Three weeks after setting off on an epic cycle challenge across America, intrepid cyclist Darren Rowland has waved goodbye to the west coast and turned east en route to New York.

The Culloville man, who is undertaking the mammoth 4,000 mile journey from San Francisco to New York in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, has experienced the generosity of American and Irish hospitality along the way, meeting up with a host of supporters who have welcomed him into their homes.

One such generous host, Bernie Blayenburg, invited the charity cyclist to stay at his house with his family in Chino, California last week, treating him to dinner and breakfast the following morning. Darren has also met up with an ex-Newry woman Colleen Conway and husband Timmy as well as a cousin of Kevin Bell who was kind enough to allow him to send packages to her home.

“The welcome from Irish people has been amazing,” he said.

Having enjoyed an unexpected extra rest for two days in Santa Barbara, while his bike underwent some essential maintenance, the 28 year old got back in the saddle again to pedal to LA where he took in world famous sights the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica pier and the end of Route 66.

Dipping his wheels in the waters of the Pacific for the last time last Tuesday, Darren savoured his last beach view cycle before heading inland and east bound towards New York and the Atlantic.

You can follow Darren on his journey on 2wheels2newyork Twitter and Facebook pages.

Newry, Mourne and Down Distrct Council has approved a proposal to develop a cable car ‘gondola’ for the Mourne Mountains.

Plans for the ‘Donard Gondola’ to ferry visitors from a base in Newcastle up into the mountains is part of a tourism roadmap for the area known as the South-East Master Plan.

At a Council meeting on Monday last, officials approved the proposals and said identification of possible locations and tender documents will soon be issued.

Council officials say the gondola would give people a chance to see the spectacular landscape of the area from a unique vantage point.

A spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down Council said: “The next step for the council is to issue appropriate tender documents and appoint a company to deliver the visioning plan for Newcastle and the proposed gondola development.  Potential locations will be identified as part of this visioning plan.”

It had been suggested that the gondola would operate from Donard Park at the foot of the mountain range to Millstone Quarry or Thomas Mountain Quarry, with a timeframe of five to 10 years.

Meanwhile, in a letter to local publications, the proposal has been described as “idiotic” and would have an “extremely negative aesthetic impact” on the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Opposing the plan, the author stated: “The mountain is accessible enough and arguing for progress in this respect is just cover for the real pseudo-benefits of improving tourism (which I don’t think it will) or justifying the existence of councillors.  I have yet to meet a local who thinks this is a good idea. But I have met a lot of people who will fight this tooth and nail.”

A local teenager has helped to open the UK and Ireland’s first dedicated regional children and young people’s art gallery to be located in a hospital.  Developed by the charity, Arts Care and funded by Belfast Harbour, Arts in Business and Children in Need, the permanent gallery is in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. It will showcase art works produced by sick and vulnerable younger people from across Northern Ireland.

Thirteen year old Abby McConville, from Silverbridge, proudly exhibited her contribution to the permanent exhibition space which has been developed by Arts Care, Northern Ireland’s leading Arts in Health charity.

The contemporary gallery, desgined to professional gallery standards, will showcase art works produced by sick and vulnerable children and young people from across Northern Ireland as part of an ongoing initiative to give children and young people a ‘creative voice’.  Children will produce art with the help of Arts Care’s professional artist team and the aim is to reduce anxiety caused by their illnesses and healthcare treatment.

The gallery, known as ‘Cartwheel 999’, is funded by Belfast Harbour, Arts in Business and Children in Need, with the support of Northern Ireland’s five Health & Social Care Trusts and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.  Located near the hospital’s new MRI scanner the gallery will be viewed by thousands of people every year.

Arts Care’s CEO and Artistic Director, Dr. Jenny Elliott, desrcibed the gallery as a “a landmark development for the arts in health.”

