Nothing beats the excitement meeting you're not invited to
Good morning. It's been quite the week. Following on from the Queen's funeral on Monday, Tuesday saw a breakthrough on the strike action which has dogged the ABC borough for six weeks. I must admit, the special council meeting was the least entertaining thing I think I have EVER watched on Youtube – and I've watched some mind-numbing videos of children opening toys (note: I have children – I'm not making this weird!). Two-and-a-half hours of a meeting in confidential session was something else. We started with apologies and then it went all secret before eventually resuming the public feed (about 150 minutes later) to wish us all a good night. Thanks for that. Admittedly, I expected that and did have it on in the background while I trawled social media to see if any councillors got giddy and posted anything prematurely. That's what my Tuesday evening consisted of.
Anyway, we got there in the end and while (at the time of writing) union members have not yet agreed to the deal, it's expected the ballot will be overwhelmingly in favour of the resolution tabled. Not to jinx it but imagine it gets rejected – picture the pandemonium it would cause...
While it's all looking much better, there's still the issue of the surplus waste - bin collections will not include the overflow of black bin bags stacked at your home, unfortunately. The amenity sites are all now open, as of today!
Here's what else is making the headlines..
Jacqueline ‘buzzing’ after ringing bell at New York Stock Exchange — armaghi.com
Headlines
Fire crews rescue young bullock from canal outside Portadown
South Armagh wellness centre An Tobar shortlisted for National Lottery Project of the Year 2022
Keady man with ‘appalling record’ spared jailed for ‘atrocious’ behaviour in Armagh bar
Armagh driver involved in two high speed police pursuits in three days refused bail
Population of the ABC Council area has increased by 9.5% since 2011, new census data shows
Tractor and vintage car run set to accelerate building of Newtownhamilton Church Hall
New CCTV cameras to be installed in Moy to help with ‘significant’ night time issues
Man accused of leaving girlfriend’s children ‘petrified’ during spate of alleged domestic abuse
Indecent child image accused released on bail despite police objections
Man arrested in Newry on suspicion of attempted murder
Dark-clothed men seen smashing up car before setting it and front door of house alight
Jobs boost: Lurgan plastics company plans to build new multi-million pound factory
DUP concerned over Council’s pay deal which ‘does not deliver affordability’ for residents
State of Bessbrook pond condemned with litter plight to be addressed by Council
Court allows man awaiting trial for rape to go clubbing in Ibiza
20 years on...
Where does the time go? I'd imagine some of the 2002 All-Ireland winning squad would be saying the same thing..here is a little quiz we put together to mark the anniversary of Armagh's finest hour. See how many you can get. Alternatively, if you've already done the quiz and want to know the answers, they're at the bottom of this newsletter. There may have been an ex-player who has taken this quiz and not got full marks...
Quiz: How well do your remember Armagh’s All-Ireland victory in 2002 — www.armaghi.com
Celebrating 10 years
Don't forget, to celebrate turning 10 this month, we're giving away £1,000 in local vouchers to one lucky reader next Friday. Get involved here – it couldn't be easier.
What's On
Basil Sheils serve up sumptuous steak deal and Saturday night shindig — www.armaghi.com
Portadown’s popular Country Comes to Town event agrees new October date — www.armaghi.com
Launch of new season of events in Aonach Mhacha — www.armaghi.com
Armagh Jobs
The Education Authority is looking for Catering Assistants.
Killeen Hardware are looking a Bathroom and Plumbing Store Person.
Norbrook require a Technical Support Specialist.
GCS Solicitors in Armagh are looking two legal secretaries.
Check out the latest jobs on www.armaghjobs.com.
Armagh 2002 quiz answers
Final score was Armagh 1-12 - 0-14 Kerry; Steven McDonnell got the first score; Oisin McConville scored the most 1-2; They all missed penalties in an All-Ireland final; Crossmaglen were best represented; Six All-Stars ; Ronan Clarke did not get an All-Star in 2002; Kieran McGeeney was Footballer of the Year; Joe Kernan showed the players his runner-up medal from 1977; Paudi O Sé was the Kerry manager; Armagh beat Donegal in the Ulster final; Armagh lost to Monaghan the following season; Peter McDonnell took over from Joe Kernan.