MONAGHAN IFA Environment Committee Chairman, Patrick Traynor has welcomed a recent announcement by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide a start-up grant and a higher electricity price for renewable energy production.

Mr Traynor said “Farmers have always realised the nutrient value of slurry and organic manure for crop production. However following a recent announcement of a bioenergy scheme by Energy Minister Eamonn Ryan farmers can now consider using slurry to produce electricity. This scheme will include a start-up grant and an increased guaranteed price for the production of electricity from slurry by a means called anaerobic digestion.”

The scheme has a budget of up to €8 million and will provide up to 30% investment grant support from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) for eligible projects, with a guaranteed price of up to 12cent per KWh for the production of electricity from biogas.

“This new bioenergy scheme has the potential to provide an alternative for the many intensive livestock and pig farmers, who presently export slurry to customer farmers and prepare the onerous associated plans and paperwork,” he added.

By Damian McCarney

A delegation of North East Pylons Pressure campaign (NEPP) hoped to sway influential TDs and Senators to support their proposal to put EirGrid’s high power cables underground when they brief a Joint Oireachtas Committee yesterday.

The meeting in Leinster House was the third in a series of public hearings by the committee into EirGrid’s plan to string high powered electricity cables on pylons across the North East.

NEPP also made a submission to the international consultants to be appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to report on overhead lines versus underground cabling in the development of the national electricity grid.

“They have already announced an independent inquiry into under-grounding and that is the result from the pressure of our campaign,” said chairman of NEPP Francis Lally who will be one of the four strong delegation travelling to Leinster House.

“It is a chance for us to influence Senators and TDs from all over the country, because we feel it has become a national issue. Hopefully we will get a good hearing.”

Meanwhile last week up to 1,500 took part in a rally outside the Spring Seminar of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, a gathering of county councillors from all over the country, meeting in Trim.

Environment minister, John Gormley, had been expected at the event but withdrew during the week. Lally admitted that Minister Gormley’s absence did “take away from the day” but he was heartened by the numbers who travelled to support NEPP.

“We are delighted with this support, because it was a Friday, a working day, and people had to give up their time to come to Trim,” he said.

By Joe McCabe

THE Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Michéal  Martin,  officially opened the new € 3.7m extension to the Shabra Plastics and Packaging plant in Castleblayney on Tuesday. The plant currently employs 60. The new extension will be used for washing and reprocessing used plastic bottles and will result in an additional 35 jobs.  Shabra is also to invest a further €1.5m in Research and development at the plant. Several hundred people were present at the official opening representing a wide cross- section of business, politics and other interested parties.  Business representatives a the official opening included those from Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Holland and the UK.

Shabra Director, Ms Rita Shah,  welcomed Minister Martin and all present which included representatives of the Kenyan and South African embassies. Ms Shah paid tribute to Shabra Management and staff.  “The ‘can do attitude’ to new ideas is an essential trait of Shabra employees. Nobody is doing what we are doing here. ”  Ms Shah predicted that with the opening of the new extension Shabra exports will grow significantly. 

Minister Martin said that the opening of the new facility was an important day for Shabra,  Castleblayney and for recycling in Ireland.   “Shabra has used the talent and skills  of its workers  to development new technology  which will benefit the environment for years to come.”

Tributes were also paid to Enterprise Ireland and that organisations support of  Shabra. Its CEO, Frank Ryan also spoke and congratulated Shabra on its new extension. “We are going to back Shabra going forward,” he said.

Oliver Brady said that it was a privilege to see so many friends of Shabra Plastics at the official opening. He paid particular thanks to Gerry O’Toole of the Monaghan County Enterprise Board for his invaluable help in Shabra’s early years. “The Monaghan County Enterprise Board put us on the map,” he said. He also thanked Deputy Seymour Crawford for his efforts on the company’s behalf. Oliver finished   in his now customary style “Up Monaghan,” he concluded to the laughter of all present.

By Cliona Connolly

MONAGHAN’S economy faces a  €30 million slump and at least 400 people’s livelihoods will be destroyed with Grove Turkey’s rationalisation plans.

That’s the view of the Monaghan Growers Association who spoke exclusively to the Monaghan Post this week.

Gerry Lynch and Seamus McCarville, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Grower’s Association, have grown turkeys for over 23 years. 

