Thanks to all who contributed to the recent collection for Emigrants. It amounted to €1090.

The AGM of the Ballybay Outdoor Bowling Club took place on 25th March in the Bowling Pavillion. There was a good attendance of members and all were delighted at the upgrade of the bowling green which was needed after 13 years of use. The Chairman Uel Gamble was in charge of proceedings and thanked all the members for all their help during the year. There was also much praise for all the teams that participated in the various competitions which also included our team which won the Border Counties League in 2018.
The minutes of the last AGM was read and approved. Both secretary and treasurer gave their reports and all was in agreement that it was good to see our financial situation in a healthy state after spending almost €18000 on the new underlay and improvements to the green. After the chairman’s report we had the election of officers for the coming year. President Malachy Mc Skane. Chairman Uel Gamble who agreed to take the chair for another year but said it should rotate at least every 2 years. Vice Chairman – Brendan Magennis. Secretary – Cora Smyth. Assistant Secretary – Philip Gibson. Treasurer – Benny Smyth. Assistant Treasurer – Bertie Latimer. PRO – Benny Smyth. The selection committee who meet every Monday at 7pm is George Berry, Malachy Mc Skane, Seamus Winters and Benny Smyth. It was agreed under AOB that we will have much the same programme of events as last year and its good to see more local teams entering the league. At the moment we have 16 teams entered which will be played in 2 sections. The draw will be made this week and distributed in the coming days as we hope to start the games on the final week in April. In the chairman’s closing remarks he thanked all the members for all they done for the club and hoped that there will be lots of new members joining in the coming season.

There will be a pop-up charity shop in Toners old shop beside the Bank of Ireland this weekend. All proceeds from the sales will be distributed to a number of charities. Items on sale include jewelery, glass items, antiques, curtains, china, clothes and lots more. The shop will be open on Friday and Saturday and it’s a case of first come first served so the advice is get into the shop on Friday if you are after a bargain.

Ballybay Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Civic Reception at 7pm on Thursday 11th April for the All Ireland winning Ballybay Community College team and Special Olympian Jamie Hughes. Guest of honour on the night will be county team manager Malachy O Rourke. This event is supported by Monaghan County Council and is free to everyone.

The Parish of Tullycorbett and surrounding areas wish to acknowledge and give thanks for the years of service given by the “Ballybay Nuns” over many decades. With changes in the ownership and administration of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, it was felt that this is an opportune time to thank the Daughters of Our Lady of the Scared Heart for their sterling commitment. To mark the occasion, our new bishop, Larry Duffy, will be the chief celebrant of a mass of Thanksgiving in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballybay on Saturday next 6th April at 11-30am. After the Mass refreshments will be served in Cuan Mhuire.

Last Saturday was a very proud day for the Ballybay Community College senior football team as they won an All-Ireland title and the Edmund Ignatius Rice Cup. Massive congratulations are due to the players and management for such a wonderful achievement. There is a full match report in the sports pages. Ballybay Chamber of Commerce are one of the many groups in the town and surrounding areas who would like to congratulate the team on their amazing success. The chamber plan to have a civic reception for the team in the very near future.
Paul Mc Aviney of the Ballybay and its People facebbok page has asked if everyone could all please send a message by the good old postal service and congratulate the team and the school on this very very special occasion. On the page Paul said, “Let's all commit to spending more than 3 seconds sending an electronic message and instead LETS ALL SEND A CARD OR A LETTER TO TELL THEM ALL HOW PROUD WE ARE OF THEM. Just address it to 'The All Ireland Champions, Ballybay Community College, Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland”.
Frankie Wright who spent a number of years in Ballybay and is himself a former Pearse Brothers player was so delighted with the success that he has invited the team to Lilliput Adventure Centre for an overnight on us in recognition of their amazing success.

Local man Eamon Gorman recently celebrated his 80th Birthday. Eamon donated the money he received for his Birthday to the local Lourdes Invalid Fund which this year will be sending 8 people from the parish to Lourdes. Good man Eamon and many happy returns.

