POSITIVE AGE came to Ballybay on Wednesday last, 21 May to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival in the Wetlands Centre. The event was officially opened by Cllr Margaret Conlon TD.

The Bealtaine Festival celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Positive Age group. Positive Age is a group which strives for social gain for older people. It runs the Bealtaine Festival is a national event that is held annually to celebrate the creativity of older people in Ireland. The festival in Ballybay included a display of art and craft work that showcases the skills of older people from County Monaghan.

The day started with an introduction from Frances O’Callaghan of Positive Age, before Margaret Conlon officially launched the day. The group enjoyed music and refreshments.

The event included exhibitions from Ballybay Social Services, Doohamlet Day Care Centre, Castleblayney Social Services, Drumkill Day Care, Monaghan Tuesday Club, Clones Day Care Centre, Camphill Community, Cavan/ Monaghan Carers Centre and Mullyash Day Care Centre.

By Gillian McVeigh
gillian@monaghanpost.com

TWO Ballybay brothers appeared at Carrickmacross District Court on charges relating to a theft.

The offence took place at Conlon’s Bar in Ballybay on 9 May last. Wayne and Colin O’Brien who both have an address at 36 Loch Mor Avenue, Ballybay appeared before Judge Sean McBride in relation to the charges.

Wayne O’Brien was released on a cash bail of €200 subject to certain conditions. He was ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, obey a curfew from 10pm- 7am and have no contact with David and Shane O’Leary.

He has been remanded on continuing bail until 23 June as the court awaits further directions from the DPP.

The court heard how Colin O’Brien had been serving a four month sentence but failed to return on 7 May after a period of release. Solicitor for the defence Linda Smyth said that Colin O’Brien “understood that he had to sign on every Wednesday” and did not realise that he had been due to return full time.

Sean McBride refused bail to Colin O’Brien saying that he felt that if bail was granted he was unlikely to turn up. Colin O’Brien has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Castleblayney District Court on Monday 19 May.

Presentation to Ballybay Hospice Homecare from the Smyth family in Ballybay in rememberance of the late Michael Smyth and his wife Bridie. The family and friends would like to thank all who contributed. Pictured are: Rosemary O’Harte, Liam Smyth, Breige Duffy, Patricia Connolly, Ita Kelly, Claire O’Connell, Jenny Smyth, Pascal Smyth and Anna Smyth. Photo by Philip Fitzpatrick.