Mum's tribute to 'beautiful son' now 'an angel in heaven'

Good morning, it's Micheal with you here. We have seen the (other) media reports of the 'Artic Blast' set to bombard us this this week; abominable snowmen abound etc. However, we have resisted doing the doomsday weather story for one reason...we're not getting snow, despite the claims! Yes, winter is here but it’s usually quite cold in the depths of December – it’s how the seasons work, I think.

So, yes, brace for colder weather but as for snow…it’s a no! I’m happy to eat my words on that though…we love a good snow gallery. It would even allow us the chance to re-use the skier in Redrock video from a few years back…it did something like 300k views on Facebook at the time. Back when Facebook was dead on..

This feels like a good time to mention our comments section again…we’d love it if you started using it like these good folk under the Newry Royal Mail whistleblower story from Monday. It’s like our own social network and it’ll be good to have you all in the bunker when Facebook implodes on us…

In the meantime, having you right here is great too. Please feel free to share or forward this newsletter on to any poor soul who hasn’t signed up yet.

Headlines…

Dungannon mum’s tribute to her ‘beautiful son’ Matthew McCallan

Co Armagh man denies manslaughter of 14-year-old niece after tragic farm accident

Former Alliance rep Jackie Coade ‘shellshocked’ after party dismiss complaint against male colleague

Southern Trust’s care at home service ‘absolute saviour for mum’

Self-confessed alcoholic with over 100 convictions has sentencing deferred to clean up act

Two taken to hospital after three-vehicle crash at Kernan Loop (pictured below)

Armagh-based Taekwondo British Champion has sights set on international trophy

Portadown Cares renews appeal as ‘heartbreaking’ stories laid bare

Newry woman who assaulted ambulance staff told her life since 2017 has been ‘a horror story’

‘Passionate’ calls to put South Armagh on the tourist map

Newry man caught ‘red-handed’ with over £11,000 of cannabis

Man who slapped pregnant woman and rammed fingers into ribcage of Armagh chemist worker jailed

Police renew appeal to find killers of ‘much-loved husband and father’ in Newry

Teenage girl assaulted by man armed with bat in Portadown

Tullysaran girl Órlaith enjoys Christmas magic with letter from Santa thanks to RNIB charity

Co Armagh dance school video goes viral with over 400K views and counting!

Newry’s ‘Black Santa’ John Dalzell gears up for 31st annual Christmas Hospice Sit-Out

Armagh Jobs

Currently looking for a new job? ArmaghJobs.com works with some of the biggest companies across the borough and further afield. With recruiters such as Norbrook, Linwoods Health Foods and Mount Charles, we have roles across many disciplines. Check out these roles currently advertised with ArmaghJobs.com

What’s On…

The Joy of Christmas Carol Service

St. Jarlath’s Church, Blackwatertown | Thursday December 15 | 8pm | Donations in aid of St. Vincent de Paul | Singers include Daniel Donnelly, Ellis Fox, McBennett sisters, Niamh McElduff, Niamh and Ciara McCrystal, Lauren McCrory, Sinead Willox and Ellen Campbell.

Dungannon Jingle Ball Run

Castlhill, Dungannon | Sunday December 18 | 5.30pm | £2 per ball | Prizes to be won and funds raised in aid of St. Vincent de Paul, Vineyard Food Bank Appeal and Zambia Education and Development.

Santa Meet and Greet and Bake with Mrs Claus

Vibe, Armagh | Saturday December 10 | 11am - 4pm | £5 per child | Grab a ‘Santa Selfie’ and get a gift, watch a live nativity and make a treat with Mrs Claus

Christmas Coffee Morning

Portadown Library | Wednesday December 14 | 10.15am - 12pm | Everyone welcome

Christmas Storytime and Craft

Brownlow Library | Saturday December 17 | 11am - 12 noon | Children aged 4 - 8 | Booking essential - please call 028 38 341946

Competitions…

Without further ado… the winner of the Fireside Set courtesy of Killeen Hardware is Gillian Dougan. We’ll be in touch via email with the details.

Now that the fireside set has been snapped up, our next Christmas giveaway will be announced in Friday’s newsletter.

This week’s winner of a pair of cinema tickets… Ann McKearney, well done! Give us a call on 02837443043 to arrange your prize!

As always you can enter for next week’s giveaway here!

This week’s Featured Property…

For Sale: 52 Selshion Hall, Portadown. Sitting prominently upon a spacious corner plot, this beautiful, detached home offers four bedrooms (master with ensuite), three bathrooms, two reception rooms, spacious enclosed gardens and an enviable location.

Tyrone I

In Pictures: Large crowd returns to Coalisland Switch On event

Woman claims to be awoken by partner urinating all over her in campaign of alleged domestic abuse

Man changes plea in child cruelty case in which showed boy driving HGV on M1

Southern Area Hospice ask you to “Light up a life” this Christmas