Mackey Smyth, who celebrated his 70th birthday last Friday night in Lynch’s of Lisnalong and combined it with a Charity Fundraiser for local charities wishes to say a huge thank you to all those who supported the event either by attending or sending contributions, and by so doing made it such a resounding success. Thanks to Mick McCormick who provided the music and to Kathleen & Paddy for the food. Thanks also to the Northern Standard and local social media platforms for the publicity. Benefitting charities will include Ballybay Cancer Society, Five for the Fight-Cancer Research, Cystic Fibrosis and Loughmourne National School’s Autism Unit. It is gratifying to know that these great organisations will benefit as a result of your remarkable generosity. Anyone who would like to make a donation can still do so by contacting any of the Smyth family.

A church gate collection weekend in aid of UNICEF for The Syrian and Yemen appeal will take place on the 13th and 14th of April at all masses in the parish.
We appreciate your support to bring aid to the innocent victims caught up in the conflict of war, injustice, hunger and division. We continue to thank you for your kindness and generosity. God Bless.

The next Social Day takes place in Cuan Mhuire on Friday 12th April from 11am until 2pm.

The Aughnamullen crochet and knitting group have been asked to knit of crochet Easter gifts for the Children’s Oncology Unit in Drogheda Hospital. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Pamela Sheridan or Mary Duffy (shop) on 087 2043187.

An open invitation has been issued to an open evening and talk on Freemasonry in Ballybay and surrounding areas from 1723 to 2019. This introduction to the world’s oldest fraternity and its contribution to the history of Ballybay will take place in Ballybay Masonic Hall on Friday 12th April. The evening will commence with an ‘open door’ to the Masonic Hall at 6pm with a tour of the historic building and a display of items connected with the local lodge. This will be followed by a talk at 8pm from guest speaker Eugene Markey – Provincial Archivist Province of Meath. Admission is free however if you would like to make a donation it in turn will be given to Ballybay Cancer Society

Hi everyone the gang are getting their act together to dazzle you with the comedy caper that is 'A room with a Queue!' By Grainne Jordan.
Rehearsals are in full swing and time is a ticking away!! Grab the diary and save the date with a choice of three nights to come along and enjoy this wonderfully written play! April 4th, 5th and 7th at 8pm in Ballybay Pearse Bros Centre. We promise music...madness..and most definitely lots a laughter!!
See you there!!

As part of National Spring Clean week Ballybay Tidy Towns committee is organising ‘Ballybay Spring Clean’ on Saturday 13th April 2019 (please note the new date). Anyone who can spare an hour or two is asked to be in the Square at 10am. Speaking to the Ballybay News Committee Chairman Martin Gleeson said, “Please come out and help and make YOUR town more presentable. There's too many people complaining about the condition of the town and doing nothing about it. This is your opportunity to make a difference”.

Councillor Seamus Coyle wants to remind everyone that if you are over 18 you have a right to vote. Speaking to the Ballybay News the Latton based Councillor said, “If you are 18 years old on the date of polling in any election or referendum, you are entitled to vote, but only if you are on the Electoral Register in the area, where you normally reside. To check if you are registered to vote you can phone Monaghan County Council on 047-30551 or check Online at www.monaghan.ie”.
Local and European Elections Take place on Friday 24th May 2019, so if you are aged 18 years on or before that date, you can be added to the Supplementary Register up on till 5pm on Tuesday 7th May 2019. For those wishing to get a Postal Vote, the closing date is 5pm on Monday 22nd April 2019.Your Vote is Your Right.

The organising committee of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade were delighted with the large attendance and would like to thank all the locals who continue to turn out in big numbers to support the parade. They would also like to thank the following for their help and support: Rory Mc Atavie, Stephen Duffy, Gerry west, Michael Keenan, Michael Murnane, Dolores Maguire, Gary Mc Guirk, Aughnamullen Pipe Band, Ballybay Garda, Employees of Monaghan County Council, everyone who participated and all of the local businesses who contributed towards the parade costs. The winner of the best float (€200) was Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre and the runner up (€100) was Bluebells.

