It is hoped to have a roll up on Boxing Day weather permitting from 11am to 1pm. As numbers will be limited due to Covid it would be appreciated if you could book. A few members have requested that we open for a few days during the festive season, seeing that there is no indoor bowling at present. For more information on this ring Raymond on 0868875697.
Agnes, Majella, Patricia, Sally and Deirdre would like to sincerely thank everyone who recently donated to and shopped at the DD Pop Up Shop. The final figure raised is €5,825 which will go to the Ballybay Cancer Society.
Cahans shop, located in Birch Court, Main Street, Ballybay will reopen on 5 January (although this may change according to Government guidelines regarding retail). Covid 19 regulations will continue to apply, e.g., hand sanitising, face masks, the number of customers at one time limited, and social distancing. Donations for sale and/or recycling MUST NOT be left outside the shop when the shop is not open. Cahans Meeting House Committee is grateful to all who have visited the shop and made donations.
James Flanagan has had his drone out on a night flight and has produced a fantastic video of the Christmas lights. James has put his footage to some wonderful music and produced a fine 2 minute video which is well worth a watch. The video is introduced by Gerry Mc Elroy who asks people to share the video with local people who can’t get home this year. It can be viewed at the Ballybay and its People facebook page.
Well done to the students from Scoil Eanna who had a Christmas jumper day on Monday last. The jumper day was a fundraising event and the local St. Vincent de Paul Society are now €310 better off. Well done to all the pupils who will be rewarded on Friday when Santa comes to visit.
Well done to all who contributed to the recent ‘Cash for Clobber’ initiative. Over a tonne of clothes were received which results in approximately €400 for the school.
Congratulations to David Burgess in 5th Class who was awarded 3rd prize in the recent Credit Union Art Competition. Unfortunately due to the current restrictions there won’t be a presentation night but members of the Credit Union will present David with his prize at school.
After more than 10 years’ service to the school as caretaker, Denis Parker has retired. The school would like to thank Denis for all his work throughout that time, and wish him and his family well.
The School closed at 12.00 on Tuesday last and will reopen on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
Most of the committee members turned up during the week at the outdoor green in the Town Park to have a tidy up. It is hoped to have a roll up on Boxing Day weather permitting from 11am to 1pm. As numbers will be limited due to Covid it would be appreciated if you could book. A few members have requested that we open for a few days during the festive season, seeing that there is no indoor bowling at present. For more information on this ring Raymond on 0868875697.
The organisers of last weekends pop up shop would like to thank all that gave clothes. The shop had 3 great days of trading. Thanks also to all that bought and donated. There is no final figure yet however remember that all monies raised will be donated to the Ballybay Cancer Society and the final figure will be announced shortly.
Christmas this year will be different. The challenge parishes face, as a result of the necessary Covid 19 restrictions is trying to find a workable solution. Bishop Duffy has offered the following option for this season. Families can attend mass at some point during the 12 days of Christmas – from Christmas eve until the Feast of the Epiphany on 6th January. Spreading the mass over the twelve days will help to alleviate the pressure around numbers who can attend each mass. Also to help the issue additional masses will be said. On Christmas Eve there will be mass in Tullycorbet and Ballintra at 5pm while in St. Patrick’s there will be mass at 6-30pm and 8-30pm. On Christmas Day there will be mass in Tullycorbet and Ballintra at 10am and in St. Patrick’s at 8-30am and 12-15pm. The parish asks that parishioners continue to respect the helpers. All masses from St. Patrick’s can be viewed via the following link: https://www.churchservices.tv/tullycorbet
It is also hoped that webcams will be installed in Tullycorbet and Ballintra before Christmas.
With Christmas just 3 weeks away the local Chamber of Commerce are appealing to everyone to shop local and support local business at this difficult time. The level 5 restrictions have been tough on businesses and if everyone could consider buying their Christmas presents locally this would have a very positive effect on the community and economy. Remember that local vouchers are also available and would make great presents for anyone.
