The town will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year starting from Gerry Traynor’s shop, Carrickmacross Road at 5pm tomorrow 17th March. Local businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports clubs are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the best floats. The committee would encourage as many locals as possible to get their flags and bunting out.

The club’s AGM will be held in the Bowling Pavilion at 8pm on Thursday next 23rd March. All members are welcome.

Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is improving the club will be organising a number of competitions. In the upcoming season they will have the Jackie Rutledge Cup  and the Outdoor cup and will be entering teams in Border Counties competitions and hopefully the Champion of Champions competition.

The committee would like to invite people to enter a team in the 2023 competitions which will start in the last week of April. The club need to know by the first week of April who is entering so that the draws can be made and the teams notified. When a team enters they are welcome to come and practice – just ring Benny on 087 4152392.

Tomorrow Friday sees the opening of the Division 2A Reserve League. At 12noon Drumhowan host Ballybay in Drumhowan. There is nothing like a local derby to kick start the new season.

Cahans Meeting House will host a musical evening on Friday 31st March at 8 pm.  Performing on the night will be the Oriel Singers - a local choir and traditional musicians from the Tullycorbet area.  Admission is €10 and everyone is welcome.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers membership is now due. You can now pay your club membership via the Ballybay App, through the website or simply by contacting any committee member. All Members paid up by March 17th will be entered into an EARLY BIRD DRAW for a Free Membership Subscription for 2024

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Paddy kearney (number 808). Paddy wins €460.To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App. Tickets are also available locally in the pubs and shops.

Ballybay Community College will be the venue for giving blood on Wednesday 22nd March from 5-30pm to 8-30pm. All the clinics are still be appointment. Call 1800 222 111 to book an appointment and go to giveblood.ie to check your eligibility.

Save the date for more drama in the local area. On Friday 21st , Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April Tullycorbet Drama Group will be hosting a three act comedy entitled, ‘Troubled Bachelors’. Curtain goes up each night at 8pm and there will be plenty of craic so save the date.

The arrangements for masses on St. Patrick’s Day are as follows. There will be a vigil mass in St. Patrick’s on Thursday 16th March at 7-30pm. On St. Patrick’s Day itself there will 11am mass in Ballintra and 12-15pm mass in St. Patrick’s.

Ballybay Central School Parents’ Association are holding a fundraising Flower Demonstration on Tuesday 28th March at 7.30pm in Hall Street.  Wilma Simpson from JP Flowers, Monaghan will create beautiful floral displays which will be auctioned off on the night.  All money raised will go to the school’s Parents’ Association funds.  Each family will be given 4 tickets to sell after midterm. All families and their children benefit from the Parents’ Association funding and so it is important all families support their fundraising endeavors.  This is the first year since Covid the Parents’ Association have been able to hold a fundraiser.  We are looking forward to a great evening.  Additional tickets will be available through the school’s office if required.

The town will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year starting from Gerry Traynor’s shop, Carrickmacross Road at 5pm on Friday 17th March. Local businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports clubs are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the best floats. The committee would encourage as many locals as possible to get their flags and bunting out.

The local branch of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Christmas Appeal and who have supported their work throughout 2022. The introduction of the ‘SVDP Envelope’ has been very successful in continuing to raise vital funds and the committee wish to express their sincere thanks to the parishioners who have used this form of donation. Aware that the cost of cost has placed some people in difficult financial situations, St. Vincent de Paul is there to help in so far as it can.

Requests for assistance can be put in writing and placed in the letter box of the Confraternity Rooms, St. Patrick Street, Ballybay or by phoning the freephone number 1800 677 777.

The local Tidy Towns committee have been encouraging all schools, resident groups, estates, groups and individuals to get involved in a spring clean of their areas this week. A litter pick has been organised for Saturday next, meeting in the Square at 10am. Please come along, get involved and give an hour back to your community.

It’s Spring and time to start gardening. If you have an interest in growing your own vegetables this year then why not rent a bed in the community allotment. All equipment is supplied and rent is only €50. You will have support from others already growing and you can Contact Paul Fitzpatrick for more information 0877661778.

Tanya Sheridan is hoping to set up a Gaelic4Mothers and Others group for women in the Ballybay, Drumhowan and surrounding areas. The Gaelic4Mothers & Others initiative, sponsored by Sports Direct, is an innovative way to introduce mothers and other women to playing Ladies Gaelic Football. Mothers often drop their kids to training and call back to collect them, but the Ladies Gaelic Football Association wants to change that.

The initiative sees women playing Ladies Gaelic Football in a fun, non-competitive and social environment. Gaelic4Mothers&Others provides an opportunity for women to get their recommended weekly exercise in a fun way while meeting other mothers in the area. It would be a great opportunity for former St Brigid's girls to showcase their talents again. Anyone interested can text Tanya their details at 0851224424.

