expenses claims has long been the subject of much debate and it came under the spotlight again in February when the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) voiced concerns over Stormont MLA’s expenses , in particular about the way some MLAs were successfully overturning refusal of their claims.

Newry Independent councillor Kevin McAteer, who donates his expenses as a councillor to local charities, says ordinary working people will be shocked at the figures for local MLAs, which he describes as “scandalous amounts of money.”

Speaking to The Examiner about the issue of expenses claims in all levels of government, Mr McAteer said that it adds to the general “apathy” among voters towards Stormont and their own local MLAs.

“I’ve spoken to many people who are opting out of voting this year because they are sick and tired of Stormont and our MLAs and the scandal of expenses claims only compounds that attitude,” he said.

“A lot of people view Stormont as a money box, with MLAs arguing over petty sectarian and divisive issues and claiming a fortune while doing so. It’s leading to a total lack of confidence and belief in Stormont and that’s a major cause for concern.”

Calling for the introduction of a cap on expenses claims among MLAs,  councillor McAteer added,

“The whole system of claiming expenses needs reviewed.  There is a definite need for tighter regulations and some sort of cap or limit on expenses claims.  What sort of message do these extortionate figures send out to ordinary working people and families, many of whom are surviving on half of an MLA’s salary alone?

“Look at all the money MLAs are receiving and while services are being stripped from our local hospitals.  Our roads are in a terrible state, public services are being cut, people are struggling to make ends meet, and all the while our MLAs are lining their pockets.  It’s not right and people deserve better than this from their political representatives.”

A talented singer from Crossmaglen has secured a major record deal as part of a choir which was put together four years ago to take part in BBC television series, “The Choir: Sing while you work.”

Nora Smith was working as a Podiatrist in Lewisham in London in 2012 when she got the opportunity to take part in the unique BBC programme which saw renowned choirmaster, Gareth Malone, create and train amateur workplace-based choirs, ultimately to compete against one another.

Nora was no stranger to public performances, having had a regular spot in the marvellous Thursday night sessions in Keenan’s Bar in Crossmaglen and as a Junior “Scor” competitor with a Silverbridge Football Club singing group.  Her love of singing prompted her to audition for the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS  choir, which is made up of singers from every grade of staff – from consultants to junior doctors to nurses to physiotherapists to podiatrists and porters and everyone in between.

The choir became one of four created by Gareth Malone, with its development and progress charted on the series as each choir competed against one another.  The series culminated with stunning performances at the prestigious International Eisteddfo in LLangollen in Wales where the Lewisham choir narrowly missed out on winning the entire competition.  With their profile raised via the programme, the choir were later invited to make a single called “Bridge over You” which was a mash-up of Simon and Garfunkel’s ” Bridge over troubled water” and Coldplay’s “Fix You”.

In 2015, a  junior doctor in the choir decided to promote the single on social media in an effort to achieve a Christmas number 1 to draw attention to government cuts to the NHS.  The single was selling well and was competing with Justin Beiber for the number 1 spot. In an amazing show of support for the hospital staff, Beiber even tweeted his fans, urging them to buy the Lewisham choir’s single. The single went on to sell over 130,000 copies, with all proceeds donated to health charities.

The single has been included on the” Now 93″ compilation album, which is currently at No. 1 in the album charts and, on the back of their chart topping success, the Lewisham choir have secured a record deal from Decca records to produce an album of their own.

Local fans of Nora Smith will be pleased to hear that her solo track from the forthcoming album will be released soon to promote the Lewisham Choir’s album.

The sole survivor of the massacre of 10 workmen in south Armagh 40 years ago says he hopes those involved in the killings will come forward in a bid to “ease [their] own conscience before passing on.”

Bessbrook man Alan Black, says the new inquest into the murders, set to begin on May 23rd, is the last chance for closure in the case.

“It has gone past the point of calling for anyone to be punished. This is about getting to the truth,” said Mr Black

“It has been like a raw wound for 40 years and this is about bringing some form of comfort to the families.”

His comments came as the Coroner’s Service released a statement last week urging anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Black, who is now 72, added: “The gunmen were probably around the same age as myself, so we are now looking at our own mortality.

“You would want to ease your own conscience before passing on.”

Alan Black survived one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles, after been shot 18 times and left for dead alongside the lifeless bodies of his 10 work mates, who were gunned down when the bus they were travelling in was ambushed near the village of Kingsmill on the 5th January 1976. No-one has ever been convicted of the murders, which were widely blamed on the IRA, even though the organisation never admitted responsibility.

Mr Black has always maintained that “agents of the state” were involved in the killings.

The original inquest into the killings, in 1978, lasted just 30 minutes and recorded an open verdict, but after a 40 year campaign for justice by Mr Black and victims’ families, the new inquest was ordered by Northern Ireland’s Attorney General, John Larkin, in 2013.

The Coroner’s Service appeal for information, issued last week, said: “There may, for example, be persons with relevant information concerning the deaths but who have not yet brought that information to the attention of the authorities.

“There may be persons who were arrested in connection with the deaths and who wish formally to renounce any connection with the matter.

