A NEW tourist trail focusing on Monaghan Town was officially launched at The Market House on Monday last, May 19.

The trail comprises of ten points of heritage interest, which are the Rossmore Monument in the Diamond, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland in Church Square, Monaghan Courthouse, Aviemore House on Hill St, Monaghan Co. Museum, the Market House, the Canal Walk, Old Cross Square, Peter’s Lake and the Old Railway Station on the North Road.

An informative brochure detailing the trail was distributed at the launch and will be widely available in the area. County Manager Declan Nelson described the trail as a “very important contribution” that Monaghan Town Council in collaboration with Monaghan Co. Council had made to local tourism and heritage. He added that the trail outlined took 40 minutes to complete but people following it could extend it if they wished. Mr. Nelson thanked everybody involved in the Town Trail, expressing particular appreciation to Town Clerk, Marie Deighan, Town Engineer, Gareth McMahon and said that the exercise was already being repeated in Clones and was effectively in place in Carrickmacross. Ballybay and Castleblayney are next on the list.

Co. Mayor Gary Carville also commended everybody involved and said, “It will enable everybody to share and experience the heritage that is Monaghan.” Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, Padraigín Uí Mhurachadha also spoke at the launch and said that she hoped that from an educational aspect that the trail would be beneficial.

THIS Sunday June 1 will see a Corpus Christi Procession at St Macartan’s Cathedral in Monaghan Town.

The celebration will commence at 5pm with a talk on the Eucharist followed by a Eucharistic Procession and Rosary in the grounds of the Cathedral, (outdoors -weather permitting) and conclude with Benediction at 6:00 p.m.

Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast day of Corpus Christi on Thursday 22 May or Sunday 25 May and outdoor processions or other celebrations will be taking place in many local parishes over the coming days. This Feast Day is the solemn celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist. The celebration in Monaghan gives people from all parts of the Diocese the opportunity to come together to celebrate this Special Feast Day.

One of the themes of this year’s celebration will be ‘The Year of the Vocation’ when we are asked to contemplate our own vocation in life and to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In any Eucharistic Celebration, Holy Mass or Holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament we can fulfill Jesus’ request to his apostles to “ask the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into the Harvest.” This will be one of the special intentions this year.

This celebration is being organised by the Clogher Diocesan Committee of the ‘Lay Apostolate of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration’ an International Lay Association of the Catholic Church founded by a lay man Owen Treanor in Los Angelus in 1985. The Apostolate was formally established in the Clogher Diocese in 2005 - The Year of the Eucharist. Since then the lay members of the Diocesan Committee have been visiting parishes promoting Eucharistic Adoration.

The members cordially welcome all people from throughout the Diocese to the Corpus Christi Procession, particularly all young people who have received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in 2008.

For further information on the Apostolate or on the Corpus Christi Celebration contact Francis on (047) 85394 or Rosaleen on 048 67723302.

LAUNCHING its 2008 Anti Litter League, Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) has urged Monaghan Town Council not to let up in its good work in ridding Monaghan of litter. IBAL commended the excellent state of approach roads to the town, which is the responsibility of Monaghan County Council.

The town, which finished in sixth place in last year’s league, was deemed ‘clean to European norms’. Commenting on Monaghan’s achievement last year, Dr Tom Cavanagh, Chairman of IBAL said that the county

“stands as a model for many other towns to follow.”

Only the storage facility on Glaslough Street was deemed a ‘serious litter problem’.

“As in any town, there are specific areas which warrant special attention from cleaners and wardens,”

claimed Dr Cavanagh.

“These are clearly starting points in tackling a litter problem.”

Dr Cavanagh also commented on the approach roads into Monaghan calling them “excellent” and “a tribute to the work of Monaghan County Council.” Nationwide, litter levels have improved by over 30% in the past 5 years. Last year, Dundalk in Co. Louth was declared Ireland’s cleanest town.

The first results of the 2008 IBAL Anti-litter League, comprising 55 towns and cities, will be made public next month.

Pictured presenting Maeve Hackett, from Monaghan Hospice with a cheque for €4,200 are Paul McGeown, and Sean McEntee, Pheonix Athletics. The money was raised as a result of the recent Blackwater 10k Walk and Run which was held in Rossmore Park on May 18. Maeve commented that she was “gobsmacked at the level of funding received.” She also added that the event has helped “raise significant awareness of the Hospice” and that it totally depends on people to get its message across. €8,400 was the total amount raised from the charity event and the other €4,200 was donated to the Monaghan branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care. © Darren McCarra.

