By Joe McCabe

SOMEBODY will be killed on the streets of Blayney unless steps, such as the introduction of  CCTV, are taken to address the recent spate of violence in the town.

This was the stark warning this week from councillors in the town. 

Violent brawls in Blayney town have erupting in recent weeks and, as highlighted by The Monaghan Post last week, the perpatratiors in many cases are juveniles.

“People are afraid to go out at night now and the quicker we get CCTV in place the better,” said Councillor Brendan Hughes.

Referring to the Monaghan Post’s teenage ‘Bebo Brawl’ story he added: “People may be reluctant to come back to the town if think they could be attacked by these thugs and cowards that hunt in packs. “There really could be a fatality,” he warned.

This comes as people in Ballybay will hold a public meeting tonight to give an update on the proposed installation of CCTV there. The meeting will start at 8pm and is in Birch Court.

Cllr Hughes also said that he knew of one instance where four very young teenage girls entered a pub in Blayneyy and walked into the toilets where they started to drink a bottle of brandy.

The Post understands that this was on the night of Bebo organised brawl. The publican ordered them to leave. The publican was concerned that gardai might of thought that he served these 14 and 15 year olds only to learn that the gardai had been  monitoring these girls  for some time before they even entered his pub.”

Cllr Sean McCooey added: “The man who owns that pub came to me about it. Gardai saw those lassies with drink earlier.  They had been watching them all night. 

“They should have been arrested and their parents called but they let the girls go wild.”    Cllr McCooey also slammed local gardai for not attending Tueday’s meeting  at the request of the council to discuss recent violence in the town.

Cllr Brendan Hughes  said that the fact that Castleblayney seems to be held to ransom by aggrivated  young men was not good enough and he too slammed some parents who are not  being responsible for their teenagers.

He strongly urged that any publican found  selling drink to minors be prosecuted. Cllr Mickey Marry referred to a violent incident which had occured in the town on Saturday night last . “A friend of mine  was hit by two people as he spoke to his niece outside a pub in the town. These two people then ran away.”  Town Mayor Jackie Crowe said that it was only a small number minority of people who were causing problems for the town and that Blayney had many positive things going for it. 

By Teresa McGowan

ON THE 20th anniversary of the death of Aidan McAnsepie, his family have asked both governments reveal what they know about his killing.

Up to 800 people gathered in Aghaloo GFC grounds on Sunday past to commemorate the anniversary of Aidan, who was shot by a British soldier as he made his way to a GAA game at the club.

The day after the killing the Irish Government appointed Garda Deputy Commissioner Eugene Crowley to investigate the incident but results of the investigation were never released.

Aidan had previously claimed that he had been threatened by the security forces.

The army claimed McAnespie had been hit by a ricochet when the weapon had discharged accidentally as the soldier was moving the gun with wet hands.

Charges were initially brought against a Grenadier Guard for manslaughter but were dropped prior to prosecution.

Speaking to the Post after Sunday’s tribute Aidan’s mother Liz said: “We are absolutely honoured that Aidan’s name is remembered and held in such esteem 20 years on. I was particularly pleased that he is remembered by so many young people.”

His sister Elish added: “We now call on the Irish Government to make the Crowley Report public. It is important in the context of the peace process that the truth is told.

“Likewise, it is time too that the British Government revealed what really happened.”

By Cliona Connolly

THE Monaghan General Hospital ‘scan’-dal has worsened this week as it has emerged that a CT Scanner intended for use in the hospital is gathering dust in rented storage on the Ballybay Road, costing the HSE €600 per week.

Monaghan residents were promised a CT Scanner for their local hospital as far back as 2004 by Minister Micheal Martin TD on his last day as Minister for Health. CT Scanners are used primarily in diagnostics and are crucial in the diagnosis of stroke victims.

“It’s typical promises made to be broken but the HSE plan for Monaghan does not include a CT scanner. Plans have to be changed and the scanner must be installed,” Hospital Alliance Chairman Peadar McMahon told the Post.

It has also emerged this week that Monaghan Hospital is struggling to cope with large numbers attending A&E which many feel demonstrates the need for expansion of this service.

However, the HSE are intending to reduce this service and compel people to travel to Cavan or Drogheda which have already been widely condemned as overcrowded and unable to cope.

