Impartial Reporter

Community in mourning after death of much-loved father and husband

SILENCE and sadness have descended on Derrylin following the unexpected death of Mark Flanagan, a father of four whose loss has been deeply felt throughout the community. Mr. Flanagan died on January 13 and it has left the local area in shock with...

‘Axe and knife terror’ in alleged sex attack and kidnap case

BAIL has been refused for Alioune Sow (20) over a horrific alleged kidnap and sexual attack at the Clinton Centre, Enniskillen. He faces charges of rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, malicious wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Police say...

GAA player’s killer back on streets

THE family of former Fermanagh GAA player Ciaran Woods have spoken out after learning that his killer is back in the community, more than a decade after the fatal stabbing that shocked the county. Gary Moane, who was jailed for killing Mr. Woods (36,...

‘We have all lost a beautiful soul and our hearts are broken’

AMOTHERCollege, where she joined the school band and was later named head girl. “She was in the school band and took part in pantomimes, and played at carol services and prize-giving events,” John recalled. “Her brother and sister played in...

‘Without the Air Ambul I wouldn’t be here tod

ACLABBY teenager has spoken out about the life-changing injuries he suffered as a result of a serious road traffic collision more than 18 months ago. In March last year, Joshua Black and his brothers, Dylan and Jake, were involved in a serious crash on...

Photos reveal breaches that led to conviction of farmer

EXCLUSIVE images have revealed the shocking conditions on a farm where a calf was euthanised by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This week, Sean Doran (61) of Finulagh Road, Castlecaulfield, was convicted of nine...

A relief on rates for businesses could regenerate the town centre

Once a bustling market town, Dungannon now finds itself wrestling with a problem its traders say is slowly choking the heart out of its streets: crippling business rates. Walk along Ann Street or Scotch Street, and the boarded-up windows tell their own...

‘Christmas could decide our future’

town centre is facing a test with new challenges for businesses that have been built up over the years. The new out-of-town retail park has led to some concerns among traders that footfall is only going to get lower and make it more difficult for...

Poultry farmer’s fears over bird flu impact

A TYRONE poultry farmer is fearful that he could lose his entire chicken flock if action isn’t taken relating to Avian Influenza at a nearby Lough. Recently, swans have died as a result of Avian Influenza from Enagh Lough in Caledon, with one “whooper...

Council destroyed 8 years of records on day tribunal ordered release

THE Information Commissioner has said they are “both surprised and concerned” after Fermanagh and Omagh District Council destroyed years of dog breeding records on the same day a tribunal ordered the release of related information, The Impartial...

Residents forced to add miles’ to commute amid

The ongoing closure of Maydown Bridge in County Tyrone could mean drivers around Benburb will be forced to add “thousands of miles” to their commute before the road is reopened. Repair efforts are slowly commencing on the Maydown Bridge, linking...

The hidden scale of abuse inside South West Acute Hospital

MEASURES including PSNI involvement, CCTV, and personal staff alarms are being used at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in response to hundreds of reports of physical and verbal abuse against healthcare staff by patients, The Impartial Reporter can...

Judge brands Tyrone home a ‘hovel’ as parents walk free from court

A COUNTY Tyrone couple who left their child alone in a house so squalid that police and social workers “recoiled in horror” have escaped prison sentences after admitting child neglect. District Judge Francis Rafferty said he had “seen the pictures”...

‘We accept there were flaws’

THE Western Trust’s Chief Executive, Neil Guckian, has admitted to “flaws” in the consultation on the future of surgery at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), following an immense public backlash from the people of Fermanagh.

Surgery revealed Enniskillen mother’s endometriosis more severe than was anticipated

MELANIE Clarke, an Enniskillen mother of four, travelled to Italy for specialist endometriosis surgery in late September – only to find that her condition was “a lot worse” than initially expected. While endometriosis is a silent disease, Melanie is...

‘Predatory paedophile’ Is jailed

CANON Patrick Mcentee, once a respected figure at St Michael’s College, Enniskillen, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for sexually abusing boys he taught. Behind the calm authority and moral standing he presented to the public, a dark...

Cold, hungry and in debt

‘I’M struggling to live. I’m hiding from debt collectors. I can’t afford to eat or to heat my house.’ That desperate plea, sent earlier this year to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, is just one of dozens of cries for help uncovered by The...

