Author Archives

borderroamerhttps://fisherbelfast.wordpress.comThe Northern Standard, Monaghan. Reporter.

WALK IN CARRICKMACROSS (3)

24/06/2015 by borderroamer

Former Fever Hospital, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

WALK AROUND CARRICKMACROSS Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 18th June

3. FEVER HOSPITAL

Leaving the Toll House the guided walk proceeds through the mall of the new shopping centre and takes the road down the hill towards the Shercock Road roundabout.

Stone Plaque above front entrance at former Fever Hospital, Carrickmacross, showing construction date 1842 Photo: © Michael Fisher

The first building on the left hand side is the old fever hospital. It was designed by architect George Sudden and according to the stone plaque above the main entrance, it opened in 1842. Like many other buildings on the tour, it was constructed from local limestone. In those days medical staff had very little training and care was primitive. The nurses and doctors were called to deal with infections such as TB, pneumonia, typhoid, and smallpox.

A plaque recalls the occasion when the Inniskeen poet Patrick Kavanagh, then in his 20s, was treated there for typhoid fever and quotes from his prose work “The Green Fool”. One of the three great laughs he had in his life, he says, was caused by a joke told by the night nurse in the hospital. The hospital was in use until the 1950s. In 1962 the building was purchased by the Fane Valley Co-Operative and was used for a time as a jam factory.

Across the road from the hospital is the restored Workhouse building. Opened in 1843 it was one of 157 that were built in the era of the Great Famine. The Workhouse is not included on the walking tour but is open to visitors during the week.

BELFAST CELEBRATION FOR CANON MCCLUSKEY

23/06/2015 by borderroamer

Fr Eddie O’Donnell, Parish Priest, St Brigid’s Belfast and Canon Brian McCluskey (right) at the Mass marking his 55th anniversary as a priest. Photo: © Michael Fisher

CELEBRATION IN BELFAST FOR CANON BRIAN MCCLUSKEY

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 18th June p.43

Canon Brian McCluskey with parishioners Eamon Hanna and his wife Carmel, former MLA for South Belfast. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Since his early retirement from the diocese of Clogher on health grounds, Inniskeen native Canon Brian McCluskey has been living in Belfast with his sister Maire. Now in his 80th year, he has been an assistant priest in St Brigid’s parish in the Malone Road area of the city. He recently returned from a visit to Rome to celebrate the 55th anniversary of his ordination. The highlight of his return to Italy was to participate in a private Mass at the Vatican concelebrated by Pope Francis. They were joined by five other priests who were clerical students with Canon Brian at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome in 1960. The other members of the group included Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay from Cushendall, a former Parish Priest in St Brigid’s.

Blowing out the candles on the anniversary cake: Canon Brian McCluskey. Photo: © Michael Fisher

His successor Fr Eddie O’Donnell PP organised a celebration for Canon McCluskey. They concelebrated the normal Friday evening Mass and then went to the adjoining Parish Hall for a party that included an anniversary cake.

Canon Brian McCluskey at the celebration marking his 55th anniversary as a priest. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Fr O’Donnell said the Feast of the Sacred Heart was a beautiful day on which to mark Canon McCluskey’s 55 years as a priest. He said the Monaghan clergyman’s resignation from the post in Roslea had come at a difficult time in his life. But rather than being an end to his ministry, it was a new beginning when he came to Belfast. There was a lesson there for all of us: as one door closed, God opens another. He thanked Canon McCluskey for his friendship and for all he had done for the parish. He wished him well for many years to come or as the Latin phrase put it, ‘ad multos annos’.

Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor. Photo: © Michael Fisher

The Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor from Tyholland, added his warm congratulations to his fellow Monaghan native. He gave thanks for the inspiration Canon McCluskey had been to other priests in the diocese and before that in Clogher diocese. “May God bless you”, he said.

Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor with Canon Brian McCluskey, who was presented with an embroidered copy of a Patrick Kavanagh poem about Inniskeen. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Canon Brian said during his time in various parishes he had always enjoyed being part of the GAA family, especially in County Monaghan. He even wore a Monaghan GAA scarf as he blew out the candles on the cake!

Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor, with Canon Brian McCluskey (right). Photo: © Michael Fisher

Canon McCluskey comes from Blackstaff in Inniskeen. The poet Patrick Kavanagh was a near neighbour. It was therefore very appropriate that Fr O’Donnell presented him with an embroidered and framed copy of Kavanagh’s poem, ‘Inniskeen Road: July evening’. Canon McCluskey is a former pupil of St Macartan’s College in Monaghan. After his ordination, he served as a curate in his home parish of Inniskeen from 1977 to 1983. He was a parish priest in Threemilehouse and later Roslea, during the troubles in the North.

Scouts provided a guard of honour for Canon McCluskey following the concelebrated Mass at St Brigid’s Belfast. Photo: © Michael Fisher

He has met three canonised saints, including St Padre Pio and St John XXIII whom he visited while studying for the priesthood in Rome in the 1950s. He met another future saint, St John Paul II, on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee in 1985.

Monaghan group at the celebration: Bishop Noel Treanor, Tyholland; Canon Brian and his sister Maire McCluskey, Inniskeen; parishioners Evelyn Fisher (Tydavnet) and Marian McKay, whose mother was from Tydavnet. Photo: © Michael Fisher

BOSE SALE CARRICKMACROSS

22/06/2015 by borderroamer

Former Bose factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

SALE OF BOSE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 18th June p.43

There was a steady stream of visitors to the former Bose factory in Carrickmacross last Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June. Among them were a number of local business people, checking out the plant and machinery that had been put up for sale by the US-based company. 140 workers were made redundant at the start of June, following the sudden announcement in January that the factory would be closing. For a number of them, Bose had been their only employer and the company had always looked after them since it set up a European base in County Monaghan in 1978.

Former Bose factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

The company had been founded by a sound engineer and entrepreneur, Dr Amar Bose in 1964 in Natick, Massachusetts. It developed a revolutionary 901 speaker system. Its acoustic wave system was introduced in 1984. One of the reasons the company came to Carrickmacross was because of the local expertise in furniture making. There was a skilled workforce which made cabinets for the sound systems.

Former Bose Factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

Former Bose workers say the plant continued to be profitable and that staff had fulfilled their targets and had undertaken any necessary work practices to ensure that orders were met. There was never an industrial dispute at the factory. Now some are too old to find another job. But there could be some hope for others.