A TYRONE woman who appeared before Monaghn District Court due to a case of mistaken identitiy was told by Judge Sean McBride “you are showing your typical thickness from Tyrone” after she became expaspirated at having to pay a bail fee.

22-year-old Sarah McGrath of Donaghmore, County Tyrone was summonsed to Court when a Shelia McGrath from Monaghan, who shared the same date of birth as the Tyrone woman, was due to face a public order offence.

Judge McBride explained to Sarah McGrath that he could not process her application to have the case dismissed because it could only be done in the Circuit Court. He said that all he could do was bail her for a nominal fee and have the Circuit Court throw it out.

WHILE Judge McBride explained the situation to McGrath she continued to shake her head.

“You have to show respect for the law,”

Judge McBride said in a loud voice.

“My client beleves she should not have to be in front of court,”

replied the womans solicitor.

“I can’t help that – I can’t spoon feed people,”

said the Judge;

“€50 and get to the Circuit Court and it will be set aside,”

he added.

Again Sarah McGrath shook her head.

“Don’t shake your head, have respect for this court,”

the judge responded. It was then, when she intimated she did not have Euro to pay for the bail, that Judge McBride made the comment about

“showing your typical thickness from Tyrone.”

Later, when the bond had been paid he said he sympathised with her situation but because it was in the court he could not do anything other than refer the application to the Circuit Court.

“I sympathise, but the state will not offer any evidence against you. You are fully innocent,”

he concluded.

By Cliona Connolly
cliona@monaghanpost.com

HOLLYWOOD could be coming to the Flat Lake Literary & Arts Festival at Hilton Park this August, festival sources have revealed.

With the visit of the Neath Welsh Male Voice Choir singing at this unique arts festival this year, Catherine Zeta-Jones is said to be keen to catch up with two of her cousins from back home, who are members of the sixty strong choir. Combined with her husband, Michael Douglas’s love of Pike fishing, their trip to County Monaghan will be just the ticket before jetting over to South Wales for their annual family holiday.

Although festival organisers, Kevin Allen and Pat McCabe, are thrilled at the prospect of the A-lister’s visit, they are also concerned that the Hollywood star’s security entourage doesn’t affect the convivial atmosphere of the festival.

“The absence of VIP enclosures last year really contributed to the relaxed atmosphere and we don’t want to spoil that, so their bodyguards will have to wear casual gear”

remarked Butcher Boy writer, Mr McCabe.

“Catherine is a real trooper when it comes to mucking in”

Mr Allen said with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.

“I’m sure she’ll do her best to keep a low profile and Mike is welcome to borrow my rod if he fancies his chances against the big boys lurking in the Hilton Lake. I know how much Welsh Choir music means to them both and we’ll do our best to make them feel at home.”

However, landing access at the beautiful Hilton woodland estate in Clones could prove a problem again this year and the showbiz couple may have to land as far away as the Monaghan Army Barracks. “I don’t have a problem with a helicopter landing in the grounds” said Hilton Park owner Johnny Madden, “but the well being of our sheep herd has to be taken into account, it’s really in the hands of the aviation authorities!”

The visit of the Neath Male Voice Choir is one of many jewels in the Flat Lake crown this year. Along with Poet-Laureate, Seamus Heaney, and a host of amazing festival surprises, the massed voices from the Swansea Valley will surely make many a festival hair stand on end when they perform on the Hilton lawn.

“Having a choir of this caliber coming from the area in which I was brought up means so much to me” said Allen “ it’s a dream come true”. Festival organisers are also negotiating the possibility of the choir singing at Mass in the Scotshouse church, adjacent to Hilton Park during the festival weekend.

The Flat Lake Festival will be held at Hilton Park on 23-24 August. For further information visit www.theflatlakefstival.com.

