THE possibility of having the proposed Eirgrid inter-connector 400 KV cables undergrounded through a sharing of infrastructure with a new North-South Telecommunications link was put forward at this weeks Monaghan County Council meeting by Mid-Monaghan FG Cllr Gary Carville.
Project Kelvin was announced over the Summer by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamonn Ryan TD, and his Northern Counterpart in the Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Investment. The joint project which will provide international connectivity to the North West and Border areas through a new hi-spec line that will most likely be go underground through NI, into Monaghan and onto Dublin.
Cllr Carville said the project, funded under the EU Interreg IVA Programme, provides a perfect opportunity for sharing of infrastructure and to give value for money to taxpayers.
“The new telecoms link for the north west and border areas, Project Kelvin, will cost in the region of €35m and will give businesses and industries in these regions the same speed and cost as Dublin telecommunications. It will open opportunities for investment in Monaghan. It also opens the real possibility of having the cables for the proposed inter-connector put underground, using the same ducting. This will give real value for money,” he said.
“Let us seize this opportunity and co-align infrastructure,” Cllr Carville urged. “This is what is needed right across the public sector in terms of the roll-out of Capital projects. Why do we always have to dig a trench for one piece of infrastructure and then come along a year or two later and dig another one for a separate project.”
On Cllr Carville’s proposal, seconded by party colleague Cllr John Keenan, it was decided to renew the Council’s request to meet with Minister Ryan and to write to the Dept of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and the Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland outlining the Council’s view that undergrounding should be pursued and that co-alignment of infrastructure in the communications and energy sectors should be seriously explored.

THE Minister for Education’s visit to Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Corracrin last week has been hailed as a ‘red letter day’ by the school’s principal following the announcement of a €1.4 million extension for the centre of learning.
Principal of the school, Mr Michael Boyce told the Monaghan Post that Minister Batt O’Keefe’s visit on Monday, September 29 was a day of special significance for the North Monaghan primary school.
He said the new extension, announced as part of a major school building programme nationwide, will mean that each teacher has a permanent classroom.
“We will have permanent classrooms for each teacher, with all children in single class units, and a state of the art GP room to cater for our large sporting population at the school, as a result of the extension,” said principal Boyce.
Work on the extension, which is to include two new classrooms, a General Purpose room, and refurbishment programme, is due to start early next year. Principal Boyce said it will provide a top class environment for all pupils to learn.
“With six of our current eight classes having interactive whiteboards, the extension will also allow for the completion of this programme, in order to ensure state of the art learning opportunities for all at Scoil Naomh Pádraig,” added principal Boyce.
Scoil Naomh Pádraig is the second-largest rural school in county Monaghan, with an enrolment of 212 pupils. The school was one of twenty-five projects nationwide announced under the building programme by the Minister on his visit to Monaghan.
Representatives of the Board of Management and Parents’ Association were present for the announcement, along with a small number of invited guests.
Presentations were made to Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Margaret Conlon by Holly Boyce and to the Minister by Holly McKenna. A presentation was also made by the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association to Minister O’Keeffe to mark his historic visit.

“Bitterly Disappointing” for Clones Teen

CLONES Town Council has offered words of support for local teen, Michaela Newell, who was dropped from the county GAA ladies panel six days before the team played Cork in the All-Ireland Final, as reported exclusively by the Post at the time.
Clones mother Yvonne Newell previously told the Post that her 17-year-old daughter was let go from the panel unfairly.
“The reason given was that she had not attended training sufficiently and was ‘lacking in commitment’. Michaela’s commitment should never have been questioned as against my advice and wishes she also refused to go to weddings, our family holidays had to be cut short and Michaela also abstained from many social nights of celebrations, so that her GAA would not suffer and her commitment would never be questioned,” said Mrs Newell.
At the time, Mrs Newell suggested that Michaela may have been dropped due to her soccer commitments. Michaela is on the Monaghan United Ladies Soccer Team, which won the National Intermediate Cup Final on Sunday September 21.
Mayor of Clones, Niall Quigley described the news as “very disappointing” and said the young player showed great commitment to her sport. Cllr Ross Mealiff said it was sad to see a young player dropped before a big game. “I don’t think she lacked commitment. It’s sad to see.” Cllr Deirdre Kelly also concurred with this view, describing the incident as “bitterly disappointing” for Michaela.
The council also paid tribute to the team for reaching the All-Ireland final.

