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.

The final of the Champion of Champions was held on the outdoor green in Enniskillen on Saturday last. In glorious weather a great days bowling ensued and we are pleased to record Seamus Smyth as the winner of the singles. He had a 17 to 6 win over Pat Mc Cabe from Letterkenny. Our rinks team were runners up to Letterkenny after a close and exciting game. The pairs team had a good win over Omagh in the first round but could not match the local Enniskillen side in the next round going down 10 to 8.
On Monday evening the final of the Outdoor Cup was played between Shercock and Ballybay Maroon. This was a very close game finishing with a single point victory for Ballybay 19 to 18. The presentation took place afterwards at the pavilion.
A meeting of the Ballybay indoor club took place during the week to arrange teams. Angela Rutledge presided over the meeting and it was decided to go for 2 teams (the same as last year and to play at the same venue).
The Town Tournament is still going and there were some close and hard fought games during the week. Soda Barrel are into the final but there are still a few games in section two before we find out their opponents.

Liam Smyths Bar will host a Race Night on Saturday 28th September starting at 9pm. All proceeds from the evening are in aid of Rosie and Michelle’s Latton Oskars fundraiser.

You are invited to join us for our Harvest Celebration Service in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church on Sunday 15th September 2019 at 3.30pm. Visiting speaker is Rev Damien Burke from Drogheda Presbyterian Church. Refreshments afterwards.

For the next year Fr. Nicholas Maanzo from the Diocese of Kitui in Kenya will be ministering in the Mid-Monaghan Pastoral Area (Castleblayney, Ballybay, Clontibret, Latton, Rockcorry, Aughnamullen East) for the next year. The parish of Tullycorbet are delighted to welcome Fr. Nicholas and look forward to his involvement in the parish.

A week after winning their first Championship title St. Brigid’s have reached the league final after a tough 4-12 to 3-13 semi-final victory over Killeevan. So the season is far from over as the girls now chase a county double and can also look forward to a tilt at an Ulster title. Congratulations to all involved.

Do you have a project or initiative that could help to increase awareness of environmental issues locally, or that could help your community to become more sustainable?

If so, you may qualify for financial assistance from the

2019 Community Environment Action Fund (previously called Local Agenda 21 Fund). This Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level.

Does Your Project Qualify?

Projects should focus on environmental awareness and actions which support and complement national environmental policies such as those on waste, biodiversity, water conservation and climate change.

A wide variety of projects and schemes have been supported under the Fund in previous years, including community gardens and allotments, compost schemes, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity projects, waste reduction initiatives, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions. Lists of previously funded projects can be viewed online at:

http://dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/environmental-protection-and-awareness

Depending on number of applications the maximum grant is expected to be in the region of €1,500

How to Apply

Application forms are available here: Community Environment Action Fund Application Form 2019 (MS Word)

or directly from Environment Services, Monaghan County Council, Carrickmacross, Civic Offices, Carrickmacross. 042 9661240 contact person: Mary McCoy

Applications must be made no later than 5pm Friday 27 September, 2019, on an official application form to the above address or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For general information on the Fund or to discuss a project contact Moira Kelly 042 9661240 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Monaghan Public Participation Network together with the Healthy Monaghan Steering Committee are holding a consultation workshop on Tuesday 10th September in Ballybay Wetlands Centre at 7.30pm. The purpose of the event is to provide the community and voluntary sector and key agencies across County Monaghan with an opportunity to have their say on the development of the Healthy Monaghan Strategy 2019 – 2022. Healthy Monaghan Strategy will set out how County Monaghan will provide a programme of work to improve the health and wellbeing for everyone across County Monaghan.

Please come along and help us work together and gather ideas on what a healthier lifestyle and County would look like.

To register to attend please contact Leona Keenan at 047 73750 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Annie Markey recently celebrated her 60th Birthday and in the process raised €2720 for the Ballybay Cancer Society. Annie would like to thank everyone for their kind donations and those who donated spot prizes and also anyone who helped on the night. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

A programme of events for the annual Culture Night which takes place in just two weeks 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.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers beat Inniskeen on Saturday last 2-14 to 0-14. Their next outing is against Clontibret on Sunday 15th September. Venue and time tbc. Check the sports pages for report on the game v Inniskeen.