Monaghan Institute on the Armagh Road, Monaghan is hosting an Open Day on Thursday 9th March from 11am until 7pm. It will be a chance to meet staff and learn more about studying in the September. Further information is available at https://monaghaninstitute.ie/

Ballybay Drama Group will present the comedy ‘Only and Hour from Dublin’ in the Pearse Brothers Centre on Thursday 23rd, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March at 8pm sharp. Great evening’s entertainment guaranteed as the show has that many twists and turns it will make you dizzy.

From 24th February weekend masses in the parish will no longer be recorded. Funeral  Masses will only be recorded if requests to do so are made by the undertaker. If the funeral mass is recorded it will be available on the webcam for 30 days.

Castleblayney Drama Festival takes place from 3rd to 11th March at the Iontas Theatre. Details of plays on https://www.castleblayneydramafestival.ie/ and on Instagram and Facebook. Bookings through Iontas Box office 043 9753400 or https://www.iontascastleblayney.ie/

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Julieann O Reilly (number 72). Julieann wins €475.To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App. Tickets are also available locally in the pubs and shops.

The town will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year starting from Gerry Traynor’s shop, Carrickmacross Road at 5pm on Friday 17th March. Local businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports clubs are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the best floats.

You're welcome to the Faith Mission monthly Gospel Meeting on Friday 3rd March 2023 at 8pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall, (kindly granted).  Visiting speaker is P J Sexton.  Organised by Brian and Hazel Parker Faith Mission Area Workers Cootehill.

Line Dancing for teenagers gets underway in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Friday 3rd March at 6-30pm. It will run every Friday until 14th April (excluding St. Patrick’s night and Good Friday). It is excellent value at €20 for 5 nights. To book a place contact Pauline at 086 0702129.

Cahans Meeting House Committee wishes to record warm thanks to Rory Mc Atavie and Stephen Duffy for organizing and managing the recent table quiz in Cahans. Thanks also to all who bought quiz sheets, to those who sponsored prizes for the quiz and sheets, and to the members of Committee and others who provided supper and assisted in other ways.

Look out for details of the next event - the Oriel Singers on Friday 31 March.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Kate Mealiff (number 101). Angela wins €435.To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App. Tickets are also available locally in the pubs and shops.

Castleblayney Drama Festival takes place from 3rd to 11th March at the Iontas Theatre. Details of plays on https://www.castleblayneydramafestival.ie/  and on Instagram and Facebook. Bookings through Iontas Box office 043 9753400 or https://www.iontascastleblayney.ie/

Monaghan Sports Partnership have organised a women’s walk to jog 0 to 3km programme in the Town Park beginning on Monday 6th March. This is a six week programme with coached sessions every Monday and Tuesday at 6-30pm each evening. The cost of the event is €20 and to register go to https://eventmaster.ie/whatson/Monaghan_Sports_Partnership

There's just a couple of weeks to go to World Book Day (2nd March) and Ballybay Library have a very creative competition running in the lead up to it. They want you to turn a Wooden Spoon into your favourite Book Character! They have wooden spoons available at the library desk or use your own but be sure to pick up an Entry form to go with it. They can't wait to see what you come up with!!!  The closing date is the 27th February.

The local branch of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Christmas Appeal and who have supported their work throughout 2022. The introduction of the ‘SVDP Envelope’ has been very successful in continuing to raise vital funds and the committee wish to express their sincere thanks to the parishioners who have used this form of donation. Aware that the cost of cost has placed some people in difficult financial situations, St. Vincent de Paul is there to help in so far as it can.

Requests for assistance can be put in writing and placed in the letter box of the Confraternity Rooms, St. Patrick Street, Ballybay or by phoning the freephone number 1800 677 777.

Two CPR and defibrillator training sessions will be held Thursday 23rd February and Thursday 23rd March 2023, in Tullycorbet Community Centre from 6.30pm – 9.30p.m. We look forward to seeing those who have already received training and those who would like to do for the first time. We would be very grateful if you text confirm your attendance at one of the above dates.

Sheila linden on 0868319459 for the Ballybay area and Una Tomany on 0867963890 for the Tullycorbet area.

It’s Spring and time to start gardening. If you have an interest in growing your own vegetables this year then why not rent a bed in the community allotment. All equipment is supplied and rent is only €50. You will have support from others already growing and you can Contact Paul Fitzpatrick for more information 0877661778.

Cahans Meeting House, Lisnaveane, will host a table quiz at 8pm on Friday 24 February. Entry is €10 per person and all monies raised will be in aid of the Cahans development.

