Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

VICTIM OF RECENT ASSAULT THANKS LOCAL PEOPLE AND LOOKS FORWARD TO RETURN

Published: 17 November, 2008

The visitor from the USA, who recently was injured in a incident in Crossmaglen resulting in the man ending his vacation to the area prematurely has stated that he is deeply touched by the amount of concern he has received from "many kind people in the area" regarding as what he describes "his misfortune". The man from Florida contacted local Councillor Terry Hearty and explained that leaving the area after the incident which involved two young men was the last thing he wanted to do, but because he had no travellers insurance and his knee was swelling and causing him pain, he went home to be treated in his local hospital. "He tells me he is healing fine and shortly will get his knee brace removed" said Terry who continued, "In his communication to me he speaks highly of the south Armagh area and its people. He told me "I know South Armagh has much to offer regarding tourism, with its stunning scenery and world-class fishing. But without question, its greatest resource is its people. They are very special. I am fully aware how hard folks have worked to shed the stigma from years of unfair publicity. There is no negativity on this end Sir, and I merely told friends & family that I took a fall. I did not want them to unnecessarily worry about my retuning to the area, which was precisely my intention". He has also informed me that he has booked his flights and will be returning to the area early next year. I am sure there are many including myself who are looking forward to meeting him and thanking him for his kind and supporting words despite his unfortunate experience". The Sinn Féin elected representative concluded by reaffirming the good wishes of all from the area for this man and he thanked him for his kind words about south Armagh and its people.

For your Information-Extracts from message to Cllr Terry Hearty

Hello Mr. Hearty, Robert here from Florida.

Thank you so much for contacting me Sir, I cannot possibly relay how deeply touched I've been over the amount of concern I have received, from the many kind people in the area regarding my misfortune.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you, leaving was the last thing I intended to do. I didn't want to give the 2 young men involved the satisfaction of disrupting my vacation or bullying me out of the area. Once the shock wore off, my knee was swelling and causing me pain. I am not an EU resident and had no travelers insurance, so I went home to be treated at my local Veterans hospital. I'm healing fine and get my knee-brace off in a couple weeks.

I know South Armagh has much to offer regarding tourism, with its stunning scenery and world-class fishing. But without question, its greatest resource are its people. They are very special. I am fully aware how hard folks have worked to shed the stigma from years of unfair publicity. There is no negativity on this end Sir, and I merely told friends & family that I took a fall. I did not want them to unnecessarily worry about my retuning to the area, which was precisely my intention. I booked my flights and stay at the Crossmaglen Hotel for early January yesterday and can't wait.

In closing, I am not an expert on Irish history, though I have made it a point to learn what I can. I am aware of your organization Sinn Feinn, and have the deepest admiration and respect for you folks. God bless you for being true champions of your people, and for being the guiding light to peace. It's a shame the parasitic world media is only interested in reporting misery and mayhem, rather than hope, peace and progress.

Sincerely, Robert (full name with held by terry Hearty)