History was made last Friday evening in Inniskeen when the girls from St. Brigid’s won the county Junior title. In a tough game against Castleblayney the locals turned around a half time deficit to win 7-4 to 3-9. Jane Drury was the chief tormentor and also won the player of the match award. Michaela Mc Cabe lifted the cup. St. Brigid’s will now represent Monaghan in Ulster.

Monaghan Sports Partnership have organised an 8week Line Dancing programme in Ballybay. Cuan Mhuire will be the venue and the programme will get underway on Monday 23rd September and will run from 7-30pm to 8-30pm. This programme is part of the Get Active, Stay Actice 50+ Programme. The 8 classes will cost just €25. Places must be pre booked at 0429755126.

Tuition is now available in Tullycorbet Community Centre on Wednesday’s from 4-7pm in tin whistle, flute, piano accordion, button accordion, fiddle and banjo/mandolin, guitar, concertina, traditional piano, bodhran, grupai ceoil and ceili band. For further information contact 0872396396.

The Ballybay Social Outing is back after the summer break. The first outing will take place in Cuan Mhuire at 11am on Friday 13th September.

The semi finals of the Outdoor Cup are due to take place this week with Shercock playing Rockcorry and Ballybay Maroon playing Cootehill. All games to be played on the outdoor green, Ballybay starting at 7pm. If all games are played we will have the final on Friday 6th September.
On Saturday 7th September will see the final of the Champion of Champions played in Enniskillen. The Ballybay club will be represented by Seamus Smyth (singles), Jockey Gibson and Brendan Mc Gahey (pairs) and George Berry, Matt Mooney, Seamus Winters and Philip Gibson (rinks). Good luck to all.
We have still some games to play in the Town Tournament but we hope to have most of them played this week as the indoor games will start on Monday 16th September in the usual venue. Our Chairperson Angela Rutledge said we are putting two teams in the Monaghan League this coming season.

Gerry Finlay is hosting the annual Kieran Finlay Golf Tournament on 9th September at Wind Watch Golf and country Club, Hauppage, Long Island, New York. Since the annual tournament started the organisers have donated over €15, 000 to Ballybay Pearse Brothers and Ballybay Cancer Society. If you know anyone from the Ballybay area who is living in New York or if you have golfing friends in the Big Apple why not let them know that this tournament is on. As well as the golf there will be a lavish buffet afterwards in the Shandon Court, East Islip, Long Island.

Line dancing classes commencing 23rd September in Church Street Hall in conjunction with Monaghan Sports Partnership, eight weeks for €25, booking essential.
We are back on Tuesday 24th September with Five Ways To Wellbeing workshop with Miffy Hoad, come along and bring a friend as this is an invaluable workshop to help improve your wellbeing.
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.

A night of Star Performers will take place at Lynch’s Bar, Lisnalong on Saturday 21st September commencing at 9.30pm as Latton GAA prepare for the night of the year -the LATTON OsKaRs. The Karaoke Night is Seamus Coyle’s Fundraiser, with a great night guaranteed. There will be Star Guest Performers and prizes for the best Female and Male performers. Singers from right across the County of Monaghan and adjoining Cavan clubs of Drumgoom & Cootehill will be in attendance. Refreshments will also be served.

Mac Sammon was the overall winner of the Ballybay Golf Society Captain’s Day outing which took place recently in Concra Woods. The full results of the day are available at: ballybaygolfsociety.com

The Monaghan Ladies minor team lost their All Ireland A final to Cork on Monday last. The scoreline certainly did not reflect how close the game was. Monaghan trailed by 3 points ten minutes into the second half when St. Brigid’s Jane Drury was taken down however no penalty was awarded and Cork went up the other end and scored a goal. The seven locals involved Jayne Drury, Michaela Linden, Caoimhe Brennan, Megan Millar (St. Brigid’s), Jane Duffy, Clare Duffy and Emile Culleton (Latton) can all be very proud of the fine year that they have had winning Ulster and reaching the All Ireland A final.