“Every year thousands of children and young people in Northern Ireland live with huge challenges such as serious or life limiting illnesses or poor mental health.  For the past 25 years Arts Care has worked closely with healthcare professionals and professional artists, using the arts to help children and their families cope with profoundly difficult circumstances.

“Arts projects have a track record of delivering tangible, clinical benefits – helping give children a voice and unlocking their creativity at a time when they can feel anxious and vulnerable.  The bespoke gallery will be an innovative arts opportunity for local children and young people, and we hope that it will become one of the UK and Ireland’s most significant arts venues.

“Named ‘Cartwheel 999’ after Arts Care’s new children’s strategy, the new gallery will be a focal point for arts in health projects from across Northern Ireland.”

The theme of the first art exhibition is the Belfast Harbour’s skyline. The art work was created by children who took part in Arts Care workshops in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Musgrave Park Hospital and Forest Lodge Respite Unit.

Speaking at the official opening of the gallery, Silverbridge girl Abby said:

“Art helps take your mind off the scary things that happen in hospital and l really enjoyed taking part in the exhibition. I liked doing messy art and also being very precise with fine markers.”

Dr Michael Mc Bride Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said he was honoured to be at the official opening of such an important venue and added that the gallery represented “an expressive opportunity for our younger patients to share their feelings and emotions, it gives them a visual voice and has untold creative and therapeutic benefits.

“I wish to thank the Arts Care team and all the staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for making this possible.  Additional praise must go to the organisations whose generous funding brought this concept to life. This art project is an excellent example of partnership opportunities between health organisations, the community and other stakeholder organisations.”

As part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations Arts Care is launching a new fundraising campaign as part of its ‘Cartwheel 999’ strategy.  The charity hopes to raise almost £100,000 by asking 99 businesses to donate £999 each.

Staff at the Newry branch of building supplies company Haldane Fisher have voted to strike in a row over pay, the Trade union Unite has revealed.

Workers at the branch, which employs fifty people, have balloted in favour of industrial action over an “unreasonable pay increase” offer of 2.25 per cent.

The industrial action will involve a ban on overtime work and 12 days of strike action. Unite regional officer Sean Smyth described the offer of 2.25 per cent put forward by the management as “measly”, saying it “fails to reflect the reality that workers have endured years of below inflation pay increases and pay freezes in order to safeguard the future of the company in difficult times”.

“On a ballot with a turnout of 40 workers, workers voted for strike action with a majority of 90% in pursuit of the demand of a decent pay increase,” he said.

“Now that Haldane Fisher is enjoying increased profits on a substantially increased turnover, it is time that the workforce’s productivity and contribution are recognised with a real cost-of-living pay increase.”

A spokesman for the firm said the company is continuing “to engage with employee representatives in an effort to agree a solution” and to comment any further would not be appropriate.

The Ring of Gullion team and the Camlough Lake Sub-committee have joined forces to facilitate a new Outdoor Recreation Forum for organisations in south Armagh involved in outdoor sports and recreation.

The first meeting will be tomorrow (Tuesday, 26 April) in Mullaghbawn Community Centre starting at 7pm.

Sport NI will be on hand to talk about how outdoor sports and recreation organisations have benefited from their membership of similar regional forums.  They will also be speaking about upcoming funding opportunities in outdoor recreation.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane explains, “One of the priorities for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as part of its Economic Regeneration and Investment Strategy, is to develop the Council area as Northern Ireland’s premier outdoor/adventure destination. The development of this forum will enable the outdoor groups in south Armagh to be at the forefront at this exciting time.”

“Outdoor recreation is an important element within the sports industry in the north of Ireland and is closely associated with grassroots participation, tourism and family activity. It also plays an important role in actively engaging young people. It has a positive impact in health and fitness, quality of life, reduction in crime, inward investment and work productivity.”

If you are interested or working in the following areas; running, walking, cycling, angling, climbing, outdoor swimming, orienteering or any other outdoor recreation come along and find out how organisations can work together.