“Or there may be persons who have been mentioned in connection with these deaths or who have regarded themselves as under suspicion in relation to the deaths, who wish formally to renounce any suggestion of their involvement or who have information that may assist the coronial inquiry.

“Any individual who has information in relation to the deaths, or who wishes to clarify their position in relation to the deaths, is asked to email Legacycourtsni.gsi.gov.uk or write to the Coroners Service for Northern Ireland”.

Well-known and popular entertainment manager and X Factor judge, Louis Walsh, was mobbed by fans during his visit to Newry’s Specsavers store on Thursday.  Dozens of bemused onlookers watched as fans queued to meet the pop mogul, seizing the opportunity to take ‘selfies’ with the star.

Walsh visited the Buttercrane Centre as the VIP guest of Specsavers to mark completion of the store’s recent £250k refurbishment, having recently launched the company’s ‘Listen Up’ campaign – an initiative in place to raise awareness of the importance of regular hearing checks.

The new-look Specsavers Newry branch now boasts state-of-the-art audiology facilities as part of the overall refurbishment, as a result of investment by the store’s two local directors – Alison Dunne and Sharon Fegan – who, with their team of 43 staff, have been providing essential health services for the last 18 years.

For the first time the store will also offer a dedicated audiology room complete with sound-proofed booth for optimal testing conditions where customers can avail of free three-minute ear screening seven days a week.

Now with four new test rooms, which will be fully equipped with the latest eye care technology such as digital retinal cameras, new technology introduced instore also includes Digital Precision Eyecare – a cutting edge new way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses, using imaging software on tablet devices.

Louis Walsh praised Specsavers and its staff on the refurbishment of the premises while revealing his own personal experience with hearing difficulties: “I can testify to the importance of hearing tests. Having my hearing tested has made me realise just how important it is to have regular hearing checks. People have no problem getting their sight checked, yet for some reason, admitting to having hearing problems is still relatively taboo.

“Although I don’t need to wear a hearing aid now, I know there will come a time when I do, and I have no problem with that whatsoever. I want to continue to hear everything and they are so small and advanced these days that there really is no reason to not want to wear one! I know Simon Cowell will really take the mickey out of me for this, but I think after some of the people he’s allowed through on The X Factor, he should consider having his hearing tested too! I mean come on, Reggie and Bollie?!” he joked.

Store director Sharon Fegan said the occasion has been “very memorable” while her fellow director Alison Dunne added: “Louis was the perfect VIP guest as he himself can testify to the importance of the work that we do.”

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) has said the suspension of additional clinics within hospitals and the independent sector, coupled with a rise in demand for services, has led to an unprecedented increase in waiting times for hospital services.

A spokesperson from the Trust made the admission in response to an inquiry from The Examiner after we were contacted by an angry reader who has been forced to wait more than six months for an appointment with an ENT consultant.

Further examination revealed waiting times for almost every health department are far in excess of government guidelines, with some patients waiting up to two years to see a specialist doctor.

When asked to explain the current waiting times within the Southern Trust area and how they are reflective of current government guidelines, a SHSCT spokesperson said it regretted the increasing waiting times being experienced by patients and that demand for hospital services across Northern Ireland was continuing to grow “beyond the capacity that is currently available”.

“A decision was taken (in July 2014) by The Health & Social Care Board to suspend additional clinics within our hospitals and within the Independent Sector due to the financial constraints within public services in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, the loss of this capacity coupled with a further rise in demand for services has led to increased waiting times for all specialties,” the spokesperson said.

“Some additional recent funding was secured as part of November monitoring and is being used to address waiting times for both outpatient and treatment waits.

“We are continuing to work with the Health and Social Care Board (which commissions services for the public) to do everything possible to reduce waiting times for our patients.”

Representatives from a number of community groups in south Armagh met with the Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill during her visit to the area on Tuesday last, to discuss funding opportunities for various community projects.

The meeting was facilitated by local MLA Megan Fearon who said the event was an excellent opportunity for groups to find out if they actually qualify for funding and to receive advice on how to access it.

Members of the Forkhill Area Development Association (FADA) discussed progress on their current process of redeveloping land in the village once occupied by the British Army barracks.  Speaking to FADA members Minister O’Neill revealed that there would be further funding available for the redevelopment and reaffirmed Sinn Féin’s commitment to the project.

The Minister also attended a public meeting in Ti Chulainn, Mullaghbawn where local community, voluntary and sporting groups were invited to come along and quiz her on Rural Development and TRPSI (Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Inclusion) funding.

Addressing those gathered, she urged all groups to avail of the funding: “The Rural Development funding is wide ranging in where it can be applied so you might be surprised as to what projects can qualify.  We have managed to deliver the largest ever Rural Development Programme in the north this time around so I would urge groups to take advantage of that,” she said.

“However, due to the success of the programme, competition for funding is fierce so I would urge groups applying for funding to put the best possible application forward.  Be smart, be creative and make sure there is nothing missing from your application that could get it delayed. In particular I would encourage you to attend the Council run workshops on how to fill out these applications, which will be happening in May, June and July.”