Furthermore, another leaked HSE document, compiled by Hospital Network Manager for the NE Stephen Mulvany, obtained by the Post has this week confirmed HSE plans to reduce investment and to rely on existing resources as the primary source of investment in the North East.

“We are constantly being told by the HSE that these reforms are for patient safety and improved services but to ask Monaghan patients to sit on chairs in either Cavan or Drogehda A&E is to save money, is compromising patient safety and is certainly not a better service,” Mr McMahon added. 

A spokesperson for the HSE said “The CT Scanner is in storage, pending a decision about its future.”

By Cliona Connolly

UP TO 40 people in Monaghan and Cavan have lost their job at The Clarke Group Ltd construction company in Drung, Co Cavan.

This is the latest jobs blow for the area in recent weeks which saw Grove Turkeys, Smithboro slash 130 jobs while 30 people at Irish Joinery Limited, Monaghan also lost their jobs.

The 2400sq metre state-of-the-art flooring plant in Drung, had only opened in March 2005 and manufactures pre-stressed hollowcore and plate flooring.

“Due to a quieter time of year for the construction industry, the Clarke Group has temporarily laid off a small number of staff at their Drung site. The pre cast products and flooring facilities are being run with a reduced number of staff. 

We are however keeping the situation under review and would be confident that Drung will become busier,” David Clarke, Manager of the Drung operation told the Post.

The family run company, established in the 1930s, has continually grown and expanded and now has offices in Dublin, Cavan, Monaghan and Portlaoise employ approximately 400 staff and a further 700 sub-contractors.

Traditionally a quarry company supplying to local markets, the Clarke Group now supplies building products, stone and launched a Homes Division, manufacturing timber frame home kits, roof trusses and internal pre-hung door units.

“We are remaining focused and look forward to the launch of our new garden paving range.  We are also expanding our product range to include Cattle Slats and remain proactive in seeking new potential openings in the marketplace,” Mr Clarke added. 

A BOXING coach from Smithborough who was found guilty of a series of sexual assaults against two young club members between 1989 and 1997 had his sentencing adjourned until later this year at Cavan Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Frank Mulligan, who is 62,  strenuously denied all the charges, which consisted of four counts of indecent assault, four counts of sexual assault and two counts of buggery, during a two-day trial at Monaghan Circuit Court.

However, the jury convicted the defendant on nine out of the 10 charges by an 11-1 majority verdict.

Following the verdict, Judge John O’Hagan remanded Mulligan in custody for sentencing at Cavan Circuit Court and ordered psychiatric and psychological reports to be prepared on the defendant for that time.

In Cavan Circuit Court this week, Judge O’Hagan said that some of the reports he asked for were not available, adding that he would have to read and consider these reports before he could sentence the defendant.

The judge remanded Mulligan in custody to appear for sentencing in Cavan Circuit Court on Tuesday, April 29.

TWO STAR county footballers united with Monaghan farmers on Saturday last in their opposition to Eirgrid’s proposals to erect giant high-voltage pylons across the drumlin county.   

GAA stars Damien and Thomas Freeman sent a strong message to Eirgrid along with farmers from along the three affected routes placed signs on their lands denying Eirgrid permission to enter. 

Signs were erected on lands from Annyalla to Magheracloone and Lisdoonan.  The pylons are part of the proposed electricity interconnector that will extend across County Monaghan from Tyrone to Cavan.   

Farmers, businesses and residents from across the county are united in their opposition to the pylons. 

Apart from the well-documented health risks posed by high-voltage lines, farmers are concerned about the irreparable damage that will be caused to their lands, the huge negative visual and environmental impacts on the Monaghan landscape and, not least, the massive decrease in land values that will be experienced by landowners even some distance from the pylons. 

It is also feared that this interconnector could be the first of many that will criss-cross County Monaghan. 

As Paul Anderson, Chairman of the County Monaghan branch of North East Pylon Pressure, commented “We are campaigning to have these high-voltage lines put underground.  Even the people of County Monaghan who are not on one of the proposed routes for these pylons should be concerned. If these pylons get the go ahead, it will be practically impossible to prevent giant pylons from springing up all over the county in the future”.

