The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Sean and Bernie Duffy (Ticket number 70). Sean and Bernie win €375. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers or fill in the envelope in most shops and pubs in the town. There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Due to unforeseen circumstances Smyth’s Bar, 50 years in business celebrations due to be held this weekend have been postponed. Liam and Anna intend to hold the celebrations at a later date so keep an eye on the paper for further details.

Every Thursday between 9-45am and 11-30am, during term time babies, toddlers, parents, grandparents and care givers are welcome to Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church Hall in Hall Street. While the little ones play the big ones can enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Everyone welcome. There is no fee however it is suggested that each family make a €2 donation.

Want to learn to jive? Classes will commence in Cuan Mhuire on 10th October at 7pm and will run for 5 weeks. Places are limited so to book contact 0868162334.

As part of Culture Night, Camphill Community Ballybay invite you to the  Creative Lounge on Friday 22nd September. The Creative Lounge is an Inclusive Arts Connection. An inclusive event presented to adults and children with special needs. Expect a sensory experience to include, sound healing drumming, interactive singing, a captivating drama performance/reading, and music delivered by professional artists. Booking is required: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/camphillcommunityballybay/971237

Ballybay Central School’s annual Cash for Clobber collection will take place on Friday10th November.  All unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, shoes (paired) may be left into school after the October midterm break.  The money raised from the collection will be used to buy much needed resources for the school. Please spread the word amongst friends, neighbours and family members.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Patricia Mulligan (Ticket number 803). Patricia wins €355. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Cahans Meeting House (eircode H18 E7N1) presents an Ulster Scots night on Friday 15 September with Matthew Warwick and Stonewall. It will be an evening with a difference exploring the rich cultural heritage of Ulster Scots language and traditional music. The Irish Presbyterian heritage is largely Ulster Scots, part of a movement of people which crossed the Irish sea and the Atlantic ocean along with dispersing to so many parts of the globe. The evening begins at 8pm and will conclude with refreshemtns. Admission is €10 and everyone is welcome. More information can be found at https://www.cahans.ie/

Best wishes to Liam Smyth who is recovering from knee surgery. Liam is getting himself fully fit for his 50 years in business celebrations which take place on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th September. It will be a big weekend of craic, entertainment and reminiscing so save the date and watch this space for more details.

The active residents of Corrybrennan Park and Culbrennan continue to make improvements to their estates. The most recent addition is a new summer seat at the entrance. Aidan Watters donated and made the steel frame for the seat.

There were mixed fortunes for the footballers of Ballybay at the weekend. The men who are reigning county champions had a bye however results didn’t go their way and it now not possible to qualify for the semi finals. They play their last round robin game on Sunday at home to Truagh with a 5pm throw in. The ladies on the other hand are through to the County Intermediate final. This season the local side have amalgamated with Doohamlet and at the weekend they defeated Carrickmacross in the county semi-final. In the final they will meet Castleblayney who saw of Latton in the other semi-final. Check out further details in the sports pages.

Want to learn to jive? Classes will commence in Cuan Mhuire on 10th October at 7pm and will run for 5 weeks. Places are limited so to book contact 0868162334.

Want to get started on your family history? Genealogy classes beginning in Cuan Mhuire on Tuesday 19th September at 8pm. Contact 0868162334 to book your place.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Nancy Smyth (Ticket number 817). Nancy wins €380. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Youth Line Dancing is returning to Tullycorbet Community Centre starting on Friday 15th September and running until 27th October. The classes will be from 6-30pm until 7-15pm. Contact (086) 070 2129 to book your places!

Shaun Bremner Charity Truck run is taking place on Sunday the 8th of October. Entries are €30 per truck. Registration from 12pm and leaving at 2pm from Ballybay Mart. Money raised in support of Ballybay Pearse Brothers Quid Game Fundraiser and Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Team. Free raffle for all drivers on registration.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Sheila and Angela Hamilton (Ticket number 842). The girls win wins €375. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Ballybay Parochial Hall in Church Street is available for hire. The hall has a kitchenette, car parking, wifi and toilet facilities. It is also excellent value at just €25 per hour. Further information is available from any committee member.