Megan Fearon thanked the Minister for attending and pointed out the benefits of rural development funding already felt in south Armagh: “While we have had some tremendous success stories in this area because of Rural Development funding, such as the Culloville Community Centre, which, since opening, has become a thriving hub of activity and the real heartbeat of the village, there remains a lot of confusion over how to access this money,” she said.

“Groups, particularly smaller ones, either don’t know how to access it, don’t know if they qualify or can find the entire process too intimidating to tackle.  Events like this, where the Minister is able to come here and meet people and speak to them one on one and say ‘yes, your project could get funding,’ make all the difference.  It lets people know these things are achievable, even for small, rural groups.”

St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook and St Ronan’s, Lurgan participated in the Dundalk IT  7-a – side GAA Tournament for U16 Boys that took place last Wednesday 13th April.

Played in the Dundalk IT campus, a total of 22 teams from schools across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan and Armagh competed for the Brendan Carthy Cup.

Both teams did very well in their group stages with St Ronan’s topping the group ahead of St Pat’s, Navan A and De La Salle, Dundalk, while St Paul’s came second in their group behind St Pat’s, Navan B and ahead of Gormanston College  Meath and Ardee Community School.

Having made it through to the knock out stages the draw indicated that the two Orchard teams would go head to head.

After a pulsating match it was St Paul’s who overcame St Ronan’s on a 2-07 to 1-06 score line.

The Bessbrook men would then go on to dispose of Our Lady’s, Castleblayney in the quarter final (4-04 to 3-04)  and St Pat’s, Navan B in the semi final (4-05 to 4-05) to set up an all Ulster final against title holder Patrician High School Carrickmacross, Monaghan.

Played at a very high tempo Patrician High School got off to a great start and raced to a 1-01 to no score lead.    St Paul’s did manage to claw it back to a one point game but, as the saying goes “goals wins games” and it certainly proved crucial as Patrician High School, secured a 2 point winning margin to retain their title for the 3rd year in a row beating Marty O’Rourke’s charges 1-04 to 0-05.

Camlough men and lifelong friends, Pat McGinn and Larry McCabe, are set to take their lasting friendship to a whole new level this weekend when they jointly participate in the London marathon on Sunday 24th April.

The pair will undertake the grueling 26.2mile challenge through the streets of the city they first visited when they left home to work there more than forty years ago.  Indeed, Pat points out that the route will take them past what was their local pub at the time and where a photo of them adorned the wall with the caption ‘The Booze Brothers’.

“We might pop in to say hello whilst running past, but we definite won’t be stopping for long,” he joked.

On a more serious note, both Pat and Larry take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made donations to their fundraising efforts in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services.

“Larry and myself deeply appreciate the generosity of all those who sponsored us and donated at our various collection events. The recent collection in Camlough village was a grand total of £1,,230.34. Thanks to all those who have helped in our collections and trained with us.”

Having received a cancer diagnosis and subsequent successful treatment almost three years ago, Pat praised the work of the Southern Area Hospice and said: “The Hospice services have been availed of by many.  We will be remembering in particular Larry’s late father Dermot and all our family members and friends who lost their lives to cancer. It is also important to be positive and encourage those facing the uncertainties that cancer brings with it to be strong and resolute. You are not alone.”

Pat and Larry will be cheered along the route by their many supporters including Pat’s son, Conor, a Westminster MP whose PA is also running the marathon for charity.

Comparing Conor’s circumstances of living and working across the Irish Sea to that experienced by himself and Larry during the 1970s, Pat added: “It was a daunting enough experience for two naive young lads, but myself and Larry are survivors.  Times have changed somewhat for the new generation of Irish now living and working there, mostly for the good.  My son Conor is an MP in Westminster representing his constituency of St Helen’s North. Changed times indeed.  Conor has a great passion and care for his constituents and job. He is also deeply involved with the Irish in Britain and the issues they face. We as a family and his friends are proud of him and what he has achieved as a young Irishman who has gone to make his home and his life elsewhere.”

As they undertake the final preparations ahead of Sunday’s marathon, Pat revealed he and Larry have planned a number of other initiatives to continue their fundraising for the Hospice, including the Great North Run in September.

CORK 2-16 ARMAGH 4-7

Richard Bullick reports

A fantastic comeback against All-Ireland champions Cork saw Armagh dramatically claim their place in the NFL Division One semi-finals for the first time since 2008.

Seven days after a wasted journey to weather-hit Cork, Ronan Clarke’s ladies made the second chance count by taking exactly what they needed to from this rearranged game at Abbotstown on the outskirts of Dublin.

With all the other fixtures completed, Armagh knew that losing by two points or less would be enough for a place in the knockout stages at the expense of Kerry.

In the end they were beaten by three leaving the outcome open to some doubt but thankfully Croke Park’s official interpretation of the LGFA’s own rather unclear criteria went in the Orchard outfit’s favour.