This Saturday 10th August will see the qualifying game of the champion of champions rinks team. This will take place on the bowling green starting at 10-30am and will be played to a finish. Afterwards there will be a presentation of prizes to the singles, pairs and rinks winners. We are very thankful to Gabriel Traynor for sponsoring the prizes for this competition this year. The winner of the singles is Seamus Smyth with Jockey Gibson and Brendan Mc Gahey winning the pairs. They will all go forward to the final in Enniskillen on Saturday 7th September. The final of the local league is due to take place next week with Derryvalley playing Corcaghan for the Jackie Rutledge cup. Tonight (Thursday) will see Corcaghan play St. Michael’s of Cootehill in the outdoor cup quarter final. The Town Tournament got underway during the week with a few qualifying games between Paul Carragher and Darren Smyth and Murnanes taking on last year’s winners the Soda Barrell.

To facilitate priests covering Sunday messes between parishes during the summer holiday time it is necessary to make adjustment to the Sunday Mass schedule on two upcoming Sundays. It will mean the cancellation of the 9-30am Sunday Mass in Tullycorbet on Sunday 25th August and the cancelation of the 11am Sunday Mass in Ballintra on Sunday 8th September.

Gerry Finlay is hosting the annual Kieran Finlay Golf Tournament on 9th September at Wind Watch Golf and country Club, Hauppage, Long Island, New York. Since the annual tournament started the organisers have donated over €15, 000 to Ballybay Pearse Brothers and Ballybay Cancer Society. If you know anyone from the Ballybay area who is living in New York or if you have golfing friends in the Big Apple why not let them know that this tournament is on. As well as the golf there will be a lavish buffet afterwards in the Shandon Court, East Islip, Long Island.

A workshop by Robert Thompson on the identification of damsel and dragonflies will take place in the Wetlands Centre on Thursday 15th August starting at 10am. During this workshop we will look at the features used to identify Ireland’s Dragonfly and Damselfly species, where to find them, and helpful suggestions on identification resources. The morning will consist of a short introduction to the Dragonfly Ireland 2019 – 2024 project, followed by an illustrated talk with particular emphasis on key identification features. In the afternoon we will explore Ballybay Wetlands to practice field skills. This workshop is suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their identification skills. The event is being organised by The National Biodiversity Data Centre and Monaghan County Council. If you would like more information on this event check out the County Monaghan Heritage Office facebook page.

A coffee morning in aid of St. Luke’s Hospital Dublin will take place at the home of Clodagh Mc Entee, Knocknamaddy on Saturday 31st August. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served from 10am until 3pm. Everybody welcome.

Good luck to the local ladies who will be part of the Monaghan minor squad this weekend as they take on Cork in the final. This is the first minor final Monaghan have reached in twenty years. Those involved are Jayne Drury, Michaela Linden, Caoimhe Brennan, Megan Millar (St. Brigid’s), Jane Duffy, Clare Duffy and Emile Culleton (Latton). In the Ulster final they beat Donegal and then Meath in the All Ireland semi-final.

The annual Culture Night will take place on Friday 20th September. Plans for the evening will be available shortly so you may want to keep it free for what should be a lovely evening.

The opening of the Muckno/Ballybay Triathlon club in the park was a huge success and was attended by several hundred people. The committee of the Bowling Club had the green open and we had lots of visitors during the evening so we hope to reap some rewards with some new members. This week sees us play Letterkenny in the Border League of which we are leading by 4 points at the moment.
The Town Tournament is starting this week with Murnanes v Soda Barrell and Darren Smyth’s meeting Paul Carragher. Other games will be arranged in the coming weeks and all games to be played on the bowling green in the Town park.
Tonight Thursday will see the semi final of the local league when St. Michael’s of Cootehill play Derryvalley and Ballybay Maroon take on Corcaghan. These should be two good games and would be well worth a visit.

The annual Cuan Mhuire Novena starts on 7th August and will run until the 15th. More details next week.

