A heartbroken Co Armagh woman says she has been left “empty” after four of her beloved prizewinning dogs were killed in a botched burglary over the weekend.

Charlene Rafferty and her young family woke up to discover the horrific scene early on Sunday morning.

Several other dogs in the pack, which included greyhounds, whippets and Lurchers were injured, while one was stolen on the outskirts of Keady.

One of the dogs that died was a three times All-Ireland racing whippet champion, unbeaten both north and south of the border.

However, just over 24 hours after the theft, the missing dog was anonymously returned to its grateful owner.

“It’s just heartbreaking, how someone can be so cruel,” a despondent Charlene told Armagh I.

“I’m just empty; that’s the only way of describing it.

“Unfortunately I don’t think they will ever catch those responsible but what upsets me the most is that the dogs would have been so scared and I wasn’t there to help.”

She added: “I think it’s someone that probably knows me and the way my kennels are laid out to do what they did.

“Although it won’t bring the rest back, I just want the police to catch the scum for doing this, that’s the main thing now.

“I’m just so so heartbroken!”

If you have any information that can help police with their investigation, please contact the non-emergency number on 101.

Three county Armagh farming brothers have been sentenced for their part in a £140,000 VAT fraud.

An investigation conducted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) found that Ronald John Sinclair Halliday, 52, from Whitecross, played a central role in the fraud by forging invoices showing the purchase or hire of supplies and equipment.

This allowed his brothers Pastor Gordon William Barrie Halliday from Mountnorris and Richard Jonathan Kris Halliday from Keady to make fraudulent repayment claims.

HMRC began investigating the case in 2013.

The businesses and individuals whose names were used on the falsified documents confirmed the invoices were false.

Handwriting analysis by the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland concluded that it was likely some were written by Ronald Halliday.

Earlier today, Ronald John Sinclair Halliday was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months at Newry Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to the fraudulent evasion of Excise Duty.

Gordon William Barrie Halliday, 49, from Bessbrook Road, Mountnorris was sentenced to nine months suspended for 18 months when he pleaded guilty to 17 counts of VAT repayment fraud at Newry Crown Court on Wednesday 21 June 2017.

Richard Jonathan Kris Halliday, 42, from Madden Road, Keady was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 18 months when he pleaded guilty to seven counts of VAT repayment fraud at the same hearing.

Police believe that a spate of burglaries in three different county Armagh towns could have been linked.

Two of the incidents – in Keady and Middletown – happened on Wednesday while a third – in Markethill – could have happened between June 23 and earlier today.

Detectives in Lurgan are appealing for information in relation to the burglaries which they believe may be related.

Detective Constable Holmes said: “I can confirm that two of these burglaries occurred on Wednesday, 28 June.

“Sometime between 8am and 1.45pm entry was forced to a house in the Richview Heights area of Keady and money along with jewellery was stolen from it.

“On the same day sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm a property in the Monaghan Road area of Middletown had entry forced to it but fortunately nothing was stolen.

“The last of these could have occurred anytime between 23-29 June when entry was forced into a property in the Ballindarragh Road area of Markethill and money along with jewellery stolen from it.

“Detectives are asking that anyone with any information that may assist with any of these incidents contact Lurgan on 101 quoting reference 619 28/06/17, or if they wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A little nine-year-old county Armagh girl has braved the chop and donated her hair to a wonderful charity.

Annie Rafferty, from Granemore, is donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs free of charge to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.

So far St Mary’s pupil has raised an amazing £350 and she is looking for help raising more.

The family would like to thank stylish Sile Haughey for the fantastic new hair style.

To get in touch or help out, please contact her mum Jenny on jennyrafferty2@hotmail.com or 07799 887430

To learn more about The Little Princess Trust, visit this link by clicking here.

A fantastic £4,620 has been raised from a 5k walk organised by the Nugent family of Aughnagurgan.

They are absolutely delighted by the turnout and the huge response.

It has meant that this magnificent sum was amassed and handed over.

The money has been divided equally between Willowbank GP Surgery and Keady District Nurses Patient Comfort Funds.

