A man has been charged with the murder of 11-month-old Hunter McGleenon.

The 31-year-old has also been charged with possession of an indecent photograph of a child and illegal entry to the UK.

The man is expected to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

The 11-month-old baby was found dead in his Keady home on Tuesday.

Earlier this evening 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.”

The post Man (31) charged with murder of 11-month old Hunter McGleenan appeared first on Armagh I.

A man accused of murdering an 11-month-old baby in Keady has appeared in court in Newry.

Hunter McGleenan died following an incident in the Co Armagh town on Tuesday.

Ali Sharyah, 31, with an address in Monaghan town, appeared at a special sitting of Newry Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning.

The Pakistani national, faces a single charge of murder, as well as two further charges of possession of an indecent photograph of a child and illegal entry to the UK.

During the brief sitting Sharyah confirmed his name and nationality.

He was remanded back into custody until his next court appearance on December 18.

The McGleenan family will lay to rest Ann – Hunter’s great grandmother – today following her passing just 24 hours after Tuesday’s tragic events.

The post Man accused of Keady baby Hunter McGleenan’s murder appears in court appeared first on Armagh I.

Baby Hunter McGleenan will be laid to rest on Monday – six days after his tragic passing.

The 11-month-old will be buried close to family in Keady and the family has asked those in attendance to wear bright colours, or dress casual.

The McGleenan / O’Conor family have released a statement through family friend, councillor Darren McNally.

“Tomorrow we say our final goodbyes and lay to rest our wee Angel Hunter,” it read.

“We would like to ask for privacy at this difficult time and as such are reiterating our request, to the press, to stay away.

“A service for Hunter will take place at 11am in St Patrick’s Church, Keady. Members of the local community and friends are welcome to attend this service – colourful or casual clothing should be worn.

“We respectfully request that the house and burial remain strictly private for family only.

“We would like to take this opportunity once again to thank everyone for their support, messages of condolence and prayers over this past number of days.

“Thank you all for your co-operation.”

Hunter’s remains will leave his grandparents residence at 11 Crossmore Green on Monday to arrive at St Patrick’s Church Keady for 11am Mass of the Angels. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

The post Family preparing for final goodbye with baby Hunter to be laid to rest on Monday appeared first on Armagh I.

The body of a man was discovered at a house in Derrynoose this afternoon (Wednesday).

The man, who was in his 30s, was discovered at a property on the Derrynoose Road, opposite St Mochua’s Church.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time, police have confirmed.

However, evidence of a recent fire at the property was discovered and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire is now underway.

Fire crews and ambulance service were at the scene since before lunchtime.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are with the family and friends of a man who died following a house fire in Derrynoose, Co Armagh.

“NIFRS received a call at 11.12am today (Wednesday 4 December 2019) to attend a fire at a two-storey house on the Derrynoose Road.

“Two Fire Appliances, one from Keady Fire Station and 1 from Newtownhamilton Fire Station attended the scene.

“A 34 year old man was confirmed dead at the scene. A fire in a downstairs bedroom had burnt itself out.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

The post Body of man in his 30s discovered at house in Derrynoose appeared first on Armagh I.

A Tassagh man who was caught driving by police after being disqualified for an offence of drink driving has escaped a further ban.

Court heard the 52-year-old was involved in an accident in May 2018 which had left with him a brain injury and flesh missing from his arm.

Gordon Kennedy, of Corkley Road, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on September 16, at around 9.50am, police stopped the defendant driving a Citroen Berlingo van on the Keady Road in Armagh.

Kennedy initially gave police a false name and said that the van he was driving belonged to his son.

It was established that Kennedy was a disqualified driver and when cautioned he told police: “Yeah, look I shouldn’t have been out driving.”

During a notebook interview, the defendant made full admissions. The van belonged to his son and he himself was a disqualified driver.

Defence barrister Michael Tierney stated: “This is a man who was involved in an accident in May 2018 which left him with brain injuries and he lost flesh on his left arm.

“Due to this he has had too much time on his hands as he has not been able to work on his farm. On that day he had some issues with a cow and had taken his son’s van.”

District Judge Paul Copeland said: “Mr Kennedy, on February 19 you were convicted of drink driving, you and everyone in that situation are disqualified and for good reason.