Tullycorbett Drama Group will present a 3-Act comedy entitled ‘Wigs on the Green’ in Tullycorbett Community Centre on Friday 29th and Sunday 31st March and again on Friday 5th and Sunday 7th April. the curtain goes up each night at 8pm.

Mackey Smyth from Anney will celebrate his 70th birthday on Friday 22nd March. He is combining it with a Charity Fundraiser for local charities. It’s all taking place in Lynch’s Pub, Lisnalong tomorrow night. Proceedings get underway at 9.30 and music will be provided by the great Mick McCormick. Benefitting charities include: Ballybay Cancer Society, Five for the Fight-Cancer Research, Cystic Fibrosis and Loughmourne National School’s Autism Unit. Everyone is welcome. Why not come along and enjoy the craic! No presents or cards please. Donations on the night go to these fantastic organisations who do amazing work and deserve our support.

A three- day Easter camp for 8 to 14 year olds will be held between the 16th and 18th April at Breakthrough Performance at Pearse Park Ballybay. During the three days participants will have the opportunity to take part in GAA, Aussie Rules, soccer, rounders, Olympic handball, American Football and basketball. Further information is available from Dessie at 086 3764114 or Barry at 087 2238579.

The vestry members of Christ church Ballybay would like to thank sincerely each and everyone of you for your very kind donations towards the resurfacing of our driveway. It is greatly appreciated - without your support it would not be possible to carry out the work so thank you!
Our Community youth Club takes place this Saturday evening at 6pm in Christ Church Hall. All national school children are very welcome to come along and join in the fun, lots of games, arts and crafts and refreshments on the night, Parents are very welcome to stay and have a cup of tea or coffee and a catch up. Hope to see you all there.

On the outdoor front we hope to open the green for the new season on Monday 25th March. The outdoor club has been invited to Fivemiletown on Saturday 27th April to play a select team in the Vincent Cup. This cup is played for each year so you can put your name on the time sheet in the Pavilion. Another date for your diaries is Monday 25th March when we hold the AGM in the club house at 8pm. Some of the committee members will be making contact with the teams that play in our competitions last year to make them aware of the dates for the coming season.

Rockcorry National School invite you to an evening Flower Arranging Demonstration by Monaghan Flower & Garden Club on Thursday 28th March @ 7:30pm in Rockcorry Church of Ireland National School. Tickets €10 available in the school now or pay in on the door.

Yes folks it's full steam ahead rehearsals for the upcoming comedy caper '
A room with a Queue!' By Grainne Jordan. Ballybay Drama Group will adorn the stage with this wonderfully written play on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Sunday 7th of April in the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Centre at 8pm!
Do come along and enjoy this class nights entertainment! We look forward to yee all showing up for the showdown!!

Ballybay Pearse Brothers would like to pass on their sympathies to the Mc Cabe and Boyle families on their recent bereavements. Michael Houghton passed away suddenly in Leeds on Saturday last and is a brother of Cathy Mc Cabe, Knocknamaddy. Details of his funeral will be released in the near future. Margaret Boyle (Loch Mor Avenue) died on St. Patrick’s Day and was the mother of former player Joey Boyle. Margaret’s funeral mass was held yesterday in St. Patrick’s and she was buried in the adjoining cemetery afterwards. May both Michael and Margaret rest in peace.

CLÁR is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in areas that experience disadvantage at Schools /Community Facilities. CLÁR 2019 includes new measures to support rural communities. Measures 1, 2 and 3(c) will be managed by Monaghan County Council and Measure 3 (a) & (b) will be managed directly by the Department of Rural and Community Development – See docs. below for further details:

CLÁR Guidelines

CLÁR List of DEDs - PDF

Clár Map - PDF

CLÁR FUNDING SCHEME 2019

Measure 1 Application Form

Measure 2 Application Form

Measure 3c Application Form

The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has announced funding for the repair and upgrade of local or regional public roads under The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) 2018.

Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) are joint ventures between the community and Monaghan County Council, aimed at improving the quality of public roads which are in need of repair.

A 15% percent contribution by the public is required towards the total cost of the works.

Eligible works include surface dressing, road strengthening and ancillary works.

Completed application forms are to be submitted to the Roads Section, Monaghan County Council, M- TEK II, Armagh Road, Monaghan by Friday 4th January 2019.

Community Involvement Scheme Application Form 2019

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Sunday next 17th March at 5pm. Floats, community groups and others participating in the parade should assemble at Gerry Traynor’s shop. The organising committee would very much appreciate it if local businesses would erect some bunting and flags. Aughnamullen Pipe Band will once again lead the parade. Anyone seeking further information should contact Therese at 0876853316.

The Aughnamullen crochet and knitting group have been asked to knit of crochet Easter gifts for the Children’s Oncology Unit in Drogheda Hospital. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Pamela Sheridan or Mary Duffy (shop) on 087 2043187.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers are having a ‘Race Night’ in Stookies Bar on Saturday next 16th March. The first race is off at 9pm. Should be a great night’s craic and everybody welcome.

Congratulations to the under 13 Indoor Soccer Team who won their first game of the competition. They beat Donaghamoyne and will soon be playing against other local teams within Co Monaghan. The team managed by Martin Sheridan and Peter Ward are Eoin Brady, Eanna Curran, Simon Du Plessis, Stephen Duffy, Jerome Lavelle, Martin Quinn, Eoin Sheridan and Sean Ward..We wish them good luck in their next match.
Upcoming Activities.
Entries for Quiz, closing date is 15th March.
Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays and Marathon, closing date is 23rd March.
Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer and Spikeball, closing date is 5th April.
Athletics and Cycling closing date is 24th May.
Contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110

The Ballybay Indoor Bowling Club held their last club night of the season on Monday last when Chairperson Angela Rutledge thanked all those that competed in the various competitions during the year. We had two teams in the Monaghan Zone League but there was no change in their standings in the league. Angela lead by example when she won along with Cora Smyth and Rose Hughes, the ladies triples and now go to Shaws Bridge, Belfast on Saturday to compete in the Northern Section. The entire bowling fraternity wish them good luck and hope they come back with the silverware.
On the outdoor front we hope to open the green for the new season on Monday 25th March. The outdoor club has been invited to Fivemiletown on Saturday 27th April to play a select team in the Vincent Cup. This cup is played for each year so you can put your name on the time sheet in the Pavilion. Another date for your diaries is Monday 25th March when we hold the AGM in the club house at 8pm. Some of the committee members will be making contact with the teams that play in our competitions last year to make them aware of the dates for the coming season.

Rockcorry National School invite you to an evening Flower Arranging Demonstration by Monaghan Flower & Garden Club on Thursday 28th March @ 7:30pm in Rockcorry Church of Ireland National School. Tickets €10 available in the school now or pay in on the door.

Yes folks it's full steam ahead rehearsals for the upcoming comedy caper '

A room with a Queue!' By Grainne Jordan. Ballybay Drama Group will adorn the stage with this wonderfully written play on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Sunday 7th of April in the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Centre at 8pm!
Do come along and enjoy this class nights entertainment! We look forward to yee all showing up for the showdown!!

As part of National Spring Clean week Ballybay Tidy Towns committee is organising ‘Ballybay Spring Clean’ on Saturday 6th April 2019. Anyone who can spare an hour or two is asked to be in the Square at 10am. Speaking to the Ballybay News Committee Chairman Martin Gleeson said, “Please come out and help and make YOUR town more presentable. There's too many people complaining about the condition of the town and doing nothing about it. This is your opportunity to make a difference”.

Monaghan Local Community Development Committee will be asking local communities to come up with ideas for events in their areas. Events can be centred around food, sport, the environment or health and culture.

The event is a celebration of the great spirit of community that exists across the country and an effort to help people who share communities to come together, get to know each other and deepen the sense of community in their area.