Padraig McEneaney, CEO Celtic Pure Ltd Photo: © Michael Fisher

According to Padraig McEneaney CEO of Celtic Pure Ltd in Corcreagh, near Carrickmacross, five former Bose workers have been taken on at their bottled water plant. After inspecting the inside of the Bose premises, Mr McEneaney said the plant had been very well maintained. He put bids on a number of items, which had to be in by midday on Friday. Then the tenders were opened on Tuesday, to see which was the highest bid.

Main entrance to former Bose Factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

Over 1000 lots were listed in the catalogue and the sale was conducted by McKay Auctioneers from Dublin. Mr McEneaney said this was a slightly unusual way of doing business and he would await the outcome of the tendering process. The businessman said he hoped a replacement business would be found over the next twelve months. Although Carrick was a thriving town, Bose would be sadly missed. There would be a knock-on effect for several contractors such as couriers and suppliers. He pointed out that there were some top quality and highly skilled staff from Bose and he hoped they would find new employment. Mr McEneaney also stressed the advantages Carrickmacross had as a place to locate a business. It was only one hour from Dublin and close to the motorway and the airport.

Paddy Gollogly, Carrickmacross Lions Club
Photo: © Michael Fisher

Paddy Gollogly, a founder member of Carrickmacross Lions Club, was another visitor to the Bose auction. He said the company had been good for Carrickmacross and had sponsored the Lions’ annual charity cycle run in the early years. Their withdrawal would leave a big loss for charities in the area. He recalled the major contribution the Bose social club had made to groups such as Carrick Cancer, and it was going to be hard to raise money without a similar large group of volunteers to help them. He thanked the workers for their fundraising efforts over the past 37 years.

Kevin Gartlan, Carrickmacross Workhouse. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Kevin Gartlan of Carrickmacross Workhouse wanted to find out if there were any heritage items that were worth preserving. He hoped that a few items of local interest would be preserved. He also hoped that local small businesses would be successful in their tenders for machinery and other items as it was necessary to keep as many jobs as possible locally.

Jim Hand, President, Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce Photo: © Michael Fisher

Jim Hand, President of Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce, said he hoped the IDA and Enterprise Ireland would be successful over the next year in attracting a new company to take over the lease on the factory. It was still a state of the art building. There was a broadband connection and a good infrastructure, with Carrick close enough to Dublin for any investor. He also thanked the loyal Bose workforce for their service and their commitment and the contribution they had made to Carrickmacross for nearly forty years. He hoped the staff would get fixed up elsewhere.

Former Bose Factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

ST KEVIN’S PARK DUBLIN

21/06/2015 by borderroamer

Saint Kevin’s Park, Dublin. Photo: © Michael Fisher

SAINT KEVIN’S PARK
The first reference in historical annals to Saint Kevin’s Church is in 1226. The Church was situated in the Irish section of the city and the parish extended from the mouth of the Dodder to Milltown. In 1584 Archbishop Dermot Hurley was laid to rest in a secret grave within the church, having been executed for alleged treason. Bishop Rothe wrote in ‘Analecta Hibernia’ in 1609 that in view of the throngs of pilgrims to the grave and the remarkable occurrences there that the church was rebuilt and a special entrance made. A memorial to the Archbishop is situated at the south-eastern corner of the church.

In 1698 the parish was offered to the French Huguenots as a place of worship and a burial ground. Although the use of the church as a Catholic place of worship ceased under the penal legislation of Elizabeth and James I, the graveyard continued to be used by Catholics until the end of the 19th century. Over the years various reconstructions and additions to the church took place and the vestry was floored, while burials continued in the remaining sections. An archaeological excavation in 1967 uncovered some medieval family graves, coins and tiles from that period.

The church was restored in 1872 and was used as a place of worship until 1912. The church bell was sold for scrap in 1919 and the 18th century font in which the Duke of Wellington had been baptised was given to Taney church in Dundrum. In 1962 after long negotiations, the ruins of the church and the graveyard were transferred to Dublin Corporation and were developed as a park. Some of the headstones remain undisturbed and all others have been placed along the outer walls of the church and perimeter walls of the park.

The Keogh Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

THE KEOGH GRAVE
John Keogh, Mount Jerome, one of the founders of the Catholic Convention of 1792, died Nov. 13th 1817, aged 77.
Also his wife Mary, died Dec. 1st 1823, aged 66.
Also his father Cornelius Keogh, died August 19th 1774, aged 66.
Also his mother Abigail Keogh, died Sept. 20th 1779, aged 66.
Also his daughter Mary Keogh, died April 20th 1804, aged 18.
John Keogh was a successful businessman, and became a member of the Catholic committee seeking alleviation of Penal Laws in 1790. He was a close friend of Theobald Wolfe Tone and following his imprisonment in 1798 the cause was taken up by Daniel O’Connell.

The Moore Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

THE MOORE GRAVE
John Moore Esq. Formerly Barrack Master at Islandbridge, (in the County of) Dublin, died Dec. 17th 1825, aged 84 (years).
Also Anastasia Moore, alias Coda, his wife, died May 8th 1832, aged 68.
Also six of their children who died young and their daughter Ellen, died Feb. 4th 1846.
Deeply mourned by her brother, Thomas Moore, the bard of his much beloved country, Ireland.
The Moores lived at 12 Aungier Street, where they ran a grocery business. Thomas, the eldest of the Moore children, attended Trinity College with Robert Emmett. He was renowned for his poetry and music and was lauded by Byron, Scott and Wordsworth. Thomas Moore had the headstone here erected for his parents and sisters.

The Darcy Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

THE DARCY GRAVE
Belongs to John Darcy, Brewer, Usher’s St.
His father, Mathew Darcy, died August 6th 1824.
Also his mother, Mrs Mary Darcy, died March 30th 1814.
Also his eldest brother, Arthur Darcy, died Sept. 7th 1823.
John Darcy was a popular Catholic businessman who died in 1825. Such was the scandal when the rector at St Kevin’s refused to allow Catholic prayers be said at the graveside that Daniel O’Connell used it to effect legislation establishing cemeteries at Goldenbridge and Glasnevin.