“I am impressed about what has been said on your behalf and do accept that this was a matter of poor judgement on your part but don’t let this happen again.”

Kennedy was handed a conditional discharge for two years and handed six penalty points.

The post Farmer caught behind wheel again despite earlier ban for drink driving appeared first on Armagh I.

A Keady man who assaulted two members of staff at a local Chinese takeaway whilst intoxicated will be sentenced in the New Year.

Court heard that one of the victims of the 41-year-old had been just 17 at the time, whilst the other was a foreign national.

Seamus Gerard McGeown, of Fairgreen Avenue, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and disorderly behaviour at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

As he entered the plea, defence solicitor Chris Rafferty commented: “This could be a case that would benefit from a PSR (pre-sentence report).”

District Judge Paul Copeland asked the prosecution what relationship if any there was between the injured parties and the defendant.

She replied: “There is no connection, Mr McGeown entered the Golden Gate Chinese in Keady whilst intoxicated and had an altercation with two members of staff.”

It was outlined that one of the injured parties had been just 17 at the time, whilst the other was a foreign national.

Prosecution commented: “This was a thoroughly unsavoury incident but thankfully there were no injuries.”

District Judge Copeland ordered a pre-sentence report in the case and McGeown was released on bail to appear on January 14 for sentencing.

The post Keady man assaulted two members of staff at a Chinese takeaway whilst intoxicated appeared first on Armagh I.

St Patrick’s High School in Keady have organised a large fundraising event – ‘Carols by Candlelight’ – which will be held in St Patrick’s Church in the town on Friday, December 13.

In previous years the event has been described as ‘an enchanting night of music and song’ performed by nationally renowned singers Karl McGuckin and Malachy Cush, who will be joined by special guest Catherine Grimley.

The calibre and notoriety of the performers has ensured sell-out events, with people travelling from all over Ireland to attend.

The school choir will of course showcase their talents on the night as well as sing alongside the performers.

We very much hope that you will be able to join us on the night and tickets will be available to purchase from the school office over the next week.

Tickets are available to purchase on line www.ticketsource.co.uk/carolsbycandlelight2019 and on the listed outlets. Book now to avoid disappointment.

For taster of the night, click here.

The post Keady High School organise ‘Carols by Candlelight’ with nationally renowned singers appeared first on Armagh I.

Supplying fibre broadband to areas in a number of miles from Keady would cost households up to £14,000, it has been revealed.

Fibre broadband provision in areas like Darkley, Granemore, Ballymacnab and Clady are currently non-existent, much to the annoyance of local residents.

Sinn Féin councillor Bróna Haughey says she has been working to resolve the issue in the area.

“When we were canvassing in May, almost every home relayed their dissatisfaction at the broadband service in their area,” said councillor Haughey.

“As a result, I have been in constant contact with BT and Openreach since trying to get some answers.”

The Cusher councillor asked Openreach to provide a sample costing for addresses across Granemore, Ballymacnab, Clady and Darkley.

This costing included the installation of fibre-to-the-premises, which would give download speeds of up to 330Mbps.

And the costings are based on a Community Fibre Partnership where Openreach contribute some of the costs and the community funds the rest.

Openreach estimated the cost of 26 properties in the area, and after commercial costs, the remaining price for the community would be £13,833.23 per household.

“This is not a realistic amount to ask people to pay for Broadband provision,” said councillor Haughey.

“This scheme comes at a huge cost to communities when Broadband should be a common and easily accessible utility.

“This is very disappointing to hear, as well as being informed that Openreach have no immediate plans to improve Broadband provision in the area.

“Sinn Féin have been consistently calling for Broadband inequality to be addressed and for future investment to prioritise rural areas.

“We continue to engage with the Department for the Economy to push for adequate levels of broadband in those areas worst affected by poor speeds.”

The post Fibre broadband in wider Keady area would cost each household up to £14,000 appeared first on Armagh I.

A Keady man who kept his cannabis stash in a Kinder egg has represented himself in court.

The district judge passed comment on the 28-year-old’s attitude to the offence as he told him: “This is not a parking ticket.”

