Ballybay Community College U19 footballers retained the Danske Bank Faul Cup with a 1-13 to 1-7 win over Baileborough Community College in Clones on Monday evening. Darragh mc Elearney and his side will be back in action this weekend when they meet Leinster opposition in the Rice Cup semi final. The team and subs were: R Johnston, T McPhillips, M Hughes, T Keenan, J Hughes, E Duffy (0-1), A Hamilton (0-4, 0-2 frees), S Slevin (1-0), J Slevin. D McElearney. D Dempsey (0-5 frees), J Sniauksta, T Keenan (0-1), D McCann (0-1). M Coyle (0-1).
Subs : J McAdam for K Keenan, R Duffy for J Hughes, Cian Hughes for A Hamilton. Full details of the much can be found on the sports pages.

The parishioners of Christ Church Ballybay we’re delighted to receive the wonderful news that Rev Elaine Dunne will be installed as the new minister in our group of parishes in June. Rev Elaine Dunne is currently the Interim Priest of the Omey Union which includes Christ Church, Clifden, St Thomas’s, Ballinakill and Holy Trinity, Errislannan (all in Connemara). She will succeed the Rev Neal Phair who left in April last year. We would like to thank sincerely each and everyone who has stepped in to cover our parish during this vacancy, Rev Canon Ian Berry, Rev James Stevenson, Alan Hill, Keith Browne, Walter Pringle, Canon Dr W Johnston, Roy Crowe, Dean Ferguson, William Graham and everyone else involved. We greatly appreciate all your commitment, help and support during this time, we wish you all Gods richest blessings.

The local Library will be open on Saturday next 29th February from 10pm until 1pm. Why not call in and see for yourself what your Library has to offer. There are numerous services available and all are free of charge.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March beginning at 5pm. Gerry Traynor’s shop will be the start venue and there will be cash prizes for the winning floats. Community groups, sporting organisations and local businesses should get their thinking caps on as the parade is just 3 weeks away.

With the days improving and getting longer its hoped to get the outdoor green sprayed and power washed and have it ready for the opening around the middle of March. The AGM will take place on Thursday 19th March on the Bowling Pavilion at 8pm and all members that participated in any competitions last year are invited to attend. Last year saw a big change in our carpet surface when we had ‘Greenguage’ here to upgrade the entire surface. All members were in agreement that it is much better to play on and are looking forward to the new season.

The 6th class pupils of Scoil Eanna will take their confirmation pledge at 6-30pm mass on Saturday evening next in the St. Patrick’s. This is part of their journey towards receiving the Holy Spirit and everyone is welcome to come along. The confirmation ceremony will be held on Sunday 22nd March at 3pm.

Anyone interested in any of the following activities: Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays, Marathon, Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer, Spikeball, Athletics, Cycling, Swimming, Duathlon, Art, Model Making, Handwriting, Project, Debating, Gymnastics, Talent (Dance, Drama, Music, Recitation and Singing), Culture, Choir, Recitation, or Table Quiz please contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110. Important - Art, Debating, Handwriting, Model making, Project and Swimming registration must be completed before 27th February. Please contact either of the above contacts to ensure your child has a chance to compete in any of these events.

Ballybay Central School warmly invite you to a Table Quiz on Friday 6th March at 8pm in Derryvalley Hall. Adult €10 and children €5. A great night for all the family with local man Stephen Duffy as quizmaster, spot prizes and supper served.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held this year in Cuan Mhuire on Friday 6th March at 7 pm. We are keen to include children and are looking for help to lead the singing on that night. We hope to practise in the Fitzgerald Centre at C Mhuire this Saturday 15th February at 10.15 am. The practice will last about thirty minutes. We ask if your child is interested in coming that a parent stay with them for the duration of the practice. We would love to have extra help.

A year-long membership of Ballybay Pearse Brothers Blotto is available now for just €100. You pick four numbers and you are automatically entered into each week’s Blotto draw. For further information contact any executive member.

The Christmas Lights Committee are hosting a table quiz in Stookies Bar tomorrow Friday 21st February. Several people have remarked how good the lights in the town were this year. This has not happened by accident. The committee have just completed year 2 of a three-year plan and monies raised at the quiz will allow even more improvements. Please support this very worthwhile local group.

GAA President John Horan was guest of honour at the Drumhowan GAA juvenile presentation evening on Sunday last. Dubliner Horan presented medals to the U11, U13, U15 and U14 Feile teams. He also presented medals to the St. Pat’s Division 2 side. Tommy Mc Ardle then presented John Horan with the Drumhowan book of poetry Fair Lands.

The Community Creche has organised a 2 hour basic first aid course for parents. It will cover topics such as CPR, burns and scalds, choking, bleeding, bandaging, fractures, childhood illness including meningitis. The course will take place on 11th March from 7pm until 9pm. Pre Booking is essential and to do so contact the Creche Office.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers Membership is now due. €200 will get you GOLD membership which entitles you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets, free admission to all home matches and weekly entry in the club blotto. SILVER membership is €100 and entitles you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets and free admission to all home matches. €50 will get you BRONZE membership and this will entitle you to entry into the members draw for All Ireland tickets. Please give to Paul Mc Cabe club registrar or any committee member before 29th February.

The Community & Environment Grant Scheme 2020 is now open for Applications. Closing Date for receipt of Applications is Friday, 21st February, 2020 at 5pm.