The Joly Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

THE JOLY GRAVE
Jasper Joly, died Nov. 9th 1823, aged 84.
Also his wife Mary, died Dec. 13th 1825, qged 84.
Also Catherine, wife of Charles Joly of Harcourt Tce. Died Feb. 27th 1858, aged 43. Also Charles Joly.
Jasper Joly was a Captain in the Irish Volunteers in 1779 and is said to have hidden Lord Edward Fitzgerald in a well in his garden while he was on the run from English forces.

Memorial to Archbishop of Cashel Dr Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

BLESSED DERMOT O’HURLEY ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL 1531-1584 (see article yesterday)

The Fr John Austin Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

FR JOHN AUSTIN SJ GRAVE (as transcribed by Bowden)
“To the memory of
Rev John Austin
Of the City of Dublin, a Priest,
And until the suppression of the Society of Jesus,
A professed Jesuit;
During six and thirty years
A pious learned and indefatigable labourer
In the vineyard (sic.) of the Lord.
Who after deserving well
Of the rich, whom he admonished,
Of the poor, whom he relieved,
Of youth, whom he instructed,
Of the orphan, to whom he was a father,
Of all ranks of men whom he,
By making himself all in all,
Was active in opening to Jesus Christ.
On the 29th September, 1784
Closed, in the 66 year of his age,
A life, worn out in the sight of the Lord.
Religion
Weeping for her faithful Minister,
On the 8th December 1786,
With grateful hand
Erected this monument”

The Fr John Austin Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

John Austin was born in New Street in 1717. He was professed (as a priest) in 1750 and went on to establish a seminary in Saul’s Court, off Fishamble Street. He continued his preaching throughout the city for over thirty-five years and died aged 66 in 1784.

The Fr John Austin SJ Grave, St Kevin’s Park Photo: © Michael Fisher

Perhaps the Parks Department along with the Jesuits might consider a tidy-up of the grave sign and surrounding this summer, in time for Fr Austin’s anniversary in September. It seems a while since any maintenance was undertaken.

Headstone with ‘IHS’ sign for grave of nJohn Feagan, Gentleman of Arron (Arran) Quay, Dublin, in St Kevin’s Park. Photo: © Michael Fisher

MARTYRDOM IN DUBLIN: 431 YEARS AGO

20/06/2015 by borderroamer

Entrance to St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

Visiting a hidden-away part of Dublin city centre earlier this month near Aungier Street, I came across a little-known story about a significant event in the history of the Irish Catholic church 431 years ago on this day. By coincidence, June 20th 1584 was also a Saturday. Walking along Camden Row off Wexford Street, I came across a small green area behind a wall, with an interesting arch and gate at the entrance: Saint Kevin’s Park. I decided to take a look. There is a very helpful information board at the entrance, provided by the Parks Division of Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council).

Entrance to St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

This is the story of one of the Irish Catholic Martyrs during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. On 27th September 1992, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II, alongside sixteen other Irish martyrs, who share this feastday. Another martyr, Saint Oliver Plunkett, was beatified in 1920 and canonised in 1975.

Ruins of St Kevin’s Church in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

Inside the park you can see the ruins of Saint Kevin’s church. Beside the wall at the south-eastern corner, there is a stone memorial resembling a pulpit, with the bishop’s coat of arms on the front and on top, a bronze plaque with a dedication to Archbishop O’Hurley.

Memorial to Archbishop of Cashel Dr Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

BLESSED DERMOT O’HURLEY ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL 1531-1584

Memorial plaque with story of Archbishop Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

Dr Dermot O’Hurley was born at, or near, Emly, Co. Tipperary, about 1530. His family were well off by the standards of the time and as a young man Dermot was sent abroad to study law at the University of Louvain, where he graduated with an M.A. in 1551. In 1581 Pope Gregory XIII asked Dermot O’Hurley, still a layman, to become the new Archbishop of Cashel and he accepted. He was ordained on 13^th August 1581 and on 11^th September that year was appointed Archbishop of Cashel. O’Hurley was aware that his appointment would mean life as a fugitive, ministering where possible, in dangerous conditions. In the summer of 1583 he arrived in Ireland. He never reached Cashel. While sheltering at Slane Castle he was recognised. By October he had been arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle. Believing that he was actively participating in a plot to overthrow the English rule in Ireland, Dermot O’Hurley was repeatedly interrogated and tortured. This included roasting the Archbishop’s legs in two boots filled with boiling pitch and oil. Throughout the torture he persistently

Memorial plaque with story of Archbishop Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

protested that his mission was one of peace and that he had no information to give to his captors. The authorities also resorted to bribery. This proved to be equally fruitless and an order for his execution was received from England on Saturday 20^th June, 1584. Dermot O’Hurley was taken, very early on a midsummer morning from his cell in Ship Street, to Hoggin Green, near St Stephen’s Green, (then a swampy area with wildfowl) to be hanged. He got an opportunity to speak a few words to people who were in the Green that morning.

‘I am a priest anointed and also a Bishop, although unworthy of so sacred dignities, and no cause could they find against me that might in the least degree deserve the pains of death, but merely my function of priesthood wherein they have proceeded against me in all points cruelly contrary to their own laws’.

The Very Rev. Dean (Thomas H.) Kinane P.P., V.G. in his book “The Life of Dr O’Hurley Archbishop of Cashel” published in 1893 states ‘Mr William Fitzsimmons a citizen of Dublin (let his name be emblazoned in gold and held up to

Memorial plaque with story of Archbishop Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

the admiration of posterity) got private possession of the holy relic of the body of the martyr, lovingly and reverentially encased in a wooden urn, the best that could be procured under the circumstances and consigned it to it’s (sic.) mother earth in the ruinous church of St Kevin’. The Catholic Bishop of Ossory, David Rothe, in ‘Analecta Hibernia’ written about 1609 and published in Cologne in 1717, relates that the church was rebuilt ‘in view of the throng of pilgrims to the grave “in vicino oratorio” (in the vicinity of the oratory) of Saint Kevin and the remarkable occurrances (sic.) there’. Rev. S. O Muirthuile S.J. in ‘A Martyred Archbishop of Cashel’ (1935) writes ‘we may be sure that this holy place played its part in strengthening the faith of the Catholic people of Anglo-Irish Dublin during the glorious history of persecution. It was a strange disposition of God’s providence that he who had been consecrated to spend his life in the apostolate of Cashel became in death a most eloquent apostle of Dublin’.

