A major resurfacing scheme on the Tassagh Road at Keady – at a cost of £445,000 – will get underway next month.

The work will extend a distance of approximately 1.3 kilometres, from 50 metres beyond the junction with Kinelowen Street to the junction with Bachelors Walk. A further 350 metres length between the Blairmont Road junction and Dundrum Road crossroads is also included.

Work starts on Monday, January 6, and according to the Department of Infrastructure, will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the road in addition to surface drainage improvements.

Due to the nature of the scheme it will be necessary to operate a daily weekday road closure Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, from Monday, January 6, until Friday, February 28.

During these times a diversion will be in place, with traffic directed via the Armagh Road, Keady Road, Newtownhamilton Road and Tassagh Road.

The road will be open to traffic in the evenings during the week and all day Saturday and Sunday.

The DofI spokesperson added: “Diversionary routes will be clearly signed and local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the works.

“In order to help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to exercise care when travelling through, or in the vicinity, of the works.

“The Department has programmed the work and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience, however, road users should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.

“Completion of the work by 28 February is dependent on favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.”

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It’s like something out of Darby O’Gill and the Little People and sure it would have you believing in fairies no fear!

And it’s been an incredible labour of love for the good folk of Darkley, where a unique and inviting spectacle awaits which will draw visitors’ breath away.

The official opening of the new Fairy Village in Darkley Forest has been greeted with due excitement and awe and was attended by Lord Mayor Mealla Campbell, who has been more than impressed by the finished article.

The initiative, supported by Darkley Rural Community Group and Capture Photography, saw almost 40 local families adopt a tree and embellish it with all sorts of doors, windows and various other accessories.

This follows on from the £220,000 investment in the forest last year, which created 4.6 kms of beautiful walking trails.

The Lord Mayor praised the local community for their wonderful efforts and spoke about how important it is for communities to come together in such ways to develop the area around them.

Speaking afterwards, Chairperson of Darkley Rural Community Group, Willie Monaghan, thanked the Lord Mayor for opening the Fairy Village.

He also praised ABC Council, DAERA, Outdoor Recreation NI and the Forestry Service for providing such a wonderful facility in a rural community such as Darkley.

Citing the many events that the Rural Community Group have organised in the forest, Willie said: “Darkley shows that when you invest in a rural community that community will take responsibility and care for that investment.”

“We in Darkley look forward to the further development of Darkley Forest through working with all those bodies who have truly helped to change the lives of people in the Darkley area.”

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It hardly seems like another full 12 months have passed us by but here we are again, just hours away from a new year and a new decade.

Throughout that time we have tried to keep you informed and entertained. We have shed many tears and shared many laughs and provided a platform for debate on topical and often contentious issues.

Now as we look ahead, we first look back on just some of the thousands of headlines which we have brought you throughout 2019…

January

In January, you were captivated by the news that a Co Armagh couple had won the New Years Day EuroMillions jackpot.

There was much talk about whether the winners would make themselves known but eventually it was revealed that Frances and Patrick Connolly, from Moira, matched the winning numbers on the first big draw of 2019.

Frances and Patrick Connolly celebrate becoming the fourth biggest National Lottery winners ever

They took home a whopping £115 million, making it the fourth biggest UK EuroMillions win ever.

We also brought you news of a man from Tandragee growing the world’s most expensive vegetable.

The Japanese wasabi – a sushi accompaniment – grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Shizuoka, in West Japan, and is worth a cool £1.3m an acre.

But, rather surprisingly, a local man has gone through the painstaking cultivation process, and carefully nurtured the plant in a greenhouse in his garden!

There was the story too of an Armagh man who took a leap of faith from 10,000 feet on his 33rd birthday to raise money for charity.

Conor Crilly prepared himself for the adrenaline-filled skydive after he himself had suffered with addictions problems and had tried to take his own life.

Conor Crilly

The inspirational Conor went on to raise almost £3,000 for the Mental Health Foundation.

February

February marked the end of an era as Armagh I revealed a new owner was to take over JD Hunter supermarket, which had been trading for 99 years.

This came after confirmation that the owner, Richard Hunter, was to retire.

The supermarket had been in the Hunter family in Markethill since 1920.

One of the most shocking social media scares of the year came to a head when police issued a warning to parents about an online game which reportedly asked kids to self-harm.

Momo is a character in an online game and when downloaded, tells children to self-harm in what police in Northern Ireland described as a “suicide game targeting our kids”.

We also brought the news of a Keady man, who was sexually abused as a child, who urged other young people not to suffer in silence after he watched his abuser admit his crimes in court.

Edward Dynes waived his right to anonymity and bravely spoke out as he hoped, by doing so, it might give others the strength and courage to do likewise.

March

March saw the controversial scheduling of the St Patrick’s Day parade – organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – come to the fore. The council-led city spectacle was planned for Saturday, March 16, as unionist councillors objected to it being held on a Sunday, the actual date of St Patrick’s Day.

St Patrick’s Day Armagh

It led, however, to a second community parade being pulled together at short notice and held on the Sunday, organised by the West Armagh Community Consortium.

