Quantcast
Channel: Keady – Armagh I
Viewing all 1088 articles
Browse latest View live

Farmer hits out at sickening theft of cattle but says ‘worse things could have happened’

$
0
0

A Co Armagh farmer who had cattle stolen from his yard in Tassagh overnight says despite the sickening theft “worse things could have happened”.

The theft is understood to have occurred some time between 7pm on Wednesday and 8am this morning (Thursday) with at least six cattle taken from Larry Nugent’s farm on the Granemore Road.

Speaking to Armagh I,  Mr Nugent said that this was not the worst case scenario as someone could have been killed if the cows had made it onto the road.

Describing how he found out about the theft, he stated: “A neighbour from the next farm came and told me there were cattle in a part of the yard that there shouldn’t have been. He closed gates to stop them from getting onto the road”.

He said that of the six gates which surround his home and keep the cattle enclosed, four were left open.

“What’s the chance of that happening,” Mr Nugent stated. “I don’t think this is a freak accident, there is the same chance as someone winning the lottery three times in a row.”

The farmer said that he is yet to know the full extent of how many cattle were taken, adding: “I have to check the heads of cattle, I haven’t gone through them all but I know that there is six of them definitely away.”

Mr Nugent contacted police following this discovery and had checked cameras in the local area to find out where his cattle were taken.

The farm is just yards from a notorious crossroads, which for years has been the bane of unsuspecting motorists

“It could have been far worse, for if they had have wandered out onto the road in the dead of night someone could have been hit one of them and been killed,” Mr Nugent added.

“Worse things could have happened so luckily no one was harmed and I am just going to carry on.”

SDLP representative for Cusher Seamus Livingstone slammed those responsible stating: “The entire farming and rural community are stunned by this latest robbery of cattle at a Tassagh farm.

“Farmers work around the clock to care for their animals and to work the land. The last thing they need is for someone to prey on their livestock.”

Mr Livingstone added: “This is an absolute nightmare situation for any farmer and my immediate thoughts are with the farmer and his family.

“Together the rural community can help catch those responsible to get the cattle back where they belong and the thieves punished for their crimes”.

The SDLP councillor called for those in rural areas to be “extra vigilant” and for anyone who with CCTV or who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact the local PSNI.

Constable Mitchell said: “We would appeal to anyone with information regarding the incident or who saw any suspicious vehicles in the area at the time of the incident to contact police in Armagh on 101, quoting reference number 233 21/2/19.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

The post Farmer hits out at sickening theft of cattle but says ‘worse things could have happened’ appeared first on Armagh I.


Man who left mother and daughter injured after Keady hit and run to be sentenced in September

$
0
0

A man who left a mother and daughter injured after a hit and run must wait until September to learn his fate.

A district judge told the 46-year-old that he felt the custody threshold had been met but he did not wish to interfere with the deferral of sentencing on other offences.

Michael Mongan, of David Street, Belfast, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance, failing to remain and failing to stop at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on February 17, last year, at around 3pm, police were tasked to a hit and run on the Granemore Road, Keady.

The injured party told officers she had been travelling on the road when a Jeep, which was swerving all over the road, was approaching her.

She stated the vehicle hit hedges on both sides of the road as it was driven.

The injured party flashed her lights at the Jeep before it crashed into the front of her car.

The driver then made off at speed, failing to stop after the collision.

A number plate from the vehicle was found at the scene and the Jeep was located short distance away.

Forensic tests carried out on the airbag of the vehicle found DNA which matched that of Mongan.

Court heard the defendant had recently been given a suspended sentence for offences relating to benefit fraud in March of last year.

Defence counsel stated Mongan had been ordered to pay £32,681 as compensation for this, £28,000 of which had been paid.

Deputy District Judge Brian Archer said: “This is a man who ignores the road traffic laws. At the time of this offence he was on bail for other matters.

“He caused injury in this offence; he had no regard for those in the other vehicle who tried all they could to avoid the accident.

Prosecution told court the injured party suffered a sore neck, shoulder and spine.

Meanwhile, her daughter, who had been a passenger in the car, felt pain but was “okay”.

Court heard that Mongan was also due for sentencing in August in Belfast for a counterfeit offence which had been deferred.

District Judge Archer stated: “In my eyes, this had crossed the custody threshold, but you have been shown generosity by other courts through suspended sentences and deferrals.