Cahans Meeting House Charity shop is now open at Birch Court, Main Street and it would be very much appreciated if patron would face masks when shopping and obey the social distancing rules. Donations are welcome however they MUST NOT be left outside the shop when the shop is not open. Proceeds will go toward the restoration of Cahan’s Meeting House as a community resource.
Please note that St. Brigid’s LGFA 2020 AGM will take place online on Sunday evening next December 20th at 7.00pm. To take part in this meeting you will need to forward your e-mail address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that the link can be forwarded to you. Alternatively, please phone or text 086 8358136 to request link details.
A pop up shop in aid of Ballybay Cancer Society will be available this Friday and Saturday 4th & 5th December between 10am and 6pm on the Main Street. The shop will be stocking a very large selection of ladies clothes. This is a great opportunity to get something new for Christmas and help a very worthwhile charity at the same time.
If you are looking for a Christmas present for the Mc Cabe in your life, a new publication might be just the thing for you. The Clan Mc Cabe Society has put together a comprehensive history of the Mc Cabes from the earliest times up to the twentieth century. With quite a few Mc Cabes in the Ballybay area this might just make a wonderful gift. The book entitled ‘’A History of the Mc Cabes’’ is available in Smyths Newsagents Ballybay, Keegans in Carrickmacross, Daybreak in Shercock and Hannigans, Cootehill.
From Tuesday the public celebration of Mass can now take place. Parishioners can now attend any of the following masses and it will count as Sunday mass.
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 of the above masses can be viewed via the following link: https://www.churchservices.tv/tullycorbet
Thanks to the lifting of the level 5 restrictions the priests will make their First Friday visits tomorrow.
Aughnamullen man Gary Owen Mc Mahon who now lives in Mayo was the referee for last weekend’s TG4 Ladies All Ireland semi final between Dublin and Armagh in Kingspan Breffni Park. The former Monaghan and Ulster whistler had a fine game. The match itself was won by Dublin 3-13 to 3-8 and the excellent refereeing by Gary Owen helped make it an exciting affair.
Cuan Mhuire will be having a monster Christmas raffle. Look out for tickets available to buy locally. More details next week.
Details of the Monaghan County squad were released this week and its congratulations to local lad Ryan Wylie who has been announced as captain for the upcoming season. Ryan will be joined in the squad by his brother Drew and club mates Dessie Ward and Christopher Mc Guinness. Latton’s Kieran Duffy has been named vice captain and he will be joined by his fellow club mate with big Ballybay connections, Aaron Mulligan.
There is a new car park opened at the rear of Liam Smyth’s which has direct access to the Main Street. Ballybay Chamber of Commerce are urging employers and employees of businesses on the Main Street to please use off-street car parking in order to free up spaces for potential customers. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated.
All are welcome to our evening Carol Service in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church on Sunday 22nd December at 7.30pm. Speaker Rev Dr Gerry Clinton. Refreshments afterwards.
Drumhowan Community Group were to be selling the book of poems ‘THE FAIR LANDS OF DRUMHOWAN’ outside Masses in the parish last weekend. They did so on Saturday evening but on Sunday morning ran out of books in Ballintra and had none to sell at the 12.15 Mass. They have now ordered more copies and will be able to supply ‘customers’ in the coming weekend. They apologise for any delays to traffic on the way out from Mass on Saturday evening last and appreciate the generosity of Ballybay people in buying the books.
Ballybay Pearse Brothers annual presentation night will take place on Saturday 1st February. More details to follow shortly.
The Ballybay News has been inundated with words of praise for the number and variety of Christmas lights in the town. Locals have been full of praise for the way in which businesses, housing estates and individuals have enhanced their own little piece of Ballybay with additional lights. Sally Mc Aviney has posted a number of pictures of the lights on the ‘In the Town of Ballybay’ facebook page. Take a bow everyone.
