Three St. Brigid and two Latton Ladies footballers will be in action on Saturday next for the Ulster Schools side at an Inter-provincial tournament in Kinnegad. St. Brigid’s trio Lorna Mc Guirk, Jayne Drury and Michaela Linden will be joined by Latton duo Jane Duffy and Ciara Mulligan. All five girls have come through a series of trials to make the provincial squad.

It has been brought to the attention of the Ballybay news that a number of election posters in the town are poorly located. Some are at very low level while others are obstructing the new heritage banners. One local commented, “I see they are quick to put them up with no consideration as to where they put them. I hope they are as quick to take them down”.

Dolores and Katie Maguire are delighted with the response for clothing and sleeping bags for homeless charities ‘Friends Helping Friends’ and the ‘Simon Community’. The girls have delivered all to Dublin and the charities have asked that their thanks be passed on to everyone who donated. They now have enough clothing and sleeping bags for the foreseeable future and have requested no more donations until later in the year. Dolores and Katie would like to thank everyone who was so kind.

The Pearse Brothers Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday 1st February in the clubhouse. On the night the club will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 county final victory. On the night there will be a mass for the deceased members in St. Patrick’s at 6-30pm and following that the presentation evening will commence. On display on the night will be the American Cup, the trophy presented to the county champions 50 years ago. The Owen Ward Cup medals for 2019, reserve league division two medals along with the Senior and Reserve player of the year awards will all take place. The AGM will take place the evening before (January 31st).

On the 27th December a group of lads from Latton played a charity match with all the proceeds being donated to the Ballybay Cancer Society. The amount raised was €3506. On behalf of the Ballybay Cancer Society Sally Mc Aviney received the cheque. Speaking at the presentation Sally said, "On behalf of Ballybay Cancer Society a big thank you to Shane Coyle, Hugh McElroy, Christina Weldon and all involved in yet another fantastic fundraiser for our society, it is community efforts like this which helps us to continue helping people as best we can so thank you to all who took part and supported this event".

Voter registration and Information event - see PDFhere >>

Over the last few weeks a number of heritage banners have appeared in Ballybay. These banners carry old pictures of Ballybay and the words ‘Ballybay Heritage’. The banners are the brainchild of Rory Mc Atavie who also sourced the funding and arranged for their production and erection. Rory has a wealth of research on Ballybay and for years had been toying with the idea of sharing a little of it. He made an application to the Town and Villages Renewal Fund and secured €3000 for his banner proposal. Ten different banners were produced and over the next few months the Ballybay News will provide the backstory to each of the images used. Speaking about the project Rory said, “This project would not have been possible except for the hard work and efforts of a number of people. I would like to thank each and everyone of them. Paddy Rutledge from the Ballybay Heritage group provided the pictures and some of the research. Fiona Mulligan at Monaghan County Council helped with the funding process. The banners were made by Coyles in Carrickroe. The banner supports were made by Ivan Armstrong from Armstrong Engineering. The banners were erected by Padraig Lennon. The overall project cost €3165 and the €165 above the grant was kindly paid by Martin Gleeson and Olivia Duffy from Ballybay Tidy Towns. A massive thanks is due to each and everyone of them”.

It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Sr Francis Levett, Sacred Heart Convent, Ballybay and late of Lewisham, London, Wimbledon and St John Fisher Parish, Merton, London which took place on Thursday 9th January 2020. The friendly nun was 104 years old and died peacefully at St Anne’s Nursing Home, Ballybay. Her funeral mass took place in St. Patrick’s last Monday and she was buried in the adjoining graveyard afterwards.

Over the weekend the new changing facilities at Loch Mor were vandalised. Muckno Triathlon Club who have invested a lot of time and money into the facilities are very disappointed that a few mindless youths have caused the damage to the changing rooms which were used by numerous groups. If anyone is aware of who the culprits are could they either contact the local Garda or private message Muckno Triathlon Club.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers annual presentation night will take place on Saturday 1st February.

Parents interested in enrolling their child in our school for Sept ‘20 are invited to attend an Open Evening on Thursday 16th January at 7-30pm. Application forms and a copy of our school prospectus will be available on the night. 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.

