Unfortunately, since March 2020, the effects of the restrictions resulting from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have had a tremendous impact on all our lives.
The restrictions have prevented the usual activities that Tullycorbet Community Centre hosts, such as the annual production of the three-act Play, Coffee Mornings, Music Sessions, and various Dance, Music, Bridge, and Keep-Fit classes, from happening. All the activities that have been cancelled were the primary source of income for the Centre. However, the running costs, like insurance, electricity, oil, and water charges still remain and must be paid.
To continue providing, maintaining, and caring for our Community Centre’s facilities, we are seeking your support towards the running costs at this challenging time.
For this reason, we are launching this 'GoFundMe' fundraiser in the hope of securing some badly needed funds to help keep the Community Centre going, until regular activity returns, post-Covid. Any amount, big or small, that you can afford to donate would be greatly appreciated.
We appeal to you all, near and far, to give as generously as you can to this fundraising initiative. Any and all donations will be very much appreciated so that we can continue to sustain the Community Centre and its surroundings for generations to come.
PLEASE SHARE this 'GoFundMe' link: www.gofundme.com/  with all your family and friends and with people who you feel may have an association or memory of the Centre so we can reach our target.

The outdoor bowls singles will come to a finish when the final few games will be played. Those competing in the quarter finals are: John Mc Caffrey, Brendan Magennis, George Berry and Sean Mc Clave.
This has been a very competitive tournament and the committee would like to thank all those who took part. Our next competition will be the Trips, which will start on Wednesday 4th August, so now is the time to get your name on the time sheet, as it will be limited to 16 teams.
The town tournament is ongoing and it is hoped to get a progress report next week.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers would like to wish  Ryan, Drew and Dessie and the rest of the squad, all the best in the Ulster Final this Saturday. Hopefully Ryan will be bringing the Anglo Celt Cup to reside in Knocknamaddy for the next 12 months. Also wishing the Monaghan Under 20s squad the best of luck in their Ulster Final on Friday evening.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 24th July were Danny Gorman, Rosaleen Mc Skean and Tom & Tess O Neill.  Bonus Ball 8. €5 to play – 47 numbers - €80 for winner. Roll over to €100 per bonus ball next week. Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

Ballybay’s B team were beaten by a hungrier Monaghan Harps team in the Platinum Tanks League Semi Final in Gavan Duffy Park on Sunday. Ballybay opened brightly in the searing heat and a Dara Mc Cann goal helped us into an early point lead. However, the home side dominated the rest of the first half and at half time had restored parity at 1-5 a piece.
Ballybay took the lead briefly at the start of the 2nd half but the Harps got the upper hand and although we stayed in touch throughout, we couldn’t get back level and ended up losing by 4 points 1-11 to 1-7, a gap that doesn’t do the lads efforts justice.
Both clubs would like to thank referee Donal Connolly who brought 2 cases of water for both team. This was way beyond the call of duty and was much appreciated.
Of course, football has seemed a little less important this week after the untimely passing of Harps clubman Ogie O Dufaigh. To mark his memory and pay respect to their fallen comrade, Ballybay fielded without Ogie’s jersey and presented a wreath to Monaghan Harps. Ashley White spoke on the club’s behalf about Ogie. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The Lough Major Walk was named as last week’s Monaghan Tourism walk for the weekend. In their promotion they described the walk as – “Beginning at Ballybay Town Park, this 4.2km looped walk covers around two thirds of the shoreline of the 23-hectare Lough Major. A popular spot for angling, the lake is home to small and medium pike Oh, and those sunsets”.  It look like this hidden gem is now out of the bag.

The last Sunday of July has traditionally been the date for the annual blessing of the graves however for the second year in a row, owing to the pandemic it has been postponed. The beloved dead of the parish will continue to be remembered in all masses celebrated in the parish.

Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in conjunction with DSP are running a Job Club for unemployed people online over 4 mornings from 10am to 11-30am. The Job Club covers C.V. preparation, Cover letter Writing, Interview Techniques and Mock Interviews. For further information please contact Teresa Mc Cahey at 042-9748090/086-8105058 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Cahans Thrift shop at Birch Court, Main Street is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. The shop really appreciate all the community support to date and can assure every donor and shopper that your custom will help Cahans Meeting House Committee in its work to develop Cahans historic Meeting House for future use. At the moment Covid 19 regulations will apply - a mask must be worn, hands must be sanitised on entry, please keep a social distance, and there will be a maximum of three customers allowed at any one time. If you wish to make a donation of items to the shop can you please do so when its open and do not leave bags for the shop or recycling at the door when closed.

Recently a fire destroyed the home of Frank and Patricia Treanor in Loch Mor Avenue, leaving them with no place to live. Gerry West and Michael Keenan with the permission of the Treanor family have set up a gofundme page to help raise funds to rebuild the Treanor family home. Anyone wishing to donate can do so through the link on the Ballybay and its People facebook page. Every donation no matter how small will help. Alternatively you can lodge money in the credit Union. Donation cards will also be available in local shops.