By Joe  McCabe

EMYVALE’S  Pte Matthew Gibbons, 21,   has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘ Best Soldier’ from among 44 recruits drawn from all over Ireland in Monaghan Military barracks. Pte. Gibbons, 21,  is attached to  the 44th Recruit Platoon 27th Infantry Battallion. He was chosen for the award from a total of 44 recruits at their  passing out parade  after seven gruelling months of intensive training. Pte  James Kane, 18,  also from Emyvale, is another member of the newly passed out platoon. 

The Army Number 1 Band provided a musical backdrop to the occasion. General Officer Commanding  Eastern Brigade , Brigadier General,  Denis Murphy,  took the salute  escorted by the Commanding Officer  of 27th Inf Btn, Lt. Col Michael Murphy. Present for the passing out parade were a great many family members and friends of the newly qualified soldiers.

Pte Gibbons told the Post that he had been thrilled to have been named as Best Soldier. “This means alot to me.  The training has been mentally and physically hard for all of us and we have had to delete other things from our lives to get on with it. As a career soldier I am going to give it my best shot!”  Pte Kane added: “It was a long seven months training and I hope now that I can do my best for my comrades and my country.” 

By Teresa McGowan

THERE has been a plea for drivers to be extra vigilant on local roads following last Friday’s accident on the main Keady to Castleblayney Road where a man died.

Anthony Doyle (49) from the Drumconrath, Co Meath was killed after his vehicle collided with a truck on the Castleblaney Road in Keady.

The accident occurred just 6km from Castleblaney, close to the Monaghan border.

The PSNI is appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone who was on the road at the time to contact them.

Keady SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon has called on drivers to be extra vigilant on local roads following the accident.

He said: “It is with great sadness and shock that we learn of this tragic death of Anthony Doyle.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult and sad time, our prayers are also with the other driver involved. I also want to play tribute to all the emergency services who attended the scene.

“It is all too often that we hear of tragic deaths on our border roads and I would appeal to drivers everywhere to slow down and take extra care on the roads, particularly on rural roads which are often untreated and greasy at this time of year.  

Anthony’s remains were taken from Finlay’s Funeral Home, Ardee, on Monday past and were removed at 6.15pm to St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Drumconrath.

Funeral took place on Tuesday morning after 11am Mass to Drumconrath Cemetery.

By Cliona Connolly

POPE Benedict has appointed 54-year-old Monaghan-born Monsignor Noel Treanor as the new bishop to the diocese of Down and Connor.

 Mayor of County Monaghan Gary Carville has congratulated Mgr Treanor on this significant appointment. “This appointment is a great honour for Mgr Noel personally but also for his family and his native parish of Tyholland and county of Monaghan as well as for the Diocese of Clogher, of which he has been a priest since 1976.

“Mgr Treanor brings to the position the valuable experience of many years working both in the cross-border Diocese of Clogher and more recently in Brussels where he was Secretary-General to the Conference of Bishops of the European Union and other affiliated countries (COMECE). All of this experience together with his great personal qualities, will equip him well for his new and onerous post,” Mayor Carville added.

Monsignor Treanor’s new diocese is the second largest in Ireland after Dublin and includes the greater Belfast area. It covers all of Co Antrim, the greater part of Co Down and part of Co Derry, and has 330,000 Catholics in 88 parishes and over 150 churches.

Monsignor Treanor currently works in Brussels with the European Bishops’ Commission. The commission monitors and analyses political developments in the EU and keeps the Catholic Church briefed on policy and legislation. He is also a priest of the Clogher diocese.

Monsignor Treanor will become the 32nd Bishop of Down and Connor. He will be ordained on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on Sunday 29 June. He replaces Dr Patrick Walsh, who submitted his resignation to the Pope in 2006 as required on reaching the age of 75. He had been bishop since April 1991.

By Joe Hanratty

THE 19^th annual Castleblayney Drama Festival is all set to open tomorrow night Friday.  The official opening will take place in the foyer of Íontas where a wine and cheese reception will take place for all first nighters. The festival will run from tomorrow night until Saturday week when they winners will be announced. The festival will be officially opened by Carrickmacross man, Michael McMahon, and will be adjudicated by well known actor and director Roma Tomelty.

The Casatleblayney Drama Festival started off in the little Gatehouse theatre in Castle Square in 1989 with the well known actor Barry Cassin as the first adjudicator. That little theatre closed in 1991 as the building became unsafe. At that time it was the Co Monaghan Groups’ Festival and was confined to groups from Co Monaghan.  In 1993 it got a nomination to the All-Ireland Confined Finals and the following year got a nomination to the All Ireland Open Finals in Athlone.