Both are very close to the family’s hearts because of the care and attention they gave to the much-loved and greatly-missed Mr Jim Nugent during the last weeks of his life.

The 5k walk took place on what would have been his 91st birthday, leaving the home of Niall Nugent, at Upper Darkley, and making its way around the stunning Tullynawood Lake.

With a prize draw held as part of the fundraiser, two very worthwhile beneficiaries will be able to put the money to good use in helping others.

Family spokesperson Michelle McDonald told Armagh I they were grateful to all who had shown their support and overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity.

She said: “We would like to thank all who supported and gave generously to the Aughnagurgan 5k sponsored walk. We are delighted to say we raised £4,620, split equally between Willowbank GP Surgery and Keady District Nurses Patient Comfort Funds. 

“It was a great success and a fun day out for all.”

Proudly presenting the cheques on behalf of the family is the late Mr Nugent’s wife, Mrs Bridie Nugent, daughter, Geraldine McNamee, granddaughters Michelle McDonald, Ciara Donnelly and Aisling Donnelly, and great granddaughters Alice McDonald and Molly-May McGorman.

Mr Nugent is greatly missed by his nine children, 34 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren, who take great comfort from knowing that the money will make a great difference to the two chosen causes.

A huge well done to all of you – a wonderful effort for others in memory of a very special man.

A fire at a shop in Keady in the early hours of Tuesday morning is currently under investigation.

The cause of the blaze, which broke out at around 1.30am this morning, is currently unknown.

Extensive damage was caused at the unoccupied three-storey mid-terrace shop.

An aerial appliance from Portadown fire station was required to help with the three crews from Keady and Newtownhamilton.

Crews took almost three hours to tackle the fire, before it was extinguished shortly before 4.30am.

A spokesperson for NIFRS confirmed to Armagh I that the cause has not yet been established and an investigation is underway.

Tassagh Creamery is to be injected with a new lease of life almost 13 years after the site was closed and abandoned.

In 2004, 23 jobs were lost when the Creamery closed it doors for the final time in what was a huge blow to the area.

However, a local steel fabrication company is aiming to create 12 new jobs at the site as early as next month.

Clady-based firm MT Waste is looking to recruit a number of steel fabricators and welders as they expand their burgeoning business into Tassagh.

MT Waste has transformed the derelict site as they increase their steel fabrication operation, as well as open a new engineering store on the Tassagh Road, outside Keady.

The company hopes to have the new recruits in place in time to open the store in the first couple of weeks in August.

“The site is now ready to go in Tassagh,” said MT Waste’s Sean McArdle. “We’re at the stage now where we’re trying to recruit staff and have in place for when doors open in the first week or two of August.

“Our opening of course depends on how well the recruitment process goes but we’re looking for steel fabricators, welders and on top of that we’re opening an engineering store in Tassagh where people can come and buy their engineering products.”

Despite outgrowing the current base the company will still continue their manufacturing output in Clady and Sean is delighted the expansion is coinciding with the re-opening of a building of such local importance.

Sean added: “We’re looking forward to getting the old Tassagh Creamery site up and running and offering employment to people locally.

“It’s something I never thought I’d be doing, opening up the Tassagh Creamery again.”

He added: “We’re getting a very positive response and feedback about getting the site opened up and generating some life in it.

“It was big loss to the whole area when it closed and we’re delighted to be part of reinvigorating the site and to have it up and running again.”

MT Waste will launch a new product in September at a ploughing match in Screggan, Tullamore from September 19-21.

The product will be manufactured in Tassagh and is currently not available anywhere in Europe.

Visit www.mt-waste.com

A well-known county Armagh pub is hoping to raise the bar after plans were submitted for a dramatic revamp and extension of its current home.

The Cooper Bar in Keady is brewing up a development which, if given the green light by council planners, will see its premises on High Street double in size.

The plans include extending the pub to the vacant property on its its left – which looks out onto the Granemore Road – “to include change of use on ground floor from part of dwelling to additional lounge space”, with a self-contained flat to go above the property.

The wall will be knocked through to allow for an open plan lounge.

It will also mean the demolition of the existing store, with a rebuild of the property to the pub’s right, to provide male, female and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor, as well as in the first floor self contained flat.