The workshop will cover information/discussion around funding; local development planning; working in partnership and setting up an outdoor recreation forum.

To register your attendance, please contact the Ring of Gullion on (028) 3082 8590 or email info@ringofgullion.orgby Monday 25 April. For more information, visit the Ring of Gullion website www.ringofgullion.org

This meeting is supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Sport NI, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In a poignant tribute to former Dromintee GFC player, Peter Hughes, who was tragically killed in a car accident last year, the club’s senior team will line out this season in jerseys inscribed with his initials and player number to honour his contribution and commitment to the squad.

The inscription ‘PH6’ will appear on the jersey below the club crest, which the club says, will keep him “close to their hearts” and “is a fitting addition” to the jersey the teenager had worn “so brilliantly for Dromintee”.

Peter Hughes died alongside his two friends, Conall Havern from Newry and Gavin Sloan from Attical, in a two-car collision on the A1 near Dromore in August 2015.  The Queen’s University students were returning home from Belfast having arranged their accommodation for the incoming academic year.

Peter’s tragic death sent shockwaves throughout the entire community of Dromintee and south Armagh, and his fellow teammates and clubmates were numbed by the tragedy.

Having packed a great deal into his short life, he was held in the highest esteem, not just in his own community, but among all those whose lives he touched.  A past pupil of St. Paul’s High School in Bessbrook, where he held the prestigious position of Head Boy in his final year, Peter excelled both academically and in the field of sport.

Dromintee GFC Chairman, Colm McCoy, said the idea to include Peter’s initials on the jersey came from the senior team who felt they wanted to honour “one of their own”, adding that the Hughes family deeply appreciates the gesture.

“The response to the gesture has been overwhelming and, I suppose, demonstrates once again about the support of the GAA community,” Mr McCoy told The Examiner.

“The idea came from our senior team. Peter had such a strong affiliation with this group of players, and many of them came up the ranks alongside him from underage.  He had already broken into the senior ranks by the time of the accident, so you could imagine how difficult of a time it was, obviously for his family and friends, but also his teammates and the entire club.  The seniors felt that they needed someway to honour Peter, one of their own, and this was the perfect solution. He will now always be close to their hearts.

“I think it shows once again the strength of Dromintee as a community club and I know the Hughes family appreciate the gesture.  It’s important for Dromintee to always remember Peter, and also Gavin and Conall as well,” he added.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is bringing its Keeping Well mobile unit to Cloverhill Golf Club this May. As part of a fundraising day, all participants at the club on the day and any locals are being encouraged to hop onboard to have their health checked out for free at the club on 21st May from 10:30 am until 4pm.

The Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Keeping Well van is a mobile drop-in unit which delivers health checks and cancer awareness sessions directly to workplaces, sports and community groups across Northern Ireland.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus added: “The resources available on our Keeping Well vans will help empower local people to take control of their own health and lower their risk of cancer.  The sessions we offer are interactive, positive and designed so that participants see how they can proactively adopt a healthier lifestyle, step by step.  And by offering these services onboard a mobile unit that can travel to a community’s doorstep, we are able to reach out to even more people.”

The health checks available onboard include blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar, carbon monoxide monitoring for smokers and a body composition analysis.  The health awareness sessions are delivered on a one-to-one basis. They offer advice on improving health and provide information on the early signs and symptoms of various cancers.

Appointments will take approximately 30 minutes. To book an appointment contact Brendan Headley on 07793 818 132.

To find out more information about the Cancer Focus Keeping Well van, or if you are a business or community group interested in bringing the service to your area, contact Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or visit www.cancerfocusni.org.

For more information contact Lianne Wilson at Cancer Focus on 028 9068 0741 or liannewilson@cancerfocusni.org.

SDLP Assembly Candidate Karen McKevitt has spoken of her heartfelt thanks to local residents for the very warm and positive welcome on the doorsteps over recent months and has urged everyone to come out and vote on Thursday 5th May.

