Vandals have set equipment alight at a play park in Keady this evening (Wednesday).

The fire service have been called to an incident at the children’s play area on the Glen Road around 7pm.

The park has been the target of vandals in the past and Keady councillor Darren mcNally has blasted those responsible for tonight’s incident.

“It was hard work to get such a fantastic facility to Keady,” he said.

“It’s heartbreaking that some seem to think it’s fun to vandalise equipment; the people these action affect are local families and their children.

“I would ask those involved in this behaviour to desist immediately.”

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Contractors are adding the finishing touches to a new state-of-the-art play park at Carnagh Forest.

It’s all part of a major funding boost for the forest following the installation of walking trails and improved facilities in the area.

The play park is expected to be completed next week and opened before Christmas.

SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon says the place will be a fantastic resource for families.

“Things are really starting to take shape,” he said.

“The area reflects the natural surroundings with the Squirrels Drey, Maze, Basket Swing, in Ground Trampoline and animal carvings.

“The place looks fantastic and will be a great resource for families.

“Please respect that works aren’t quite finished, don’t try and access the equipment yet, it’ll be open soon enough.”

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The TMAC Centre, Keady, was the venue for the recent inaugural meeting of the Keady Pro-Life Group.

The group has been established in response to concern in the local community about the imposition of unregulated abortion legislation in Northern Ireland by the Westminster government.

An audience of more than 170 people including local politicians and church figures from across the community gathered to express their frustration and dismay that the rights of unborn babies had been dismissed without regard.

Those gathered heard initially from local sporting hero Paul Hannan (pictured below) who was interviewed on the night.

Paul recounted how he had been born with Spina bifida, a potentially fatal foetal abnormality.

Despite being close to death at birth and living much of his life in a wheelchair, Paul described how he survived and went on to participate in the Seoul Paralympics in 1988 and numerous marathons.

Pauls’ life achievements have touched many and are proof that through resolve, steely determination and a supportive family and community, great things are possible.

The keynote speaker on the night was Bernadette Smyth, director of pro-life group Precious Life.

Precious Life advocates for the life of the unborn child, assists women struggling with unplanned pregnancy, and supports women in coping with the emotional upheaval after an abortion.

Bernadette spoke of the need to rally together, hold politicians to account and put pressure on statutory authorities to protect the lives of both the mother and the unborn child. Bernadette recounted how some mothers are told during pregnancy that their child will not survive outside the womb.

Contrary to this prognosis, in numerous cases where the pregnancy has been allowed to continue, the baby has in fact survived and went on to contribute positively to their family and community.

Bernadette shared her disappointment at the manipulation of the legal system by the abortion industry and the ineptitude of many of Northern Ireland’s politicians whom, she said, had capitulated their responsibility to the electorate by refusing to block the Westminster legislation in Stormont.

The audience were also shown a video of Fermanagh baby Faith Wilson and her parent’s.

Despite an ante-natal diagnosis of the life limiting condition, anencephaly, Faith’s parents, Joanne and Phillip, continued with the pregnancy and Faith’s subsequent birth in January 2019.

In the video which charts the 15 days of Faith’s life, her father Philip said that in the first 12 days of her life, Faith did more good and spoke to more people than he had done in 31 years. This moving video can be viewed at www.everylifecounts.ie

Keady Pro-Life group would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the inaugural event in the TMAC Centre. Details of further events organised by the group and further information can be found on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/keadyprolife/

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Extra funding has been secured to see out the complete revamp of Carnagh Forest Park.

Around £140,000 is being invested to upgrade the site, and this latest round of funding will allow for the longest trail to be completed.

The funding boost comes just weeks ahead of the officially opening of the state-of-the-art natural play park which will accompany the trails already completed as part of the overall works carried out by a triumvirate of Council, Forest Service and Outdoor Recreation NI.

The works are due to be completed by Spring 2020.

SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon confirmed the news this morning.

“Delighted to have received confirmation that we’ve secured the additional monies needed to complete the final path at Carnagh Forest Park,” he said.