Events will take place over the May Holiday weekend of 4th to 6th May 2019. The success of this initiative will lie in having local communities come together to plan events that will work best for their area. This celebration belongs to everyone.

We will not tell communities what they should do, events will be very much driven by communities. These could include themes around sport, history, baking, anything that will help neighbours to come together.

The event is a chance for people to foster a sense of helping each other by coming together, not just on that day, but hopefully all year round. It’s the chance for everyone to get to know all members of their community, to reconnect with neighbours and have a celebration together that is open, inclusive and local.

Applications for funding to support local events is now open and will close on Monday 1st April at 5pm

Guidelines for Applicatants PDF >>

National Community Application Form Word Doc. >>

Massive congratulations to the Community College U19 team who have reached the Rice Cup All Ireland final. On Saturday last at a rain swept Clooneen, Co. Roscommon the local lads defeated Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiarain 1-8 to 1-6. In the final which takes place on 23rd March they will play Boherbue Comprehensive School. The side are captained by Latton’s Aaron Mulligan who is also the sides top scorer. /www.sportsjoe.ie has a great article on Aaron under the heading - Young Monaghan hotshot definitely meant it. Full match report is available on the sports pages.

The Parish of Tullycorbet and surrounding areas wish to acknowledge and give thanks for the years of service given by the “Ballybay Nuns” over many decades. With changes to the ownership and administration of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, it was felt that this is an opportune time to thank the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for their sterling commitment. To mark the occasion, the new Bishop, Bishop Larry Duffy, will be the chief celebrant of a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballybay, on Saturday 6th April at 11-30am.

Ballybay Central School warmly invite you to a Table Quiz on Friday 8th March at 8pm in Derryvalley Hall. Adult €10 and Children €5. A night for all the family, with spot prizes and a light supper being served.

Local girl Keva Morgan is hosting a bric a brac sale and coffee morning on Saturday 16th March at 11am in Church Street Hall. Keva is raising money as part of a trip to South Africa where she will spend time teaching and volunteering. Keva would like to thank everyone who has donated already and would love to hear from anyone who has unwanted items that they are prepared to donate for her sale.

Local lady Pauline Duffy will officially take over as the librarian in Ballybay on 22nd March. Pauline has a wealth of experience having spent 17 years in the library in Castleblayney. Her many friends in Ballybay would like to wish her all the best in her new role.

Fr. Ruben of the Comboni Missionaries has written to thank the parish for allowing him to speak recently about his work and to make an appeal for funds to help with their work. The amount collected at masses in Tullycorbett and the vigil mass in Latton amounted to €2, 955. Fr. Ruben was delighted with this amount and has asked that his thanks be passed on to everyone who contributed.

The outdoor club has been invited to Fivemiletown on Saturday 27th April to play a select team in the Vincent Cup. This cup is played for each year so you can put your name on the time sheet in the Pavilion. Another date for your diaries is Monday 25th March when we hold the AGM in the club house at 8pm. Some of the committee members will be making contact with the teams that play in our competitions last year to make them aware of the dates for the coming season.

Upcoming Activities
Entries for Choir, Culture corner, Gymnastics, Talent (Group Music / Singing / Dance or Drama, Solo Dance / Music / Recitation or Singing, closing is date 8th March.
Entries for Quiz, closing date is 15th March.
Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays and Marathon, closing date is 23rd March.
Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer and Spikeball, closing date is 5th April.
Athletics and Cycling closing date is 24th May.
Contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110.

Parents interested in enrolling their child in our school for Sept ‘19 are invited to attend an Open Day on Tuesday 12th March from 1 – 3pm. Application forms and a copy of our school prospectus will be available on the day. Bring a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and PPS number. Please contact the Principal, Mrs Julie Coalter, on 042-9742554 if you have any further queries. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Rockcorry National School invite you to an evening Flower Arranging Demonstration by Monaghan Flower & Garden Club on Thursday 28th March @ 7:30pm in Rockcorry Church of Ireland National School. Tickets €10 available in the school now or pay in on the door.

