Huge investments, but it hasn't gone down well..
Plus, funerals of two young Lurgan men to take place in same church later today.
Good morning, it’s really a mixed bag of news; a little more positive than in recent days. However, St Peter’s Church in Lurgan will see consecutive funerals for two young men. Shane Whitla, murdered close to his home in the town a week ago will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass at 10.30am. Ciaran Hendron will be buried following his funeral mass at 1.30pm. Today is also Ciaran’s birthday.
On a more positive note, there are two big investment and jobs boosts for area, as we exclusively revealed over the last few days. Radius Plastics is planning a huge multi-million redevelopment of its Lurgan base. And Glanbia Cheese in Magheralin is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with the new facilities offering floorspace of up to 65,000 sq ft.
In Portadown, award-winning chef Simon Dougan is hoping to create a unique glamping experience aimed at attracting ‘foodie’ tourists from around the world.
And then there was the news of millions in windfall money from the UK government. Great news for Camlough Lake and the F E McWilliam Gallery in Banbridge.
However, these are difficult times we’re living in and the news of funding for these projects wasn’t universally positive. As the cost of living crisis continues to spiral out of control* people have questioned the validity of this money for projects like this, especially when there are some real and tangible problems on our doorstep – health, education and even basic infrastructure to name but a few.
Sidenote: We’ve a new smart meter at home and it’s the worst thing in the world.I much preferred the shock of a bill when it came through the letterbox than being reminded of it on an hourly basis. Genuinely, the costs are staggering.
Anyway, here’s what else has been making headlines…
Details of vehicle released as police continue to probe burglary of elderly couple
South Armagh men’s shed reviving ancient tradition with linen project
Shane Whitla murder: Police granted more time to question murder suspect
Campaign for new footpath in Camlough bears fruit after young boy knocked down
Update on Armagh’s Gaol hotel project expected in Council report next month
One month on: Police in fresh appeal to find killer of Lurgan mum-to-be Natalie McNally
‘A living nightmare’ – Natalie McNally’s parents fear killer may never be caught
What are your thoughts on the plans to convert a derelict row of buildings on Lurgan’s William Street into apartments and Airbnb accommodation?
Two men reported acting suspiciously around cars in Armagh estate in small hours
Renewed appeal to help catch killers on fourth anniversary of Wayne Boylan murder
Jail for Craigavon man who threw cannabis over fence when police called at house
Anger at ‘environmental crime’ as tyres dumped near reservoir at Seagahan Dam
Portadown community in shock following sad passing of popular newsagent Liam Donaghy
Reader photos
This is six-month-old Alfie enjoying his first snow day. Looks perfectly content to us! Thanks to mum Joanne for sharing this with us. Seems it wasn’t only the children who enjoyed the show, here is Teddy checking out the snow. Teddy is a Bulldog cross Shi Tzu and is two-years-old. Don’t forget you can share your photos, anniversaries, birthday and other special occasions HERE
Ticket Giveaway
Well done to Katrina Storey who won a pair of cinema tickets with Omniplex Cinemas. Katrina, please contact the office on 02837 443043 to arrange to collect your tickets. Everyone else, you know what to do…
Armagh Jobs
January, being the first month in a new calendar year, is always a wonderful time to make a change. Why not take the leap and make a career change? Armagh Jobs have a whole host of vacancies on offer, across a variety of sectors, taking the challenge out of finding available roles in your local area. Check out these five office based opportunities to help kickstart your new career!
Restaurant Supervisor at Armagh City Hotel
Sales Assistant required at Robert Paynter Menswear Armagh
Armagh I is delighted to offer a new and exciting opportunity for an additional member to join our team. This role will be split between field based sales and office based in our brand new offices in the heart of the city.
Matas Jautakis – formerly based in Dungannon and now living in Dublin – studied Level 2 and Level 3 Business Administration at South West College’s Dungannon campus, the institution he credits with providing him the inspiration to pursue his career.
Entertainment
Fancy shaking off the January blues? Well, say no more. February is fast approaching and with it comes a whole host of exciting events and activities – all based right here – in the Orchard County. We have complied a list of ten of our top favourites of what’s to come, however, if none of these events catch your eye you can always find plenty more by checking out our What’s On section!
Tyrone I
As a child, watercolour master Dermot Cavanagh’s hands became particularly idle, as he found himself confined indoors for some time due to illness. His mother, sensing his boredom and frustration, furnished him with a watercolour set and the rest – as they say – is history. We spoke to Dermot about his love of art.