The alleyway currently between the men’s toilet and main pub will be removed entirely as a result. All three properties on the ground floor will be connected.

And further good news for regulars to The Cooper, will be the introduction of an outside space to the rear; effectively a beer garden.

In the past, customers have had to contend with placing tables on the main street to the front of the building.

The plans were submitted by the owner Damien McGleenan and will be advertised next week.

Costs for the project have not been made available but would represent a significant investment in the town.

Staff were left badly shaken after two shots were fired at a business premises in Keady.

Detectives are appealing for information following the shooting incident which happened in the Annvale Road area of Keady.

At approximately 5.25pm on Friday, police received a report that a car, with two males on-board, entered the grounds of the premises.

One got out of the vehicle, a white Hyundai, and discharged two shots.

No one was injured during this incident, but employees of the business were left very badly shaken.

A car, believed to be the vehicle used in this shooting incident, was found completely burnt out at approximately 5.45pm on the Dundrum Road, Tassagh.

A local resident contacted Armagh I on Friday night and said he understood that the gunman had “fired at a certain individual but missed”. This has not been confirmed at this time.

Detective Sergeant Peter Stewart would appeal to anyone who may have seen this white Hyundai acting suspiciously in the Annvale Road/Granemore Road areas of Keady or the Dundrum Road area of Tassagh or anyone who may have seen any vehicles parked in the vicinity of the Pumping House on the Dundrum Road between 2pm and 5.45pm to contact Detectives at Newry on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference numbers 947 and 1011 21/07/17.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A county Armagh community has been left in a state of shock following what is being described as a “vigilante” shooting.

Shortly before 5.25pm on Friday, with two men entered the grounds of a business on the Annvale Road in Keady and opened fire, before fleeing.

No one was injured during this incident, but employees of the business were left very badly shaken.

A car, believed to be the vehicle used in this shooting incident, was found completely burnt out at approximately 5.45pm on the Dundrum Road, Tassagh.

Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said the owners of the family business are distraught at the incident.

“I condemn those behind this reckless attack,” said councillor O’Hanlon.

“The incident took place at the business premises of a very well respected local family. They are distraught and disgusted at this incident.

“They, their staff or customers could have been seriously hurt or even killed.

“This community is stunned at this reckless attack and it must be condemned outright.”

He added: “Whoever is behind this attack and whatever their misguided intentions are, they cannot be justified.

“We thought the days of guns on our streets were over, so too is any form of kangaroo justice.

“No one should take the law into their own hands. I would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident or the motivation behind it to come forward to police.”

Car found burnt out on Dundrum Road in Tassagh

The owner of a missing Charolais bullock has appealed for help finding it.

The 500kgyellow/white roan colour bullock went missing from the Ferla area of Tassagh in county Armagh.

Its owner believes it went missing sometime around 9am on Saturday morning.

It is thought to have broke out of the field it was being kept in, rather than stolen.

If you have any information which will help, please contact Brendan on 07955867411.

Please help and share this appeal.

Members of the county Armagh community were invited on a tour of NI Water’s Seagahan Water Treatment Works near Tassagh.

Held as part of the company’s Decade of Delivery events, visitors saw first-hand how NI Water supplies 560 million litres of high quality drinking water every single day.

NI Water CEO Sara Venning reflects on the company’s progress: “April 2017 marks a decade of delivery for NI Water, and to acknowledge the role the company plays in Northern Ireland, the local community was invited to come and take a peek inside the water treatment works.’’

Maynard Cousley, Water Supply Manager at NI Water, comments on the activities of the day: “Representatives from the community were all given a tour of the works where they learned the history of the site and what it takes to operate it on a daily basis.

“With 24 Water Treatment Works across Northern Ireland, it is not just as simple as taking water from a reservoir and sending it down the mains to the tap; there is a very important and often complicated process in between to treat the water to ensure it is of the highest quality.

“Seagahan Water Treatment Works and impounding reservoir were first built in the 1960s’. In 2008, the plant underwent an extensive upgrade treating water from Seagahan Impounding Reservoir and can produce up to 10 million litres per day supplying a large area of County Armagh, including Armagh city.

