The first ever Cultural Night in Ballybay was a great success on Friday 21st September. The event was part of a range of activities throughout the county supported by Monaghan County Council, Creative Ireland and the Dept. of Arts, Culture, Heritage. The Ballybay event began with the launch of ‘Retrospective’ photos from Co. Monaghan by Donal McEnroe. Over the last 45 years Donal has documented events, people and places in Co. Monaghan. It is a unique photographic archive of the county and people that has undergone significant social change in that time. This exhibition reflects a different time with a number of photos of Telephone Exchanges in Ballybay, Monaghan, Castleblayney and Rockcorry. However the 1970’s was also the era of the ‘Troubles’ and a number of photos feature the aftermath of the Monaghan and Castleblayney bombings. This exhibition was formally launched by Audrey Donnolly the postmistress in Ballybay Post Office the 5th generation of her family to hold that position. At the opening the photos provoked lots of memories of the ‘old days’ in the Post Office and some great stories from a different time. The exhibition is on display in Ballybay Credit Union and the Post Office.
‘The Road to Ballybay’ on Friday 21st in Ballybay Pearse Park highlighted the rich cultural heritage in Ballybay and also showcased the local talent. The evening featured the songs of Percy French with songs like ‘Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff’ and the ‘Mountains of Mourne’ aby Michael Mooney and Brian Carroll. Recitations ‘Ach I Dunno’ and ‘A Mother Story’ performed by Imelda Smyth and Brid Mc Cabe. William Clarke was a well-known Piper from Ballybay and Peter and Lily Ann Coyle played tunes from the repertoire of William Clarke. They are 2 wonderful young Pipers and their performance was much appreciated by the audience.A few well known ballads were sung by Michael Mooney and Grainne Smyth which proved very popular with the audience singing along with them.
Finally the ‘Carnival Years’ in Ballybay were recalled with songs by Brendan Macklin and Brian Carroll and a short sketch with Imelda Smyth, Brid McCabe, Kevin Quinn, Daniel McGregor and Feargal Smyth . The musical accompaniment was provided by Anne Cumiskey which was excellent. The finale was the full cast and audience singing the Tommy Makem song, ‘The Town of Ballybay’. The overall reaction to the night that this was a great night’s entertainment and it was free!!! The hope is to build on this and see more live performances by local talent in the future.