Memorial plaque with story of Archbishop Dermot O’Hurley in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

The above reference to Slane Castle caught my attention and I decided to investigate it further. The Castle referred to is not the present building, the home of the Conyngham family since 1703. The Castle was for many years the seat of the Flemings, an Anglo-Catholic family. The tenth Baron Slane Thomas Fleming (died 1601) was a member of the Parliament of Ireland of 1585. He was the son of James Fleming, a grandson of James Fleming, 7^th Baron Slane.

An entrance to the current Slane Castle, Co. Meath Photo: © Michael Fisher

His mother was Ismay Dillon, daughter of Sir Bartholomew Dillon, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. He succeeded to the barony after the death of his cousin James Fleming, 9^th Baron Slane. He was the only noble to serve with Walter Devereux, 1^st Earl of Essex against Turlough Luineach O’Neill, the ruler of Ulster, in March 1574. He was one of the leaders of the opposition to the policies of Sir John Perrot, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in the 1580s. His relative the thirteenth Baron Slane was (Catholic) Archbishop of Dublin, a Franciscan priest who, like O’Hurley, had studied at Louvain.

Coat of arms of Archbishop Dermot O’Hurley of Cashel on memorial in St Kevin’s Park, Dublin Photo: © Michael Fisher

The episcopal motto for Archbishop O’Hurley was “Ardente Fide” (burning, or ardent faith) and the coat of arms forms part of the memorial in the park. So on this anniversary let us remember him and the other Irish martyrs who died for their faith. Semper et ubique fidelis, in the words of our school motto in Dublin.

EIRGRID PLANS FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR

19/06/2015 by borderroamer

EIRGRID PLAN FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR WOULD AFFECT 42 TOWNLANDS IN COUNTY MONAGHAN

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 18th June p.10

(A copy of my article in this week’s newspaper. I expect that reaction will be published next week and in the coming months.)

EirGrid pylons in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

The electricity supplier EirGrid has published its controversial plan for a new North/South interconnector, submitted last week to An Bord Pleanála in Dublin. A sum of €100,000 was lodged by the company with the planning Board. EirGrid and its northern counterpart System Operator for Northern Ireland want to build 401 new pylons carrying an overhead 400kV supply line across five counties including Monaghan, Cavan and Meath. 109 of the towers would be erected in Monaghan. Part of the application refers to a plan to operate a temporary yeard for the storage of construction materials at Monaltyduff and Monaltybane outside Carrickmacross near the N2 by-pass.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

The power line from Woodland near Batterstown in County Meath to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone and passing across the border at Lemgare near Clontibret into County Armagh would be one of the biggest infrastructure developments on the island and so it was designated a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission. Such projects are deemed necessary for EU energy policy and are allocated the status of the highest national significance.

Public Consultation

There is now a ten weeks period of statutory public consultation, running until Monday August 24th. The full application documentation, including the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement is available online at http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie

Hard copies are also available at a number of venues, including the offices of Monaghan County Council and Eirgrid’s local Project Information Centre at the Workhouse, Shercock Road in Carrickmacross, which is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 6pm.

EirGrid pylon on farmland at Ballykelly in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

Submissions

Submissions and/or observations in relation to the EirGrid application can be made only to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, from Tuesday 16th June until Monday 24th August, accompanied by the statutory fee of €50.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

This is an edited version of the EirGrid application form to An Bord Pleanála.

Application Form for Permission/Approval in respect of a Strategic Infrastructure Development

Please specify the statutory provision under which your application is being made:

Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)

Applicant:

Name of Applicant: EirGrid plc, with the consent and approval of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) Address: EirGrid plc, The Oval, 160 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Telephone No: + 353 (1) 2370000

Email Address (if any): northsouth@eirgrid.com

Where Applicant is a company (registered under the companies Acts:

Name(s) of company director(s):

John O’Connor, Fintan Slye, Dr. Joan Smyth, Richard Sterling, Regina Moran, Dr. Gary Healy, Liam O’Halloran, Bride Rosney, Doireann Barry

Person / Agent acting on behalf of the Applicant (if any):

Name: Leah Kenny, Operations Director

Address: RPS Planning and Environment, West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Telephone No. + 353 (1) 4882900

Email address (if any): info@rpsgroup.com

Contact Name and Contact Details (Phone number) for arranging entry on site if required/appropriate: Aidan Geoghegan (EirGrid Project Manager): + 353 (1) 2370000

Person responsible for preparation of Drawings and Plans:

CAVAN MONAGHAN STUDY AREA (CMSA) AND TEMPORARY

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL STORAGE YARD, CO. MONAGHAN

Name: Robert Arthur, Project Leader

Firm/Company: ESBI Engineering & Facility Management Ltd.

Address: ESB International, Stephen Court, 18-21 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Telephone No: + 353 (1) 7038000 Email Address (if any): marketing@esbi.ie

Details all plans/drawings submitted – title of drawings/plans, scale and no. of copies submitted. This can be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.

See Drawing Register in Schedule 1 attached to this Application Form.

Site:

Site Address/Location of the Proposed Development (as may best identify the land or structure in question)

(i) A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line covering a distance of approximately 100.5km across the following townlands in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath:

County Monaghan: Lemgare, Lisdrumgormly, Annaglogh, Latnakelly, Tassan, Cashel, Annagh (Cremorne Barony (By)), Carrickanure, Clarderry, Cornamucklagh North, Derryhallagh (Monaghan By), Drumroosk, Cargaghramer, Cornanure (Monaghan By), Rausker, Terrygreeghan, Cornamucklagh South, Crinkill, Clogher, Drumguillew Lower, Drumhawan, Greagh (Cremorne By), Brackly (Cremorne By), Tullynahinnera, Cooltrimegish, Boraghy, Aghmakerr, Drumillard (Cremorne By), Tooa, Tullyglass, Cornasassonagh, Corrinenty, Ummerafree, Sreenty, Ardragh, Corvally (Farney By), Raferagh, Cornalaragh, Doagh, Corlea (Electoral District Drumcarrow), Scalkill and Ballaghnagearn.

(ii) Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Arva-Navan 110 kV transmission line, in Diméin Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Demesne and Tailtin (Teltown), County Meath.