From last Monday Ballybay Library is offering an appointment service.  Each Monday you can avail of a short time slot between 2-5pm and 6-8pm to browse and borrow.  To book a slot, telephone Ballybay Library at 042-9741256 during the following hours: Monday 2-5pm; 6-8pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am - 1.30pm. Contact and Collect Service has extended to the following days also: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 11am-1.30pm and pick up between 2.30-5pm. For outside these hours queries, email ballybaylibrary@monaghancoco.ie

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 10th July were David Linden, Mac Sammon and Maruc& Laura Barry. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers - €80 for winner. Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

For the second game running, Ballybay overcame a deficit early in the second half to emerge with the 2 points and are now top of the table in Group One. This victory away in Scotstown was hard won and is a real testament to the squad. Ballybay started brightly and points from Ciaran Galligan, Paddy O’Neill, Tiernan McSkean and Paul Finlay put them 0-4 v 0-1 up after 10 minutes. Scotstown gradually came back into it but frees from Christopher McGuinness and Paul Finlay kept Ballybay noses in front until just before half time when a well taken Scotstown goal left the home side a point ahead at the break, 1-4 v 0-6.
Scotstown took complete control at the start of the second half and extended their lead to 7 points, 2-7 v 0-6. Things seemed bleak and the game was in danger of fizzling out but Paul Finlay, not for the first time, dug us out of trouble. He first pointed a 45 and then rose majestically in the large parallelogram to field the ball, fed Julius Sniaukata who coolly finished to the net, and then scored a mark, suddenly the deficit had been cut to 2. Christopher McGuinness shaved the Scotstown crossbar with a fierce shot to leave the minimum between the sides. Thomas Kerr, who was dominating in the middle, then pointed a 45 to level the scores and after Dara McCann had seen his goal bound shot well saved by the Scotstown keeper, Tommy scored another 45 to put us a point up. Paul then marked a clever pass from Tommy to increase the lead to 2. Christopher was then fouled in the act of shooting and Paul took his total to 0-6 with the free.
Scotstown threw the kitchen sink at Ballybay for the final few minutes but resolute defending resulted in the concession of a single point and the final whistle saw Ballybay emerge victorious 1-13 to 2-8.
Team and Scorers - D Caraher, A Dixon, T McSkean (0-1), M Hannon, M McArdle, B Wylie, S Monaghan, C Lennon, C Galligan (0-1), T Kerr (0-2), S McGuinness, P O’Neill (0-1), P Finlay (0-6), C McGuinness (0-2), D McCann.
Subs - J Sniaukata (1-0) for A Dixon, T Keenan for S Monaghan and T O’Neill for P O’Neill

First up are the U15’s who have a derby game this evening at 7-30pm with Doohamlet. The U13’s are away to Eire Og on Saturday at 12noon.  The Reserve League semi final is on Sunday however the qualifiers will be determined by games played last night.

The Tidy Towns committee has made an application for inclusion in this year’s competition. Due to the Corona Virus pandemic no physical judging will take place so committees interested in entering the competition had to submit pictures along with their application. The local committee have called upon the skills of local man James Flanagan who not only photographed much of the great tidy town work but also put together a video. The short video showing some of the committee’s work can be seen at https://scanner.topsec.com/?r=show&d=1416&t=2d62145d83d8b779b07689c395a239480440174a&u=youtube.com under Ballybay Tidy Towns 2021.

Over 17,100 Premises in Co. Monaghan now have access to Imagine Next Generation Broadband

5G Fixed Broadband solving the problem of poor broadband in rural Ireland with over 40,000 now using Imagine’s service

“With homes and businesses across rural Ireland struggling with poor broadband access, Next Generation broadband is now essential to enable remote working and the rejuvenation of rural communities”.

Over 17,100 homes and businesses across Co. Monaghan now have access to Imagine’s 5G Fixed Broadband service as the company continues the expansion of its network across regional and rural Ireland. This includes 8,679 premises designated as ‘Amber’ or having inadequate access to high speed, high capacity broadband, under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

Cuan Mhuire Ballybay, are having their annual car boot sale on Monday next 7th June 2021. All cars are € 10. On the day there will also be a range of summer plants, designer & off the peg clothing and books for sale. For anyone attending please remember the Government guidelines re. hand sanitizing, social distancing, etc.

The next event on the Outdoor green will be the singles competition. This will be a singles charity tournament in memory of our great friend Philip Gibson and his dad Jimmy. The tournament will be played over three days (17/18/19 June) so now is the time to get your name down on the sheet in the clubhouse.

The Tidy Towns committee would like to thank Conor Duffy, Brian Brady and Sean Mc Philips for their recent contributions to the tidy town’s efforts. Conor power hosed the Peace Bridge and the stone bridge at the entrance to Loch Mor Avenue (officially known as Corrybrannan Bridge). Brian Brady cleared the pollinator area and then planted some shrubs and Sean Mc Philips has made a new hand crafted sign saying ‘Hello Summer’ which is located opposite Riverdale Hotel.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 29th May were Brent Wylie, Jamie Mc Entee and John Rutledge . Bonus Ball 26. €5 to play – 47 numbers - €80 for winner. Roll over to €100 per bonus ball next week. Contact Barry 087 2589371, Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

The public pathway at the Wetlands Centre will be closed due to construction work from 14th June to 21st June. People who use the path should make note of this and avoid the centre for that week.

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area. This commitment is supported by the annual Environmental Funding Scheme.
We are now inviting applications for the 2021 funding scheme.