The annual Harvest Service will be held on Sunday 10th September at 3-30pm. The guest preacher will be the rev. Ian Cruickshank, Rector of Carrickmacross. Alison Oliver will also be the special soloist on the day. There will be refreshments served after the service and everyone is welcome.

Computer classes for beginners will be held in Tullycorbet Community Centre each Monday from 4th until 25th September. The classes will run from 7pm to 10pm. Laptops will be provided however participants may also take their own. To book you place contact 086 0702129.

The outdoor bowling club travel to Letterkenny on Saturday next to participate in the champions of champions competition. Those competing in the rinks are B. Mc Gahey, B. Smyth, G. Martin and G. Treanor. The pairs team are S. Winters and S. Smyth, while Shane Mc Guinness will play in the singles. We wish them all the very best of luck. All games start at 11am.

A four week Genealogy class will commence in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Monday 2nd October. This is a fantastic opportunity to find out how to research your family history/tree. The course is being run by CMETB and to book a place contact 086 0702129.

You're welcome to the Faith Mission monthly Gospel Meeting on Friday 1st September 2023 at 8pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall, (permission kindly granted). Visiting speaker is the  Rev. David Hagan.  Organised by Brian and Hazel Parker Faith Mission Area Workers Cootehill.

If you are in need of assistance for school/college, you can contact St. Vincent De Paul in writing, C/O Confraternity Room, Ballybay or by freephoning 1800 677777. Either way a SVP volunteer will follow up with a short visit to see how best the organisation can assist.

All three schools in Ballybay started back this week after their respective summer breaks. Good luck to all the students in Scoil Eanna, Ballybay Central School and Ballybay Community College for the 2023/24 school year.

An anonymous local has been in touch with the suggestion that, “Ballybay Business need to get real about Parking”. In a letter sent to the paper they suggest that there is a chronic parking shortage in the town primarily from Centre on the Castleblayney Road to the Post Office on Main Street and when they regularly visit the town to do some shopping, they are unable to get parked in the town.

The unnamed author wasn’t afraid to voice their opinion on why there is a problem, saying, “The biggest issue as I see it in Business owners, staff members and residents and tenants parking on the Main Street as all day parkers”. After some investigations they found at least 25 cars parked on Main Street all day which they felt should be in a long term car park.

The annoyed local continued to vent their anger as they wrote, “What is particularly galling is that the new Town Car Park recently constructed by Monaghan County Council lies there empty everyday – now surely there should be a push to get these all day parkers, residents and shop workers to park in this car park and free up the Main Street”.

The letter received by the Ballybay News Correspondent was also copied to the Ballybay Town Team. The final line in the letter read, “Ballybay Business Owners would want to smell the coffee and get their own car and their staff’s cars moved off the main thoroughfare”.

National Heritage Week will take place from 14th to 20th August and the Ballybay Heritage Group will be organising a photo exhibition entitled ‘The Old Ways of Ballybay – The changing face of the family homestead through the years’. This will be a celebration of local knowledge, customs, folklore and living traditions. There will be presentation boards in the Post Office and a stall at the Community Fair on 20th August. You can also check out the Ballybay Heritage Group Facebook page.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Sean Duffy (Ticket number 92). Stephen wins €390. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is on Tuesday next 15th August. To mark this important date in the church calendar there will be two masses in St. Patrick’s. The first will be at 9-30am and the other at 7-30pm.

Blessing of Graves at St. Mary's Church, Latton will take place on Saturday 26th August, following 7.30pm mass.

The receptacles at the town bottle bank were full at the weekend however some locals decided to leave their bottles and cans on the concrete in front of the bins. This practice prompted the Ballybay Tidy Towns committee to post a video which they called – ‘Thanks to the adults for this – Couldn’t wait until the bins were emptied’. Committee Chairman Martin Gleeson branded the practice, “Disgraceful”.