The Castleblayney Drama Festival is Co Monaghan’s nominating festival and the organisers and supporters alike are delighted with the way the festival has gone from strength to strength. This is in no small measure due to the band of faithful sponsors who have supported the festival over many years. Over the last nineteen years groups from all over Ireland have competed in the festival and this year’s line up once again reflects the broad geographical spread of the competitors with groups travelling from  Wexford, Kildare, Leitrim, Louth, Down, Armagh and Tyrone.

By Joe Hanratty

A SPECIAL  presentation took place in Oram Community Centre last Saturday night when the Castleblayney Cancer Society was presented with a cheque for €20,000. The money was raised from a special fundraising function in the centre a number of weeks ago which was very well attended. The presentation was organised in remembrance of Mrs Kathleen Flanagan. The organisers of the event made a huge effort and there was a most generous response.

The cheque was received by members of the local Cancer Society. Also present were members of the family of the late  Kathleen Flanagan.   The Cancer Society provides funding towards specialist palliative care nurses working in homecare services. The aim of the Home Care Nursing Service is to make the patient with the disease as comfortable as possible in their home.

Home Care nurses work with general practitioners and public health nurses to provide relief from symptoms of the disease or as a result of treatment. This specialist care, while taking care of practical issues, also incorporates dealing with the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and the family during this time. This level and type of care is usually referred to as palliative care.

The Cancer Society is also  involved in helping people through support groups where former patients, their families and friends can all come together to share their experiences and communicate with one another. This can be of great of benefit to patients and their families.  The society assists by training volunteers who are interested in running or leading a group and provides them with the skills necessary to give emotional and practical help in a safe and responsible way to patients and to the patient’s family and friends.

Castleblayney community has continued to respond most generously to the work of the Cancer Society. The local choral group is organising a concert in June in remembrance of one of their members the late David Gibbons who died from the disease recently.

By Joe Hanratty

A SPECIAL new piece of sculpture was recently erected at McGrath Way which has attracted much favourable comment from the local residents. The new piece of sculpture which is appropriately a harp design will add to the new development. The piece was made by local artist Yoram Drori who is based at the Castleblayney Enterprise Centre. The piece was commissioned by Castleblayney Town Council. A special commemorative plaque will be attached to the monument.

The McGrath Way  has been named after a famous local resident, the late Willie McGrath, who was a founding member of the Castleblayney Faughs Club back in 1905. Willie McGrath was Castleblayney’s first town clerk taking up the post in 1906  and holding it until 1926.

He was also  an outstanding athlete at the turn of the century and was involved deeply in athletics and the local hockey and soccer team. With some persuasion from the then Curate Fr Mark Clinton McGrath and his sporting colleagues turned moved en mass to the GAA and founded the now famous Monaghan club, Castleblayney Faughs, which holds the record for winning the greatest number of senior club championships.

His son Liam went on to play a prominent role in the club and was deeply involved the winning of a number of these titles as player and later manager, managing the Faughs to the first five in a row back in the 1960s. Liam,  like the other family members was delighted that his father should have been honoured with the naming of the new road after him. 

By Cianna McNally

MONAGHAN Town is gearing up for a packed, unmissable St Patrick’s weekend which kicks off on Thursday, March 13.

A French market, offering high-quality French food and beverages will be in the town from Thursday, March 13 until Saturday, March 15. A choral evening will take place on Friday, March 14 in the Westenra Arms Hotel at 8.30pm. This will include Monaghan Community Gospel Choir, under the instruction of David Drum and there will be a few songs from the Lithuanian Community Choir, This evening is open to everybody and there is no entrance charge.