On January 7, 1922, the Dáil passed the Anglo-Irish Treaty by a vote of 64 to 57 working on a book to commemorate all the babies born in our parish in 1922, they were known as "The Free State Babies". Over the coming months members of our group will be contacting family members of these babies born in 1922 for permission to include them in our book and to get as much information as possible about them. We have compiled quite a number of names to include in our book, but if one of your ancestors was born in 1922 and from the parish, we would be glad to hear from you to be sure that we include them all. You can contact any committee member for further information.
Thank you to all of the following who sold our calendars without any profit to themselves, we really do appreciate it. Ann McElroy, Paddy Lynch, Robin McDonnell, Darren & Therese Smyth, Hannigans, Maudabawn Creamery.

Drumhowan Gaa are participating in Operation Transformation and the GAA for Ireland Lights Up. Every Tuesday and Thursday until 26th February 2020 the club will be open and light up for you, your family and friends to come and walk from 7 until 8.30pm. A full lap of the two pitches is 800m. A lap depending on the length of your step is 1250 steps, therefore 8 laps will get your recommended 10,000 steps in. The bottom dressing rooms will be opened so you can change into the appropriate footwear. We will be walking around the inside of the pitches so be prepared to get a little muddy. It is also important that all people taking part sign in as we have to let Operation Transformation know the numbers taking part. This can be done in the dressing room. You can come and go at any time you want. Please note due to insurance restrictions no pets are allowed.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March beginning at 5pm. Gerry Traynor’s shop will be the start venue and there will be cash prizes for the winning floats. Community groups, sporting organisations and local businesses should get their thinking caps on as the parade is just 9 weeks away.

There was a sense of frustration and disgust amongst residents living near Loch Mor when a number of coal bags full of ashes were dumped at the lake last week. One local was so annoyed that they offered a reward for information leading to the culprit and another suggested that cameras were needed. Another local who says they have lived by the lake for 2 years is also annoyed at items such as beer bottles and pizza boxes being left in the bushes at the lake. Monaghan County Council have been contacted and it is expected that an investigation will take place.

Parents interested in enrolling their child in our school for Sept ‘20 are invited to attend an Open Evening on Thursday 16th January at 7-30pm. Application forms and a copy of our school prospectus will be available on the night. 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.

The Ballybay Walking Group resumed on Monday morning last at 9-30am and continued on Wednesday evening at 7pm. The group meet in the Town Park where they warm up and then decide their route. This is great free way to get fit and should suit everybody regardless of their fitness level. Next outing Monday morning 9-30am in the Park.

Local councillor Seamus ‘the Professor’ Coyle celebrated his 50th Birthday in Latton Community Centre on Sunday night last. Seamus very kindly requested that those attending not bring presents but instead make a donation to the Ballybay Cancer Society. We will have an update on the event in next week’s edition but it’s worth saying fairplay to Seamus for the very kind gesture. Hope you had a very Happy Birthday Seamus.

The Library re-opens Thursday 2nd January after the Christmas break. It will open between 2pm and 5pm and then again between 6pm and 8pm.

The annual Pearse Brothers New Year’s day Swim took place on Wednesday in Loch Mor. This year proceeds from the swim will be donated to the Elaine Tate Fund. Full update on the swim next week.

The Christmas Lights Committee has been in touch and have asked that we pass on their thanks to everyone who made a big effort in respect of additional Christmas Lights this year. It did not go unnoticed that individuals, businesses and housing estates made a fantastic effort and the extra lights really complimented the efforts of the Christ Light Committee to make sure that the town was looking better than ever. Thanks are also due to Monaghan County Council who pay for the power for the town’s Christmas Lights. The committee added to their large collection of lights and hope to add even more before next year. Numerous people have mentioned how well the lights looked this year. Everyone who contributed take a bow.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers annual presentation night will take place on Saturday 1st February. More details to follow shortly.

Local lady Dolores Maguire would like to thank everyone who responded to her recent appeal for sleeping bags, coats, warm clothes and caps for the homeless. Dolores delivered these to the charity ‘Friends helping Friedns’ in Dublin just before Christmas. She plans to take another consignment to Dublin on 18th January so if anyone has any sleeping bags, coats, warm clothes or caps that they would like to donate could they private message Dolores on Facebook.

Details of the Monaghan County squad were released this week and its congratulations to local lad Ryan Wylie who has been announced as captain for the upcoming season. Ryan will be joined in the squad by his brother Drew and club mates Dessie Ward and Christopher Mc Guinness. Latton’s Kieran Duffy has been named vice captain and he will be joined by his fellow club mate with big Ballybay connections, Aaron Mulligan.

There is a new car park opened at the rear of Liam Smyth’s which has direct access to the Main Street. Ballybay Chamber of Commerce are urging employers and employees of businesses on the Main Street to please use off-street car parking in order to free up spaces for potential customers. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated.