A draft map will be on display this week in all the parish churches, showing the map of the graveyard and the names listed in alphabetical order, showing the surname, first name, address, month and year of death and age at time of death together with the plot number.

Correction sheets are provided for parishioners to come forward with any local information on unmarked graves and plots where names may not be included on headstones. Also to correct any mis-spellings & errors in transcription of headstones.
Please view the maps in the following churches St. Mary’s Latton, St. Patrick’s Bawn, Christ Church Aughnamullen, Corlea Church.
These draft maps will only be on view for three weeks, so please make any corrections as soon as possible.
Please leave all completed correction sheets in an envelope in the church porch or return to any committee member of the Latton Bawn Historical Group.
Once finished a stainless steel sign is then erected at a location agreed between IGS, the Parish Priest and the local authority. Images and a transcription of all headstones are also available online at: www.irishgraveyards.ie

A wallet was lost in or around the Bank of Ireland ATM on Main Street, Balllybay around 6.30pm Sunday evening last. It contains many personnel items. If anyone has found it or has any information on it, please contact Cllr. Seamus Coyle on 087-6814067.

Public Consultation meetings for older people in Monaghan

Attached information on upcoming Public Consultation meetings for older people in Monaghan to identify issues to be include in the new Age Friendly Strategy for County Monaghan.

Age Frienldy Public Consultation meeting Blackwater

Age Frienldy Public Consultation meeting Carrickmacross

Age Frienldy Public Consultation meeting Clones

Ballybay Central School warmly invite you to a Table Quiz on Friday 8th March at 8pm in Derryvalley Hall. Adult €10 and Children €5. A night for all the family, with spot prizes and a light supper being served.

Six children from Ballybay were part of the HIPHOPICAL dance group which appeared on Ireland’s Got Talent last Saturday night. Sarah Louise & Niamh Harte, Macey Mc Kenna, Kamila Grigaityte, Kaitlyn Rayburn and Grainne Smyth were part of the 37 strong dance group which brought the house down. All four judges gave them a standing ovation and followed up with very favourable comments. Clips of their amazing performance are doing the rounds on social media at the moment.

St. Brigid's Ladies GFC Club are holding their AGM meeting on Thursday 7th March at 7:30pm sharp in Ballybay Pearse Brothers Centre, we would like as many parents could they please attend.
The club are also holding a table quiz in the Pearse Brothers Centre on Saturday 9th March at 8pm sharp. A table of four is just €20 or €5 per person. There will also be a raffle on the night. Your support for the ladies of the parish would be very much appreciated.

A Community youth club will take place this Saturday at 6pm in Christ Church Hall in Ballybay for all national School age Children. There will be lots of fun games, arts and crafts. Refreshments served, and parents welcome to stay for the hour and have a cuppa.

From Friday 22nd March, Ballybay will have an increase in opening hours to the public. The new opening hours will be Monday & Thursday 2-5pm & 6-8pm and Wednesday & Friday 11am – 1.30pm & 2.30pm – 5pm; Closed on Tuesdays.

A meeting of the Ballybay-Clones Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceanntair will take place in the Creighton Hotel,Clones on Monday evening next 4th March at 8.30pm sharp. All party members and supporters are invited to attend as issues of local and national importance are to be discussed. Local Election Candidates for the Ballybay-Clones L.E.A. Cllr.Seamus Coyle and Mike Durkan will be in attendance as will Local Oireachtas members.
All cumann are requested to confirm the date of there Cumann www.agm.at or before Monday night’s meeting.