Michael McDonald, of Caramoyle, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on August 2, at 11.05pm, police conducting a vehicle checkpoint on the Castleblayney Road, Keady, stopped the defendant driving a Volkswagen Golf.

Officers noted a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and during a search located a Kinder egg shell in the driver’s foot well which contained three grams of cannabis.

McDonald was cautioned and during interview made full admissions, saying he had purchased the drugs for £30.

When asked if he had anything to say, the defendant, who represented himself in court, said: “Nothing at all.”

District Judge Paul Copeland told McDonald: “This is not a parking ticket Mr McDonald, you have been charged with having an illicit substance.”

It was established by the defendant that the car he had been driving had belonged to his grandmother and was a DLA vehicle.

District Judge Copeland stated: “How are you going to explain to her that this vehicle has been seized?”

He replied: “She is at an age now where she can’t drive anymore. She has sent the car back.”

McDonald stated that he had bought the drugs from a friend in Armagh but could not remember their name.

District Judge Copeland said: “The next time you appear in this court for drugs the sentence will not be as lenient.

“Those who buy drugs are supporting criminality which causes hurt and harm to many people.”

McDonald was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.

The post Keady man who kept drugs in a Kinder egg was driving granny’s DLA car when stopped appeared first on Armagh I.

A post mortem was due to be carried out on a Polish man who died in a house fire in Derrynoose on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old passed away at the property on the Derrynoose Road, directly opposite St Mochua’s Church.

There had been a recent fire in the downstairs bedroom.

SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said he was saddened to learn of the man’s death.

“It is a very sad time when anyone loses their life but particularly when someone dies in such tragic circumstances,” he said.

“My sympathies go out to the man’s family at this particularly sad time.”

Police said they are still investigating the circumstances of the fire, however, it is not being treated as suspicious.

The deceased man, who has not been named, is understood to have had family members living just a few miles over the border in Co Monaghan.

The post Post mortem to be carried out on Polish man who died in Derrynoose house fire appeared first on Armagh I.

A Keady man, described by his barrister as a “long time alcoholic”, has been told by a district judge that he needs to attend with AA.

The 41-year-old was detected driving whilst twice the legal limit, with tins of beer in the rear passenger footwell of his car.

Jonathan Robert Frazer, of Annvale Gardens, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Prosecution outlined that on July 6, at 11.40pm, police on patrol of Monbrief East Road in Craigavon observed a Ford Fiesta braking suddenly.

Officers stopped the car and spoke to the defendant, who was the driver.

It was noted that Frazer was evasive as he spoke to police and that he smelled of intoxicating liquor.

The officers observed that there were several tins of Coors Light in the rear passenger footwell of the car.

A preliminary breath test was conducted which resulted in a fail and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

Due to a problem with the breathalyser in custody, a sample of Frazer’s blood had to be taken for analysis.

This later gave a result of 172mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “Mr Frazer is no stranger to this court. He has four or five unhelpful entries in his record from back in 2001.

“This is a man who has been a long time alcoholic. At the time his partner had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, for which she is now receiving palliative care, which led him to turn to drink.”

He continued: “He had been at Oxford Island and police detected him on his way home. He knows the repercussions and needs to offload the car which he bought on finance.”

Frazer was disqualified from driving for two years and was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.

Deputy District Judge Gerry Trainor commented: “I will certify you for the drink driving course but you would be better with AA, you are a young man whose life has been taken over by drink.”

The post Keady drink driver described by solicitor as ‘long time alcoholic’ advised to go to AA appeared first on Armagh I.

The General Election campaign is in its final throes for the candidates, and with less than 48 hours to go until polling day (December 12), we took a look at the race for the two seats up for grabs in Co Armagh.

The candidate lists have been confirmed, the manifestos launched, televised debates in full swing and a few lucky enough to have had that knock on their door, but who do you vote for?

Here is are low down on how the race is shaping up for both the Newry and Armagh and the Upper Bann seats.

The latter has historically been a Unionist seat, while the constituency of Newry and Armagh has subsequently become a natural Nationalist majority with Sinn Féin and the SDLP’s sharing 65% of the vote in 2017.

The seat was first taken by a Nationalist in the shape of former SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon in 1986 and he represented the constituency at Westminster for the best part of two decades.