It was lovely to see such a large attendance at our community carol service in Christ Church last Wednesday evening. It was a very enjoyable evening with a beautiful array of music and singing. We would like to thank sincerely all those involved for their contributions. It was marvellous to be able to give Camphill €300 and St Vincent de Paul €300 as a result of your generosity. Really a great big “ thank you” to you all.
Christ Church Ballybay holy communion service is at the earlier time of 10pm this year. All are very welcome. We would like to wish all the community a very happy and peaceful Christmas and Gods richest blessings for the coming year.
Christmas Eve Mass in St. Patrick’s will be celebrated at 8pm. On Christmas Morning mass in St. Patrick’s will be at 12-15pm while in both Ballintra and Tullycorbett mass will be celebrated at 10am. Christmas confessions will be heard in St. Patrick’s on Sunday evening next at 7-30pm. Priests from neighbouring parishes will join the local clergy.
Local lady Dolores Maguire plans to head to Dublin on Saturday next with sleeping bags, coats and caps for the homeless. If anyone has any of these items which they would like to donate could they please private message Dolores on Facebook. Fair play to Dolores – she is never one to shy away from helping others.
Last Friday night Gerry Mc Elroy had the honour of turning on the Ballybay Christmas lights. Gerry recently celebrated 30 years in business and there was no better man to be given the honour. This year also seen a new tree in operation. The organisers would like to thank the large crowd who turned up for the switch on and to everyone who contributed to the recent church gate collection. the amount raised was €703. Finally the organisers would like to remind everyone to shop local this Christmas.
Our community carol service will be take place a little earlier this year in Christ Church. We are holding it on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER at 7:30pm. We have a beautiful musical evening lined up for you with music by the lovely Silver Brass Band, special singing by Ballybay Community Choir and the delightful bell ringing performed by Camphill Community. There will be light refreshments served afterwards, a great chance for the community to have a catch up over a cuppa, all are very, very welcome. Please also note out Christmas Eve communion service is at earlier time of 10pm this year in Christ Church. We would love to have you join us.
Christ Church Aughnamullen are hosting a pop-up shop in a vacant premises on Main Street, Ballybay on Friday 6th December and Saturday 7th December from 10-30am to 5pm. Proceeds are going towards fund raising for church repairs.
There will be a GOAL Mile at Latton O Rahilly’s GAA Club on Thursday 26th December at 11am. This will be a great way to burn off a few calories after any excesses on Christmas Day and contribute to a great charity at the same time. See you all there.
Congratulations to Damien Caraher, the Ballybay Pearse Brothers recipient of the Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation Awards hosted by Monaghan County Board last week. Damien has been a major figure in Ballybay circles for over 30 years. He played with distinction for the Pearse Brothers for over 20 years winning an Owen Ward Cup in 1986 and Mick Duffy Cup the following year and he also represented the club in Scor on many occasions. He pulled on the Farney jersey at underage and senior levels. However as dynamic he was on the pitch, it will be his herculean efforts off the pitch that will be his lasting legacy. Ballybay have a clubhouse that is the envy of many organisations in the country. It is not an exaggeration to say that without Damien’s drive, determination and unfailing optimism that the clubhouse would never have been built. He was the driving force behind the plans and the building and it was his insistence that it be used on an ongoing basis that meant the Ballybay Bingo, the most successful fundraiser in the club’s history is housed in the clubhouse every Tuesday for the last 11 years. Supported by his wife Sharon and his 4 children Daniel, Shane, Gemma and Conor and his parents Franco and Maggie, it is people like Damien who make the GAA the best organisation in the world.
The AGM of Ballybay Credit Union will take place tonight in the wetlands Centre at 7-30pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
Ballybay Post Office will be extending their opening hours over two Saturdays in December. The Post Office will be open from 9-30pm until 5-30pm on Saturday 7th December and Saturday 21st December. To be sure of delivery before Christmas please try and get your post away early.