Indoor Soccer
Good Luck to the Under 13 Indoor Soccer Team who will soon be playing against other local teams within Co Monaghan. The team managed by Martin Sheridan and Peter Ward are Eoin Brady, Eanna Curran, Simon Du Plessis, Stephen Duffy, Jerome Lavelle, Martin Quinn, Eoin Sheridan and Sean Ward..
Gymnastics
Gymnastics local area competition was held last week in Clontibret. Congratulations to our local Gymnasts who will represent our area at The County Finals.
1.Andrea Quinn
2.Tara Reilly
3.Anna Leonard
Upcoming Activities
Entries for Choir, Culture corner, Gymnastics, Talent (Group Music / Singing / Dance or Drama, Solo Dance / Music / Recitation or Singing, closing is date 8th March.
Entries for Quiz, closing date is 15th March.
Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays and Marathon, closing date is 23rd March.
Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer and Spikeball, closing date is 5th April.
Athletics and Cycling closing date is 24th May.
Contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110

Rehearsals are in full swing for this year’s annual show!! Get ready for the fabulous comedy by Grainne Jordan and with her permission ' A room with a Queue ' will graciously come to life courtesy of the Ballybay Drama Group on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Sunday 7th of April in the Ballybay Pearse Bros Centre at 8pm! Save the date...we'll see you there...and enjoy the show folks!!

Six children from Ballybay are part of the HIPHOPICAL dance group which will appear in Ireland’s Got Talent on Saturday night next at 7-15pm on Virgin Media 1. Five of the children namely Sarah Louise & Niamh Harte, Macey Mc Kenna, Kamila Grigaityte & Kaitlyn Rayburn attend Scoil Eanna while Grainne Smyth attends Our Lady’s Secondary School. The 37 strong dance group are made up of children from counties Monaghan, Louth and Cavan. Please watch and tell your friends wish them good luck - you call follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Spread the word.

Community Games are back in action - If anyone is interested in Art, Debating, Duathlon, Handwriting, Model making, Project or Swimming the closing date for entries is tomorrow Friday 22nd Feb @ 4pm. Entries for Choir, Culture corner, Gymnastics, Talent (Group Music / Singing / Dance or Drama, Solo Dance / Music / Recitation or Singing must be in by 8th March and entries for Quiz must be in by 15th March. The closing date for Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays and Marathon is 23rd March. Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer and Spikeball will accept entries up until 5th April. The athletics and Cycling closing date is 24th May. If you are interested in any of the above contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110.
Good Luck to the Under 13 Indoor Soccer Team who will soon be playing against other local teams within Co Monaghan. The team managed by Martin Sheridan and Peter Ward are Eoin Brady, Eanna Curran, Simon Du Plessis, Stephen Duffy, Jerome Lavelle, Martin Quinn, Eoin Sheridan and Sean Ward.

Apply now to study with us at Monaghan Institute, to kick start your progression to completing a degree course and/or career. We welcome Leaving Certificate students and mature candidates returning to education. We are hosting our Open Day on Thursday 7th March from 11am – 7pm and our tutors and guidance staff will be present to offer you best advice and support. Browse all our 2019 Courses now online at https://monaghaninstitute.ie/

There will be a presentation of medals by the county lads to the Pearse Brothers under 17 team at 8.30 next Friday in Ballybay Club house. All welcome.

Martina Walsh (nee Lennon) form Tullycorbet has taken up the challenge to run 100 miles in the month of February for the Mater Foundation. As off the 16th February she was flying and had already completed 71miles. Anyone wishing to donate to Martina’s effort can do so by clicking this link - https://www.facebook.com/donate/1976142602500125/

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Sunday 17th March at 5pm. Floats, community groups and others participating in the parade should assemble at Gerry Traynor’s shop. Now is the time to start thinking about your float. Anyone seeking further information should contact Therese at 0876853316.

Jayne Drury has been named captain of the Monaghan minors. The St. Brigid’s player recently captained the Ulster Inter-provincial team and will bring a wealth of experience to the role. Monaghan were to get their Ulster campaign under way this weekend with a game against Derry however it has been postponed. Congrats Jayne.