Local man and guest on the day, Derek Spence, was a child when the works was being constructed: “I remember going to the site and watching the workmen build the original works.  If I was lucky, they would ask me to make the tea for them in return for a few pennies.  It’s great to come back after all these years and see the works still operating – it brings back some wonderful memories for me!”

Sara continues: “The services NI Water provides are at the very core of the economy, health and environment of Northern Ireland.  We are proud to share this with the community and show them how they also have a role to play in the work we do by conserving water and respecting the environment.

“I would also like to thank the NI Water staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to the work that they do.  Our people are talented, dedicated, and at the heart of the communities they serve.

“After ten years operating as NI Water, it is a good time to reflect on the role the company plays in the community.   As a company we are guardians of the networks and assets, but each and every one of us uses the service.  Only together, as a company and a community, can we continue to safeguard the environment and protect our most valuable and precious asset – water.”

A Keady woman has appealed for help after thieves raided her husband’s van last night (Wednesday) and stole the tools of his trade.

The van had been parked in the driveway at their home at Mulcreevy Park in the town, just off the Newtownhamilton Road.

But the victim, a local tradesman, was not able to complete jobs today after the opportunistic theft.

He woke this morning to go and make his living but discovered the thieves had struck sometime overnight.

Instead, he must spend hundreds of pounds replacing the items upon which his livelihood depends.

The man’s wife, who did not wish to be named, contacted Armagh I to issue an appeal for help to find the stolen property and to warn others to remain vigilant.

“He had high value tools and his wallet stolen with bank cards, licence and a sum of cash,” she explained.

“The tools are used for engineering – Milwaukee impact drills, evolution magnet drill, Matabo SDS drill and grinders and others too – there was small tools also.

“I would like anyone to come forward if they are approached to buy second hand tools.

“We would also ask anyone in and around the Keady area to come forward if they have seen anyone in the area or acting suspiciously.

“We have also contacted the PSNI.”

If anyone has any information on the theft or can help in any way please contact the PSNI on the non-emergency number 101.

A quad and a mountain bike have been stolen during a burglary in the Keady area.

It happened on the Derrynoose Road sometime between 11pm on Wednesday and 10.30am on Thursday, July 27.

The red Honda 500 quad – similar to that pictured – was taken, along with a green and black coloured mountain bike.

The quad had the registation plates GXZ4225 when stolen.

Police say a white van was seen acting suspiciously in the area.

“If you can assist us in any way please contact us on 101 quoting ref 481 27/7/17,” said a PSNI spokesperson.

Also on the same night, at Mulcreevy Park in Keady, a man’s van was broken into and tools, along with a wallet containing cash, bank cards and driving licence were also taken.

It is not known if the incidents are connected.

The man’s wife had appealed directly through Armagh I to anyone with information or offered tools for sale to come forward.

Again the police can be contacted using the non-emergency number 101.

An Armagh man has reached the halfway point on his epic ‘Long Walk Home’ for Dementia Research – a 2,500km+ Trek across Europe to Northern Ireland to raise awareness and funds.

Armagh man, Eamonn Donnelly and his good friend Sepp Tieber from Graz in Austria have just reached the half-way point on their epic 2,500km (1,550 miles approx) trek across Europe to Northern Ireland to raise awareness and much needed funds for dementia research.

They reached the milestone near the town of Antheny in Northern France as they make their way towards Calais, to catch the ferry to Dover, England.

Their journey will then see them trek across England and Wales, before taking another ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare in County Wexford, for the final leg northwards across Ireland to Eamonn’s native home in Keady in County Armagh.

The expedition entitled ‘The Long Walk Home’ is inspired by the life of Eamonn’s mother Margaret who died in April 2014 at the age of 71, having suffered from a rare and extremely aggressive form of dementia.

It is aiming to increase awareness about the importance of this issue while also raising funds for dementia research in Northern Ireland/UK, Ireland and Austria.

It has enlisted the support of The Alzheimer’s Society in NI and UK as well as The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, who will both benefit from funds raised by the trek.