The consortium worked in conjunction with a wide range of civic, business and community interests, to ensure that the Saint’s feast day was “suitably and properly celebrated in traditional style in Ireland’s ancient ecclesiastical capital and home to St Patrick himself”.

March also brought the heartbreaking news of the deaths of three young people before a St Patrick’s Day disco at the Greenvale Hotel.

Lauren Bullock (17), Morgan Barnard (17) and 16-year-old Connor Currie, died outside the Cookstown hotel.

April

April saw the closure of the popular Armagh restaurant 4 Vicars. tucked away in the heart of the city it announced it would be closing its doors with immediate effect after five years.

A true loss to the community, husband and wife team, Gareth and Kasia Reid, explained in a Facebook post that the decision was taken after a hike in the rental price for the premises.

That month also signified our second EuroMillions winners, when an 18-strong work syndicate from Newry-based demolition company Tinnelly Group Ltd struck it lucky with a quarter of a million pound pay day.

The County Down employees scooped a massive £253,489.30 after matching the five main numbers and one Lucky Star number, with each member of the syndicate pocketing more than £14,000 each.

May

In May, much talk surrounded the council elections. There were some nervy moments during the count which returned many of the same representatives but with a few new faces thrown into the mix.

ABC council welcomed three Alliance councillors into the fold, with the DUP and UUP losing seats.

In all the excitement and commotion of the election count, Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart (now former MLA that is!) was present to support her DUP colleagues when she went into labour!

Armagh I also brought you the news of a Co Armagh family who were left in shock after police smashed down their front door and raided their home in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

The Carr family from Granemore, just a few few miles outside Keady, had their home subjected to a forensic search in what had been described as “continued harassment” by the PSNI.

Carr home Granemore police raid

Shortly after 11am, police broke down several doors to the home on the Armaghbreague Road, before rummaging through the house in what appeared to have been one in a series of co-ordinated raids across south Armagh.

June

In June, Markethill victims’ campaigner William Frazer passed away after battling with a number of illnesses which had led to him being in intensive care.

Mr Frazer – who would have turned 59 the next month- had been battling illnesses for a number of years and was reported to have suffered organ failure.

June also brought news of the disappearance of Dolores Hughes, who was last seen in the Charlemont area. A large-scale search for the missing 62-year-old began on June 6 and centred around the River Blackwater in the Moy area, just a few miles from her home.

Tragically, one month later, on July 6, police confirmed her body had been discovered in Lough Neagh.

July

In July you were horrified as a Lurgan man admitted to killing a defenceless 12-week-old puppy in a sickening hammer attack in February 2018.

Kyle Keegan was handed a 30-month sentence and a 30-year ban on owning animals, after an eleventh hour plea in which he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the crossbreed pup, called Sparky.

July also delivered news of job losses in the county as Linwoods announced its intentions to close its bakery.

John Woods, joint managing direct, said that the decision had “not been taken lightly” as 70 full-time employees were left facing the loss of their jobs.

In other news, Craigavon Area Hospital introduced a new fast track system, the aim of which was to allow patients having a hip replacement to walk as soon as possible after surgery.

August

In August, a community rallied behind a Co Armagh family after a fire devastated their home.

The blaze destroyed the property in Lurgan, but fortunately, the family – including seven children – were safe and well.

However, friends took took to social media in a desperate attempt to have people donate items to the family, especially the children.

Elsewhere in August and a young mum and her 10-month old baby had a miraculous escape after her car crashed and overturned near Banbridge.

Holly Clements took to social media to thank the “saints” who came to her aid after the single-vehicle collision between Castlewellan and Banbridge.

She also issued a warning to other parents to make sure children are well strapped in – just like her own – as it does saves lives.

There was also the first release of the initial phase of a stunning multi-million pound Armagh housing development which went on the market in August.

Thirteen new homes in the highly-anticipated Deanery Demesne development – just off the Portadown Road – were up for grabs with initial interest well in excess of 230 people.

September

In September, the whole country was caught up in the unexpected demise of Thomas Cook, and we brought you news of one Co Armagh travel agent’s “lovely gesture”.

Travel giant Thomas Cook went into administration putting 22,000 jobs at risk worldwide, including 9,000 in the UK.

Clubworld Travel in Lurgan responded to the devastating news by offering affected staff a number of vacancies at their stores across Northern Ireland.

School returned in September, and there were tears of joy, tinged with sadness, as parents dropped off their little ones for the first day of class.

But at St Brendan’s Primary, Moyraverty, the staff gave parents a special little something to help – as they kissed, cuddled and waved off their little cherubs on their first day, parents were handed a sealed paper bag.

On the outside it read: “Dear Parent, here’s a little gift from us to you! So when you get home today, take this tea bag and brew yourself a warm cup of tea. Sit down and enjoy a biscuit, and wipe away your tears.

“Then smile about this huge step your child has successfully taken today. You will be fine and most importantly your child is in very safe and loving hands. From all at St Brendan’s Nursery.”

The little bag contained a teabag, a chocolate bar and a little poem from the teacher.

October

In October, the whole world was captivated by one story as a lorry, containing 39 bodies, was discovered in Essex.