Fermanagh faces surge in extreme weather events

STORMONT Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has warned that no drainage system can fully protect against flash flooding in Fermanagh during extreme weather. Her comments follow floods in July that left parts of Enniskillen, Belmore Street, Derrylin...

Beauty business owing £140k to HMRC enters liquidation

A FORMER Enniskillen company that entered voluntary liquidation this month owes almost £140,000 to HM Revenue and Customs. It has emerged that Eden M&J Ltd, owned by Julie O’shea, has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation. According to the...

Brookeborough man sentenced for assaulting Sinn Féin councillor

ABROOKEBOROUGH man has been sentenced for assaulting Fermanagh Sinn Féin councillor Sheamus Greene, his wife, and their son. Kevin Mcloughlin (35), of Monmurray Road, Brookeborough, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court on Monday. There, he was...

The Impartial Reporter’s 200-year story is now on sale

ABOOK marking The Impartial Reporter’s 200-year history is now available to buy. The book, titled The Impartial Reporter: 200 Years of Stories, is available for £12.99 from the newspaper’s office at 8-10 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen. The...

UNITED IN GRIEF

IN the quiet heart of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday, time seemed to stop. Shops closed their doors. Cars pulled over. And along the winding streets of the village, people stood ten-deep dressed not in black, but in vibrant colours that shimmered against...

Man remains in hospital in ‘serious condition’

A MOTHER in her 40s and her two children, one boy and one girl, have been killed in a shooting in Maguiresbridge. Police said two of the victims were declared dead at the scene on Drummeer Road on Wednesday morning, while a third died later at the...

Nesbitt orders Western Trust to halt ‘besieged’ SWAH consultation

HEALTH Minister Mike Nesbitt has intervened in the Western Trust’s controversial consultation on the future of Emergency General Surgery at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), urging the Trust to immediately pause the process, The Impartial Reporter...

Migrant boat effigy on Moygashel bonfire sparks mass outrage

EFFIGIES of migrants in a boat have been placed on a loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland, prompting condemnation and calls for the display to be removed ahead of the pyre being lit. The boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing...

Minister’s interest to appeal High Court decision over A5 welcomed

ANGELA O’neill, whose mother was killed on the A5 road, has said she is “deeply disappointed” by the recent High Court decision not to allow an upgrade to the route that claimed her mother’s life in 2018. Kathleen Mcgarvey died while crossing the road...

Aughnacloy case sheds light on the cruel world of badger baiting

IN the frozen stillness of a December day in 2019, a grim scene shattered the peace near the quiet town of Aughnacloy. Amid the normally tranquil South Tyrone countryside, the cries of animals in distress echoed through the hills. Concerns had been...

Enniskillen falls silent to honour late Michael Kerr

Enniskillen fell silent yesterday morning as hundreds gathered, united in quiet reflection on the vibrant life and enduring legacy of Michael Kerr. On Wednesday, June 18, over 400 people congregated outside St. Michael’s Church to pay their respects to...

Licences granted to mining companies despite some high-profile objections

LICENCES allowing mining company to search for precious metals in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone area were granted despite serious economic, environmental, and legal concerns, The Impartial Reporter can reveal. A total of seven Mineral Prospecting...

Cabragh residents protest at council’s office over mushroom factory plan

RESIDENTS from Cabragh took to the streets last week in an effort to halt further planning proposals connected to a mushroom composting facility in Killeeshil, which they claim is causing a detrimental impact on their daily lives. Approximately 200...

‘People know who killed my sister’

GERARD Beattie says he knows who killed his sister Marian – and claims people in the South Tyrone town of Aughnacloy know too, and have known for the past 52 years. Mr. Beattie also claims his sister’s killer was protected because he comes from a...

A Tribute to You: Celebrating 200 years together

Turning 200 is no small thing. One that few newspapers anywhere can claim. But for us, it’s a moment of gratitude. This special 96-page edition of The Impartial Reporter is a tribute — not to headlines or history books, but to you, our readers. That’s...

Butcher in court over alleged failure to protect staff safety

A TYRONE butcher is facing charges of failing to ensure the safety of employees. Patrick Traynor, whose age is unknown, from Main Street, Ballygawley is alleged to have failed to ensure the safety and welfare of his employees and failed to make...