While Armagh is still the place Eamonn calls home, he has lived in Austria since 1990 along with his wife and three children.

Here he teaches English as a foreign language, but also with Sepp formed the Irish band Boxty which plays all over Austria and further afield. In the last year, they came up with the idea of ‘The Long Walk Home’, borne out of a frustration about the disease.

Eamonn outlines his motivation for the trek: “The idea for ‘The Long Walk Home’, from my adopted home near Graz in Austria to my native home in Keady, featured in many a late-night pub talk, but that’s where it started and ended.

“When my mother Margaret passed away a few years ago, after suffering from a rare and extremely aggressive form of dementia, the idea took on a whole new meaning and purpose.

“Frustrated and feeling helpless that nothing could be done to alleviate the symptoms let alone cure this cruel disease, it became apparent to me and my family that much more needed to be done to understand and tackle it.

“The Long Walk Home’ is a very small step along the way to doing just that, hoping to raise awareness and much needed funds for dementia research, while also honouring the life of an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend.”

The two men set themselves a challenge to do the trek the old-fashioned way, climbing, trekking and camping all the way across Austria, Germany, France, England, Wales and Ireland.

The fact that it has coincided with Eamonn’s 50^th birthday also added a particular incentive.

Now six weeks into the trek and over 1250kms down the journey has been marked by many ups and downs, both literally and emotionally.

Eamonn explained: “The journey so far has been marked by a mix of emotions. It’s been tough and yet it’s been amazing.

“We’ve experienced the extremes of walking in 35-40-degree heat to facing the cold of the lower Alps. We’ve seen it all…breath-taking scenery at every turn matched with the beautiful (if not a little dangerous), forces of nature, especially throughout 3 days of heavy thunderstorms in the Alps.

“We have also been greatly encouraged by the kindness of human nature, both in person and through the online donations and support we have received for the trek.

“The generosity and curiosity from total strangers about our adventure has been truly inspiring and has on more than one occasion been the extra motivation to wake up and do another 35-40km the next day.

“There has been plenty of time to think and remember why we are doing this crazy challenge in the first place.  As things stand, and a bit like our end destination, a cure for dementia seems to be a distant dream.

“We strongly believe that we need to be exploring paths to eventually reach it and I hope that in some very small way, ‘The Long Walk Home’ might help answer some of the most fundamental questions surrounding the disease.”

The men plan to arrive in Dover, England on August 9/10 and hope to arrive in Ireland around August 29.

They then plan to reach Keady on September 7/8.

They are recording their trek and journey via their website through a written and video blog here. This is where you can also make a donation through a variety of means.

https://thelongwalkhome.wixsite.com/thelongwalkhome

A county Armagh man has gone missing in London following his daughter’s birthday celebrations last weekend.

Melvin Murphy, 49, from Keady travelled to London last Thursday (July 27) for his daughter’s 18th birthday.

However, he was due to return back home in Northern Ireland on Monday, but never arrived.

Nobody has seen him from he was last spotted in the Twickenham/Richmond area of London on Saturday, around 5pm.

His family have contacted Armagh I and given a description and photo of Melvin (main picture).

He is described being 5′ 10′ and is often referred to as ‘Ted’.

If anyone has any information please contact the Metropolitan Police in London on 101, online by clicking this link, or the family on 07818766716

Please help and share this appeal.

This follows a similar appeal made by the PSNI to help locate a missing pregnant woman.

Police forces across Northern Ireland have shared a photograph of Tracey Ann Moore was reported missing on Wednesday (August 2). Read more here.

A county Armagh man who went missing over the weekend has been found in a hospital in England.

Melvin Murphy, from Keady, went missing in London last Saturday evening.

The 49-year-old had travelled to London last Thursday (July 27) to celebrate his daughter’s 18th birthday.

However, he was due to return back home to Northern Ireland on Monday, but never arrived.

He was last spotted in the Twickenham/Richmond area of London on Saturday, around 5pm.

His family launched a desperate appeal for information on Thursday.

However, a family member has confirmed to Armagh I this evening that Melvin has been found and is recovering in hospital.

They have expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered their support over the last week

Fire crews are currently battling a blaze at a house outside Keady.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the incident at 9.15am this morning.