Pictured are Paul Conlon and Raymond Aughey from Monaghan Tidy Towns, Moira Kelly, Environmental Awareness Officer, and Geraldine Garvey, Transition Year Co-ordinater of Saint Macartan’s College with Transition Year students Aodhagan McGoohan, Kurgan Steele, Robert Caldwell, Paul Kavanagh, Jason McElvaney, Ciaran McKenna, Daren Meahon, and Jack Finan helping to lift rubbish on the grounds of Saint Davnet’s, Monaghan on Friday 09 May. © Darren McCarra.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

MONAGHAN Immigrant Support Group is set to celebrate Africa Day this Saturday, May 24 in Teach na Daoine Family Resource Centre in Mullaghamatt in Monaghan Town.

Africa Day falls on May 25 each year and its aim is to celebrate African diversity and success. It also aims to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent of Africa. Since the publication of the White Paper on Irish Aid in 2006, the Irish Government through Irish Aid has made a commitment to support Africa Day events on an annual basis thereby providing world leadership in this regard.

Monaghan Immigrant Support Group is among 51 organisations, which have been funded around the country this year to celebrate Africa Day. The programme for the event planned by Monaghan Immigrant Support Group will comprise of a display of African costumes, dancing, singing, food tasting and refreshments, and is an opportunity for the Monaghan People to experience the warm friendly nature and vibrant customs of the African people. The event will be open to all members of the public and is free of charge.

Commenting on this planned Africa Day Event the Minister for Irish Aid, Michael Kitt TD, said,

“Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas development programme, is delighted to support the celebration of African Day in Ireland. We invite you to join us on an exploration and celebration of African customs, dancing, singing, food tasting, refreshment and much more on Africa Day.”

If you require any further information, please contact Very Rev. Gerard McGreevy, Smithboro, Co. Monaghan, Monaghan Immigrant Support Group. Tel 047 57011.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

OVER the past number of years, the children of St. Louis Infant School in Monaghan Town have taken part in the Bóthar project.

Bóthar is an Irish charity organisation that enables people to donate animals to developing countries. It establishes families in micro-farming units by giving them a gift of a farm animal. The animals are given to those most in need in the community. Bóthar ensures that all families are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage the animal. The beauty in Bóthar is its simplicity. As the old adage goes,

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day but teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for the rest of his days.”

Each family that takes part in Bóthar must formally pass on the first female offspring born to their animal to another family. In this way, the gift is multiplied and over time, many families and even whole communities benefit. Families then get a chance to lift themselves up to a position of relative comfort with pride and dignity.

This year, the children of St. Louis Infant School donated €900. This was enough money to purchase three in-kid Irish dairy goats. There was then a raffle held in the school to see which lucky children would get to name these goats. The winners of the raffle were Daniel McElwaine, Guste Plytnikaite and Chloe Scott. The children named the goats Vicky, Rosella and Emily. Well done to all concerned.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

THE only skate park in the county, which was officially opened in Monaghan Town this week, has been described as “top class” by Bill Goggins, Centre Manager of nearby Family Resource Centre, Teach na nDaoine.

Páirc Airghialla at Oriel Way was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, Pádraigín Uí Mhurachadha on Monday afternoon. Speaking at the event, Councillor Uí Mhurachadha said she felt honoured to be asked to officially open the park and added, “When we invest in our children we invest in our future.”

Speaking to the Monaghan Post, Bill Goggins was loud in his praise of the park.

“We at Teach na nDaoine are delighted with the facility, it is second to none. People are coming from far and wide to avail of it.”

Mr. Goggins also said that he was “very impressed” with the Town Council on the provision of the facilities and with the members ongoing liaison with the local community.

Páirc Airghialla was funded by Monaghan Town Council and ratepayers in the town. Comprising an all-weather playing pitch, a skate park and a picnic area it has been in use since early this year. Staff and management at Teach na nDaoine look after Páirc Airghialla and access is granted through an automatic gate which opens and locks at certain times every day. CCTV cameras are in use and Mr. Goggins was pleased to mention that so far no incidents of vandalism or damage have occurred.

A NON-national appeared in Carrickmacross District Court on charges relating to taking a vehicle without permission and using a false cheque.

Simeliunas Mangirdas (19) who has an address at 14 Foxfield, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan was accused of taking a vehicle from his employer without permission. The vehicle was later found crashed on 10 february 2008.

Solicitor for the defence Gerry Jones said that his client “admits that he didn’t have the consent of the owner.”

