Ballybay Monaghan Ireland

Local man Joe Sullivan is a man of many talents, one being a DJ. Every year Joe puts on a free disco in the Ballybay Inn and donates the proceeds to charity. Joe lives in Lusk and to lighten the mood in these unprecedented times the bold Joe is entertaining all in his estate with a Disco being played from his balcony every night. Joe’s started on St. Patrick’s Day and such was the success he repeated it on Sunday for Mother’s Day. On Monday night last Joe held an 80’s night and plans to play every night until the Corona Virus crisis is over. Joe’s disco’s can be seen on his facebook page which are full of requests and positive comments. As Leo Varadkar says not all heroes wear capes – good man Joe – keep her lit.

Due to the outbreak of the Corona Virus there will be no Church service in Christ Church until further notice.

Every year a number of parishioners from the Tullycorbet parish visit Lourdes as part of the annual Clogher Pilgrimage. Sadly this year’s has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

Ballybay quiz king Stephen Duffy is offering his quiz books free of charge to anyone who would like to avail of them during these times when all the children are off school. The books are available in Smyth’s Newsagents, Bill’s Butchers, Drury’s Centra and other local shops. If any Ballybay natives who are living abroad and would like a free PDF version of Stephen’s quiz book 'Let's Quiz' you can email him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will forward it on to you. With everyone in the same boat and being stuck in the house a fun family quiz is an ideal way to help pass the time.

In response to the COVID 19 outbreak Ballybay Post Office have implemented a few changes.
OPENING HOURS
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
If possible the Post Office would appreciate if only state pension could be collected during 8am-12pm all other business can be carried out after 12pm Saturday 8am - 12.00pm Mon - Thursday 9.00am - 5:30pm It has been agreed with DEASP to suspend the use of the signature pad to minimise contact. DEASP have indicated all payments will be double payments week commencing 23 March. In the case where a permanent agent is unable to collect their payment it is acceptable to authorise a temporary agent for the period of the COVID19 emergency measures. Both the temporary agents & emergency COVID19 payment forms available at the counter. The Post Office respectfully ask you not to bring children to the Post Office if possible, to use the hand sanitiser provided and to please keep 2m distance from others. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us either by Facebook or tel 0429741000.

Tullycorbet CCE tin whistle teacher Francis has an online classroom up and running and details have been given to existing pupils. There are three different levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced. Anyone who may want their children to learn Tin Whistle over the coming period of COVID-19 can contact Francis at 087 2395396.

All masses in the parish are cancelled until 29th March however the three Catholic Churches in the parish will remain open to allow people who want to pray to do so. Remember to adhere to the 2m rule. The usual Sunday newsletter/bulletin will still be available in the porches of Ballybay, Ballintra and Tullycorbet churches. Online & radio celebrations of Mass & other links are available at www.clogherdiocese.ie
For those who do not have access to the internet there will be Mass at 10am on Shannonside-Northern Sound, broadcast from St. Mel’s Cathedral Longford.

Ballybay Chamber of Commerce have updated their facebook page with the following message “Just a follow up to our post last week. The offer of help to those in need such as having groceries delivered, coal brought in etc, extends to ALL the local area. This is not confined to the town, all local townlands and villages, are included. We are aware of the many people abroad or elsewhere in Ireland that have family or friends that may need a little assistance in these trying times. Please let them know we can help them.
We also wish to thank the many people who phoned, Emailed or messaged us with offers of help, thank you for your genuine offers, For more information contact Therese Hamilton 087 6853316 or Rory Mc Atavie 087 7687248”

Monaghan Sports Partnership are delighted to announce Men On The Move is coming to Ballybay. Are you or do you know someone who is male aged 30 plus, who would like to shed a few pounds &/or feel fitter, who wants to improve overall health and well-being and who would like to join a beginner exercise group? Well here’s your opportunity!!Men on the Move is a 6-week beginners physical activity programme aimed at adult men to become more active, have fun and improve their fitness levels through twice weekly activity sessions. The programme offers men the chance to take part in structured exercise sessions to improve their fitness levels, flexibility and core strength! No fitness level required... just a willingness to try!! The cost of the 6-week programme is €20 per participant. Contact the Monaghan Sports Partnership office on 042-9755126 for more information and booking.