He told the Post: “Locally, our members have invested €15 million in infrastructure and must honour bank repayments on that debt but with our turkey houses empty until September their next cheque will not arrive until February.”

Grove, which up to now has been one of Monaghan’s largest employment sectors, plan to cut 130 job cuts at the Smithboro factory to save the plant from closure.

The rationalisation programme is blamed on the cheap imports market. The company will move to a seasonal production supplying Easter and Christmas markets only while continuing to supply processed poultry and cold cuts.

The Growers Chairman also added:  “As growers we are not against competition. We just want a level playing field.

“The consumer should be able to distinguish the Irish product from the non-EU product.” To do this, growers are appealing for Country of Origin labelling. The Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, has tabled the labelling issue in Brussels and expects a response by March 14.

IFA Chairman says that the consumer is being “hoodwinked” by labelling. “We know nothing about products imported from outside of the EU. We don’t know what these animals are fed, the conditions they are reared in or whether they are safe for human consumption.”

Since the announcement, the Association held two meetings with Grove Management. “They are keen to see the introduction of origin labelling and has assured us that if the business becomes profitable again they will return to full production.” 

Meanwhile, the IFA and turkey, chicken & pork representatives met with NI Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew and Cavan/Monaghan TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Monaghan County Councillor Pat Treanor were in Stormont on Monday last where the plight of Monaghan growers was a  priority.

The growers will also meet MEP Jim Higgins tomorrow (Friday) in Clones alongside Monaghan County Councillor Hughie McElvaney, to continue the campaign.

By Cianna McNally

MONAGHAN town is not a safe town for pedestrians to live in, it was claimed this week.

This comes only two months after four people were killed or injured in Monaghan Town in a black week on the roads. 

The claim was made by Fine Gael Councillor, Mary Carroll. Her comment came at a Monaghan Town Council meeting on Monday night when the issue of pedestrian safety was being discussed.

Cllr Carroll put the question to the members of whether or not the council had any role in deciding where speed limits and speed cameras go in the town because, in her opinion, the traffic is moving faster through the town due to the bypass.

County Manager, Declan Nelson replied that although Monaghan Co. Council had adopted “a raft” of new speed limits, the implementation of speed cameras is a matter for the Gardaí. He proposed that a letter be written to the Gardaí expressing the concerns of Monaghan Town Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraigín Uí Mhurachadha supported Cllr Carroll and said that she was in favour of ramps being implemented as a deterrent to those speeding, wherever they could be.

Cllr Uí Mhurachadha also added that the pedestrian lights crossing in the town from Dinkins to Wilson Bros was a real success.

Other councillors including Fianna Fail’s Robbie Gallagher and Sheila Connolly and Sinn Fèin’s Malachy Toal called for pedestrian crossings from Black’s Chemist to the Post Office and a crossing at Lidl. 

By Post Reporters

CASTLEBLAYNEY was became a battleground last week when at least 30 teens threw bricks and kicked and punched their way through Main Street in a brawl they had organised via the Bebo website.

“I saw beer kegs and bottles being thrown and I saw a person being kicked in the head as he lay helpless on the ground,” one shocked eye witness told the Post.

The clash was organised on Bebo by opposing gangs from Castleblayney and  a group in Crossmaglen calling themselves The South Armagh Mafia.

Since the riot comments have been posted on the social networking site with rival youths bragging about their shameful exploits.

As a result Castleblayney Town Council will debate banning underage discos in the town.

•            Gardai were prepared for further trouble on Saturday night after further postings on Bebo

•            More trouble could be planned for this coming Saturday night.

•            In a separate incident three Castleblayney youths were chased by a men wielding baseball bats.

The hour-long rumpus between Castleblayney and Crossmaglen youths ranging in age from between 14 and 17 broke out at approximately 11.30pm on Wednesday last following a local disco.

Over 100 people witnessed the scenes, many of whom contacted the Monaghan Post.

The Post also understands that gardai found it difficult to deal with the situation given the limited number of officers available in the town at the time on a normally quiet weeknight.

A witness said: “Gardai were under pressure to deal with the situation and many of the young people involved were also taunting them. It was a running battle and I saw one youngster with a very serious eye injury”.

Another witness said that he saw bricks being taken from nearby gardens which where then used as missiles.

Gardai in Castleblayney were prepared for further trouble on Saturday night after further postings on Bebo incited further trouble.