Mrs McKevitt said, ‘The next Assembly faces very difficult choices and this community needs a strong team of MLA’s there fighting their corner over the next five years.  This assembly term must see greater investment in roads, rail and strategic communications infrastructure, it must see real investment in Daisy Hill and rural health care services and it must see real investment in education provision for all ages.’

‘What is coming across very strong on the door steps is that people are up for change.  They are fed up with the same old same old from Stormont and want parties like the SDLP to go back in larger numbers and make real progress for all our communities.’

‘I have been an elected representative for over ten years now and with the support of the people of Newry and Armagh I can represent them over the next five years.  My politics is simple, I’ll work hard to make sure this area is not left behind.  What goes on around my kitchen table is no different to any others, I know the pressures of working families like my own.  We need a voice that will stand up for Newry and Armagh and in Justin McNulty and I, I firmly believe the people of Newry and Armagh can send a strong SDLP team at Stormont.’

Huge congratulations Silverbridge ABC boxer, Sean McGenity from Dromintee, who won the All-Ireland title Friday night in the National Stadium in Dublin.

Sean began this campaign in the Mid-Ulster championships held in Banbridge, where he had two bouts and won both on unanimous decisions. He then progressed to the Ulster Finals in Carrickmore and successfully retained his Ulster tittle.

In the following weeks Sean was in the National Stadium fighting in the All-Ireland quarter and semi finals where he came out victorious. During the past week he was selected to carry out the Ulster flag in the opening ceremony on the night of the final and on Friday night he boxed cleverly to overcome his opponent James McStravick from Westport on a unanimous decision.

Silverbridge ABC would like to congratulate Sean on this well deserved reward for all his hard work and dedication given all year round.

If successful in this week’s Assembly election, promoting tourism in the area will be a key focus of her time in Stormont, Sinn Fein’s Megan Fearon has promised.

The outgoing MLA says South Armagh “has huge potential” as a national tourist destination: “We’re located between the two biggest cities in the country; an idyllic rural getaway in the middle of the eastern economic corridor.  We have stunning scenery, an incredible history steeped in myth and folklore and of course, our greatest asset; the people of the area.

“With the right investment south Armagh could be booming.  We’ve seen with Slieve Gullion what can be achieved when the proper resources are put into place.  This is why, with our latest billboards, we’ve made tourism and investment a central theme, and what better way to highlight it than using the always stunning Slieve Gullion as a backdrop.”

Meanwhile, the three Newry/Armagh Sinn Fein candidates have released their party manifesto outlining plans for the constituency.

Megan Fearon (South Armagh), Cathal Boylan (Armagh) and Conor Murphy (Newry), which they say shows the party’s commitment to local as well as national issues.

“We wanted to outline a plan specifically for the constituency to show that while there is huge work to be done nationally across Ireland, we are first and foremost representatives of the people and these are the bread and butter issues we will be dealing with,” Ms Fearon said.

Conor Murphy said the manifesto showed how Team Sinn Féin would represent people locally, nationally and internationally, making voices heard “from Ballybot to Brussels”; while Mr Boylan says the document clearly illustrates Sinn Fein’s focus “on work and delivery on the ground”.

In a shock move former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has endorsed Martin McAllister’s campaign for election to the Assembly.

Mr. Ahern, Ireland’s longest serving Taoiseach since Éamon de Valera, described Martin McAllister as a “true supporter of the potential of the Good Friday Agreement”.

The former Taoiseach, who served from 1997-2008, is credited as one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement. More recently, Mr. Ahern has spoken out about the damage which Brexit could do to Britain’s relationship with Ireland describing it as “negative in every way” for the relationship.

In his letter the former Taoiseach commends McAllister’s “community work in Crossmaglen and across south Armagh” adding that “the work of dealing with issues affecting everyday life including the economy, health and education can only be delivered by community activists like you”.