In 2005, Sinn Fein won control of the seat through Conor Murphy before he was succeeded by party colleague Mickey Brady in 2015.

Brady had almost double the vote of the DUP’s William Irwin at the last election in 2017 and was some 16,000 votes ahead of the SDLP’s Justin McNulty.

In recent years, the Ulster Unionists have seen their share of the vote dwindle from Danny Kennedy’s 16,000-plus in 2015 to just 4,500 with Sam Nicholson as the candidate last time out. He will run again.

Mr Nicholson’s father Jim was the last Unionist to hold this seat and he recently retired after 30 years serving as an MEP in Brussels.

His son, Sam currently sits on the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council and would be keen to see a rise in his vote this time around.

Alliance have seen their vote steadily rise in the last few election campaigns, both locally and nationally, and their candidate Jackie Coade will want to carry on the party’s success in the recent council election.

There was an upsurge in voting for the party; on that occasion Ms Coade was unsuccessful, but Alliance managed to gain three representatives on the ABC Council.

New kids on the block are Aontu, who will be putting up a candidate in this constituency for the first time in the form of Martin Kelly, following their inception earlier this year.

The recently established all-Ireland party, will be looking to grow their reputation with them currently having one representative in the Dáil Éireann and five in the local government scene north and south of the border.

Meanwhile the other Co. Armagh seat, Upper Bann, has remained a solidly Unionist constituency with a significant Nationalist minority since its creation in 1983.

Originally held by the UUP’s Harold McCusker it was taken by David Trimble in a by-election in 1990 following Mr McCusker’s death.

Trimble, who went on to become leader of the UUP and First Minister of Northern Ireland, lost the seat to David Simpson of the DUP in 2005.

Simpson has held the seat since then, but has made the decision not to contest the seat this time around.

Last time out, Sinn Féin candidate John O’Dowd took second spot in the polls for the first time but still remained around 8,000 votes behind the DUP.

This was an increase from the mere 2,000 vote difference which Simpson had enjoyed over UUP candidate Jo-Anne Dobson in 2015.

O’Dowd will once more be trying to close the gap on the DUP but this time round his competitor comes in the form of the popular Carla Lockhart.

Lockhart is a former councillor for the area and has been an MLA for Upper Bann since the 2016 election. She could be  about to take a further step in her burgeoning career.

Representing the UUP for the second time for the Westminster seat is army veteran Doug Beattie.

Beattie was elected to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council for the Portadown area during the 2014 council elections before he was elected an MLA in 2016, a position he holds to this day.

Last time out the Beattie saw a 5,000 vote drop from his predecessor and he will be looking to make up some of that ground this time around.

The candidate for the SDLP is Dolores Kelly, the former deputy leader and current MLA for Upper Bann did not contest the seat at the last general election but has done so many times in the past.

Kelly was elected to Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann in 2013, she lost her seat in the 2016 Assembly Election but regained it in 2017, at the expense of Sinn Féin.

SDLP vote in this constituency has been falling in recent years, which could explain the rise of Sinn Fein in the area, but Kelly will be looking to pull back some of those numbers in this election.

The Alliance candidate for Upper Bann comes in the form of a new addition to the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council, Eóin Tennyson.

The party have seen a steady rise in their share of the vote in the last two decades, and as mentioned previously, they will want to follow on from the success of council elections.

The post How the race is heating up in Co Armagh for one of the coldest General Elections in history appeared first on Armagh I.

A Tassagh man who threatened to burn down another man’s home has been handed a conditional discharge.

Court heard the incident arose after the 43-year-old’s relationship with the injured party – who is married to his sister –  deteriorated.

Edward Oliver Coyle, of Tullybrone Road, pleaded guilty to threats to damage property and attempted criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that the July 7, the defendant attempted to kick the door of a property on the Killyfaddy Road in Tassagh.

Coyle had an interaction with the male owner of the property, in the presence of a woman and her children.

The defendant told the injured party: “I am going to burn your house down”.

When police arrived, the woman and her children looked fearful, the court heard.

It was noted by officers that Coyle was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

During interview at Banbridge station, the defendant said that it was a prank that went wrong. He said the whole incident was a bit of a blur and he could not remember why he did it.

Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “The defendant is remorseful for his actions on that day; it arose out of a deteriorating relationship with the male injured party but there has been nothing since.

“The injured party is married to this man’s sister but he no longer resides at this property and Mr Coyle has no axe to grind with this female.”

He added: “He has helped the injured party throughout his life and is deeply remorseful that he has got himself in this situation.”

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said: “This arose out of a deterioration of a relationship with another male, who no longer resides at this property.”

Coyle was handed a conditional discharge for two years, a restraining order was also put in place with regards to the female injured party and her children.

The post Conditional discharge for Tassagh man who threatened to burn down man’s home appeared first on Armagh I.

A Co. Armagh lorry driver has denied any involvement in a human trafficking plot linked to the Essex lorry deaths in October.

Christopher Kennedy, from Corkley Road in Tassagh, appeared at the Old Bailey in London earlier today.

The 23-year-old pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit human trafficking offences between May 1 2018 and October 24 2019 by arranging or facilitating the travel of other people with a view to exploitation.

He also denied conspiring to assist unlawful immigration over the same period.

Maurice Robinson also appeared via videolink from Belmarsh prison.

The 25-year-old from Laurelvale has previously admitted conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration between May 1 2018 and October 24 2019 and acquiring criminal property – namely cash.

He is yet to enter pleas against the 39 counts of manslaughter.

Both were remanded back into custody to appear again on March 16, next year.

A trial date of October 5, 2020 has been arranged and is expected to last up to eight weeks.

The post Two Co Armagh men appear in court over Essex lorry deaths appeared first on Armagh I.

A Keady man appeared in court charged with stealing three cash machines containing a total of £180,000.

Eugene Tomany, of Glen Road, appeared at Dungannon Crown Court on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing ahead of a trial next year.

The 33-year-old faces eight charges dating between October 27, 2018 and March 10 of this year.

He denied all eight charges put to him.

Tomany is accused of stealing an ATM and #66,020 belonging to Danske Bank on October 27, 2018. He is also accused of stealing an excavator to the value of £20,000 on the same day.

On December 22, 2018, he is accused of stealing an ATM and £13,600 belonging to Danske Bank. He is also charged with stealing a Case digger to the value of £45,000 on the same day.

On January 8, he is charged with stealing a Manitou telehandler and attempting to steal an ATM from a First Trust Bank.

On March 10, he is accused of stealing an ATM and £104,840 belonging to Cash Zone, as well as stealing a Hitachi digger valued at £20,000.

A trial date has been provisionally set for May 4, 2020.

Tomany is due to appear again in court on February 18 where there will be an update in the case.

He was released on continuing bail of £500 where he must adhere to a strict set of bail conditions which include a curfew of 9pm-7am and must surrender his passport and title deeds to his home.

The post Keady man denies stealing cash machines containing £180,000 appeared first on Armagh I.

Major disruption can be expected at hospitals and health care facilities across the Trust throughout tomorrow as health workers embark on a 24-hour strike.

The minor injuries unit at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon will be closed all day Wednesday, reopening at 9am Thursday.

And, while the emergency departments at Craigavon and Daisy Hill in Newry will remain open, they are expected to be even busier than usual.

The Trust says it will prioritise the most urgent patients.

The 24-hour stoppage is the latest in the campaign by nurses and other health care workers for better pay and improved conditions in which to treat patients to a standard of care which they feel the public deserve.

The strike, however, will lead to significant upheaval in the service locally.

Seventy-five people have had planned in-patient and day-case surgery postponed.

A total of four planned operations have been cancelled.

Emergency surgery is going ahead.

All community mental health services at Trasna House in Lurgan will be closed all day on Wednesday. Anyone who requires urgent care should contact their GP who will have access to emergency and urgent mental health services.