All are welcome to our evening Carol Service in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church on Sunday 22nd December at 7.30pm. Speaker Rev Dr Gerry Clinton. Refreshments afterwards.

Drumhowan Community Group were to be selling the book of poems ‘THE FAIR LANDS OF DRUMHOWAN’ outside Masses in the parish last weekend. They did so on Saturday evening but on Sunday morning ran out of books in Ballintra and had none to sell at the 12.15 Mass. They have now ordered more copies and will be able to supply ‘customers’ in the coming weekend. They apologise for any delays to traffic on the way out from Mass on Saturday evening last and appreciate the generosity of Ballybay people in buying the books.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers annual presentation night will take place on Saturday 1st February. More details to follow shortly.

The Ballybay News has been inundated with words of praise for the number and variety of Christmas lights in the town. Locals have been full of praise for the way in which businesses, housing estates and individuals have enhanced their own little piece of Ballybay with additional lights. Sally Mc Aviney has posted a number of pictures of the lights on the ‘In the Town of Ballybay’ facebook page. Take a bow everyone.

It was lovely to see such a large attendance at our community carol service in Christ Church last Wednesday evening. It was a very enjoyable evening with a beautiful array of music and singing. We would like to thank sincerely all those involved for their contributions. It was marvellous to be able to give Camphill €300 and St Vincent de Paul €300 as a result of your generosity. Really a great big “ thank you” to you all.

Christ Church Ballybay holy communion service is at the earlier time of 10pm this year. All are very welcome. We would like to wish all the community a very happy and peaceful Christmas and Gods richest blessings for the coming year.

Christmas Eve Mass in St. Patrick’s will be celebrated at 8pm. On Christmas Morning mass in St. Patrick’s will be at 12-15pm while in both Ballintra and Tullycorbett mass will be celebrated at 10am. Christmas confessions will be heard in St. Patrick’s on Sunday evening next at 7-30pm. Priests from neighbouring parishes will join the local clergy.

Local lady Dolores Maguire plans to head to Dublin on Saturday next with sleeping bags, coats and caps for the homeless. If anyone has any of these items which they would like to donate could they please private message Dolores on Facebook. Fair play to Dolores – she is never one to shy away from helping others.

Last Friday night Gerry Mc Elroy had the honour of turning on the Ballybay Christmas lights. Gerry recently celebrated 30 years in business and there was no better man to be given the honour. This year also seen a new tree in operation. The organisers would like to thank the large crowd who turned up for the switch on and to everyone who contributed to the recent church gate collection. the amount raised was €703. Finally the organisers would like to remind everyone to shop local this Christmas.

Our community carol service will be take place a little earlier this year in Christ Church. We are holding it on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER at 7:30pm. We have a beautiful musical evening lined up for you with music by the lovely Silver Brass Band, special singing by Ballybay Community Choir and the delightful bell ringing performed by Camphill Community. There will be light refreshments served afterwards, a great chance for the community to have a catch up over a cuppa, all are very, very welcome. Please also note out Christmas Eve communion service is at earlier time of 10pm this year in Christ Church. We would love to have you join us.

Christ Church Aughnamullen are hosting a pop-up shop in a vacant premises on Main Street, Ballybay on Friday 6th December and Saturday 7th December from 10-30am to 5pm. Proceeds are going towards fund raising for church repairs.

There will be a GOAL Mile at Latton O Rahilly’s GAA Club on Thursday 26th December at 11am. This will be a great way to burn off a few calories after any excesses on Christmas Day and contribute to a great charity at the same time. See you all there.

Congratulations to Damien Caraher, the Ballybay Pearse Brothers recipient of the Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation Awards hosted by Monaghan County Board last week. Damien has been a major figure in Ballybay circles for over 30 years. He played with distinction for the Pearse Brothers for over 20 years winning an Owen Ward Cup in 1986 and Mick Duffy Cup the following year and he also represented the club in Scor on many occasions. He pulled on the Farney jersey at underage and senior levels. However as dynamic he was on the pitch, it will be his herculean efforts off the pitch that will be his lasting legacy. Ballybay have a clubhouse that is the envy of many organisations in the country. It is not an exaggeration to say that without Damien’s drive, determination and unfailing optimism that the clubhouse would never have been built. He was the driving force behind the plans and the building and it was his insistence that it be used on an ongoing basis that meant the Ballybay Bingo, the most successful fundraiser in the club’s history is housed in the clubhouse every Tuesday for the last 11 years. Supported by his wife Sharon and his 4 children Daniel, Shane, Gemma and Conor and his parents Franco and Maggie, it is people like Damien who make the GAA the best organisation in the world.