If the bins are full could locals please take their bottles and cans back with them and wait until the bins are emptied.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA are hosting a "Quid Game" Fundraising Event in The Glencarn Hotel Castleblayney on Friday 29th December. The club are recruiting 60 contestants to compete on the night with the winner receiving €10,000. If interested please contact Paul Finlay or Colin Malone, DM the club’s Facebook page for contact details.

The Gill and Niblock families have organised a coffee morning and car wash on Bank Holiday Monday. The event will take place at Aughnaclea , Ballybay (A75 YW20) between 10am and 2pm. All proceeds will go to The Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Fund. Your support would be very much appreciated.

National Heritage Week will take place from 14th to 20th August and the Ballybay Heritage Group will be organising a photo exhibition entitled ‘The Old Ways of Ballybay – The changing face of the family homestead through the years’. This will be a celebration of local knowledge, customs, folklore and living traditions. There will be presentation boards in the Post Office and a stall at the Community Fair on 20th August. You can also check out the Ballybay Heritage Group Facebook page.

It is with a heavy heart we report the sad passing of two well known Ballybay residents. On Monday 24th July Nancy Moen, Knocknamaddy died peacefully at Cavan General Hospital. Nancy was predeceased by her husband John and her death is deeply regretted by her sons, daughters, grandchildren ad wider family circle. Nancy was laid to rest on Thursday 27th July.

Pat Lynch, Castleblayney Road and formerly of Main Street died peacefully on Sunday last 30th July in the tender loving care of the nurses and staff at St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Ballybay. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons and daughter and grandchildren. Pat was buried at St. Patrick’s, Ballybay yesterday 2nd August. May Nancy and Pat rest in peace.

Ballybay Towns Team are organising a 'Community Fair, Food and Fun Day' for Sunday 20th August. They are seeking interest for any business that would like to showcase their work on the day, these could include local Monaghan business, other small speciality business, entertainers, speciality food, crafts or anyone who would be willing to showcase their talents. Anyone interested, please send them a private message on their facebook page to express your interest. This will be a fun day for the whole community.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Stephen Drury (Ticket number 96). Stephen wins €360. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Blessing of Graves at St. Mary's Church, Latton will take place on Saturday 26th August, following 7.30pm mass.

Cuan Mhuire is hosting a Car Boot Sale on Bank Holiday Monday next at their premises on the Monaghan Road. Cars are just €10 and refreshments will be served. It is advisable to get their early as these sales usually attract large crowds.

The Irish Blood Tranfusion Service will be at the Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney today between 3-45pm and 8pm. As a result of covid 19 donations are by appointment only. To book an appointment phone 1800 222 11 between 9am and 5pm.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA are hosting a "Quid Game" Fundraising Event in The Glencarn Hotel Castleblayney on Friday 29th December. The club are recruiting 60 contestants to compete on the night with the winner receiving €10,000. If interested please contact Paul Finlay or Colin Malone, DM the club’s Facebook page for contact details.

Congratulations to Ballybay Credit Union who recently announced that their loan book had reached €8million. This has allowed hundreds of people to buy cars, educate their children, go on holidays, put on extensions and much much more. Everyone involved should be very proud.

There was success last weekend at the Ulster Fleadh for 3 members of Tullycorbett CCE. Cormac McGinnity was second in the U12 accordian and now travels to the All Ireland in Mullingar. Laura McMahon had two thirds in the piano and the piano accordian and finally Muireann Carragher qualified Comhra Gailge.

"The Race", an exciting new dance piece for children aged 4+ will be screened in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Friday 28th July at 6-30pm. Admission is free, refreshments will be served. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Congratulations to Liam and Anna Smyth who are 50 years in business 27/7/2023.  Liam opened the doors that Friday and has never looked back the following year his luck continued when he married Anna. The Latton duo went on to rear their 4 wonderful children in 14 Main Street. Over the years Liam and Anna have been blessed with wonderful staff and wonderful and loyal customers, sadly many of these great people are in The Highstool in Heaven's Bar & Lounge. Liam’s has given us 50 years of craic whether it be GAA ,horse racing , cattle sales and even a wee bit of politics thrown in. Thanks for everything. Here’s to the next 50. Love and best wishes from all your customers and friends

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Deborah Flanagan (Ticket number 594). Deborah wins €420. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers

There is a guaranteed winner every week!