There were five teams finished joint second but Armagh go through in official fourth place and will meet runaway table toppers Mayo this weekend with the other semi being a repeat of the last two All-Ireland finals between Cork and Dublin.

Cork knew they needed to beat Armagh to join their opponents and three other teams, including Galway and Dublin, on 12 points but that any win would do given their healthy points difference following commanding margins against Monaghan and Galway in their last two outings.

The LGFA’s first criteria for teams tied on points is applicable points difference, namely points difference calculated after results against the table’s bottom team are removed and a three point defeat left Armagh and Kerry level on minus five.

The second criteria listed for placing tied teams was overall points difference, namely with the results against the bottom team included – which would have cost Clarke’s side as Kerry thrashed Tyrone 7-22 to 0-8 in their final fixture in contrast to Armagh’s margin of 26 against the struggling Red Hands in the opening game.

The wording of the regulations appeared ambiguous as to whether the second criteria would be used even if only two teams were still level after the first criteria but LGFA confirmation came following the final whistle that this wasn’t the case.

Instead, with only two teams now needing split – as Cork and Dublin were ahead of Armagh and Kerry on the first criteria and Galway were behind them – the tie-breaker became what was listed as the third criteria, namely head to head result between the relevant teams.

So Armagh got the benefit from having handsomely defeated the Kingdom girls by 11 points at Pearse Og Park in February rather than suffering as a consequence of old rivals Tyrone’s abject capitulation in Killarney this month.

And in truth it would have been a travesty had Armagh’s magnificent comeback at the national sports campus in Abbotstown not been rewarded with a ticket to the semi-finals for it was a wonderful effort from Clarke’s ladies.

Until clarification came from the LGFA there was an agonising sense among some Orchard fans that Armagh had fallen an agonising one point short against Cork for the third time in a decade as a result of Rebelettes sub Eimear Scally’s score in the final few minutes.

Armagh had lost by the minimum margin to the most successful county in the sport’s history in the 2006 All-Ireland final and again in a 2013 qualifier and another near miss here would have been hard to take.

Before Scally’s score, Armagh had dramatically closed the gap to two points after having trailed by 10 with 13 minutes remaining on an afternoon of fluctuating fortunes and, in the end, deserved delight.

The semi-finals looked a fanciful notion for badly depleted Armagh when in-form Cork raced into a seven-point lead inside the opening six minutes and Annie Walsh tagged on another point before Aimee Mackin opened the Orchard account with a free.

Cork captain Ciara O’Sullivan had netted after only 30 seconds after Orlagh Farmer had hit the crossbar but fears Ephie Fitzgerald’s girls could run away with the match, like the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final, were allayed somewhat by a much-needed goal from Caroline O’Hanlon.

The team in red – Armagh were wearing white – got the next four points though Armagh could have had more majors thanks to the inspired O’Hanlon but firstly Sinead McCleary palmed a great goal chance wide and then Mackin missed a penalty after her fellow Camlough superwoman was brought down when right through on goal.

Having taken over the penalty duties from O’Hanlon herself, Mackin hit the post with her effort but she made amends with Armagh’s second goal after O’Hanlon had played her right through.

In between the penalty miss and goal, O’Hanlon’s successor as All-Ireland Player of the Year Briege Corkery and Mackin had exchanged scores, the latter’s coming courtesy of her second left-footed free of the afternoon.

Cork got another two points before Blaithin Mackin had the last word of the first half when she somehow managed to get the ball over the bar in spite of being surrounded by four defenders to make it 1-11 to 2-3 at the interval.

Unfortunately for Armagh, Cork captain O’Sullivan again got a goal at the start of the half to stretch the Orchard deficit to eight points although the elder Mackin sister responded with a wonderful point at the other end.

It. however, was called out by the dangerous O’Sullivan, who had carved Armagh open in that last meeting between these teams, and Orla Finn added her third free and third point from play either side of the Mackins combining beautifully with Aimee setting up Blathin for a score.

Annie Walsh widened the gap to 10 when she pointed from an acute angle but McCleary landed a beauty for Armagh before a great goal from Fionnuala McKenna really launched the Orchard comeback.

Blaithin Mackin pointed and big sister Aimee finished brilliantly to the net after another sublime ball by O’Hanlon had played her through and suddenly Armagh had a foot in the semi-finals with six minutes remaining.

Lively sub Scally’s subsequent score complicated matters in some minds but ultimately the news was good for Armagh, who have had a very encouraging campaign on their return to top flight football for the first time this decade.

Following back to back promotions from the third division, Armagh have looked at home among the elite and whatever happened in the final fixture they were guaranteed at least joint runners-up place in the table.

Had Armagh missed out on a place in the knockout stages they would have had the satisfaction of having beaten two of the semi-finalists but getting their result against Cork is another significant step forward for this team and gives them another big game to look forward to.

Although Armagh have been without a plethora of notable names in this campaign, they have played confident football throughout and in the multi-talented O’Hanlon and Mackin have two of the brightest stars in the sport to spearhead their challenge.