A neighbour was alerted to the blaze before making the call.

Three fire appliances are currently at the scene on the Darkley Road.

There is one crew from Keady and another two from Armagh fire station.

There are currently no reports of any casualties.

Ambulance and police personnel are on hand.

There are no further details at this stage.

A county Armagh chef has appeared in court after the discovery of €700,000 worth of heroin at Dublin airport.

Alan Maginn, 40, with an address of Drumhillery Road, Keady, had flown in from Spain, where he was living at the time, when the discovery was made, a court has heard.

He is charged with possessing heroin for the purpose of sale or supply on July 19 this year at a car park at the airport.

Maginn was due to fly back to Malaga four hours after his arrival in Dublin but was “caught red handed”, according to the prosecution.

The court also heard how the accused had an extensive flight history between Malaga and Dublin.

Despite defence counsel protestations, Maginn was remanded in custody.

He was deemed a serious flight risk, even though he had surrendered his passport.

Maginn had no previous convictions or a history of bench warrants.

The prosecution will are awaiting forensic reports which will take four weeks as they prepare their case.

Maginn will appear back in court again in September.

A county Armagh community has been plunged into grief following the sad passing of an “inspirational” woman.

Breda McAtavey passed away peacefully at home in Keady following a brave battle with cancer.

Breda was well-known for her fundraising exploits and was the driving force behind the town’s world-record ‘Rock the Boat’ in 2013.

A leading light in community relations, Breda’s fundraising efforts were legendary, pulling together hundreds of people for her concert and fun day in Crossmore Green in 2012 – an event which ran from morning until night.

It was then she decided to go one bigger with the ‘Rock the Boat’ fundraiser where thousands lined the Main Street in Keady, smashing the previous record.

Her efforts were all in aid of Cancer Research, a charity close to her heart.

Breda lost her father Bill to cancer 22 years ago, before losing her sister Lisa six years ago. Today, her family, friends and wider community mourn her untimely passing.

Keady Camogie Club paid an emotional tribute to a member who was truly loved.

“This lady was an inspiration in this town. She touched the lives of many people, her fundraising skills for Cancer NI were exceptional.

“She put Keady on the map for Rock the Boat. She took many of us to the top of Croagh Patrick, that certainly was a major achievement as we came in all shapes and sizes and age did not matter.

“There were many more fundraisers all to raise money to stop this cruel disease.

“She took part in our ole crocks match, (Thelma and Louise) and was the favourite by far for our two managers Eileen and Colleen.

“She supported her three girls at Camogie; Amy, Eve and Mia, even though she said it was too rough. She was ‘a lover not a hater’. That she truly was, she loved life, loved people, loved her friends and most of all loved her beautiful family.

“We send our sincere condolences to Ryan, Amy, Eve and Mia and the McNally and McAtavey family.

“R.I.P Breda, our loss is heaven’s gain xxxx.”

The Michael Dwyers GAA club said it was a sad day for the entire town.

“(She was) well known for her exploits throughout the town and especially her numerous fundraising events for Cancer Research over the past number of years.

“We were privileged that she was a member of our Gaelic 4 Mothers and others teams that played challenge games against Saval and that went on a road trip to Dublin in 2013.

“She was the heart and soul of that team and will be sadly missed.

“We send our heartfelt sympathy to the entire McNally/McAtavey family circle and to her large circle of friends.”

Breda was a loving mother to Ryan, Amy, Eve and Mia, beloved daughter of Breda and late Bill RIP and sister of the late Lisa RIP.

Deeply regretted by her loving son, daughters, mother, husband, sisters Julie and Anna brothers Pat, Joe, Martin, Liam, Michael, John and Mark, nephews, nieces and the entire family circle.

Her remains will leave her late residence, Rathmoyle Park on Sunday to arrive at St Patrick’s Church for 2:30pm funeral mass.

Burial will be afterwards in adjoining cemetery

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Cancer Research and Marie Curie c/o any family member or Mones Funeral Directors, 22a Lower Clea Rd, Keady, Co Armagh BT60 3HR (02837531236/07849293472).