A songs of praise service will take place in Corlea Presbyterian Church (near Shantonagh) on Sunday 23rd July at 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Keep free Saturday 29th July for the annual Drumhowan Community BBQ Party evening at the Community Centre. The BBQ will help celebrate the end of the ‘Step into Summer’ challenge. Admission is by donation. Burgers, drinks and entertainment available.

Ballybay Youth Club are hosting a family open evening today July 20th. Pop into Birch Court between 5-8pm to meet with the youth workers, sign up to groups and see what the youth club has to offer. The Youth club works with youngsters aged between 10 and 24. Refreshments will also be available.

On Sunday 23rd April the Drumhowan community, Elaine Sheridan’s family and close friends united and hosted a breakfast morning in her memory with proceeds donated to Ballybay Cancer society. 

Not only did the sun shine on this day but the people shined even brighter. The community effort was overwhelming and to the people that helped out on this day "thanks" would never be enough. You did your community and Elaine proud.

The people came in there thousands to honour Elaine’s memory and to donate to such a worthy cause.  Unfortunately today Cancer seems to touch all families in some way so it is important we continue to support our local charity in the fight against this horrible disease. This money ensures Ballybay Cancer Society can keep up the invaluable work that they do.

Elaine is deeply missed by all who knew her, but this breakfast was a true reflection of how much.

Gavin , Lily and Conor and Elaine’s family and close friends wish to thank the Sponsors and everyone who donated to Elaine’s Breakfast morning and more importantly to the group of people that made this breakfast possible, they thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

The proceeds of the day of €25,730.00 went to Ballybay Cancer Society and the presentation of the cheque took place in Drumhowan GAA Centre just a few steps from Elaine’s home.

"The Race", an exciting new dance piece for children aged 4+ will be SCREENED in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Friday, 28th July at 6:30 p.m.  "The Race” entwines three of Aesop's Fables to create a really fun, interactive and colourful world of animals, puppets, theatre and movement. Cheer with our cast of animals as the Tortoise and the Hare set off for the finish line, join the Grasshopper in gazing with fascination as the Ants collect food for the winter ahead, and root for the little Mouse as she faces down the mighty Lion! Watch as their journeys unfold through beautiful dance and share in the lessons they learn along the way. Come along to Tullycorbet on Friday, 28th July from 6:30 - 7:30 pm for this really fun, interactive show. Admission is FREE and refreshments will be served.  All children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

The Ballybay to Castleblayney Greenway is a proposed 15-kilometre walking and cycling path that would connect Ballybay to Castleblayney in Co. Monaghan. In addition to reconnecting these two areas and their associated attractions, it is envisioned that the proposed greenway would improve accessibility to other local attractions in the area, which, depending on the selection of the preferred route, may include Lough Major and Lough Muckno, old railway structures, and the Castleblayney outdoor adventure centre.

Ballybay to Castleblayney Greenway – Study Area Consultation Submission Deadline of the 6th of July has now been extended to the 20th of July, with the aim of holding the second Public Consultation on the 10th of August. Further information is available at: https://monaghan.ie/ballybay-to-castleblayney-greenway-constraints-study-and-technical-scoping-report/

A songs of praise service will take place in Corlea Presbyterian Church (near Shantonagh) on Sunday 23rd July at 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Check out Ballybay Youth Clubs summer timetable. There are new groups running for the summer period, some time changes to the current groups and activities such as arts and crafts, five a side soccer and film making. To sign up or for more information on any of the groups, please contact Grainne/Ceara at 087 3753274 or 087 3961200.

Ballybay Tidy Towns would sincerely like to thank Ballybay Drama Group for their very generous donation of €500. It is greatly appreciated as they have a project in the pipeline. Watch this space for further details.