All are welcome to come and hear a visiting speaker Colombian Pastor Luis Miguel Hernandez at Corlea Presbyterian Church (Eircode A75 W682) on Sunday 11th August at 4pm when he will speak on his journey, “From Street Child to Pastor”. Our friends Joe and Sadie Law of Mission Possible will give an update on their work with the orphans and abandoned street children of Bogota, Colombia. An offering will be taken up for this worthy cause.

The Ballybay-Clones Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceanntair wish to very sincerely thank all those who assisted in making the recent Local Elections 2019 Fundraising Draw a great success. The Ticket Sellers, Prize Sponsorers, McCaughey Fuels (Clones), Senator Robbie Gallagher, Cllr. Seamus Coyle, Brendan Smith T.D., Niamh Smyth T.D. and Mike & Martina Durkan. To all who purchased tickets thank you for your generosity. Congratulations to all Prize Winners:

1st Prize-Michael Reilly, Carrickatee.
2nd Prize-Brendan Duffy, Rockcorry.
3rd Prize-Eileen Deery, Tullynahinera.
4th Prize-George McCabe, Drumhowan.
5th Prize-Fiona Keenan O’Brien, Doohamlet.
6th Prize-Anna Smith, Ballybay.
Thank you to all who assisted in making the Comhaile Ceanntair Local Elections 2019 Draw a great success particularly Martina & Mike Durkan who organized the Draw which helped the party campaign greatly in the Ballybay-Clones L.E.A. with the record breaking vote achieved by our candidate, the Cathaorleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr.Seamus Coyle.

Gerry Finlay is hosting the annual Kieran Finlay Golf Tournament on 9th September at Wind Watch Golf and country Club, Hauppage, Long Island, New York. Since the annual tournament started the organisers have donated over €15, 000 to Ballybay Pearse Brothers and Ballybay Cancer Society. If you know anyone from the Ballybay area who is living in New York or if you have golfing friends in the Big Apple why not let them know that this tournament is on. As well as the golf there will be a lavish buffet afterwards in the Shandon Court, East Islip, Long Island.

Tullycorbett CCE had a very successful Ulster Fleadh. Several members won medals and a number of members qualified for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Drogheda in August! The medal winners were as follows:

Flute 15-18 - 2nd Mark Ó Tomanaigh, Piano Accordion 12-15 - 1st Laura McMahon, Piano Accordion 15-18 - 2nd Dervla Ní Threasaigh and 3rd Orlaith Brennan, Piano 12-15 - 3rd Laura McMahon, Flute Slow Airs 15-18 - 1st Emer Ruddin, Full Set Ladies U12 - 2nd Tullycorbet, Full Set Ladies 12-15 - 2nd Tullycorbet, Full Set Ladies 15-18 - 1st Tullycorbet, Full Set Mixed U12 -3rd Tullycorbet, Half Set Mixed U18 - 1st Tullycorbet, Sean Nos U12 - 3rd Mary Walsh, Comhra 11-13 - Q Muireann Ní Fhearchair, Comhra 15-18 - Q Dervla Ní Threasaigh and Q Donna Ní Threasaigh, Storytelling 15-18 - 1st Niall Grogan and 2nd Donna Ní Threasaigh, 8 Hand Ladies 15-18 - 1st Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin (Annmarie Lavelle, Aoife Lennon, Sinéad Grogan, Sinéad Duffy), 4 Hand Ladies 12-15 - 1st Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin (Laura McMahon, Rachel, Shauna Lennon), 4 Hand Ladies 15-18 - 2nd Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin Foireann B (Annmarie Lavelle, Aoife Lennon, Sinéad Duffy, Sinéad Grogan), 4 Hand Mixed 12-15 - 1st Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin (Shauna Lennon), 4 Hand Mixed 15-18 - 1st Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin (Annmarie Lavelle, Niall Grogan, Sinéad Duffy), 4 Hand Mixed O18 - 1st Foirne Rince Mhuineacháin (Niall Grogan).

A number of local girls will be in action for Monaghan this weekend as the Farney ladies meet Meath in Kingscourt in the All Ireland minor semi-final. Jayne Drury will captain the side and will be joined by her St. Brigid’s club mates Michaela Linden, Megan Millar and Caoimhe Brennan. Latton ladies Jane Duffy, Clare Duffy and Emile Culleton make up the local contingent. Good luck to all them and their colleagues.