However, Gardai were prepared for every eventuality and no further trouble occurred. As we go to press further comments on Bebo would suggest that perhaps more trouble could be planned for this coming Saturday night.

Meanwhile, some hours later and what is believed to be a totally separate and random incident three Castleblayney youths were chased by a group of approximately fifteen men who alighted from a van in the Bree area of Blayney some of which were wielding baseball bats.

The three local men were chased to a house in The Crescent area of the town where they sought safety. However, the perpatrators unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the house and damaged the door and smashed a window there before leaving in two northern registered cars. Castleblayney Gardai are now investigating this incident. 

by Joe McCabeCARRICK Emmets GFC will host the club’s inaugural Gala Ball in the Fiddlers, Main Street Carrickmacross this Friday night February 15.  This Black Tie occasion is a fundraiser for the upkeep of the club for the year ahead.  The night will commence  at 7.45pm when the guests will take their seats for the night ahead and MS for the evening is prominent GAA referee, pat McEneaney who will introduce many special guests including former Armagh manager, Joe Kiernan, Irish Times columnist and Carrick native Frank McNally and Monaghan manager, Seamus McEneaney. A number of additional special guests may also be present on the night. A special treat for all ladies present has also been arranged.Dinner will be served at 8.30pm  and then at approximately 10pm Pat McEneaney will chair a question and answer session from the floor which promises to raise some interesting issues and replies from the special guests. A special auction will be held on the night with the top lots being a 1963 Morris Minor and a 1979 Ford Cortina. A full history on both cars is available.  Also up for auction is a seven month old donkey as well as two tickets for a Liverpool European night away. Also up for grabs will be a pair of 8 year tickets for All Ireland Hurling Finals and replays for section 308 of the Cusack Stand in Croke Park.Bose Ireland Ltd has also donated a substantial prize for the auction while the wine for the night has been donated by Tommy McEntee.Later,  a Monster Raffle will be held with first prize being a 1000 litres of oil which has been donated by O’Rourke Fuels, Bridewell Lane. Many other great prizes are up for grabs including Tommy Freeman’s Vodafone All Star jersey and Oisin McConville’s All Ireland Clubs Champions Jersey which has been signed by all the players and management team.  A Gooch Cooper jersey has also been donated for the auction which has been signed by the Kerry players and management team. A great nights musical entertainment has also been laid on to insure a fantasic  night for all present.  The organising committee for the Gala Ball is Jimmy Finnegan, PJ O’Hanlon, Pat Cassidy, Jim Hand, Declan Finnegan and Gordon Finnegan. “This will hopefully be the first of many great Gala nights for Carrick Emmets in the future and bodes well for the club,” Jimmy Finnegan told the Post this week.Jimmy concluded by thanking everybody who has contributed in any waytowards the Gala Night.

GLASLOUGH Villa left Carrick Rovers paying the penalty in Sunday’s all Monaghan Tully Bookmakers Challenge Cup clash at Aghnagap.

Despite both sides having numerous chances the deadlock could not be broken after 120 minutes of frantic football. This was mainly due to the excellent goal keeping of Ian Deardon (Glaslough) and David Watters (Carrick Rovers).

Glaslough’s Stevie Mulligan almost snatched the win in the dying minutes of extra time but his shot whistled just wide. So it was onto the dreaded spot kicks to decide who would be the only Monaghan side remaining in the cup.

In a dramatic penalty shoot-out, Carrick missed their third and fourth spot kicks whereas Villa converted all four through Nigel McQuillan, Phillip Flack, Colm McKenna and Kieran Hughes to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Speaking after the game, Villa manager Damian Barry was understandably relieved but delighted with the win but acknowledged that the game was very even and that the result could easily have gone Carrick Rovers way. He also paid tribute to a very strong Carrick Rovers team on providing such stiff opposition.