Click here to download form >>

free Ballybay Ideas Generation Workshop for community groups, individuals and businesses in the Ballybay area. The event takes place on Tuesday 1st June @ 7pm via Google Meet, link to follow – register through the Eventbrite link to receive updates at www.eventbrite.ie/e/ballybay-idea-generation-workshop-innovating-communities-tickets-155782745385

Let us get together to develop solutions to challenges you identify in Ballybay

Through the Innovating Communities project, we can then assist the area by providing a free course to tackle these challenges using Design Thinking (the problem solving method we'll be teaching participants to create solutions). Come along to generate ideas based on local challenges and opportunities that you see in Ballybay and its surrounds.

We will describe the commitment of a 21 hour Sprint Course and the 42 hour Marathon Course and hope to focus your ideas into a Course related to the Challenges you see around you.

The event shouldn't take much longer than an hour so please get involved and let your ideas flow!

For more info, visit www.innovating.ie / contact Collette This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 087 176 1732

Your support for Cahans Thrift shop is much appreciated. It is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, so why not come to Birch Court, Main Street, Ballybay and look for goods you may need or want. As before Covid 19 regulations will apply - a mask must be worn, hands must be sanitised on entry, please keep a social distance, and there will be a maximum of three customers allowed at any one time. Thank you for taking care.
Also as before please do not leave bags for the shop or recycling at the door especially when the shop is not open. Your custom will help Cahans Meeting House Committee in its work to develop Cahans historic Meeting House for future use. All income will go to this end.

Our first competition of the season went off very well over the past week with 16 teams competing in the Pairs tournament. It was played over 2 weeks on a knockout basis. The winners were Malachy Traynor as lead and Shane Magennis from Clontibret club who was skip. They both played exceptionally well in defeating the Derryvalley Pairing of Raymond and Kenny Steenson. The presentation took place afterwards and Malachy said he was so pleased to be in the enclosure. He also thanked the organisers for their efforts.
We had a local bowling league last year with 16 teams competing for the Jackie Rutledge cup. We hope to have the same this year. If the following teams could let us know if they wish to enter a team of four on a knockout basis – St. Michaels, Clontibret A, B & C, Latton, Derrynoose, Muckno, Derryvalley, Tullyvin, Rockcorry, Scotshouse, Ballybay Maroon & White, Corcaghan, Cootehill and Ardaghey. It is hoped to start play on Tuesday 1st June and it will be a knockout competition.

Ballybay Library reopened this week with Contact & Collect Services.  If you are interested in obtaining a book just telephone 042 9741256 on either Wednesday or Thursday between 10am and 1pm to order your reading material. This will then be prepared for you and made available to collect at an agreed time.

Following the recent announcement from Government, Sunday and Weekday Masses (with numbers limited) will resumed on Monday last. Sunday masses will be Saturday (Vigil) in Ballybay at 6-30pm and on Sunday at 12-15pm. Tullycorbett and Ballintra on Sundays at 9-30am and 11am respectively. Weekday Masses in Ballybay will be on Monday at 7-30pm and Tuesday to Friday at 9-30am. Parishioners are reminded that the wearing of face coverings, together with the use of the sanitizers and co-operation with the 2 metre social distancing arrangements will remain in place. All masses celebrated in the parish are streamed via the webcam facility in each of the three changes by using the following links: St. Patrick’s: https://www.churchservices.tv/ballybay Tullycorbet can be viewed https://www.churchservices.tv/tullycorbet and masses from Ballintra at https://www.churchservices.tv/ballintraballybay
The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed in St. Patrick’s on Monday evenings from 5-30pm to 7-30pm followed by evening mass. Anyone willing to commit to a period of time is asked to give their name to Gabriel Traynor 086 3145588.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 15th May were Teresa Cassidy, Deirdre Duffy and Martin Gleeson.  Bonus Ball 3. €5 to play – 47 numbers - €80 for winner. Roll over to €100 per bonus ball next week. Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in conjunction with DSP are running a Job Club for unemployed people online over 4 mornings from 10am to 11-30am. The Job Club covers C.V. preparation, Cover letter Writing, Interview Techniques and Mock Interviews. For further information please contact Teresa McCahey at 042-9748090/086-8105058 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

SUMMER NURSERY AND CUL CAMPS
There is exciting news for all children aged 4 or 5 in the coming weeks with the start of the Pearse Brothers Summer Nursery group  (Little Kickers) on Thursday 3rd June from 7pm - 7:45pm. Parents are asked to stay with their child as the coaches deliver some fun games for the boys and girls. For more details check out our Facebook page 'Ballybay Juveniles' or contact Bryan Mc Cabe on 0860757556.
Cul Camps will return this summer. This will be an action packed week for boys and girls aged between 6 and 13 and will take place from Monday 26th July until Friday 30th July. If you would like further information or to book your place, check out https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/

The 9th annual Scoil Eanna ag Rith will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend. Obviously with the continuing COVID-19 restrictions the school have again been forced to rethink how they can facilitate the event. They have decided to hold a virtual 5km run/walk where children, their families, pets, neighbours and friends can take part in a virtual run/walk. The children have adopted the motto, “Walk jog or run – its all a bit of fun”. The school have set up a donation page - www.gofundme.com/f/scoil-eanna-ag-rith and all monies raised will go towards school funds.

Help us 'reuse, recycle, repurpose' when Cahans Thrift shop reopens on Monday 17th at 10am with a 1/2 price sale! Thereafter it will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm.
Cahans Thrift shop is located at Birch Court on Main Street, Ballybay.
Covid 19 regulations will apply - a mask must be worn, hands must be sanitised on entry, please keep a social distance, and there will be a maximum of three customers allowed at any one time. Thank you for taking care.
Thank you also for observing the following in the past, but please do not leave bags for the shop or recycling at the door especially when the shop is not open.
Your custom to help Cahans Meeting House Committee in its work to develop Cahans historic Meeting House for future use will be much appreciated. All income will go to this end.

