A south Armagh councillor has had to intervene to try and disperse a house party in Newtownhamilton.
And Sinn Fein’s Barra Ó Muirí said the timing was sickening.
He was forced to act after social distancing rules were once again flouted in the town.
It came as people all over were again simultaneously – but separately – applauding and celebrating the heroes of the NHS.
The recognition was timed for 8pm.
But Councillor Ó Muirí was otherwise engaged at the time as he stepped in to try and see guidelines were being observed.
The councillor had previously written a letter to more recent communities who had arrived in Newtownhamilton.
Tonight, he said: “While our communities are out applauding the fantastic work of our health workers, I’m doing my best to get a house party broken up in Dungormley.
“Think about that for a minute.
“Our health workers are risking their lives to save lives and today alone I had to contact the PSNI on three occasions – youths congregating on Dundalk Street, a horse being walked in Dungormley – for the fourth day in a row – and now a house party.
“This is one per cent of the community in Newtown – everyone else is playing a blinder.
“And by working together we can get the message across to everyone else. Stay indoors, save lives.”