Maurice Robinson, of Laurel Drive in Laurelvale, was arrested shortly after the discovery was made at the Waterglade Retail Park.

The 25-year-old was later charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.

Armagh I also brought you news from the inquest of a young Armagh man who tragically passed away following a routine ear operation.

Jennifer McAneney lost her 21-year-old son Peter in 2012, and at the time criticised the Southern Trust for “failing my son”, after his death just weeks following the procedure at Craigavon Area Hospital.

November

In November, we brought you the story of an Armagh man who is principal of one of the best schools on the continent.

Gerry Rafferty, who grew up in the Shambles area of Armagh, has spent the best part of three decades delivering top results at the highest scoring international school in Europe.

You also read about the Co Armagh family-of-nine, who were being told by the Housing Executive there was no available accommodation for them, which left them open to being  homeless at Christmas.

The Portadown family, including seven children under the age of 14, were informed by their landlord that he wished to take the privately rented property back.

Due to the length of time the family resided at the placed they called home – nearly six years – they were afforded eight weeks to make alternative arrangements, but that was harder than they could have ever imagined.

After contacting the Housing Executive they were told they would require a five bedroom property, however, there were none available, and unlikely to be anytime soon.

The options given to the family included: being registered homeless, splitting up the family, privately renting, or living in a family hostel in Belfast.

Before the month was out and there were shockwaves throughout the Keady community and beyond after the death of an 11-month-old baby Hunter McGleenan.

After a post mortem was held, Sharyar Ali, a man with an address in Co Monaghan, was charged with his murder.

There was to be double heartache too for baby Hunter’s family as his great grandmother passed away peacefully just 24 hours after his death.

December

In December it was announced that an old favourite family holiday spot for many was to be given a new lease of life.

Táin Holiday Village has been closed for the past 12 years, and the dilapidation and overgrowth has given the large site on the banks of Carlingford Lough an apocalyptic feel to it.

But 25 years after first opening as a holiday centre, which was popular for guests on both sides of the border, the green light was given to demolish the four existing structures and the partial demolition of another, to make way for a three-storey nursing home.

There were further transformations on the horizon with proposals for a new £4 million investment in the High Street Mall in Portadown.

These were reported to include the introduction of a new ‘plaza’ aimed at helping to reverse its flagging fortunes, with Lidl taking over the former Dunnes unit as anchor tenant.

December also brought celebrations for one Co Armagh woman who won an award on a prime time television show with her display of her crafting talent

Andrea Egan had the competition sewn up when she simply dazzled judges on Channel Four’s ‘Kirstie Allsops’s Handmade Christmas’.

The Tullysaran woman caught up with Armagh I after she took this year’s Stitchcraft trophy on the show, with her amazing Carrickmacross Lace, described by one incredulous judge as “witchcraft”.

Now as December draws to a close and we count down to the all-important bells to ring in another new year, we look forward to bringing you all the news you need to know!

Goodbye 2019, hello 2020!

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The funeral will take place in Keady later this week of 15-year-old John Paul Smyth, whose body was found on Friday after a four-day search operation.

The teenager – a pupil at St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook – went missing on New Year’s Eve.

A multi-agency search operation, assisted by members of the public, ended with the tragic news confirmed.

His body was recovered from the water at Warrenpoint on Saturday.

The school, which has been offering support to friends and classmates, had described JP as a young man with an “infectious personality”, and one whose “friendly smile endeared him to so many pupils and staff at St Paul’s”.

JP – who lived at Newry but was originally from Keady – was the son of Gerard and Adele and a brother of Jamie-Lee, Katie-Rose, Lacole, J.J, Darren and Leon.

His remains arrived at the family home on Monday evening.

The funeral will leave his Aunt Maureen McGrane’s home at Lower Clea Road, Keady, on Wednesday.

Family will lead mourners to St Patrick’s Church in Keady for 11am funeral mass.

The house is private on Wednesdday morning but the wake will be open to all between the hours of noon and 10pm on Tuesday.

JP will laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery at Keady.

To his parents, his brothers and sisters and the entire family circles, as well as his many friends and schoolmates, we offer our deepest sympathy at this time. RIP.

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A Keady man who assaulted three men with his bare fists after wrongly suspecting them of attempting to steal a car from the area has been handed a suspended sentence.

Court heard the 26-year-old encountered the young men whilst walking home after consuming alcohol and watching UFC.

Barry Ian Molloy, of Granemore Park, appeared for sentencing on grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault at Newry Crown Court on Monday.

Prosecuting barrister Fiona O’Kane outlined that in the early hours of September 9, 2018, police received a call from the defendant.

He stated that there were four males in their 20s acting suspiciously in Keady and claimed they were trying to break into a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Ms O’Kane explained: “The history of this case is that in the lead up there had been a series of burglaries in the Keady area. Community tensions were very high.”

Police attended the scene at 5.50am to find seven males near a Toyota Land Cruiser, four were observed to be in a disturbed state.

Three of the males had injuries, two of a facial nature.

Molloy told police he had been drinking and watching UFC. He had been walking home when he observed the four males.

The four had been at a nightclub in Dundalk. They had met a girl from Keady who had invited them back to her house to continue drinking.