All day centres and resource centres – 21 in total – will be closed. These are Lisanally, Keady, Clogher, Edenderry, Orchard, Meadows, Donard, Crozier, Windsor Day Centre, Newry; Laurels Day Centre, Newry; Binnian Day Centre, Kilkeel; Millview Day Centre, Bessbrook; Crossmaglen Day Centre; Aughnacloy (McCague) Centre; Gortgonis Centre Coalisland; Appleby Day Centre, Armagh; Oakridge Day Centre, Dungannon; Station Road Day Centre, Armagh; Linenbridge Day Centre, Banbridge; Bannvale Day Centre, Gilford; Manor Day Centre, Lurgan

All those patients affected have been notified, says the Trust.

Community-based clinics and services will also be affected, with 172 appointments having been cancelled. Again, patients have been notified.

The district nursing service will be limited in all areas to essential calls only, and domiciliary Care will only be provided to the most dependent service users. Clients have been advised.

There will be no canteen or coffee bar facilities available in the Trust and only patient meals will be provided.

A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said: “We will do everything possible to keep services running, but in many areas we will be working with significantly reduced staffing.

“This includes a reduced service on our switchboards which may lead to delays answering calls.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The post Closures and cancellations in Armagh and beyond tomorrow as 24-hour strike takes hold appeared first on Armagh I.

Two Co. Armagh families who both lost parents to cancer on the same day shortly after Christmas last year are teaming up to raise money for the Southern Area Hospice.

Pat Murphy, from Darkley, and Dympna McCague of Armagh lost their battles with the disease on January 7.

This year marks the Hospice’s 30th anniversary, and with this in mind Adam Murphy – son of Pat, alongside Robbie and Tommy McCague – sons of Dympna – will be raising money with a spin class and coffee morning at the Armagh City Hotel this Saturday, December 21.

Speaking to Armagh I, Adam said that although his father wasn’t in the Hospice, he was at home most of the time and in and out of hospitals, both in Craigavon and Daisy Hill.

“The reason me and the Murphy family are doing this is for every family out there that have been affected by cancer,” said Adam.

“We are so grateful for the palliative care nurses that work in the Southern Area Hospice and only for them I don’t know where we would be.”

Adam said that last Christmas was tough on all the family, as they knew deep down that it would be their father’s last.

“Somewhere in the world today, someone is going through the same thing my family and the McCague family were going through this time last year,” he said.

“It was tough on Christmas Day but he was great and even had a wee baileys after dinner; he just went downhill from Boxing day onwards, I think he fought hard on Christmas day for us.”

The youngest on 11, Adam explained how the news of his dad’s illness became known to him: “I was working in the City Hotel when I got a call that my father had fallen, so I had to leave work and I rushed home.

“I went into the house and there was my dad, sat on the sofa with the back of his head split open; he was taken to Daisy Hill where he seemed fine – I mean he walked into the ambulance.

“The doctors ran some tests, which came back telling us he had secondary bone cancer and he had cancer of the prostrate.

That was October 8, of 2018. Just three months later, on January 7, Pat would pass away.

Said Adam: “That day you go to work thinking everything is grand, then you come back that night and you are lying staring at the ceiling.

“Every person out there should make sure they get themselves checked regularly, don’t die of ignorance. Daddy was 86 years of age when he passed away, he was a fit man, like he was a man of 66.

“He was very independent, he did everything for himself; he was up and would have gone to Keady in the morning to get the papers at McGrane’s shop, and the soda bread.

Adam recalled he had heard from the family that, in his thirties, his dad had a fall whilst in London which left him in a coma for several days but within seven or eight months he was back scaffolding.

“They don’t make them like that anymore,” he added.

The Newry Hospice is celebrating its 30th anniversary – and Adam hopes it is there for another 100 years “because we need it”.

“As my dad used to say ‘you never miss the water till the well runs dry’ and you really don’t know when you will need it”.

We also spoke with Dympna McCague’s son, Robbie who said he and his family wanted to do something to remember their mum, especially in the run up to Christmas and her first anniversary.

Robbie commented: “She was such a giving person and was always thinking of others; we would also like to acknowledge the amazing work that the Hospice does in supporting people and their families in the most difficult of circumstances”

“Both ourselves and Adam’s family went through that this time last year, it was a very difficult period and we just wanted to do something to acknowledge that and give a wee bit of thanks.”

Robert says that the event is not just to remember their parents but to give back to those who supported them through their illnesses.

“I work within the health service myself,” said Robbie, “and I know what it costs to run the hospice, I think it is important to support that service to make sure it is maintained.