Most of this week was taken up with the pairs competition which will come to a conclusion on Saturday 15th May. Four games took place on Tuesday night as follows – Geraldine Sherlock v Brendan Traynor, Dennis Mc Elroy v Terry Clarke, Brian Toner v Paddy Mc Elvaney and Seamus Smyth v Kenny Steenson. Tonight, Thursday the following four games take place – Benny Smyth v Shane Mc Guinness, John Brady v Sean Mc Guinness, Ben Duffy v Nan Bradford and Brendan Mc Gahey v Gerry Mc Kerney.
A decision will soon be made on the next competition to be played at the outdoor green but it is likely to be  rinks competition. The members are all very pleased with the f our new seats that Monaghan County Council provided. The Green will be open every evening for the rest of the season at 7pm. New members welcomed.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 8th May were Conor Duffy and Tom Keenan. Bonus Ball 28. €5 to play – 47 numbers. Roll over to €100 per bonus ball next week. Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

All Juvenile training returns this week and please check your messages from team coaches for updates and details. The club would like to thank  all the parents and volunteers for turning out for our Membership morning in such bad conditions last Saturday. Those that couldn't make it, not to worry you can still register with your teams coach in the coming weeks before fixtures commence.
Finally if you are interested in helping out in organising community events with the Pearse brothers juveniles can you please contact Bryan McCabe on 0860757556 as we have plans to set up a small committee in the near future with the intention of bringing some joy and fun back to the club's members and wider community.

Well done to the Pearse Brother players who completed the Darkness into Light virtual walk last Saturday. Pieta House are €280 better off thanks to the lads efforts

A  huge congratulations to Roy and Tara Rutledge and families on the birth of their beautiful baby boy Senán last week. We will give him a few weeks to settle into Ballybay before we get his feet measured for boots. Enjoy the special moments.

Two local ladies have taken up the challenge of swimming once a day for the month of May. For the next few weeks Dolores Maguire and Sinead Duffy will take to the waters of Lough Major and other local lakes to raise funds for Cancer. Dolores is taking part in the Irish Cancer Societies ‘Make a splash a day in May’ while Sinead is raising funds for the Ballybay Cancer society. If you would like to support the girls you can contact Dolores directly while Sinead has a gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-swim-a-day-in-may-for-ballybay-cancer-society . These two brave ladies deserve you help and support.

Local lady Eleanor Wilson plans to walk 10, 000 steps a day in May in aid of frontline patient care at the Mater Hospital. If you would like further information or if you would like to make a donation check out Eleanor's fundraiser for The Mater Foundation on FACEBOOK

New street furniture has arrived in Ballybay and already it’s a big hit with the locals. A number of picnic tables, many suitable for wheelchair users have popped up in the town in the last week. These can be seen in the Square, the Town Park, outside the Soda Barrell, outside Liam Smyth’s and outside Centra. With restaurants and coffee shops closed due to Covid many locals have been using them to consume their lunch and for coffee breaks with friends. The tables are thanks to the Ballybay Regeneration Committee who sourced grant funding for the furniture which in turn was installed by Monaghan County Council.

Youth Work Ireland Cavan/Monaghan  have recently renovated and will be opening a new Youth Centre in Birch Court Ballybay. Their staff will be carrying out Detached Youth Work on the streets of Ballybay (Friday evenings) to chat to young people and see what they need or how they can support them. These youth workers will be noticeable in Red Jackets with a crest and Youth Worker printed on the back. Please do not hesitate to chat to them and let them know how they can help the community.

The club committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to their recent clothes collection. This was a major success. This year the senior team will be amalgamating with Doohamlet. Details on the name, coach, etc will be available later. Registration is due at the moment. Registration for juveniles (U18) is €20, Seniors is €30 and Non players is €15. Registration forms are available in Drury’s Centra. Members should return their forms in an envelope with their name on it and money inside to Centra before Saturday 24th April.

The first evening of the outdoor bowls went off very well on Wednesday last when a nice gathering of members turned up on a beautiful evening. The president was unavailable to hoist the flag on that occasion but its hoped that all will take place this Thursday 22nd April. Once again it’s a huge thanks to Seamus Smyth and Paudge Cassidy for having the green in great shape and the flag pole in the perfect position. The green will be open each Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm and on Sunday at 3 o’clock. Its hoped to get the Town Tournament up and running in May. This will involve the Businesses of the Town so someone will be calling in the next week.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 10th April were Jimmy Sullivan, Mick Clarke and Dessie Ward. Bonus Ball 16. The winners for Saturday 17th April were Jim Kerr, Jack Mc Aviney and Francis Linden. Bonus Ball 46. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner. Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

The Ballybay Pearse brothers would like to offer our sincerest sympathies to the Smyth family Main street on the passing of the great man Tom Smyth and to the Doohamlet club on the passing of Geraldine Casey. May god hold them in the palms of his hand. Rest in peace.

Congratulations are due to two local couples on the recent birth of two beautiful daughters. Firstly to Hannah and Gerard Mc kenna on the birth of their little princess Ella Grace and secondly to Cillian, Aoife and Bonnie Mc Aviney on the birth of their little darling Nessa – a future St. Brigids star no doubt. Ella Grace and Nessa are wished a long, healthy and happy lives.