After getting the bus to Keady, there was only one taxi available, which the female got in and she told the four males to wait for another to arrive.

Ms O’Kane stated: “There were four males unknown to the people of Keady. The defendant misinterpreted the situation and by his own admission saw red.”

One of the males had been punched to the face which left him with cuts and a black eye.

Another was punched repeatedly. He suffered an eye injury which left his cheekbone fractured in four places.

He required surgery to fit a metal plate in his cheekbone and had to receive stitches in his mouth.

Ms O’Kane said: “The victim impact statement shows he had issues for up to nine months. He was off work for six weeks and had problems with eating.

“He accepts that his cheekbone has now fully healed but his jaw still causes him some issues.”

Two other males were also said to have been present with Molloy but he claimed he did not know them and they did not provide statements to police.

The victims stated that these men were not involved in the assault and that one of them commented that it should not have happened.

Defence barrister Seamus Lannon said: “The defendant accepts that he should have phoned the police at the start. Cars and parts are replaceable but these injuries take time to heal.

“The pre-sentence report is very positive. He is in full time employment, has a stable family and does a lot of volunteering in the community.”

He continued: “He misinterpreted what happened. There is no doubt alcohol was a contributing factor and perhaps even what television programme he had been watching prior.

“Given the level of injury this is a case which in normal circumstances would cross the custody threshold, but given the positive pre-sentence report I would ask that it is dealt with in an alternative way.”

His Honour Judge Gordon Kerr stated: “Mr Molloy, whether alcohol played a part or not, you entirely misread the situation. You showed a degree of violence and a lack of control.

“If this case showed you using anything other than your fists you would be bound to go to prison for a considerable amount of time.”

He added: “There is no doubt the custody threshold has been met and given the injuries of the GBH you would be looking at fours years in prison.”

However, Judge Kerr stated: “You are due credit for your plea of guilty. You are also a relatively young man with no previous convictions, you are also a person with certain responsibilities and in good employment.

“You make a contribution to the community and you have been considered as not being a danger to the community.”

The defendant was sentenced to 30 months in prison suspended for three years.

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An Armagh man accused of multiple thefts and driving whilst disqualified will face Crown Court proceedings next month.

The 22-year-old was referred to the higher court on two separate charge sheets at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

On the first, Ryan Cassidy, of Killyfaddy Road, is charged with three counts of theft, driving whilst disquieted and using a vehicle without insurance.

These are alleged to have occurred in April of last year.

The defendant is accused of stealing a Toyota Land Cruiser and trailer to the value of about £10,000, and a Massey Ferguson tractor and assorted tools to the value of £10,000.

He is also alleged to have stolen a trailer, a bale lifter, a bale spike, a power washer and sheep hurdles to the value of £5,000.

On the second, he is accused of burglary, taking a vehicle without authority, criminal damage, driving whilst disqualified and using a vehicle without insurance.

Theses offences are alleged to have occurred on December 7, 2018.

Cassidy is accused of stealing the keys to a Seat Leon from a property on Banbrook Hill, Armagh, before driving off in it.

The defendant is also accused of causing damage to a vehicle on the same date.

Standing in the dock, Cassidy made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry in each case.

Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.

Defence barrister Seamus Lannon made no contrary submission.

District Judge Paul Copeland said he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.

Cassidy was remanded in custody to appear at Newry Crown Court on February 6.

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Detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding an 11-month-old baby’s death in Keady are still awaiting the full pathology report, a court has been told.

Sharyar Ali, 31, of Westerna Terrace in Co. Monaghan, appeared at Armagh Magistrates Court via videolink from Maghaberry Prison where he is on remand for the murder of Hunter Patrick McGleenan on November 26 last year.

Prosecution highlighted to the court that a pathology report was still outstanding and would require further time as the 31-year-old was remanded back into custody.

The Pakistani national previously had two further charges of possession of an indecent photograph of a child and illegal entry to the UK withdrawn.

Speaking on Tuesday, a prosecution barrister stated: “I will be asking for a four week remand, there is a pathology report which may take some time to be compiled.”

The was no objection to this application from defence solicitor Patrick Madden.

The case was adjourned until February 2 for an update.

Previous courts have heard how Ali was looking after Hunter at a property in Keady while the baby’s mother was with her terminally-ill grandmother.

Ali, who had been in a relationship with Hunter’s mum for about a year, claimed the infant had fallen off a low sofa and struck his head in a concrete floor, further claiming to interviewing detectives that he had performed CPR and given Hunter a cold shower to “revive him.”

In the morning however, Ali said he noticed the child’s lips were blue and he wasn’t breathing so he took him to the baby’s mother.

“At no time did he ring for medical assistance,” the earlier court heard.

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A new forest park in a Co. Armagh village which has been described as a “phenomenal” success is in desperate need of proper signage to direct potential visitors.

Sinn Féin councillor Bróna Haughey, has called for more appropriate signage to guide visitors to Darkley Forest.

“Just over a year ago, this fantastic facility opened up to the public and what a success it has been,” she commented.

“Every time I’m there, there are visitors from the local area and, increasingly, from further afield.