That special pair are also completely committed to the Orchard cause in spite of the pull of their second sports – Mackin gave up playing for Northern Ireland in two women’s European Championships soccer qualifiers rather than miss the original game against Cork while O’Hanlon now won’t be able to captain her club Larkfield in netball’s NI Senior Cup final this Saturday.

Talking of dual stars, there was a first start for Armagh yesterday for Orchard camogie great Bernie Murray, who came in for Clann Eireann teenager Aoibhinn Henderson in the only change to the starting team from that first ever victory over Dublin last time out.

Armagh were well beaten by Mayo in Swinford in February’s league game which they went into as table toppers after winning their first three games of the campaign but Mackin, who celebrates her 19th birthday this Friday, was a big miss that day due to injury.

ARMAGH: A Carr; S Marley, C McCambridge, M Tennyson (capt); S Reel, F McKenna (1-0), S McCleary (0-1); N Marley, A Donaldson; K Mallon, C O’Hanlon (1-0), B Mackin (0-3); B Murray, S Finnegan, A Mackin (2-3, 2f).  Sub: N Coleman for Murray (40mins).

A dancing priest from Newry looks set to steal the show at St. John Bosco GAC’s upcoming Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser.

Fr Colum Murphy, curate at Newry Cathedral, has been showcasing his moves in a hilarious video posted online to launch the GAA club’s charity event next month.  The twinkle-toed cleric is featured descending the steps of the city’s cathedral before bursting into an all-singing, all-dancing routine through Hill Street to the tune of “Is this the way to Amarillo.” Sporting a pink bow tie, braces and bowler hat, Fr Colum leads a procession of dancers and club members who join in along the way, singing, waving flags and clapping along to the classic Tony Christie track.

The highly entertaining video was put together to promote the Strictly Come Dancing charity event which takes place in the Canal Court Hotel on May 6th, to raise funds for the St John Bosco club as well as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and a fund set up following the death of former St John Bosco player Eamonn Morgan in a dune buggy crash in Qatar last year.

Fr Murphy, who is chaplain to the club, will be busting his moves along with 50 other dancers who will take to the floor on the night for a twist to the usual Strictly format – as part of a number of dance troupes as opposed to couples.

The city club and the two charities are much loved by the people of Newry, who are expected to turn out in force to support the fundraiser.

“People are coming from over Newry and further afield to support this, there’s a great community spirit,” said Paul MacCormaic from the Bosco club.

“Eamonn was a Bosco senior team player and we were all devastated when he died, but something like this keeps his memory alive.

“It’s something that’s very close to home and very close to our hearts.”

Despite the fact that KBRT founder, Collie Bell, is a rival Mitchells man, Paul jokingly insists that they will put the rivalry aside and are delighted to raise funds for the renowned repatriation charity.

Mr MacCormaic said the club are thrilled to have Fr Colum on board and proud to have him as chaplain, describing the priest as a “great support” to the club in the wake of former player Eamonn Morgan’s death.

“While we are doing Strictly Come Dancing, we’re doing it a bit differently and it’s various dance troupes rather than couples,” added Paul.

“We have Newry Panto Players as well as a Gaelic for Mothers group and there’s also a number of footballers and mentors taking part. People involved are aged from eight to 80.”

Fr Murphy is part of a group of four dancers called Heavenly Stars and will dance to four different numbers on the night.  He admits that while he is nervous about his upcoming performance, he is also looking forward to tripping the light fantastic.

“Rehearsals are picking up, there’s been lots of dancing, much of it bad dancing so far, but we will be getting in more as the time gets closer,” he said.

“It’s all in a great cause as well, it will be great craic and great publicity for all involved.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the much anticipated event. For further information, contact Paul MacCormaic on 07872 837939.

By Patsy McArdle

A LEADING South Armagh community activist  has raised  fresh ripples on the  political scene  this week by confirming  his intention to  fight for  an Assembly seat in the Newry and Armagh area in next month’s Elections.

Martin McAllister, 62, from Crossmaglen, a former Republican prisoner,  who survived  death during some serious gun clashes with the British Forces during the early days in the campaign, has confirmed he is standing as an Independent for  election on May 5th.

Mr. McAllister,  who is more recently well known for his frequent commentary for national and provincial media outlets in relation to the impact of certain  political issues for south Armagh, will be  bravely battling to claim one of the two seats currently held by the SDLP, or one of  the three seats held by Sinn Fein. Indeed,  many of his supporters are already initially predicting  his  well identified sincere qualities  and his acknowledged efforts   to assist people of  all political persuasion, could attract quite strong cross-party support for the popular Crossmaglen contender.

“It will be a tough fight,  but  I feel the people will realize  the importance of having an independent voice to represent them in parliament and thereby pursue the day-to-day issues that matter for this region,” he said  in an interview yesterday.

The large number of  people in the area who already seek his assistance as a community activist on various issues, and whom, he  says, he is  always delighted to be able to  provide some help, has spurred him into allowing his name to go forward for the Election. Indeed, the signatures on Mr. McAllister’s nomination papers reflect the extent of his popularity and  his standing in the wider local community.

