Ballybay Monaghan Ireland

Ballybay native Frank Curley is launching a memoir book about his dad, entitled ‘A Pen in your Pocket and a Watch on your Arm’ in the Iontas Centre, Castleblayney on Wednesday 23rd November at 7.30pm.

It will be launched by An Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council. It’s a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Memorabilia including his dad’s IRA notes from the War of Independence and letters from the time he was in England in the late 1950’s will be on display. Frank grew up in Drumroosk, Ballybay and was reared for five years with the Woods family in Aughnaclea, Tullycorbett, while his dad was in England. He was a member of the 1969 Pearse Brothers team. The book provides a remarkable insight into the life of a small farmer in Monaghan who made wonderful, yet painful sacrifices to enhance his son’s life prospects.