“Having spoken to many of them, they only stumbled upon the forest by chance while others had heard about it but had serious trouble finding it due to its location off the main road and the lack of signage.”

The forest is located just off the main Keady – Newtown Road, on the Mountain Lodge Road, surrounding Mountain Lodge Church.

“The trails at Darkley Forest have been a phenomenal success with many individuals and groups making great use of them,” councillor Haughey continued.

“The local Darkley Rural Community Group have been to the forefront in using and promoting the forest with events such as a charity run, Easter egg hunt, Halloween events and a Christmas event that I was delighted to be able to help at.

“Recent initiatives such as a ‘Bird Box’ walk and The Fairy Village, created by the community, have attracted the attention of visitors from as far as Monaghan, Newry and Belfast!

“Over Christmas, visitors home from America and Australia stopped off to see the great work that had been done.”

Concluding, councillor Haughey called for proper signage to be erected.

“I have spoken with members of Darkley Rural Community Group and there is no doubt that they are driven and enthusiastic with so many ideas for developing the forest further.

“As with any venture, visitor numbers are vital and so I am calling for proper signage on the Keady-Newtown Road.”

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A Keady man has appeared in court accused of making a false statement to police and perverting the course of justice by reporting that his home had been burgled.

The 24-year-old is also accused of committing a number of driving offences which include failing to stop for police.

Francis McCaughey, of Fairgreen Park, appeared charged with perverting the course of justice, wasting police time, failing to stop for police, failing to stop, failing to remain, failing to report an accident and dangerous driving at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

As the charges were read, it was heard the defendant was alleged to have made a report of a burglary on his home on November 9, of last year.

On that same date, McCaughey is accused of making a false statement to police.

The driving offences are also alleged to have occurred on November 9 at the Armagh Road/Keady Road junction in Newtownhamilton.

Standing in the dock, the defendant confirmed that he understood the charges against him.

Defence solicitor Cormac McDonnell made no questions to the connection.

Prosecution made an unopposed application for a six week adjournment for an update on the full file or possible decision.

McCaughey was released on continuing bail and was advised to return to court on February 25.

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A Keady man who assaulted two teenagers at a local takeaway is to make an appeal after being sentenced to eight months in prison.

Court heard the 41-year-old was intoxicated when he assaulted two members of staff at the Golden Gate Chinese takeaway on Market Street.

Seamus Gerard McGeown, of Fairgreen Avenue, appeared for sentencing on two counts of common assault and disorderly behaviour at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on October 24, police received a report that two members of staff at the Golden Gate Chinese on Market Street, Keady, had been assaulted.

Officers arrived to find smashed glass on the floor, with one victim, a 17-year-old female, crying.

Police spoke to the second victim, the son of the owner, who said that at around 7.30pm two males, whom he identified as McGeown and his son, entered the premises.

The court was told that both appeared very drunk and tried to gain access to the kitchen. When told no McGeown threw his food into the kitchen before leaving.

The defendant’s son would later return to ask if his father’s food was ready. He was told that it was not coming as it had been thrown in the kitchen.

McGeown then entered and began banging on the counter and demanding his food.

The defendant then grabbed the male injured party by the shoulders. He was able to break free, but McGeown then threw a glass which grazed the male’s neck and smashed against a wall.

He then shouted in the face of the female injured party which caused her to fear she would be assaulted.

Prosecution informed court that neither injured party had any lasting injuries.

McGeown was later arrested outside Mones Bar on Market Street and when cautioned he said: “You are arresting me because a Chinese man went mad in the shop.”

After seeing and hearing footage, the defendant accepted it was himself and that his was the main voice which could be heard.

McGeown accepted his behaviour was unacceptable. He claimed to have no recollection of the common assault but agreed it was out of order.

Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “Mr McGeown has not covered himself in any glory. His record is also not the most flattering.

“He admits that on occasion he does have problems with alcohol. In times of high emotion or stress he uses it as a coping mechanism.

“This is something that he wants to get under control and he has not had the benefit of probation in the last decade.”

District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “He has a breach of probation in the last decade.”

Mr McWhinney said: “The court’s patience will be running out. He accepts he did wrong and this was entirely improper. He also is currently under a suspended sentence.”

District Judge Watters stated: “These were young people, 17 and 18, and he threw glass.”

Mr McWhinney continued: “I submit that he would get better assistance from probation than any prison sentence would give him.”

District Judge Watters addressed defendant, saying: “Mr McGeown, you have a terrible record, you are subject to a suspended sentence. These were two young people who were working and you threw glass.

“You are lucky not to be facing further charges or that there were not more serious injuries.”

McGeown was sentenced to four months in prison for these offences, a further four months were invoked from his suspended sentence and these were ordered to run consecutively.

The defendant was sentenced to a total of eight months in prison.

Mr McWhinney made it known that his client wished to be seek bail pending an appeal of the sentence.

McGeown was released on his own bail of £500. Conditions included that he is not to enter the Golden Gate Chinese, he is not to have any contact with the injured parties and not be under the influence in a public place.

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It truly was the end of an era at the weekend as the owner of a well-known Co Armagh Chinese takeaway stepped out of the kitchen for the last time.

