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

YOUNG SWIMMER’S MEDAL SUCCESS

14/06/2015 by borderroamer

Leinster and Ulster Schools record-breaking swimmer Cathal Kearney from Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan Photo: © Michael Fisher

YOUNG SWIMMER’S SUCCESS IN ULSTER AND LEINSTER

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday June 11th

It takes dedication to be a record-breaking swimmer, especially when there are no training facilities on your doorstep. 13 year-old Cathal Kearney from Ballintra, Inniskeen, is just finishing his first year at Patrician High School in Carrickmacross, a town which has never had a swimming pool. He belongs to the Aer Lingus Swimming club at Dublin airport and his training schedule has brought him gold medal success in Leinster as well as at Ulster schools’ level.

A typical day for him would involve classes at school until 3:30pm and then a journey of over an hour to Dublin airport. Training at the Aer Lingus 25m pool under the guidance of coach Alan Turner takes up to two hours. This means it’s usually 8pm by the time Cathal returns home and is able to start his school homework. Sometimes his mother drives him and on other occasions he gets a lift with swimmers from Dundalk.

Cathal told the Northern Standard that everyone at the well-run club was very supportive, in particular two of their successful Leinster and Ireland swimmers, Andrew Meegan and Benjamin Doyle.

Two months the Inniskeen student was selected to swim on the Leinster team at the Ulster Age Group and Youth Championship in Bangor, County Down. This is the top swimming competition in Ulster. Cathal won five gold medals and broke five Ulster records in the boys under 13 100m and 200m freestyle, 100m and 200m  breaststroke, and the 200m individual medley. He also came second in the 400m freestyle.

Last month he was selected to swim on the Ulster Secondary Schools Interprovicial team, based on his performace at the Ulster Secondary Schools Competition last October, when he won the boys 13/14 years freestyle event. He came second in the 100m Breaststroke whilst representing Patrician High.

At the Interpro Championship Cathal won the 13/14 years 100m freestyle and finished 3rd in the 100m breaststroke, swimming a year out of his age in both events and thus helping his Ulster team to victory and claiming the Interprovincial cup.

A fortnight ago Cathal competed in Leinster for his club Aer Lingus in the Division 1 age group Open at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. He was up against the best in Leinster as well as the best in Ulster, for whom he had already competed as a Monaghan schoolboy.

Cathal swam in six events over three days, with heats in the morning and finals in the afternoon. He came home to Inniskeen this time with six gold medals claiming the top award in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle, 100m, 200m breaststroke and 200m IM.

Swimming seems to run in the Kearney family as Cathal’s younger sister Aoife (aged 11), is also competing and achieving at the highest standard. A pupil at St Daigh’s National School, Inniskeen, she currently holds both the Ulster and Irish Minor Schools titles in the Girls’ 50m backstroke. His cousin Shauna McGahon from Killanny is also a swimmer and has represented Monaghan at the community games.

Leinster and Ulster Schools record-breaking swimmer Cathal Kearney from Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan Photo: © Michael Fisher

It was as a 7 year-old taking part in the community games that Cathal first swam competitively. His mother had taken him to Dundalk for swimming lessons as a 5 year-old. At the start, he didn’t like them at all but he gradually got used to the water and has never looked back since. Cathal is the eldest of four children. As well as Aoife, he has another sister Kaitlin, aged 7, who also attends St Daigh’s school. The youngest in the family is 4 year-old Sean. As Cathal left Patrician High School where I met him, the Principal Joe Duffy came across and congratulated him on his sporting achievements. Hopefully he will bring back more medals to County Monaghan in future.

WALK IN CARRICKMACROSS (1)

13/06/2015 by borderroamer

The Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

WALK AROUND CARRICKMACROSS

Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 4th June

The best way of learning about a town or city is to walk around it. So if you want to know more about the history of Carrickmacross, come and join the free walking tours every Saturday during the summer months. The ninety minute journey departs from the Court House at the top of the Main Street at 11am. Booking is not required, except for large groups. Children are welcome and will be given the opportunity to take part in a quiz during the walk. Come prepared for bad weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. For more details email info@carrickmacrosschamber.com or phone the Chamber of Commerce Secretary on (042) 9664833.

Learn about what happened during the War of Independence and about Famine Times in the Workhouse (which does not form part of the tour). Discover clues about the rivalries between the two major landlords who owned the town: the Shirleys of Lough Fea and the Bath Estate. Over the next few weeks, we hope to feature the stories of some of the historical buildings in Carrick.

The Shirley Arms Hotel with Shirley family crest, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

1. The Shirley Arms Hotel is where the walking tour departs from. This hotel has existed since the early nineteenth century. In 2008 it re-opened after a major refurbishment and extension that included the retention of the original staircase in White’s Bar. The Shirley Arms Hotel is a protected structure and is of national importance.