As an Independent member of the Assembly, he feels he will  also be  making fresh political history for Crossmaglen—in following the footsteps of the late  John Fee,  who lost his seat some years ago .

Martin said yesterday : “I am taking a very positive approach and I am determined that real issues will be followed up,  which matter for the people of Crossmaglen and the wider south Armagh and  Newry area”.

“There are several issues requiring urgent action but these have been ignored  by the Assembly,  which  is more or less totally inactive.”

“Health funding  has reached an all-time low—the waiting time for ambulances is also totally unacceptable and has led to tragic consequences for some families. The truth is that neither Sinn Fein or the DUP have really worked together, and all the public are now  getting from the Assembly is a general gloss,  with polarization becoming more evident, day by day”.

Martin believes many people have stayed away from the polls in the past because they were not offered anything new, but he now feels that with the opportunity he is providing for an effective Independent voice to represent the south Armagh region in the Assembly,  all that will change, and he is hoping for a huge voter turn-out,  on May 5th to ensure he wins  a seat.

He says he is hopeful of getting support right across the political spectrum  because of the importance to the community  of an effective voice for the area in the Assembly.

He intends to pursue a  varied range  of issues which  can greatly  benefit south Armagh. He said : “The people must realize there  wasn’t one useful piece of legislation passed by the Assembly up until now,  and all  that must be changed—we must also get maximum  benefits from the Peace Fund dividend, which we  have failed to get”.

He said there was  also a need for a  completely fresh approach to policing in the region,  with  more measures  being  pursued, to instill a  completely new sense of community involvement in policing—and therefore “ bring  communities  forward  and away from the  dark days of the past”.

He intends to pursue  efforts for inward investment in the Crossmaglen, Newry, and  wider south Armagh region, and endeavour to fill  the long void  left by other politicians, rectifying  their lapse,  and boosting  the local economy in every way for families in the area.

Martin  insists that GAA clubs are doing more than the government or the legislators in helping to enable young people to engage  in social outlets, through sport  and other wholesome activity which have contributed in a major way to the proud image currently reflected throughout Ireland  by the youth of south Armagh.

“However, ” he said, “much more sponsorship by way of funds to these sporting clubs is imperative,  as they are doing the work of the government—but are unpaid”.

All in all, Mr. McAllister concluded : “I am determined to try and bring  vital changes at Assembly level that should benefit,  in some way, every family—and indeed every voter—in this region and I feel my election can offer a great new impetus for Crossmaglen, Newry and Armagh”.

South Armagh singing sensation Kerry Fearon is thrilled to have made it through to the final of TG4’s popular country and western talent show, Glór Tíre.  The search for Ireland’s newest country star has been running for 15 weeks and Kerry, who is billed as this series’ “pocket rocket”, seems to be a firm favourite amongst the judging panel, who have saved her in two consecutive rounds, including last week’s semi-finals.  With a much-deserved place in Wednesday’s live grand final alongside her Country Music mentor, John McNicholl, Kerry will vie for the ultimate Glór Tíre title against fellow finalists Noel Briody and Gavin McAloon.

The local songstress has enjoyed a whirlwind 18 months on the country music scene establishing herself as one of Ireland’s hottest new country stars with a raft of high profile gigs under her belt and two singles released.  The qualified teacher, who works as a member of staff at the Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry, is now relying on the firm support of south Armagh in her quest for the Glor Tire and is calling on all her supporters to once again pick up the phone and vote for the local favourite to win.

Speaking to The Examiner on her success in the talent search so far, the modest singer revealed that a lack of confidence meant she almost turned down the chance to take part in the TG4 competition.

“I just can’t believe it! Not in a million years would I have thought this could happen or that the judges would choose me to stay and take part in the final!

“To think I almost didn’t take the chance to take part in the competition!!! I never thought I would get this far at all,” said Kerry.

Reliving last week’s live semi-final, she added,

“I could not get my Irish song right during rehearsal.  I just didn’t know it at all so I dreaded going on the stage that night because I was terrified of messing it up on live TV!!! It must have been a miracle because that live performance was the first time I got the whole song right!! I gave the second song my all as I was sure I was going home.

“I didn’t get the votes to make it through to the final but it is an unbelievable feeling to know that the judges chose me to stay in the competition for the final. It’s a huge achievement for me and to think that I did this whole journey to the end without being knocked out in any of the rounds.

“To win I need votes again and the lines close at noon on Wednesday! I am trying to choose songs for the night but it’s almost as difficult to try and get something to wear!!! I never ever expected to be going this far and I’m absolutely delighted! What a fantastic, worthwhile experience and thank you to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey!”

South Armagh’s “pocket rocket” needs your votes so text ‘GLOR6’ to 60999 or download the free app called “Glor Tire” from the app store which gives free votes.  Tune into the grand final on TG4 this Wednesday (20th April) at 10.30pm to watch Kerry battle for the Glor Tire title.

Thursday’s huge Garda operation relating to the 2007 murder of Cullyhanna man, Paul Quinn, which centred on farmland close to the border near Castleblayney, unearthed nothing more than a quantity of household waste.