Norman Lau set up The Orient in Keady 31 years ago.

And Sunday was his final night serving the local people as he had done for all those years.

Such is his popularity in that part of the county that the takeaway has often been referred to simply and affectionately as ‘Norman’s’.

Whilst others have come and gone, Norman’s has remained a constant for the last 30-plus years, with the man himself being just as well-known as the food coming out through his door!

Norman reflected on how he came to be in the south Armagh town and how he had grown to love it there over those years.

He told Armagh I: “I am originally from Hong Kong but I moved over with my parents back in the 60s. I opened up the shop in Keady in the late 80s. It was a very different town then.

“My place was the only Chinese there at that time. The town was always busy with live music and entertainment on most nights.

“We used to be open late until two in the morning. There were some dark times – I mean we used to say ‘black eye Fridays’ and ‘hangover Mondays’.

“We had to put bars up on the windows in those days. They would have been banging on the back doors to get in but they were removed and replaced with shutters when we did the place up.

“We then were able not to open so late. Other Chinese’s came and went but we stayed there, so I guess we must have been doing something right.

“We were getting so popular that we did not have to open late into the night and to be honest I think that was a great thing.”

Everyone in the Keady area would know of Norman, his own name more frequently used to describe the takeaway than its actual name.

Many will have had the experience of ringing up to order from the takeaway, only for Norman to recount your previous order with ease before you had even opened your mouth!

“People are just so predictable, they always order exactly the same thing,” he laughed.

Norman, who lives in Portadown, said he will miss Keady.

“I will miss the people. It is amazing seeing them come in as kids and then coming in with kids of their own.

“But I will still be up and around there, from time to time; I have a lot of friends in Keady and will keep in touch.

“The town of Keady has done me well. I have made some great friends and the local people are amazing.

“But I have been working since I was 15 – I am 56 now – and I have always thought ‘what is the point of working until you drop?'”

When asked how he will fill his free time now, Norman said: “I have so much more time to travel and to spend with my grandchildren, which I am really looking forward to.

“I also will be able to play more golf. I am not very good but maybe I just need more practice. Maybe the Keady ones will invite me over some time to play!”

The loss of Norman from the day-to-day life of Keady will be felt throughout the community – an institution and character known by many and loved by all!

From all of us at Armagh I, good luck for the future.

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Workplus has announced that it has created 120 apprenticeship opportunities with 28 employers in Northern Ireland and applications are now open.

Two apprentices from Armagh and Keady have given their backing to the campaign.

Marius McBrien, 27, a former pupil of St Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh, is in the second year of foundation degree apprentice in civil and environmental engineering with Farrans in Belfast, while Monica McNally, 19, a former pupil of St Patrick’s High School in Keady, is in the first year of a higher level apprenticeship in civil engineering with Atkins in Belfast.

Both say they believe the opportunity to gain qualifications with no fees while getting paid to work is something that all young people should consider.

Workplus, which helps employers develop talent through apprenticeships, estimates that almost £8m will be earned by the successful candidates over the period of their apprenticeships, some of which will last up to six years, with the possibility of permanent jobs.

Those successful will take up positions at companies including Farrans, Translink, Atkins, Liberty IT, Jacobs and McAdam Design in the autumn to gain on the job training in career areas including engineering, construction, IT, administration and accountancy.

Workplus brings together employers, potential apprentices, colleges and universities to create apprenticeship opportunities and is supported by professional bodies.

Marius said: “I went to university but left after two years as I wasn’t enjoying what and how I was learning. Having the opportunity to gain qualifications while getting on the job experience is accelerating my career.

“For me, the fact I don’t have to pay university fees and earn a wage has made this change in career possible. I find that some of my friends who are university graduates are jealous as they are still paying student loans and have relatively little career experience!”

Monica added: “I applied for a Workplus apprenticeship while completing my A Levels and applied for university at the same. Even though I had the grades for university and received an offer I chose the apprenticeship route for lots of reasons, including the facts my fees are paid, I will have no debt and I have a decent salary.

“On the job experience and the opportunity to ask my colleagues lots of questions is really important for my learning. I’d encourage anyone to look at the opportunities Workplus offers.”

Richard Kirk, Director of Workplus, explained: “Many of the young people who are applying for Workplus Apprenticeships are telling us that full time study along with the debt and career uncertainty at the end is not the right route for them.

“Our apprentices get real jobs, good pay with a starting salary between £13,500 to £19,000 depending on entry level, as well as access to training and professional networks that will transform their lives.

”Over the duration of their apprenticeships we estimate that this year’s intake will earn almost £8m in salaries, while avoiding around £750,000 of student debt from course fees which is good news for them, their parents and the wider economy.

“With a Workplus Apprenticeship, employers get bright, focussed and ambitious people who ensure their companies have the skillset needed to remain competitive. We believe that apprenticeships are the future of work and education.”

Apprentices generally work four days a week and spend one day studying at local further education colleges and universities. Apprenticeships are available for applicants of all ages.

Jim Wilkinson, Director of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, said: “The Department is pleased to see 120 apprentice positions being made available, this year, in areas of economic significance.