Community Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Application Form - PDF

Monaghan County Council Community and Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Guidelines - PDF

It’s a well done to Angela Rutledge, Rose Hughes and Cora Smyth who won the final Monaghan Bowling Zone ladies triples on Friday 31st January. They now go forward to represent both their club Ballybay and the Monaghan Bowling Zone on either the 7th or 14th March. This is the second year for this bowling trio to feature at this event.

Everyone is welcome to a Gospel Meeting in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall (kindly granted) on Friday 7th February 2020. Organised by Jim and Hilda Lyons of Faith Mission. Refreshments afterwards. Come and bring family/friends.

Ballybay was well represented at Irish JKS karate Open in DCU, Dublin at the end of January and finished second on the medal table with a haul of 19 medals. The breakdown was four firsts, six seconds and nine thirds. If your interssted in taking up karate, training takes place in Church Street Hall on Wednesdays and Fridays (children 7-8pm, Adult 8-9pm)..first lesson Free.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March beginning at 5pm. Gerry Traynor’s shop will be the start venue and there will be cash prizes for the winning floats. Community groups, sporting organisations and local businesses should get their thinking caps on as the parade is just 6 weeks away.

Congratulations to Conor Duffy who placed 3rd in the John Treacy Dungarvan 10mile which was held at the weekend. Conor ran the race in a new personal best time of 50minutes and seven secs.

Rehearsals are in full swing for this year’s annual show!! Get ready for the fabulous comedy by Grainne Jordan and with her permission ' A room with a Queue ' will graciously come to life courtesy of the Ballybay Drama Group on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Sunday 7th of April in the Ballybay Pearse Bros Centre at 8pm! Save the date...we'll see you there...and enjoy the show folks!!

Six children from Ballybay are part of the HIPHOPICAL dance group which will appear in Ireland’s Got Talent on Saturday night next at 7-15pm on Virgin Media 1. Five of the children namely Sarah Louise & Niamh Harte, Macey Mc Kenna, Kamila Grigaityte & Kaitlyn Rayburn attend Scoil Eanna while Grainne Smyth attends Our Lady’s Secondary School. The 37 strong dance group are made up of children from counties Monaghan, Louth and Cavan. Please watch and tell your friends wish them good luck - you call follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Spread the word.

Community Games are back in action - If anyone is interested in Art, Debating, Duathlon, Handwriting, Model making, Project or Swimming the closing date for entries is tomorrow Friday 22nd Feb @ 4pm. Entries for Choir, Culture corner, Gymnastics, Talent (Group Music / Singing / Dance or Drama, Solo Dance / Music / Recitation or Singing must be in by 8th March and entries for Quiz must be in by 15th March. The closing date for Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays and Marathon is 23rd March. Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Tag Rugby, Skittles, Soccer and Spikeball will accept entries up until 5th April. The athletics and Cycling closing date is 24th May. If you are interested in any of the above contact Maire 086 0826103 / 042 9748955 or Sharon 087 2332882 / 042 9748110.
Good Luck to the Under 13 Indoor Soccer Team who will soon be playing against other local teams within Co Monaghan. The team managed by Martin Sheridan and Peter Ward are Eoin Brady, Eanna Curran, Simon Du Plessis, Stephen Duffy, Jerome Lavelle, Martin Quinn, Eoin Sheridan and Sean Ward.

Apply now to study with us at Monaghan Institute, to kick start your progression to completing a degree course and/or career. We welcome Leaving Certificate students and mature candidates returning to education. We are hosting our Open Day on Thursday 7th March from 11am – 7pm and our tutors and guidance staff will be present to offer you best advice and support. Browse all our 2019 Courses now online at https://monaghaninstitute.ie/

There will be a presentation of medals by the county lads to the Pearse Brothers under 17 team at 8.30 next Friday in Ballybay Club house. All welcome.

Martina Walsh (nee Lennon) form Tullycorbet has taken up the challenge to run 100 miles in the month of February for the Mater Foundation. As off the 16th February she was flying and had already completed 71miles. Anyone wishing to donate to Martina’s effort can do so by clicking this link - https://www.facebook.com/donate/1976142602500125/

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Sunday 17th March at 5pm. Floats, community groups and others participating in the parade should assemble at Gerry Traynor’s shop. Now is the time to start thinking about your float. Anyone seeking further information should contact Therese at 0876853316.

Jayne Drury has been named captain of the Monaghan minors. The St. Brigid’s player recently captained the Ulster Inter-provincial team and will bring a wealth of experience to the role. Monaghan were to get their Ulster campaign under way this weekend with a game against Derry however it has been postponed. Congrats Jayne.

In the year of 2006 an Outdoor Bowling green was established in the Town Park with the help of Ballybay and Derryvalley Indoor Bowling Club. In the years that followed the outdoor club went from strength to strength where we now have around 80 members. Competitions are held during the summer months which are run on a league basis. We also joined the Border County League which includes teams from Letterkenny, Omagh, Enniskillen, Fivemiletown and Dungannon. Sixteen of our members compete in the league on a home and away format. We have won this league on two occasions in the past twelve years. Because of extensive wear over the years on the carpet surface the committee felt it was time for an upgrade and so on 4th February a from Greenguage in Scotland the original installers arrived on site and with a lot of help from some of our dedicated members a new underlay was put down with the top carpet being turned over so as to provide us with a completely new surface. First indicators are that it is somewhat slower which is what most of the members desired. Anyone wishing to have a try can do so on Saturday morning the 16th February between 10-30am and 1pm – weather permitting.