A man aged in his fifties, named locally as Michael Bellew, was arrested during the operation and taken to Carrickmacross garda station where he was questioned about the killing.  He was released without charge on Friday afternoon.

More than twenty Garda officers using specialist ground radar equipment and heavy machinery were involved in the planned search of the farm, which straddles the Armagh/Monaghan border.  Some reports had suggested Gardaí believed a vehicle used by the killers of 21-year-old Mr Quinn may have been buried at the site.  However an extensive dig yielded nothing but discarded household appliances and rubbish.

Despite this, Paul Quinn’s parents, Stephen and Breege, praised the Gardaí for their persistence in the pursuit of Paul’s murderers and expressed disappointment that this latest operation proved futile.

In October 2007 Paul Quinn was lured to a barn just across the border at Oram where he was attacked and savagely beaten by a gang.  He later died from his injuries.

His family blamed members of the IRA for the killing, a claim that has always been denied by the Republican movement.

Commenting on Thursday’s development, Stephen Quinn said: “While our hopes were shattered this time round, the operation does show that this is very much a live investigation.

“The Gardaí have been brilliant from the beginning. They have always said they won’t give up and this is proof that they’re keeping their word to us. They stay in regular contact with us and keep us well informed.

“Paul’s killers should not for a minute think they’ve got away with it. I want them to know that, any time of the day or night, there could be a knock on their door that is the police there to bring them to justice for what they did to my son,” he added.

If the opening three rounds of the re-vamped Armagh Football Leagues are anything to go by then the altered format will have proven to be a huge success. Already there has been a marked improvement in entertainment value as the scoring ratio in matches has improved dramatically with a host of very high scoring matches being recorded. On top of the scoring the new system has evened things out in team terms which in turn have added belief that there is silverware and promotion to be won on a more level playing field.

I know that it is only April and foolish to be getting carried away by results but it is very refreshing to see teams who have struggled last year getting off to a flying start and the more prominent teams filling lesser roles at present and proving beatable. There is a long way to go in the leagues but clubs can build on their good starts or improve on their poor starts which can only make things more competitive and interesting as the year progresses leaving us with very competitive meaningful league football with something at stake in each match.

Following three rounds of the re-vamped Armagh Football Leagues there have been some surprises in all of the 5 leagues which are in operation.

Senior League Football A

The big news in the top division is two successive defeats for Crossmaglen Rangers who now lie 4 points behind one of their conquerors, Armagh Harps who lead the table on 6 points following a trio of victories. Defending league champions St Patrick’s, who lost their opening game will be buoyed by their 2-12 to 1-11 win at St Oliver Plunkett Park which gives them 4 points, the same amount as Pearse Og but the city side have only 2 games played. Maghery have also lost two of their opening 3 games and join Rangers and Sarsfields (2 games played) on the 2 point mark. Pointless following their opening two games, Wolfe Tone and Ballymacnab share the basement spot.

Senior League Football B

No 100% records left in this division with a trio on 4 points leading the way. Dromintee maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with their second draw in a high scoring encounter 1-17 to 3-11 away to Grange who were picking up their first point in their second game played. Joining Dromintee on 4 points is Madden who lost away to Clann Eireann (also on 4 points). Forkhill notched their first points bursting the Annaghmore winning start with a 1-11 to 0-10 home win. Following a draw and a loss Granemore picked up their first win a 1-12 to 0-7 win over Tir na nOg who were losing for the second time, leaving them as the only team yet to register a league point.

Intermediate Football League A

The South Armagh mini-league, only 2 Lurgan teams involved, has already a distinctive look about it as there are 3 teams with maximum points, 2 teams pointless and the other 3 teams with one win apiece. Silverbridge, Killeavy and Culloville are the table toppers. Whitecross and Mullaghbawn are the table propers with St Peter’s, St Paul’s and Carrickcruppen the bit in the middle with 2 points each.

Intermediate Football League B

Two wins from two starts leaves Shane O’Neill’s as the only unbeaten team in the division thus far. The leaders picked up their second win with a 0-10 to 0-7 home win over main rivals Clan Na Gael who were suffering their first loss in 3 outings. A 0-14 to 0-11 win for Tullysaran over Corrinshego gives them 4 points with the losers at the foot of the table still seeking their first point along with Eire Og who have lost their first two games. Middletown, Derrynoose and An Port Mor all have a 50% record with one win each from 2 games played.

Junior Football league

This Junior Division is already showing that this could be the most interesting of all, given the results in so far. Dorsey Emmet’s, Lissummon and St Michael’s are the joint table toppers following 3 wins each in their opening games. Keady had a whopping 5-13 to 0-3 win over pointless Crossmaglen Rangers to take their tally to 5 points. With 2 wins out of 2 for Ballyhegan they are very much involved at the top end of the table. Clonmore, St Patrick’s and Pearse Og all have picked up 3 points with Collegeland on 2 points. Killeavy and Belleek have drawn one game for a point leaving Crossmaglen Rangers, Clady, O’Hanlon’s still looking to get off the mark.