“The Apprenticeship Programme enables apprentices to earn as they learn from the age of 16, gaining invaluable industry experience and provides a direct progression pathway to higher levels of professional and technical work.”

Applications for this year’s Workplus scheme are open until February 28 at www.workplus.app

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A Keady man tried to bite two police officers after they found him hanging from a broken window.

Court heard during interview the 24-year-old stated he had no recollection of the events and had consumed four or five bottles of Buckfast.

Jordan McGleenon, of Crossmore Gardens, appeared for sentencing on two counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on August 17, police received a report of a male attempting to enter a property on Fairgreen Avenue in Keady.

Officers arrived to find the defendant hanging from a broken window at the address and he was initially arrested for criminal damage.

As police led him away, McGleenon became aggressive and he shouted and swore at the officers.

This behaviour continued despite the defendant being warned on several occasions about this.

Police, due to McGleenon’s demeanour, had to make a request for a cell van.

Whilst being placed in the vehicle, the defendant attempted to bite two officers. He was subsequently arrested for the assaults on police and disorderly behaviour.

McGleenon was placed into a cell at Dungannon Custody Suite and was interview when he sobered up.

During this, the defendant stated he had started to drink that afternoon and had consumed four or five bottles of Buckfast.

McGleenon said he had no recollection of the events. He did know the owner of the house he had attempted to break into but had never had a disagreement with them.

Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “This is a man who has never been in court before. He works two or three days a week on a construction site.”

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter said: “You are 24 with no record. This is in your favour and I hope to never see you before the court again.”

McGleenon was ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.

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Detectives investigating the report of an assault in the Fairgreen Avenue area of Keady, Armagh are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Constable Dave Stewart said: “Shortly after 1:30am last Saturday (18th January) as officers were responding to an incident in the Fairgreen Avenue area they located a man, aged in his twenties, with serious head and leg injuries.

“A 30-year-old man and 34-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of offences, including grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

“Both have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“Our enquiries are continuing and I am appealing to anyone with information, or who may have been in the area around that time, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 111 of 18/01/20.”

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 Keady woman caused a three vehicle collision after misjudging the speed of an oncoming lorry.

Court heard how the 28-year-old was struck from behind by the lorry and was pushed into a car which was in front of her.

Danna Marie McQuillan, of Granemore Park, pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on August 31, police received a report of a three vehicle collision on Railway Street in Armagh.

Officers spoke to the injured party who claimed the defendant had failed to stop at a give way emerging from Railway Street onto the Lonsdale Road.

McQuillan’s car had collided with a Scania lorry and a Volkswagen Polo.

When inteviewed, she stated she had misjudged the vehicle in front and followed it onto the road. She accepted she had made a mistake.

Defence solicitor Cormac McDonnell said: “It was busy, the traffic was slow, Ms McQuillan simply made a mistake. She followed a car in front out and she misjudged the speed of the lorry.

“It struck her from behind and pushed her into the other car.”

He added: “This is a woman who left school early with no education and she is currently trying to address this.”

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter stated: “She is given credit for her guilty plea. She does have a record of one previous but that was back in 2015.

“However, this was an accident with three vehicles involved.”

McQuillan was handed five penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.

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Calls are being made for a new car park at the recently re-developed Carnagh Forest Park to be open ahead of the official opening next month.

Sinn Féin councillor Darren McNally has urged officials at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to open the carpark for safety reasons, ahead of the official opening on February 11.

“I am delighted that the paths, carpark and play park in Carnagh Forest have recently been completed and are hugely popular with local people, and others who are travelling from far and wide to walk, run and spend time with their families,” councillor McNally commented.

“While I understand that the new facilities here do need to be celebrated officially for a fantastic achievement, I have been contacted by a number of constituents by the dangers posed presently due to the carpark remaining closed.

“Having visited the park frequently over the last number of weeks I have been met with lines of cars along the road posing a threat to other traffic, pedestrians and visitors alike.”

Councillor McNally said cars are parking in the gateways and along the road on a very busy, fast paced stretch of road.

“Young families are climbing out of vehicles here to visit this wonderful facility,” he added. “I have asked Council to begin opening the gates to allow visitors to use the carpark as soon as possible to avoid this unnecessary danger.

“I have also asked for the road, around the gateway and several areas within the park to be cleaned up in the coming days.”

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A major £350,000 resurfacing scheme will mean road closures on the Madden Road in Keady for up to two months.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the spend with work to begin on Friday, January 31.

The scheme which extends along two sections of the Madden Road for 1.9 kilometres, is expected to be completed by Friday, March 27.

The first section is from The Madden Road junction with Madden Row to the Crosskeys Road junction and the second section is approximately 400 metres either side of the Derryhennet Road junction.

Preliminary drainage work on the scheme will commence on Friday, January 31 under temporary traffic management ahead of the resurfacing work which commences on Monday, February 10.

Minister Mallon said: “I am pleased to announce this significant investment in the Keady area. The work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network and will better connect people of the area across the border with County Monaghan for many years to come, enhancing north-south travel, which will benefit our communities and business.

“We in DfI are working with our stakeholders to co-ordinate these essential roadworks and are publishing details in advance to help people plan alternate routes.