Hardship and heroism: The reality of life in Fermanagh and

THIS week’s edition of The Impartial Reporter paints a stark and sobering portrait of life across Fermanagh and South Tyrone, where communities are grappling with a perfect storm of hardship and heroism. A Special Report by William Smith on Pages 4...

Residents kick up a stink over foul factory odour

RESIDENTS of Killeeshil say they have endured five long years of misery as a foul stench continues to emanate from a composting facility previously hailed as a landmark £25 million investment for Northern Ireland’s mushroom industry. Despite repeated...

‘Lessons learned’ claim in

THE murder of Katie Simpson and the PSNI’S catastrophic handling of the investigation has been compared to others, but few, if any, come close, and a recently discovered Police Ombudsman report has added further concerns around failure to adhere to...

Fifth PSNI officer retires while under investigation for Creswell case

Another PSNI officer has retired while under investigation into the mishandling of the Jonathan Creswell case, pushing the total who have quit up to five. While confirming the latest retirement, which came just weeks after two other officers did...

Mccourt found guilty of murdering Damien Hegney

Fraudster to be sentenced after pleading guilty to a catalogue of forgery and fraud charges

ATYRONE woman has admitted to a series of serious fraud charges, including forging invoices, bank statements, and a legal practising certificate. Mary Louise Quinn (40), of Limehill Road, Pomeroy, appeared at an arraignment hearing at Dungannon Crown...

‘We will never see her like again’

JOSEPHINE Mason (née Burke) was the beloved matriarch of a large and tightknit Tyrone family, known for her strength, grace, and unwavering love that spanned across generations and countries. She passed away peacefully at the age of 93 in her home in...

‘ENOUGH IS ENOU

The chairman of a group in favour of the longawaited A5 road has said that the “argument for human life” will dwarf current environmental concerns. Niall Mckenna, chairman of A5 Enough is Enough, was speaking following a major demonstration of support...

Ex-police EXCLUSIVE commander dies ahead of child abuse charges hearing

PHOTOGRAPHS have emerged revealing the conditions on a Tyrone farm where two cattle were euthanised by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), offering a stark insight into animal welfare concerns. The images, taken on...

EXCLUSIVE

DETECTIVES are now reviewing crucial CCTV footage as they investigate the murder of a man in Dungannon, which has left the South Tyrone community reeling. Friends and neighbours continue to struggle to come to terms with the violent death of Adam...

Katie: At just 16 she ran away to Scotland but was sent back to her killer

back, and others told her how fortunate she was to have the chance to work with Creswell and only for him she wouldn’t have any experience at all. Having arrived home from Scotland for Christmas she was intending to return after the holidays, but that...

‘He was in my face, shoutin Principal’s fear after attack

AMAN has been found guilty of assaulting Adele Kerr, former Principal of Enniskillen Integrated Primary School, during school drop off. Gary Phillip (34) of Coleshill Crescent, Enniskillen was found guilty at a contest hearing at Enniskillen...

‘You are not going back to that house’

AN 87-YEAR-OLD man has been forced to move out of his Housing Executive (NIHE) home due to health issues exacerbated by black mould and damp, his son has claimed. Neil Quinn, an elderly resident of Villa Terrace in Ederney, was admitted to hospital...

Inside the farm where 91 cattle were euthanised

EXCLUSIVE images have revealed the conditions on farms where dozens of cattle, which were deemed to be “suffering unnecessarily,” were euthanised by the Department. Leslie Hall (71) of Cooneen Road was recently convicted of numerous animal welfare...

Historic storm wreaks havoc across Fermanagh More than 1,000 homes still without power

Greentown engineers clearing 22 fallen trees on the main road between Enniskillen and Irvinestown. Photo by John Mcvitty.

‘She was unbelievable i says husband of late Me

REFLECTING on many happy years spent with his soulmate, Melissa, Jason Mulligan hailed her as “unbelievable in every way”. A much-loved mother and wife, Melissa, from Newtownbutler, sadly passed away at the South West Acute Hospital on Friday,...

Son appears in court charged with his mum’s murder and attempted murder of father

A 31-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of his mother and the attempted murder of his father. Danny Heyneman of Kilnavart, Ballyconnell was charged with the murder of Annie Heyneman and the attempted murder of Henk Heyneman at Kilnavert,...