“I do not wish to interfere with these and I will defer this sentence also.”

The case will return to court on September 3 for sentencing.

The post Man who left mother and daughter injured after Keady hit and run to be sentenced in September appeared first on Armagh I.

Housing Executive spends £350,000 installing kitchens and bathrooms at Co Armagh homes

$
0
0

Northern Ireland Housing Executive have completed work on a £350,000 investment in homes in Co. Armagh.

New kitchens and bathrooms have been installed in almost 80 of homes in Keady, Poyntzpass and Richhill.

Before the work started every tenant had a one-to-one consultation with Housing Executive staff to plan the layout of their new kitchen and bathroom as well as choose their units and tiles.

John McCartan, the Housing Executive’s South Area Manager, said: “We’ve spent over £350,000 on this scheme and this demonstrates our commitment to modernise and improve the homes of our rural tenants.

“Anyone who has ever had a new kitchen and bathroom installed knows it can be very stressful but I am pleased to say that feedback from tenants has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Housing Executive tenant, Kim Hepburn, whose Richhill home was recently refurbished as part of the programme said: “The work has made such a difference.

“My kitchen is now really spacious so I have plenty of room for my appliances and to prepare my meals.

“My bathroom is lovely and bright and I am really pleased with the quality of the work.”

The post Housing Executive spends £350,000 installing kitchens and bathrooms at Co Armagh homes appeared first on Armagh I.

Drink driver who suffered brain injury after hitting telegraph pole given 15-month ban

$
0
0

A Keady man who was left with brain damage after colliding with a telegraph pole whilst drink driving has been handed a 15-month disqualification.

The 51-year-old’s barrister told court the defendant had already had his licence, which was destroyed in the accident, revoked.

Gordon Kennedy, of Corkley Road, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on May 20, at around 2am, police were called to a road traffic collision on the Dundrum Road, Tassagh.

Officers arrived to find the defendant injured in a Mercedes which had collided with a telegraph pole.

Kennedy was identified at the scene by his niece.

The defendant had to be cut out of the vehicle and taken by ambulance to hospital.

Court heard that Kennedy was unable to consent to give blood to be forensically examined but this was granted by his doctor.

Tests showed that the defendant had 158mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Kennedy had one relevant entry on his record from 2003.

Deputy District Judge Brian Archer stated: “This is outside the 10 years but still must be taken into account. He is very lucky to be alive.”

Defence barrister Michael Tierney stated: “Mr Kennedy was a farmer but this is now shut down. He has suffered a brain injury and had most of the flesh taken from his left arm.

“He has four grown-up children and now suffers from long-standing problems.”

Court heard that the defendant was no longer allowed to drive and was in danger of never driving again.

Mr Tierney stated: “Mr Kennedy is a proud man, he would like to drive again and is undergoing physio to work towards this.

“I ask that any sentence given today does not put that out of his reach.”

The defendant was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.

The post Drink driver who suffered brain injury after hitting telegraph pole given 15-month ban appeared first on Armagh I.

Farmers urged to review security and check property after 20 cattle stolen near Keady

$
0
0

Police are urging farmers to check their property and review security after another major cattle theft in Co Armagh.

Around 20 cattle were taken from a shed at a farm in the Tullybrone Road area of Tassagh.

It is believed the animals were stolen on Sunday night.

A PSNI spokesperson urged vigilance and asked farmers to check out farms, isolated properties and review security.

They say any suspicious activity should be reported to the police on the non-emergeny number 101. Crime prevention officers are also available to visit and offer advice upon request by contacting police.

This latest theft follows another last Wednesday evening.

Sometime between 7pm on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday morning, at least six cattle taken from Larry Nugent’s farm on the Granemore Road at Tassagh.

Mr Nugent contacted police following this discovery and had checked cameras in the local area to find out where his cattle were taken.

The alarm was raised by a neighbour. Of the six gates which surround his home and keep the cattle enclosed, four were left open.

After that incident, Constable Mitchell said: “We would appeal to anyone with information regarding the incident or who saw any suspicious vehicles in the area at the time of the incident to contact police in Armagh on 101, quoting reference number 233 21/2/19.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

The post Farmers urged to review security and check property after 20 cattle stolen near Keady appeared first on Armagh I.

Court told eyewitness feared suspected drink driver was going to knock down children in Keady

$
0
0

A man has been sentenced to three months in prison for a what a district judge has described as a “catalogue of serious offences”.