A petition rejecting any motion to rename Raymond McCreesh play park in Newry has received almost 2000 signatures since it was launched just two weeks ago.

The appeal comes after it was revealed that the mother of one of the men murdered in the Kingsmill massacre in 1976 has been granted permission to mount a High Court challenge over the naming of the Newry playground after hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.

Bea Worton – whose son Kenneth was one of 10 people murdered in the Kingsmill massacre in January 1976 – is challenging the decision by the former Newry and Mourne District Council to call the park after the Camlough man who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh in May 1981.  Her barrister said that Mrs Worton “remained shocked and bewildered by the insensitivity of the decision,” in light of claims that McCreesh was reportedly in possession of a rifle used in the Kingsmill killings when he was captured later that year.

Proceedings were issued against the Commission and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, after a judge ruled that the naming process breached Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, which requires public authorities to promote good relations between those of differing religious backgrounds or political opinion.

Since it’s launch, 1937 supporters of the park name have flocked to sign the petition, with over 600 of those leaving messages on the ipetition site reiterating their support that the park, situated in the mainly nationalist area of Patrick Street in the city, should keep its name “in respect and honour of this great man.”

The petition itself demands that “The many who admire Irish freedom fighter Raymond McCreesh have as much right to remember him in this way as those who admire unionist peers, British knights and British kings.”

Those behind the petition have been sharing it on social media sites since the pensioner’s High Court challenge was announced but it remains to be seen whether the voices of local residents will be heard amid the ongoing controversy over the naming of the play park.

The “Say No to renaming Raymond McCreesh Park” petition can be found at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/say-no-to-renaming-raymond-mccreesh-park

There are fresh hopes that the stalled Narrow Water Bridge project could be kick-started again after a key figure in the business and planning permission for the scheme presented a new proposal which would involve merging the original bridge plan with the Newry City Southern Relief Road scheme.

Michael Curran, the former director of economic and cross-border development at Louth County Council,  said he believes integrating the two projects “makes a lot of sense,” and would provide “significant transport benefits for the region along with the tourism benefits which the original scheme would offer”.

Proposals to build the cross-border road bridge, across the Newry River linking counties Down and Louth collapsed in 2013 after it emerged that the  €18m originally budgeted for the project was at least €12m below what was needed.  Stormont then pulled out of the scheme after the withdrawal of European Union funding.

Mr Curran, who was involved in helping to secure EU funding for the original Narrow Water Bridge, also worked with Newry and Mourne Council at the time to investigate access to Warrenpoint port from the M1, known as the Newry City Southern Relief Road.

Before his retirement in 2014 he was part of a group on Louth County Council that investigated the possibility of merging the two projects.  Last week, he revealed that the new proposal had been presented to both the Irish government and Stormont, with “a very positive response” received.

“The bridge connection together with this ‘relief road’ link to the motorway would remove a considerable quantity of port traffic from Newry thus relieving congestion in the town and removing bottlenecks,” he said.

Outlining the significant reduction in costs for the integrated scheme, Mr Curran said,

“The estimated construction costs for the two schemes are significantly different, with the current estimates for the Newry scheme to be in the region of €200m, as opposed to our estimated costs for the Narrow Water Bridge and road upgrade scheme to be in the order of €55m,” he said.

“We consider that this scheme offers all the benefits of the proposed NI scheme and includes for significant road improvements on the existing road network in two EU jurisdictions which would offer economic benefits to the region as a whole.

“If grant aid of 40 per cent can be achieved through the Trans-European Network policy, then we would envisage the works on the bridge to proceed.

“The road upgrade and relief road section can be phased over the next three years.

“If we can achieve financial assistance from the two jurisdictions north and south, then we would anticipate the total funding requirement from each government/ council authority/ road service to be of the order of €4.12m per year over a four year period.”

“The east coast of Ireland needs this development if we want to develop the tourist potential in the Mourne/ Cooley region, give access to Warrenpoint and Greenore Port traffic, our local industry and bringing both communities closer together, ” he said.

“The potential for the Mourne region is enormous with the development and regeneration of towns and villages, not to mention the development of rural communities.

“As an individual, I want to see it happen. To open up the Mournes will open up the north even more than before.

“We should be thinking of young people and their futures and are going to create jobs for them.

“There’s so much potential for the Narrow Water Bridge project and potential for tourism on both sides of the border.”

The integrated proposal has drawn mixed reactions from political representatives with Sinn Féin South Down assembly candidate Caitríona Ruane insisting that both initiatives are “two separate projects with separate timeframes.”

“The Narrow Water Bridge project is shovel ready with planning permission on both sides of the border and Sinn Féin is committed to see it delivered,” she said.

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said such an idea had been suggested before and was worth considering.

“All avenues must be explored in order to ensure we achieve a Narrow Water Bridge Project,” she said.

“The bottom line is this will be one of the most significant north-south projects. I look forward to the ongoing work that is taking place between officials on the North South Council, which is to report back in June this year to a meeting.

“This has to be promoted and has to be funded by both the Irish government and the Northern Ireland Executive.”