If you are in need of assistance, you can contact St. Vincent de Paul in writing. Letters should be left in the Confraternity Rooms, Ballybay or telephone freephone 1800677777. In either case a SVP volunteer will follow up with a short visit to see how best the charity may assist.

Next up for decision will be the champion of champions pairs which will take place on this Saturday 20th July starting at 10-30am at the outdoor green.

The annual mass at Carga Rock will take place on August 11th at 9-30am. There will be no Sunday mass in Tullycorbett that day. Everyone is welcome.

Monaghan Sports Partnership are looking for the thoughts of people from Ballybay and surrounding areas on what physical activity programmes/sessions/events you would like to see run in the Ballybay area. The Partnership which is based in Ballybay have devised a survey and everyone who completes the survey form will be entered in a draw for a €100 voucher for Mc Dermott’s Sports Centre. The for is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J8R8LFW

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service Mobile Unit will be located at the Sports Centre, Rear of Community College, Ballybay on Thursday 25th July from 4-30pm until 8pm. They will welcome regular donors however they would also like to hear from new donors. 1 in 4 People Will Need a Blood Transfusion At Some Point In Their Lives. If you are fit and healthy, aged 18 to 65 (between 65 and 70 years if you have donated in the last 10 years), over 7st.12 lbs (50kg) and have not donated in the last 90 days, please make a special effort to come along. Please eat at least a light snack in the 3 hours before donating.

The Community Foundation for Ireland has launched a fund for community organisations to develop projects related to creating sustainable communities through the Circular Economy and sustainable consumption and waste, which may be of interest to community groups. See link for more details:

https://www.communityfoundation.ie/insights/news/100000-in-grants-to-encourage-sustainable-communities

Welcome to the July monthly service in Corlea Presbyterian Church on Sunday 14th July 2019 at 4pm. The speaker for this service is the Rev. Gerry Clinton. Come along and bring a friend.

Last month, a group of girls from the St Brigids Ladies Team took on the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in order to raise funds for the club. The total amount raised was €731. The girls would like to thank everyone who sponsored them.
Special thanks to all the senior girls and local businesses who helped us in raising the money by filling their own sponsored cards. The money raised will be used to help fund buying new gear for the Minor and Senior panels.
The winner of the €50 One4All voucher was Lily Thomson. Well done Lily.

It will be soon that time of year again when local man Joe Sullivan leaves his nest in North County Dublin to entertain his friends in Ballybay with his annual 80’s disco. The event of the year will take place in Pat O Brien’s on Saturday 27th July. Joe is happy to play requests has even promised to play some BROS and some Stock, Aitken and Waterman. There is no cover charge however any donations paid at the door will be given to local charity.

Ballybay GAA Club are hosting Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camps from Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July. Book online at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie You need to book before the 21st June to guarantee kit for camp and to enter the early bird prize draw.

The champion of champions qualifiers took place on Saturday last on the outdoor bowling green. In perfect weather conditions a great day was had by over 20 competitors. The outright winner was Seamus Smyth who now goes forward to the final in Enniskillen on the first Saturday in September. Next up for decision will be the pairs which will take place on 20th July starting at 10-30am, so now is the time to put your name on the timesheet in the clubhouse. The rinks (fours) will be held on the 10th August. The club is still in top spot in the Cross Border League and we hope to maintain that position after our away game in Enniskillen this week. Don’t forget the draw for the outdoor cup was made and posted in the club house so now is the time to get it played.

The 10am Saturday mass in St. Patrick’s will not take place during the months of July, August and September. It will be reviewed at the end of the summer.

Preparations are continuing for this year’s Tractor run which will take place on Sunday 21st July. The run will start from the car park at the Sacred Heart at 2-30pm sharp with registration from 1pm. There will be refreshments before and after the run. Anyone who wishes to donate sponsorship contact Dominic Harte, PJ Forde, Angela Geoghegan Duffy or any Vintage Committee member. Everyone welcome.