Court heard that one witness feared that the 46-year-old would knock down children as he drove through Keady.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, 46, of Cookstown, Co Tyrone, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to provide a breath specimen and using a vehicle without insurance at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on October 27, at around 6pm, police received reports of a suspected drunk driver on Kinelowen Street.

The van, driven by the defendant, was seen swerving on the road over white lines, travelling on the wrong side of the road and hitting both kerbs.

One witness stated that they feared that the defendant would knock over a child crossing the road in Keady.

Three members of the public tried to get Fitzpatrick to pullover; he did for a brief time before driving off again.

The defendant eventually stopped outside Pizza Mia in Keady, where the keys were taken from the ignition and handbrake pulled to prevent the van rolling back.

Police then arrived. Checks showed Fitzpatrick had been disqualified from driving for 18 months on April 4, 2018, at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant refused to submit to a breath test either at the roadside or whilst in custody.

Court heard Fitzpatrick was insured on the vehicle but this was invalid as he had not disclosed to the insurance company that he was a disqualified driver.

When interviewed, the defendant said that he was aware that he was a disqualified driver and stated he had been drinking the night before.

Defence counsel said: “This is a plea at the earliest opportunity, there is a positive recommendation from probation.

“Mr Fitzpatrick is essentially an alcoholic and he needs to sort that out.”

He continued: “There was a possibility he could have caused someone serious harm. This was atrocious behaviour.

“He had very little memory of the incident as he was just coming off a drinking binge.”

District Judge Peter Magill stated: “With respect to each of these offences the maximum is six months in prison and you have 13 prior convictions.

“The problem is you did not just drive whilst disqualified, you also drove dangerously and six o’clock on a Saturday night with people all over the road.”

He added: “You did not co-operate with police and failed to provide a specimen of breath. Any one of these matters in this serious catalogue of offences carries a sentence of six months in prison.

The district judge commented: “There must be a proper and appropriate punishment, people must know that you cannot behave in this way without consequences.”

Fitzpatrick was sentenced to three months in prison and disqualified from driving for four years.

Defence counsel made court aware that the defendant wished to appeal this sentence and he was released on his own bail of £100.

The post Court told eyewitness feared suspected drink driver was going to knock down children in Keady appeared first on Armagh I.

Coroner warns truck drivers of tiredness after death of mother one day after giving birth

$
0
0

A coroner has warned truck drivers to take appropriate rest periods following the death of a 26-year-old woman.

Nicola Kenny, from Thurles, Co Tipperary, was a back-seat passenger in a car when it was struck by a lorry on the hard shoulder on the M8 near Cashel on September 5, 2016.

It happened just a day after she had given birth to her daughter Lily-Rose, and she was on her way to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin with her aunt and mother.

She died as a result of injuries consistent with road traffic incidents.

The Co Armagh driver from Keady, Co Armagh, was given an 18-month suspended sentence for careless driving. Driver fatigue was a factor in the accident.

Coroner Paul Morris was speaking at the inquest into Ms Kenny’s death in Clonmel.

Coroner Morris referred to the Road Safety Authority’s road signs which warn “Tiredness Kills”. He said if ever there was a case which illustrated the truth of that warning – this is it.

He said commercial drivers should heed their tachograph systems and take appropriate rest periods so they are not a danger to other drivers.

The post Coroner warns truck drivers of tiredness after death of mother one day after giving birth appeared first on Armagh I.

Lorry and trailer crash into ditch outside Keady

$
0
0

A lorry and trailer has crashed into a ditch on the outskirts of Keady this morning (Monday).

The incident happened on the Castleblayney Road, near Carna, shortly before 9am.

There are no reports of any other vehicle being involved, or any serious injuries sustained.

Traffic is down to one lane but is moving freely as the recovery process gets underway.

It is expected to be cleared by lunchtime.

Get breaking news and major headlines from your area direct to your phone with Armagh I on WhatsApp. Find out more here. You can also follow Armagh I on Twitter @armaghi, or on Instagram @armaghi2012.

If you have a story/image/video you would like to send to us, or if you wish to contribute editorially to the website, you can email us directly at info@armaghi.com. If you have an advertising query contact advertising@armaghi.com

You can also post a job on our news employment section of the website. Click here for more details.

The post Lorry and trailer crash into ditch outside Keady appeared first on Armagh I.