In the year of 2006 an Outdoor Bowling green was established in the Town Park with the help of Ballybay and Derryvalley Indoor Bowling Club. In the years that followed the outdoor club went from strength to strength where we now have around 80 members. Competitions are held during the summer months which are run on a league basis. We also joined the Border County League which includes teams from Letterkenny, Omagh, Enniskillen, Fivemiletown and Dungannon. Sixteen of our members compete in the league on a home and away format. We have won this league on two occasions in the past twelve years. Because of extensive wear over the years on the carpet surface the committee felt it was time for an upgrade and so on 4th February a from Greenguage in Scotland the original installers arrived on site and with a lot of help from some of our dedicated members a new underlay was put down with the top carpet being turned over so as to provide us with a completely new surface. First indicators are that it is somewhat slower which is what most of the members desired. Anyone wishing to have a try can do so on Saturday morning the 16th February between 10-30am and 1pm – weather permitting.

Ballybay ICA we are hosting a cookery demonstration with Astrid Moffett in Cuan Mhuire as part of The County of Sanctuary in conjunction with Monaghan County Council. This takes place on Saturday 16th February from 10.30am-1pm... if you would like to come along please let any ICA member know as we need numbers for catering. There is no cover charge as the event is funded by Monaghan County Council.

The 6th class pupils of Scoil Eanna will be joining the parish community at the 6-30pm Mass on Saturday next 16th February. This is to mark their journey towards receiving the Holy Spirit at confirmation. The confirmation ceremony for 2019 will be in St. Patrick’s on Sunday 26th May at 3pm.

If anyone has news which they would wish considered for the Ballybay Pearse Brothers notes on their facebook page and in the Northern Standard should contact Sean O Grady. His contact details are This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Sunday next Monsignor Larry Duffy will be ordained as Bishop of Clogher in St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan. While Larry is from the parish of Magheracloone in the south of the county he was actually born in Ballybay on 27th November 1951. He is the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Duffy. For anyone who would like to see the ordination but who cannot get to Monaghan don’t worry. The whole event is available live via the web cam in the Cathedral. This is accessible from the homepage of www.clogherdiocese.ie or via https://mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-macartans-cathedral-monaghan . There will also be updates via the diocese Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

A mindful motivation workshop discussing awareness, accepting and letting go will be held in the Wetlands Centre on the Clones Road on Thursday 14th February from 7-30pm until 10pm. Kathleen Tuite will be the facilitator and can be contacted in advance on 0862408724.

Thanks to some funding we have received, we are about to employ a company to do a survey of the 5 graveyards in the parish - St. Mary's Latton, St. Patrick's Bawn, Aughnamullen Church of Ireland, Corlea Presbyterian Church & Killahear.

The survey will include taking photographs of all headstones and making them available to view on a website www.irishgraveyards.ie
Also a scaled map of each graveyard will be produced with each grave marked on it and this will be placed on a display board in each
graveyard. Before the map is finalised, a draft of it will be on display in each church for the public to make any corrections. Work on all the graveyards will begin approx. around the middle of February to the beginning of March 2019.

Check out the website www.irishgraveyards.ie to see the graveyards in Co. Monaghan that have been completed. If there is no marking on a grave, then it can't be included on the website.

A community youth club takes place in Christ Church Hall on Saturday 9th February from 6 to 7pm. All national school children are welcome. Activities available include arts and crafts, table tennis, lots of fun games on the night with refreshments served afterwards, love to see you there!

A gentle yoga class will begin in Ballybay Community College on Monday 11th February at 8-30pm. The programme is excellent value at €25 for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is essential as limited places are available. For further information or to register contact Monaghan Sports Partnership 042 9755126 or Dean 087 2623956.

Ballybay Cancer Society have been chosen by TESCO Monaghan as 1 of 3 charities to benefit from their Goodwill Token Scheme for the next 6 weeks. So Please if you do shop there place your BLUE token in the assigned box. If you have family and friends in Monaghan town or surrounding areas could you contact them and ask them to help the Ballybay Cancer Society by doing likewise.

Circuit training takes place in the recreation Centre every Monday night at 8-30pm. This class is excellent for strength building and improving your cardio fitness. Everyone welcome including beginners.