The AGM of Ballybay Credit Union will take place tonight in the wetlands Centre at 7-30pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

Ballybay Post Office will be extending their opening hours over two Saturdays in December. The Post Office will be open from 9-30pm until 5-30pm on Saturday 7th December and Saturday 21st December. To be sure of delivery before Christmas please try and get your post away early.

A massive congratulations are due to the students (and parents) of Scoil Eanna who recently donated 129 shoe boxes to the Team Hope Annual Shoe Box Appeal. The boxes were beautifully wrapped and are now on their way to children affected by poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa. Well done everyone.

Christ Church Aughnamullen are hosting a pop-up shop in a vacant premises on Main Street, Ballybay on Friday 6th December and Saturday 7th December from 10-30am to 5pm. Proceeds are going towards fund raising for church repairs.

Practice for all members of the 3 local church choirs will take place in St. Patrick’s Church on Monday evening next at 8pm.

The local Mens Shed have produced a number of articles which would be suitable for Christmas presents. These include bird boxes and numerous small wooden toys/decorations. The shed is located down the side of the library.

Ballybay Camphill Community will hold their annual Christmas Craft sale on Saturday 30th November at Robb’s Farm, Clones road from 1pm until 4pm. Available will be bric-a-brac, tea/snacks, waffles, crepes, homemade cakes, organic jam/juice, handweaving, candle making, face painting and pizzas. Donations of cakes and bric-a-brac would be very much appreciated.

This year’s Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Friday 29th November in the Square at 7pm. Please put this date in your diary. Santa will be there and there will be presents for every child in attendance.

Ballybay Social Club’s Christmas Party will take place on Friday 6th December at 11am. This will include Christmas Dinner, Christmas Gift and Entertainment by Brid McCabe. So why not come along and get into the Christmas spirit and everyone is welcome and bring a friend.

The Ballybay Heritage Society have produced a 2020 calendar which would make a lovely Christmas present especially for family members who may live overseas. The calendar has 13 pictures of Ballybay which were taken over 100 years ago. It is available in local shops or from any member of the Ballybay heritage Society. Alternatively you can contact Paddy Rutledge at 0429741730 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All are welcome to a Community Carol Service in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church (kindly granted) on Sunday 1st December 2019 at 7pm. This service is organised by Jim Lyons Faith Mission. Refreshments afterwards. Come along and bring family and friends.

Ballybay Community Creche are hosting a fundraising coffee morning and evening event on Friday 29th November. Tea, coffee, scones and croissants will be available from 8am until 11am and then in the evening from 5pm until 7pm there will be hot chocolate and marshmallows. Santa will be in attendance in the evening and there will be pictures and presents. Everyone welcome.

As part of the Science Festival and in line with the theme ‘Climate Action’, we have been given 1000 native Irish trees to give out free to community and voluntary groups, schools in the county and who will plant in the month of November.

We would like to reach out to the tidy towns committees and other community based groups who would endeavour to plant the trees in a community space.

We are proposing a minimum of 10 and max of 25 trees per group who express an interest.

The trees are stored in Newbliss at the moment and we hope to give them out on Monday 25th November at a ceremony here in Clones Library at 9.30am with Minister Humphreys.

A new defibrillator training course for anyone in the Ballybay and Tullycorbet area is being delivered on Monday 11th November in Tullycorbet Community Centre from 6-30pm to 10pm. If interested please contact Sheila 0868319459 or Una 0867963890 to book a training slot. Please support this valuable community resource.

The monthly social day takes place this Friday in Cuan Mhuire from 11am until 2pm. Everyone welcome.

A coffee morning and cake sale will be held on Friday 22nd of November 2019 in Hall Street Church Hall. All funds go to centres catering for local children with Special Needs. Your support would be very much appreciated.

Many, many thanks to all who kindly donated and helped make it possible for us to get our beautiful new driveway up and around Christ Church, a beautiful job indeed, thank you to all involved.

Tickets to Gerry Mc Elroy’s annual fundraising dance are still available. The annual senior citizens party and fundraising dance will take place in just one week. On Friday 15th November the senior citizens party will take place in Lisdoonan Community Centre. After being provided with dinner Country Harmony will entertain the expected large attendance. Gerry has also guaranteed a very special guest on the night. The following night Saturday 16th November USA Country Music legend Robert Mizzell will rock the Lisdoonan Centre. This is always a brilliant night with supper served and all proceeds raised being distributed to local senior citizen groups. Tickets are available from Gerry’s take Away or you can pay on the door.