All Juveniles will be returning to training in the coming weeks and the management teams will be in touch with all groups with more details. A lot of members/volunteers have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for GAA games returning. Your efforts are not going unnoticed. If you are interested in helping out in organising community events with the Pearse brothers juveniles can you please contact Bryan Mc Cabe on 0860757556 as we have plans to set up a small Entertainment  Committee in the near future with the intention of bringing some joy and fun back to the club's members and wider community.

Final call on any old football boots that are in good condition and need a new home. Please contact Bryan Mc Cabe on 0860757556 .

Its been a busy time for the Tidy Towns Committee recently. They have engaged with Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants to draft a Biodiversity Action Plan for Ballybay. The plan will start this year and will run until 2023. The group would like to thank Fearghal Duffy for his photography of local wildlife, flora and fauna for inclusion in the plan. Anyone who would like a copy of the plan should contact Olivia Duffy.
The group also met with Ross Mc Donnell from Stranooden Group Water Scheme. Ross discussed his work which includes source protection of drinking water.

The death Oliver Creegan occurred last Thursday at his home in Cavan.  Oliver and his wife Pat contributed so much to our community during their stay in Ballybay. The Pearse Brothers, Credit Union, St. Vincent de Paul, ICA and many other local groups owe them a great debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace.

The parish is asking parishioners to return their Trocaire Purple Envelopes via the Parish Office. It would also be very much appreciated if coins could be converted to notes. In 2020 €6400 was raised for Trocaire. We will have an update on the 2021 figure in the near future

Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in conjunction with DSP are running a Job Club for unemployed people online over 4 mornings from 10am to 11-30am. The Job Club covers C.V. preparation, Cover letter Writing, Interview Techniques and Mock Interviews. For further information please contact Teresa McCahey at 042-9748090/086-8105058 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Have you always wanted to learn how to line dance? Look no further than our virtual health fair! On Friday 16th April from 1pm-2pm join our free virtual line dancing class. Suitable for all levels and guaranteed fun! Register today at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOsj458-HwcVs3G1plqDQbykzc1_hYR_PEhgOaqyisXKttOg/viewform

Please note that club memberships are due and should be paid by April 16th to ensure voting rights and entry into EARLY BIRD complimentary membership draw for 2022. Thanks to all those who have already renewed their membership to date on our Klubfunder. We encourage all members to use this option where possible. Other payment methods can be facilitated by contacting the club Registrar or Treasurer .. and thanks to all those who have already done this. If you have any queries regarding membership please contact one of the following committee members. Paul, Registrar (text @ 0873672106 ), Brian @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (text @ 085 7117215 ) or Teresa @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ( text @ 086 1691304 )

It is intended to form a committee to facilitate improvements at St. Mary's Church, Latton. One of the projects which needs looking at is the development of new burial ground. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, please contact Damien Hughes at 042-9742621 on or before 16th April.

Local Daffodil Day organiser Brian Carroll has spoken to the Ballybay News about this year’s event. Covid has made things difficult however all is not lost. Brian commented, “We can't be on the streets on Daffodil Day tomorrow Friday, 26 March 2021 -but the community of BALLYBAY and surrounding areas can still make a huge difference. If they could please click on the link below they can donate there https://daffodilday-virtualcollection.blackbaud-sites.com.
Brian Carroll also said, “If you want, please feel free to share to your social media streams, local groups and community pages as this would really help to raise an awareness of this year’s virtual events as well as raising much needed funds to support cancer patients and their families. All donations are welcome, big or small. Once again, thanks for your continued support ... over the years, the BALLYBAY communities both local and afar have been wonderful, and we're very appreciative”.

On the 20th March 1956 St Macartan’s College Monaghan last won the Mac Rory Cup. Three members of Ballybay Pearse Brothers were part of that great team 65 years ago - Paul Flynn, Peader Lynch RIP and Mickey Mc Entee RIP. To mark the occasion a presentation was made last Saturday to Paul Flynn and to Pat Lynch on behalf of his brother Peader. A presentation to the Mc Entee family on behalf of Mickey Mc Entee will take place later in the week. The presentation was made by former Ulster, Monaghan and Pearse Brother great Paul Mc Carthy. The presentation to Paul and Pat can be seen on the Ballybay and its People facebook page.

Two weeks ago we reported that the local Tidy Towns Committee had set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise funds during the current pandemic. As of Monday evening the amount raised was an amazing €4, 575. This is a fantastic amount of money which should help with a number of new initiatives this year. The Tidy Town committee are also interested to hear peoples views on a community garden or allotments area in Ballybay? Funding has been announced under Clar for this. Types of Intervention eligible include Groundworks, Footpaths, Raised Beds, Native pollinator plants, Sensory planting and equipment, Polytunnels, Sheds, Rainwater harvesting tanks, Fencing, Gates, Tools as appropriate, Benches, Picnic tables, Shelters and Outdoor pizza ovens/BBQ areas. If you are interested comment on the Tidy Towns facebook page under the post submitted by Olivia Duffy on 2oth March 2021.