In the early hours of last Sunday morning the Bank of Ireland ATM machine was ripped from the building and a large amount of monies were stolen. A mechanical digger was used in the robbery. Local Garda are keen to hear from anyone who may have observed anyone acting suspicious in the town in recent times. They would also like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Main Street early last Sunday morning.
As a result of the robbery local solicitor Lynda Smyth organised a meeting on Monday night. At the meeting it was confirmed that the local branch of Bank of Ireland will be open on Saturday and Sunday next from 10am until 6pm and on Monday until lunchtime. The bank will offer ATM services inside. In relation to general banking it is important to note that Ballybay Post Office offer a banking service for AIB, Ulster and Danske customers as well as An Post Smart Account. Ballybay Credit Union will be open on Saturday and that there is an ATM machine instore at Centra. Most retail shops and pubs will accept debit cards and offer cashback. A list of the shops offering cashback is available on the ‘Ballybay and its People’ FACEBOOK page. Many retailers have promised special promotions on Friday and Saturday of this week.
Lynda’s committee have been nicknamed the BFC (Ballybay Fightback Committee). The BFC has vowed to beat the JCB!!
Blood donations will be taken on Sunday 23rd December at the Recreation Centre behind the Community College. Donations will begin at 11-30am and will continue until 3pm. New donors are very welcome. Your blood would make a very generous Christmas present.
With just a few days to Christmas Ballybay Town Vouchers which are available throughout the town would make excellent Christmas presents. Ballybay Chambers of commerce would urge locals to shop locally in the run up to Christmas and to support the local shops
The first Christmas Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s on Christmas Eve at 8pm. There will be three masses on Christmas Day. There will be 10am mass in Tullycorbett and Ballintra. The final mass of the day will take place in St. Patrick’s at 12-15pm.
A nice way to remember loved ones at Christmas is with a blessed candle. Fr. Mc Eneaney has blessed a number of candles which are available in local shops. They are €7 each or two for €10. Proceeds from the sale of the candles will go to the Christmas Lights.
Ballybay Pearse Brothers are hosting a Christmas Bingo at 3pm on Sunday 30th December. There will be a €1000 jackpot which must be won.
Ballybay Community College are hosting a Craft Fair in the Sports Hall today from 11am until 1pm. As well as tasty treats and clever crafts the Community College Choir will perform.
At 6pm on Christmas Eve the long running ceremony of placing baby Jesus in the crib at the Market House will take place. Carol singers will be present and everyone is welcome.
Massive congratulations to Loch Mor Avenue man Ollie Lennon who won his seventh county darts doubles title at the weekend. Ollie was playing with Aughnamullen’s Shane Mc Guirk and in the final they defeated Wesley Cawley and Daniel Mc Entee. Playing some amazing darts Ollie hit a 137 checkout to win the title.
On Wednesday night last 13th December the pupils and staff of Scoil Éanna held their Christmas Carol Service. This was the first time to be performed in St Patricks Church in what could only be described as a fantastic performance by all. Each class took their turn to sing a range of Christmas carols before some students played a number of tunes for the large crowd that attended.
New Monaghan Town Bus Service which commenced 20th December, 2017.
Or see link: locallink.ie/en/contact-us/cavanmonaghan/ for timetable of new Monaghan bus services.
Michael Parsons who originates from Ballybay but who has been living in County Laois for a good many years has been appointed as Chairman of the Heritage Council. The retired Portlaoise school Principal has been active in heritage circles for over 40 years and has been a member of the Heitage Council from 2012 to 2016. Minister Heather Humprhies welcomed the appointment saying, “ The appointment of Michael Parsons as Chairman of the Heritage Council is in recognition of his long standing commitment to, and understanding of the importance of our national heritage. He is ideally placed to lead the Council through the next stage of its development in close collaboration with my Department”.