The Latton Bawn Historical Group are looking for old pictures of social events held in the parish. They are keen get hold of good quality images of concerts, plays ICA Events, etc. It is hoped to use some of the pictures in next years calendar. If you have any please contact any committee members who will arrange for the picture to be scanned and returned.

Ballybay Towns Team are organising a 'Community Fair, Food and Fun Day' for Sunday 20th August . The team are currently seeking interest from any business that would like to showcase their work on the day, these could include local Monaghan business, other small speciality business, entertainers, speciality food, crafts or anyone who would be willing to showcase their talents. Anyone interested, please send a private message to the Ballybay Town Team facebook page to express your interest. This will be a fun day for the whole community, and the team look forward to planning an exciting day for all.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Leiah Donaghy (Ticket number 25). Leiah wins €430. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week! 

Dates are now available for the annual Blessing of the Graves. Ballintra will be linked with 11am mass on Sunday 23rd July. Tullycorbett will be linked with 9-30am mass on Sunday 3oth July and St. Patrick’s will also be held on Sunday 30th July at 3pm. The parish office would appeal to those cleaning their graves in Tullycorbet to take their waste home rather than dump it in the adjoining hedge. Parishioners should also note that the parish email address has changed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Friday night Ballybay meet Emyvale in the Crawley Cup final. Throw in is a 8pm and Kyle Brannigan takes charge. On Sunday Pearse Park will host the U17 meeting of Ballybay and the neighbour’s Drumhowan at 12noon. On Tuesday evening next (18th July) Ballybay are at home to Clones in round 10 of the Division 1B Reserve League. Throw in 8pm.

Ballybay Heritage Facebook Page recently published an article for the press dated 16th October 1937. The article entitled ‘Boy Wonder Violinist’ was sent to them by Fiona Hunter who lives in Glasgow but who a relative of the boy in question. The article reads as follows:

“The artist who scored the biggest triumph of this year on the stage of the theatre Royal, Dublin, was a boy of thirteen years – Xavier Gibson, from Ballybay. This young genius secured his Diploma in violin playing (A.L.C.M) before his 13th birthday. The most exacting critics pronounce him a marvel of talent. His marvellously accomplished playing of the accordion drew rounds upon rounds of applause at the Theatre Royal where he secured an unprecedented triumph being recalled several times to take a bow. Master Gibson has been engaged to appear at the Magnet Cinema for the week beginning Monday October 25th”.

Ballybay Credit Union is delighted to team up with local lad, Luke Mulligan as their brand ambassador. They were delighted to officially welcome Luke onboard recently at a launch in their offices. Luke is currently playing with Dundalk FC. Luke made his Ireland Debut on 5th October 2021 at U14 Level. He has had the honour of representing his country against Poland, Montenegro, Wales, Spain & Mexico. Luke then moved on to the U16 Ireland squad and was part of the winning Victory Shield Team and indeed captained his Country against Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch Luke had this to say “I am a member of Ballybay Credit Union and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to get involved with them and some exciting events in the next few months.“ Also speaking at the launch Ballybay Credit Union’s CEO Marie O’Neill stated “As a credit union we’re delighted to welcome a fantastic young local sportsman like Luke onboard. We have chosen Luke as our ambassador as he is local to our Credit Union and we hope that as his career moves on, we will be with him all the way. As a Credit Union we pride ourselves on being part of the community and in conjunction with Luke we will be running community-based events over the next few months.

Emmet Mc Aviney was to start his Malin to Mizen Run in aid of Barnardos on 28th June however due to injury Emmet has had to postpone the run until next year. Speaking to the Ballybay News Emmet said, “I am hugely disappointed that I can’t complete this run for a very worthy cause, but I will be back next year stronger than ever. If anyone who has donated would like a refund, please contact me directly and I will arrange same. See ye all in summer 2024. Thanks”.