CLONES Town Council members angrily criticised the ESB’s failure to respond to Clones customer queries and complaints at this months meeting.
Cllr Deirdre Kelly raised the issue citing an unresolved problem at the Carn Dun, Newtownbutler Road, Clones. Cllr Peter Mulligan said he knew of 8 areas in Clones where lights have not worked for months and no action has been taken by the ESB despite numerous letters and calls by locals.
“It ridiculous to pay a bill and not get the service in return,” Cllr Mulligan said. The FG councillor went on to suggest that the council stops paying its ESB bills until the problems are fixed.
Cllr Peter McAleer said two new street lamps had been out of use for 7 months in Beech Grove as the ESB had not yet connected them. ESB officials had met with the council last year they told members to use a helpline phone number to report all issues in the area and said such problems would be fixed. Cllr McAleer said this meeting had been “pointless”.
Particular concern was highlighted for Largy College students using the Newbliss Road on ever darkening evenings. Cllr Eugene McCaughey said after-school study would soon resume and asked that proper street lighting be maintained on the road to ensure safety for students walking the road. Town Engineer John McKernan said he had contacted the ESB about this roadway but no action had been taken.
Cllr Ross Mealiff proposed that the Mayor, Niall Quigley, send a letter to ESB Operations Director outlining all ESB problems in the town. If there is no response within 7 days, a public meeting with ESB officials will be called. Cllr Pat Treanor also asked that the letter warn that the council will withhold payment if these problems are not resolved.

BALLYBAY Town Council this week formally requested that Monaghan County Council make a submission to consultants carrying out a review of the proposed East-West Link Road and new Sligo-Dundalk route.
The town council sought the county council’s support for the development of the route through Castleblayney, Ballybay and Clones. The local councillors also requested that their county council colleagues enter into discussions with Fermanagh District Council and other interested local authorities on the issue. Ballybay councillors believe the development of this strategic route through Castleblayney, Ballybay and Clones would be of great benefit to the mid-Monaghan area.
County Councillor Robbie Gallagher proposed that the county council immediately make a submission as requested.
Cllr Padraig McNally explained that Cavan County Council had been given the responsibility for planning the route on behalf of Monaghan and Louth. Cllr McNally believes the most direct route was likely to be selected.
Director of Services for Roads, Michael Fitzpatrick said he did not believe there was any point making a submission on the projects until the consultants are appointed.
Cllr Brian McKenna said that the council needed to meet with Fermanagh officials urgently as the route through mid-Monaghan had been the preferred one until an environmental concern relating to a bridge in Enniskillen ruled it out. Northern Ireland’s Department of Environment said they can now resolve this issue according to Cllr McKenna.
County Manager Declan Nelson said the route from Cavan-Dundalk was chosen in a bid to open Cavan and the route corridor up. He said, however, the Shercock-Dundalk road was in need of upgrade following huge daily traffic volumes. Mr Nelson also strongly refuted claims that the council had not made Monaghan’s preferred route clear, saying he had wrote a strongly worded letter to the NRA outlining Monaghan’s position and their response had been circulated to members.
The proposal to support Ballybay Town Council’s request was passed.

CASTLEBLAYNEY Cancer Society is thanking everyone who has donated time and energy to those living with cancer and their families in the area.
“The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Castleblayney Area,” said a spokesperson from the Society. “The Society would like to thank all who supported or contributed in any way. This support enables us to continue to provide this much needed service. Castleblayney Cancer Society is a voluntary organization who has no administration costs. Any money donated goes directly for the purpose it was given.”
Donations are used to provide funding for many different types of support such as travel expenses to and from hospital for treatment, home help and home care assistance, night nursing and sessional nursing, and equipment not provided by the health board.
It also goes towards funding against hardship as a result of cancer and facilitating people to attend the Gary Kelly Support Centre in Drogheda.
If you feel that the Castleblayney Cancer Society can be of any assistance to you contact your family doctor, the Public Health Nurse or any committee member. All business is dealt with in strictest confidence.
Committee members include Chairperson Mairead McGuinness, Secretary Teresa McGuigan, Assistant Secretary Mary Connolly, Treasurer Ruth McCully, PRO Tracy Liddy O’Connor, and Committee members Maire Doherty, Tessie McGuinness, Ursula McGuigan, Suzanne Campbell, Deirdre McGinn, Mary Smyth, Tina Carragher, Bernie Ruddy, Dr Mary Flanagan, Lexie Oliver and Rose Funcheon.
For a full list of those individuals and businesses thanked by the Society, see the local notes section of this paper.