Ballybay ICA we are hosting a cookery demonstration with Astrid Moffett in Cuan Mhuire as part of The County of Sanctuary in conjunction with Monaghan County Council. This takes place on Saturday 16th February from 10.30am-1pm... if you would like to come along please let any ICA member know as we need numbers for catering. There is no cover charge as the event is funded by Monaghan County Council.

The 6th class pupils of Scoil Eanna will be joining the parish community at the 6-30pm Mass on Saturday next 16th February. This is to mark their journey towards receiving the Holy Spirit at confirmation. The confirmation ceremony for 2019 will be in St. Patrick’s on Sunday 26th May at 3pm.

If anyone has news which they would wish considered for the Ballybay Pearse Brothers notes on their facebook page and in the Northern Standard should contact Sean O Grady. His contact details are This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Sunday next Monsignor Larry Duffy will be ordained as Bishop of Clogher in St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan. While Larry is from the parish of Magheracloone in the south of the county he was actually born in Ballybay on 27th November 1951. He is the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Duffy. For anyone who would like to see the ordination but who cannot get to Monaghan don’t worry. The whole event is available live via the web cam in the Cathedral. This is accessible from the homepage of www.clogherdiocese.ie or via https://mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-macartans-cathedral-monaghan . There will also be updates via the diocese Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

A mindful motivation workshop discussing awareness, accepting and letting go will be held in the Wetlands Centre on the Clones Road on Thursday 14th February from 7-30pm until 10pm. Kathleen Tuite will be the facilitator and can be contacted in advance on 0862408724.

Thanks to some funding we have received, we are about to employ a company to do a survey of the 5 graveyards in the parish - St. Mary's Latton, St. Patrick's Bawn, Aughnamullen Church of Ireland, Corlea Presbyterian Church & Killahear.

The survey will include taking photographs of all headstones and making them available to view on a website www.irishgraveyards.ie
Also a scaled map of each graveyard will be produced with each grave marked on it and this will be placed on a display board in each
graveyard. Before the map is finalised, a draft of it will be on display in each church for the public to make any corrections. Work on all the graveyards will begin approx. around the middle of February to the beginning of March 2019.

Check out the website www.irishgraveyards.ie to see the graveyards in Co. Monaghan that have been completed. If there is no marking on a grave, then it can't be included on the website.

A community youth club takes place in Christ Church Hall on Saturday 9th February from 6 to 7pm. All national school children are welcome. Activities available include arts and crafts, table tennis, lots of fun games on the night with refreshments served afterwards, love to see you there!

A gentle yoga class will begin in Ballybay Community College on Monday 11th February at 8-30pm. The programme is excellent value at €25 for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is essential as limited places are available. For further information or to register contact Monaghan Sports Partnership 042 9755126 or Dean 087 2623956.

Ballybay Cancer Society have been chosen by TESCO Monaghan as 1 of 3 charities to benefit from their Goodwill Token Scheme for the next 6 weeks. So Please if you do shop there place your BLUE token in the assigned box. If you have family and friends in Monaghan town or surrounding areas could you contact them and ask them to help the Ballybay Cancer Society by doing likewise.

Circuit training takes place in the recreation Centre every Monday night at 8-30pm. This class is excellent for strength building and improving your cardio fitness. Everyone welcome including beginners.

Monaghan County Museum will launch their events programme for 2019 at an event in the Museum next Tuesday, February 5th at 8pm.

The event, which will be hosted by the Friends of Monaghan County Museum, will be marking the centenary of the Monaghan Asylum Soviet of 1919. Further details here >>

At this event, there will also be the unveiling of a silver snuff box, which was purchased at auction with the help of the Friends of Monaghan County Museum. The box was originally presented to the infamous Sam Gray of Ballybay in 1828. 

On the night the Friends of Monaghan County Museum will be highlighting the benefits of the Friends organisation and the purchase of the silver snuff box, which has a strong connection with Ballybay.

We are hosting an evening of style will the very popular Maria Macklin Image Consultant on Tuesday next, 5th February 2019 at 8pm in Cuan Mhuire. Come along for advice and help on looking your best for any occasion. Admission is €10 and refreshments will be served.

The priests will bring Holy Communion to those who have requested it on Friday 1st February. If anyone would like to have a visit from the priest on the First Friday simply ring the parish office at 0429741032. Mass this Friday St. Brigid’s Day will take place in St. Patrick’s at 9-30am.

Thanks to some funding we have received, we are about to employ a company to do a survey of the 5 graveyards in the parish - St. Mary's Latton, St. Patrick's Bawn, Aughnamullen Church of Ireland, Corlea Presbyterian Church & Killahear.

The survey will include taking photographs of all headstones and making them available to view on a website: www.irishgraveyards.ie
Also a scaled map of each graveyard will be produced with each grave marked on it and this will be placed on a display board in each graveyard. Before the map is finalised, a draft of it will be on display in each church for the public to make any corrections. Work on all the graveyards will begin approx. around the middle of February to the beginning of March 2019.