Carrick Rovers manager Enda Tourish was obviously disappointed with the nature of the defeat but very graciously wished Glaslough Villa all the very best for the remainder of the cup campaign. See page 83 for full match report. 

by Cianna McNally 

THE staff of J.G Kelly Supplies LTD would like to thank everybody who helped them raise €22,000 at their sponsored head and beard shave, which took place in An Poc Fada on December 14 2007. Special thanks to Rema Printers, Dublin St, Monaghan for printing the cards, Adam and Jonathan from Adam’s Barber Shop, Dawson Lane. Monaghan for doing a great job on the night and to Paul and the staff of An Poc Fada fpr use of the facilities. The staff of J.G Kelly Supplies would also like to express their gratitude to Gerard Kelly for allowing them the time to organise the head and beard shave and for putting up with having to look at 10 hairy staff members who were all a bit on the rough side for over eight weeks! All money raised will be divided between Monaghan Hospice Homecare and St. Christopher’s Hospice, Cavan.

by Joe Hanratty 

The Castleblayney Hope Heritage Group has been involved in major development at the Black Island and with the coming of improved weather conditions many local people are seeing the fruit of the work. The Hope Heritage Group which was formed a number of years ago with view to developing the Black Island area and making it once again an attractive tourist and heritage area in the town has been busy over the past few years  accessing funding and getting work done at the Black Island.

The Black Island was traditionally a very scenic area for walkers, swimmers, anglers and others and was always regarded by the people of Castleblayney as a central part of the leisure life of the community. In recent years it had become very dilapidated and over grown. It had also  become a  drinking den  and an area  often associated with anti social behaviour. The development of the local Hope Heritage Group has changed all that.

They began by organising a litter clean up of the area and have received a great response form the community. They also began to put in places signage indicating the facilities as well as the wildlife and fauna to be found there. They followed this up with heightened vigilance and over the past year most of the problems associated with the area have all but disappeared. Then over the past year they embarked on the ambitious plan of developing new walks and paths through the island.

They have opened up areas which up to now were inaccessible for walkers and as well as the traditional walks there are now a number of new pathways and walk areas in place.

The work they have done has received great praise from the local community and from visitors who are once coming back to his beautiful scenic spot which is surrounded by the exquisite beauty of Lough Muckno. One the leaders of the project  local Counsellor Joe Brennan has expressed his delight at seeing the area attract walkers and visitors. He and his group are continuing to work hard and are accessing funding for the further development of the Island and they expect that this summer will see  a major increase in the numbers visiting and walking through  this  woodland area and experiencing once again the beauty of Castleblayney’s Black Island. 

by Cliona Connolly 

CLONES Town Councillor Deirdre Kelly has requested the Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, introduce a Public Service Obligation Order with EU authorisation for Clones Post Office. “Such a Policy would have to be initiated by Minister Ryan and would prevent the closure of Clones Post Office,” Cllr Kelly explained.

“It’s a listed building and one of the best known in the town. If it were to close down and then possibly fall derelict it would be truly shameful. With the reopening of the nearby Ulster Canal we should instead be looking at refurbishing the property, maintaining postal facilities there and possibly setting up a museum in the building as well,” Cllr Kelly said.

“I await the Ministers response as a matter of urgency.  I am very disappointed that I have had no response from the Minister and have written to the Minister again this week requesting a meeting,” she added.

Built in 1903, Clones post office is a landmark building strategically located on the Diamond. “It’s an historic building and it’s important it retains its status as the town’s post office,” counter clerk Colm Flynn believes.

Mr Flynn has called on local politicians to lobby for the retention of Clones PO and to support the request that Minister Ryan introduce a Public Service Obligation Order. “I would ask local businesses to show the same loyalty to Clones PO as was shown in Killmallock, Co Limerick where traders rejected offers of a sub-contracted service in favour of retaining the PO in its original state.”

“The current management of An Post inherited what is a state asset and as such should not be allowed to sell it. The building has minimal overheads. If the business is contracted out, An Post will have to pay the owner of the retail premises and for alternative facilities for postmen. It doesn’t make commercial sense,” Mr Flynn

explained.

Cllr Kelly paid tribute to the staff of Clones PO “The determination of past and present staff of Clones Post Office to retain the facility in its current location where it has efficiently and professionally served the people of Clones for over 100 years is to be admired.”

The number of Post Offices earmarked for closure was recently reduced. Cllr Kelly has called for Clones PO be included in the ten saved from closure. “With the closure of Post Offices in the surrounding area, such as in Scotshouse, the volume of business at Clones Post Office will only increase.”