CARRICK Aces Athletic Club is now in a position to tender for work on a new athletic track and playing pitch development for South Monaghan.
The club is currently finalising quotations with suitable contractors for the levelling and drainage of the new track and pitch development on the Convent Lands, Carrickmacross.
The club says a shortfall in funding means they will not get as much work done as first proposed but having obtained €80,000 from the National Lottery Capital fund for Sport and Recreation, and with funding already approved by Carrick Urban District Council, Monaghan County Council and the club’s own fundraising, they are now in a position to progress work.
In a letter to Monaghan County Council, members of Carrick Aces Athletic Club thanked all the councillors for their support during their presentation and application for the development of a 400m running track and playing pitch on the Convent Lands.
County Mayor, Sinn Fein councillor Matt Carthy welcomed the progress of the development at this week’s monthly meeting of the local authority while the Carrick Aces are expected to revert to the council with a proposal to proceed with works by their next meeting.

A MAN appeared before Monaghan District Court yesterday (October 1) charged with cultivating cannabis plants in the Castleblayney area.
Wang Wen (21) is charged with cultivating cannabis plants without a licence at Readuff, Loughmourne, Castleblayney on September 30 past, contrary to Section 17 and Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court heard that Gardai were still trying to establish the identity of the defendant. Inspector Martin said they had been in contact with police in the UK, as it was believed Wen came from England.
Solicitor Gerard Jones, defending, said Wen had no passport and no identification. He said there was nothing to satisfy Gardai as to who he was and said the defendant had admitted giving an incorrect name to Gardai. He added that his client was not making an application for bail and said the defendant was “simply cultivating these plants for a syndicate.”
Judge Sean MacBride said the charge was a very serious matter. He granted the defendant legal aid and assigned Mr Gerard Jones Solicitors. The Judge also certified for a Chinese interpreter and approved medication for a stomach ulcer for the defendant.
The Judge remanded Wen in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear before Cloverhill District Court next Wednesday, October 8 at 10.30am for further directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Wen’s arrest followed the seizure of cannabis plants worth an estimated €240,000.
Gardaí from the Cavan/Monaghan Drugs Unit assisted by gardai from Shantonagh searched a house in Readuff near Castleblayney early on Tuesday morning last as part of ‘Operation Nitrogen’. Inside, they discovered around 700 cannabis plants at various stages of development.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com
ONE Monaghan groom loves pizza so much that he had a takeaway delivered to the top table of his wedding reception last week!
Darren Sheridan surprised over 300 guests and his new wife Jacqueline who hails from Keady in County Armagh at their reception in the Hillgrove Hotel last Friday (Sept 26) by ordering pizzas from Famous Pizza D O’r as a main course for himself and his best men.
The Killygoan lad has been a regular customer at the Monaghan town based takeaway since it opened 17 years ago and he simply could not bear to miss his usual Friday night takeaway, even on his big day.
“I arranged it as a surprise for the best men. I phoned Pizza D O’r two days before the wedding to set it up and then phoned them from the main table when the first course was just starting,” Darren told the Monaghan Post
Darren and Jacqueline were married in St. Patrick’s Church in Keady. Afterwards, guests reportedly burst into laughter and rushed for their cameras when takeaway staff arrived at the reception with pizzas and a specially made surprise pizza cake, complete with three-tiers of pizzas in the shape of love hearts. Speaking to the Monaghan Post Darren’s father Sean said, “The timing was perfect when the pizzas arrived and it was great surprise for everybody concerned.”
Proprietor of Famous Pizza D O’r, Mr David O’Rourke said he and his staff were more than happy to accommodate the groom and said the wedding day prank was typical of Darren’s sense of humour.
“This was typical of Darren’s antics. He is addicted to his Friday night Pizza D O’r pizza and has always been a valued and regular Friday night customer. All the staff of Famous Pizza D O’r and the Hillgrove Hotel were delighted to support his wedding call. We wish them both love, laughter and a happy ever after,” David told the Monaghan Post.
The happy couple are presently honeymooning in Las Vegas, Florida and New York.