Check out the website www.irishgraveyards.ie to see the graveyards in Co. Monaghan that have been completed. If there is no marking on a grave, then it can't be included on the website.

A gentle yoga class will begin in Ballybay Community College on Monday 11th February at 8-30pm. The programme is excellent value at €25 for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is essential as limited places are available. For further information or to register contact Monaghan Sports Partnership 042 9755126 or Dean 087 2623956.

There was a large turnout of parents at the recent juvenile information evening. A registration night for ALL juveniles will take place on Friday 1st Feb at 7pm in Pearse Brothers Football Centre. Registration costs €30. This includes Insurance & Pearse Brothers Club Top.

A Faith Mission Gospel Service will take place on Friday 1st February 2019 at 8pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church Hall (kindly granted). Speaker Andrew Mc Cullough (Faith Mission). All welcome. Refreshments afterwards.

A number of local residents especially those living on the Castleblaney Road have an issue with their water being discoloured. This was brought to the attention of local Councillor Seamus Coyle who in turn has raised the matter with both Monaghan County Council Water Services Section & Irish Water. Speaking to the Ballybay News Cllr. Coyle said, “I totally accept that the Water leaving the Kilkit Treatment Plant is of the highest quality however when it gets to the sinks, baths, showers etc in the Ballybay area there is discoloration and it is not useable. I have also requested that Irish Water and Water Services Section of Monaghan County Council attend the next meeting of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District to discuss and offer a resolution to this totally unacceptable situation in Ballybay Town & surrounding area”.

The parish envelopes for the next twelve months will be delivered during this week for use beginning Sunday 3rd February.

Spring is here and Ballybay Tidy Towns group are planning activities to improve the appearance of various areas in the town. We would like to inform residents of items that may be of interest to them. Funding is now available through Monaghan County Council under the Community & Environment Funding Scheme. Application forms are available from MCC or from BTT committee members. If you have a residence committee in your estate or if you wish to form a residence committee you can apply for funding if you have a project that would enhance the appearance or improve the quality of the environment in your area. BTT can help you with your application.

Drumhowan GFC is having a car boot sale on Saturday 24th February. The event will run from 9am until 4 pm and stalls are available indoor and outdoor at the Community Centre. Further details available from Joanne Ward 0877451 701.

A charity night held on Saturday 28th January raised a grand total of €1800. The monies will be split between Alma's and Ballybay Cancer Society. Thanks to all who supported on the night, who gave donations and spot prizes for the raffle.

Local man Jamie Hughes is holding a table quiz in the Ballybay Inn on Friday 9th March beginning at 8pm. Tables are off 4 with a cost of €10 per person. All proceeds are for the Drumhowan Oskar Night.

The Parents' Association from Ballybay Central School would like to invite you to a Cookery Demonstration on Friday 23rd February at 7.30pm in 2nd Ballybay Church Hall, Hall Street. Local lady Jacinta Caraher (Masterchef competitor) will be cooking up a storm and giving everyone some hints and tips along the way. Tickets cost €10 and you can also pay at the door. 'Food Glorious Food', a recipe book compiled by the Parents' Association with lots of tried and tested recipes from families in the school will also be on sale on the night

It was highlighted at a recent meeting of the Ballybay Regeneration Committee meeting that there has been an increase in dog fouling at the Ballybay Town Park. Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul in a public place. This means the owner or person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner. If you own a dog please be responsible and clean up after it otherwise you could find yourself in trouble and receive a fine.

Monaghan County Council Environmental Services will be carrying out joint inspection with Litter and Dog Warden in Ballybay Town Park over the coming months. Those found to be in non compliance with Litter or Dog Control act will be fined.

The Wetlands Centre will host a public meeting entitled Ireland, Brexit and the Border on Friday 16th February at 8pm. Matt Carthy (MEP) and Caoimhghin O Caolain (TD) will be in attendance.

The Parents' Association from Ballybay Central School would like to invite you to a Cookery Demonstration on Friday 23rd February at 7.30pm in 2nd Ballybay Church Hall, Hall Street.  Local lady Jacinta Caraher (Masterchef competitor) will be cooking up a storm and giving everyone some hints and tips along the way. Tickets cost €10 and you can also pay at the door.  'Food Glorious Food', a recipe book compiled by the Parents' Association with lots of tried and tested recipes from families in the school will also be on sale on the night.

Its just 4 weeks to the annual Ballybay St. Patrick Day parade. Once again it will take place in the town starting at Gerry Traynor’s at 5pm. There will be prizes for the best floats so now’s the time for local businesses, community groups and sporting organisation to get your thinking caps on. Further information is available from Therese at 087 6853316.

Drumhowan GAA are having a car boot sale at the Community Centre on Saturday 24th February from 9am until 4pm. Both outdoor and indoor options are available. Further information is available from Joanne Ward at 087 7451 701.

There has been great interest in local people displaying their images on the Ballybay and its People facebook page. The February theme will be TREES. 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.

The 'Rockcorry Children's Bible Club' for Primary School children is on Thursday 15th February from 4-30pm until 5-30pm in Rockcorry Presbyterian Church hall. Bring a friend or two with you. Bible lessons, quizzes, singing, games and refreshments. Organised by Andrew & Jenny McCullough Faith Mission Workers.

Revised Timetable for M1 and M2 Bus service for Ballybay

Click here to see Timetable >>

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area. This commitment is supported by the annual Community and Environment Funding Scheme.