Reacting to the former Taoiseach’s unexpected endorsement, Martin McAllister said, “I have worked with Bertie Ahern for a number of years, particularly during the early years of the peace process and his contribution to peace in Ireland is second to none. However, the work of peace involves transforming people’s everyday lives too and I’m very pleased that Bertie understands the importance of reversing south Armagh’s economic decline and improving our education and health services”.

The Cross Examiner understands that Mr. Ahern’s personal endorsement, reproduced in full on this page, is the only intervention of the Assembly campaign by any serving or former Taoiseach.

As the Fight on Campaign for Séanín continues its fundraising drive in order to secure vital surgery in America for the 23 year old Belleek woman, her devoted family have shared their pride at the inspirational determination she has shown to defy the odds once again.

Séanín suffers from a 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. Having endured countless hospitalisations and  huge medical setbacks since her diagnosis, she now faces fusion stabilisation surgery to treat the cranial instability she has developed which has left her unable to support her head.

The brave young woman has been so ill in recent weeks that she has been unable to leave home, forcing her family to cancel medical appointments.

Despite this, her sister Louise revealed that the determined Masters student “battled on” to sit her exam last Monday morning, marking the completion of the first year of her Masters.

“Séanín studies part time, attending Uni one day a week but with this particularly bad year, she has missed a lot of class and her studies had to take a back seat,” explained Louise.

“A lot of people ask why she puts herself through this, the answer is simple -  it gives Séanín some sort of normality in her life and it has been her focus over the last few years, keeping her going through all of the difficult times.

“To us, Séanín is an absolute inspiration, showing us what can be achieved with determination and willpower. Finding the positivity in all of the darkness over the last few years has not been easy but she has proved many wrong by gaining her degree last year and completing the first year of her Masters. Amazing to say the least!”

Unfortunately, the exertion of sitting her exam has taken its toll on Séanín who suffered a particularly  tough night following her exam, suffering chest pains, paralysis and losing consciousness.

“Last night shows what leaving the house for a few hours can do to Séanín so naturally enough we are all very worried about the journey that lies ahead of her,” said Louise.

“We can only hope with all of your prayers, she will be fit for it all.”

Séanín’s fight against this relentless condition has certainly captured the hearts of the local and wider community and the Smith family had hoped that her appearance in a new “Medical Mysteries” TV series on Channel 5 would also help to raise awareness of her everyday struggle and fight for life and generate even more support for their fundraising campaign. However, they now reveal they are “absolutely gutted” to have been told last week that Séanín’s episode has been postponed due to scheduling difficulties.

The “Fight On” campaign continues unabated however and the next event on the fundraising calendar is a Fun Quiz in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry this Wednesday 4th May at 7.30pm. All are welcome to what promises to be an entertaining night.

If you would like to donate to the Fight On Campaign for Séanín, visit the justgiving crowdfunding page at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/fighton-seanin.

The charity foundation set up in memory of former Crossmaglen woman, Ann McGeeney, has given her husband and children a focus for their grief and a determination to carry on her community work, her husband, Jimmy Murray, has said.

Ann passed away from cancer in September 2014, aged just 52.  During her life, she was renowned for her community work, both in her native south Armagh and in the wider Warrenpoint area where she later made her home.

Several months after her untimely passing, Jimmy and the couple’s four children, Daisy, Holly, Ardal and James, established the Ann McGeeney Trust in her memory. Having consulted with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI), fundraising began and to date more than £70,000 has been raised.

The Trust is based on the principals by which Ann lived her life – a community worker helping those who needed it most – and money raised through it will help society’s most disadvantaged in areas such as cross-border community work and peace-building, Jimmy has said.

He revealed that it wasn’t until after his wife died that he began to realize just how far-reaching her community work really was.