The Big Sketch, a free, large-scale painting event will take place in St Macartan’s Hall on Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15. Co-ordinated by local artist Eileen Ferguson, it will involve 30 local artists painting a replica of Henry McManus’ iconic painting “Monaghan Market.” Dr. Pat Donlon, director of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghamakerrig will unveil the finished work at 7pm.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 will begin at 4pm. Guest of Honour will be HE Izolda Brickovskiene, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania. Grand Marshall, Willie McKenna, current chieftain of Clann McKenna will be in attendance and the Master of Ceremonies will be Peadar McMahon. Parade entries include Glaslough Musical Society, Monaghan Dramatic Society, Monaghan Sub-Aqua Club, Lithuanian School and St Patrick’s Accommodation Centre along with youth clubs, girl guides and lots more. There will also be a large parade entry from Tydavnet primary schools, Corracrin, Edenmore, Knocknagrave and Tydavnet. A street circus including stilt-walkers, jugglers and a spectacular fire show will add to the entertainment as will free bouncy castles.

Café as Gaeilge on Saturday from 2-8pm concludes the weekend. It will be hosted by well-known couple Pauline and Mackie Rooney with menus and waiting service as Gaeilge. There will be musical interludes from local traditional musicians including the Coláiste Oiriall music group and Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn. This is open to everybody and there is no entry fee. 

By Joe McCabe

PETER Pettigrew Sr, 51, a painter, of Corkisbane, Corduff, Carrickmacross  was given a 3 months jail sentence suspended for  12 months at Carrickmacross District Court this week. He was also banned from driving for six years. Judge John Lindsay heard that the defendant had been apprehended by Garda Mark Gaynor, Monaghan, driving a car in a car park at Mullinarry, Carrickmacross on the night of December 30 2007 and whilst already serving a driving ban.

Solicitor for the defendant, Mr Gerry Jones, pleading, said that his client had only driven a short distance in the car park and was of the impression that he was not in a public place and therefore not breaking the law. Mr Jones: “In his ignorance he thought he was not in a public place and I ask you, judge, not to send Mr Pettigrew to jail.”  Judge Lindsay ruled as stated.

Meanwhile,  Carrickmacross  District Court heard this week how Peter

Pettigrew Jr , 21, also of Corkishbane, Corduff, Carrickmacross, a local plumber, lifted a baton with which he had earlier been threthened and struck another man with it on New Year’s Eve last.

Superintendent Karl Heller, Carrickmacross told Carrick District Court this week that this defendant had been observed by gardai striking another man with the baton at Main Street in Carrick at 3.20am. Solicitor for the defendant, Mr Gerry Jones, said that his client had been walking up the Main Street after leaving a New Year’s party when he was set upon and knocked to the ground. Mr Jones said that his client had struck the injured party with the baton in retaliation. “It was not his own baton and my client is a very decent young man with an unblemished record ” stressed Mr Jones. Suuperintent Karl Heller concurred with Mr Jones when he stated that the defendant had not instigated the incident. Judge John Lindsay ordered the defendant to pay €500 to Carrickmacross Cancer Society by April 28th otherwise a fine of €600 and a conviction will be imposed on the defendant.

By Gillian McVeigh

OUTRAGE has been expressd in Ballybay this week after more illegal dumping took place at Baird’s Shore just outside of the town.Once again Ballybay locals have contacted the Monaghan Post to express their outrage after refuse bags containing household rubbish and cooking utensils were disposed of near the lakeside. The contents of the bags were strewn all over the once-picturesque area as scavenging dogs and birds tore  at the  bags in the hunt for food.

AS the Ballybay Development Committee and Town Park committee strive to improve the town of Ballybay a certain section of the community seem set on ruining the image of the town by illegal dumping.  Some of the waste is even entering the water. One local man who regularly walks close to Baird’s Shore is livid that this illegal dumping is continuing to take place.

“This is an absolute disgrace. It is hard to believe that there are people living nearby who would want to destroy a beautiful amenity such as Baird’s Shore, rather than pay the few euros to dispose of their rubbish properly,” said the Ballybay local who wishes to remain anonymous. Locals are calling for the provision of County Council signage warning that it is illegal to dump rubbish at Baird’s Shore and for the council to do more to combat illegal dumping in the Ballybay area. 

By Gillian McVeigh

THIS year’s Festival Queen of South Armagh competition has just been launched and local ladies are being encouraged to take part.

The festival, which will be held in the Cross Square Hotel in April 25, is being organised in conjunction with the International Festival Queen of Ireland. The competition will be divided into two categories: Festival Queen and Little Princess.

Those wishing to enter the competition must gain £200 sponsorship from a business. This covers the cost of one entry in the Festival Queen and one entry in the Little Princess competition.