A Community Games Meeting is taking place on Wednesday 13th November in Tullycorbet Hall at 7.30pm. All parents with children aged 6-15 years are invited to attend and please bring anyone you know living in the Ballybay, Drumhowan or Tullycorbet area who have children aged 6-15years. Also welcome are grandparents, retired persons or anyone who would like to help our children enjoy learning new activities. Community games offers a wide range of activities but your participation is required in order to maximise its potential. Activities include Art, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Chess, Choir, Cross country, Cycling, Debating, Drama comedy sketch, Draughts, Duathlon, Futsal, Gaelic football, Group singing, Group music, Group modern dance, Gymnastics, Handball, Handwriting, Hurling, Indoor soccer, Irish contemporary dance, Marathon, Mini rugby, Model making, Pitch n putt, Project, Recitation, Rounders, Skittles, Soccer, Spikeball, Swimming, Solo music, Solo modern dance, Solo singing, Table quiz, Table tennis and Tag rugby. We would be delighted if you could join us on Wednesday 13th November @ 7.30pm in Tullycorbet Hall.

The Ballybay Heritage Society have produced a 2020 calendar which would make a lovely Christmas present especially for family members who may live overseas. The calendar has 13 pictures of Ballybay which were taken over 100 years ago. It is available in local shops or from any member of the Ballybay heritage Society. Alternatively you can contact Paddy Rutledge at 0429741730 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Monaghan County Council is carrying out a feasibility study for a proposed community and business hub in Ballybay to help to regenerate the town and the community, make it more vibrant and attract further investment. The proposed community and business hub will positively impact the community and the economic and social development of Ballybay by encouraging community activities, community business and job creation.
The Council need the public input as representatives of community organisations to make sure the new Ballybay Community and Business Hub will meet the needs of your community, your organisation and the growth needs of businesses and new business start-ups or social enterprises.
The councilwould be grateful if people could take 10 minutes to complete an online survey at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TWGMBL8
to tell them what you think and give us your views For further information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. tel 0044 2887 769 007.

Many thanks to all who gave to the Chernobyl Children church gate collection at the 3 churches last weekend. The total collected was €835.

Ballybay Tidy Towns has allocated a little funding to offer to local housing estates who would like to undertake a small project. This could be planting bulbs or painting a fence or cutting back shrubs, or planting a tree, or other ideas. So if you are living in a housing estate and see something that will improve your area please message us (Ballybay Tidy Towns – Facebook) so we can discuss your idea and see how we can help you. We know there are people doing great work without much help or recognition so we would like to help you if we can.

Once again the people of Ballybay and surrounding areas have not been found wanting when asked to dig deep for a good cause. The recent Pink Ribbon Day organised by Paddy Gilmour raised the fantastic amount of 44908-60c. Speaking to the Northern Standard Paddy said, “I would like to thank everyone who has either contributed or volunteered at the recent Pink Ribbon Day. The amount raised was brilliant and I can assure everyone that it will be put to good use”.

Gerry Mc Elroy’s annual senior citizens party and fundraising dance will take place in just 2 weeks. On Friday 15th November the senior citizens party will take place in Lisdoonan Community Centre. After being provided with dinner Country Harmony will entertain the expected large attendance. Gerry has also guaranteed a very special guest on the night. The following night Saturday 16th November USA Country Music legend Robert Mizzell will rock the Lisdoonan Centre. This is always a brilliant night with supper served and all proceeds raised being distributed to local senior citizen groups. Tickets are available from Gerry’s take Away or you can pay on the door.

Are you interested in art and sewing classes? Sewing classes will commence in the studio beside the Ballybay Inn on Tuesday evenings from 6-45pm to 8pm and art classes will commence at the same venue on Thursday evenings from 6-45pm to 8pm. There will also be a kids club on Saturday mornings. Further information is available from Catherine at 087 9353182.

The Latton Bawn Historical Groups 2020 Calendar is available to purchase from any committee member or in McElroy’s shop, Paddy Lynch’s Lisnalong, The Corner Shop Ballybay or Smyths Newsagents Ballybay. Calendars cost €5.00 and would make excellent Christmas presents. You can also Email Catriona at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to order calendars.

Everyone is welcome to a Gospel Meeting in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church Hall (kindly granted) on Friday 1st November 2019 at 8pm. Speaker Brian Parker, new local Faith Mission worker.