SINN Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “a disgrace” cuts announced yesterday (Wednesday) in the Regional Orthopaedic Unit serving Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath.
The HSE has announced that from Monday 6 October the orthopaedic theatres in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan will not be in use on Wednesdays and Fridays and the Orthopaedic Department will close from 12 December 2008-31 December.
Deputy Ó Caoláin said: “These cuts to a key service for an entire region of the country are a disgrace. People throughout Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath will be affected by the reduction in orthopaedic services, especially the elderly. The knock-on effect will be pain for many individual patients and longer waiting lists going into 2009.
“Once again the North East region experiences cuts first and worst. I exposed how the HSE is to effectively close down most services in Cavan General Hospital and Monaghan General Hospital for two two-week periods in October/November and December/January.”

By Cliona Connolly
Cliona@monaghanpost.com

MINISTER for Education and Science, Batt O Keeffe, visited some of County Monaghan’s schools on Monday of this week.
The first official opening took place at the newly built €2.9m St Tiarnach’s Primary School, Clones where Minister O Keeffe announced 25 major new school building projects across the country including the addition of a two-classroom extension, general purpose room and refurbishment to Corr A Chrainn National School, Emyvale.
Later, Minister O Keeffe opened Clontibret National School’s new €490,000 building which is now home to its 27 pupils. “Today opens an exciting new chapter in the history of Clontibret National School. It’ll enable staff to teach in modern comfortable surroundings, enhancing the school’s amenities for the students who come to learn here,” Minister O Keefe said.
Finally, Minister O Keeffe visited Ballybay Community College to see its €4.6m extension. This extension comprises four new classes, language room, library, guidance office and social area. The Minister highlighted the central role the school had played in the positive changes which have taken place in the educational and cultural life of Ballybay since the Monaghan poet Patrick Kavanagh officially opened the school in 1966. “I wish the students and wider community every success in their newly refurbished and extended school,” Minister O Keeffe commented.
This year, more than €586m will be spent in the school building programme across the country with one-third invested in rapidly developing areas. This means the provision of 12,000 new school places.

By Denise McMeel
denise@monaghanpost.com

A CARRICKMACROSS newsagent has warned that a new government law banning the display of tobacco products could have a detrimental effect on the profits of smaller shops.
Philip Keegan of Keegan’s Newsagent on Main Street says that under the new law shop owners will be forced to place all tobacco products under the counter and completely out of sight of their customers.
“No-one will have a clue whether we even sell tobacco or not,” said Philip, a member of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA).
Under the Public Health Tobacco Acts 2002 and 2004 Acts, point-of-sale advertising and the display of tobacco products will be banned from July 1 2009. Tobacco products will have to be sold from a dispenser and customers who want to buy tobacco will also have to ask for a special menu.
However, the CSNA say that international studies show that this menu system causes delays for shopkeepers and will dramatically reduce their turnover.
“Our shops are all about speed and convenience for the customer,” said Philip. “If you take that away you are destroying our business model and taking the last advantage we have left.”
Instead, the CSNA is proposing that a single example pack of each product is displayed behind the counter. They say the single example pack is not advertising but consumer information required by EU Law. They believe it would achieve the same result in restricting advertising but would hurt small businesses less.
“I don’t have any problem with the restrictions on advertising, but I live in the real world and there has to be a sample product behind the counter so customers immediately know what they can buy,” added Mr Keegan.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Children said: “The legislation does not require customers to ask for a special menu to buy tobacco products. The provision of a “menu board” is permitted if required by the customer. The menu board need therefore only be shown to those whose first brand is not stocked by the retailer and they enquire as to what products are available or where there may be language barriers.”
The Department has signalled that provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 are to commence this month.

THE next episode of ITV1 talent show, The X Factor, will feature the stunning Castle Leslie Estate in Glaslough.

The magnificent estate recently played host to the show’s pop mogul Louis Walsh and his lucky remaining contestants, providing peaceful surroundings for the chosen few to practice before the battle for places on the live show begins. During filming, the crew at the tranquil Castle Estate were also joined by X factor hosts Dermot O’Leary and Holly Willoughby.

