R.O.S.A. (Regeneration of South Armagh), based at Crossmaglen, has been the driving-force behind the transformation of this neglected and much-maligned region into a thriving centre of economic and social development, as well as tourism.

Indeed, a tremendous amount has been achieved over the past 20 years, since that enterprising group of pioneers was established, under the leadership of Tom McKay. Enlisting the support of the various communities, they embarked on an impressive list of important projects.

A prime example of ROSA�s success has been the town of Crossmaglen, which has come on in leaps and bounds since the Peace Process. There is a buzz about the place, - and not just due to the club and county GAA triumphs! Business life is thriving, with increased employment and more shopping facilities, while the tourism industry has great potential.

A recent achievement has been that the South Armagh Tourism Initiative, an off-shoot of ROSA, gained a major share in a �15 million grant from government and the European Union. This is designed for �tourist-related projects, in disadvantaged areas of outstanding national beauty.�

And the tourist body was also short-listed for an award in the prestigious 25th anniversary N. Ireland Tourist Board, along with Belfast, Derry and the Causeway Coast and Glens. The Tourism Initiative, launched in 1995, has successfully engaged with the local community and tourism sector to highlight the benefits, which can be brought to the region.

Their investment in a wide range of projects, such as accommodation, walking and cycling development, signage, promotional material and guides on archaeology, Celtic and Christian heritage and activities, etc, has been considered very successful.

Meanwhile, the Wider Horizons project, with its `Building Bridges� programme, has enabled young people, Catholics and Protestants, to travel to the United States, where they join in voluntary service, such as building houses for the homeless. Some gain experience and expertise with the most famous companies in America. This initiative has involved Newry and Mourne district council, the Armagh/Down Partnership, as well as the Newry Institute for Higher Education.

The general goodwill towards the regeneration of South Armagh was obvious at the launch of the crucial Mackey Report. This was attended by Cardinal Cahal Daly; the United States Consul-General; the Irish Minister of Health, now Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O�Hanlon, a native of Mullabawn; Seamus Mallon, M.P., as well as council chairmen from north and south.

Attracting ex-patriates to invest in South Armagh, encouraging inward investment, promoting new technology, as well as researching the crafts, skills and education base in the region, and also setting up relevant training programmes, were among the targets set.

Referring to negative claims in newspapers, on radio and television about the area as `Bandit Country,� the Mackey Report stated: �It seems the media simply emphasises the bad, rather than underlining the positive.�

Cardinal Daly summed up the attitude of ROSA: �It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness. They are not just a protest group, but are prepare to roll up their sleeves, and do something to change the situation. South Armagh has suffered many decades of neglect, and it is time that something was done about it.

�The idea of ROSA is an idea whose time has come. They deserve the full co-operation of the people, as well as the support of government, voluntary and statutory agencies,� the former All-Ireland Primate added.

However, ROSA chairman, Tom McKay, warned that �there will be no overnight success. Whatever is achieved will be a result of hard graft and perseverance. We have seen how, on the rising tide of economic optimism, the whole community of South Armagh, individually and collectively, can only benefit from a realistic plan.

�For far too long, we have been fobbed off, neglected by the Industrial Development Board, with the excuse that we are on the periphery. But, with the advances in new technology such as back-office, we are ideally equipped, - such industries do not require major investment.

�We have not benefited from the Peace Process. While we have been sitting on the border, within the sound of the Celtic Tiger, nearby towns like Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and Dundalk have been prospering.�

Pointing to the economic and tourist potential of the region, Mr McKay referred to the development of the hospitality sector, including chalets at Creggan, guest inn developments at Crossmaglen, the Ti Cuchulainn culture and heritage centre, and the Slieve Gullion courtyard complex, etc. Business parks at Crossmaglen, Bessbrook and other locations have also provided valuable employment.

A major Reconciliation Centre has been established at historic Creggan, while the O Fiaich Heritage Centre at Cullyhanna �not only commemorates the life of the popular prelate, but explores the wealth of tradition in the locality. The village also has a workspace complex and golf-course.

Tom McKay declared: �We are ready for a future upsurge in tourism, and will be strongly marketing the region. But there is a need for capital investment, with an input from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, etc.,� he added, quoting the late Cardinal O Fiaich: �There is no area so scenically beautiful as South Armagh. It would be a tragedy if it were not exploited to the full.�

Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1991, the South Armagh region, and the Crossmaglen area in particular, has had to endure its description by Secretary of State, Merlyn Rees in 1973 as �bandit country.� From the ROSA offices at Cardinal O Fiaich Square, Tom McKay, secretary Gerry Murray and the team have played a key role in wiping out that image.

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