A Markethill man has been handed a four month prison sentence after a paintball gun, which required a licence, was located in his home during an unrelated search.

The 49-year-old’s barrister told court: “The case is that it would be okay for him to have held that paintball gun on the field but he would not be able to take it home.”

Eric Daniel Woods, of Neills Villas, Loughgilly pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm without a certificate at Armagh Magistrates’ on Tuesday.

Prosecution outlined that on January 10, the defendant’s home was searched in relation to another matter during which a paintball gun was located and seized.

This was sent to a forensic scientist who established that Woods would require a licence in order to be in possession of this model of paintball gun, as it had a kinetic energy in excess of one joule.

The defendant was invited to attend a voluntary interview on January 21 but refused.

Defence barrister Stephen Campbell stated: “Mr Woods is a serving prisoner with a release date of May 2020; he was a member of two airsoft clubs in Newry and Banbridge, as well as a paintball club.

“The case is that it would be okay for him to have held that paintball gun on the field but he would not be able to take it home.”

District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “I always thought that this was the type of thing people did on stag dos, I did not think there were clubs.

“He does have a conviction in the past of possession of a weapon, that was a stun gun, and also for possession of ammunition without a licence.”

Woods was sentenced to four months in prison and District Judge Watters ordered for the destruction of the paintball gun.

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A Co Armagh man has appeared in court in England charged with 39 counts of manslaughter.

Maurice Robinson, of Laurel Drive, Laurelvale, appeared via videolink at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday).

The 25-year-old lorry driver was appearing after he was charged on Saturday following the discovery of the bodies in a refrigerated trailer in Essex last Wednesday morning.

He has also been charged with conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.

The brief court hearing lasted just five minutes and he confirmed his name, address and nationality.

He will next appear at the Old Bailey on November 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Another driver who brought the container to Zeebrugge before it crossed the Channel was arrested at the port of Dublin on Saturday, according to the Belgian prosecutor’s office.

Essex Police said the man was “a person of interest” in their investigation.

“We are liaising with the Garda via telephone as this man is currently held outside the jurisdiction of the law of England and Wales,” a spokesman said.

Three other people arrested in connection with the deaths were released on bail on Sunday.

Meanwhile, DNA tests are being carried out in Vietnam to help to identify the dead.

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A Markethill man is to contest allegation that an assault he committed on another man led to actual bodily harm.

The 27-year-old’s barrister informed the court that the defendant would plea to the lesser charge of common assault.

Darren McDowell, of Gosford Gardens, appeared charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Armagh Magistrates’ last Tuesday.

As the defendant stood in the dock, the charges were read out which alleged that the offence occurred on June 29 and related to another male.

McDowell elected for the case to proceed in the Magistrates’ court as he entered a plea of not guilty.

Defence barrister Bobbie Rea stated that he could indicate that the defendant would plead guilty to the lesser charge of section 42 common assault.

Prosecution asked for time for the availability of the injured party to be ascertained.

The case was adjourned until October 29 for a contest date to be fixed.

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Detectives investigating the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in Grays last week are releasing details of two men they want to speak to.

Ronan Hughes, 40, from Armagh in Northern Ireland and his brother Christopher, who’s 34, and also from Armagh, are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking.

Ronan Hughes, who also goes by the name Rowan, and Christopher have links to both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said: “Finding and speaking to the Hughes brothers is crucial to our investigation.

“At this time we believe they are in Northern Ireland but they also have links to the Irish Republic.

“If you know where they are or have any information about their whereabouts I need you to call my team.

“This is a case where 39 men and women have tragically died and support from the community is going to be vital to help bring those responsible to justice.

“You may think the piece of information might be insignificant but even the smallest detail could be vital so please contact my officers on 101 or online at: the UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting site

“I appreciate you may not want to speak to the police so you can also contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Maurice Robinson, 25, of Laurel Drive, Laurelvale, has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, and money laundering and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 25 November.

Three other people arrested – a 38 year-old man, a 38 year-old woman, and a 46 year-old man – have all been released on bail until November.

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Essex Police have made the trip over to Belfast to make a direct appeal for two Co Armagh brothers to hand themselves in.

Brothers Ronan, 40, and Christopher Hughes, 34, from Armagh, are wanted by police on suspicion of manslaughter and people trafficking, following the death of 39 people in a refrigerated trailer in Grays last week.

The driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson, from Laurelvale, appeared in court in Chelmsford on Monday.

Robinson, who faces 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering, was remanded in custody and is due to appear again at the Old Bailey in London later this month.

Addressing a press conference this morning (Friday), Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten said: “Today I want to make a direct appeal – Ronan and Christopher, hand yourselves in to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“We need you both to come forward and assist this investigation.

“Although we have already spoken to Ronan Hughes recently by telephone we need to have a conversation with him and his brother in person.

“Talking to Ronan and Christopher is crucial to our investigation and the sooner we can make this happen the sooner we can progress and continue with our investigation.”

Maurice Robinson from Laurelvale

Mr Stoten said officers had seized a lorry connected to the Hughes brothers yesterday.

“It is essential we follow all lines of inquiry and bring those responsible for these tragic events to justice,” he said.

“Ronan and Christopher Hughes are known to have links in Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as the road haulage and shipping industries.

“We urge anyone who has been in contact with them or has any information about where they are to get in contact with us.

“Yesterday, on Thursday 31 October, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, acting upon information, stopped a lorry believed to be connected to the Hughes brothers.

“The vehicle was subsequently seized and no further arrests were made.”

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A Co Down lorry driver has appeared in court charged with 39 counts of manslaughter following the discovery of 39 bodies in a refrigerated trailer in Essex last week.

Eamon Harrison, from Mayobridge, is also facing one charge of conspiracy to commit human trafficking and another of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

He was arrested on foot of a European Arrest Warrant today and brought before the High Court in Dublin.

Harrison will face an extradition hearing later this month.

He stood accused of being the driver of the lorry which was used to deliver a trailer unit to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Inside the trailer was 39 people; eight females and 31 males who were all deceased in Essex on Wednesday, October 23.

Earlier today, Essex police gave a press conference in Belfast, where they made a direct appeal for two Co Armagh brothers to hand themselves in.

Brothers Ronan, 40, and Christopher Hughes, 34, from Armagh, are wanted by police on suspicion of manslaughter and people trafficking.

The driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson, from Laurelvale, appeared in court in Chelmsford on Monday.

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A unique adventure play trail – linking five exciting new play facilities – will be built within Gosford Forest Park as part of the multi-million pound plans to create a five-star tourist facility.

It is now billed as being ‘Ireland’s greatest forest adventure play trail’ on papers drawn up by Outdoor Recreation NI.

The iconic trail development – which would stretch to 1.7 kms – will be formally recommended for approval on Wednesday, Armagh I can reveal.

And the hope is that it will be built between February and August and officially launched when fully in place by September of next year.

The trail is part of the overall redevelopment proposals for the forest park site at Markethill.

The iconic adventure trail alone will cost £850,000, with £500,000 of this being awarded under the Rural Development Programme Tourism scheme and the remainder from ABC Council.

The council is also carrying forward other major proposals for the site after agreeing to spend over £5.1 million to transform Gosford into the jewel in the district’s tourism crown.

Already, 30kms of mixed use trails for walking and cycling have been opened in January of this year.

Other elements of the plans include landscaping, a new forest brand and signage and increased car parking.

One of the key components will be a new state-of-the-art visitor centre complete with cafe.

Gosford Visitor Centre

Outdoor Recreation NI – in a design and access statement report compiled for council – confirms that the council is currently in the process of procuring a multi-disciplinary architect and engineer-led design team with a view to building the visitor centre, and adding car parking and landscaping between 2020 and 2022 – after the iconic play trail is in place.

And it’s the kids that it’s all about!

For that trail, it will link five major play structures, each within an area up to a maximum of 40 x 40 sq metres. They will be constructed of predominantly natural materials such as timber and rope.

And for the first time Armagh I can reveal what is intended.

The five play structures will be based on Nature Detectives, Woodpecker Play, Squirrel Rope Play, The Giant and finally The Castle Tower – with Zip Wires!

They will, according to the report, be “bigger in scale and size than any other play structure in the north or south of Ireland”.