We are now inviting applications for the 2018 funding scheme. In 2018, the Municipal Districts, Community Development, Housing and Environment sections are working together to allocate funding through one central funding scheme. This process will allow community groups to maximise funding available to them and to ensure all community groups, residents committees and tidy towns groups throughout the county are supported in their voluntary activities.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 14th February, the parish will have an early morning mass Monday to Friday at 7-15am and Tuesday to Friday at 9-30am. There will also be a Monday evening mass at 8pm and mass on Saturday mornings at 10am. There will be evening masses in Ballintra and Tullycorbett on Ash Wednesday at 7-30pm. Trocaire Lenten boxes are now available and families are asked to display the box in a prominent location within the home.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers will host their annual table quiz on Saturday night the 10th of February at 7.30 in the Club House. All proceeds go to the running of our Juvenile teams for 2018. Your support would be very much appreciated.

On Saturday 24th February in the Ballybay Inn there will be a Karaoke night starting at 9-30pm. Music on the night will be by the Karaoke Knights and there will also be a raffle on the night. This event is in aid of Drumhowan GFC OSKARS Night which takes place in the Glencarn hotel on Saturday 7th April.

Do you want your Valentine’s Day flowers delivered to your loved one? Smyth’s Newsagents are offering free delivery of flowers within a four-mile radius of Ballybay. There is also a free card for every bouquet purchased over €30. To order your flowers contact Therese at 087 6853316 or 042 9741034.

Its just 5 weeks to the annual Ballybay St. Patrick Day parade. Once again it will take place in the town starting at Gerry Traynor’s at 5pm. There will be prizes for the best floats so now’s the time for local businesses, community groups and sporting organisation to get your thinking caps on. Further information is available from Therese at 087 6853316.

Community Games activities are back in full swing. Anyone interested in taking part in Swimming, Marathon, Cross- Country, Mixed Distance Relay, Duathlon, Art, Model-making, Handwriting, Project, Debating, Gymnastics, Talent, Culture Corner, Under 14 Table Quiz or Choir please contact Sharon 042 9748110 or Maire 042 9748955 for registration to take part.

A Mass for deceased members of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Club will take place on Monday the 12th of March at 8pm in St.Patrick’s Ballybay.

Schedule of Events for Local Enterprise Week 2017 which runs from 5th-10th March.

View schedule here

Ballybay Cancer Society would like to acknowledge a recent generous donation of €1,240 from Eugene Cleary. The amount was raised by the Cleary Golf Classic in Clones and Cleary Card Games Night in Fitzpatricks Bar Rockcorry. Good to see the "fun" is still hale and hearty in fundraising for a truly worthwhile cause".

Ballybay Central School Parents Association is hosting a Table Quiz in Derryvalley Hall on Friday 10th March. Proceedings get underway at 8pm and supper will be served. Local quiz king Stephen Duffy will be quizmaster on the night. A table of four adults will cost €30 and a table of four children €20. Your support would be very much appreciated.

Ballybay Pearse Brothers is holding a five week training camp in the Recreation Centre starting on Saturday. The camp is open to both boys and girls. U6’s and U8’s is from 4pm to 5pm and U10’s and U12’s from 5pm to 6pm. Lots of fun guaranteed.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Friday 17th March. Now is the right time for clubs, businesses and community groups to start thinking about their floats. The parade will once again start at Gerry Traynor’s on the Carrickmacross Road. Watch this space for more details in the coming weeks.

The Tullycorbett Drama group will present a 3 act comedy called “For Love or Money” in their Community Centre on Friday 31st March, Sunday 2nd April and Friday 7th April. Everyone welcome.

The current team of ministers of the Eucharist is coming to an end. Those who are willing to stay on are welcome to do so however it is inevitable that new ministers will be required. Names are now being sought from individuals who would like to join the minister of the Eucharist team. Names can be given to the Parch office and it is likely that training will take place sometime during lent.

Ballybay Walkers is a group of 25-30 people who are currently meeting up every Tuesday evening in Ballybay Town Park at 7.15pm. It is providing a great chance to get out and go for a walk with a group, enjoy the company and the chat. It also keeps you motivated and start planning to get out more and make the most of any spare time you have to get fit and healthy. The routes are organized to suit all fitness levels, with lots of opportunity to return to the town park at various stages. Please wear high visibility clothing at all times. So 'Let's go Walking!

There was a full house in the Pearse Brothers Club House on Friday night last were the Owen Ward winning team from 2016 received their medals. It was also a special night for Mark Mc Ardle who won the Senior Player of the Year. Mark was presented with his award by team manager Michael Donnelly and former player Eamon Mc Aleer who was the very first recipient of the award, thirty years ago. Brian Mc Cabe picked up the Reserve Player of the Year. He was presented with his award by Roy Rutledge. The cup is named after Roy’s grandfather.

The Fitzgerald Centre at Cuan Mhuire is the venue for a series of seminars entitled ‘Life in the Holy Spirit’. These seminars have been organized by Ballybay Charismatic Prayer Group and take place every Thursday evening until 6th April. The evening begins with Rosary at 7pm and the seminar proper begins at 7-30pm. Further information is available from 087 9376177.

Click on image to see larger image 

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area. This commitment is supported by the annual Community and Environment Funding Scheme.