“This is for the outer trail and will be the longest of the trails right around the back of the site.

“In addition to securing the money for the paths, this will include benches, a picnic area and interpretive panels telling the story of Carnagh Forest.

“They will detail the site history, as well as the animal and plant life of the forest. We hope to work with local schools to complete this element of the project.

“The works will complement those already done on the paths, car park and the new play facility which is hoped to open soon.

“Thanks to everyone who’s helped make it happen this far.”

In Pictures: Finishing touches being added to impressive new play park at Carnagh Forest

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A member of Keady Pro Life, Brian McCaffrey, hands over a cheque to Bernie Smyth of Precious Life.

£500 was donated by people at Keady Pro Life’s launch night held recently in the TMAC centre.

“We were bowled over by the generosity of people,” said Mr McCaffrey.

“It’s indicative of the strong opposition to Westminster’s abortion legislation that there is locally.

“In the coming election we will be assessing the positions of parties and candidates and advising our supporters what they can do to advance the Pro Life cause.

“Pro Life is a cause that transcends the traditional political divide in Northern Ireland and parties can no longer take it for granted that people will vote for them regardless.”

“The money raised will be used by Stanton Healthcare who provide support for women in crisis pregnancies. “We’d like to thank again the people of Keady for their continued support”.

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Two Co Armagh men are due to appear in court charged in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants found in the back of a lorry in Essex last month.

Maurice Robinson, 25, from Laurelvale is due up before Mr Justice Edis at the Old Bailey later this morning while Tassagh man Christopher Kennedy, 23, will make his first appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

Robinson, who was the driver of the lorry found to be carrying the 39 people, is expected to enter a plea.

He faces 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration between December 1, 2018 and October 24, 2019.

He is also charged with acquiring criminal property and one count of concealing criminal property.

Kennedy, who was arrested on the M40 on Friday, is accused of human trafficking offences.

He is charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law.

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A Tassagh man has appeared in court in England charged with human trafficking offences.

Christopher Kennedy, 23, from Corkley Road, was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning on the M40 in Buckinghamshire.

He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court charged with offences of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law.

The charges do not directly relate to the deaths of the 39 Vietnamese immigrants found dead on October 23, but are part of Essex Police’s wider investigation.

It is alleged that he conspired to arrange or facilitate the travel of other people with a view to exploitation.

He is also charged with conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law.

It is alleged that he did this between May 1, 2018 and October 24 this year at Purfleet in Essex.

During the brief hearing, Kennedy confirmed his name, age and nationality before being remanded back into custody to appear before the Old Bailey on December 13.

Earlier this morning, Maurice Robinson pleaded guilty to plotting to assist illegal immigration.

The 25-year-old from Laurelvale also admitted acquiring criminal property, namely cash, on dates between May 1 last year, and October 24, 2019, but was not asked to enter a plea to the 39 counts of manslaughter.

Robinson was remanded into custody until his next hearing on December 13, also at the Old Bailey in London.

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Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a baby in the Keady area earlier today (Tuesday).

Major Investigation Team detectives confirmed the investigation was underway.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in the Craigavon area and has been taken to Banbridge Police Station where he is being questioned by detectives.

A post mortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.

There are no further details at this time.

Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan said he had spoken to a family member of the baby.

He said: “They are all in deep shock. They have asked for privacy as they try to come to terms with this unfathomable tragedy.

“We shall of course keep them in our prayers.”

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A Co Armagh community has been left reeling following the sudden and shock death of an 11-month-old baby boy.

A death notice for little Hunter Patrick McGleenon was published following his tragic passing in Keady on Monday.

It said Hunter was the beloved and cherished son of Nicole and loving grandson of Grania and Eddie.

Deeply regretted by his heartbroken mummy, grandparents, aunts Coleen and Erin, uncles Nathan, Jordan and Luke, great-grandparents Ann and Paddy and the entire family circle. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Hundreds of tributes have been pouring in from the Keady and wider community.

Meanwhile, Major Investigation Team detectives have launched an investigation into the child’s death.