With the country still at level 5 covid restrictions it will not be possible to have people at Holy Week Masses. The parish will be offering on-line Liturgies via the webcam. All masses can be viewed via the following links: https://www.churchservices.tv/ballybay while masses from Tullycorbet can be viewed: https://www.churchservices.tv/tullycorbet  and masses from Ballintra at: https://www.churchservices.tv/ballintraballybay
The Holy Week masses will be as follows:
Saturday 27th – Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday at 6-30pm
Sunday 28th – Tullycorbet 9-30am and Ballintra 11am
Monday 29th – no evening mass instead there will be a short prayer service. There will however be mass at 9-30am.
Tuesday/Wednesday 30th/31st – mass online at 9-30am
Holy Thursday 1st April – Ballintra 6pm and Tullycorbet
Good Friday 2nd April – the Lord’s Passion – St. Patrick’s 3pm
Holy Saturday 3rd April – St. Patrick’s 8pm
Easter Sunday 4th April – Tullycorbet 9-30am and Ballintra 11am.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers juvenile committee have been busy putting management teams together for their various underage teams. The committee would like to thank all volunteers for taking the time to help all our future stars in the coming year.
Under 7's Paul Finlay, Therese Sammon, Enda Keenan, Sarah Deery, Tiernan Mc Skeane
Under 9's Colin Malone, Paul Mc Cabe, Conor Monaghan, Jonathan Rutledge
Under 11's Mac Sammon, Shane Monaghan, Daragh Drury, Austin Curran, Brian Mc Cabe
Under 13's Daniel Caraher, James Kerr, Fergal Smyth
Under 15's Darren Smyth, Daryl Gilmour, Barney McCabe, Damien Gilmour
Under 17's St Patricks Kevin Smyth
The committee are putting plans in place for our annual registration for all juveniles and we will communicate finalised dates and times once the government gives the green light to do so. This information along with other underage news will be available on the ‘Ballybay Juveniles’ new facebook page. Finally thank you to Drew of the Wylies for his handy work on repairing a vital piece of equipment at Pearse Park. Cheers Drew.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 20th March were Ann Garraghan, Sean Connolly and Sean O Grady. Bonus Ball 32. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner.
Contact Barry 087 2589371, Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215.

Ballybay Chamber of Commerce have welcomed the news that the Ballybay Branch of Bank of Ireland was not on the list of branches that are to close. On Monday last the Bank announced that it has taken a decision to close 103 branches in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as the acceleration in digital banking has now reached a "tipping point". The branches are due to close from the end of September. As a result of the closures, the bank's branch network in the Republic of Ireland will be reduced by 88, leaving 169, while 15 Northern Ireland branches will close, leaving 13.
Speaking to the Ballybay News a spokesperson for the Chamber said, “We are delighted that our Bank is to remain open. This is a real vote of confidence in our branch. We are sorry to hear the news that the branches in Castleblayney, Clones and Cootehill are to close however Ballybay is convenient to all these towns and perhaps individuals and businesses might consider moving their accounts to the local branch”.
Work is to start shortly on a car park behind the bank and this coupled with the 24hour ATM will leave the branch a very important asset for mid county Monaghan.

St. Brigid’s LGFC are hosting a Clothes Collection in aid of the club. Now is a good time to do a bit of a spring clean and if you have any old or unwanted clothes or shoes the club will quite happily take them of your hands. Clothes/shoes can be dropped off at Drury’s Centra, Ballybay or Action Adhesives (A75 W862). Items can be dropped off until Monday 8th March.

Mother’s Day Flowers are available at Smyths Newsagents in the Square. You can also have the flowers delivered (Strict Covid-19 precautions will apply). For further information contact Therese at 0876853316

Massive congratulations to Ballybay great Hugh Malone and his lovely wife Andrea on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Annie last weekend. Congratulations to proud grandparents Gerry, Deirdre, Hugh Senior and Kathleen.

The friends and family of Teresa Mc Entee, Shamrock Terrace would like to wish her a very happy Birthday. Teresa who does trojan work for the Ballybay Pearse Brothers celebrated her 50th Birthday on Tuesday.

Although there is nothing clarified on the commencement of juvenile football, we are preparing hard behind the scenes to make sure that all the juvenile teams are ready to go. All the coaches are looking forward to welcoming back everyone and some new faces in the coming season. Keep practising your skills at home. Thank you to all the coaches that took part in the online courses recently. Ballybay juveniles have a new facebook page which will give information on games, teams and future events. To join search Ballybay Juveniles to be accepted as a friend. Finally a huge thanks to Dessie Ward from Breakthrough performance for his excellent sessions for our underage teams throughout the county.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 27th February were Ann Finlay, Colin Malone and Maggie Caraher. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner.
Contact Barry 087 2589371,  Teresa 086 1691304 or Brian 085 7117215. The club extends our deepest sympathy to Claudine Wylie and the Armstrong and Wylie families on the sad passing of Claudine’s brother Ivan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Eleanor Glennon is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Play Therapist with a private practice in Kinnegad, Co. Meath. Throughout her career as a Social Care Worker and Psychotherapist, Eleanor has developed a strong interest in the sensory system and how we can use sensory play as a tool in helping children to feel calm and regulated in their bodies. Eleanor enjoys delivering workshops which are evidence-based and full of play!

"Supporting Parents in a Pandemic"

Eleanor will be delivering a webinar aimed at supporting parents to further develop their Pandemic Parenting Toolkit. We will look at the unique challenges of parenting during a pandemic such as online/at-home learning, missing social connection, juggling working from home with parenting full-time, and the difficult emotions which come along with this for both parents and little ones! In this webinar we will focus on building self-care practices for all of the family, coping with the big emotions, creating and maintaining meaningful connections with your children, and how to find the "fun" with at-home learning. There is a heavy load being carried by parents across the country right now, and this webinar will look at ways to make that load a little lighter.