In 1821 there were three hotels listed in Carrickmacross: the Commercial and Post Hotel and the Shirley Arms Hotel on Main Street and one smaller hotel on Bath Street. The Shirley Arms Hotel is a formal classical composition. The building sits in a prominent position on the former Shirley estate, forming part of the formal set-piece of what is now known as Courthouse Square, a neat and elegant closing of the two vistas of the Main Street and the Castleblayney Road.

In 1835 the hotel appears as a simple block with a small annexe to the north and gardens along Rope Walk. There was a stack yard with large warehouse and ancillary buildings in the courtyard to the west or rear of the hotel. Thirty years later the hotel had expanded to contain a larger annexe to the north, possibly used as a manager’s house and with two returns to the rear. These returns were removed to facilitate the building of the modern extension to the rear. Also in the twentieth century, the yard to the rear had become an enlarged closed courtyard and there was an additional yard surrounded by small store buildings to the west. The Inniskeen poet Patrick Kavanagh’s quote confirms its use as a storage yard, possibly for grain for the town’s many distilleries or for building materials:

“Here was a toss-pit going strong in White’s Yard. ‘Heads another

half-dollar, heads a half-dollar’. I was trusting to luck to lift me out of debt into flush prosperity”. (from The Shirley Arms Hotel)

BOSE AUCTION CARRICKMACROSS

12/06/2015 by borderroamer

Exterior of the Bose plant, Carrickmacross

Today the contents of the former Bose factory in Carrickmacross were up for auction. Tenders for all the plant, machinery and office equipment had to be submitted to the auctioneers by 12 noon. A number of local businesses were among those inspecting the inside of the plant this morning. The tenders will now be examined and it will be Tuesday evening before bidders know if their tenders were successful.

Exterior of the former Bose factory in Carrickmacross

MONAGHAN LIONS MESSAGE IN BOTTLE

11/06/2015 by borderroamer

Monaghan Lions Club Message in a Bottle Photo: © Michael Fisher

BLAYNEY BLADES WITH MONAGHAN LIONS CLUB LAUNCH “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE” SCHEME

A new initiative designed to help emergency services access important medical and personal information quickly when they arrive at the scene of a medical crisis has been unveiled by Blayney Blades at the Íontas Centre, Castleblayney. The Message in a Bottle scheme was launched as part of social inclusion week. Monaghan Lions Club are providing the bottles free of charge. Michael Fisher of Monaghan Lions Club officiated at the launch.

Message in a Bottle Photo: © Michael Fisher

Message in a Bottle is an emergency information scheme which includes a Personal Information Form (PIF) containing accurate relevant medical and other information. The green cross stickers alert emergency services to the fact that information about a patient is stored in a plastic bottle which is kept in the fridge. This is the safest storage place in the house in the event of a fire. Vulnerable people or those with a medical condition can enter their details on the form which is inside the bottle. It can also include a photograph, health details, emergency contact, and doctor, where there are pets that need looking after and much more which will assist the emergency services.

Message in a Bottle Photo: © Michael Fisher

By stating whether the patient has special medication or allergies etc., it is a potential lifesaver and provides peace of mind to the user and their friends and families. With the bottle come three green stickers, one for inside the front door, one for inside the back door and one for the fridge door.

The Emergency Services will see them and know there is additional vital information available and where it is stored. The scheme which is supported by the Lions Clubs of Ireland has been successfully rolled out in many parts of the country and in Britain. So far it has proved to be of immense value to the emergency services and its users.

Message in a Bottle Photo: © Michael Fisher

To get your FREE Message in a Bottle pack contact Blayney Blades at (042) 9753410/11/12 or email: blayneyblades@gmail.com or on facebook.

CARRICKMACROSS FESTIVAL PARADE

10/06/2015 by borderroamer

Carrickmacross Festival Parade Photo: © Michael Fisher

Festival Fun in Carrickmacross

Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday 4th June

Despite one of the worst years for weather, the Carrickmacross June Bank Holiday Festival was very enjoyable with a good carnival atmosphere around the town. The opening parade on Friday evening brought colour and excitement to the town as the participants, many of them young people, made their way from Inver College along to the Main Street. The theme this year was the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Carrickmacross Festival Parade Photo: © Michael Fisher

The launch night last Thursday was in aid of the Laura Crossan Trust and was held in the Fiddler’s Elbow. There was live music on the night by local blues legends the Short Fuse Blues, with a number of support acts.