A 31-year-old man was arrested in the Craigavon area and remains in police custody in Banbridge.

Forensic officers are focusing their investigation around a property in the Market Street area of the town.

Keady Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan said he had spoken to a family member of the baby.

He said: “They are all in deep shock. They have asked for privacy as they try to come to terms with this unfathomable tragedy.

“We shall of course keep them in our prayers.”

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A mixed use development of industrial units and a shop is being planned for Keady.

A total of 10 new enterprises could feature if the proposals are given the go-ahead.

The site in question is at Clay Road – beside Lir Fold – where there are already existing business units.

The new application – submitted by Glenvale Property Ltd – would increase the offering on site.

It would include five units earmarked for storage and distribution and four for what is described as ‘light industrial’ purposes.

The development also includes a shop, as well as associated site works.

The site in question is described as consisting of a “former factory and commercial units”.

Papers submitted with the application indicate an additional 11 staff on site if planning approval for the new-build is granted.

The five storage and distribution units would each be 86 sq metres and the light industrial units would comprise two at 96.5 sq metres and another two stretching to 120 sq metres. All have their own toilet facilities.

The shop is a smaller unit of just 47 sq metres and also includes toilet provision and staff area.

A statement from the architect to planners indicate that there is already 61 parking spaces across the entire site to “serve the existing and proposed businesses”.

Expected opening hours of any new businesses would be 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5pm on Saturdays.

An application has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and is due to be publicly advertised this week.

A decision will follow in due course.

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A community are rallying behind a Keady family hit by tragedy following the death of a little baby boy.

An online funding page has been set up to help the family of Hunter Patrick McGleenan who tragically passed away on Tuesday.

He was just 11-months-old and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the small Co. Armagh community.

The funding page is to help the grieving family with funeral costs.

“Any money raised will be used by hunters loving family to pay for any costs involved with the wake / funeral arrangements and to help erect a headstone,” it read.

“Any donation is greatly appreciated, the family wish to thank all those who have expressed their condolences at this sad time.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

A death notice for little Hunter Patrick McGleenan said he was the beloved and cherished son of Nicole and loving grandson of Grania and Eddie.

Deeply regretted by his heartbroken mummy, grandparents, aunts Coleen and Erin, uncles Nathan, Jordan and Luke, great-grandparents Ann and Paddy and the entire family circle. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

A 31-year-old man continues to be questioned in relation to the infant’s death, while an investigation centres around a property on Market Street in the town.

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Police have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a man in connection with the sudden death of a baby in Keady on Tuesday.

A 31-year-old man was arrested in Craigavon, and has been taken to Banbridge PSNI station for questioning.

Craigavon Magistrates’ Court today granted detectives another day for questioning.

The 11-month-old boy was pronounced dead following an overnight incident on Monday at his Market Street home.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the entire community.

A funding page is to help the grieving family with funeral costs.

“Any money raised will be used by hunters loving family to pay for any costs involved with the wake / funeral arrangements and to help erect a headstone,” it read.

“Any donation is greatly appreciated, the family wish to thank all those who have expressed their condolences at this sad time.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

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A Keady family have been hit with double heartbreak following the passing of a great grandmother earlier this morning (Wednesday).

Ann McGleenan was the great grandmother of baby Hunter McGleenan, and grandmother to Hunter’s mum Nicole.

Mrs McGleenan passed away peacefully just 24 hours after the infant’s death.

Her funeral is due to take place on Saturday from her daughter Grania’s home.

A death notice reads: “Beloved wife of Paddy and loving mother of Sean, Gregory, Grania, Patricia and Barry and great grandmother of the late Baby Hunter Patrick (aged 11 months)

“Her remains will leave her daughter Grania O’Connor’s residence, 11 Crossmore Green, on Saturday to arrive at St Patrick’s Church Keady for 11am funeral mass. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

“Deeply regretted by her loving husband, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters Mary Teresa (Farrell), Joan (Samhan), Angela (Bradshaw), Kathleen (Hatzer) and Helen (Carroll) and the entire family circle.