A massive well done to everyone who took part in the recent Ballybay Pearse Brothers 5km run/walk/cycle for dementia and mental health. A total of €3, 054 was raised and has been donated to ‘Alzheimer’s Monaghan’. The Pearse Brothers committee would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported the event.

Last week was a busy one on the Birthdays and engagement front. Two local ladies Donna Rutledge and Linda Smyth turned 40. It was also an important time for four other locals. Damien Gilmour and Nisha Sherry and Caoimhe Duffy and Eddie Lennon announced their engagements. Congratulations and best wishes to them all.

Sadly this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade has been postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The parade attracts large numbers to the town every year however the organisers felt it would not be possible to keep the required 2m social distance and run the parade safely.

Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in conjunction with DSP are running a Job Club for unemployed people online over 4 mornings from 10am until 11-30am. The Jobs Club covers Job Searching, C.V. preparation, Cover Letter Writing, Interview Techniques and Mock Interview. For further information please contact Teresa McCahey on 042-9748090/086-8105958 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Trocaire boxes are available in the three parish churches and donations can also be made via the iDonate button on clogherdiocese.ie This year the theme is around solidarity with those families affected by war in South Sudan

The local branch of St. Vincent De Paul thanks the many people who supported the recent Christmas appeal and who have supported the work of the society throughout all of 2020. With churches closed for long periods owing to the pandemic, the introduction of the ‘envelope’ meant that parishioners remained very supportive of the needs of St. Vincent de Paul and for this we say a sincere thank you. Aware that the pandemic has placed some people in difficult financial situations, St. Vincent de Paul is there to help in so far as it can. Requests for help can be put in writing and placed in the ‘letter box’ of the Confraternity Rooms, St. Patrick Street, Ballybay or by phoning the Freephone number 1800 677 777.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 13th February were Barry Duffy, Jess Mc Cabe and Eileen Brennan. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner.
Contact Barry 087 2589371  Teresa 086 1691304 Brian 085 7117215

Valentine Flowers are available at Smyths Newsagents in the Square. You can also have the flowers delivered (Strict Covid-19 precautions will apply). For further information contact Therese at 0876853316

The friends and family of Marie Fitzpatrick (nee Toner) would like to wish her a very happy Birthday. The popular local lady celebrated her 60th Birthday on Monday last.

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 6th February were Shane Monaghan, Francie Lennon and Eoghan Rutledge. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner.
Contact Barry 087 2589371 Teresa 086 1691304 Brian 085 7117215

Local man Rory Mc Atavie posted an article on the ‘Ballybay and its People’ facebook page last week. Entitled ‘I REMEMBER’ it has attracted well over 150 comments and certainly evoked lots of very fond memories of growing up in Ballybay. The piece is printed below – enjoy and reminisce I REMEMBER........

Over the last few months, the Healthy Monaghan committee, along with a variety of our partners in the community, voluntary and statutory sector have been continuing to try and support the members of our communities during these difficult COVID times. A great variety of initiatives and programmes have been ongoing to try and provide ways in which people can continue to look after their physical and mental wellbeing. At a local level, all this great work happening is supporting the aim of the national Keep Well Campaign which is encouraging people to add healthy, helpful habits to their daily routines.

With so much good stuff happening we thought it would be an idea to try and pull that altogether into a calendar of events. Although at the minute a lot of that is happening online, its still a great opportunity for  people to tap into some wonderful events.

If your organisation or department has anything planned between now and the end of March, which you would like to promote to the wider public, can you please complete the attached and return to Fiona McEntee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before Friday 12^th February. We will then work on creating a calendar of events that can be shared through our social media accounts, in local press and radio and also on our Keep Well calendar. If you would like to check out some events already planned go to: https://monaghan.ie/keep-well/ Browse our calendar or click into one of the 5 themes of the Keep Well campaign where you will find out more information of interest.

Monaghan Keep Well Events Register PDF >> 

Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in conjunction with DSP are running a Job Club for unemployed people online over 4 mornings from 10am until 11-30am. The Jobs Club covers Job Searching, C.V. preparation, Cover Letter Writing, Interview Techniques and Mock Interview. Fot further information please contact Teresa McCahey on 042-9748090/086-8105958 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Last week we reported that the annual Tullycorbet Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes will not take place this year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic however the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage will be available virtually from 5 to 11 July. For further details check out the diocese website at: https://www.clogherdiocese.ie/

The winners of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bonus Ball draw for Saturday 30th January were Darren Smyth, Stephen Lennon and David Moen. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 winner.
Contact Barry 087 2589371 Teresa 086 1691304 Brian 085 7117215

Last Wednesday’s streamed 10-30am mass from St. Patrick’s was broadcast live on the RTE News TV Channel. Fr. Owen Joe Mc Eneaney was the celebrant and Martin Mc Cabe provided the music. The mass has received lots of positive comments especially the fact that Monsignor Mc Sorley got a special mention.

Ballybay Central School has began accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year yesterday. Applications for admission to the school can be made up until 26th February 2021. Applicants will be notified if their application has been successful on 19th March. There are 12 places available for Junior Infants. Further information, applications forms and the admissions policy are all available at https://www.ballybaycns.com/

It is with deep regret that we report the sad passing of Marie Durkan (nee Moen) formerly of St. Patrick’s Street. Marie passed away in the USA on Monday morning last. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

The annual Tullycorbet Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes will not take place this year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please God things will improve and we will be able to return to Lourdes in 2022.