Sammy Leslie of the Estate said she was looking forward to seeing the X Factor on TV this weekend. “It’s a real honour to be chosen for the show; the show is such a run-away success and has given amazing opportunities to some very talented people. We are all looking forward to seeing the show on air,” said Sammy.

The X Factor, featuring Castle Leslie Estate, is set to air this Saturday night, October 4 at 7.45pm on ITV1.

LEEDS United Midfielder and Clones native, Jonathan Douglas, has praised the efforts of all those involved in the ambitious Clones Sports Complex plans this week.
In an exclusive interview with the Post, Jonathan said this development is the boost his hometown needs.
“I am happy to see the Town getting the funds for the new Sports Complex. It’s been a long time coming. A lot of work has gone into getting the funds so they [the committee driving the project] should be applauded.”
Resulting from a combined five year effort from the Clones Community Forum, St Tiernach’s GFC and Clones Athletics Club, the partnership plan to develop a multi-million state-of-the-art facility at Millbrook, Clones. The 14 acre site will include an all weather pitch surrounded by a 400m running track, a new GAA pitch with provision for a future covered stand, a changing pavilion and parking facilities. The main building will contain 8 changing rooms, a gymnasium, large function room, kitchen, conference room, reception area and offices.
“I think when the sports complex and the new Clones Town pitches are up and running it will give the Town the boost it’s needed for years. Hopefully more and more kids will make it big in football as well as other sports with the provision of the new facility,” Jonathan added.
Jonathan started out playing football at the Clones Town Juvenile Club in the late 1980s and has paid tribute to the local coaches who encouraged him as a young footballer.
“They were very important, without them giving there time there would be no under age football in the town. I was lucky to have the late Paul Johnson around when I was growing up who would bring me and the lads to all our matches. I think when he passed on the town and football in the town itself suffered.”

THE habit in which areas in certain housing estates around Monaghan Town are being used by learner drivers to practice particular driving skills is proving to be an aggravation for residents, it was claimed at the September monthly meeting of Monaghan Town Council.

Speaking at the meeting Sinn Fèin councillor Pádraigín Uí Mhurachada said that residents in Drumbear Wood are being “persecuted” by drivers coming into their area. Cllr Donal Sherry said that the issue was becoming a problem in every estate. He referred to the Glenview Heights area of Killygoan and said that Glenview Drive was being used as a “rat run” for traffic going to Ballybay. Town Manager Declan Nelson said that while he understood the concerns of the members, the learner drivers were not doing anything illegal. Driving instructors had to choose some road in order to teach a three-point turn and other skills.

Cllr Robbie Gallagher suggested writing to the driving instructors highlighting areas that the council felt were particularly hazardous and asking them not to use them. Agreeing with the issue being a problem Fine Gael councillor Mary Carroll proposed that a letter be written to the Department of the Environment to acquire a site in each urban area that could become a designated spot for learner drivers to practice. Sinn Fèin’s Malachy Toal said that lessons were ongoing from “daylight to dark” adding that it was “unfair” on residents. He asked if time limits could be implemented.

Cllr Uí Mhurachadha suggested that a letter be written to all the instructors in the town asking them not to focus on one particular area. Cllr Sean Conlon said that the council should write to the Department of the Environment in a bid to find out the legal status of learner drivers going into housing estates before suggesting that the members “park the issue.” Cllr Donal Sherry said that there may be a “serious backlog” of people waiting on driving tests at the moment.

MONAGHAN County Council officials and Director of Services for Roads, Transportation and Environment, Mr. Michael Fitzpatrick came under fire at a recent meeting of Castleblayney Town Council over failure to meet and discuss a demand by the council for more funding to restore the town’s streets which members believe have fallen into a state of disrepair since the provision of the Castleblayney bypass.

The councillors had asked Mr. Fitzpatrick to attend a meeting with them to discuss the restoration of the streets that they claim have been “neglected” by the National Roads Authority. Members also wanted to meet to discuss issues relating to the safety and completion of the Castleblayney bypass, funding for the new McGrath Road and funding of future road maintenance and improvement works projects for the town that will prove to be expensive for the Town Council.