The winner of the competition will represent South Armagh in the final of the International Festival Queen of Ireland in Galway in September 2008.

All contestants will be paraded at the launch night on Sunday March 16. There will be music by an Abba tribute band and the girls who will make the finals will be chosen.

The finals will take place on Friday April 25 in the Cross Square Hotel. On the night, the finalists will take to the stage for a ‘Rose of Tralee’ style interview in order to convince the judges that they are worthy of the title ‘Queen of South Armagh’.

Entry forms can be obtained from the Cross Square Hotel or by emailing your name and address to info@crosssquarehotel.com. For more information call Fiona Kieran in the Cross Square Hotel on (028) 30860505. 

Monaghan 2-12

Cavan 0-10

By Joe Hanratty

MONAGHAN delivered another comprehensive win when they defeated Cavan in the Allianz Football League under lights at Breffni Park on Saturday evening. 

Two first half Monaghan goals from big full forward Raymond Ronaghan and Conor McManus effectively sealed this one for Monaghan. With an eight-point lead at half time the outcome never looked in doubt. Had Cavan managed an early goal in the second period they might have mounted some sort of a comeback. But that goal never looked on. The Monaghan defence were well on top of things with John Paul Mone anchoring a very secure and well-marshalled defence. Eoin Lennon dominated the midfield and though he picked up an ankle injury requiring him to exit the game there was no way back for Cavan.

They were down to 14 men with the sending off of Eddie Reilly and it was just a matter of playing out the time and opening the way for more panel members to be used. Cavan were never really up to the task and Seamus McEnaney will be well pleased in bagging two more valuable league points as Monaghan prepares for their next outing when they take on Armagh in Clones.

The opening ten minutes looked like an even affair as both side knocked over two points apiece with Seanie Johnston and Martin Reilly delivering for Cavan and Vincent Corey and Tommy Freeman (free) doing the business for Monaghan. Then in the 13th minute the game decisively swung in Monaghan’s direction when Tommy Freeman sent a good pass to Raymond Ronaghan who rocketed to the Cavan net. Conor McManus followed this with another Monaghan point and the visitors were on their way. 

While, Seanie Johnston pulled back a point for Cavan, Monaghan were on a roll and in the final ten minutes of the first half they ran rampant, hitting 1-3 on the trot and leaving the game past the point of rescue for the home side. Monaghan’s second goal came in the 26th minute when Conor McManus and Vincent Corey played a one-two while their points came through Paul Finlay and Tommy Freeman (2 frees). Eddie Reilly managed a point for Cavan before the break to leave the score at half time Monaghan 2-6 Cavan 0-4.

The third quarter saw Cavan improve somewhat but there was no real turnaround on in spite of the introduction of Jason Reilly. Then both sides hit three points apiece. The Cavan scores came from their most threatening and productive forward Seanie Johnston  (2) and substitute John Cunningham while Monaghan’s came from Conor McManus, Paul Finlay and Tommy Freeman.

But Cavan weren’t up to the task of staging a real comeback, and as the game entered the last quarter they effectively fizzled out and Monaghan opened up a nine-point lead as Tommy Freeman and substitute Eoin Dufy sent over two more scores. Cavan’s case was not helped when their corner forward Eddie Reilly was red carded. They did manage a couple of consolation points in the final minutes through Seanie Johnston (free) and Keith Fannin. For the Breffni men it is back to the drawing board while Monaghan march on and sit proudly on top of the table after two games.

Cavan: - James Reilly, Dermot Sheridan, Paraic Reilly, Michael Brides, Barry Watters, John McCutcheon, Keith Fannin (0-1), Lorcan Mulvey, Declan Gaffney, Martin Reilly (0-1), Michael Lyng, Anthony Forde, Eddie Reilly (0-1), Sean Johnston (0-6, 2frees), Rory Donohue.

Subs: John Cunningham (0-1) for D Gaffney, Jason Reilly for M Lyng, Michael Hannon for B Watters, Dermot McCabe for Lorcan Mulvey, Sean Brady for E Reilly,

Monaghan: - Padraig McBennett, Dessie Mone, John Paul Mone, Dermot McArdle, Damien Freeman, Gary McQuaid, Paul McGuigan, Dick Clerkin, Eoin Lennon, Paul Finlay (0-3, 2frees), Vincent Corey (0-1), Conor McManus (1-2), Rory Woods, Raymond Ronaghan (1-0), Tommy Freeman (0-5, 3frees).