Enrolment for the 2021/22 school year will begin on 1st February and run until 28th February. Enrolment forms and copies of the admission policy can be downloaded from the schools website http://www.scoileanna.ie/ Alternatively the form can be requested from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or collected at the school.

Owing to the current Covid-19 crisis the Ballybay Cancer Society would like people to know that they are available to provide financial assistance to local people who have been diagnosed with cancer. The Society also provide a transport service to hospital for treatment. If you or someone you know have any queries about how the Society could help, then please do not hesitate to contact any committee member. The Committee are Sally McAviney (0872092013), Briege Duffy (0872367139), Mary McGinnity (0863213578), Charlie Mills (0429741372), Teresa Murnaghan (0429748078) and Mary Duffy (0877731416). Transport Services can be discussed by contacting Mobile (0860235333), Ann Keenan (0876437343) or Bernadette Duffy (0861061277).

The Pearse Brothers National Lotto Bouns Ball winners for Saturday 16th January were Tom Ward, Patricia Mc Cabe and Hanna McKenna. Bonus Ball still available. €5 to play – 47 numbers. €80 for the winner. Contact Barry 087 2589371 or Teresa 086 1691304.

Monaghan County Council is to add the Ballybay to Cloghan Road (L3403) to the salting list for this winter. While it sounds like good news for the area, the addition is only temporary as the road leads to the HSE Covid 19 Testing Centre at the County Monaghan GAA Training Ground. It will likely be removed from the list next winter.

On the 30th January, Ballybay Pearse Brothers and the community of Ballybay will be raising “Awareness” for both “Dementia” & “Mental Health” not just within the community but beyond, to families, friends and loved ones through this surreal time! Please feel free to join the club between 6am and 6pm to Run/Walk/Cycle within your own Covid 5km.  You can send your photos to the Pearse Brothers facebook page to help us raise awareness and support each other through these difficult times! All activities must be carried out in accordance with Government Covid 19rules/guidelines. If  you would like further information or to book a slot contact Chairman Barry Mc Skean 087 2589371 or any committee member. There will also be regular updates on the clubs facebook page. Donations can also be made to any Committee member or on the Klubfunder link with reference "Dementia5K" - https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Ballybay_Pearse_Brothers

The Christmas Lights Committee has decided that the lights will remain up and lit until 1st February 2021. The idea behind the additional weeks is two-fold. Firstly they are to remember those who have passed away during the current pandemic and secondly it is remind people that they can look forward to a brighter future now that the vaccine is being rolled out. The gesture has been met with widespread approval.

During the current level 5 lockdown the local library service is offering a home delivery service. If you are interested in availing of this then check out https://monaghan.ie/library/

With the country now moved to a level 5 lockdown the celebration of all masses have now moved online. The only exception is funerals were 10 mourners can attend. Through the parish webcam the following 9 masses are available to parishioners.
Monday – St. Patrick’s 7-30pm
Tuesday – St. Patrick’s 9-30am
Wednesday – St. Patrick’s 9-30am
Thursday – St. Patrick’s 9-30am
Friday - St. Patrick’s 7-30pm
Saturday – St. Patrick’s, Vigil 6-30pm
Sunday – Tullycorbet 9-30am
Sunday – Ballintra 11am
Sunday – St. Patrick’s 12-15pm

All masses from St. Patrick’s can be viewed via the following link:  https://www.churchservices.tv/ballybay

while masses from Tullycorbet can be viewed https://www.churchservices.tv/tullycorbet

and masses from Ballintra at https://www.churchservices.tv/ballintraballybay

It is with deep regret that we report the sad passing of Brendan Macklin and Hughie Walshe. Brendan was originally from Shanmullagh, Tullycorbett but has been resident at Loch Mor Avenue, Ballybay for over forty years. Brendan passed away in Cavan General Hospital on 6th January. Hughie Walshe was a former resident of Monkey Row, St. Patrick Street and passed away on 8th January. May both Brendan and Hughie Rest in Peace.

Would you be interested in joining the Ballybay Tidy Towns Group? The time you commit is your choice. It can be just one hour on a day that suits you. Obviously the group won’t be meeting in a group for some time, but if you feel you could do a litter pick or adopt an area in the town that you could maintain it would be a huge help this year as they enter the Tidy Town Competition again. The group would also welcome your ideas for improvements that could be carried out and you can message them on their facebook page. It’s a new year so maybe volunteering some of your time could be a New Years’ resolution.

An Irish company based in Cork is urgently seeking experienced Aran Hand Knitters to help them complete an order of Aran hand knitted Hats, Scarves, Jumpers and Cardigans for a company in America for Autumn/ Winter 2021.
All you need is your own needles as all wool will be supplied. If you would like to find out more information please contact Helen Moynihan on 087 2231919 or send her an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . This work is not limited to this year, if you are successful, more work is envisaged for 2022. Made popular recently by Taylor Swift the Aran Jumper is enjoying a revival on an unprecedented scale in the US.

Tullycorbet CCÉ is hoping to start Adult music classes in the coming term! Classes will be conducted online, similar to our junior classes and will be available on a variety of instruments. All those interested should contact Francis on 087 2395396 or check out the Tullycorbet CCE facebook page.