Launch of All Out Trekking at Gosford Forest Park

Nature Detectives will be aimed at toddlers. It will comprise a combination of traditional play equipment – swings, slide and trampoline – alongside “more natural and sensory play”, in the form of a hollow tree log, a dry river bed which transforms water play, sand used for surfacing and a play space, grassy mounds and natural planting and living willow pods.

Woodpecker Play is in direct response to consultation feedback and follows the sighting of a woodpecker in Gosford. It will consist of interconnecting bird nests at varying levels, from ground level to in excess of four metres! They will be connected either via a wooden ‘V’ bridge or ‘timber tangle’, providing additional play value and challenge. There will be giant eggs to provide a ‘sense of space’ and to serve as seating.

The Squirrel Rope Play feature is aimed at age seven to 11 and takes the form of a challenging rope course. It will be up to a maximum of one-and-a-half metres tall and the space designed to mimic being in a squirrel’s world.

The Giant is one of the most iconic features – a 6.2 metre tall character with a giant tube slide inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, the author of which, Dean Jonathan Swift, has closed links to Gosford. The Giant will be a three-tiered structure with a tube slide at the top and various methods of climbing up and down from the first two levels – ladders, climbing holds on the back of his legs and a rope net!

The huge Castle Tower will emulate Gosford Castle itself with round and square towers and with a double zip wire. The internal structure will safely allow children to run up and down. There will be a ‘crumbled fort’ to the rear to allow younger children to enjoy the same play space.

There will be signposting to the trail from the main car park and visitor hub.

The overall plans will have an impact for the better on other businesses in the area, according to Outdoor Recreation NI, with increased profits and the potential for new jobs.

It adds: “In addition, new business and ventures, such as cafes and shops, may be created as the tourism profile of Markethill is raised and private operators may have the opportunity to become involved in managing some of the elements of the forest park, for example the caravan park and cafe – subject to council’s plan.”

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A Markethill man who caused a three car collision after running a red light has been warned that one more offence will see him off the road.

The judge warned the 41-year-old: “You are building up quite a few convictions on your record and the next will see you off the road”.

Sebastian Pieczykolan, of Ashgrove, pleaded guilty to breaching a traffic sign and driving without due care or attention at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Prosecution outlined that on July 17, police were called to a three vehicle collision on the Northway, Portadown.

Officers arrived to find a Vauxhall Astra with damage to the front, along with a Skoda and an Audi also with damage.

All drivers and an independent witness claimed that the defendant, who had been the driver of the Astra, had gone through a red light collided with the Skoda which in turn hit the Audi.

During a notebook interview, Pieczykolan made full and frank admissions to the offences.

The defendant, who represented himself, claimed he had not seen the red light.

Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy stated: “You are building up quite a few convictions on your record and the next will see you off the road”.

Pieczykolan was handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £450, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.

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A Markethill man who drove the wrong way round a one-way system whilst over the limit has been handed a 12-month disqualification.

Court heard that when the 36-year-old was stopped by police he claimed to have consumed one pint.

Christopher O’Hanlon, of Main Street, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, using a vehicle without insurance and breaching a traffic sign at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Prosecution outlined that on October 13, at 2.30am, police on patrol in Newry spotted a Nissan Micra being driven the wrong way on a one-way system on the Sugar Island Road.

Officers stopped the car on Canal Street and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as the defendant.

It was noted that O’Hanlon smelled of alcohol with him informing police he had consumed one pint.

A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail.

A subsequent test in custody gave a reading of 60mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Defence counsel stated: “This is a man who lived and worked in England. He has returned to Ireland to live with his father.

“He was behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol. He was driving the wrong way round a one-way system, there is no excuse.”

O’Hanlon was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The members of a Co Armagh band have struck the right note for a charity offering vital support to kidney patients.

John Hunter Accordion Band, from Mountnorris, recently presented £830 to Kidney Care UK to help it’s work to support local kidney patients and their families.

They did so as they have a strong link with the ‘local kidney family’ through Alison Jennett, who received a kidney from her uncle Wesley in April this year.

Accepting the generous donation on behalf of Kidney Care UK, NI Ambassador Jo-Anne Dobson said: “I send my grateful thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way to this magnificent fundraising effort.

“Alison is an amazing example of the life-saving power of organ donation and the wonderful team of dedicated professionals which we are blessed to have at the City Hospital in Belfast.

“I send a very special thanks to Alison and her family for everything they are doing to help support her fellow kidney patients.