Monaghan Co. Council are now inviting applications for the 2017 funding scheme. In 2017, the Municipal Districts and Community Development, Housing and Environment section are working together to allocate funding through one central funding scheme. This process will allow community groups to maximise funding available to them and to ensure all community groups, residents committees and tidy towns groups throughout the county are supported in their voluntary activities.

Click to download Application Form and Guidelines 

Local people are being urged to attend a public meeting of the newly formed Ballybay tidy towns on Monday 20th February at 8pm in the former Town Council offices above the library. Consultant Mr. Bill Flynn, will give a presentation on a 3year plan for Ballybay. Your input and ideas on how we could improve and enhance the town and the surrounding areas would be very much appreciated. Be there and have your say.!!

Ballybay Central School is holding an Open Afternoon on Wednesday 22nd February from 1pm until 3pm. All are welcome.

Did you forget to return your books to the local library? Well here is your opportunity to return your overdue items to the library during the month of February and pay no Fines!! Yes you have read that right – NO FINES for the month of February. So what are you waiting for, return those books as soon as possible and save yourself some cash…

To mark the Pearse Brothers on field success the Owen Ward winning squad will be presented with their awards at the clubs dinner dance on Friday the 17th of February. The event will take place in the club room with a buffet dinner served at 8pm sharp. Entertainment on the night will be provided the lively Beatroot. Tickets cost €25 and are currently available from all committee members.

We are hoping to go for a reprint of our book 'Commemorating the Parishioners of Latton and Bawn who were Born or Died in 1916' as there are quite a number of people looking for them. However it will be a limited number of copies that we get reprinted, so if you want to get one, please contact any member of the committee or Catriona Lennon 086 1017467 or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible, because when they're gone they're GONE!! Also when the books are reprinted, we can post to Ireland & overseas.

There will be a coffee morning in Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church Hall this Saturday starting at 10am. All proceeds will be in aid of Our lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and Ballybay Cancer Society.

Monaghan Fianna Fail County Councillor, Seamus Coyle has today urged all Fianna Fail party members and supporters to come out to their local Cumann Annual General Meetings in the Ballybay/Clones L.E.A., over the coming weeks, to have their voice heard on local and national issues, all local Oireachtas Members will attend each of the Cumann A.G.M.s, including, Brendan Smith T.D. ,Niamh Smyth T.D. ,Senator Robbie Gallagher and Senator Deirmuid Wilson

We are introducing big changes in the library service in County Monaghan. Public Libraries in Ireland are working together to create one joint library catalogue, using a shared computer system. Monaghan will be joining this new system in March, which will offer greater access to stock from all 344 public libraries in Ireland – you will have access to almost 9 million items of stock!!! Wow….

Ballybay man Adrian Harte is in the process of writing his first book, a biography of his favourite band ‘Faith No More’. Adrian who previously worked for the Northern Standard is currently living and working in Switzerland and has already completed his research and interviews for the book which he hopes will be published in early 2018. He recently traveled to the USA to carry out his early preparatory work. Adrian has seen the band play many times but will never forget the first time he seen them as support for Gun ‘N’ Roses at Slane castle in 1992. All in Ballybay wish Adrian well with the venture.

A meeting of Ballybay/Clones Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceanntair will take place in The Creighton Hotel, Clones on Monday 13th February at 8.30pm.All party members are urged to attend, as all Oireachtas members will be in attendance, with dates being fixed for all Cumann A.G.M.s for 2017. Registration will also take place at this meeting.

Anyone interested in Swimming, Gymnastics, Marathon, Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relay or Debating, please contact Sharon 042 9748110 or Maire 042 9748955 before Wednesday 22nd February. Gymnastics- Tullycorbet Area Gymnastics will be held on Monday 13th February in Clontibret Hall at 5pm. Anyone wanting to compete or represent Tullycorbet Community Games must attend this event and is advised to contact any of the above phone numbers prior to this event.

On Sunday 12th March 2017, the Latton/Bawn Centenary St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place, assembling at St. Patrick’s Church Car park, Bawn at pm, travelling via Lacken Bridge to the O'Rahilly GAA Centre, Latton. All local business's and Community groups are invited to take part, a great opportunity to showcase your business and its activity, so get working on that float, generous prizes for the best floats, for further details, please contact Mary Duffy on 086-8196718 or Seamus Coyle on 087-6814067.

Ballybay Social Club meets again on this Friday 10 February from 11am on at Cuan Mhuire with morning tea/coffee followed by lunch at 1pm. Jeannette Keenan will be on hand to take us through an easy session of armchair exercises which should be both enjoyable and something you can continue doing for yourself.
Hope to see everyone again, unfortunately we cancelled last month`s meeting because of inclement weather, our apologies to those we discommoded. There`s also free raffle prizes, fun and craic thrown in as well, all for €6. Please come. Need a lift? Then contact 086 0660270.

Congratulations to Pearse Brothers player Drew Wylie who has been named vice captain of the Monaghan County team for this season. Drew along with his brother Ryan and fellow Pearse Brother players Thomas Kerr and Dessie ward all played their part on Saturday night as Monaghan beat Mayo in the opening game of the league.

There will be a coffee morning in Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church Hall this Saturday starting at 10am. All proceeds will be in aid of Our lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and Ballybay Cancer Society.

The 'Rockcorry Children's Bible Club' for Primary School children is on Thursday 16th February 2017, 6 - 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'.