If you have any news that you would like considered for the Ballybay News Page please contact Paul at either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0861703640. Those emailing should do so before 11pm on Monday nights in order to be sure of publication on Thursday.

Drumhowan Community Centre is hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday. Registration is from 3pm and events include team games, races, facepainting, penalty shoot out and lots more. All will be followed by the annual summer barbeque.  

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Leagh Farrell (Ticket number 9). Leagh wins €460. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week!

Everyone is welcome to Cahans Meeting House on Saturday 1^st July to enjoy a Coffee Morning. This event will run from 10-30am until 1pm. Connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and embrace the sense of community that Cahans has to offer. Enjoy a rich blend of freshly brewed coffee and delectable treats that will leave you craving for more.

Emmet Mc Aviney started his Malin Head to Mizen Head run on yesteday. The Ballybay native is running the length of Ireland in aid of Barnardos Ireland. Emmet will be stopping at a number of GAA clubs during his mammoth run including Ballybay tomorrow Friday 30^th June at 10-30am. So far Emmet has raised €13, 098, an amazing amount of money. Emmet is eager for people to join him on the run and full details can be accessed on Malin to Mizen Run for Barnardos. You can sponsor Emmet on this super charity run on the following link…https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EmmetMcAviney

On Thursday the 11^th of May 2023 , Monaghan County Council published a notice of the intention to review the current Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025 and to prepare a new Monaghan County Development Plan for the period of 2025-2031.

In order to encourage discussion on the key issues facing the County over the next plan period 2025-2031, the Forward Planning team will facilitate drop-in workshops in the five towns in the month of June .

Please come along , we want to hear what you think should be included in your new development plan!

Details of times and venues are attached. 

Ballybay Towns Team are organising a 'Community Fair, Food and Fun Day' for Sunday 20th August . The team are currently seeking interest from any business that would like to showcase their work on the day, these could include local Monaghan business, other small speciality business, entertainers, speciality food, crafts or anyone who would be willing to showcase their talents. Anyone interested, please send a private message to the Ballybay Town Team facebook page to express your interest. This will be a fun day for the whole community, and the team look forward to planning an exciting day for all.

Camphill is hosting an open day on Sunday 25th June from 2pm until 5pm at Robb Farm, Clones Road, Ballybay. All the usual attractions will be on offer. If anyone would like to donate to the day could they please contact the community directly.

Two men have died recently who both had strong ties with Ballybay. Stanley Steen passed away in England. He was born in the town and went to school in Hall Street. He was employed in Corries Shop before he headed across the water to make a long life for himself. Joe Mc Cabe formally from Market Street Brae passed away on 7th June in the Mater Hospital Dublin. Joe was one of six brothers who were all engineers. He lived in Howth and was a passionate sailor. Throughout his remarkable career he served as Chairman of IDA, Irish Distillers, Aviva, Norwich Union and Irish Ropes. May they both rest in peace.

Dates are now available for the annual Blessing of the Graves. Ballintra will be linked with 11am mass on Sunday 23rd July. Tullycorbett will be linked with 9-30am mass on Sunday 3oth July and St. Patrick’s will also be held on Sunday 30th July at 3pm.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Edel O Reilly (Ticket number 90). Edel wins €435. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week! 

The Michael Deery Electrical Services Ltd sponsored Ballybay Pearse Brothers annual Golf Classic was held on Saturday last at Clones Golf Club. Full results and details next week.

The Tidy Towns committee have organised a clean up hour every Tuesday evening. If you can spare an hour then meet in the Square at 7pm. The town looks great at the moment but it can look even better with a wee bit of community help. Thanks are also due to Conor Duffy and Shane O Neill for their recent contributions. Conor was responsible for power washing and Shane for painting the walls at St. Patrick’s graveyard and on the Clones Road. Both look superb.

The Central School Parents Association are organising a treasure/scavenger hunt around the town on Monday 19th June, to celebrate the end of year. Refreshments will be served in the school afterwards.