“Thanks also to Bandmistress Betty Stewart who is instrumental in raising funds to help causes which support people right across the local community and further afield.

“The band, which was founded in 1953, plays a very active role in the local community and by supporting kidney patients in this way is enabling us to continue to bring both hope and help where it is needed at what can be some of the most difficult times in life.

“In my role as Ambassador for Kidney Care UK I am keen to get the opportunity to meet and speak with as many organisations as possible to spread the message that we all have it within us to be life-savers!”

Mrs Dobson, who is a living kidney donor to her son Mark, added: “As a charity we provide dedicated emotional and financial support to patients right across Northern Ireland.

“Our continued life-saving and life-enhancing work would not be possible without this terrific support from the heart of the community for which we are truly thankful.”

If you can help support Kidney Patients in Northern Ireland in any way you can contact Jo-Anne by email at ambassadorni@kidneycareuk.org.

You can find out how Kidney Care UK can support you or how you can get involved and support the charity by visiting kidneycareuk.org.

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A man who punched a hole in his ex-partner’s door in Glenanne will have to wait until the New Year to learn his fate.

Court heard the 29-year-old was in breach of a suspended sentence for a similar offence relating to another injured party.

Simon Gibson, of Market Street, Lurgan pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Defence barrister Kevin O’Hare commented: “There is a relevant record and a breach of a suspended sentence, so this may be a case where a report is required.”

Prosecution outlined that on September 14, shortly before midnight, police were called to a domestic disturbance at an address in Glenanne.

When officers arrived, the defendant approached them and told them that he was the one they were looking for.

The reporting person said that Gibson had punched a hole in a living room door of a property.

Police observed that the defendant had fresh cuts to his right hand and forearm which were bleeding.

Gibson was arrested for the offence and did make verbal counter allegations but these did not come before the court.

During interview, the defendant said he could not remember much as he had consumed alcohol but admitted that he had caused the damage.

Prosecution explained that the injured party in the case was an ex-partner of Gibson.

Mr O’Hare stated: “He is in breach of a suspended sentence for a relevant matter and is subject to a restraining order, but none of those relate to this injured party.”

Gibson was released on bail to be sentenced on January 7.

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An alleged unfit driver accused of causing the death of a man found lying at the side of the road in Markethill three years ago is to go on trial at the Crown Court.

Speaking at the conclusion of a Preliminary Investigation, the District Judge ruled that there was a prima facie case against the 41-year-old.

John McBurney, from Green Park Avenue in Markethill, faces a single count of causing the death of David James Shields by driving carelessly and while unfit between June 11 and June 14, 2016, on the Shillinghill Road, Markethill.

The body of the 52-year-old was found lying at the side of the road in what police described at the time as a hit and run incident.

Speaking on Monday, District Judge Paul Copeland stated: “I have considered the papers, the voluminous papers in this case. I have had the benefit of well researched arguments from both the prosecution counsel and defence counsel both in written and oral form.

“The court is indebted to both counsels, it is for this court to decide whether or not the defendant has a prima facie case to meet.”

He continued: “That is all that has to be determined at this stage. There is not to be a decision on the defendant’s guilt or innocence

“I am satisfied that there is a prima facie case against the defendant and welcome the continuation of the committal.”

McBurney was released on his own bail of £750 and was instructed to appear at Newry Crown Court on January 21 for arraignment.

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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 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 Markethill man who headbutted an acquaintance after insulting a band he played in has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Court heard that the male on the end of the 27-year-old’s attack was left with a bleeding nose and a hairline crack to the dentine of a tooth.

Darren McDowell, of Gosford Gardens, pleaded guilty to common assault at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

A previous charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was withdrawn and replaced with the current charge.

Prosecution outlined that the assault referred to a headbutt to the face which left the injured party with a hairline crack to the dentine of his tooth.

Defence barrister Bobbie Rea said: “This is a balancing exercise for this young man. He is industrious and is in full time employment but he does have two relevant entries on his record, although they are of substantial vintage.”

Prosecution stated that both parties had known each other. They were out drinking when the defendant said something derogatory about a band the injured party plays in.

McDowell then thrust his head at the injured party, leaving him with a bleeding nose and the crack to his tooth.