“I knew Ann was a community worker, but she didn’t come home bragging about people she had helped or things she had done. I knew she worked with those who most needed help – women’s groups, the disadvantaged and the marginalised. In fact, one of her first jobs was in Crossmaglen working on inter-community development,” he said.

Having been contacted by many whose lives she touched, he added: “All these letters from people she had helped started to arrive and I realised what a remarkable job she had done. She had just worked away quietly behind the scenes making a real difference and impact on people’s lives.”

Speaking of the objectives of the Trust set up in her memory, Jimmy said: “We want to echo Ann’s work and are looking at the disadvantaged in society – single parents, new immigrants, cross- border community work and peace-building. These are all the areas Ann was passionate about,” Jimmy said.

“We want it to be about giving money, no matter how small, that will really transform lives and make a difference.”

A special advisory committee oversees the running of the Trust and determines the recipients of grants.

Jimmy says Ann’s death has also brought the family a lot closer and continuing to hear how she touched people’s lives has helped them cope.

“Letters keep coming in. I got one recently from a member of the Travelling community who talked about how much Ann inspired her and how she got into education and a job because of her. Things like that keep me going as I know she will live on because of her family and because of the Trust.

“I just want to stay strong and make her proud.”

For further details on the Ann McGeeney Trust, contact Jimmy Murray on 07776 152595 or Eamon Donaghy, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, on 028 9024 5927.

A huge gorse fire on Slieve Brack mountain in Forkhill last weekend has caused extensive damage to the countryside and destroyed the important natural habitat of wildlife, environmentalists have revealed.

On Sunday night, the blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately, spread across huge swathes of the mountain above Forkhill village and, with the thick smoke and flames, residents were urged to stay indoors and keep windows shut.

Fire crews were tasked but were forced to allow the fire to burn out as the area was inaccessible.  Strong winds fanned the blaze and it was early Tuesday before the last of the flames died down.  It will be some time before the full extent of the damage is known but a spokesperson for the Ring of Gullion project said significant important habitats have been destroyed on the mountain, which is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

“This fire has destroyed important habitats, left wildlife with no homes or a food source and the damage caused, risks the economical income coming into the area,” the spokesperson said.

“Slieve Gullion Mountain has attracted tourism from across the world.  Visitors want to walk the mountain for its beauty and the unspoilt environment – this is now under risk due to this fire.”

More than 600 hectares of Slieve Gullion is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive, as the area is one of the largest expanses of European Dry Heath in Northern Ireland.

Whether started accidentally or deliberately, wildfires are extremely dangerous and can spread rapidly.  And in the wake of this most recent occurrence, the public is reminded that the burning of vegetation such as heather, whins, gorse or fern is against the law between 15th April and 31st August, and must only be carried out under controlled and expert guidance at any other time of year.

A woman has been charged in connection with a number of distraction type burglaries which took place across south Armagh last week. The charges were made as concerns were raised amongst the general community in light of a spate of incidents where thieves have forced their way into homes while the occupants were present.

In a recent burglary in Dromintee, thieves entered a house via the back door and stole a handbag while the residents sat in their living room. A vehicle was seen leaving the area and the discarded handbag was found two miles away shortly afterwards. The incident prompted Slieve Gullion Sinn Féin councillor Mickey Larkin to call for vigilance within the community.

Mr Larkin urged residents to increase security at their homes and be aware of unfamiliar cars and people in the area. The theft followed a number of reports of suspicious activity at several properties during the past week.

Intruders fled when challenged during the early hours of the morning at two other homes and police have also visited local business people to warn that they may be the target of criminal gangs operating in the area

In the latest disturbing incident, a Belleek pensioner was left badly shaken after intruders entered her home under the guise of needing a glass of water for a young boy who was feeling unwell. At approximately 7.30pm last Tuesday evening the elderly woman heard someone in the hallway of her property. On checking, she found an adult female and a young boy in her house. The woman claimed that the young boy was ill and asked for a glass of water. The lady asked them to step outside of the house whilst she went into the kitchen. However, when she returned the two intruders were back in the hallway. She escorted the pair from her premises, where it is believed they got into a grey car which was waiting in the estate. The car subsequently left the area.