Keady man caught two days in a row using mobile phone whilst driving tractor

$
0
0

A Keady man who was caught driving a tractor whilst using a mobile phone twice in two days has been handed three penalty points.

Court heard the 30-year-old drove tractors for a living and was caught out as his usual vehicle, which was fitted with hands-free, was broken down.

James Patrick McKee, 30, of Cargaclogher Road, pleaded guilty to using a mobile whilst driving and failing to produce his licence at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on August 29, at 11.20am, police stopped the defendant driving a New Holland tractor on the Coolkill Road whilst using a mobile.

McKee made no reply to caution and was offered a fixed penalty.

He said he could not produce his licence and was given time by police to do so but he did not.

Defence counsel stated: “He was stopped the previous day for exactly the same charge. This was dealt with in Dungannon by way of three penalty points and a £300 fine.

“Therefore, his licence is not in court as it is currently with the DVLA having points added.”

She explained: “Mr McKee drives tractors for work. This was not his usual vehicle and was not fitted with hands-free.

“He instructs that he simply forgot to produce his licence to the police.”

The defendant was handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 26 weeks.

The post Keady man caught two days in a row using mobile phone whilst driving tractor appeared first on Armagh I.

Special bin installed in Keady as part of initiative to remove drugs from local streets

$
0
0

A drive to help remove drugs – both illegal and prescription – from local streets has been introduced in Keady.

A bin has now been provided as part of an initiative known as RAPID (Remove All Prescription and Illegal Drugs).

Drug disposal bins are located in towns and cities as part of the programme.

And it has now been launched at the Tommy Makem Centre in Keady .

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the PSNI have been working closely with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the local Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (DACT).

The joined-up approach has been employed to identify and work with communities and businesses within their catchment areas to benefit from taking part in the initiative and having a RAPID drug disposal bin installed.

This is the 5th RAPID bin to be installed in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavobn Borough Council area.

For more information on existing RAPID bins and/or how to contact the local Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (DACT) and/or Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) to express an interest, visit http://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/rapid/

The post Special bin installed in Keady as part of initiative to remove drugs from local streets appeared first on Armagh I.

Armagh man who sexually abused child as a teenager avoids jail

$
0
0

An Armagh man who sexually abused a child 40 years ago has been spared jail.

Fifty-five-year-old Paul Murphy, of Dobbins Grove, sexually assaulted a child between October 1977 and June 1980.

Murphy, who would have been a teenager at the time of his crimes, pleaded guilty at the eleventh hour last month, meaning a trial was no longer necessary.

He pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a male and gross indecency with, or towards, a male.

At his sentencing hearing at Newry Crown Court on Thursday, Murphy was handed a a probation order of two years for each count, with both to run concurrently.

The court order read: “The Court having obtained and considered a pre-sentence report for the purpose of determining the most suitable method of dealing with the defendant, is of the opinion that the supervision of the defendant is desirable for securing the rehabilitation of the defendant. And the Defendant will be residing in Armagh.”

The victim, Edward Dynes, watched his abuser admit the crimes last month before waiving his right to anonymity.

He spoke to Armagh I after that dramatic conclusion in Newry back in February.

Speaking at the time, Mr Dynes, recalled: “It was around Hallowe’en time and we were playing chase through the fields.

“He (Murphy) was maybe 16 at the time. He asked me to come into his back garden and at that time it was all outside toilets in Darkley where I lived. He took me in there and that’s where it started.

“I hadn’t a clue what was happening. I knew it was wrong and that he was a lot older than me.

“I looked at him as an adult. I thought ‘this isn’t right’ but I was powerless – I froze – I didn’t know what to do.

“At the time I thought he was alright, he’d be looking after us but it wasn’t until I was interviewed by police years later that I realised how bad some of the things he did to me actually were.

“And after that I had a breakdown when I realised the full extent of it.

“I count myself as a strong person but that vulnerable child I once was, I was afraid to show that part of my life growing up.”

Those early days in Edward’s life had an understandably profound effect on the youngster, who in turn learned to protect himself.

“When I grew up in school I was always a bit of a scrapper; I did martial arts but I always said to myself afterwards that I would never let anyone hurt me again. I think it was because I was so embarrassed.

“But if by doing this I can help even one other person come forward, that may well have a knock-on effect for others to do the same, I will have achieved something.”