Monaghan County Council have installed a new defibrillator on the wall outside the Library. The Eircode is A75 TR79 (put this in your phone). The defibrillators can be accessed 24/7 by Health Service Executive (HSE) First Responders.

We would like to sincerely thank Seamus Fitzpatrick, Niall Fitzpatrick, Seamus Duffy and Mark Hughes for supplying the teleporter and clearing gutters along the Main St. last week for the Tidy Towns. It was a great job and greatly appreciated. As the weather has been so bad we left the planters indoors in Charlie Friel’s Garden Centre. Thanks to Cathal for his work on these. The planters will be put out next week. Thanks to Padraig Lennon and CE participants for their help with this. Thanks also to Cuan Mhuire who supply flowers for other flower beds around the town. They will need water to survive and Martin Smyth and Padraig Ward and Padraig Lennon have agreed to help out with this. Hopefully the town will be looking well with all this work in a few weeks. We are urging all property owners to do their bit to keep premises in good repair. Remember also that there is a prize this year for best residential property and best kept business, sponsored by Gerry McElroy. We would also like to thank Michael Leonard from Leonard Engineering for his work on a new decorative hanger for hanging baskets which will be erected at the Bridge at Loch Mor in the next few weeks. We are lucky to have all these people in our town willing to help and give up their time to make Ballybay a Tidy Town.

Congratulations to Leah Rice Mc Cabe who was awarded a Certificate of Merit from Principal Joanne Gormley, Scoil Mhuire, Latton for outstanding attendance. She never missed a day in her 8 years of National School. Leah is a daughter of Gabriella Mc Cabe, Ballybay.

Over the coming months Latton GAA are hosting a series of fundraisers. One of the more interesting ones is a draw for a Charolais Bull Calf. The draw will take place in Liam Smyths on Sunday 4th August. If you are interested in buying a ticket for the draw you should contact either Ashling 0863450512 or Dympna 0877924887.

Best Wishes to Drumhowan U14s Féile Peile na nÓg Team who will be travelling to Co. Galway next weekend with their families and Club Mentors to compete in this year’s tournament, where they’ll be hosted by Northern Gaels in the Parishes of Glenamaddy, Glinsk and Williamstown. The squad is Jason Clarke, Francis Conlon, Conor Curran, Eanna Curran, Tom Doherty, Tristan Duffy, Fuard Harpur, Jerome Lavelle, Jonathan Lavelle, Cian McAdam, Darragh McAdam, Killian McAdam, Nathan McDermott, Eoghan McEntee, James McEntee, Pete McGuirk, Martin Quinn, Oisin Quinn, Tiarnan Reilly, David Traynor, Caolan Treanor and Evan Treanor. This is the first time Drumhowan have qualified for this tournament in the Club’s history.

After a brief lul in the outdoor bowling for the past two weeks its back to normal and indeed catch up on games that were deferred. One of those games was our own Borer Counties game away to Letterkenny which had to be postponed because of the weather. We also have a game with Omagh when they visit us during the week. Ballybay are in 3rd place in this league so its important we get maximum points when playing at home. The league standings are as follows:

The annual Blessing of the Graves will take place on Sunday 28th July 2019. In Tullycorbett it will be after 9-30am mass, in Ballintra it will be after 11am mass while in Ballybay it will take place at 3pm.

What a great day it was on Monday last for the Scoil Èanna Annual Fun Run which raised an amazing €3640. A massive thanks is due to the teachers and staff who have been preparing the children for the past few weeks for the big run. Local athlete Conor Duffy who is well known in Irish athletics circles launched the run and Ballybay Fire Brigades Daryl Gilmore helped lead the run.

The run set of up the Main Street getting great support from all that came out to support the children and parents on the run. The run finished off with a lap of the local park before all participants headed back up to Scoil Èanna to get their well-earned refreshments. A special mention to the Corner Shop, Ballybay who donated all the water for the children and also Drury Centra Ballybay for donating all the lovely fruit.
Big thanks goes to all the parents and friends who turned out to help. A big thank you to all the children and parents who raised over€3000. Looking forward to see you all again next year.