There was a large attendance at the most recent club night when the Gabriel Traynor Perpetual Cup was on offer. After a great night bowls the winner was our new Chairperson Angela Rutledge. The presentation was made by the secretary Cora Smyth who wished Angela well for the rest of the season. Angela in reply thanked Cora and then went on to wish that the club would put out a strong team for the upcoming Jimmy Mc Elroy Shield match with neighbours Latton. It is hoped to play this game on Monday 20th February. All members are requested to be in attendance at our club night on the 13th so that the strongest team possible can be selected.

A number of locals have approached the Ballybay News about an increase in dog fouling in the Town Park and Town’s streets. Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul in a public place. Dog faeces is foul-smelling, unsightly and is a potential source of serious disease, particularly for children. Dog faeces is a particular nuisance on footpaths, in parks, playgrounds and in school playing areas where it is likely to be stepped on by pedestrians, or rolled on by cyclists or wheelchair users, or handled by small children playing in the area. So remember if you own a dog please be responsible and clean up after it otherwise you could find yourself in trouble and receive a fine.

The Library is currently undergoing essential works and when finished it will be possible to borrow books in any library in Ireland and leave them back in Ballybay. To facilitate essential work will require the library to be closed on February 1st, 7th, 27th, 28th and 1st March.

Do you need flowers for your loved one this Valentine Day?  If so then Smyth’s Newsagents have the answers. They are offering flowers which will be delivered free within a 4 mile radius of Ballybay. For further information contact Therese at 9741034 or 0876853316.

Enrolment for the 2017/18 school year will take place in the School office from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th February. It is important to bring the child’s PPS number and birth certificate. Alternative arrangements for enrolment may be made by contacting the school at 042 9741172. An open day will be held in June when parents and children will have an opportunity to tour the school.  The school will also celebrate Grandparents Day today Thursday 2nd February.

An information evening for potential Pope John Paul Award leaders will be held in Fr. Shane’s house in Lough Egish on Monday evening next at 8pm. It is hoped to offer young people in the parish an opportunity to take part in this award beginning in the 2017/2018 school year.

Anyone interested in Swimming, Gymnastics, Marathon, Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relay or Debating, please contact Sharon 042 9748110 or Maire 042 9748955 before Wednesday 22nd February.

To mark the Pearse Brothers on field success the Owen Ward winning squad will be presented with their awards at the clubs dinner dance on Friday the 17th of February. The event will take place in the club room with a buffet dinner served at 8pm sharp. Entertainment on the night will be provided the lively Beatroot. Tickets cost €25 and are currently available from all committee members.

All are welcome to a Gospel Meeting in the Faith Mission Hall, Bushford, Rockcorry tomorrow, Friday 3rd February 2017 at 8pm. Organised by Ronnie & Carey Killops of the Faith Mission. Plan to come, and bring a friend. Refreshments afterwards.

A meeting of Ballybay/Clones Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceanntair will take place in The Creighton Hotel, Clones on Monday 13th February at 8.30pm.All party members are urged to attend, as all Oireachtas members will be in attendance, with dates being fixed for all Cumann A.G.M.s for 2017. Registration will also take place at this meeting.

The 'Rockcorry Children's Bible Club' for Primary School children is on tonight Thursday 2nd February 2017, 6 - 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'a

Town Twinning History

Ballybay and Gergweis

The idea of officially twinning Ballybay and Gergweis happened on the occasion of the 1997 All-Ireland Hurling Final. Karl Heinz Hierzegger, a frequent visitor to Ballybay was on holidays at that time and attended the Hurling Final with Martin McAviney and Joe O’Connell. Karl Heinz was introduced to Ballybay by his good friend Werner Hanauer (R.I.P) who had been a regular visitor to Ballybay for fifteen years. During this time a strong friendship developed between many people from Ballybay and Gergweis, resulting in many exchange visits by both sides to enjoy music, fishing and the “craic”. We are indebted to many Ballybay people who gave a real “Céad Míle Fàilte” to our visitors, thereby laying the foundations for a friendship that has grown every year.

During a conversation on the system of local government, it emerged that Karl Heinz was a member of his local authority in Osterhofen. Martin McAviney and Karl Heinz agreed that they would both explore the possibility of officially twinning with their respective local authorities under the European Commission’s scheme for Town Twinning. It was felt that the strong bond of friendship that exists between the communities is such that an official Town Twinning would be of great benefit. In January 1998, Ballybay Town Commissioners received a letter from the Burgermeister of Stadt Osterhofen, Horst Eckl requesting a Town Twinning between Ballybay and Gergweis.

Gergweis is a small village in SE Bavaria of 600 inhabitants and is part of the town of Osterhofen. In his letter, Horst Eckl outlined that his friendship, already established was based on personal contacts that people from Ballybay and surrounding areas had made during their visits to the Annual Festivals in Gergweis and also to the Annual Irish Bayrisch night in November. Mr. Eckl also pointed out that over the last fifteen years many people from Gergweis had visited Ballybay. At the January 1998 meeting of Ballybay Town Commissioners the then Chairman, Martin McAviney and Pat O’Brien T.C. outlined for the members of the Commission, the recent history of contacts between Gergweis and Ballybay, the initial contact dating back 15 years. The Co. Manager, Mr. Joe Gavin supported the idea of twinning arrangement stating that the relationship already based on such a strong footing was a great advantage. Mr. Gavin then instructed the Town Clerk to reply to Mr. Eckl’s letter confirming that Ballybay Town Commissioners would encourage and support a twinning arrangement.

