The locals are kind and generous as well as friendly and chatty. If you walk down the streets of Lurgan or Portadown, people will nod, say hello, toot their horn or give a wee wave. We all love a good gabble. And despite our differences over the decades we are good and supportive neighbours.
Music is steeped in the soul of the people of Co Armagh from traditional Irish music to flute and accordion bands as well as plenty of rock and roll, indie and soul. With great local bands such as Flash Harry, Billy Elvis, The Bonnevilles, Decky McKerr and Black Gold, Lurgan town is full of talent. In Portadown we recently lost rock legend Les Binks of Judas Priest.
We have the most beautiful countryside, parks and the incredible Lough Neagh on our doorstep. There is the magnificent Lurgan Park and the People’s Park in Portadown but also Maghery Country Park and Oxford Island as well as the renowned Peatlands Park nearby.
We have some of the best businesses in NI from Almac in Craigavon which employs thousands of local people to Moy Park in Portadown not to mention Rushmere Shopping Centre.
And plenty of home grown businesses such as Sona Kitchens in Portadown, Foxberry Strawberry Farm, Derrytrasna and McKeever’s Sports in Lurgan as well as Wilson’s Country in Portadown and Viet By Vee restaurant plus many more.
How amazing to have Craigavon Area Hospital on our doorstep. Despite its dated buildings and over-crowded Emergency Department, surgeons, doctors and nurses as well as all the fantastic ancillary staff continue to provide some of the best care possible. There are issues and appointments are not easy to come by, however all in all, it is an amazing service and requires more investment.
One thing that irritates me most is the lack of investment in mental health services, particularly for our children and young people. Compounded with years of neglect and an explosion in illegal drugs across the area, mental health workers both in the Bluestone Unit and in the community are struggling to cope with the demand for services.
1. Lurgan has the most friendliest people
Lurgan town is one of the friendliest in the country with many great, talented and generous people. Though it may not be the thriving market town it once was, it still has plenty of successful local businesses. Renowned for the stunning Lurgan Park with the historic Brownlow House nearby, it is also home to Lord Lurgan Park and Tannaghmore Gardens. It has fantastic schools with great pastoral care in all of them proving education is fundamental to our local ethos. With some great cafes, clubs and bars, it has a great social climate buoyed with a wealth of talented musicians and entertainers. A great place to live. Photo: NI World
2. Lough Neagh - a beautiful resource close to the hearts of all in north Armagh
Beautiful Lough Neagh on the banks of the south shore at Oxford Island in north Armagh. A freshwater lake, it is the largest lake on the island of Ireland and in the British Isles. It also supplies 40% of our drinking water. Photo: Carmel Robinson
3. Portadown is steeped in history
Portadown is a great market town steeped in history. It earned its nickname 'the hub of the north' due to its long association with the railway industry. It has a great night life with plenty of bars such as the iconic McConville's Bar and Bennett's. The Seagoe Hotel is a top spot with fabulous food and cracker entertainment. Portadown has a strong sense of community and faith. Despite divisions of the past communities work together to help each other in times of crisis, which was very much highlighted during the recent Pandemic and the flooding crisis. The town also has a great affiliation with the arts with the Town Hall featuring many fabulous productions and superb exhibitions and events at the Millennium Arts Centre. While many of the iconic firms and traders of the past have gone, there remains a vibrant business community from the revamped Mayfair Business Centre to Deluxe Art and Theme Ltd employing thousands in our community. Photo: NI World
4. We are a sociable, friendly people in north Armagh
There are 3 benches in North Street, Lurgan and invariably at least one if not all are occupied by locals having a natter or sitting enjoying the world pass by. For some of our older residents it was a favourite spot to catch up with friends. Similarly there are benches in Lurgan Park and Lord Lurgan Memorial Park often occupied by friends catching up. Our parks, cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels as well as our social clubs and sports clubs are always great places to meet up with family and friends. It's hard to walk along the streets of Lurgan and not bump into someone you know and have a friendly chat. Photo: Google