For the last five years Edward has been dealing directly with Nexus NI – a support network to help people who have been affected by sexual violence.

“Nexus have been unbelievable, I can’t say enough for them,” he said. “The help they gave me meant the world.

“I kept breaking down constantly and without them I don’t know where I would be today.

“They helped me through my darkest days, even when it all came to a head six months ago, after I took an overdose.

“For me it was all bubbling over and becoming too much to handle but that’s where the help of Nexus really helped. I cannot stress enough the help they gave and would recommend anyone, in my shoes, to reach out to them.”

Murphy was today granted bail until March 4, when he will return to court to learn his fate after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

If you have been a victim of sexual violence please reach out to Nexus. For more details please visit this link https://nexusni.org/

The post Armagh man who sexually abused child as a teenager avoids jail appeared first on Armagh I.

Ratepayer to foot clean-up bill after sectarian graffiti sprayed all over Keady footpaths

$
0
0

Ratepayers will be footing the clean-up bill following a spate of vandalism in Keady over the weekend.

Sectarian graffiti was doused all over the footpaths and roads in the centre of the town, around the Glen Road area, at some stage in the last 48 hours.

Sinn Fein councillor Darren McNally says he he has contacted Council, after local residents raised their concerns, about removing the offending slogans.

However, that bill will once more ultimately come from the pockets of ratepayers.

“I have been assured the offending graffiti will be removed and work on the clean-up will be done very quickly,” councillor McNally assured.

He added: “I am working with Council to make sure areas like Keady are kept clean and welcoming.

“Acts like this only serve to bring the look of the area down; residents don’t want this type of activity in the town, and I’d call on those responsible to stop immediately and consider the wider community before engaging in anti-social activities like this.”

The post Ratepayer to foot clean-up bill after sectarian graffiti sprayed all over Keady footpaths appeared first on Armagh I.

In Pictures: Local pimary school children take part in Peace IV Lego Mindstorm Project

$
0
0

The Peace IV Lego Mindstorm Project came to Keady recently and brought local primary school children together in the Tommy Makem Centre.

The Lego Mindstorm project brings children, young adults, parents and teachers from primary and second level schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas.

In addition, the second-level schools engaged in Skype workshops with one another to assist and advise each other on how to improve and fine tune robots built.

There were competitors from St. Tiernach’s in Clones, St Mary’s in Granemore, Scoil Mhuire Clontibret and Drumhillery PS.

St Mary's Primary School Students The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com From left: Dr Linda Pinkster Director FET CMETB; Deirdre O'Callaghan AO CMETB; Ross Maguire Learn IT; Niamh Smyth TD; Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB and Cathal Boylan MLA The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com From left: Drumhillery Primary School students Wictoria Gleinart, Eva Robinson and Nicola Gleinart show off their Lego creation. The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com From left: Daniel Stephen and Korey of the Lunar Legends, Scoil Mhuire Clontibert. The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com St Mary's Granemore Students The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com From left: Evan, Caolain, Jack and Darragh Scoil Mhuire Clontibert The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com Scoil Mhuire Students The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com Drumillery Primary School Students make some last minute adjustments. The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com Drumhillery Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com Drumhillery Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Min The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com Drumhillery Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB The Lego Mindstorm project brings children and teachers from primary schools together for Lego Mindstorm Workshops and subsequently for Space Challenge Competitions and Exhibitions of Project work and Project Sharing ideas. Peace by PIECE Lego Mindstorm funded by Peace IV co-ordinated by CMETB Tommy Makem Centre Keady Co.Armagh 9 3 2019 CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com St Mary's Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB St Mary's Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB St Mary's Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB St Mary's Primary School Students receive their medals from Laura Brady Project Co ordinator CMETB

Photos by Liam McArdle.

The post In Pictures: Local pimary school children take part in Peace IV Lego Mindstorm Project appeared first on Armagh I.

Thieves make off with Toyota Hilux in overnight Keady raid

$
0
0

A blue pick-up truck has been stolen from a property in Keady overnight.

The owners of the Toyota Hilux, which was taken from a house on the Castleblayney Road, are this morning (Friday), appealing for the public’s help in getting it back.

The registration number is ‘JXZ 9017’.

It is understood the thieves struck under the cover of darkness.

Police have been notified but if you have any information please contact them on 101 immediately.

There are no further details at this stage.