There will be three masses in the parish on Christmas Day and vigil mass on Christmas Eve. The vigil mass will commence at 8pm. On Christmas Day mass in Tullycorbett and Ballintra is at 10am while in St. Patrick’s it is at 12-15pm. Confessions will be available on Saturday next 23rd December between 12noon and 1pm and 5-45pm and 6-15pm. There will be no confessions on Christmas Eve as it falls on a Sunday this year. Christmas day offertory collections will be in aid of charity.
The Pearse Brothers Annual New Year’s Day swim takes place in lough Major on Monday 1st January at 12pm. Anyone wishing to take part can get a sponsor card from Cillian at 0867368078.
The Camphill Community Ballybay would like to send their sincere thanks to Monaghan County Council for funding them on the community facility scheme 2017 (CFS23/17). This money has been very beneficial towards their project and with the great help of Mr Barry Kavanagh, Landscape Designer, they have developed a summer garden seating area for their residents.
The local library closed yesterday for the Christmas break. It will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January at 11am.
The Annual 5 aside tournament takes place this year on Saturday 23rd December from 2pm -4pm in the recreation Centre. Supporters are welcome as always. All proceeds from tournament will go to Ballybay Cancer Society. If your interested in playing contact Barney Mc Cabe via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. May the best team win.
On Friday evening last members of the Latton Ladies successful Ulster winning side turned on the Ballybay Christmas Lights for 2017. A large crowd was in attendance and despite the cold evening everyone enjoyed it. Santa made his usual appearance and delivered presents to all the children who were there. The organising committee would like to thank John Rutledge for the provision of the tree and for organising a team of locals to help erect it. Thanks also to Joe and Una Traynor for the use of their premises for Santa’s den. And finally thanks to the local Tidy Towns committee who have erected a beautiful sign and Christmas tree which compliments the already fine Xmas lights.
On Wednesday the 20th of December at 8pm Christ Church are holding their annual Carol service, we are having the Dungannon silver band, Ballybay Community choir and Camphill Community bell ringers all taking part so it definitely is an evening not to be missed, refreshments served afterwards. All are very welcome so we hope to see you there.
Ballybay Special needs had a very successful coffee morning and cake sale.
Thanks to Pat O Brien for the use of his premises, to all those who called in and give donations and to all who supported use in any way. Also thanks to our helpers. Amount raised on the day was €1295.00 plus cash still coming in. A big thank you to all.
On Sunday last just before 10pm the occupants of a black seat leon car were observed disposing of empty food containers in the car park just outside the Community College. The 4 or 5 young men in the vehicle left the area after throwing the waste papers out the windows of the car. If you know who these culprits are then please consider reporting them to the Environment Section at Monaghan County Council.
Local quiz master Stephen Duffy has produced his third quiz book and is chasing the number one spot for Christmas book sales in Eason’s Monaghan. Stephen’s second quiz book was the top seller in Eason’s Monaghan last year even outselling Paul O Connell’s biography and he is well on the way to reclaiming the accolade this year. His book priced at just €10 makes a great stocking filler and has been endorsed by Dragon Dens Gavin Duffy (no relation). Copies of the book are available in all local book shops or by contacting Stephen at 087 7687780.
The Ballybay News has been contacted by a few locals who are having difficulty in obtaining a parking space in town. One man who didn’t want to be named said, “I came to town last week and I couldn’t get a space. I know a lot of the cars belong to shop staff and I would hope that especially in the run up to Christmas they would park in the side streets or Clones Road car park”. At this time of year when locals are being encouraged to shop locally it is important that customers get parked in the middle of town. Staff from all the shops and offices should be encouraged by their employer to park off Main Street. The reality is that if they don’t the traffic warden could end up back in town!
The Christmas lights will be turned on this year at 7-30pm tomorrow Friday 8th December. The honour on this occasion will fall to the lady footballers of Latton who recently won the Monaghan and Ulster Intermediate club titles. Santa Claus will also be in attendance with presents for all the children who are present on the night.