(v) An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

A full description of the proposed development is provided at Item 9, below.

Ordnance Survey Map Ref No (and the Grid Reference where applicable)

Transmission Line:

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: 2632, 2832, 2630, 2830, 2628, 2828.

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 14, 15, 19, 20, 24, 27, 30, 33.

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1159, 1160, 1220, 1221, 1219, 1285, 1286, 1354, 1355, 1423, 1424, 1490, 1557, 1624, 1625, 1694, 1695, 1763, 1764, 1766, 1824, 1825.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: OS2630, OS2632

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 19, 24, 27

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1219, 1220, 1286, 1285, 1625

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: (Carrickmacross)

Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286200, N 302169 ITM Coordinates E 686132, N 802180

Area of site to which the application relates in hectares:

The primary element of the proposed development is a linear transmission line.

The proposed transmission line (comprising both a new single circuit, and addition of a new circuit along the currently unused northern side of the existing Oldstreet to Woodland 400 kV transmission line) is approximately 103.35km in length.

The proposed development includes 2 No. site-specific elements:

 Woodland 400 kV Substation: 0.544ha

 Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: 1.4ha

Site zoning in current Development Plan for the area:

Transmission Line: None

Woodland 400 kV Substation: None

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: None

Existing use of the site & proposed use of the site:

Transmission Line:

Existing Use: Primarily Agriculture

Proposed Use: Agriculture and transmission infrastructure (agricultural practices can still be carried out under the line and the land on which the structures will be located will be used for transmission of electricity)

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:

Existing Use: Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Proposed Use: Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:

Existing Use: Agriculture

Proposed Use: Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard

Name of the Planning Authority(s) in whose functional area the site is situated:

Monaghan County Council

Legal Interest of Applicant in respect of the site the subject of the application

Please tick appropriate box to show applicant’s legal interest in the land or structure:

Owner /Occupier/ Other x

Where legal interest is “Other”, please expand further on your interest in the land or structure.

EirGrid plc is the licensed Transmission System Operator for Ireland pursuant to the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. Pursuant to the provisions of S.I. No 445/2000, EirGrid plc has the exclusive function to operate and ensure the maintenance of and, if necessary, develop a safe,secure, reliable, economical and efficient electricity transmission system.

The Electricity Supply Board is the licensed Transmission System Owner for Ireland pursuant to Section 14 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.

The proposed transmission infrastructure will be constructed by the Electricity Supply Board pursuant to statutory powers.

If you are not the legal owner, please state the name and address of the owner and supply a letter from the owner of consent to make the application as listed in the accompanying documentation.

The owner of the Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan is Mr. Peter Kelly, Dunanny, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. A letter of consent and approval to the making of the application from Mr. Kelly is included in Schedule 2 attached to this Application Form.

Does the applicant own or have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands. If so, identify the lands and state the interest.

EirGrid plc, the applicant for approval, does not have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands.

Site History

Details regarding site history (if known):

Has the site in question ever, to your knowledge, been flooded?

Transmission Line: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route.

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [ ] No: [ ✓ ]

While EirGrid is not aware of any flooding on this site, historical geological data indicates that a turlough may have occurred on this site. However, more recent and up-to-date information suggests the site is not a turlough.

If yes, please give details e.g. year, extent:

Are you aware of previous uses of the site e.g. dumping or quarrying?

Transmission Line: Yes: [ ] No: [✓ ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ] No: [✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

If yes, please give details: It is understood that this site was previously used as a construction depot for the N2 Carrickmacross By-pass project

Are you aware of any valid planning applications previously made in respect of this land / structure?

Transmission Line: Yes: [✓ ] No: [ ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ] No: [ ✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [] No: [ ✓ ]

If yes, please state planning register reference number(s) of same if known and details of applications See below.

Reg. Ref. No: Nature of Proposed Development

Nature of Final Decision of Application Grant or Refusal by Planning Authority/An Bord Pleanála

Transmission Line

VA0006 (An Bord Pleanála SI Reg Ref) The Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development. Withdrawn

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard

N/A N/A: however, it is understood that this site was previously used as a temporary storage site during the construction of the N2 Carrickmacross By-pass and was subsequently restored to agricultural use N/A

If a valid planning application has been made in respect of this land or structure in the 6 months prior to the submission of this application, then any required site notice must be on a yellow background in accordance with Article 19(4) of the Planning and Development regulations 2001 as amended. Not Applicable

Is the site of the proposal subject to a current appeal to An Bord Pleanála in respect of a similar development? Yes: [ ] No:[ ✓ ]

Description of the Proposed Development

Brief description of nature and extent of development

The proposed North-South 400 kV Interconnection Development located in Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath, which will be the subject of the application for approval, is approximately 103.35km long and consists of the following principal elements:

(i) A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line (covering a distance of approximately 100.5km in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath) extending in a generally southerly alignment from the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland (between the townland of Doohat or Crossreagh, County Armagh, and the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan) to the townland of Bogganstown (Electoral District (ED) Culmullin), County Meath. In addition the proposed transmission line crosses the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland at two points – from the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan into the townland of Crossbane, County Armagh and back into the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan. This transmission line comprises 299 No. new lattice steel support structures (ranging in height from approximately 26m to 51m over ground level), with associated conductors, insulators, and other apparatus.

The proposed new transmission line extends across the following townlands of County Monaghan, County Cavan and County Meath:

County Monaghan: (see Section 6 – Site)

(ii) Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines. The modifications comprise the insertion of additional polesets and / or replacement of existing structures with polesets of shorter height (ranging in height from approximately 11.5m to 19m over ground level) in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

(v) An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, on a site of approximately 1.4ha, including associated site works, new site entrance onto the L4700 Local Road, associated 2.6m high boundary palisade fencing (with noise barrier affixed) and associated ancillary staff facilities and parking.

(vi) All associated and ancillary development including works comprising or relating to permanent and temporary construction and excavation.

NOTE: See Schedule 7 attached to this Application Form which outlines the heights of the existing and proposed towers.

11. Where the application relates to a building or buildings*:

(*Note: temporary staff accommodation is proposed for the construction compound site – precise details will be agreed with the planning authority)

Where the application refers to a material change of use of any land or structure or the retention of such a material change of use:

Existing use (or previous use where retention permission is sought)

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard – Existing use is agriculture.

Proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain)

Temporary Construction Material Yard – Proposed use is as a Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard.

Nature and extent of any such proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain).

See Description of Development Item 9

Development Details Please tick appropriate box: If answer is yes please give details YES/NO

Does the proposed development involve the demolition of a Protected Structure(s), in whole or in part? NO

Does the proposed development consist of work to a protected structure and/or its curtilage or proposed protected structure and/or its curtilage? NO

Note: The proposed development passes through the grounds of a number of protected structures that relate to associated demesne landscapes.

Does the proposed development consist of work to the exterior of a structure which is located within an architectural conservation area (ACA)? No

Does the application relate to development which affects or is close to a monument or place recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. Yes

The line route passes near a number of monuments or places recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. (See Chapter 14, Volumes 3C and 3D of the EIS)

Does the application relate to work within or close to a European Site or a Natural Heritage Area? Yes

The proposed electricity transmission line will oversail two European sites (the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC, and River Boyne and Blackwater SPA) in two locations; no towers are proposed to be constructed within these designated areas. The closest tower (Tower 355) is at a distance of 6m from the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC boundary.

Does the development require the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement? Yes. Enclosed. (See Volume 5 of the application documentation)

Does the proposed development require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement? Yes. Enclosed. (See Volume 3 of the application documentation)

Do you consider that the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in a transboundary state? Yes

The proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of an area of a Member State of the European Union (i.e. Northern Ireland).

16. Services

Proposed Source of Water

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Other (please specify): If potable / drinking water is required, it will be brought to the site in tanks.

Proposed Wastewater Management / Treatment:

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Other on site treatment system: [ ✓ ] Please Specify: Portaloos

Proposed Surface Water Disposal:

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Public Sewer / Drain:[ ] Soakpit:[ ] Watercourse: [ ] Other: [ ✓ ] Please specify:

Settlement pond & grass swale

Notices

Details of public newspaper notice – paper(s) and date of publication

The public notice was published in the following newspapers:

Irish Times published Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

Irish Independent published Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

An Seachtain insert of the Irish Independent published Wednesday 3rd June 2015 (Notice in Irish)

Meath Chronicle published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Saturday 6th June 2015 (Notice in English)

The Northern Standard published and dated Thursday 4th June 2015 (Notice in English)

The Anglo Celt published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Thursday 4th June (Notice in English)

Copy of page(s) of relevant newspaper enclosed Yes: [✓ ] No:[ ]

Refer to Schedule 3 attached to this Application Form.

Details of site notice, if any, – location and date of erection

The approximate locations of the site notices are as follows:

County Monaghan (near the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland, in the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan): Irish Grid Coordinates: E 279779, N 328349 ITM Coordinates: E 679704, N 828355

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard (at the junction of the L4700 Local Road and the link road to the N2 in the townland of Monaltyduff, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan): Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286083, N 302232

ITM Coordinates E 686015, N 802243

Details of other forms of public notification, if appropriate e.g. website The application may be viewed on the following website: http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie.

Other forms of public notification include: mass mailing to project stakeholders, including landowners, which includes the PCI Public Information Leaflet and a Community Update Brochure; and local print and radio activity to promote the opening hours of the Project Information Centres.

Pre-application Consultation:

Date(s) of statutory pre-application consultations with An Bord Pleanála

2nd December 2010

31st July 2013

15th October 2013

18th December 2013

23rd December 2013

Schedule of any other pre application consultations –name of person/body and date of consultation to be provided as appropriate and also details of any general public consultations i.e. methods, dates, venues etc. This can be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.

Enclosed: See Schedule 5 attached to this Application Form.

Also see Volume 2B of the application documentation (Public and Landowner Consultation Report) and Chapter 3 of Volume 3B the EIS.

Yes: [✓] No:[ ]

Schedule of prescribed bodies to whom notification of the making of the application has been sent and a sample copy of such notification.

Enclosed: See Schedule 6 attached to this Application Form which identifies the Prescribed Authorities notified of the making of the application and copies of the letters notifying them of the making of the application.

Yes: [✓ ] No:[ ]

Application Fee.

Fee Payable €100,000

I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information given in this form is correct and accurate and that the application documents being deposited at the planning authority offices, and any other location specified by the Board in pre application consultations, including a website (if any) will be identical to the application documents being deposited with the Board.

Signed: Aidan Geoghegan, EirGrid Project Manager Date: 9th June 2015

ANTI-DOPING VIOLATION BY GAA PLAYER

18/06/2015 by borderroamer

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

FOOTBALLER FROM LATTON SUSPENDED FOR DOPING

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 18th June p.1

A GAA footballer from County Monaghan, Thomas Connolly from Latton, has received a two-year ban following an anti-doping violation. His case was reviewed by the GAA’s Anti-Doping Hearings Committee. It took the view that the violation that occurred earlier this year was not intentional and therefore not subject to the standard four-year suspension. As a result, the player is to be suspended from club and county Gaelic football for two years. He has leave to appeal the decision within 21 days.

WADA Code

Connolly was a trialist with the Monaghan county squad at the time he underwent out-of-competition testing in February. He provided a sample which tested positive for the presence of a prohibited substance, stanozolol, an anabolic steroid prohibited under the WADA code. An argument advanced on his behalf at the hearing was that his status as a trial player brought him outside the Irish Sports Council’s jurisdiction to test. The tribunal, however, determined that all players at all levels and all age groups within the GAA are subject to the ISC jurisdiction to test. The committee was chaired by Belfast lawyer Adrian Colton QC, who was joined by former Dublin manager Dr Pat O’Neill and the former GAA President Nickey Brennan.

The anti-doping hearing committee stated: “We simply do not accept that lack of knowledge by an inter-county player would justify him/her being excluded from anti-doping rules which are so well established.”

Connolly was given tablets by a “work colleague” after complaining of “pain and stiffness” as a result of the training he was exposed to as a new member of Malachy O’Rourke’s Monaghan football panel.

The 23-year-old was a non-playing member of the Monaghan Minor football panel for one year. He was involved with the county Under-21 team for two years, playing one championship match before the county was knocked out of the competition. He was invited to attend training and to become part of the Monaghan Senior county football panel from November 2014 until March 2015, when he played three practice matches. He also played one full half of a McKenna Cup match and made two brief appearances as a substitute in the remaining Monaghan games in that competition. He was named on the senior panel for one National League game and continued to train with the team. On February 13th at the Cloghran training grounds he was subjected to an out of competition test by the Irish Sports Council.