Friday 21st June is International Yoga Day and a number of specific classes and demonstrations have been organised for the Wetlands Centre. This is a day for helping and supporting others. All classes and events are ‘FREE OF CHARGE’ however donations can be made and these in turn will be provided to the Ballybay Cancer Society and Camphill. There are events for everyone starting at 6am and running all day until 8-30pm. First up is a special class from 6am until 8am. This will consist of a very traditional Indian practice called Surya Namaskar (Sun Saluation) which is practiced with the rising sun 108 times. This number has a lot of meaning and is very symbolic in Yoga. It is a beautiful and incredible experience. A class for children and teenagers will take place between 12 noon and 1-30pm. In the afternoon between 2pm and 4pm there will be a session called “understanding and exploring the traditional practice of yoga plus its mental and physical health benefits”. This session will include demonstrations. Yoga for the older person will be between 5pm and 6-30pm and the day will finish with an adult yoga class between 7pm to 8-30pm.

Doohamlet Childcare are having a free family fun day on Sunday 30th June between 2pm and 6pm. Amongst the attractions will be a mobile pet farm, magic show, total wipeout and an obstacle course. This event is suitable for children of all ages and should be a great afternoons fun.

The Ballybay News has been contacted by a local resident who witnessed the misuse of the pedestrian crossing in the town recently and asked if we could remind people that the pedestrian crossing is not a zebra crossing and that pedestrians should wait until the lights turn red before crossing. The responsible resident had seen a child run straight across the road as if they were using a zebra crossing. Pedestrians should push the button on approach to the crossing and only cross when the traffic lights turn red and it is safe to cross.

An Al Anon Public information meeting will be held in Cuan Mhuire, Ballybay on Saturday the 6th July 2019 at 3pm. Al Anon has only one focus to help and support families and friends of problem drinkers. Anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking may attend an Al Anon group.

An Open day will be held at Camphill’s Robb Farm, Clones Road, Ballybay on Saturday 29th June from 2pm until 5pm. Admission is free and on the day there will be numerous attractions including weaving, a cake stall, bric-a-brac, bouncy castle, craft sale, home produce, candles, face painting, a barbeque and refreshments. Donations of cakes and bric-a-brac would be very much appreciated. Further information is available at 042 9748197.

Ballybay Golf Society’s annual President’s Day take place on Saturday next in Clones. Tee times are from 11am until 12-30pm. Good luck to all

Donna and Ciara Mc Adam would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Bake sale especially anyone who baked and provided food. The amount raised was €1425 which will go towards supporting Lourdes Youth Helpers.

Friday 21st June is International Yoga Day and two local charities will benefit from a series of yoga classes which will be held in Ballybay on that day. The day will be a celebration of yoga and an opportunity to help and support Camphill and the Ballybay Cancer Society. More information next week.

Congratulations to Katie Glynn representing Tullycorbet who won a silver medal in the 100m sprint at the County Community Games Athletics Finals in Clones last Saturday.

Children are invited to register for Summer Stars and be part of the adventure by reading as many books as they can over the Summer. All participants will be given a Summer Stars reading card to record and track their own progress. All children will receive a certificate and medal on completion. To reserve a place call in or phone Pauline on 042/9741256.

Ballybay GAA Club are hosting Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camps from Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July. Book online at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie You need to book before the 21st June to guarantee kit for camp and to enter the early bird prize draw.

An Al Anon Public information meeting will be held in Cuan Mhuire, Ballybay on Saturday the 6th July 2019 at 3pm. Al Anon has only one focus to help and support families and friends of problem drinkers. Anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking may attend an Al Anon group.

A massive thank you to everyone who either helped out or contributed to our flag day last weekend. The amount raised was a fantastic €1680-75. Congratulations to Chairman Jason and Secretary Odelle on the birth of their daughter Zoe Marie.

An Open day will be held at Camphill’s Robb Farm, Clones Road, Ballybay on Saturday 29th June from 2pm until 5pm. Admission is free and on the day there will be numerous attractions including weaving, a cake stall, bric-a-brac, bouncy castle, craft sale, home produce, candles, face painting, a barbeque and refreshments. Donations of cakes and bric-a-brac would be very much appreciated. Further information is available at 042 9748197.