The defendant left for a while before returning to apologise.

Mr Rea stated: “He was in the middle of making these multitude of apologies when police arrived and he made admissions immediately.”

McDowell was sentenced to two months in prison suspended for 18 months and was ordered to pay compensation of £250 to the injured party, within 10 weeks.

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Markethill twins Alexander and Daniel Graham are proof that there really is good in this world.

The big-hearted boys have donated their birthday money to Lisanally Special School, where their five-year-old cousin Alfie attends.

The two – pupils at Mountnorris Primary School – raised an amazing £360 through their efforts.

In addition to their birthday money, they organised a sponsored bowl for their party and all donations went to Lisanally.

The terrific twins also enlisted the help of their football team-mates on Markethill Swifts U10s, who donated their Saturday money to help.

Aunt Laura Kilpatrick – Alfie’s mum – could not be more proud of them and rightly so!

She said: “The twins decided that they wanted to donate their birthday money towards something that would benefit their cousin Alfie, so they decided on Lisanally Special School .

“With all the constant talk of elections, strikes, bad weather and Brexit there is still some kindness in this world!

“I couldn’t be more proud of them and their kind hearts. In a world where all we hear about is people taking, these little nine-year-old boys wanted to give.

“I know the school is extremely grateful and will put it to good use.”

From all at Armagh I , a huge well done and a very happy birthday to Alexander and Daniel – two remarkable young men and shining examples to us all!

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A Markethill schoolboy has called on councillors to do everything in their power to provide a safe crossing over the busy main road to Gosford, so he and his pals can enjoy the exciting new facilities at the park.

Twelve-year-old Rhys Ryans has written to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the hope that his plea – and that of other young folk in the Co Armagh town – is heard.

Millions of pounds are being spent to convert Gosford into a five-star tourist destination.

This has included bike trails and other facilities, with further linked themed play structures in the pipeline.

Rhys – a pupil at Markethill High School – says he and his friends and other children around the town want to enjoy what is being made available to them on their doorstep.

But in order to do that, it means crossing the main Gosford Road, which has huge volumes of traffic travelling at speed.

Rhys wants them all to be able to go to Gosford but they want to make sure they have safe passage.

To that end, he is asking councillors to pick up on the calls for a crossing and ‘run with it’, so that all the hard work and investment at Gosford is not put beyond their reach.

In his correspondence to council, Rhys states: “The reason I am writing this letter is that we have Gosford Forest Park right beside us and there is a fantastic bicycle trail around it.

“But there is a very big dangerous problem my friends and I face. It is the main Armagh to Newry Road. This road is very busy with heavy lorries, cars, vans and motorbikes.

“This main road is very scary trying to cross it and my mates and I would love to go over to the forest park to get the benefits out of it on our bikes but we can’t because of the continuous traffic on this main road.

“As anyone knows the Gosford Forest Park is a big temptation for us kids and nobody wants to hear of any kids being killed by traffic trying to get some recreational use going to Gosford Forest Park or coming from it.

“Is there any way you, our council, could give us kids a safe path to cross over, so that is all we are asking from our district council?”

Mum Lucy has three children, with the youngest just nine months old.

In order to get the children a few hundred metres from where they live on the main street, she says she has to pack up the car and drive the short distance.

“I have to pack my car car up to take him over to Gosford as crossing the road, even with me, it’s scary for him and myself,” she said.

“Many a time cars have come on to the hard shoulder early to enter Markethill.

“As a mum, it’s scary because my son loves the park and he and his friends are scared to cross the road, and the temptation for Gosford and its bicycle tracks are great, so I understand fully their desire to make that treacherous crossing but the danger is just too much.”

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A petition has now been launched in the next step on a campaign to provide a safe road crossing – preferably an overhead bridge – between Markethill and Gosford.

Armagh I reported on Friday how a 12-year-0ld schoolboy had written to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council asking for councillors to intervene and do all they could to make it happen.

Rhys Ryans, who attends Markethill High School, says he and his friends and other children around the town want to enjoy what is being made available to them on their doorstep through the multi-million pound redevelopment at the forest park.

Rhys wrote: “This main road is very scary trying to cross it and my mates and I would love to go over to the forest park to get the benefits out of it on our bikes but we can’t because of the continuous traffic on this main road.