However, a letter was received from the Director of Services stating that while he appreciated the seriousness of the issues to the members of the Town Council they should be brought before members of Monaghan County Council for discussion. Mr. Fitzpatrick added that he intended to hold a Roads Area Committee meeting, which would allow members of Castleblayney Town Council who are also on Monaghan County Council to raise the issues of concern. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Gary Carville said that he was disappointed that the Director of Services had not attended the meeting and proposed that a letter be re-issued inviting him to attend and address the members’ issues. Seconding Cllr Carville, Town Mayor Mariea said it was an “insult to the council” while Cllr Jackie Crowe described the non-attendance as “outrageous.”

A further snub in the form of a letter was also received from the NRA in response to an invitation to a meeting with the Town Council stating that NRA representatives felt it was more appropriate to meet with Monaghan County Council to discuss issues relating to their roads programme. A letter regarding the same issue from the Minister for Transport Mr. Noel Dempsey to Senator Francis O’Brien was received with the Minister indicating that he had passed the letter to the NRA. Cllr Crowe described this as “passing the buck” before adding that he thought it was time that the council members “stood up” for themselves.

Cllr Brendan Hughes said that local public representatives seemed to be losing more and more of their power to the officials and added that members were also seeing less of their own Town Manager at the Town Council meetings. He described the situation in which Blayney roads were left in by the NRA as disgraceful and also said that the town’s Main Street had “a hollow” in it at present. He thought that the attitude of the Director of Services was unacceptable and felt that he “wouldn’t be beyond” proposing that Council members stage a protest march or a demonstration to block the N2 Dublin/Derry route in a bid to get national attention to focus on the way that the Town Council were being treated by the NRA.

By Alan Gunn
alan@monaghanpost.com

MONAGHAN Ladies manager John McAleer described some of the decisions the referee made during Monaghan’s defeat to Cork in the TG4 Ladies All Ireland Senior Championship Final on Sunday as “Harsh”.
The Rebels reclaimed the title to make it four in a row on a final score of 4-13 to 0-11. However the final score does not give a true reflection of what happened in Croker as the game progressed. A number of big calls from referee Keith Tighe went against Monaghan at vital moments in the game.
The first call came after just three minutes when he awarded Cork the first of their two dubious penalties.
“The first penalty was very harsh.” said McAleer
Worse was to follow as the game progressed with the turning point coming either side of half time.
“The tackle on Ciara McAnespie before half time warranted more then a free kick, the goal just after half time was very dodgy.”
At half time Monaghan had trailed 1-8 to 0-8 and that ‘dodgy goal’ a square ball ended Monaghan’s hopes six minutes after the resumption. Despite all those set backs Monaghan kept battling away but in the end those decisions played a vital part. Cork were the better team over the hour but a 14 point victory flattered the Rebels.

By Post Reporters
info@monaghanpost.com

THE Monaghan Ladies GAA team are hoping to take home their third All Ireland title this weekend despite facing heavy odds against bookies favourite Cork.
According to Boylesports.com, Monaghan are the clear underdogs going into this Sunday’s game in Croke Park, with odds of 10/3. Cork, meanwhile, are currently tipped to take the title with odds of 2/7.
Monaghan captain Niamh Kindlon from Magheracloone is quietly confident that the ‘Oriel Girls’ can overcome the Rebels in their seventh All Ireland appearance.
“We’re taking a leaf out of Tyrone’s book from last week and hope to take inspiration from their performance,” she told the Monaghan Post yesterday.
Mayor of County Monaghan Matt Carthy is calling on locals to fly the Monaghan colours outside their homes and businesses in advance of the final and to travel to Croke Park on Sunday.
“The Ladies Senior Football Team has done us all proud by reaching the All-Ireland Final often against the odds and, in some instances, in the wake of tragedy. They deserve our full support as they head into their greatest challenge yet,” said Mayor Carthy. “We should aim to ensure that Monaghan have the greatest support ever seen in Croke Park for a Ladies All-Ireland final.”
If ticket sales are anything to go by, the girls will have plenty of support from their home county as a spokeswoman from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association said tickets were “going very well”. She added that there had been “an awful lot of interest” this week and said organisers were expecting a good attendance.
Meanwhile, controversial claims emerged this week suggesting a player was unfairly dropped from the panel six days before the ladies blue ribbon event. Clones mother Yvonne Newell told the Monaghan Post yesterday that her 17-year-old daughter, Michaela, was let go from the panel last Monday (Sept 22).
“The reason given was that she had not attended training sufficiently and was ‘lacking in commitment’. Michaela’s commitment should never have been questioned as against my advice and wishes she also refused to go to weddings, our family holidays had to be cut short and Michaela also abstained from many social nights of celebrations, so that her GAA would not suffer and her commitment would never be questioned,” said Mrs Newell.
She believes Michaela may have been dropped due to her soccer commitments. Michaela is on the Monaghan United Ladies Soccer Team, which won the National Intermediate Cup Final on Sunday last (Sept 21).
“We feel this is not the way to treat a young team player who has worked so hard and given up so much. I fail to understand why she was ‘dropped’ from the team so far into the season and only six days from such an event. If soccer was an issue, why at this point and not before?” said Yvonne.
Mrs Newell said her daughter’s dedication to sport was an inspiration to others. In addition to the county panel, Michaela plays for Clones Ladies GFC at minor and senior level and represents Largy College in basketball and Gaelic football.
“If the GAA wants to encourage young people to be involved in its traditions, this is not the way to treat them. Those given management positions over such young members of our sporting community should be able to demonstrate tact and empathy when dealing with this vulnerable age group,” Mrs Newell concluded.
Mrs Newell has penned a letter to the ladies management team outlining her concerns however, she is wishing the team well for Sunday’s game. Ladies Manager John McAleer was unavailable for comment when the Monaghan Post tried to contact him yesterday.
Croke Park will also play host this Sunday to Derry and London in the Junior Ladies Final at 12pm and Clare and Tipperary in the Intermediate Ladies Final at 2pm. Throw-in for the Senior match between Monaghan and Cork is at 4pm.