Garda Inspector Fintan McTiernan told the court how on 4 September 2007 Mangirdas paid for goods in O’Neill’s Off Licence totalling €553.32. The cheque that was used had been stolen from Mangirdas’ employer, Carton Bros Ltd. He was seen on CCTV footage to be using it to pay for the goods.

Mangirdas later returned the money to his employer.

Judge Sean McBride sentenced Mangirdas to three months imprisonment for car theft and disqualified him from holding a driving licence for three years.

Judge McBride also imposed a concurrent 3 month sentence for the theft of the cheque.

By Evan Short
info@monaghanpost.com

CONTROVERSIAL Judge Sean McBride has apologised for comments he made about Tyrone people following a storm of protest over his remarks.

Last week in Monaghan District Court Judge McBride referred to the “thickness” of Tyrone people after a woman wrongly accused of a public order offense expressed her exasperation at having to attend court.

Delaying the start of Clones District Court yesterday (Wednesday) Judge McBride read a pre prepared statement in which he explained that the comments made to Sarah McGrath were said at the end of a “long day’s work” and that he has “nothing but regard for the people of Tyrone.”

He went on to apologise for the fact that the comments were interpreted as a slight on the county.

Welcoming the apology, Sinn Féin Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff said despite the apology he was still pursuing the case with the Irish government because of the outstanding issue of Sarah McGrath’s legal case.

“I welcome the apology to the people of Tyrone. It’s good that Judge Seán Martin McBride has got his head around the fact that the makeup and constitution of the Tyrone people is such that we do not receive slights or insults too easily.”

“Judge McBride may have bowed to public pressure but I don’t want to detract from his apology because apologies do not come easy to people.”

The MLA said he would now seek to have the Irish government apologise for the fact Sarah McGrath appeared in court at all.

“I am speaking now from Dáil Éireann and I am currently pursuing an apology from the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern because I want him to intervene. She shouldn’t have been in court in the first place,”

he said.

Judge Sean McBride’s Statement at Clones District Court on Wednesday, May 21

AN interaction occurred last week in Monaghan District Court, which was widely published and which I wish to address.

During a long day’s work, whilst I was trying to assist a lady who was wrongly prosecuted due to mistaken identity, I regret that I passed a comment that was totally inappropriate about Tyrone People. This comment was never meant to be offensive as I have nothing but regard for the people of Tyrone, but clearly to those reading the article it came across otherwise. For this I apologise.

By Evan Short
info@monaghanpost.com

A WOMAN who lost a loved one in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings has praised the operation that arrested a man in connection with the murder of Captain Robert Niarac – despite her holding the dead solder partly responsible for the horrific explosions.

On Tuesday the PSNI have arrested a South Armagh man in connection with one of the most infamous killings of the conflict.

In 1977 the undercover british army officer was abducted from a bar in Jonesborough by the IRA and taken over the border to an unknown location where he was murdered and had his body buried.

The case has always been in the public eye because the the mysterious nature of Robert Niarac and what he was doing in the area.

Justice campaigners have always alleged Niarac was involved with the loyalist ‘Glenanne Gang’ who have been implicated in the Monaghan bombing of 1974.

And Margaret Urwin says information their group has recived confirms that Niarac was involved with those who bombed the town, but despite his culapbility, she is happy to see the operatiion to find his killers continue.

“We believe that Robert Niarac, while we cannot say he was involved in the planning, was involved with the people who carried out the Monaghan bombing like Robin Jackson and Harris Boyle who was killed in the Miami Showband massacre. It has been said Harris Boyle (a serving british army solider) couldn’t turn round without Niarac’s permission, and he had been seen with him a number of times.”

However much Justice for the Forgotton blame Niariac for being involved in the wider collusion consiparacy that allowed the bombings to go ahead, she says that the very fact the case is still being pursued gives her and her collegues hope.

“The point that we are making today is that we welcome the fact that someone has been arrested. Our members had given up hope of anyone being arrested for the Dublin and Monaghan bombings but it is encouaging to see the PSNI arresting someone after 31 years.”

“We are hoping they put the same effort into arresting people who were involved in the murder of 34 people in the Dublin Monaghan bombings which happened three years before.”

By Gillian McVeigh
gillian@monaghanpost.com

THE announcement of the trebling of funds under the Rural Development Programme will have very significant impact on rural communities in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, according to Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

Funding of over €425.2 million has been announced by Minister Smith’s colleague, Eamon O’Cuiv, TD Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The funds will be channeled through Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities throughout the country. This accounts for a trebling of what was available under the last Programme from 2000 to 2006.