“It is now time for the Government to look at the option of providing a financial subvention to ensure the company retains not profit making offices.  There may be a need to distinguish between that part of the network which is commercially sustainable and the other part which may be socially essential but may not be as commercially viable,” Cllr Kelly concluded.

by Gillian McVeigh

A DELEGATION of councillors from both sides of the border, along with a group of people dedicated to resolving issues affecting the lives of men living in social exclusion in the border area, travelled to the Dáil last week to present a paper to nine cross-party representatives.

The cross-border Social Inclusion Group was welcomed by Minister Brendan Smith and Seymour Crawford TD. The group got the opportunity to present a copy of the paper to Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore. The trip follows on from a similar visit to Stormont that included a private meeting with Minister Margaret Ritchie.

The paper is being presented by the Social Inclusion Working Group of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) in advance of its launch at a conference regarding the issues affecting men in the border region in Co. Cavan today. The conference will be opened by the Director of the Office for Social Inclusion, Gerry Mangan. The paper and conference will be drawing attention to the need for services to respond to the social exclusion of isolated men in the central border region. 

The working group arose from an innovative cross-border pilot programme. This is a cross-border organisation backed by ten local councils on both sides of the border. According to the document, issues affecting socially excluded men in this geographic region include educational disadvantage due to early school leaving and social isolation of men who have poor links with non-family members in their communities.

The paper makes a number of recommendations which are expected to generate discussion and debate at the conference. The Social Inclusion Working Group hope that this paper will go some way towards informing fresh discussion with the community sector, to improve the quality of life of the client group. The conference is free and open to all interested parties.  

For more information call Emer Coveney in Cavan County Council on (049) 4378581 or email ecoveney@cavancoco.ie.   

by Cianna McNally

RESIDENTS in Killygoan, in Monaghan Town are up in arms over a proposed housing development on a 4.5 acre site in the area.

Local woman Kathleen Roberts said that Killygoan is already “overpopulated” and that “residents do not want to live in a concrete jungle or ghetto”. Mary Gallagher hit out at the council, saying she had no confidence in the planning authority and that the council are simply “planning by stealth” without giving due consideration to alternative sites.

Chairperson of the Residents Association, Peter Clerkin said it was “unacceptable” that people living in the Killygoan area received very little consultation on the development.

Association Secretary Eileen Morgan stressed that the greatest local need was for a community centre before there were any more houses built. A new centre would replace the great loss in the community after a previous centre was demolished over 12 years ago, she feels.

Speaking at the meeting between Monaghan Town Council and Killygoan Residents Association on Monday night last, Mayor of Monaghan Town Paidraigín O Mhurchadha said she felt strongly for all the Killygoan residents concerned.

Sinn Fein Cllr Donal Sherry was surprised by the amount of opposition from the Killygoan residents and urged the other councillors present to give their word that Killygoan will have a community centre because it is more of a priority than housing.

Sinn Fein’s Sean Conlon and Fianna Fail’s Robbie Gallagher praised the residents’ community spirit. Cllr Conlon also said that the people of Killygoan had been misinformed and had “fallen victim to Chinese Whisper syndrome.”

County Manager, Declan Nelson reassured residents that their concerns and fears will be expressed to the architects and nothing would be “railroaded” through. The councillors told the residents that there was no decision made and there would not be one made until they meet with the architects dealing with the development next Monday evening, February 18.

However, Ms Gallagher told the Post that she was disappointed with its outcome and that no vote was taken to gauge the support of councillors for residents.

By Joe McCabe

A 43-year-old South Monaghan man on trial  at the Central Criminal Court for the alleged rape of his ten year old step-daughter has been found NOT guilty by a jury of nine men and three women. The defendant and the victim cannot be named for legal reasons. The offence was alleged to have taken place in November 2003 in the South Monaghan area and evidence was heard in the week long case from South Monaghan based garda officers. The jury asked why the garda interview tapes with the defendant were not shown to the court to be told that such a request was the prerogative of the defence. They jury also wondered why the interviewing gardai had not been asked to give evidence. The jury retired at 11am on Monday and returned with their Not Guilty verdict within minutes.

The girl alleged she was anally raped by the defendant who  stated  “If you tell anyone I’ll do it again.” She denied a suggestion in cross-examination by defence counsel, Mr Anthony Sammon SC, at the Central Criminal Court that her allegations were “made up, fabricated, a tissue of lies”. “Think what you like. You don’t bother me,” she responded to Mr Sammon. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Giving evidence by video link, the girl told prosecuting counsel, Mr Paul O’Higgins SC, that the accused told her to mind her siblings. She said that when she told him it wasn’t her job to mind them he hit her across the face and forced her onto the couch.