A service for the World Day of Prayer will be held in Christ Church, Ballybay on Friday 3rd March at 8.30 pm. The theme this year is “I have heard about your faith” and the service was written by the WDP committee of Taiwan.

Do come along and join us to worship God together. All will be very welcome.

Massive congratulations are due to local man Evan Rutledge who captained Monaghan Rugby club first team on Saturday last to a fantastic 66 to 0 win over Civil Service. The win secured Monaghan the Kukri Ulster Championship Division 3 title and sees them promoted after 21 years in Division 3.  Celebrations ran late into the night as the emphatic win sees them eventually gain promotion to division 2 having twice being denied in play-offs in 2019 and 2022 as well as seeing COVID take away a certain league win in 2020.

Friday the 24th of February is the national lollipop collection day for the Oesophageal Cancer Foundation Ireland. Lollipop day is held to raise funds for research and to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer and its symptoms. Collections will take place in Ballybay on Friday, please support this worthy cause.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Angela Lavelle (number 194). Angela wins €400.To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App. Tickets are also available locally in the pubs and shops.

All roads led to the Kilmore Hotel on Saturday night last as the Pearse Brothers celebrated their 2022 county title. Local lady Kate Mealiff and her staff delivered an unreal dinner and couldn’t do enough for the large Ballybay contingent. Northern Sounds Sean Mc Caffrey was an excellent MC and kept the evening rolling along nicely. Paul Mc Carthy once again proved he is the best storyteller in the country. Congrats to Handsie McArdle, Damien McBride and Gerry Finlay for winning the Hall of Fame. The county champions received their well deserved medals and celebrated in style. A massive thank you goes to Darren Smyth, Teresa Mc Entee and Brian Carroll for organising one hell of a night that befitted the year the club were celebrating. Pearse Brothers ABU.

Last Thursday Fr. Quigley (PP Latton) turned 80. On the night there was a special mass and a cup of tea in the GAA Centre. A DVD of the celebrations is now available for just €5. To get your hands on a copy just private message the Latton Bawn Historical Group Facebook page.

Ballybay Credit Union is asking its members to be careful in relation to a text scam currently doing the rounds. The scam involves you getting a message asking you to click on a link to unlock your Credit Union account. A message on the Ballybay Credit Union Facebook page this week said, “Your Credit Union will NEVER send an unsolicited link or any link by text message or email. Do not click on a link, please let us know if you receive one of these messages using your usual channel of communication”.

There's just a couple of weeks to go to World Book Day (2nd March) and Ballybay Library have a very creative competition running in the lead up to it. They want you to turn a Wooden Spoon into your favourite Book Character! They have wooden spoons available at the library desk or use your own but be sure to pick up an Entry form to go with it. They can't wait to see what you come up with!!!  The closing date is the 27th February.

The town will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year starting from Gerry Traynor’s shop, Carrickmacross Road at 5pm on Friday 17th March. Local businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports clubs are welcome to participate. More details in the coming weeks.

The local branch of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Christmas Appeal and who have supported their work throughout 2022. The introduction of the ‘SVDP Envelope’ has been very successful in continuing to raise vital funds and the committee wish to express their sincere thanks to the parishioners who have used this form of donation. Aware that the cost of cost has placed some people in difficult financial situations, St. Vincent de Paul is there to help in so far as it can.

Requests for assistance can be put in writing and placed in the letter box of the Confraternity Rooms, St. Patrick Street, Ballybay or by phoning the freephone number 1800 677 777.

Last Friday the local Credit Union celebrated its 55th Birthday. This wonderful local institution first opened its doors on 9th February 1968 and has been servicing the local community ever since.

A service for the World Day of Prayer will be held in Christ Church, Ballybay on Friday 3rd March at 8.30 pm. The theme this year is “I have heard about your faith” and the service was written by the WDP committee of Taiwan.

Do come along and join us to worship God together. All will be very welcome.

On 8th February Sara Finlay-Keenan posted the following which is certainly worth printing here in the Ballybay News.

“We wanted to take a moment to thank all who have made the Kieran Finlay Foundation a resounding success! A special note of thanks to Kathy Durkin. The foundation has raised and distributed $145,000 to organizations such as: MIRT of Dublin, The Ballybay Cancer Society, The Ballybay GAA, CRY Ireland, and Hope House of Port Jefferson NY; as well as private donations to the cancer stricken of Long Island.

To quote Dr. O’Gorman of the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin: “Money from the foundation has funded the Multiple Myloma research fellowship in the Dana Faber Cancer Institute in Boston.” The MIRT received an astounding $100,000 thanks to all of your generosity.