Get breaking news and major headlines from your area direct to your phone with Armagh I on WhatsApp. Find out more here. You can also follow Armagh I on Twitter @armaghi, or on Instagram @armaghi2012.

If you have a story/image/video you would like to send to us, or if you wish to contribute editorially to the website, you can email us directly at info@armaghi.com. If you have an advertising query contact advertising@armaghi.com

You can also post a job on our news employment section of the website. Click here for more details.

The post Thieves make off with Toyota Hilux in overnight Keady raid appeared first on Armagh I.

Road closures in Armagh for St Patrick’s and Cormeen Band parades over two days

$
0
0

There will be three road closures in Armagh to accommodate two St Patrick’s Day parades on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

There will also be a road closure on Saturday evening ahead of the Cormeen Band parade.

Police in Armagh are advising motorists of that traffic disruption in and around the city this weekend.

On Saturday, March 16, roads in the city centre will be closed between 12.30pm and 3.30pm for the St Patrick’s Day parade and 7pm to 10pm for Cormeen Band Parade.

Diversions will be in place however motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible, plan an alternative route and allow extra time for their journey in case of delays.

On Sunday, March 17, roads in the city centre will be closed between 2.15pm and 3.30pm for the West Armagh Consortium St Patrick’s Day parade.

Roads in Keady will also be closed between 12.30pm and 1.45pm for the Keady Community Parade.

Again, diversions will be in place but motorists are asked to avoid these areas if possible, plan an alternative route and allow extra time for their journey.

The post Road closures in Armagh for St Patrick’s and Cormeen Band parades over two days appeared first on Armagh I.


Keady man appears in court charged with theft of ATM from Co Tyrone supermarket

$
0
0

A Keady man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the theft of an ATM from a Co Tyrone store.

Thirty-two-year-old Eugene Tomany, from Glen Road in the town, appeared at a special sitting of Omagh Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday).

He is accused of stealing the ATM from the SuperValu store at Fintona.

The theft occurred on Saturday, December 22, last year.

The ATM was removed from the wall of the premises using a digger. It contained £13,000, the property of Danske Bank.

Tomany was denied bail after his brief appearance.

He was remanded in custody to appear again before Omagh Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 26.

Get breaking news and major headlines from your area direct to your phone with Armagh I on WhatsApp. Find out more here. You can also follow Armagh I on Twitter @armaghi, or on Instagram @armaghi2012.

If you have a story/image/video you would like to send to us, or if you wish to contribute editorially to the website, you can email us directly at info@armaghi.com. If you have an advertising query contact advertising@armaghi.com

You can also post a job on our news employment section of the website. Click here for more details.

The post Keady man appears in court charged with theft of ATM from Co Tyrone supermarket appeared first on Armagh I.

Single-vehicle collision on Keady Road as oil spillage leading all way into Armagh

$
0
0

There are reports of a single-vehicle collision on the main Keady to Armagh Road this morning (Monday).

Police are currently in attendance following the incident close to the Ballyards Road shortly before 11am.

There are no reports of any serious injuries and the road remains open to traffic.

However, the oil spillage is cause for concern and motorists are advised to exercise caution on that stretch of road, especially close to the Ballyards Road, which is an accident blackspot.

There are no further details at this stage.

Get breaking news and major headlines from your area direct to your phone with Armagh I on WhatsApp. Find out more here. You can also follow Armagh I on Twitter @armaghi, or on Instagram @armaghi2012.

If you have a story/image/video you would like to send to us, or if you wish to contribute editorially to the website, you can email us directly at info@armaghi.com. If you have an advertising query contact advertising@armaghi.com

You can also post a job for FREE on our employment section of the website. Click here for more details.

The post Single-vehicle collision on Keady Road as oil spillage leading all way into Armagh appeared first on Armagh I.

Keady tradesman on Brexit and desire to grow Procon Sky Hire business closer to home

$
0
0

A Co Armagh businessman has spoken out about the uncertainty for his trade which relies on cross border cooperation post-Brexit.

Ryan Fegan (pictured) says: “It’s hard to know what is going to happen but I am prepared for it all”.

The Keady man owns two businesses; Procon Carpentry, which he set up four years ago and Procon Sky Hire, which he started last year.

Ryan went into carpentry when he left school leaving for Australia for six-years for work during the recession, following the well-documented collapse of the Celtic Tiger.

And he shared his thoughts on the looming impact of Brexit, and how it will after his two northern-based companies when much of his work is carried out in Dublin.