SCOIL EANNA RUN A MARATHON

Congratulations to the pupils of Scoil Eanna who took to the Town Park on Monday last and ran a marathon in relay format. Every class and every student was involved and in under 3 hours the managed to clock up the combined marathon total (42, 195m or 26.2 miles). This is a massive achievement, so once again well done to all involved.

The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Eilish Shepherd (Ticket number 11). Eilish wins €455. You can play online using the following link https://member.clubspot.app/club/ballybay/fundraisers There is a guaranteed winner every week! 

Ballybay born Paddy Rutledge beat Oriol Arenas at a major MMA event in Madrid on Saturday night last and in doing so has jumped up the European rankings. The 27 year old is now ranked 4th in Europe and has an 11-1-0 record.

Well known Ballybay native Emmet McAviney is planning to run the length of the country in 10 days and in doing so aims to raise €50,000 for Barnardos. Speaking to the Ballybay News Emmet said, “ I’m taking on the challenge to run from Malin Head, Co. Donegal to Mizen Head, Co. Cork over 10 days between the 28th June and 7th July, following a route which will see me visit many local GAA clubs along the way.

I’m doing it to raise money for Barnardos children’s charity who do incredible work supporting vulnerable children and their families across the country. I know there are thousands of families in Ireland who are struggling. They are suffering. All funds raised with go towards Barnardos’ Family Support services across Ireland. If you can, please help by donating whatever you can. Help make a difference to these families and children”

If you would like to donate to Emmet efforts you can do so at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EmmettMcAviney

Stage 5 of the Ras Tailteann (Tour of Ireland bike race) passed through Ballybay on Sunday morning last. Over 165 riders from Ireland and Europe passed through the town on their way from Monaghan Town to Blackrock in County Louth. It was a fantastic spectacle for all who turned up to watch it. The last time the race passed through Ballybay was 1969.

Scoil Eanna student council would like to thank everyone who supported their ‘In Your Shoe Appeal’. The students collected 102 pairs of pre-loved shoes and have them bagged and ready to send to children in African Townships. Take a bow everyone.

Ballybay born Paddy Rutledge will be fighting at a major MMA event in Madrid on 20th May. Paddy who goes by the nickname, ‘Paddy the Problem’ takes on Oriol Arenas at the Palacio Vistalegne Arena. Fighting out of Spain, Paddy has a 10-1-0 record and is currently ranked 10th amongst European featherweights. Paddy will be hoping to make it 9 wins on a row.

The group had their third meeting of the year last week in Birch Court and were treated to a great presentation by Paul Flynn, taking the audience on a walk through Ballybay back in the day when it was a thriving market town. Thanks very much Paul for an impressive display of local knowledge. The group are currently working on this year's national heritage award, which takes place in August under the theme of "living traditions". Anyone who has any knowledge, photos, stories, of any local traditions, or anyone else who would like to get involved is welcome to come to the next meeting on May 17th at 8pm in Birch Court.

The Annual Christian Aid cake sale and coffee morning will be held on Saturday 13th May in Hall Street Clones Road from 10am to 1.00 pm. Lots of cakes, home baking and other bargains. Also enjoy fellowship and chat over a cup of coffee or tea. Everyone welcome. All proceeds to Christian Aid.

Local gym provider Breakthrough Performance will be hosting 2 summer camps for 7 to 14 year olds in June and August. The first camp is from 10am until 2pm between the 26th and 30th June and the second camp is from 9-30am until 2pm between 8th and 11th August. Further information is available from 086 3764114.

Due to technical difficulties it wasn’t possible to have the 50/50 draw on Monday evening. The draw was held on Tuesday evening which was too late for this week’s publication. The winner can be found on the Pearse Brothers facebook page.

The Annual Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA Golf Classic will be held on the weekend of Saturday 10th June 2023 at Clones Golf Club. This year’s main sponsor for the event is Michael Deery Electrical Services Limited.

The club would like express our thanks to Michael for this support.

The Golf Classic is a very important event in our annual fundraising calendar and allows us to generate much needed funds for the development of our GAA club for all. We hope you will once again see fit to support our Classic this year. Team entries are €200 (meal and goodie bag included). Sponsorship/advertising is €100.