We would like to thank everyone who played an integral part in this fundraising campaign. The success of the Kieran Finlay Foundation would not have been possible without you and the entire Finlay Family, both in NY and in Ireland, wanted to take a moment to wholeheartedly Thank You”.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Peter Sherry (number 853). Peter wins €465. As this week was the 60th draw a second raffle for €60 was held. The winner was Aoife O Dowd ticket number 54. To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers

or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App. Tickets are also available locally in the pubs and shops.

Ballybay Credit Union is asking its members to be careful in relation to a text scam currently doing the rounds. The scam involves you getting a message asking you to click on a link to unlock your Credit Union account. A message on the Ballybay Credit Union Facebook page this week said, “Your Credit Union will NEVER send an unsolicited link or any link by text message or email. Do not click on a link, please let us know if you receive one of these messages using your usual channel of communication”.

There's just 1 month to go to World Book Day (2nd March) and Ballybay Library have a very creative competition running in the lead up to it. They want you to turn a Wooden Spoon into your favourite Book Character! They have wooden spoons available at the library desk or use your own but be sure to pick up an Entry form to go with it. They can't wait to see what you come up with!!!  The closing date is the 27th February.

We recently reported that Tullycorbet’s Evy Boylan celebrated her 100th Birthday. Evy joined family and friends to celebrate at a party in the Westenra Hotel. Evy was made feel very special as she escorted to the hotel by the local GARDA.

To celebrate Fr. Tom Quigley's 80th Birthday, Mass will take place Thursday 9th February at 7.30pm in St. Mary's Latton. Mass will be followed with refreshments in the Latton O'Rahilly G.F.C centre. Everyone Welcome. The family, friends and Latton Community wish Fr. Quigley a very Happy Birthday.

Monaghan County Council will host a playground design workshop on Saturday next between 11am and 2pm. €220, 000 has been secured for improvements in the Corrybrennan Park and Culbrennan Estates and residents including children are been offered an opportunity to have their say in how the monies should be spent. Don’t worry if its raining as the event will take place in a heated marquee at the current play park.

All roads lead to the Kilmore Hotel on Saturday night for the annual dinner dance. The senior championship medals will be presented along with the Hall of Fame awards to Hugh Francis "Hansie" McArdle, Gerry Finlay and Damien McBride. On Monday night the club held their draw for 2 tickets and an overnight stay in the Kilmore. The winner was Conor Smyth. A second draw for 2 tickets was held and the winner was Aine Mc Guirk.

Cahans Meeting House, Lisnaveane, will host a table quiz at 8pm on Friday 24 February. Entry is €10 per person and all monies raised will be in aid of the Cahans development.

The Northern Standard Cup draughts competition gets underway in the Welcome Inn, Ballybay on Monday next 13th February. Games begin at 8pm. The organisers would love to see some new players attend.

Good luck to Drumhowan GAA who are participating in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Every Steps Counts challenge. The idea is to collectively walk the equivalent of a 4000km trip around Ireland over a 5 week period. The challenge started on 11th January and will finish on 15th February. Also Ireland Lights Up takes place in the field every Wednesday between 7 and 8.30pm for the next 7 weeks and we encourage as many as possible to attend. Please see below the link for details necessary to partake. Please spread the word. https://drumhowan.gaa.ie/irish-life-every-step-counts-ireland-lights-up/

Ballybay Cancer Society benefited from a number of recent donations. Siobhan and Sarah Mc Kenna from the Monaghan Wild Water Swimmers organised 12 open water swims in December. The group have been swimming in Lough Major for 3 years and wanted to give something back to the community. The group actually did 17 swims and raised the fantastic amount of €6410. The organiser would like to thank everyone who donated to their swims including Christchurch who donated their Christmas gate collection.

Further donations were received from Francis Wilson, the Tate Family, Rockcorry and the Mulligans from Drumhowan. Speaking to the Northern Standard Sally McAviney from the Ballybay Cancer Society said, "The society would are delighted to receive a number of recent donations from various fundraisers held in our name. Thanks to the Wild Water Swimmers who braves the various cold waters throughout the county. Thanks also to Francis Wilson who held an 80th Birthday party in Pat O Briens and asked for donations to us in leu of presents. The Tate family (Anthony, Ava, Fionn and Patrick) kept the memory of a wife and mother alive by organising a walk/run in Dartrey Forest in aid of Elaine. And family thanks to Charlie and Marion Mulligan who held a dance and dancing lessons in Drumhowan Community Centre and donated to us afterwards. We couldn't do the work we do without the help of the local community so as we enter 2023 a massive thanks to everyone who helped us in 2022".