In October ’98 an invitation was received from Burgermeister, Horst Eckl to visit Gergweis and Osterhofen, on the occasion of their Annual Irish Bayrisch night in November. As part of the process to a successful town twinning as laid down by I.P.A (Institute of Public Administration), we undertook to make this our exploratory visit. This visit was sanctioned by Monaghan County Council. The travelling party included Chairman, Phillip Smith, Comm. Pat O’Brien, Comm. Martin McAviney, Town Clerk, Rosemary McManus, Sen. Francis O’Brien M.C.C and Olivia Keenan M.C.C. A very successful four day visit took place, the highlights being the official reception in Osterhofen and our visit to the Irish Bayrisch night where Co. Monaghans Regina McMullen and the traditional Irish Group, “Old Cross and Square” joined local musicians for a wonderful night of music and “dancing”.

An invitation was extended to our hosts to visit Ballybay in 1999. At our February meeting we were informed that a delegation from Osterhofen/Gergweis would visit Ballybay on the 22nd April ’99. After this visit, if both authorities are in agreement to twin, plans can then be made for the twinning ceremonies etc to take place. Finally, a strong bond of friendship already exists between Ballybay and Gergweis. The twinning should strengthen this bond on a greater level and will enable us to play our part in laying the foundations of an ever closer union among the people of Europe.

Courtesy of “Past and Present” Ballybay Town Commissioners Centenary Publication

The Ballybay flag was flying high on German soil over the weekend of 12-14th June, 2015 as an official delegation, made up of the then Cathaoirleach of the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District, CIlr. Ciara McPhillips and Cllr. Cathy Bennett, accompanied by Municipal District Co-ordinator, Kevin McNally visited Gergweis and Osterhofen, in Bavaria, Germany. 

This official visit coincided with the private trips of former Ballybay Town Councillors, Martin McAvinney and Bríge Rutledge and her husband John to the area. The people of Ballybay have enjoyed a rich friendship with the people of Gergweis, Osterhofen for many years and 2015 marks the 15th Anniversary of the official twinning between the two areas.

The Municipal District members of the newly formed Ballybay-Clones area were eager to gauge public opinion before taking up the reigns and having consulted widely it became clear that the people of Ballybay and its hinterland were anxious that the links already forged would be maintained, and indeed that the new Municipal District would allow for opportunities for the wider West Monaghan area.  

With this in mind, when an invitation was received requesting a visit from the Ballybay representatives to Osterhofen, there was unanimous support. The Cathaoirleach, Ciara McPhillips and Cllr. Cathy Bennett (in lieu of her Sinn Féin colleague and Leas-Cathaoirleach, Pat Treanor) were chosen to represent the area on this official trip. The Councillors were to be accompanied by Municipal District Co-ordinator, Kevin McNally. 

“Having never previously visited Germany, I was unsure of what to expect but nothing could have prepared me for the warmth of their welcome. Ireland may be known for its ‘céad mile fáilte’ but our German counterparts are certainly not to be found wanting” Councillor McPhillips told The Northern Standard.

The Monaghan group attended a private function on the Friday evening, and on Saturday the Osterhofen Citizens Festival got underway. The German town is not much bigger than Ballybay but has a bigger hinterland, with a small selection of shops and bars. The festival was a real community occasion with food, drinks, music and family entertainment.

On Sunday, there were some formal occasions and Cllr. McPhillips had an opportunity to return the favour and extend an invitation to the public representatives and people of Gergweis and Osterhofen to visit Ballybay. She also took the opportunity to recommend visits to some of the highlights of the Ballybay-Clones MD, such as Bragan Mountain, Annamakerrig House and the heritage town of Clones. 

Speakers on the day, from both Germany and Ireland spoke of ways in which links could be strengthened. Education was high on the agenda in this regard. The Ballybay group  had an opportunity to speak with the German Minister for Education & Culture who was supportive of an exchange programme. Cllrs.  Bennett and McPhillips, who both sit on the Cavan/Monaghan Education and Training Board, undertook to advance such opportunities.

On Monday, the group, accompanied by the Mayor of Osterhofen visited a number of industrial locations including the new livestock mart currently under construction and the Wolf-haus manufacturing plant. 

Cllr. Bennett had high praise for the people of Osterhofen and the twinning experience, “I would like to commend the people of Osterhofen on the warm welcome that they extended to us. The hospitality that we received in Germany was incredible and I would like to encourage the people of the Ballybay-Clones MD to become more involved with this twinning in the future. It offers our Municipal District the opportunity to experience a different culture and also to learn ways in which we can improve”. 

The Sinn Fein representative also described the experience as “unforgettable” and she thanked everybody involved in it. “The twinning of Ballybay-Clones with Gergweis-Osterhofen is invaluable to both communities and should be developed to its full potential”, Cllr. Bennett added.

Cllr. McPhillips echoed the sentiments of her colleague. “Ballybay, culturally and economically has gained a lot from this long-standing relationship and we hope that these links can now be intensified through educational, tourism and economic links, whilst extending the twinning to include the wider Ballybay-Clones MD”, she concluded.