Blood donations are very important especially in the wintertime. A blood donation clinic will take place on Thursday 31st October between 4-30pm and 8pm in the sports centre at the rear of the Community College. New and existing donors are most welcome.

Last Saturday in Inniskeen Ballybay Pearse Brothers secured the league title when they defeated Carrickmacross 2-9 to 1-9. The boys last won this title back in 2017. Full report available in the sports pages.

Local quiz buff Stephen Duffy has released his 5th quiz book. His latest book is entitled ‘Let’s Quiz’ and is available in local shops or from Stephen directly. With Christmas just 8 weeks away it would make a great present.

SIt has been announced that St. Patrick’s will no longer have a 12-15pm mass on Holy Days of Obligation that fall during the week. This will affect masses on 1st November, 8th December, 6th January and 15th August. The decision was taken as the priests believe that vigil mass in Ballybay and a mass in Ballintra and Tullycorbet is more than adequate.

Wifi4EU scheme extended across the whole county
In recent weeks, Monaghan Monaghan County Council launched the first phase of its Wifi4EU scheme. Since then broadband officer, John McArdle, has managed to secure two further vouchers under the Wifi4EU scheme. This means that the local authority is now in a position to invite applications from community groups across the whole county which may wish to participate in the free wifi scheme.

A coffee morning and cake sale will be held on Friday 22nd of November 2019 in Hall Street Church Hall.All funds go to centres catering for local children with Special Needs.

Your support would be very much appreciated.

The dates have now been set for Gerry Mc Elroy’s annual senior citizens party and fundraising dance. On Friday 15th November the senior citizens party will take place in Lisdoonan Community Centre. After being provided with dinner Country Harmony will entertain the expected large attendance. Gerry has also guaranteed a very special guest on the night. The following night Saturday 16th November USA Country Music legend Robert Mizzell will rock the Lisdoonan Centre. This is always a brilliant night with supper served and all proceeds raised being distributed to local senior citizen groups. Tickets are available from Gerry’s take Away or you can pay on the door.

It is with great regret that we report the very sad passing of Felix Mc Elvaney from Threemilehouse. Felix is the younger brother of local woman Dolores Maguire. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolores and the Mc Elvaney family at this sad time. May he rest in peace

Are you interested in art and sewing classes? Sewing classes will commence in the studio beside the Ballybay Inn on Tuesday evenings from 6-45pm to 8pm and art classes will commence at the same venue on Thursday evenings from 6-45pm to 8pm. There will also be a kids club on Saturday mornings. Further information is available from Catherine at 087 9353182.

The annual Parish Dance in aid of sending locals to Lourdes will take place in the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Centre on Friday 1st November. Music on the night will be by Celtic Swing and supper will be served. There will also be loads of spot prizes and the Tullycorbett CCE will be special guests. Tickets are excellent value at just €10.

The annual Parish Dance in aid of sending locals to Lourdes will take place in the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Centre on Friday 1st November. Music on the night will be by Celtic Swing and supper will be served. There will also be loads of spot prizes and the Tullycorbett CCE will be special guests. Tickets are excellent value at just €10.

St. Brigid’s wonderful season came to an end on Sunday last in Dungannon when the local side Edendork knocked them out of the Ulster junior championship 3-20 to 1-14. Despite this the team and management should be very proud of what they have achieved this year. The Drumhowan/Ballybay combination are the county junior championship and league winners and reached the Ulster junior championship semi-final. This is a very young side with a big future and who deserve a winter break. We all look forward to seeing you back in action in 2020.

This year’s Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Friday 29th November in the Square at 7pm. Please put this date in your diary. Santa will be there and there will be presents for every child in attendance.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers exited this year’s championship on Saturday evening last at the hands of reigning champions Scotstown. The foundation for the blues victory were two first half goals which seen the local lads trail 2-6 to 0-7 at the break.  In the second half Ballybay never gave up and at one stage hit 4 unanswered points to reduce the deficit however Scotstown to their credit didn’t panic and ran out 3-12 to 1-13 winners. Full report in the sports pages. The lads are back in action on Saturday when they host Truagh in Pearse park in the league semi final at 4pm.

The Monaghan Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society would like to thank everyone who supported their recent church gate collection. The amount raised was €787.

