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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballybay Community College U19 football will play in the All Ireland final on 21st march. In order to raise funds for the final the lads are hosting a CURRY EVENING on Wednesday 18th March in the Sports Hall at the school. The evening begins at 4pm and will run until 7pm. Admission for adults is €10 and students €5.

Three St. Brigid and two Latton Ladies footballers will receive their Ulster Post Primary Schools All Stars on Friday evening in Kelly’s Inn, Ballygawley. 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. Jayne drury was also named captain.

St Brigid’s LGFA Finance committee have organised a textile recycling collection day. This is a great opportunity for a Spring Clean while raising valuable funds for the local club. Collection times - Pearse Brothers Centre .. Friday 20th of March from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday 21st of March from 9 am to 11 am.

Anyone passing by or through Corrybrennan lately probably noticed a number of new bird boxes. Credit for the boxes must go to John Johnston who made them and Pearse Brady who painted them. Well done to all involved.

A year-long membership of Ballybay Pearse Brothers Blotto is available now for just €100. You pick four numbers and you are automatically entered into each week’s Blotto draw. For further information contact any executive member.

St Brigids LGFA annual AGM took place on the 15th of January the following committee was elected for the 2020 season. Chairperson - Cathal Linden, Secretary - Leo Brennan, Treasurer - Stephen Drury, PRO - Sinead Duffy, Registrar - Melissa O'Neill, Committee - Enda Mc Mahon, David Hurson, Brian Carroll and Julie McGuirk. A fundraising committee was also formed. These are

Eileen Brennan, Brian Carroll, Joanne Duffy, Carmel Harte, Lorraine Hanratty, Lorraine Maguire, Marie Reyburn, Ann McGuirk, Patricia Duffy, Martin McElearney, Rosie McQuillan and Annemarie Goodman.

The new committee would like to thank the former committee for all their support over the years and they look forward to another successful year in the club.

Anyone interested in any of the following activities: Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays, Marathon, Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer, Spikeball, Athletics, Cycling, Swimming, Duathlon, Project, Debating, Gymnastics, Talent (Dance, Drama, Music, Recitation and Singing), Culture, Choir, Recitation, or Table Quiz please contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110. Please contact either of the above contacts to ensure your child has a chance to compete in any of these events. Swimming competition- Sunday 22nd March @5.15pm in Monaghan Swimming pool

Special Yoga Event on Monday 9th March in The Wetlands, Ballybay from 6.30-8.30pm

Defending champions Ballybay Community College booked their place in their second consecutive Masita Brother Ignatius Rice cup courtesy of a 1-7 to 2 points win over a much fancied St Farnan’s PP, Prosperous, Co. Kildare. The game was played in horrible conditions and Ballybay playing with the wind managed to lead at the break 0-5 to 0-1. Once Daragh Dempsey netted in the second half the writing was on the wall for the Kildare and Leinster champions. Ballybay will now play either Dunmore Community School or Beara Community School on Saturday 21st March.
Ballybay Community College team and scorers:
Ryan Johnston, Thomas McPhilips, Mark Hughes, Thomas Keenan, Eoin Duffy (0-1), Aaron Hamilton, James Hughes (0-1), Shane Slevin, James Slevin, Julius Sniauksta (0-1), Dara McCann, Darragh McElearney (Capt), Michael Coyle, Tristan Keenan (0-1), Darragh Dempsey(1-3, 0-2 from frees).
Subs used: Ryan Duffy for Aaron Hamilton, James McAdam for Tristan Keenan, Cian Hughes for James Hughes. A full report can be found on the sports pages.

Welcome to Gospel Meeting in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall (kindly granted) on Friday 6th March 2020. Visiting speaker is P J Sexton. Refreshments afterwards. Come and bring family/friends.

A tractor run will be held on 5th April from Latton GAA Centre. All proceeds will be donated to the Ballybay Cancer Society. More details later.

Ballybay Central School warmly invite you to a Table Quiz tomorrow Friday 6th March at 8pm in Derryvalley Hall. Adult €10 and children €5. A great night for all the family with local man Stephen Duffy as quizmaster, spot prizes and supper served.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held this year in Cuan Mhuire on Friday 6th March at 7 pm.

The Community Creche has organised a 2 hour basic first aid course for parents. It will cover topics such as CPR, burns and scalds, choking, bleeding, bandaging, fractures, childhood illness including meningitis. The course will take place on 11th March from 7pm until 9pm. Pre Booking is essential and to do so contact the Creche Office.

The AGM will take place on Thursday 19th March on the Bowling Pavilion at 8pm and all members that participated in any competitions last year are invited to attend.

Are you interested in art or sewing classes? Catherine Mc Gregor has organised a number of classes in the Sew Arty Studio (beside the Ballybay Inn). Sewing classes will take place on Tuesday’s from 10 to 11-30am and 6-30 to 8pm. Art classes are on Thursday from 10 to 11-30am and 6-30 to 8pm. A kids arts and crafts club takes place on Saturday mornings from 10 until 11-30am. Booking is essential – contact Catherine on 087 9353182.

