Ballybay Monaghan Ireland

Gerry Mc Elroy's latest fundraiser in aid of the of St. Anne’s and St. Mary’s Comfort Funds has raised over €5000. On Thursday last Gerry presented cheques to the value of €2750 to each of the units. The money was raised through the proceeds of the re-opening night and donations made by Gerry's customers. Gerry had planned to wind down the fundraiser however people are still wanting to make donations. These can be made at the local credit union in Ballybay. The fundraising account details are IBAN: IE63BLEN99224100685906 - BIC: BLENIE21XXX. Speaking to the Ballybay News Gerry said, "I am delighted on behalf of myself and the family and the staff of the Take Away and Veg factory to be able to present a small token to the comfort funds at the nursing homes in Ballybay and Castleblayney. Without the generosity and continued support of the people of Ballybay and surrounding areas this would not have been possible. So once again thank you most sincerely".

Due to the coronavirus the Sacrament of Confirmation was not celebrated in the Diocese of Clogher this spring. New arrangements for the celebration of Confirmation will be put in place once the pandemic has passed. In the short term, Bishop Larry Duffy along for Fr. Stephen Joyce who was a priest in the parish, invite all Confirmation girls and boys, their parents and school community to join in an ONLINE end of school year mass from St. Joseph’s, Monaghan this evening Thursday 28th May at 8pm. The webcam link is https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-josephs-church-park-street-monaghan

On Monday last Latton postman Kieran Black celebrated his 60th Birthday. Due to the corona virus it is not possible to celebrate with a party however the Latton community did not forget his big Birthday and he received many well wishes as he delivered his post.

First Holy Communion in the parish should have taken place last Saturday however due to the coronavirus pandemic it has been postponed. Since last October the boys and girls under the guidance of Miss Mc Dermott had been preparing for the sacrament. A new arrangement will be made once the pandemic has passed.

This appeal (Trocaire Box/Purple Envelope) will run until the end of May. Understandably the Trocaire Lenten Campaign this year has been very badly hit by the Covid 19 pandemic and Bishop Larry is asking people across the diocese including those in our own parish to return the purple envelope and to do so before the end of May. Donations to Trocaire can also be made online.

The Irish Chaplaincy in London is offering support to anyone in Ireland with concerns about older family members or friends living in London at this challenging time. The Chaplaincy can make direct contact with vulnerable older Irish living but isolated in London. The Chaplaincy is also a link to services and community groups on the ground local to where a person is living in London. This service is free so if you have a family member or friend in London that you have concerns about you can either email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0044 20 7482 3274.

Donations are still coming in for Gerry Mc Elroy’s fund raiser in aid of St. Anne’s and St. Mary’s Comfort Funds. Gerry, his Family and the staff were overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown to date for these worthy causes. Gerry cannot give a final figure at this time as donations are still coming in. If anyone didn’t get a chance to donate and would like to its not too late. You can do so in the Credit Union or online to a special designated Credit Union account. The details of this account are: IBAN: IE63BLEN99224100685906 - BIC: BLENIE21XXX.

The Library can deliver books to anyone who is cocooning or self-isolating. This service is free and you do not need to be a member. The demand for this service has been very high and as a result the Library Service have decided to take calls directly through selected Libraries rather than asking you to go through the Community Support Helpline. Those in the Ballybay Area should contact 047 74712 to avail of the service. You can also email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Don't forget, this service is for ANYONE who is Cocooning or in Self Isolation - whether you are a Library Member or not! Library staff will be available to take delivery requests from Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm. Please have your Eircode available.