South Armagh: The once poor relation now an area thriving following investment

also.. two terrifying robberies in Armagh and a proposed new drive-thru American Diner in Lurgan

Good morning readers. Last Tuesday, Kellie and Daniel took to the streets of South Armagh in a quest to get some reader insights. As you know, we at Armagh I are always keen to know if (as a news platform) we are offering you the content you want to see - this didn’t go great!

South Armagh is an area that - lets say - has had its fair share of negative publicity in the past 30 odd years. Armagh and indeed Newry have, over the past decade reinvented themselves as areas of excellence, boasting world class tourism offerings, economic success and retail growth bringing about employment and prosperity.

Let me give you a very quick overview - Bessbrook dates back to 1845 when the mill in Bessbrook was purchased by the Richardson family and the village was formed to provide housing for the workers. Camlough was an ecclesiastical district which dates back to the time of the Ulster Plantation and Crossmaglen with its focal point Cardinal O’Fiaich Square has in later years been famed for GAA with notary player Oisín McConville, (who is also Ulster's top scoring player) haling from the town.

In November past, the James Reel Play Park in Silverbridge was officially opened to the public following a fundraising campaign launched by James’ family on November 29, 2021 – which saw over £100,000 raised to built the new playpark

Last week we reported how a historic but vacant imposing three story property on Cardinal O’Fiaich Square is to be redeveloped as a café and apartments.

Talking to the general population of South Armagh we found that more often than not the question of whether the area falls into Armagh or Newry came into question. What are your thoughts on this ?

South Armagh - although sitting in the most southern part of the the wider Newry, Mourne and Down District Council region - has much to celebrate. Investment in the area has seen many areas flourish with news of the pending new-build and redevelopment of St Mary’s (Barr) Primary School, at Jerrettspass. Bessbrook could be in line for a jobs boost with plans for five new light industrial and enterprise units at the Richbrook Industrial Estate in the village.

Camlough Lake is set to see a £2.8m first-class leisure and recreation centre built at the site. This re-development will be a huge boost to tourism in the area with the introduction of better walking and driving routes, new picnic areas and better parking.

Whilst there has been a lot of investment in the area, I do wonder if enough is being done to promote it? After all, investment is all well and good but does the area need more promotion to draw in the tourism crowds? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Simply reply to this newsletter and if you enjoyed reading it, why not share it by clicking the button below.

In the headlines:

Plans for a new drive-thru American Diner in Lurgan are currently being considered by ABC Council, Armagh I can reveal.

Proposals for a new two-storey St Malachy's Primary School - costing over £2 million - have now been lodged with ABC Council, with suggestions pupils may be housed at the former St Brigid's High while their new school is built

Two arrests after staff threatened and money stolen during Armagh shop robberies

A Newry man has admitted stabbing his brother five times in what a court was told was an unprovoked attack.

The New IRA has purportedly claimed responsibility for the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last week.

Armagh man launched brutal wedding day attack on new bride at reception venue

Shoppers in Portadown greeted with ‘Horrendous’ graffiti and it’s only getting worse

A paedophile pensioner was convicted of drugging and sexually abusing a schoolboy in Lurgan more than 20 years ago.

Lurgan’s Jay Beatty called into Lurgan Library last week to receive a donation for Downs & Proud from the library’s Knit and Natter group! 🧶 The money was raised from the sale of handmade Christmas decorations.

In Friday’s newsletter we covered the topic of Craigavon and where it fits in in the grand scheme of this things, check out the results of our poll. Also watch our video as work begins to clear the site at Moylinn East footbridge in readiness for it’s removal

Craigavon, where does it fit in, what happened to the 1960's vision?...

Armagh Jobs

Hugh Pal are a growing pallet company with two sites in Armagh and Lisburn, the company is currently recruiting for a Production Manager for their Armagh site.

Norbrook Laboratories have a variety of veterinary and pharmaceutical vacancies across their Newry site.

Dolphin Markethill Takeaway and Diner have an opening for a Cook with supervisory responsibilities.

Gribben Motors based on the outskirts of Armagh have a vacancy for a Panel Beater to join their growing team.

Thomas Lee and Associates Dental Practice have a requirement for a full time Qualified/Trainee Dental Nurse to join their dental team.

Messy Play NI are recruiting a Woodworking and Assembly Professional to be based in Richhill, County Armagh.

World Book Day

With World Book Day on Thursday March 2, we pondered what the best books were out there. So we thought we would share our thoughts - here’s some of our teams favourites.

Kellie, has a dark sense of humour and a language all of her own and often has conversations with herself, therefore, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is her favourite book.

Sarah is our office deep romantic and in her spare time (a part from her dogs) enjoys spending time with her very own Mr Darcy, so it’s the classic Pride and Prejudice for our flame haired wanna femme-fatale.

Much debate went into this one - Scott who is wise like Gandalf, intrepid like Frodo and clumsy like Samwise Gamgee has to be a Lord of the Rings fan!

Cinema ticket giveaway

Remember to be in with a chance of winning a pair of cinema tickets simply enter below.