Advertisements will appear in all the national newspapers as well as the Irish Farmers’ Journal and Foinse over the coming days calling for proposals from local Action Groups to administer this funding. They will be asked to submit business plans for their local areas that will be evaluated by independent evaluators.

“The Rural Development Programmes have had an enormously positive impact in rural Ireland,”

Minister Smith said.

“The very significant increase in funding under this latest programme will allow individuals and community groups access to even greater amounts of grant aid for capital projects,”

Minister Smith also stated.

“As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food I recognise the particular significance of this funding for constituencies such as Cavan and Monaghan. This funding which has a potential investment of €1.7 billion in rural Ireland over the next 5 years,”

Minister Smith concluded.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

The first annual Blackwater 10k Walk/Run in what organisers described as “an overwhelming turnout” at the event was held in Rossmore Park last Sunday, May 18.

An astounding 1200 people turned out to support this large-scale community event organised by local runners from Phoenix Athletic and Glaslough Harriers under the auspices of Blackwater Regional Partnership. Starting from the sprawling campus of Monaghan United F.C. after words of welcome from Monaghan Town Mayor Cllr. Padraigin UiMhurchadha, competing athletes of all ages led the pack towards the site of the castle grounds. Walkers followed and excited chatter filled the air as they engaged in a more relaxed pace and enjoyed the wonderful scenery of Rossmore.

First to pass the finish line were boys and girls who entered the 4k Fun Run, and as with the more senior athletes on the 10k, they also put in a determined effort before returning to pass through the gantry accompanied by cheers from parents and friends applauding their efforts. Considering the winding forest trails and narrow paths the top senior male finisher Delfim Dimentel came through at a remarkable 34mins 32 secs and top female finisher Eimer O’Brien soon after at an impressive 39 mins 35 secs.

Each participant received a t-shirt, medal and refreshment pack on completing the course. Throughout the afternoon, a true family atmosphere prevailed with the help of bouncy castles, face painting and penalty kicks. 60 people signed up to assist with the wide variety of marshalling and catering duties that were necessary to ensure a memorable day was had by all. Mayor of Monaghan County Council Gary Carville and Chairman of the Blackwater Regional Partnership Cllr. Sean Conlon held prize-giving ceremonies and expressed words of thanks and congratulations.

Speaking about the event, Julie Ann Spence, Projects Officer for the Blackwater Regional Partnership said,

“The success of this event came down to a team of volunteers who where dedicated to ensuring everyone had a good time, the kind sponsorship of local businesses, and everyone who came along to support two very worthwhile charities, Monaghan Hospice and Marie Curie Cancer Care. A big thank you to all involved.”

The BRP would like to thank the following organisations for their sponsorship and support - Co-op, Coolshannagh, Flemings Bakery, Bragan Water, Jim Flemmings, Irwins Bakery, Malachy McMenamin, Monaghan United, Coillte, Gardai, Civil Defence, Monaghan Harps, Back in Action, Neville Wilson, Desmond Murray, McQuaid’s, Century Homes/Kingspan, Graham Furniture. Squealing Pig, HSE, Asics, Devlish DJs, Terry McElvaney, Shabra Plastics, Roisin O’Rourke (IT – Monaghan County Council) and Tumble ‘n’ Fun.

LOCAL Fianna Fail TDs Dr Rory O Hanlon and Margaret Conlon advocated a yes vote for the Lisbon Treaty in Monaghan this week.

Deputy O Hanlon explained that the Lisbon treaty’s main purpose is to make the European Union more manageable. Deputy O Hanlon also rebutted the No Campaign and assured the people of Monaghan that Ireland will retain its individuality.

“Our neutrality is completely protected in this treaty, as it has been in every other treaty since we joined the EEC in 1973. The same applies to socio-moral issues, such as abortion, in which regard we have total control of our own destiny. The treaty will give more power to our own parliament in terms of input into policy and preparation of legislation.”

Those present were also reminded of the economic benefits the EU has provided

“Ireland has benefited both economically and politically from the European Union. The greatest benefit economically is our membership of a market of 480 million people, which not only has been an advantage to farmers and the agricultural economy in general but has also made us attractive for foreign direct investment. The number of people working in Ireland has doubled since our accession to the European Union.”