Irish Sports Council

A month later Connolly was informed of an adverse analytical finding and told he was being charged with an anti-doping rule violation. The player admitted he had taken tablets and at the hearing produced the actual container they were in. In written submissions and in oral evidence to the committee, “he indicated that he was given a container with tablets by a work colleague, whom he named…He took 4 tablets per day – 2 in the morning and 2 with his dinner for 4 or 5 days and stopped using the tablets a day or two before he was tested because they were of no benefit to him and he continued to feel pain…and stiffness as a result of the training he had undertaken.”

Monaghan GAA

Despite Monaghan manager Malachy O’Rourke and county board chairman Padraig Sherry testifying that Connolly had not been informed of anti-doping rules, it was established that each player is responsible for educating himself about banned substances.

The committee’s report continued: “As Mr O’Rourke said in his evidence – ‘I do understand that players are subject to anti-doping rules, yes,’

“Question: Okay, and do you think that they have a responsibility to make sure that they don’t take steroids, for example?’

“Answer (O’Rourke): ‘Yeah.’”

Connolly’s testimony and legal argument by his barrister, Aaron Shearer, convinced the committee that the player unknowingly took steroids and that his breach of the rule was not intentional. In cross-examination, the GAA’s barrister David Casserly “strongly challenged” this claim by Connolly.

“Whilst we accept that his conduct falls short of recklessness, we consider that there is a high degree of negligence in this case,” read the ruling, which the committee said was a very finely balanced decision. That allowed Connolly to receive a two rather than four year ban. As he is a member of the GAA, the committee stated that the Irish Sports Council had a right to test Connolly.

Gaelic Athletic Association

The finding states that the lawyer for the GAA had “urged the Committee to draw an adverse inference from the athlete’s failure not to call evidence from the colleague who supplied him with the tablets. However we were not willing to do so and did not want to speculate on the many potential reasons why he did not attend the hearing.”

The committee also expressed its concern about the apparent lack of understanding and application of the anti-doping rules and processes at county level in this case.

“Whilst we were impressed by the evidence of Messrs [Feargal] McGill and [Ruairi] Harvey [both of the GAA player welfare] in respect of anti-doping education at central level, we would urge the GAA to intensify its work to ensure that all players, county officers, coaches, managers, medical and allied sports science personnel and players representatives are fully cognisant of their obligations under the Association’s anti-doping rules”, the committee stated.

Gaelic Players Association

In a statement the Gaelic Players Association said throughout the investigation and hearing, it had provided the player with personal and professional support and would continue to do so, although he is not a member of the players’ body.

The Association said GPA members were regularly informed that they may be selected for testing and that the ISC Anti-doping Code is enshrined in the GAA rulebook. All stakeholders within the games had a responsibility to ensure that players, particularly new panellists, were aware of the Anti-Doping Code and that the Association continued to support a culture of drug-free sport within Gaelic games.

The statement added: “We would appeal to everyone to respect the privacy of this young player and his family at this difficult time. We would also appeal to the media, in relation to this issue, to respect the preparations of the Monaghan players and management in advance of their important championship game.”

TYDAVNET NS CELEBRATIONS

17/06/2015 by borderroamer

Past pupils Terry Cavanagh and Frances Treanor (Texaco Art Winner 2015) raising the second green flag at Tydavnet National School Photo: © Michael Fisher

SECOND GREEN FLAG FOR ST DYMPNA’S NS TYDAVNET

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 18th June p.39

Two flags now fly proudly at the entrance to St Dympna’s National School in Tydavnet, marking their contribution to preserving the environment. In a special ceremony last week, past pupil and now successful video games designer Terry Cavanagh from Tullyvogey returned from England to raise the second Green Flag awarded to the school. He was assisted by another former pupil, Frances Treanor from Drumdart, who received national acclaim recently when she was overall winner of the Texaco Children’s Art competition.

The Green Flags are part of a international scheme to encourage schools to develop action programme for reducing litter and waste and conserving energy. Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment. At European level, Eco-Schools is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education whose main partners include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Green-Schools in Ireland is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, such as Monaghan County Council, and is sponsored by the Wrigley Company Ltd.

Over 3,800 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland are currently participating part in the programme and 2991 schools have been awarded a Green Flag. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of the most successful within the international network.

Green-Schools is a themed and seven-step programme. Schools undertaking the programme work through the seven steps one theme at a time. The themes in sequence are:

The school drew up an action programme last year as part of their attempt to earn a second flag. Led by the principal Fiona Connolly and the Board of Management chaired by Peter Cavanagh, they applied to the Summer Works Scheme for funding to replace single glazed windows with double glazing in order to conserve energy.

At the start of the new school year last September, two members from Senior Infants were chosen to replace sixth class pupils on their action committee. The principal and senior pupils organised senior pupils to do door duty on the main door on cold or wet days to ensure the doors remain closed in order to retain heat as much as possible in the building. They also organised a low energy action day, and formed a ‘Switch it Off’ squad to monitor lights and appliances. Pupils were asked to write poems or draw pictures on the theme of energy conservation and these were displayed near the entrance to the school, along with a diagram showing the reduction in the amount of electricity the school had used over a twelve months period.

Among the snappy slogans the children came up with were:

“When you’re in bed, make sure all the energy is dead”, “Don’t waste energy”, “Energy misused cannot be excused” and “Switch the switch to slow down global warming”. The event was described succinctly in this report (published on the school website) by one of the pupils: Caoimhe McCarra, 6th class, Secretary of Green Schools Committee

The Green Flag ceremony started at 11:00 sharp. Miss Connolly told Ben and I to start. Ben welcomed everyone and talked about what he does as Chairman of the Committee. I talked about what I do as secretary.  Mrs Slowey’s class did a poem called ‘Growing’ by Linda Hamill and sang a song called ‘Marvellous Things’. Mrs Meehan’s class said a poem called ‘Éirigí a pháistí’ and sang ‘An Brat Glas’. The Senior Speech and Drama class performed a wonderful mime. Miss Connolly’s class sang ‘Happy’ and a One Direction Medley.  Miss Connolly made a presentation to Mrs Mc Crudden because she is sadly leaving us at the end of the year. Peter Cavanagh said a few words on behalf of the Board of Management. He then called on his son Terence Cavanagh who came from London for the day! Terence showed us equipment he used to code and programme when he was our age. Miss Connolly got a massive shock the whole school kept secret from her! We made a card and everyone in the school signed it. She also got a lovely present. Mrs Finnegan got  a bunch of flowers. We then proceeded down to where the flag was being raised. We counted down 5-4-3-2-1 and up it went! Everybody got ice cream and sauce. We were delighted!