A CLONES man was before the courts last week on a charge of permitting animal carcase to remain unburied.
At a sitting of Clones District Court last Wednesday, September 17, Patrick Brogan of Clonboy, Clones pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on March 31 past at Killycoonagh, Newbliss.
The court heard from Inspector Pat McMorrow who said that gardai were called to a farmyard for the purposes of a search of animals decomposed on lands. On discovery of carcasses of sheep in various states of decomposition and sheep carcasses covered with wood chippings, a Veterinary Surgeon from the Department of Agriculture was called to the scene.
The Inspector said 11 carcasses in total were found, two bovine and nine sheep, ranging from sheep recently dead to bare bones covered with poultry litter. He added that there was evidence of widespread scavenging and that all carcasses had been removed from the scene.
Solicitor for the defendant said his client was not actually living on the farm and was undergoing serious medical examination.
Judge Sean MacBride warned the defendant, telling his solicitor that he would take a “very serious view of it” if Mr Brogan ever committed this offence again. He fined the defendant €300 noting his plea of guilty and gave him one month to pay or seven days in prison in default.

By Denise McMeel
denise@monaghanpost.com

A MONAGHAN man is part of a group of climate activists who disrupted an airline Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dublin last week.
Last Thursday (Sept 18), members of ‘Plane Mad’, an action group campaigning for the responsible use of aviation regarding climate change, interrupted Ryanair’s AGM at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport. Members erected a banner on the hotel whilst one topless male protestor approached Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael O’Leary.
‘Plane Mad’ member, twenty-year-old Michael Tomany from Annyalla, Co Monaghan, said he felt the disruption was justified.
“I was involved with displaying the banner on the day. I think it went down well. In truth, it needed to be done. We’re not just picking on Michael O’Leary, it’s aviation in general,” Michael told the Monaghan Post.
The third year Electrical Engineering student became part of ‘Plane Mad’ as he believes the Irish aviation industry is fuelling climate change and that government subsidising of the industry is “irresponsible”.
“I think in a time of economic downturn and definite climate uncertainty, it’s wholly irresponsible for the government to be funding or subsidising climate change,” said Michael. “This is an issue that’s not going to go away and we really need to be standing on the brakes in terms of expanding airports and the subsidisation of internal flights.”
When he finishes his degree course at Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), Michael hopes to go into environment related employment.
“I feel I’m ready now to devote myself to this environmental cause or situation. I’m looking for something in the environmental area, maybe working with renewable energy,” Michael added.
Commenting on the AGM disruption, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said an “eco-loony” protestor made false claims about climate change and asked the group to send a semi-naked lady to the AGM in future.
“I hope next year instead of a semi-naked bloke, they’ll send a semi-naked girl to the AGM. She would probably make as little sense as this guy this morning, but at least she’d be more attractive,” said Mr O’Leary.