Ballybay Credit Union have announced that the annual schools quiz will return after an absence of three years. This year’s quiz will be held in Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA Club on Friday 27th January. The Credit Union will be in touch with the local schools and are looking forward to welcoming all the boys and girls back for an enjoyable and fun night.

A six week line dancing course kicked off in Tullycorbet Hall last night and will run every Wednesday night until 22nd February. Beginners 8 to 8-45pm and advanced 8-45pm to 9-30pm. Further information is available from Pauline at 086 0702129.

The recent Paint and Sip event in Drumhowan was very successful. As a result another event has been organised for Pat O Brien’s for Friday 10th February. Last we heard places were selling out fast. Further details are available from Catherine at the Sew-Arty Studio beside O’Brien’s.

Funding is available towards:

1. SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS/ EQUIPMENT
2. ASSISTANCE TOWARDS RUNNING COSTS FOR THE YEAR 2022
3. MAXIMUM VALUE OF ASSISTANCE: €10,000

FUNDING HAS BEEN RINGFENCED TO SUPPORT GROUPS SEEKING LESS THAN €1 ,000 AND TO SUPPORT HENS SHEDS.

FULL DETAILS AND GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:  https://monaghan.ie/communitydevelopment/community-support-fund-hens-shed-funding-2023/

A big thank you to Seamus Coyle (Latton) and Packie Mc Adam (Modern Décor, Monaghan) for unearthing some very interesting information regarding a Moore family with origins in Drumchannon, Latton.
Benjamin Moore was born in 1855 to Benjamin Moore, a British army officer & Martha Meredith in Drumchannon. Benjamin emigrated to the USA in the 1870's. He along with his brother Robert worked in the paint industry & in 1878 set up their own company called ‘Moore Bros’, manufacturing a calsom finish paint known as ‘muresco’ which they invented. In 1883 in Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin set up Benjamin Moore and Co. Ltd. In 1906 his brother Patrick went to Toronto to manage a new factory. Further factories opened in Cleveland, Chicago and St. Louis.  In 1907 the company hired its first Chemist and set up a research Department. Benjamin died in 1917 however the company continued to thrive and innovate. In 1982 they were the first paint business in the world to introduce a computer colour matching service.
Benjamin Moore paints still exist today and sold in 7,500 premises worldwide, including McAdam's in Monaghan town.The Moore's home & land in Drumchannon is now owned by Paddy Duffy.
Benjamin's sisters Eliza & Mary lived at Aughnamullen Glebe, which was purchased for them by their brother. Benjamin Moore’s parents & sisters are buried in Corlea cemetery, Bawn.

On Friday 16th December children and staff from Ballybay central School donned their Christmas jumpers, dresses, hats, socks, bobbles and anything that felt Christmassy and walked to school through the park.  On arrival at school a band of parents provided toast, tea and orange juice all of which went down well.  Children donated money for Ballybay Cancer Society on the day and a total of €240 was collected.  Many thanks to all who donated and also to the parents who helped out on the morning.

Last week Drew Wylie announced his inter county retirement after over a decade of loyal service to the Farney jersey. Ballybay Pearse Brothers paid the following well deserved tribute to Drew on their Facebook page - Almost 13 years to the day since he made his debut for Monaghan in the Mckenna Cup v UUJ, Drew Wylie has announced his retirement from inter county football. Drew will go down as one of the greatest Monaghan footballers of all time.
A 3 time All Star nominee who would have surely won at least one award if his fellow players were voting instead of the genteel cabal of journalists, who play checks and balances instead of picking the best player in each position.
But Drew didn't need official recognition. He is without doubt one of the most beloved footballers in Monaghan's history. A man who let his ability do the talking got everything he could out of his career.
An example of this is when the County Board got the players to ring older fans during Covid, Drew was the most requested player, by a mile. The bigger the stage, the better he performed. He made his Championship debut in 2012 and was fixture for the next number of years. It is no coincidence that Monaghan had their most successful modern era when Drew became a regular.
He was outstanding in the 2013 and 2015 Ulster Finals and was probably Monaghan's best player in the 2018 semi final v Tyrone, his point from a tight angle in the dying minutes almost gave Monaghan a draw. He was an absolute colossus for Monaghan and often put the team on his back to get them over the line. Drew Wylie is an example for any young footballer to follow. He was tough and hard but never dirty but most of all, he could play. His point off his left foot v Kildare in the 2014 was a sight to behold.
His last start for Monaghan was v Dublin in the epic NFL game last March and Drew performed brilliantly in shutting down Dean Rock to help Monaghan stay in Division One for another year.
So Drew left at the top, where he spent most of his career. In future, whenever there is a discussion on the greatest Monaghan 15 of all time, Drew will not be in the conversation, he will be on the team. Congratulations Drew, a gentleman, a warrior and a credit to his family and his club.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Barry Duffy (ticket number 96). Barry wins €380. To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraiser/tickets or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App.