EXCLUSIVE South West Acute Hospital in crisis: Patients on trolleys as health system fails to cope

A HEALTHCARE worker described the chaotic scenes inside the emergency department at South West Acute Hospital yesterday (Wednesday), where patients lie on trolleys and chairs for days, waiting for admission amid a dire lack of resources. With...

Man accused of observing child in shopping centre toilets appears in court

A FERMANAGH man appeared before a special court yesterday (Wednesday) charged with voyeurism in the toilets of a shopping centre in Enniskillen. Patrick Mulligan, whose address the court ordered be withheld for safety reasons, is accused of observing...

Community mourns as father and son die just days apart

THE town of Enniskillen has been plunged into mourning following the passing of a well-known father and son who died just three days apart. Jonathan Watson died suddenly at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on Wednesday, December 18, while his...

EXCLUSIVE

CONSCIENCES must evolve — not only in society at large, but also within the world of rugby. The rules of the game have changed. This was the stark warning from lawyers representing a French woman, known only as ‘V,’ comes as former Irish international...

PSNI to probe SEE teen’s PAGE 5 hospital death

A BEREAVED mother has said that she “still lives with the loss of Katie every single day” following the launch of a PSNI investigation into her daughter’s death. Katie Donnelly (18) from Ederney died suddenly on September 14, 2022 while being treated...

Council’s Lakeland meeting postponed due to delayed report

AMEETING of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to discuss investment decisions around the redevelopment of the Lakeland Forum has been postponed as the project manager’s report remains outstanding. Chief Executive Alison Mccullagh told the recent...

Chinese Consulate covered costs for councillor and Chief Executive

CHINA’S growing influence on local and international affairs has drawn scrutiny, and a disclosure this week of council expenses reveals the Chinese Consulate covered accommodation costs for a councillor and the chief executive of Fermanagh and Omagh...

Dog dies months after purchase from kennels registered in Fivemiletown

Acouple are mourning the loss of their sevenmonth-old Beagle puppy that they bought from a licensed breeding establishment registered in County Fermanagh. Brandon Branigan and his partner Ellie were heartbroken at the weekend when they had to put Arlo...

Car dealer dupes couple out of life savings

Adrian Carron has been ordered to pay Sophie Poole and Michael Law £23,000 back.

Death of Mark Lyons comes as huge shock

THE village of Belleek is in mourning after the death of Mark Lyons, 41, a former player who passed away following a short illness. Originally from Rockfield Park, Belleek, Mr. Lyons was known for his talent in Gaelic football, hurling, darts, and his...

Hero soldier killed in war to be laid to rest in Fermanagh

THE parents of a 24-year-old soldier who died in action on the frontline in Ukraine have paid tribute to their brave and kind-hearted son. Liam Love (right) tragically lost his life on October 9 due to a mortar explosion near Lyman, Ukraine, while...

PSNI appoints officer to investigate man who posed as escort to blackmail over 100 victims

THE Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has assigned a dedicated officer to work through files relating to an Ederney sex offender who allegedly posed as a female escort to extort funds from victims. The case of Scott Toothill (36), of...

Retired teacher to contest sexual assault charge in December

release at the High Court in Livingston last week. Speaking after the sentencing, Ms. Turnball said the outcome has brought her justice. “Finally, after two years of physical, emotional and practical chaos, we have justice,” she said

Teen’s nine-month wait as mental health backlog impacting vulnerable people

yesterday calling on them to do more to prevent suicide in Fermanagh and support people living with mental health. To mark World Mental Health Day today, check out our four-page special report inside on an overwhelmed health system.

GUILTY First person found guilty in scandal of historic child sexual abuse

GERARD Quaile who became the first person to face trial in connection with the Fermanagh sexual abuse scandal has been found guilty of historic offences against a young girl. The 58-year-old from Creamery Close, Florencecourt, stood trial on seven...

Father now buried beside beloved daughter Ellie

DEVOTED father Billy Nicholl has been laid to rest beside his beloved daughter Ellie, whose memory he cherished every day. Billy, who passed away suddenly at the age of 57 last week, dedicated his life to supporting others, especially grieving...