Kiran Young Wimberly and the McGrath family, will return to sing and play in Cahans Meeting House at 8pm on Friday 14 June. The evening will include songs from their latest CD - Rest in the Shelter - and will also feature Kiran's versions of Psalms set to Irish and Scottish traditional and folk melodies from their earlier CDs. Cahans with its acoustic qualities provides a unique setting so much so that they included a photo of the group performing at Cahans on their CD. There will be no charge but donations to cover expenses will be welcome. If you want a sneak preview of what to expect then check out http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=6600&d=up_13PMpm5R0rnOqedqmtI7e1x9StU6z6jKnJ-eGaw&s=393&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ecelticpsalms%2ecom for lots of information about the group and samples of their recordings.

In the coming weeks the Tidy Towns committee will be putting out planters with flowers around the town in anticipation of judging which will take place in June. The committee would appeal to everyone to ensure that their properties are spick and span. Weeding, litter picking, painting, etc should all be done asap. The committee are particularly appealing to landlords and owners of derelict properties to do their bit. Gerry Mc Elroy will be sponsoring a prize for the best kept premises so please get to work and help impress the judges who will be here soon.

Drumhowan GFC are holding a Breakfast morning on Sunday June 16th as a fundraiser for their U14 teams upcoming trip to Feile in Galway. Breakfast served from 8-30am till 12-30pm and all support appreciated.

The Faith Mission Monthly Gospel Service will take place on Friday 7th June 2019 at 8pm in Rock Corry Presbyterian Church hall (kindly granted). The speaker will be Andrew McCullough. All Welcome - Refreshments afterwards.

All welcome to Summer Praise in Corlea Presbyterian Church on Sunday 9th June 2019 at 4pm led by Rev Dr Jean Mackarel and choir members - come along and bring a friend.

The next Social day in Cuan Mhuire is on Friday 14th June at 11am. Everyone welcome.

The official opening of the new dining room at the Community Creche will take place on Saturday next 8th June at 2pm. The Creche have led on lots of entertainment for the children including bouncy castles, disco, nail art and face painting. There will be a special guest appearing on the day. Everyone welcome.

Our cross-border team travelled to Letterkenny last night. The game was played on grass were points are hard to get but we will be hoping that we got a share of the points. More details next week. The local league is progressing well, and back matches have been cleared up. The first of our Saturday games will be played this weekend when we play for the Gibson Trophy, starting at 10-30am. The dates for the champion of champions will be arranged next week and a full list will be displayed in the club house. These will include singles, pairs and rinks.

Sessions in the House is a Northern Ireland based studio who provide a platform for new talent to have their time in the spotlight. Check out Ballybay and its People facebook page where you can see a performance at Sessions in the House by Ballybay’s very own Joanne Lynch. The talented singer songwriter is seen performing one of her own songs called ‘Lean Living’. Its worth a watch – you will not be disappointed.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers would like to thank everyone who helped or contributed to their recent annual juvenile flag day. The total raised was a fantastic €2,539.50.

Good luck to Katie Glynn who is competing in the Under 14 100m at the County Monaghan Community Games Athletics Finals in Clones next Saturday 8th June.

Last Saturday the Parish of Tullycorbet celebrated the 65 years of Priesthood and 90th birthday of Monsignor Gerard McSorley, retired PP of the parish and former Prior of Lough Derg. The highlight was a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Church, Ballybay, at which Bishop Larry Duffy presided. The mass was attended by numerous priests from the Clogher diocese. This was followed by refreshments in the Cuan Mhuire Centre.

In April 2018, Monaghan Co. Council appointed The Paul Hogarth Company to prepare a Public Realm & Economic Plan for Ballybay, funding for which was provided under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

The Ballybay Public Realm & Economic Plan was adopted and officially launched at the Ballybay Regeneration Committee Meeting held in the Ballybay Civic Offices on 11th April 2019.

Ballybay Public Realm & Economic Plan >>