“As anyone knows the Gosford Forest Park is a big temptation for us kids and nobody wants to hear of any kids being killed by traffic trying to get some recreational use going to Gosford Forest Park or coming from it.”

Rhys’ mum Simone started the petition as the next step and has been overwhelmed by the response.

She told Armagh I : “It had only been up for an hour and 50 people had signed it and it’s been shared flat out.

“I also hope to get petitions in the local shops and even go door to door.”

The petition demands the council and the powers-that-be provide: “Access to Gosford Forest Park for the local community so that it is a safe passage for children, elderly and all, so they can avail of the facility that the council has promoted for health and recreation.”

When we ran our story on Friday night everybody was backng Rhys and family and friends in their calls.

A grateful Simone encouraged all to take the time to sign the petition and added: “When we have enough signatures Rhys will present it to Mr Roger Willson, chief executive of ABC Council.

“As a mum, it’s scary because my son loves the park and he and his friends are scared to cross the road, and the temptation for Gosford and its bicycle tracks are great, so I understand fully their desire to make that treacherous crossing but the danger is just too much.”

Among those already backing the calls are DUP Councillor Gareth Wilson and Independent Unionist Paul Berry.

Alderman Wilson – who congratulated Simone and Rhys on their efforts – said: “I am an advocate of a bridge and have raised this a number of times with the Department for Infrastructure.

“This petition is timely and will help push this issue up the agenda.

“With the plans continuing to transform Gosford Forest Park a bridge would massively help in allowing safer passage for kids and any pedestrians from the town side to the forest.”

People can lend their voices to the campaign and show their support by signing. Simply click on the petition link here and add your name.

The post Online petition started as support grows for Markethill-to-Gosford crossing after schoolboy’s calls appeared first on Armagh I.

Over a thousand people have now signed petitions calling for a safe passage crossing between Markethill and Gosford Forest Park after a 12-year-old schoolboy made an impassioned plea to the powers-that-be.

Rhys Ryans – a pupil at Markethill High School – wrote to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council calling for a crossing so he, his friends and other children in the town could cross safely to Gosford Forest Park to enjoy the new bike trails and other facilities.

Armagh I reported details of the letter on Friday evening and there was a huge response.

Rhys’ mum Simone also launched an online petition and encouraged people to get behind the campaign and sign.

She has not been disappointed with the response to date, which has been truly incredible, with paper copies of the petition now appearing in local shops, including JD Hunter’s, Time Out Cafe, Markethill Barber Shop, Dolphin Takeway, Nibblers , Mullen’s Spar, Markethill, The Buttery and the Victoria Bar.

Simone told Armagh I tonight (Monday) : “I am proud of the people of Markethill and so grateful for their support.

“I encouraged everyone in Markethill to sign this petition and I thank everyone who has already taken the time to sign and ask others who have not yet to do so.

“Markethill High School are on board too and so proud of Rhys.

“We have the support of local councillors and in total altogether we have 1000 signatures!”

When the petition it complete, Rhys will present it to Mr Roger Wilson, chief executive of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Simone hopes the councillors will then back the campaign and lobby for something to be done.

She recognises that it will be a battle but they are in it for the long haul.

One local resident had made such calls in writing to the Department of Infrastructure in October and got a response which indicated that it was highly unlikely.

It stated: “The area is managed by ABC Council and as such any intensification of use should ideally be subject to a safe means of access for both motorists and pedestrians.

“I have assessed the location and can advise that DfI has no plans to promote a scheme at the location to essentially serve a private access; however, I will look at the possibility of some low cost work which may ease the problem and if anything appropriate is identified I will then arranged to have the work completed.”

Simone – who was out and about on Monday collecting more signatures – said: “We certainly have the determination to push this forward.

“When it comes to children’s safety you cannot put a price on that.

“The Markethill Road is a death-trap for anyone trying to cross – both adults and children – given the volume and speed of traffic. There’s no point waiting until there’s a tragedy to do something. Something must be done now.

“We intend to keep going with this campaign. If enough people lend their support and rally behind us they will be forced to sit up and listen to the people. Markethill people deserve this and we will accept nothing less.”

People can lend their voices to the campaign by signing the petitions available throughout the town. You can also show your support by signing on line. Simply click on the petition link here and add your name.

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