Time Sheets will be in operation from 8am all day on Saturday. To enter a team, please contact either of the following: (Gaby Kerr @ 0879661883 or Brian Carroll @ 0857117215). All Teams and Sponsors will be listed on our Website, Social Media and on a Billboard which will be displayed at Clones Golf Club over the weekend of the Classic. Payment may be made by cash or cheque on the morning of the event. Thank you once again for your continued support to the Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA club over the years.

On Saturday 20 May, beginning at 3pm, there will be an 'official opening' of the renovated Meeting house, 26 years from the formation of the Cahans cross community committee whose aim was the conservation and renewal of the historic heritage building, not to be used as a church building but as a resource for the whole community, the Cahans diaspora and anyone or groups interested to use the buildings.

IT'S BACK! Electrical Recycling Drop Off Days are commencing in Lidl Car Park, Monaghan Town on Saturday 20th May - 10am to 4pm. You can drop off any household item with a plug or a battery such as TVs, washing machines, IT equipment, stereos, mobile phones, broken battery-operated toys, cables, chargers and even wireless ear buds.

Paint and Sip returns to Pat O Brien’s on Friday 26th May. It’s a chance to show your creative side and design a canvas masterpiece to take home. Spaces usually fill up quickly so get your name down asap with Catherine at 087935353182.

You're welcome to the Faith Mission monthly Gospel Meeting on Friday 5th May 2023 at 8pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall, (kindly granted). The speaker is Brian Parker.  Organised by Brian and Hazel Parker Faith Mission Area Workers Cootehill.

The winner of this week’s 50/50  draw was Sean Cleary (ticket number 286). Sean’s win €500. Five extra draws were made for the Bank Holiday. Well done to Brendan Walshe ticket number 94, Bríd Rutledge ticket number 347, Kane Giney ticket number 811, Therese Hamilton ticket number 853 and Patricia Collins ticket number 307, all winners of €100. 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. 

As part of National Spring Clean 2023, Tidy Towns Groups around County Monaghan are coming together and are holding litter picks. Ballybay Tidy Towns will be participating in this initiative and will be hosting a Spring Clean on Friday 12th May at 10am. Anyone interested in taking part can meet in the Square at 10am.   More information here: https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-countywide-spring-clean/

Well done to everyone that turned out for our 2nd annual Sharon Caraher 5k run/walk. Thank you to the Treanor and Caraher families for allowing us to remember Sharon through this event. To all the stewards, car park attendants, tea ladies, families who supplied goodies, cleaners before and after event, Stephen and Marie Therese of Centra for sponsoring the time clock provided by Glaslough Harrier's, Joe our MC, juvenile committee, Enda our caretaker, juveniles and the wider community. THANK YOU for supporting this event. Congratulations to our winners. Eoin Sheridan u16s, John Meehan Men's winner and Carmel Finnan ladies winner.

Bike Week will run from the 13^th – 21^st May and you will see there are a variety of activities happening right across the County. There really is something for everyone, young and old!

Ballybay Livestock Mart is hosting a Pedigree sale on Friday 5th May. Alongside this will the usual Friday weanling and suckler sale. Bookings are now open for the sale and a catalogue will be available on the night. Further information is available from 042 9741785.

Congratulations to the Scoil Eanna boys five a side soccer team who took part in the FAI Primary Schools 5s at Monaghan United ground last week. The lads played four games and remained unbeaten drawing 3-3, 2-2 and winning 5-0 and 7-0. Despite this they lost out on qualifying for the next stage.

This week students at Ballybay Central School have been participating in National Active School Week. All week the school have been promoting the benefits of physical activity and the children have been participating in a range of activities. It has been a week of tracksuits and runners and instead of written homework the children were required to complete physical activity.

A massive thanks is due to everyone who has already returned their Trocaire envelopes. To date the collection has amounted to €7980. If anyone has not returned their envelope, could they do so as soon as possible.