She said he took off his trousers and her pyjama bottoms and annally raped her while pushing her into the couch with his fist.

She told Mr O’Higgins that when her younger sister heard her screaming and called out to her the accused stopped and told her to put her bottoms back on.

She said that after the defendant left the house for the day she went to the bathroom and found blood all down the back of her legs.

The girl added that several weeks later the defendant said to her: “A little bird told me you don’t like me. If you tell anyone I’ll do it again.”

The alleged victim told Mr Sammon she had been to see a counsellor several times since she made the allegations. The girl also admitted that she had a “Bebo” site on the internet which asked a number of lewd sexual questions.

Mr Sammon put it to her: “You are trying to present yourself as a person who is utterly unfamiliar with the language of sex. But looking at your Bebo page that doesn’t seem to be the case.” “It’s Bebo. Everybody has it on their site,” she said. “One of my friends put it on.” the girl replied. 

by Cliona Connolly

WORKERS at the Clones AIBP meat plant are being discriminated against amidst “a huge fear factor” at the factory the UNITE Food Workers Union has claimed.

Claims of widespread bullying, unfair dismissal, threats and intimidation have been alleged by union representatives to The Monaghan Post following a protest held outside the Larry Goodman owned processing plant on Friday last, 8 February.

Local man and Secretary of the Co Monaghan Council of Trades Union Peter McAleer told the Post that employees leaving the factory during the protest told him they had been threatened on leaving that “if they took part in the protest, there would be no job for them on Monday”.

Inga Sedotva of UNITE said the issue began with the opening of the boning hall last August in which mostly non-national people work. “Staff are working overtime but have never been paid for it. They have not been given a contract in their own language and therefore they don’t know what they are entitled to.”

Ms Sedotva has also alleged widespread bullying of employees in AIBP. “Five people were dismissed last week because they had been sick. One man, who suffers from epilepsy, had an attack and was taken from work in an ambulance. When he returned two days later having recovered, the Manager would not even look at his doctor’s note but dismissed him immediately.”

The union also claims that many workers had their passports taken in order to process work permits but had been waiting too long for their return. “These people are not being treated like human beings. There is a huge fear factor in AIBP. When you are treated like a third class employee you start to feel like one,” Ms Sedotva said.

“This protest is just the beginning. They must stop this treatment. We are going to contact  their customers such as ASDA if this is not resolved. We are fighting for human rights,” Ms Sedotva warned. The union will be raising these concerns with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Ethical Trading Initiative next week.

Jim Quinn, Team Leader with UNITE said: “Larry Goodman and AIBP have been stung by a highly affective campaign which our union has been running throughout the country with red meat workers both local and migrant. That campaign has highlighted a situation where workers doing exactly the same job in Goodman plants in Newry, Lurgan and Clones are being paid different rates of pay.”

A spokesperson for AIBP said: “AIBP disputes the validity of the protest at its plant in Clones. The company notes that the majority of people on the protest were not and never have been employees of AIBP.  The company categorically refutes any suggestion of exploitation of any employee on the basis of nationality or any other basis. AIBP is committed to all its employees, its farmer suppliers and to the locality.”

AIBP invested up to €10 million in the Clones plant in 2007.  The factory currently employs 185 in this facility and aims to create a further 80 new jobs in the coming year.

MONAGHAN got their Allianz National League campaign off to a great start with a strong win over Roscommon in Clones on Sunday.

In spite of difficult underfoot conditions this was an impressive display and an important victory by McEnaney’s men. Central to this win was an outstanding high fielding display by Eoin Lennon in the middle of the park. Lennon who had been nursing an injury showed no signs of it. Aided by his partner Dick Clerkin and a very strong and pacey half back line which saw the impressive return of Paul McGuigan, Monaghan quickly stamped their control on this game.

Up front the en song Tommy Freeman along with anchor man Raymond Ronaghan caused ongoing difficulties for Roscommon as did half forwards Paul Finlay and Conor McManus giving Monaghan this moral boosting win as they prepare for their derby outing against Cavan in Breffni Park on Saturday week.