“In the agricultural sector, as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has pointed out, €41 billion has been paid through the Common Agricultural Policy to date and a further €12 billion will be paid between now and 2013. Furthermore, Structural Funds and regional funds have totalled €17 billion. Therefore, we have greatly benefited as a nation,”

Deputy O Hanlon concluded.

Deputy Conlon believes the treaty will focus the EU and allow it to tackle the big issues all Europeans must now face, like climate change, cross-border crime and mass migration.

“Crucially, this treaty ensures that key national interests are protected for Irish jobs and for the Irish economy. Our ability to set our own tax policy is guaranteed. Voting No to the Lisbon Treaty will create an uncertainty for business. We cannot afford to have Ireland marginalised. Ireland is the economic success story of Europe and this Treaty will allow us to continue this,”

Deputy Conlon concluded.

By Gillian McVeigh
gillian@monaghanpost.com

THE Mayor of County Monaghan, Cllr Gary Carville, raised the issue of the proposed EirGrid Interconnector and pylons across the mid and south Monaghan areas, while on a visit to the EU Institutions with a delegation of members of Monaghan County Council last week.

Mayor Carville highlighted the issue in a meeting with Una Dixon, Energy Attaché at the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU. Mayor Carville stated that there was much unease in County Monaghan at the proposal to place the network cables of 400 KV lines over ground.

Mayor Carville stated that the level of consultation entered into by EirGrid had been nothing short of a farce and he doubted the true independence of the Study being commissioned by Minister of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan TD. Mayor Carville wanted to know what level of comfort, if any, the people of County Monaghan could take from any EU legislation on the matter.

In reply, Ms Dixon said that she was aware of Eirgrid’s proposals and of the Government study but she was not able to pinpoint any EU legislation or framework which would mandate the Irish Government and Eirgrid to place the lines underground. Mayor Carville replied by stating that the people of County Monaghan were fighting a major battle at a number of levels and this would inevitably include the EU, to ensure that the danger to the health of the people and the landscape of the area were averted.

Other contributors on the issue at the meeting included the Deputy County Mayor, Cllr Jackie Crowe and Cllr Seamus Coyle.

Speaking this week, Mayor Carville said that he and the other members of the delegation highlighted to the Irish Government energy representative, the depth of feeling on the issue and called for the Irish Government to use whatever EU protocol or mechanism they could to save the people and the landscape of County Monaghan from the horrors of pylons and heavy lines.

“This issue is not going to go away”, he said. “The Government and its Statutory Agencies and quangos, including Eirgrid, will have to listen to the people whom we represent”.

By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

TENSION arose at a meeting of Monaghan Town Council on Monday evening when the issue of Monaghan Hospital was being discussed.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council Padraigín Uí Mhurachdha commended the large turnout of people at the protest march that was held on May 10 but said she still feels that Monaghan people are being “fobbed off and ignored” by the HSE. She also added that she feels that Navan, which is recommended as the location for the regional hospital is “well outside the Golden Hour.” Sinn Fèin Councillor Malachy Toal agreed with Cllr Uí Mhurachadha and said that it was a disgrace on behalf of the national media that that the hospital protest was not even mentioned on the airwaves or in the papers.

Sinn Fèin’s Sean Conlon said that Fianna Fáil members have a certain onus to redouble their efforts in relation to Monaghan Hospital. Fine Gael Councillor David Maxwell agreed with Cllr Conlon and stated that the hospital faces “closure through stealth.”

Speaking on behalf of the Fianna Fáil members on Monaghan Town Council, Robbie Gallagher said that while the party will do all they can, he felt that the hospital was not a political issue.

“It’s unfair that people are pointing fingers at Fianna Fáil town councillors and expecting them to wave a magic wand.”

He also added,

“It is disappointing that people are using the hospital as a political football. It’s about the health and welfare of people. I will do all I possibly can, not for Fianna Fáil but for the people of the county.”

Sinn Fèin Councillor Donal Sherry added fuel to the fire when he told Cllr Gallagher that he wouldn’t sit at the table with other town councillors if his party “treated the hospital like your party is.” David Maxwell claimed that he had never used the hospital as a political football but added,

“There are people in this county who can be influenced more than others.”