The dates have now been set for Gerry Mc Elroy’s annual senior citizens party and fundraising dance. On Friday 15th November the senior citizens party will take place in Lisdoonan Community Centre. After being provided with dinner Country Harmony will entertain the expected large attendance. Gerry has also guaranteed a very special guest on the night. The following night Saturday 16th November USA Country Music legend Robert Mizzell will rock the Lisdoonan Centre. This is always a brilliant night with supper served and all proceeds raised being distributed to local senior citizen groups. Tickets are available from Gerry’s take Away or you can pay on the door.

A massive attendance and a brilliant night of entertainment best describes Latton OsKaRs Karaoke Night at Lynch’s Bar, Lisnalong on Saturday 21st September. This was Seamus Coyle’s Oskar Fundraiser and at the end of the night Seamus thanked most sincerely all who helped make the night a huge success, those who taken to the stage, Female Winner-Lisa Boylan, Male Winner -James McElroy, Best Dressed-Patrick Deery, Best Dressed Couple - Gillian Harte & Noel Hall. Seamus was also full of praise for Lisa Winters, Jenifer Fitzpatrick, Loretta Dempsey, Raymond Quinn, David Lennon, Gerry Smyth, Annette Hillis and Derek McGorman. The night would also not have been possible but for Paddy & Kate Lynch and staff of Lynch’s Bar who displayed wonderful hospitality and generosity all night. The acts on the nigt were sponsored by the McKenna & Fitzpatrick families, Pat Dempsey & Son, McVeigh Tile & Bathroom, Brendan Smith T.D., Senator Robbie Gallagher, Patrick McDonald, Patricia Quinn, Colm Rayburn, Pat Deery, Eugene & Eoghan Hillis. Annette Atkinson, Gerry & Andrea Coyle, Dunrock, Kevin Gartlan, Paddy & Mary Coyle, Martin Brady, Coyles Pharmacy, Castleblayney, The Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney, Westenra Arms Hotel, The Squaeling Pig, Monaghan, The Creighton Hotel, Clones and the many others who made very generous donations. Particular thanks are due to Kate Lynch, Caroline Culleton and Máise Smyth for the massive work put in to ensure the success of the night, the other members of the organizing committee, Mary Duffy, Jackie Coyle, Brendan Fitzpatrick, John Coyle and Francis O’Brien, Dermot & Christina Weldon for all their P.R.work, to all who helped on the night, our judges Philip and Helena, Karaoke Nights and all who helped make Latton OsKaRs Karaoke Night an outstanding success.

Everyone is welcome to a Gospel meeting in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church Hall (kindly granted) on Friday 4th October 2019 at 8pm.  The Speaker will be Brian Parker, local Faith Mission worker.

Ann Garraghan will host a Table Quiz in Liam Smyth’s Bar on Friday evening next. Proceedings will get underway at 9pm and all monies raised will be donated to Latton Oskars.

This year’s Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Friday 29th November in the Square at 7pm. Please put this date in your diary. Santa will be there and there will be presents for every child in attendance.

We are having a four week introduction to Skincare in conjunction with CMETB beginning October 8th from 7-10pm. If you need any information on any of our activities or would like to join us just contact any member.

There is lots to report in championship news for all the local teams. Ballybay Pearse Brothers had a 2-16 to 0-12 win over Carrickmacross and on Saturday next they will play Scotstown in the championship semi-final. This is a repeat of last year’s final which Scotstown shaded. The game is in Clontibret at 4-30pm.

Latton have also reached the county semi final thanks to a 1-13 to 0-12 win over Truagh. They will meet Clontibret next weekend in the second semi-final.

This Sunday is a big day for Drumhowan as they meet Blackhill in the Junior championship final. Throw in is at 4-15 in Aughnamullen

RACE NIGHT THANKS

Rosie and Michelle Smyth would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Race Night in Smyth’s Bar. The girls were delighted with the turnout and are very grateful to everyone who sponsored prizes. All the proceeds will be donated to the Latton Oskars fundraiser.

The annual Pink Ribbon Day takes place tomorrow on Friday 4th October. Locals will have an opportunity to support the great work that is being done to combat breast cancer. There will be a number of stalls throughout the town and your support would be very much appreciated. Speaking to the Northern Standard local organiser Paddy Gilmour said, “Every year the people of Ballybay and surrounding areas make an amazing contribution in the fight against breast cancer and I have no doubt this year will be no different. I can assure everyone that every cent donated will be put to good use and I very much appreciate the continued support and generosity of the community”.

We are having a four week introduction to Skincare in conjunction with CMETB beginning October 8th from 7-10pm. If you need any information on any of our activities or would like to join us just contact any member.