Scoil Èanna Ballybay presents a Christmas Carol Service where all the pupils will perform traditional Christmas carols in St Patrick’s Church on Wednesday 13th of December at 7pm. Donation box will be at door. Everybody welcome. The Parents Association will be holding their Christmas Bonanza Draw on the evening with six great prizes on offer.
1st prize Giant hamper plus vegetable hamper also cash prize of €150 2nd prize Turkey & Ham plus €50 town vouchers 3rd prize €50 Fuel & car accessory voucher 4th prize €50 shopping & meat voucher 5th prize €50 Drapery/clothing voucher 6th prize vegetable hamper & meat voucher.
Plus loads more fantastic prizes, hampers and vouchers. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5. Tickets can be purchased in the local shops and also on the night. Please support look forward to seeing you on the night.
Christchurch Aughnamullen are holding their annual Carol Service this Sunday 10th December at 3pm and will be conducted by Mr. Storey Diocesan Lay Reader. Everyone is most welcome to this special service to celebrate the Christmas season.
Thanks to everyone who displayed pictures in November on the Ballybay and its People facebook page. The images were fantastic and the feedback excellent. The theme for December will be ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS. Remember the rules maximum four pictures per person related to the theme and off course taken locally in and around Ballybay. You don't need an expensive camera and you can even take them on your phone. If anyone has any ideas for other themes you can either post on the page or contact Dolores Maguire at 086 8340501.
A Christmas Fayre in aid of Scoil Mhuire, Latton will be held in the Community Centre, Latton on Sunday next 9th December beginning at 1pm. Its guaranteed to be a great family occasion with lots of music and entertainment.
The annual Christmas Bazaar sponsored by Gerry’s Take Away will take place at Cuan Mhuire on Sunday next 10th December at 3pm. There are 200 prizes on offer and Santa Claus will be visiting with a present for every child. Everyone welcome.
The Chamber of Commerce vouchers are available in most of the local shops. These are available in values of €10 and €20 and would make excellent Christmas presents. The vouchers can be exchanged in all local shops at any time of the year.
Stephen ‘s second quiz book entitled “Quizzing Around the Christmas Tree - Volume 2” is available to purchase in a number of local shops. The book is full of new educational and fun questions suitable for all the family. It would certainly make an excellent stocking filler for Christmas.
The local branch library will close for Christmas on Thursday 22nd December. It will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2017.
Good luck to Paul Mc Guinness who will be taking part in a cycle and swim in aid of Temple Street Hospital on Christmas day. Paul who is a third year business student at DCU has been selected as one of 120 students who have been challenged to raise €1000 for charity. All the monies raised will go towards the construction of a new satellite classroom in St Gabriel's Ward which specialises in neurosurgery and craniofacial surgery.
Last week we reported that a boxer dog belonging to dog lovers Joy and Bernard Borchert had been stolen from their front garden on Wednesday 7th December. The dog is called Finn and has been neutered and microchipped. As yet Finn has not been found. The Borchert family is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the safe return of the dog. If you have any useful information you can private message Joy Borchert on facebook.
A GOAL mile challenge will take place at Latton GAA Centre on Monday next St. Stephens Day at 11am. This is a good chance to clear the heads and shake off the excesses of Christmas Day and also do your little bit for charity.
Congratulations to Ballybay Pearse Brothers contingent of Drew & Ryan Wylie, Thomas Kerr & Dessie Ward who have all been selected for the Monaghan Squad ahead of this year McKenna Cup competition. The tournament gets underway on January 8th against Fermanagh.
An evening of prayers, reflection and Christmas carols to welcome baby Jesus into the hearts of all locals will take place in Ballintra Church on Thursday 22nd December. The evening will commence at 8pm and all are welcome.