“On her soul Sweet Jesus have mercy.”

Meanwhile, a post mortem was to be carried out to establish the cause of death of baby Hunter, which has sent shockwaves throughout the community.

A 31-year-old man continues to be questioned in relation to the infant’s death, while an investigation centres around a property on Market Street in the town.

On Wednesday afternoon, police were granted an additional 24 hours to question the man arrested. He is being detained at Banbridge.

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Burglars travelling in a black Audi targeted a filling station in the Keady area Tuesday night.

The car used by the culprits has since been recovered across the border.

But the culprits remain at large and police are appealing for help to track them down.

Inspector Kieran Quinn said: “It was reported that at around 11.15pm a car arrived at a forecourt in the area.

“One man remained in the vehicle,  as another man got out of the vehicle who then gained entry to the premises by causing damage to a glass panel.

“The male is described as wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, dark coloured coat and a balaclava.

“The male then left the premises in a dark coloured Audi car towards the Armagh area.

“It is believed that another man was inside the vehicle during the incident.

“The car was later recovered in Clondalkin by our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, who we will continue to work with to establish the circumstances around the incident.”

Following this latest incident police have renewed their appeal for vigilance.

Inspector Quinn added: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind business owners to be vigilant when locking their properties and not to have cash present at close of business.

“Anyone with any concerns around crime prevention advice, please contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1961 of 26/11/19.

“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.”

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A major road resurfacing scheme will take place in Keady in the New Year.

The Tassagh Road will see a complete resurfacing of the carriageway from the fire station right down to the Bachelors Walk junction.

In addition to resurfacing, other works such as drainage improvements will also be carried out.

Works will also be carried out beyond this point, including much needed drainage improvement and sections of resurfacing from Bachelors Walk to Tassagh Bridge.

Works will commence on Monday, January 6 and are to be completed by Friday, February 28.

The road will be closed to through traffic 8am-6pm daily, it will be open at evenings and weekends.

The first phase will see the enabling works followed by the resurfacing works.

SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon welcomed the large investment locally.

“This is a much needed scheme and investment and is the first of a number of schemes to be announced in the area,” he said.

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Detectives leading an investigation into the sudden passing of an infant in Keady have been granted an additional 36 hours to question a man in connection with the death.

Little baby Hunter McGlennan died on Tuesday and the 31-year-old man was arrested in the Craigavon area shortly afterwards.

A post mortem was to be carried out today in a bid establish the cause.

On Wednesday afternoon, police were given an additional 24 hours to question the man arrested but a further extension of a day and a half has been granted.

He is currently being detained at Banbridge.

The town of Keady has been rocked by the news but have rallied behind the McGleenan family, with a fundraising target of £5,000 met within 24 hours.

The family also suffered a double heartbreak with the passing of Hunter’s great grandmother – mum Nicole’s grandmother – on Wednesday.

Ann McGleenan’s funeral is due to take place on Saturday from her daughter Grania’s home.

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

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An estranged Armagh couple who racked up a VAT fraud in excess of £600,000 have been put behind bars.

Joseph Cassidy (pictured), 50, of Killyfaddy Road was sentenced to 18 months, while his wife Anna, 50, of Drumarg Park was jailed for 15 months.

Appearing for sentencing at Newry Crown Court on Thursday, the couple heard how half their terms will be served on licence.

Mr Cassidy had been due to go on trial but for an eleventh hour change of plea last month.

He entered guilty pleas to being “knowingly concerned in, or in the taking of steps with a view to, the fraudulent evasion of VAT” that resulted in an overpayment of £610,337 and transferring criminal property from the account of Anna Cassidy with both offences committed on unknown dates between 1 July 2011 and 9 July 2015.

Mrs Cassidy pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The VAT fraud was uncovered following an early morning HMRC raid of their farm in Tassagh.

Confiscation proceedings will begin next year.

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Detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a baby boy in Keady on Tuesday, November 26 are treating it as murder.

A post mortem into the death of Hunter McGleenan, who was 11-months-old, was completed yesterday (Thursday).

