Review of the Year July

Surge in calls for domestic violence help

The number of female domestic violence victims coming forward to seek help in counties Cavan and Monaghan had increased by 15% since the end of lockdown.

The revelation came as plans to provide a dedicated refuge in the constituency took a step forward. At the time, there were no refuge spaces for victims in the two counties despite repeated calls and a number of high-profile incidents.

Spokesperson for the Tearmann Domestic Abuse Services, Siobhan McKenna, told the Celt that, in the first six months of 2022, the service received calls from 205 women experiencing domestic abuse.

Representatives from Safe Ireland, Tearmann Domestic Violence Services, Cavan County Council, Monaghan County Council, Tusla, local gardaí, politicians and the Department of Housing were working to identify a suitable site for a refuge in Cavan or Monaghan before the end of the year.

Family demand more mental health supports

A verdict of ‘death by suicide’ was recorded at the inquest of a Cavan teenager. Eden Ray Heaslip, of Killynanum, Carrickaboy, ended his life just two weeks after his 18th birthday, on September 20, 2021.

At the inquest into his death, his family asked that a confidential helpline be established to assist others in reaching out before it’s too late. “We request that a confidential phone line be created to cater for both children and adults, operated by trained professionals, in each HSE provincial office,” said Eden’s sister Chloe, who added that mental health supports are “overwhelmed” at present.

At risk of homelessness

A Mullagh cancer patient was at risk of homelessness due to a delay connecting water to his new home.

Peter Brennan was offered a council house in March of this year but, as of mid July, had yet to receive a lease or move in date.

“It’s a horrible situation for myself. I have a heart condition and it’s quite serious and I’m also getting treatment at the moment for cancer,” says Peter. Unfortunately, under the impression he would be moving into his new home in May, Peter ended his tenancy agreement.

“I’m now dependent on the landlord’s good will... I’ve no peace of mind at all. I’ve been told to avoid stress and I’ve tried to avoid it but I find this situation very stressful.”

Peter’s house was one of four homes built by the Mullagh Housing Association in partnership with Cavan County Council. The houses were awaiting connection by Irish Water.

It's understood Peter eventually moved into his new home in October once the issue was resolved.

Tractor run in Killian’s name

The family of a Crosserlough teen, Killian Casey, who lost his life tragically following a swimming accident in Lough Sheelin in July 2021, staged a tractor and vehicle run in his memory.

The event was organised to mark the first anniversary of his tragic death and to raise funds for Temple Street Hospital’s ICU and the air ambulance service - both of which played vital roles in attempting to save young Killian’s life.

“Killian was all about being good. He always wanted to help everyone. So, in this way, he’s still helping,” said his mum Fiona.

Tributes to much loved Cootehill girl

There was shock at the sudden passing of Amélie McCormack in Cootehill. The 11-year-old girl had Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain.

A degenerative syndrome, her condition deteriorated over the course of her short life.

MONTH IN NUMBERS

30.5

The temperature in degrees Celsius recorded at Ballyhaise on Monday, July 18, the highest since records began

GOOD MONTH

• Despite already being at record levels, Lakeland Dairies announced the price for June milk supplies at 55.1 cent/litre

• Annalee AC athlete, Cormac Crotty, was selected to represent Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in Slovakia

• Competitors from across the county scored more than 60 Ulster medals between them at the Ulster Fleadh in Dromore, Co Tyrone

• Phase three of the Ulster Canal Restoration Project was given the green light with €40 million in funding approved

BAD MONTH

• Almost 2,200 customers in the Cootehill area were slapped with a ‘Do Not Consume Notice’ on their Public Water Supply Scheme due to elevated levels of manganese in the water

• Suicide rates in Cavan remained almost twice the national average, although they had dropped over the previous five years, the July meeting of Cavan County Council heard

• Investigations were ongoing following a fish kill in the Ballinagh River. Inland Fisheries Ireland estimated that in excess of 150 fish were killed in the incident, including brown trout, stickleback and minnow