“We will be working directly with Translink to determine how best to safely accommodate access to the local school during the road closure and parents will be advised of these arrangements.”

To help ensure the safety of those using the roads, it will be necessary to operate temporary traffic management from Friday, January 31 until Friday, February 7 before a weekday road closure (Monday – Friday) between 8am and 6pm from Monday, February 10 until Friday, March 27.

Access will be as per the signed diversion routes.

Traffic will be diverted via Madden Road, Monaghan Road, Irish Street, Keady Road and Armagh Road.

The road will be open to traffic in the evenings during the week and all day Saturday and Sunday.

The Department has programmed the work and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.

Completion of the work is dependent on favourable weather conditions.

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.trafficwatchni.com

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A Keady man who thought he was not over the limit after having a couple of drinks at a friend’s house has been landed a 12 month ban.

Court heard that the 23-year-old accepted he was guilty of the charge to police shortly after the incident.

Michael McGeown, of Mountview, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on December 16, at 12.15am, police on patrol of the Keady area observed an Audi being driven on the Madden Road.

Officers followed the car onto Mountview, where they stopped the vehicle to speak to the driver, who was identified as the defendant.

McGeown was noted to have smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech; subsequently a preliminary breath test was carried out resulting in a fail.

Whilst at Lurgan Custody Suite, an evidential sample of breath was taken which gave a reading of 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Prosecution stated that the defendant told police that he accepted the charge and that he appeared before the court with no record.

Defence solicitor Conor Coulter said: “This was a guilty plea at the very earliest opportunity. He had been at a friend’s house, where he had a couple of drinks and he did not think he was over the limit.

“He made the stupid decision to drive the short distance home and was stopped very close to home.”

He continued: “He works with vehicles and it is inevitable that this will have an impact on that.

“I ask your worship to keep the disqualification to the minimum and to consider him for the drink driving course.”

McGeown was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £345, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.

He was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.

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A 12-year-old Keady schoolboy has had his musical dream come true after playing alongside one of his heroes.

Des Cafferkey needs no introduction to fans of traditional music; he is widely recognised as one of the greatest flautists and tin whistle players of modern times.

And the Achill Island native was thrilled to join Liam Hughes for a haunting rendition of his very own ‘The Cradling Arms of Croaghan’.

It was an occasion too that will live long in the memory of the talented young Keady musician.

Liam’s dad Paul told Armagh I : “It was a very proud moment for both myself and Liam.

“Liam has been playing the whistle since he was five – when he saw Des fetching his whistle to play with him he said he felt excited.”

A student of Armagh Pipers Club, Liam puts endless hours into his practice and it is really paying off.

Recounting how the meeting and musical match-up came about, Paul added: “Last year at the Féile Na Tána festival in Carlingford, Liam heard Des playing his tune at the tutors’ recital concert.

“Liam was so inspired he went and learned it and vowed to try and play it the next time Des was at least within earshot.

“One year on at this year’s festival, during the after session in McKevitts’ Hotel in Carlingford, Liam got the opportunity to actually play with Des.

“To say it made his night would be an understatement.“

Also listening in – if you watch until the end – is that great Galwayman Máirtín O’Connor, the inspirational and award-winning button accordionist who has played with some of the greatest traditional artists of the day, from The Boys of the Lough to De Dannan.

Both Des and Máirtín began their musical journeys in their formative years and have risen to the top of their game.

It is clear in young Liam they recognise another musician with a touch of magic required to ascend that stairway to success and stardom!

The post Dreams come true for 12-year-old Keady schoolboy as he accompanies idol Des for a tune! appeared first on Armagh I.

A new housing development could be built in the centre of Keady – directly to the rear of the old Northern Bank.

Kinelowen Street is home to Peter Cullen & Sons, Mone’s Giftware and a number of hair salons among other businesses on the town’s main thoroughfare.

But now an application is seeking approval to demolish two of the vacant properties on the row.

Numbers 23 and 25 – which in the past been home to a charity shop, hot food takeaways and sub Post Office – would be taken down.

This would create a new access to the rear of the row – via an arch at street level directly to the right hand side of the old bank .

Two two-storey apartments would be built above the arch which would serve simply as an ‘underpass’ for tenants and their visitors.

The old barn and outbuildings behind Kinelowen Street would also be razed to the ground.

And a new development consisting of 12 two-storey homes would be built in their place. These would be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses.

There would also be 28 parking spaces for use by residents of the new development.

This side on Kinelowen Street has a high vacancy rates and at its centre sits the former Northern Bank, which closed some years previous and is now home to Cullen’s Estate Agents.

It must be stressed that the works proposed are to the rear of Kinelowen Street – a row of listed properties – and these would be unaffected, except those buildings at numbers 23 and 25.

An application seeking Listed Building Consent has been submitted in the name of B & C Cullen.

Concept drawings indicate that the proposed new properties would be sited so as to cause “minimum impact” on neighbouring properties.

A private road would give access to the new homes and the proposals also incorporate landscaping with tree planting, species including silver birch, ash, cherry and apple.

The Listed Building Consent application for the scheme has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration and will be advertised this week.

A separate application for full planning approval for the building work would follow.

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