Cross Notes

The assault on the tourist in the town last week, which you will read about elsewhere in the paper, has to be condemned by everybody.

It does not reflect the usual friendly and warm welcome that visitors to the area receive and something has to be done to undo the damage caused to, firstly, the victim and secondly, the image of the area that this portrays.

Last year when two people were robbed in their camper van over near Jonesboro, the people of the area arranged for these tourists to return and gave them a week’s free holiday.  This is the minimum that should be done for this victimised visitor.  Whether he will accept this offer is another thing as he was so badly scared with his first experience.  

What cannot happen is for this to be swept under the carpet as if it never occurred.

I believe that from this week the Social Security Office will only open two days per week Tuesday and Friday.  This is apparently due to shortage of staff in the Newry office.

If this is so then reduction of hours is to be expected, but when the staffing levels are back to normal, one would hope that normal opening hours will resume in the Crossmaglen office and that this staff shortage would not be used to permanently reduce the opening hours.

The death of Tommy Duncan, Kiltybane (and Lismore) occurred on Monday last at Daisy Hill Hospital.

Tommy’s remains were taken to his son Malachy’s home where he was waked until the funeral Mass and burial in St.Patrick’s Church, Cullyhanna on Wednesday morning.

We extend sympathy to his sons, Malachy, John, Oliver, Noel and Raymond, daughters Clare and Patsy and to the entire family circle.

The Conlon family would like to thank all those who contributed to Carmel’s surprise party in Ma Kearney’s prior to her going to Australia.  It was very  much appreciated.

Congratulations to Kathleen and Bobby Albert, Ard Ross who both celebrated their birthdays last week, Bobby on 27th October and Kathleen on 1st November.  Your family and all at the Examiner wish you many more years of health and happiness.

Congratulations to Fergal and Edwina Murphy, Cregganduff on the birth of their son on Friday last, from all your family and friends.

Congratulations to Barbara O’Rourke, Dromintee and Pat McEntee, Dundalk Road who got engaged recently.

The heavy fall of snow on Wednesday last came extremely early.  There may have been skifts of snow in October before but I never remember a fall like this as early in the year.  Hope it is not a sign of what we can expect for the rest of the winter.

The flagstone at Murtagh’s that I complained about has been noted as it now has a yellow line marking around it.  Whether this is a damage limitation exercise in the event of an accident or an indicator that it will be repaired shortly, we will have to wait and see.

Apologies for telling you all to watch the Nolan Show last week, but that is the date we were given for the show to be broadcast.  As it stands, we do not know when it will go on the air, so you may just set your recorder this week again just in case.

There was the annual Halloween Fireworks Display on Friday evening. A good crowd was present which was probably helped by the fact that Mass was at 6.30pm for All Saints Day and the display commenced after Mass. A big thank you to all concerned with organising the event.

Halloween passed off much more peacefully than in previous years and was similar to the run-up to Halloween which was also relatively quiet.

South Armagh Chamber of Commerce and Trade meeting

The Next Meeting will be on Tuesday the 4th November 2008.  It will be held in

Johnny Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant, Meigh at 7.30pm.

Creggan Community Association.  

A Committee meeting on Wednesday 5th November at 9pm in the Kabin.

Silverbridge Senior Citizens and Special Needs Association.

Monthly dance 7th November in Silverbridge Clubrooms.

Crossmaglen U.3.A

* Swimming sessions end on Tuesday 4th November.

* Bowling sessions commence on Tuesday 11th November in the Community Centre from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

* Tiffany glass classes commence on Wednesday 5th November.

* A.G.M. takes place on Thursday 13th November in the Cross Square Hotel at 2.30pm.

* Christmas dinner 9th December in Bellini’s, lunch served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.  Entertainment provided from 2.30pm until 5.00pm all for £13.

* Members wish to thank Mr Michael Brady, MLA for his attendance as guest speaker at our meeting on 23rd October.  Mr Brady had been delayed by Assembly business and only a small number of members had an opportunity to hear him but the MLA promised to return at a later date to speak to members and answer their questions.

* Over 20 members attended the staging of comedies by J M Synage and Sean O’Casey at An Táin Theatre, Dundalk on Tuesday last and wish to thank Tony for arranging the bookings for a good night’s entertainment.

The staff of Crossmaglen Library wish a very happy birthday to one of their most popular readers, Miss Nan Lavelle, Silverbridge who celebrates her 80th birthday this week.

Youth Club

Juniors 6-11 years Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 8.30pm

Seniors Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm to 10pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays    8.30pm to 10pm

Gymnastics Wednesdays   5pm to 6pm Beginners 6pm to 7pm Advanced.

Culloville and district community association

No name was available for the winner of 50/50 club draw at the time of going to press.  The flower arranging classes start at 7.30pm to 9.30pm on this Thursday evening, 6th November.  Names must be given to any committee member by Tuesday evening if you are interested in joining the class.