Subs: Eoin Duffy (0-1) for C McManus, Steven Gollogly for R Ronaghan, Brendan McKenna for E Lennon, Darren Hughes for G McQuaid, Gary McEnaney for P McGuigan.

By Gillian McVeigh

AN INVESTIGATION is underway after education authority records on pupils and parents dating back to 1969 were found at the side of a road in south Armagh.

They include comments about dirty children wearing threadbare clothing and derogatory descriptions of parents.

It has been confirmed that the discovery was made in Camlough on Friday. It is believed that they may have fallen off a trailer on the way to the dump.

The files also contain details of doctor examinations, data on admissions to a psychiatric institution and information on prosecutions regarding non-attendance at school.

The fact that this information dates so far back has baffled some, as these documents ought to have been destroyed years ago.

Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady raised his concern on the finding. He said: “Serious questions must be asked about how sensitive information is handled and stored by all our public authorities.

“The protection of children is one of the most important issues in our society. It is essential that all aspects of the incident are investigated fully and that a report is furnished promptly.

“All public bodies need to be aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998 with regard to the collection, storage, and disposal of personal information that is held about individual,” Mickey added.

He continued: “I am pleased to hear that the Chief Executive of the SELB has stated that she has requested the return of all copies of the documents, including those that were in the possession of journalists. Those who came in possession of the documents could have highlighted the failure in the handling and storage of confidential records and still have handed the information to the relevant authorities without delay.” said Mickey.

By Cianna McNally

THE Co. Monaghan Fund donated lifesaving defibrillator-training equipment to Teach Na nDaoine in Monaghan Town on Thursday last, February 14. The training equipment is there to be used, free of charge, by any community group in the North Monaghan area which has a defibrillator. Defibrillator groups need to update their training on a regular basis and the Co. Monaghan Fund is willing to retrain two leaders from each group, once the leaders have their initial training done. These leaders can then instruct other members in their group.

The Co. Monaghan Fund has also previously donated defibrillator-training equipment to Ballybay for people in the mid-Monaghan area and to Carrickmacross for residents in South Monaghan. In Ballybay, the equipment is available from the Community and Social Centre at Pearse Park and in Carrickmacross, the CPR group there can be contacted. The Co. Monaghan Fund encourages community groups who have defibrillators in their locality to use this equipment. Anybody interested in this training at Teach na nDaoine can contact Fund Development Manager, Seamus McDermott on 0872050365.

All money used by The Co. Monaghan Fund is donated by Monaghan people. The Community Foundation for Ireland has given the Fund a challenge grant of €150,000. If the donors to the Fund are PAYE workers and donate over €250 in a year, their money is worth double to the Fund as it will also receive the donor’s tax. This means that whatever money is donated to The Co. Monaghan Fund will benefit Monaghan projects forever.

By Joe Hanratty

NOBEL Peace Prize Laureate and perhaps the most celebrated politician in Ireland, John Hume, looks set to unveil a monument to commemorate the Castleblayney bombing.

Work is currently being undertaken to erect a specially commissioned monument to remember the devastating bombing which took place on n March 3 1976.

On that fateful Sunday evening a bomb exploded outside the Three Star Inn in the main street of the town killing Patrick Mone and injuring 17 others.

Patrick Mone was a well known local farmer was sitting in his car which was parked outside the building and beside the Mark 3 Ford Cortina containing the bomb.

A special plaque to commemorate the tragedy and perpetuate the memory of Patrick was unveiled on the wall outside the Comet Bar in Main Street, the site of the former Three Star Inn a number of years ago.

Then in 2006 Castleblayney Town Council were approached by Justice for the Forgotten and the family of the late Patrick Mone to erect a memorial in his honour.

The council employed Anthony McDonagh as Project Manager who was involved in the provision of the memorial to commemorate the Monaghan Bombing.

The site for the monument in presently cordoned off as the preparatory work in being done for its erection.

The unveiling will take place on Friday March 7 at 11.30am and will be done by John Hume.

The funding for the monument came through the Remembrance Commission which was set up under the Good Friday Agreement.

The theme of the monument is Time. It is based on the idea of how time is broken and yet continues.