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: “Sadly, following the results of the post mortem, I can confirm I am now treating this as a murder investigation.

“My thoughts remain with Hunter’s family and loved ones who are coming to terms with their devastating loss.

“This is something no parent should ever have to experience. His family should be looking forward to Hunter’s second Christmas.”

Detective Chief Inspector Corrigan continued: “We have arrested a man, aged 31, in relation to the investigation and he remains in police custody at this time.

“As part of my investigation, I am interested in the movements of a White BMW 5 Series, registration 11D14035, around the Keady area during the early hours of Tuesday, November 26.

“Were you in the area and do you believe you saw this vehicle, or did you capture it on your dash cam?

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 587 of the 26/11/19. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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The heartbroken family of little baby Hunter McGleenan say their lives have been shattered.

The tragic events surrounding 11-month-old Hunter’s death has been compounded by the passing of his great grandmother just 24 hours later, on Wednesday.

The family released a statement through councillor Darren McNally, stating their overwhelming gratitude for the public’s condolences and support.

The statement read: “The family of Hunter and Ann McGleenan want to take this opportunity to thank people from every section of the community for all their support, messages of condolences and prayers over this past number of days. This has meant so much to us all

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by all those people who have contributed to the GoFundMe page set up by the local community in Keady.

“We now ask that the page is closed tomorrow morning as we go to lay to rest our mother/sister/grandmother and great grandmother Ann.

“Our hearts are broken and our lives have been shattered by recent events, the next number of days will be extremely difficult for the entire family circle.

“We respectfully request that media, be they journalists or photographers, stay away from the funeral services, thus allowing our family the time and space to grieve and to lay our beloved Ann and Hunter to rest.

“Thank you for your co operation.”

Earlier today, detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding Hunter’s tragic death say they are treating it as murder.

A post mortem into the death of Hunter McGleenan, who was 11-months-old, was completed yesterday (Thursday).

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: “Sadly, following the results of the post mortem, I can confirm I am now treating this as a murder investigation.

“My thoughts remain with Hunter’s family and loved ones who are coming to terms with their devastating loss.

“This is something no parent should ever have to experience. His family should be looking forward to Hunter’s second Christmas.”

Detective Chief Inspector Corrigan continued: “We have arrested a man, aged 31, in relation to the investigation and he remains in police custody at this time.

“As part of my investigation, I am interested in the movements of a White BMW 5 Series, registration 11D14035, around the Keady area during the early hours of Tuesday, November 26.

“Were you in the area and do you believe you saw this vehicle, or did you capture it on your dash cam?

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 587 of the 26/11/19. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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A Co. Armagh woman raised a “mind blowing” amount of money for a cancer society that supported her following her own diagnosis and helped her every step of the way.

Rosemary Mone, from Carnagh, was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago.

She is currently going through chemotherapy but wanted to give back to a cause close to her heart.

The Castleblayney native hosted a coffee morning at the Concra Wood golf club in the Co. Monaghan town with proceeds going towards the Castleblayney Cancer Society.

Never in her wildest dreams did Rosemary think that this single coffee morning would end up raising an amazing total of €10,500.

Speaking to Armagh I, her son Patrick, said: “Mummy felt like she just wanted to give back to cause and she originally came from Castleblayney, so that is why she tried to raise money for the Castleblayney cancer society.

“She was absolutely shocked by the amount of money raised from a single coffee morning which was only run from 10 in the morning to 2pm.”

The Armagh man described the total his mother’s fundraising reached as “mind blowing”.

Patrick said: “She would be well known in Castleblayney, Keady and Armagh but I think it was just a good cause, so close to her heart, that so many people turned up.

“She was worried no one be there and there would be an empty room but people were queuing there to get in from 9.30am”.

He added: “They were there from the very first stop; that was the reason chose that society, they offer support counselling and it makes such a difference to such a small town.”

Patrick said this article was to be a surprise for his mother who, after being introduced to Facebook, is never off it.

Well Done Rosemary!

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