Ballybay Community College U19 footballers retained the Danske Bank Faul Cup with a 1-13 to 1-7 win over Baileborough Community College in Clones on Monday evening. Darragh mc Elearney and his side will be back in action this weekend when they meet Leinster opposition in the Rice Cup semi final. The team and subs were: R Johnston, T McPhillips, M Hughes, T Keenan, J Hughes, E Duffy (0-1), A Hamilton (0-4, 0-2 frees), S Slevin (1-0), J Slevin. D McElearney. D Dempsey (0-5 frees), J Sniauksta, T Keenan (0-1), D McCann (0-1). M Coyle (0-1).
Subs : J McAdam for K Keenan, R Duffy for J Hughes, Cian Hughes for A Hamilton. Full details of the much can be found on the sports pages.

The parishioners of Christ Church Ballybay we’re delighted to receive the wonderful news that Rev Elaine Dunne will be installed as the new minister in our group of parishes in June. Rev Elaine Dunne is currently the Interim Priest of the Omey Union which includes Christ Church, Clifden, St Thomas’s, Ballinakill and Holy Trinity, Errislannan (all in Connemara). She will succeed the Rev Neal Phair who left in April last year. We would like to thank sincerely each and everyone who has stepped in to cover our parish during this vacancy, Rev Canon Ian Berry, Rev James Stevenson, Alan Hill, Keith Browne, Walter Pringle, Canon Dr W Johnston, Roy Crowe, Dean Ferguson, William Graham and everyone else involved. We greatly appreciate all your commitment, help and support during this time, we wish you all Gods richest blessings.

The local Library will be open on Saturday next 29th February from 10pm until 1pm. Why not call in and see for yourself what your Library has to offer. There are numerous services available and all are free of charge.

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 3 weeks away.

With the days improving and getting longer its hoped to get the outdoor green sprayed and power washed and have it ready for the opening around the middle of March. The AGM will take place on Thursday 19th March on the Bowling Pavilion at 8pm and all members that participated in any competitions last year are invited to attend. Last year saw a big change in our carpet surface when we had ‘Greenguage’ here to upgrade the entire surface. All members were in agreement that it is much better to play on and are looking forward to the new season.

The 6th class pupils of Scoil Eanna will take their confirmation pledge at 6-30pm mass on Saturday evening next in the St. Patrick’s. This is part of their journey towards receiving the Holy Spirit and everyone is welcome to come along. The confirmation ceremony will be held on Sunday 22nd March at 3pm.

Anyone interested in any of the following activities: Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays, Marathon, Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer, Spikeball, Athletics, Cycling, Swimming, Duathlon, Art, Model Making, Handwriting, Project, Debating, Gymnastics, Talent (Dance, Drama, Music, Recitation and Singing), Culture, Choir, Recitation, or Table Quiz please contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110. Important - Art, Debating, Handwriting, Model making, Project and Swimming registration must be completed before 27th February. Please contact either of the above contacts to ensure your child has a chance to compete in any of these events.

Ballybay Central School warmly invite you to a Table Quiz on Friday 6th March at 8pm in Derryvalley Hall. Adult €10 and children €5. A great night for all the family with local man Stephen Duffy as quizmaster, spot prizes and supper served.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held this year in Cuan Mhuire on Friday 6th March at 7 pm. We are keen to include children and are looking for help to lead the singing on that night. We hope to practise in the Fitzgerald Centre at C Mhuire this Saturday 15th February at 10.15 am. The practice will last about thirty minutes. We ask if your child is interested in coming that a parent stay with them for the duration of the practice. We would love to have extra help.

A year-long membership of Ballybay Pearse Brothers Blotto is available now for just €100. You pick four numbers and you are automatically entered into each week’s Blotto draw. For further information contact any executive member.

The Christmas Lights Committee are hosting a table quiz in Stookies Bar tomorrow Friday 21st February. Several people have remarked how good the lights in the town were this year. This has not happened by accident. The committee have just completed year 2 of a three-year plan and monies raised at the quiz will allow even more improvements. Please support this very worthwhile local group.

GAA President John Horan was guest of honour at the Drumhowan GAA juvenile presentation evening on Sunday last. Dubliner Horan presented medals to the U11, U13, U15 and U14 Feile teams. He also presented medals to the St. Pat’s Division 2 side. Tommy Mc Ardle then presented John Horan with the Drumhowan book of poetry Fair Lands.