Applications are being taken for the 2023-2024 academic year from next Monday 16th January.  If you wish to enrol a child or you know of anyone who wishes to enrol a child, please contact the office for an application form.  Application forms will be available on our website https://www.ballybaycns.com/ later this week.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Mannix Keenan (ticket number 111). Mannix wins €365. To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App.

Just before Christmas someone stole the four polar bears from the lights display at the junction of the Carrick Road and Cootehill Road. The drybox was forced open and the bears unplugged – this act alone left other plugs exposed to the rain and before long the Santa model quit working.  If anyone has any idea who carried out this desperate act could they please contact the local GARDA. Thankfully there is a happy ending as a very kind local lady who wants to remain anonymous gave up her own polar bears and Smugglers Warehouse in Monaghan provided a part required to get Santa going again.

You're welcome to the Faith Mission monthly Gospel Meeting on Friday 6th January 2023 at 8pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church Hall, (kindly granted).  Visiting speaker Robert Little, Faith Mission.   Organised by Brian and Hazel Parker Faith Mission Area Workers Cootehill.

Classes organised by Tullycorbet CCE recommence in Tullycorbet Community Centre Wednesday next January 11th. For more information, contact Francis at 087 2395396.

The organisers of the recent raffle in Drumhowan would like to thank everyone who donated prizes. The winners were:
1) Dympna Mulligan (€100 1 for all voucher and milk tray), 2) Gareth Mc Elearney, ( €100 1 for all voucher and a fruit cake), 3) Paddy Mulligan, (€50 Rosie’s voucher and Butlers chocolates), 4) Maria Duffy, (400 watt heater and biscuits), 5) Natasha Mc Donald, (body warmer and biscuits), 6) Red Pat Duffy, (body warmer and biscuits), 7) Joan Mc Ardle, Powers and biscuits), 8)Clare Reilly, (Wine and biscuits),  9)Terry Mc Ginnity, (Gin and chocolates), 10) Abbie Steenson, (Wine and Butlers Chocolates),  11)Natasha Mc Donald, (Brandy and biscuits),  12)Joe Mulligan  (Bluebells massage voucher) & 13) Big Pat Duffy (meal for 2 and champagne in Ma Bakers, Carlingford).

Councillor Seamus Coyle has confirmed that €195, 000 has been approved for the new play equipment and improvements in Corrybrennan Park and Culbrannan. The Latton based Councillor has been working hard to secure the monies and confirmed that as well as the €195, 000 the Municipal District have approved an additional 10% which will bring the overall spend to well over €200, 000. Public consultation with the residences, will be undertaken by Carol Lambe, early in 2023 and Cllr. Coyle is urging all residents and their families to get involved.

On January 6th the Drumhowan Ladies Rounders team are having a ‘Paint And Sip’ evening. Catherine Mc Gregor is the facilitator/tutor and will supply all the materials. The evening gets underway at 7pm and will finish up at 9pm.

The Ballybay Walking Group will meet in the Town Park every Tuesday at 7pm. The group is open to male and females of all ages and families are welcome. So far the planned walks will last between 20 minutes and an hour, the important thing being that you select the walk that best suits your level of fitness. The organisers have requested that for safety reasons you bring high viz clothing and consider appropriate clothing depending on the weather. This is a free group (no fees). Further information is available from Dolores at 0868340501.

Keep free Monday 2nd Jan 2023 for a Vehicle Run from Drumhowan Community Centre. All Tractors both big and small, Trucks, Vintage Cars, Honda 50's and Bicycles welcome. Route will head into Ballybay onto Lough Egish and back to Drumhowan Centre. Entry €20 per vehicle with proceeds to the Community Centre and Gaa Club. Registration from 11am - Starts at 12.30pm. Refreshments and Raffle afterwards in The Centre

Save the date. The Pearse Brothers Dinner Dance will be held in the Kilmore Hotel on February 11th. Presentation of Senior Championship Medals and Hall of Fame on the night. Tickets will be available soon. Prices etc to be confirmed.

There will be  vigil mass in St. Patrick’s on Saturday on 8pm. On Christmas Day there will be three masses in the parish as follows: Tullycorbett 10am, Ballintra 11am and Ballybay 12-15pm.

The Chamber of Commerce are appealing to workers in the town to please use the car parks on the Clones Road and behind Liam Smyth’s especially in the run up to Christmas. The reason for the plea is to make as many ‘on street’ parking spaces available for people shopping. Your help in this matter would be very much appreciated.