On Sunday last a cat in the Town Park followed a local woman home. Thanks to the power of FACEBOOK and in particular the ‘Ballybay and its People’ page the cat has now been returned to its very grateful owner.
Last week we published a picture taken by a local man which showed indiscriminate dumping at one of the many lakes in the area. We are glad to report that since the picture appeared in the paper staff from Monaghan County Council have been to the lake shore and removed the rubbish. Remember if you come across illegal dumping you should report it to the Environment Section of Monaghan County Council.
Following a campaign spearheaded by local man Stephen Duffy to make Ballybay Town Park more inclusive for all children green shoots of progress is starting to appear. Last week it was announced that a total of €12,000 was to go for the provision of new equipment for children with disabilities at the Park. This can be broken down as €9,600 from CLAR and €2,400 from Monaghan County Council. Following this Bernie Bradley the Social Inclusion Officer at Monaghan County Council informed social media, “I’ve been working on this issue with the Area Engineer over the last few months. We have assessed the site for remedial access works and costings for upgrading and replacing equipment on the playground site. I have prioritized this project for 2017”. Miss Bradley then added, “I’d love to really make a National model of good practice in the park”.
A meeting has been arranged for the Wetlands centre on Thursday 5th January at 8pm. The purpose of this meeting is to get feedback from parents, friends and carers who can provide information on what is the most suitable equipment for this project going forward.
Popular local lady Nanny Duffy celebrated her 100th Birthday on 16th December. Until recently she was living in St. Patrick’s Street and attending bingo regularly however she is now resident in St. Josephs Nursing Home. Many will know Nanny from her days working in the Riverdale where she was an important staff member. Earlier this year Nanny enjoyed one of the best days of her 100 year life when she was present for the ordination of Fr. Stephen Duffy. A small celebration for Nanny was held in Cuan Mhuire recently.
Camphill Community Ballybay would like to take this opportunity to send our sincere thanks to everyone who took part in setting up for our Craft Day which was held in our Community on the 19th November. Also, a huge thank you to the local people and businesses who kindly donated Money and Raffle Prizes-without your help this day would not have been as good as it was. We managed to raise over €3700 on the day, which is just simply fantastic.
Thank you to BD Foods, Flacks Garage, Kieran McMahon Tyres, Rocks of Monaghan, Theresa & Brendan McGahey, Derryvalley Sheeting & DIY, Monaghan Electrical, Dunsinaire Stores Ltd, Ciaran Allen Dental Practitioner, BWG Value Centre, Monaghan Hire, Follgard Tractor Parts, Gaffey Motor Factors, Marrons Garage, Corcaghan Co-Op, Top Oil, Carrolls Imports & Exports Ltd, Nutri Snax Cavan and Baby Baby Nursery Shop Virgina.
An evening of prayers, reflection and Christmas carols to welcome baby Jesus into the hearts of all locals will take place in Ballintra Church on Thursday 22nd December. The evening will commence at 8pm and all are welcome.
Christina Duffy from Lough Mor Avenue celebrated her 50th birthday with family, friends and work colleagues in the Ballybay Inn last weekend. Christina doesn’t actually turn fifty until Christmas Day but this didn’t stop a very large crowd from gathering to help her celebrate the milestone Birthday.
Fr. Brian who is associated with ALMAS has been in touch to thank the parishioners of Tullycorbett for their wonderful generosity. Between donations and the sale of cards €1348-32c was raised. During his visit to the parish Fr. Brian joined in the celebration of the mass. Anyone who is still interested in purchasing cars can do so from Gerry West.
It’s great to be able to report that the heating upgrade works at St. Patrick’s church is now complete. The work was carried out by Vincent Duffy & Son (Builders) and when the real winter bites and no doubt it soon will it is hoped that the benefit of the upgrade will be noticed. This has been a long road for the Parish Council and their Finance Committee but one that will be worth the journey. Thanks to all involved.