The Community Creche has organised a 2 hour basic first aid course for parents. It will cover topics such as CPR, burns and scalds, choking, bleeding, bandaging, fractures, childhood illness including meningitis. The course will take place on 11th March from 7pm until 9pm. Pre Booking is essential and to do so contact the Creche Office.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers Membership is now due. €200 will get you GOLD membership which entitles you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets, free admission to all home matches and weekly entry in the club blotto. SILVER membership is €100 and entitles you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets and free admission to all home matches. €50 will get you BRONZE membership and this will entitle you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets. Please give to Paul Mc Cabe club registrar or any committee member before 29th February.

The Community & Environment Grant Scheme 2020 is now open for Applications. Closing Date for receipt of Applications is Friday, 21st February, 2020 at 5pm.

Community Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Application Form - PDF

Monaghan County Council Community and Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Guidelines - PDF

It’s a well done to Angela Rutledge, Rose Hughes and Cora Smyth who won the final Monaghan Bowling Zone ladies triples on Friday 31st January. They now go forward to represent both their club Ballybay and the Monaghan Bowling Zone on either the 7th or 14th March. This is the second year for this bowling trio to feature at this event.

Everyone is welcome to a Gospel Meeting in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall (kindly granted) on Friday 7th February 2020. Organised by Jim and Hilda Lyons of Faith Mission. Refreshments afterwards. Come and bring family/friends.

Ballybay was well represented at Irish JKS karate Open in DCU, Dublin at the end of January and finished second on the medal table with a haul of 19 medals. The breakdown was four firsts, six seconds and nine thirds. If your interssted in taking up karate, training takes place in Church Street Hall on Wednesdays and Fridays (children 7-8pm, Adult 8-9pm)..first lesson Free.

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 6 weeks away.

Congratulations to Conor Duffy who placed 3rd in the John Treacy Dungarvan 10mile which was held at the weekend. Conor ran the race in a new personal best time of 50minutes and seven secs.

Following a well-attended meeting on Wednesday 22nd January it was decided to hold a public meeting on Wednesday 12th February in the Ballybay Civic Offices (above the Library) at 7.00pm. The aim of the meeting is to get all the groups in the town and surrounding areas to come together to access public funds (huge amounts of money are available from various agencies such as Leader and Clar) The long term goal is to apply for funds for a Community Hub which is available to ALL local Voluntary groups. We really need all local groups to attend this meeting but more importantly we need people from the community that are not involved but would like to get involved in the community. No elections will take place at this meeting, so nobody will leave as a committee member. Please consider attending this meeting, EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY IS WELCOME

Happy 90th birthday to John McGahey, Carrickanaire. This was celebrated recently by a lovely mass in Ballintra church thanks to Fr. P.J McGinnity. Afterwards it was back to the football centre at Drumhowan for a loverly meal and a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment thanks to Martin McCabe, Michael Mooney his sister Geraldine Atkinson and Ron. Thanks also to the people who worked very hard behind the scenes making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Wishing John many more years of celebrating.

Local girls Laura McPhillips (Latton) and Ciara Quinn (Drumhowan) have been accepted for a once in a lifetime trip to Fiji to volunteer and travel for two weeks in July with VESA. They will be working to improve school facilities, build new resources and help those in need. To raise funds, the girls will climb Croagh Patrick this March. Sponsorship cards to support fundraising can be found in many businesses around Ballybay, and donations can also be made online to the GoFundMe page titled ‘2500 Feet for Fiji’. Any donation, small or large, would be greatly appreciated!

Are you looking for Employment? Are you aware of the services provided by the Local Employment Service in Ballybay? Why not call in and see if we can help you. Our office is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday in Birch Court, Ballybay. We have a jobs board displaying vacancies and other information you may require when seeking employment. If you are an Employer and wish to recruit new staff you can register with our service also. Our contact number is 042 9748090

Percy French was a regular visitor to the Leslie’s castle otherwise known as Ballybay House. French died 100 years ago on the 24th January 1920. Amongst the many songs which he wrote was one entitled ‘The road to Ballybay’

Line Dancing is coming to Tullycorbet Community Centre on Wednesday, 5th February. Collect your Application Forms in advance of this starting date from the Monaghan Sports Partnership Office, Ballybay Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballybay. Any queries: Contract Lindsay at (042) 9755126. The 8 week course is brilliant value at just €25.

Calling all romantic Ballybay men – Valentine flowers are available from Smyth’s newsagents in the Square. There will be free delivery within a 5 mile radius of the town. For further information contact Therese at 0876853316

The Christmas Lights Committee are hosting a table quiz in Stookies Bar on Friday 21st February. Several people have remarked how good the lights in the town were this year. This has not happened by accident. The committee have just completed year 2 of a three year plan and monies raised at the quiz will allow even more improvements. Please support this very worthwhile local group.

Scoil Eanna enrolment for the 2020/21 will take place in the school office on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week between 1pm and 3pm. Please bring your child’s PPS number with your and a copy of their birth certificate. An open day will take place in June. Alternative arrangements to enrol may be made by contacting the school office at 042 9741172

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.