Fiona Keenan O Brien will commence dance classes for children  in Christchurch Hall starting on Saturday 5th October. There will be classes for 13 to 15year olds and 16 to 18 year olds. Further information is available from Fiona at 0857123772.

The last game of the season of the outdoor bowling club took place on Thursday 19th September when the Town Tournament final was held. On a beautiful evening we had a superb final between Soda barrels and Lian Smyth’s pub. Patricia Mc Cabe of Soda Barrell had won this competition for the last two years and was looking favourites to get 3 in a row. The game was 13 each going into the last end and it finished with Liam’s team getting one shot to win the shield and trophies. This competition was sponsored by Gerry Mc Elroy who was there to make the presentation in the club pavilion afterwards. Liams team was Jocky Gibson, Barney McElroy, Vinie Reilly, and Paddy Linden. The Ballybay club now go indoor at the usual venue for the Winter months and if there is anyone wishing to play the game of bowls they will be most welcome to join us on any Monday evening at 7-45pm.

This Saturday 28th September Ballybay meet Carrickmacross in the championship in Aughnamullen at 5pm. The winners play Scotstown in the County semi final on Saturday 5th October

Ballybay Cancer are constantly in need of funds to support their work with patients, so the Big Breakfast in Drumhowan on Sunday next the 29th is a chance to donate. The proceeds will be divided between Blayney and Ballybay Cancer. The event is being organised by Drumhowan Community Group and the GAA Club at the request of local people Philip and Jean Carroll. Philip is currently receiving treatment in Dublin and is being helped mainly by Blayney Cancer. But because Drumhowan straddles the areas of Ballybay and Blayney cancer societies, and because the disease doesn’t recognise boundaries, it was decided to support both groups. So come along, eat well, have a bit of chat and support a great cause.

The annual Pink Ribbon Day takes place on Friday 4th October. On that day locals will have an opportunity to support the great work that is being done to combat breast cancer. There will be a number of stalls throughout the town and your support would be very much appreciated. Speaking to the Northern Standard local organiser Paddy Gilmour said, “Every year the people of Ballybay and surrounding areas make an amazing contribution in the fight against breast cancer and I have no doubt this year will be no different. I can assure everyone that every cent donated will be put to good use and I very much appreciate the continued support and generosity of the community”.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers lost their championship game at the weekend to Clontibret 0-13 to 0-12. All is not lost though as they will have another bite at the cherry on Saturday 28th September when they meet Carrickmacross in Aughnamullen at 5pm.

On Saturday last Drumhowan U13’s added the Division 4 championship title to their Feile and League titles won back in June and July. In last weekend’s decider they defeated Rockcorry 5-15 to 0-4. Drumhowan registered 2-5 before Rockcorry opened their account and led at the break 2-7 to 0-2. The local lads continued to dominate the second half and went on to win 5-13 to 0-4.
Team & Scorers:
F Conlon, O Quinn 0-1, M Quinn 0-1, J McEntee ( C ), C McAdam, E Curran, T Doherty 1-5, E Treanor ( C ) 0-2, C Treanor 0-1, D McAdam 0-2, J Lavelle 4-1, N McDermott, T Goodman, D Duffy, T Conlon, F Quinn & T McArdle

There will be a presentation to all the children who took part in the Summer Stars reading Challenge on Wednesday 25th September in Ballybay Sports Hall at 6pm. Any queries contact Pauline in the Library on 042/9714256.

It is with deep regret that we must report a couple of incidents of criminal damage over the weekend. On Friday night a portion of the black metal fence in the Town Park was damaged. On Friday night/Saturday morning branches were broken and then set alight along the Coachman’s Walk. If anyone knows who these culprits are could they please contact the local Gardai.

A programme of events for the annual Culture Night which takes place next week on Friday 20th September has been released. At 5pm there will be an unveiling of mural art photographs on the gable of Mc Ginnity’s wall at the junction of Main Street and Clones Road. These large-scale photographs of Ballybay will be permanently displayed thereafter.
Ballybay Recreation Centre will host youth drama workshops from 6pm until 8pm. The workshops are being held with a view to establishing a youth theatre group on an ongoing basis. This workshop will be conducted by members of the Monaghan Youth Theatre which is based in the Garage Theatre.
The shop next to the Ballybay Inn will be turned into a pop-up art studio and gallery. It will display arts and crafts from classes held on Thursday 19th September. Members of the public are also encouraged to take along photographs of people and places in Ballybay. Using these pictures a collage will be produced.
And finally a variety concert featuring music, song, dance and drama will take place in the Pearse Brothers Centre at 8-30pm.