“We know there are people in the same situation we were in last year and we hope that they are feeling supported in a very difficult time “.

Speaking of his mother’s illness, he explained: “It spanned over a period of over two years; it was a gradual decline which sped up in the last few months of her life and by that stage we knew it was palliative.

“The Hospice was there for us to help manage the pain and comfort levels so that she could return home again; the last few days to a week they just made sure she was in no pain.”

But just like the Murphy family, the McCague’s made the most of the last Christmas with their mother.

Robert said: “With us knowing mum was coming to the end of her life, we did a lot to make sure there were special memories for the whole family and the grandchildren.

“We were so appreciative that we got that time, with the Hospice being vital in that.”

The Spinathon and coffee morning will be held at the Armagh City Hotel on December 21 from 9am to 12pm.

Eager riders will be welcomed at both the 10am-10.45am class or the 10.45am-11.30am class, if you don’t fancy that you can always just grab a coffee and a bun.

There will be spot prizes on the day including; sports massage, meat voucher, fuel vouchers, beauty vouchers, meal vouchers, a sports jersey, a PT session, bottles of spirits and a one month gym membership (New Year, New You?).

All proceeds from the day will be going to the Southern Area Hospice.

The post Sons recall final Christmas with parents who lost cancer battles as they prepare to give back to Hospice appeared first on Armagh I.

Emergency services are currently on the scene of a serious collision outside Keady this afternoon (Friday).

The Air Ambulance has been sent to the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on the Keady Road.

Police have closed the road in both directions between Bachelors Walk and the Dundrum Road junction.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and to seek seek alternative routes.

The incident happened around 2pm.

Earlier this afternoon there was a two-vehicle collision on the Moy Road in Armagh.

There were reports one car was left on its side.

Emergency services also attended but there are no reports of any serious injuries.

The post Emergency services on scene of serious accident on Keady Road appeared first on Armagh I.

Mindless vandals targeted and vandalised a nativity scene in Keady overnight on Friday.

The crib, next to the town’s Christmas tree, had one of the figurines broken and perspex covering smashed.

The criminality has been met with revulsion in the community, however, those behind the crib say it will be fixed and put back on display.

One person, speaking to Armagh I, said: “The figures are broken but fixable. It will be back up as soon as possible. People are raging.

He added: “This was a cross community effort and it serves as a reminder that Christianity is under attack all over the world.

“The work was done by the Men’s Shed and the materials donated by local businesses.

“It’s hoped that a collection can be made to make it better next year and that people will rally in support of the efforts of the men involved. There may be cctv footage of the culprits too so hopefully that shows up something.”

The post Community vow to fix crib after Keady nativity scene damaged by mindless vandals appeared first on Armagh I.

A kind-hearted Christmas gesture from a young child has moved a heartbroken Keady family to tears.

Grania McGleenan – grandmother to little baby Hunter who tragically died in November at just 11-months-old – said she wanted to highlight the magnificent deed to show how grateful her and the family are.

The note, presumably written by a young child who saved up their pocket money, was placed on top of a large bag of shopping and placed outside Grania’s front door, read: “Every year I save up my pocket money to help a family that’s been through hard times. This year I chose you. It’s not a lot but I hope it helps. Merry Christmas.”

Grania also lost her mother Ann just over 24 hours after little Hunter’s death, plunging her and the family further into grief.

However, an undoubtedly difficult Christmas was made that little bit easier thanks to this selfless give from such a tender-hearted youngster.

Posting the note on social media on Sunday, Grania said: “This brought tears to my eyes today; our door knocked around 4.30pm and when we answered there was a large bag of shopping sitting at the door but no one was there.

“Whoever left this immediately left and we didn’t see who it was but they left this note in the top of the bag.

“To this little person if you’re reading this thank you so very, very much it was such a lovely thing to do.

“I’m sure your parents are so very proud of you, as they should be. Thank you so much petal. Can my friends please share this as maybe this child’s parents might see it and  tell their child we are truly grateful.”

The true spirit of Christmas right there.

The post Kind-hearted Christmas gesture moves heartbroken Keady family to tears appeared first on Armagh I.