Monaghan opened the scoring with three points from Paul Finlay (2, 1 free) and Tom Freeman and were cruising to control when they were set back on the heels on nine minutes as some defensive confusion allowed Cathal Cregg to take possession and part to youthful Conor Devaney to send to the Monaghan net.

This was only a temporary set back for the home side who quickly regrouped and surged into control again as Lennon continued to dominate the aerial battle and they responded with three more points through the impressive Paul Finlay, the ubiquitous Tommy Freeman and the forward driving Gary McQuiad.

The second quarter saw the sides exchange points twice as Senan McBride and Karol Mannion sent over for Roscommon while Tommy Freeman (free) and the eye catching Paul McGuigan did likewise for Monaghan. The last ten minutes of the first half saw Monaghan again surge into control with three points through Conor McManus, Raymond Ronaghan and Tommy Freeman (free) to open up a six point lead at the break 0-11 to 1-2.

While Cathal Cregg took the opening score of the second half for a re-arranged Roscommon side, it was Monaghan who once more came on strong and by the seventh minute they had hit four points on the trot through Tommy Freeman (3) and Conor McManus to effectively seal this game.

Two of these scores came after Roscommon was reduced to 14 men as Seamus O’Neill picked up a second yellow. Inspired by this handicap, the following ten minutes was Roscommon’s brightest spell as Conor Devaney, Cathal Cregg and Karol Mannion worked hard to turn things around. They managed three points through Cregg (free) and Mannion (2, 1free) to Tommy Freeman’s (free) single Monaghan score.

As the game went into the last ten minutes there was clearly no way back for the visitors with Paul Finlay (free) and Conor McManus adding points apiece for Monaghan. While young Conor Devaney (free) sent over for Roscommon, Monaghan’s youthful substitute Daniel McNally responded with a goal and it was now a matter of running down the clock. Another Devaney free marginally reduced the deficit before the final whistle but the two important opening league points were already safely in Monaghan hands.

Monaghan: Padraig McBennett, Dessie Mone, John Paul Mone, Colm Flanagan, Dermot McArdle, Gary McQuaid (0-1), Paul McGuigan (0-1), Dick Clerkin, Eoin Lennon, Conor McManus (0-3), Rory Woods, Paul Finlay (0-4, 2 frees), Vincent Corey, Raymond Ronaghan (0-1), Tommy Freeman (0-8, 5 frees).

Subs: Eoin Duffy for D Clerkin, Shane Smith for R Woods, Damien Freeman for D McArdle, Daniel McNally (1-0) for T Freeman, Benny McKenna for E Lennon.

Roscommon: Mark Miley, Paddy O’Connor, Anthony McDermott, Richard Dooner, David O’Gara, David Flynn, Stuart Daly, Seamus O’Neill, Mark O’Carroll, Karol Mannion (0-3, 2frees), Gerard Heneghan, Cathal Cregg (0-2, 1free), Conor Devaney (1-2, 2 frees), Enda Kenny, Senan Kilbride (0-1, 1 free).

HUNDREDS of pupils from South Armagh received their long awaited 11-plus exam results on Saturday morning.

However, of the 15,000 pupils throughout Northern Ireland who sat the exam, only 6,000 pupils have gained the necessary grade A, which will guarantee them a place in a grammar school. For those who do decide to apply to a grammar school, Our Lady’s and the Abbey School in Newry remain popular choices.

This year will see the final transfer test take place but it is currently unclear what will replace the 11-plus system. Minister for Education, Catriona Ruane has so far failed to announce what will replace the current system. This uncertainty has annoyed parents’ organisations throughout the north.

Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee and Newry and Armagh Assembly Member, Dominic Bradley MLA has questioned Ruane’s proposals for reform at a special meeting of the Education Committee to discuss transfer arrangements.

He said: “Ruane’s proposals include the establishment of 11 to 14-year-olds schools and 14 to 19-year-olds schools. However, it is not realistic to propose that these schools can be established by 2010 or indeed shortly afterwards. Reorganisation within education will take a number of years and requires close co-operation across the sectors. This cannot be done within the proposed timeframe and will mean that the focus may remain on transfer at age 11-years-old rather than 14-years-old, as proposed by the Minister.

”I am also concerned that the Minister has left the door open for academic selection,” Mr Bradley continued. “With transfer at 14-years-old, the receiving schools will consider the previous educational experience and performance of applicants. That sounds to me very much like opening the door to academic selection.”