HOME BREW IN KAVANAGH COUNTRY

16/06/2015 by borderroamer

Seamus McMahon in the converted homestead that now serves as a visitor centre at the Brehon Brewhouse, Dunelty Photo: © Michael Fisher

CRAFT BREWERY EXPANDS AFTER SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 11th June

Driving up the laneway to Seamus McMahon’s homestead at Dunelty, Inniskeen, you might think you were entering a dairy farm. On one side there is a large milking parlour for his herd of 120 cows. But a bit further on in what was once a calf shed, there is now an expanding alternative business, the Brehon Brewhouse.

It’s the only brewery of its type on a dairy farm, as Seamus points out. His cows continue to be milked twice daily. But it is beer, rather than milk, which is beginning to bring in more revenue.

The price of milk has continued to fluctuate and milk quotas were abolished two months ago. So this new enterprise was added to reduce the reliance on an income dependent solely on milk.

The Brehon Brewhouse started off as a small-scale venture a year ago, producing four types of bottled beer, crafted by hand. Seamus says their ambition was simple, to produce distinctive beers that reflected the trend towards all things craft and artisan.

After a new roof was put on the shed, along with a roller shutter door, a coat of paint and electrical installation, the space was ready for delivery of plant in April 2014 and the first brew was available in time for the Carrickmacross Festival.

Seamus decided that there was room for expansion and he ordered two large new tanks from China, as the cost was much better. By combining the fermenting and the conditioning processes in the same tank, this will allow the mini brewery to double the production capacity. The new tanks costing €25,000 will make the brewing process a lot more efficient, according to Head Brewer Philip Bizzell from Dublin, who has seven years’ experience of home brew. He said there would be less labour involved and the process would also be more hygienic.

He showed me how they started the brewing process by taking local water and then mashing it with the finest of barley malts.

Some of the malt comes from Germany, some from Britain and some from Ireland. A new malt supplier based nearby in County Louth has just been found. In the copper pans, fragrant hops from around the world are added, depending on the particular beer being produced that day.

The hopped wort is then cooled rapidly through the heat exchanger with chilled water from a nearby lake. After fermentation the beer is filtered and conditioned, if it is to be kegged, or just conditioned if it is to be bottled. One of Seamus’s four daughters Cait was busy working in the bottling area, putting labels on the beer bottles when he showed me the operation. Each blend of beer has a different coloured top, in order to help distinguish it. It usually takes five people two hours to label 3000 bottles when a brew is completed. The beer is left in the bottles to condition, but it can also be supplied in kegs.

Seamus and his wife Siobhán have also converted the old family house just behind the brewery into a visitor centre to host tasting events. Seamus lived there for the first six years of his life. It has its own small bar and some antiques, including the old family range and a vintage bottler and capper. The craft brewery is a potential jewel in the crown for tourism in County Monaghan, according to Bill Cotter of the South Monaghan Tourism Forum.

The beers produced are available in several pubs in County Monaghan, in stores such as SuperValu Carrickmacross and in the Íontas Centre, Castleblayney and the Garage Theatre. They are being distributed nationwide and now the push will be on to export them to the United States and the UK as part of a promotion of Irish craft beers.

The Brehon Blonde is a very pale, golden beer. Ulster Black is a hand crafted Irish stout. Stony Grey IPA takes its name from the stony grey soil of Monaghan. Killanny Red is an Irish ale. A Summer Ale is also available.

This weekend there will be a double celebration for the McMahon family in the old homestead, Coinciding with the expansion and the first year in business, there will be a party to congratulate the couple’s eldest daughter Ellen, who has graduated as a doctor from UCC. They will be joined by Ruth who is studying to be a physiotherapist in Liverpool, Cait, who is training in Dublin to be a national school teacher and by their youngest daughter Bella, a transition year student at St Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross. It promises to be a busy year ahead for the Brehon Brewhouse.

WALK IN CARRICKMACROSS (2)

15/06/2015 by borderroamer

WALK AROUND CARRICKMACROSS

Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 11th June

2. THE TOLL HOUSE

Just up from The Shirley Arms Hotel on the same side of Main Street and in the forecourt of the modern shopping centre is a small single-storey picturesque building known as ‘The Toll House’. It forms an integral part of the former marketplace, standing across the street from the market buildings. It was built by the Shirley estate, as evidenced by the armorial plaque and the date, 1861, some thirty years after the hotel.

Each gable is surmounted by the fleur-de-lys as a reminder of the fact that the landlords could trace their descent through the Devereux family from the Plantagenets, former Kings of England.

The architecture and detail of the Toll House link it with other Shirley estate buildings around the western side town. The other side was owned by the Bath estate. The Tudor-style detailing, with label-mouldings and typical doorway, enhances this modest building. It was used to collect market levies and tolls. Just outside it is a weighbridge platform. The rest of the weighing equipment was inside.

Thursday was traditionally market day in Carrick and a grain market was held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Fairs were held on the second Thursdays of January, February, March, April, June and October and on predetermined dates during the other months. In 1897 the market weighmaster was J.T.Gibbings. Michael McCabe was the collector of tolls and Henry Russell was the clerk.

The building was used for a number of years to house the Lace Gallery, which then moved across the road to the Market Square in 1991. In the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the Toll House is described as having a pitched slate roof with tooled stone fleur-de-lys finials, cut-stone copings, and cast-iron rainwater goods. Exposed random squared sandstone walls with tooled sandstone skew-putts, armorial and date plaque to east elevation, and smooth raised quoins. Square-headed window openings having chamfered tooled sandstone surrounds and label-mouldings, stone sills and barred four-over-four pane timber sliding sash windows with ogee horns. Tudor-arch door opening having chamfered tooled sandstone surround, label-moulding and replacement timber door.