The Pearse Brothers AGM was postponed last Friday due to the sad passing of Annemarie Kelly, sister of the club Chairman Darren Smyth. The new date for the meeting is Friday 9th December. The club and wider community would like to pass on their condolences to Annemarie’s husband Nigel, her two sons, Benny, Cora and the extended Smyth family.

Christ Church, Ballybay invites you to join them in their last coffee morning of the year, a Christmas Coffee Morning on Tuesday 6th December from 11am until 12-30pm. Please come join us for a cuppa and a chat, looking forward in seeing you.

You're welcome to Rockcorry Carol Service on Sunday 4th December 2022 at 3.30pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church, (kindly granted).  The visiting speaker is Tim McFarland. Cootehill Children's Club will be taking part.  Organised by Brian and Hazel Parker Faith Mission Area Workers Cootehill.  Refreshments afterwards.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Stephen Mc Quillan (ticket number 70). Stephen wins €415. To enter next week’s draw see the link here:

https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers

or go to the club website or download the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA App.

A coffee morning in memory of John Lennon will be held in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Sunday 18th December at 10-30am (following his first anniversary mass). All proceeds in aid of Ballybay Cancer Society and Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care.

Christ Church Aughnamullen’s annual Carol Service will take place on Sunday 11th December at 3pm. Rockcorry National School pupils will help with the lessons and carols. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the School Hall. Everybody welcome.

Last year Ballybay’s Christmas lights were the talk of the country and lots of people visited the town to see them. The Christmas Street Lighting Committee are always doing great work to improve the lights. To this end they have once again set up a GoFundme page (Ballybay Christmas Lights 2022). All monies raised will go directly to improving the number and the quality of Christmas lights. Your donation no matter how small will be greatly appreciated. Donations can also be made in the Credit Union – account number 5229.

The second Elaine Tate memorial 5km walk/run will take place in Dartry Forest on Boxing Day. The starting point is the first entrance on the Cootehill Road (Rockcorry). Walkers start at 11-30am and runners at 12noon. All donations will be distributed to Cootehill Cancer Care, Ballybay Cancer Society and Crocus Monaghan. There will also be refreshments served after the walk/run.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was John Quinn (ticket number 77). Deirdre wins €440. This week’s draw was sponsored by Jim and Kieran Mc Kenna. To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraiser/tickets

A coffee morning in memory of John Lennon will be held in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Sunday 18th December at 10-30am (following his first anniversary mass). All proceeds in aid of Ballybay Cancer Society and Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care. 

The first ever Monster tractor run is set to take place on Sunday 27th of November leaving Doohamlet GAA grounds at 12 noon. Please assemble from 10.30 for refreshments and registration. Please note tractors must be road worthy and road legal, registration 20 euro. Modern tractors will travel to Ballybay, Lough Egish, Castleblayney and disperse for home. Vintage tractors will travel to Ballybay, Tullycorbett, Scotch corner, Cremartin, Evin O’Reilly’s and disperse for home. For info call John 087 2346602 or follow Doohamlet comm centre facebook page.

 On Wednesday 26th October the boys and girls of Ballybay Central School enjoyed a non uniform and movie day.  Each classroom watched a movie and enjoyed popcorn and sweets.  At lunch time the children had an opportunity to spend their money at the cake sale and all enjoyed the many treats they bought.  Later in the day they were overwhelmed with the number of parents and friends who came along to purchase cakes, buns etc.  The total amount raised from the non uniform day and cake sale was €508.75.  The money will be donated to the Camphill Community. 

Massive congratulations to the children of Scoil Eanna who recently donated 105 shoe boxes full of goodies to TEAM HOPE. The filled boxes will now make their way to children affected by poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa. Ballybay Central School have also collected a number of shoeboxes for TEAM HOPE. Well done to both schools.

The Sew Arty Studio present a ‘Paint and Sip’ evening in Pat O Brien on Friday 9th December at 7pm. In the company of family and friends you will have chance to design and paint a masterpiece to take home while having a wee tipple. Further information is available from Catherine at 0879353182.

On the 19th November 1950 Ballybay Pearse Brothers wore their now famous maroon jerseys for the first time. On Saturday last lots of maroon could be seen around town as members past and present wore their colours to commemorate the anniversary.

Crossduff Parish Church is holding their annual Carol Service on Sunday 4th December at 3pm. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Ian Ellis, Bishop of Clogher. The Ballybay Country Gospel Group will also make a special appearance. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served after the service on the Old Stable.

The SVP Christmas collections will be held at weekend masses in Tullycorbet on Sunday 4th December and at Ballintra and St. Patrick’s on Saturday and Sunday the 10th and 11th December. Parishioners can also make use of the SVP envelope which is available in the local church porches.