Dog lovers Joy and Bernard Borchert had their boxer dog named Finn taken from their garden on Wednesday 7th December at approximately 3-30pm. The dogs collar was left along with two other dogs. The Borchert’s are offering a substantial reward for information leading to the safe return of the dog. If you have any useful information you can private message Joy Borchert on facebook.
Well done to the members of the local ICA group who attended St. Joseph’s Residential Home on Sunday last. The members entertained the staff and residents with a spot of carol singing. Santa was on hand with gifts for all the residents.
When most of us will be sitting down to turkey and pudding on Christmas Day local man Paul Mc Guinness will be taking part in a cycle and swim in aid of Temple Street Hospital. Paul who is a third year business student at DCU has been selected as one of 120 students who have been challenged to raise €1000 for charity. All the monies raised will go towards the construction of a new satellite classroom in St Gabriel's Ward which specialises in neurosurgery and craniofacial surgery. Speaking to the Ballybay News Paul said, “To help me reach the €1,000 I am taking part in a 20k cycle and swim on Christmas Day all while in a Santa suit. If anyone would like to make a donation they can simply go to the following link https://www.100minds.org/2017/1253/paul-mc-guinness. I really appreciate the support that I have received so far and to show this appreciation I plan to raffle a Dtwo gold card and a €50 River Island voucher between everyone who makes a donation”.
A large crowd turned out last Saturday evening for the official switch on of this year’s Christmas lights. Rory Mc Atavie was master of ceremonies and All Ireland winning athlete Conor Duffy performed the big switch on. Santa Claus made a special visit and met, greeted and provided presents to a large number of local children. Some new lights have been added to the Square and once again the tree is located outside the Market House.
There were a number of new & exciting appointments following the clubs AGM in the club house recently. Cillian McAviney was elected to the head position of the club & will sit in the chair for the 2017 season. Niall Duffy will assist Cillian in his role. The Connolly siblings, John & Aoife will remain in the secretary roles while the club finances are again the responsibility of Paddy Kerr & Barry Lennon. The PRO position has remained vacant for now, but there was wonderful additions to the committee with Genna Gilmour the new youth officer, Bryan McCabe the new Health & Well Being officer and Evan Rutledge remaining in the coaching officer role. The remaining committee members are John Joe McKearney, Martin McAviney, Eileen Kerr, Drew Wylie, Ann Garraghan, Cauldine Wylie, Paul Finaly & Donal O'Connell.
A DVD of the Carrickatee Ballybay 1916 commemorations is now available to purchase. These would make excellent Christmas presents and are excellent value at just €10. If you are interested in purchasing one, contact Paul Mc Carthy at 087 6547685.
The 'Rockcorry Children's Bible Club' for Primary School children is on Thursday 8th December from 6pm to 7pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall. Bring a friend or two with you. Bible lessons, quizzes, singing, games and refreshments. Organised by Ronnie and Carey Killops, Faith Mission.
On Wednesday 21st December at 8pm a community carol service will take place in the Church of Ireland, Ballybay. The local community choir will be in attendance and everyone is welcome. On Saturday 24th December a midnight service will take place in the church at 11pm. All welcome.
Ballybay Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Mary Rose Muckian and Bank of Ireland on a very successful enterprise day which was held in the Recreation Centre last Saturday. There was a wonderful crowd and all got to see what the local business community had to offer. A spokesperson for the Chambers said, “This was an excellent initiative organized by Mary Rose from Bank of Ireland. The number of people who passed through the centre was amazing and many members of the local community now know what the business community here in Ballybay has to offer”.
Monaghan Women’s Network in conjunction with Ballybay ICA present “WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS” on Saturday 10th December at Cuan Mhuire from 10am until 12-30pm. The event will feature Christmas cookery, Christmas crafts and a talk on Women’s Christmas. Free buses will run from Monaghan, Clones and Castleblayney. This event is free.
 | |