The woman is described as being between 45 to 50 years of age, approximately 5 foot to 5 foot 2 inches tall, of medium build, with blonde or fair hair tied up in a bun.  She was wearing a grey dress with a pattern on it. The dress had a belt around the waist.

The young boy is described as being approximately 14 or 15 years of age with short fair hair, very slim build and wearing a red hoodie.

Detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch in Newry revealed that a 43 year old woman has been charged in connection with the distraction type burglary in Belleek, along with a number of other offences, including a similar burglary in the Art McCooey Park area of Crossmaglen last Thursday and an attempted burglary in the Castleblaney Street area of Newtownhamilton which also took place on Thursday last.

In total the woman has been charged with 2 counts of burglary, attempted burglary, and a number of motoring offences. She is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court today (Monday 2nd May.) May.

Police continue to appeal to anyone with any information about distraction burglaries in the south Armagh area to contact them in Newry on 101. They are particularly keen to speak with anyone who noticed any suspicious females calling at houses in the area trying door handles..

This Saturday (14th May) hundreds of trucks will converge on Silverbridge GFC grounds for the inaugural Thumbs up for Micéal Fords Cross Truck Run in memory of young Silverbridge man Micéal Murphy.

It is expected close to 300 lorries, of all makes and size, will be part of the convoy, which will wind its way from Fords Cross through Mullaghbawn, Forkhill, Lislea, Camlough, Belleek, Newtownhamilton and Cullyhanna, before returning to Silverbridge club.

Commencing at 2.00pm sharp, registration at £30 per vehicle is available online at www.justgiving.com/Lorraine-Ohare ahead of the event or on Saturday at the clubrooms.  Firms registering three or more vehicles can do so at a cost of £25 per truck.

All participants and spectators are invited to enjoy live music and refreshments in the clubrooms during and following the truck run.

The charity fundraiser is being organized by the family and friends of Micéal, who at just 20 years of age passed away in September last year following a short illness.  The Queen’s University student had been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour just four months earlier.  Micéal packed a lot into his short life and had already made his mark at University where he was an award-winning student; a talented footballer with his beloved Dorsey Emmet’s club and a keen farmer.

Throughout his short illness, Micéal received unparallelled support from the NI Cancer Fund for Children, a charity which offers assistance and moral support to young cancer sufferers and their families.  To show their appreciation and honour Micéal’s memory, the Murphy family have chosen this charity to benefit from the proceeds of the fundraising Truck Run.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Paddy on 07955870558 or Mark on 07999 012791.

Irish welfare organisations from around Australia came together last week to honour Newry couple Colin and Eithne Bell for the work their repatriation charity has done to assist the families of Irish people killed while travelling or working there.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) was set up by the Bell family  in June 2013, following the death of their son Kevin in a hit and run accident in New York. In the aftermath of his death, his 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 just under three years, the KBRT has helped to bring home 170 people who have died overseas, The majority of these tragic deaths have happened in Australia.

In addition to alleviating the financial hardship of repatriation for other bereaved Irish families, Colin and Eithne, along with their six sons and daughters, help to provide emotional and practical support and advice to families, taking on the often painstaking administrative and logistical process and liaising with Irish welfare organisations around the world. The work is done entirely on a voluntary basis from the kitchen table of their Newry home, without any type of government funding.

Last week, the inspirational couple were presented with a bronze sculpture of a wild goose in flight in recognition of their amazing work.   The sculpture, called Flying Home, was created by Smith Sculptors, Charles Smith and Joan Walsh-Smith, an Irish couple who emigrated to Australia in 1984.  The flight theme is in keeping with the symbol of a goldfinch on the KBRT crest -  a poignant reminder of Kevin, who had bought his mum a bird table for Christmas one year and because he was the “only redhead in the family.”