If you are in need of assistance, you can contact the local branch by writing to SVP, C/O Confraternity Rooms, St. Patrick Street, Ballybay or by calling freephone 1800 677 777. Request for assistance should be made before Friday 9th December.

Jerome Johnston and his number 2 Mark Doran have left Ballybay for pastures new. It’s been quite a journey with the Down duo leading to the club’s first county title for ten years. The club wish Jerome and Mark all the best for the future. Speaking of senior team and there was great news this week when it was revealed that eight Ballybay players including two sets of brothers had made the county senior championship All Star team. Congratulations to Ryan Wylie, Drew Wylie, Colm Lennon, Eoin Mc Kearney, Dessie Ward, Shane Mc Guinness, Christopher Mc Guinness and Paul Finlay. The AGM takes place this Friday evening in the clubhouse at 8pm.

With Christmas just a few weeks away the local Chamber of Commerce are appealing to everyone to shop local and support local business at this difficult time. Local Town Vouchers to the value of  €10 and €20 can be purchased at numerous shops and can then be spent in local shops. These vouchers would make great presents for anyone.

Congratulations to local Ballybay girl Niamh Harte who will appear in the https://www.panto.ie/ production of Sammy & Buffy meet Snow White this Christmas. The panto is being held in the National Stadium from December 12th until January 2nd. If interested in seeing Niamh and the panto you can book your tickets at panto.ie

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Deirdre Duffy (ticket number 41). Deirdre wins €420. To enter next week’s draw see the link here: https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraiser/tickets

The local Tidy Towns committee has received the adjudicators report from this Summers judging and the good news is that the Town has improved in all eight areas. The committee would like to put on record, their thanks to everyone who has provided help and support to improve the Town’s appearance including the volunteer litter pickers who turn up every Tuesday evening for an hour. Special thanks are also due to local Council worker Mr. Mickey Flynn who keeps the streets and surrounding areas from litter and weeds all year round. Mickey will be sorely missed when he retires at the end of the year.   The committee are always looking for more help and support so perhaps your New Year resolution could be to give an hour a week to help to help keep Ballybay clean and tidy and a place to be proud off.

The report firstly looked at COMMUNITY and noted that there was an active committee with 24 members and help from various resident groups. The highlighted the involvement of young people, stating, “We are delighted to see they are involved in litter picking, seed sowing and promoting wildlife habitats”. They also noted that it was “Pleasing to see that the committee take advice of the judges on board”.

In relation to STREETSCAPE AND PUBLIC PLACE the judges complimented property owners for getting involved with the Town and Village Enhancement Scheme. They had numerous positive comments to make including, “Stookies Bar on Main Street looked tremendously well. Smyths, Bills, Ballybay Pharmacy, Credit Union, Bluebells and Carragher’s looked smart”. They also “Admired the bench and beautiful planters at the entrance to Loch Mor Avenue”.

GREEN SPACES AND LANDSCAPING also received many complimentary comments. These included, “We have noted and admired the landscaping in Riverside Lane”, “The award winning playground is a splendid amenity” and “The planting beds all look good and provide a welcoming feature for visitors to the town”.

NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY also received positive comments. The judges complimented the community garden and the partnership with the Mens Shed. The judges finished off this section saying, “We love all the planting around the town with lovely burst of colour throughout”.

The committee approach to harvesting water and composting helped to improve the score in the SUSTAINABILITY section. The judges also liked the information panels about the Dromore River and said, “they are great ways of raising awareness about our waterways”.

Under TIDINESS AND LITTER CONTROL it was noted that there was very little litter on the day of adjudication. They applauded the ‘Best Kept Premises’ initiative and thanked Gerry Mc Elroy for his sponsorship. On the downside they noted rubbish and bags at the recycling area and suggested the possibility of CCTV as a solution to this issue.

RESIDENTIAL STREETS AND HOUSING AREA received very positive comments such as “many houses and estates were beautifully presented” and “we commend the homeowners for their efforts”.

The judges were very complimentary in relation to the APPROCAH ROADS, STREETS AND LANES saying that, “The commitment of the CE Workers is to be commended”.

In the CONCLUDNG REMARKS the judges said, “It was a pleasure to visit and in this 6th year you have progressed well and are beginning to see results on the ground”.

The 2nd annual Christmas Santa Day takes place on Sunday 4th December from 2pm-5pm at Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA centre. Meet Mr and Mrs Clause, go on a lovely treasure hunt walk, dance the afternoon away at a Xmas disco or have a go at some lovely Xmas Art plus a special raffle for all guests. Everyone welcome.