THE future of the wetlands in Ballybay was discussed at a day long conference on Friday last in the Derryvalley Wetlands Centre.

This is an important issue that has sparked national interest, with RTÉ’s Primetime covering the story in the past. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley was there to address interested stakeholders at the opening of the forum. A number of local delegates, planners, surveyors, farmers and landowners were there to voice their interest and opinions.

Mayor of County Monaghan, Gary Carville has said that the conference sparked a “huge level of interest” in the local area.

“Minister Gormley said he has full confidence in Monaghan County Council and their initiatives and policies,” Mayor Carville commented. “We hope to have more resources made available from the Minister and his department.”

Mayor Carville went on to say that whilst many people held the wetlands in high regard there is a need for an education awareness programme on just how important of an asset the wetlands are.

The day was divided into four sessions entitled: The wonderful wetlands, Wetland functions, Fantastic Fens and Conservation issues and politics.

The conference, which is part of the County Monaghan Heritage Plan 2006-2010, heard the various options regarding the development of the wetlands. There were addresses from Simon Barron from the Botanical Environmental Conservation consultants about wetland habitats throughout the County of Monaghan. There was also an interesting address from Rory Callan about the role of the wetlands regarding flood protection.

The conference ended on a positive note those with an interest in the Wetlands hearing about the benefits of wetland conservation for the Craigavon Borough Council. Marcus Malley from the conservation service described the great work that has happened at the Oxford Island Discovery Centre close to Lough Neagh.

CLONES building company McDaid Construction Ltd has acquired Morgan & Co Hardware Ltd, Jubilee Road Clones, for an undisclosed sum. The new owners have confirmed immediate plans to relocate the business to a modern facility on the Monaghan Road on the outskirts of Clones and on a site for which planning permission has already been granted.

“This development will enhance the level of service and range of products the business can offer to our trade and retail customers as well as adding to the current regeneration that Clones is undergoing at the moment,” a spokesperson for the group told The Post.

Plans for this new store are said to include a two-storey shop, external garden centre and car parking spaces. The surroundings of this new development will be landscaped.

“The acquisition forms part of the wider growth strategy of the McDaid Group, in the construction and property development sector in the border region.” Plans for this new store include a two-storey shop, car parking spaces and external garden centre.

The long-established Morgan’s was owned and managed by Brian Curran who is retiring after over 40 years in business. The Directors and staff of McDaid Construction would like to convey their best wishes to Brian and Josie Curran on their retirement and commend them for their hard work in managing the business to date.

The Directors would also like to assure all their customers that business will continue as normal under the new ownership.

TWO of Ireland’s leading conservation consultancy firms, TKB & Associates together with Chris Southgate & Associates have merged into a new consultancy, TKB Southgate Associates. The firm’[s headquarters is in Gallagh, Clontibret and the firm has offices in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

The merger allows TKB Southgate Associates to consult with clients on a full range of disciplines including conservation engineering, sustainable development, building archaeology and project management. TKB Southgate Associates specialises in non-destructive investigation techniques utilising cutting-edge methods adopted in the interest of preserving the historic material of building stock.

The two principals behind the merger are Monaghan businessman Dr. Thomas Brennan and Chris Southgate, two of the most respected building conservationists working in Ireland today. They both have dedicated their professional lives to developing and implementing methods of non-destructive treatment and protection of historic homes and heritage sites. They have consulted on many well-known projects ranging from individual private houses to some of the largest projects in Ireland including Farmleigh House, Dublin. Other well known projects include Castle Leslie, Monaghan, the Medieval Walls and Towers of Waterford City and Michael Flatley’s Castle Hyde home.

Speaking about the announcement, Thomas Brennan said, “Chris and I have known each other professionally for 20 years. Collectively we have a vast experience of working with historic buildings. We felt both of our firms had immense synergies and commonalities and we made the decision to unite the talents of our respective firms in order to continue to preserve Ireland’s historical homes and monuments for future generations to enjoy.”

TKB Southgate Associates is also one of the few Irish firms to employ Building Archaeologists, Architectural and Landscape Historians, Building and Chartered Surveyors and Conservation Architects. These highly trained specialists provide a range of services including documentary research, conservation reports, heritage impact statements, character assessments, conservation area appraisals and architectural conservation consultancy.