“I see Kevin there with the birds,” said his proud mum Eithne, “Birds always come home to nest, and that’s why we have the trust.”

Presenting the beautiful sculpture to the couple during a LINK conference held in Perth last week, Joan Ross, president of the Claddagh Association in Perth, described the Bell family’s service to the Irish abroad, and their families at home in Ireland, as “truly remarkable”.

Colin Bell thanked the Irish organisations gathered at the conference from Perth,Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, who also provide assistance to the families and friends of people killed in Australia, and said the KBRT was “getting amazing support throughout Ireland, and around the world”.

“I have travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to collect cheques, because people have taken this cause to their hearts,” he added.

U.14 ULSTER SCHOOLS’ FOOTBALL FINAL

St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen  14 – 11 St. Bendict’s H.S., Randalstown  0 – 5

St Joseph’s girls’ gave a fine exhibition of skill, class and determination as they totally outplayed St. Bendict’s H.S., Randalstown, in a one-sided U.14 Ulster Schools’ Final at Garvaghey Centre of Excellence on Thursday last.

Having previously recorded a narrow victory in their semi-final clash with St. Aidan’s H.S., Cootehill, the Crossmaglen team expected a tough encounter in the final against their Antrim counterparts. This proved to be the case in the first half with both teams treating the supporters to an entertaining game. After twenty minutes only two points divided the teams with the score at St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen 1–02, St. Bendict’s H.S., Randalstown  0–3.

Then the outstanding Crossmaglen half forward, Alex Clarke took the game by the scruff of the neck and after soloing for 60 yards with the ball she scored a superb goal to lift her teammates. This gave the St. Joseph’s girls a real boost and in the remaining ten minutes of the first half, further scores from Erin O’Reilly, Orlaith McDonnell, Alex Clarke, Emer Rushe and Eimear Traynor gave St. Joseph’s a good lead at the break, 7-3 to 0-3. Randalstown did their best to stay in the game but the south Armagh girls regained the initiative in the second half to consolidate their lead and it was an ecstatic Crossmaglen side that greeted the final whistle.

Jubilant scenes followed with the St. Joseph’s players, their coaches, Miss Aileen McCarron and Mr Michael McIlroy, supporting pupils and staff and families and friends of the players thrilled with the superb victory saw captain Erin O’Reilly receive the ‘Erne’ Shield.

There were many stars, not least the members of the defence, superbly marshalled by goalkeeper Chloe Kilroy and the entire back line of Caoifhlinn Carleton, Michaela Hughes and Alannah Grant presenting a strong barrier to the Randalstown attack. Half backs Nicole ‘Mini’ Caraher, Erinn McShane and Anna Brogan along with midfielders Eimear Traynor and captain, Erin O’Reilly stamped their authority on the game with whole hearted displays. Alex Clarke, Orlaith McDonnell and Caoimhe Dooley spearheaded the attacking force ably supported by Caitlain McCoy, Emer Rushe, Chloe Murphy and substitute Sorcha McGee.

The players and coach would like to thank all those who supported them. We would like to acknowledge the support given to the team by Mary Deery – Valu Land, Casey’s Eurospar and Mortons Fruit & Veg. The support from these local businesses was much appreciated.

The team are as follows: Chloe Kilroy, Caoifhlinn Carleton, Michaela Hughes, Alannah Grant, Nicole ‘Mini’ Caraher, Erinn McShane, Anna Brogan, Eimear Traynor, Erin O’Reilly, Alex Clarke, Emer Rushe, Caoimhe Dooley, Caitlain McCoy, Orlaith McDonnell, Chloe Murphy.

Substitutes: Sorcha McGee, Megan McNamee, Eve Rowland, Claire Casey, Shauna McKeown, Caoimhe Donnelly, Sorcha Devlin, Laura McAnulty, Ciarrai Garvey.