“Your guess is as good as mine as to what will happen but I do think that Brexit will only increase the amount of construction work in Dublin”.

One of the major industries for which Ryan has done work for are tech companies such as Facebook and Google.

Through his carpentry business, he has fitted out several nightclubs around Dublin, along with working for Trinity College.

“I just don’t know how it is going to work post-Brexit, I am going to have so many questions to answer,” admitted Ryan.

“Do I need to have a separate business in Dublin? How am I going to transfer machinery over the border?”.

Speaking about the industry as it stands, he said: “Dublin does not have enough tradesmen as it is, they had no construction industry for about 10 years and now it has all changed.

“I think it will grow even more after Brexit as Ireland will be the main gateway into Europe. I am a sub-contractor and a lot of northern companies like mine are working in Dublin.

“Work is good for me the way it is, it’s just that if a spanner is put in the works it may be more difficult to continue”.

Ryan says he is keen to grow Procon Sky Hire business closer to home in Co Armagh, despite the uncertainty.

They offer a comprehensive fleet of powered access platforms for working at height including electric scissors, diesel scissors, electric cherry pickers, diesel cherrypickers, telehandlers, and telescopic forklift services.

The company’s aim is to provide a reliable professional service with all the qualifications of a large business but without the costly overheads.

Ryan says his customer base is truly extensive and consists of local authorities to large developers which allows for them to continually grow, something Ryan believes is a direct result of customer satisfaction and repeat custom.

If you have a general enquiry, would like a free quote or would like to find out more information about Procon Skyhire you can find this on their website.

The post Keady tradesman on Brexit and desire to grow Procon Sky Hire business closer to home appeared first on Armagh I.

Keady man caught with bald tyres and defective brake lights fell asleep in car waiting for mechanic

$
0
0

A Keady man came to police attention after pulling over to wait on a mechanic when his car malfunctioned.

Court heard the 59-year-old fell asleep with the ignition of his vehicle on as he waited for assistance.

John McNally, of Doohat Road, pleaded guilty to three counts of having a defective light and two of defective tyres at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on November 26, at around 2am, police spotted a Toyota Avensis pulled over on the Castleblaney Road, Keady.

All of the lights on the car were off but smoke was coming from the exhaust.

Officers spoke to the defendant who was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

It was discovered that one of the front lights on the car was not working.

Upon being asked to check the brake lights it was found that two of these were also not in working order.

Police established that the two back tyres on the car were defective with the inner wire being visible to the naked eye.

Court heard that driving conditions were treacherous due to heavy rain.

Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields stated: “Mr McNally has a record but there is nothing since 2014.

“There is no excuse for the condition of the tyres; they were bald and he was driving in a rural location.”

He continued saying: “I am instructed that the lights on the dashboard flicked on and off which caused Mr McNally to pull over to call a mechanic.

“He left his ignition on and fell asleep as he waited on assistance. Quite unusually the police actually let him drive home.”

Mr Fields commented: “Mr McNally has not worked in some years due to ill health, he was caught by police as that malfunction happened.”

The defendant was handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’ levy of £15, within 20 weeks.

The post Keady man caught with bald tyres and defective brake lights fell asleep in car waiting for mechanic appeared first on Armagh I.

Court told 20-year-old caught driving at speed round ‘blind corners’ was on way to college

$
0
0

A Keady man who was caught driving at speed through ‘blind corners’ has been handed five penalty points.

Court heard the 20-year-old had been heading to college where he is training to be an electrician when he was detected by police.

Matthew Robert Gibson, of Aughnagurgan Road, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Court heard that on December 5, police were passed at speed by a black Audi on the Coolmillish Road, Markethill.

Officers watched as the car, in wet conditions, took a number of corners without braking.

This was noted as being a winding road with a number of blind spots due to hedges.

Due to this police decided to stop the defendant who made no reply to caution.

Defence counsel stated: “On this day Mr Gibson had been travelling to Portadown, where he is at college training to be an electrician.

“He instructs this is a road that he is very familiar with and that he just was not cautious enough.”

The defendant was described as an “industrious young man” and the court was told that he worked in Dublin as well as the north.

Gibson was handed five penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15.

The post Court told 20-year-old caught driving at speed round ‘blind corners’ was on way to college appeared first on Armagh I.

Viewing all 1088 articles
Browse latest View live