Carrickmacross Festival Parade Photo: © Michael Fisher

Several local bands played at this year’s festival including Black Tie Event, The Flaws, R U 4 Reel, and The Fuzzy Burgers. After Dark featured local man Martin O’Neill on bass and vocals and the Paulo Nutini Tribute featured local drummer Mark Montague. An Lochrann Linn Band and the Steadfast Brass Band both performed over the weekend. Carickmacross Comhaltas presented an afternoon of traditional Irish music, song and dance.

All the Fun of the Fair at Carrickmacross Festival Photo: © Michael Fisher

Special thanks to the Phoenix centre team, who helped out by allowing the teddy bears’ picnic to move inside owing to the bad weather on Monday. The raffle which was meant to be held on Monday will be carried out over the next few days. All prize winners will be announced on the festival’s facebook page. The organising committee would like to thank all the sponsors who contributed to making the event a success. Roll on next year!

FIVE MONAGHAN WINNERS IN TEXACO ART

09/06/2015 by borderroamer

Frances Treanor from Tydavnet receives her prize from Arts Minister Heather Humphreys T.D. and James Twohig of sponsors Valero (Texaco). Photo: © Michael Fisher

TYDAVNET ART STUDENT’S WINNING PORTRAIT TO BE EXHIBITED IN TOKYO

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 4th June p.1/2

Art student Frances Treanor from Drumdart, Tydavnet, a neighbour of mine. who won this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition, will travel to Japan later this month to see her stunning self portrait exhibited in Tokyo. At the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin last Thursday, 18 year-old Frances was one of five Monaghan entrants to collect their prizes. She was presented with a cheque for €1500 by local TD and Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. Frances is the first person from County Monaghan to win the overall prize in the 61 years of the competition. Minister Humphreys told the 126 prizewinners and their families:

“The very inventive work on display here today is expressive, colourful and uplifting. The attention to detail is amazing. It shows us just what is possible when young people work to fulfil their creative potential. Being involved in the arts can have a hugely positive impact on schoolchildren. Young people who are active in the arts have been shown to perform better academically and go on to lead fuller and indeed more creative lives,” she added.

Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

The Minister paid particular tribute to Frances Treanor and said she was delighted to see the overall winner coming from her own county. Frances created her self-portrait using a single black Bic pen. She described the young artist’s piece as “incredible” and praised her painstaking attention to detail. “Your art is a labour of love for you”, she said. She wished Frances well on her trip to Japan to take part in an international exhibition. It will be hosted by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture in the Tokyo’s National Art Centre.

No doubt you will do Monaghan and Ireland proud, she told Frances, who was joined at the event by her twin sister Maeve, her neighbour and friend Helen Keenan from Drumcoo Woods, and her parents, Sean and Anne. James Twohig, Director Ireland Operations of Valero, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, also wished Frances well on her travels and said it would be a wonderful experience for her.

He praised all of the winners for their skill and enthusiasm and thanked the many teachers from schools throughout Ireland who had given their support to the competition throughout its 61 years. He thanked the judges, headed by the Director of the National College for Art and Design, Professor Declan McGonagle. Mr McGonagle said that it was a hard decision to choose a winner but he believed that Frances Treanor’s was the most impressive.

“What’s amazing is the effect which she’s produced. It’s quite remarkable when you look at it because it’s very hard to see how she got that effect with something as ordinary as a biro. It’s a demonstration of the skill, concentration, motivation, and commitment which goes into something like that,” he said.

Rachel McKenna, Scotstown, with her special award painting, “The Script — Tired of Posing”.
Photo: © Michael Fisher

Another Monaghan winner was 16 year-old transition year student at St Louis Secondary School Monaghan, Rachel McKenna from Scotstown. She received a special merit award for her entry called “The Script – Tired of Posing”.

Sophia Goodman from Killanny with her painting “The Nice Flowers” that won 3rd prize in Category E. Photo: © Michael Fisher

In the younger age groups, there was a remarkable success by three pupils from the same school near Carrickmacross, Scoil Naoimh Éanna in Killanny. Sophia Goodman, aged 7, came third in the 7-8 years age category. She won a €125 art voucher for her entry entitled “The Nice Flowers”. In the same category, Kate Norton (7) who painted “The Cute Kittens” got €50 and an art box while Grace Conlon (6) got €30 and an art box for her work “Bird Tunes”. Both received Special Merit Awards.

Kate Norton, Drumever, Killanny, receives her certificate from James Twohig of sponsores Valero (Texaco). Photo: © Michael Fisher

Professor Declan McGonagle was assisted by a panel of judges including Dr. Denise Ferran (Artist & Art Historian), Eoin Butler (Artist & Lecturer in Visual Arts), Seán Kissane (Curator: Exhibitions, IMMA), Aoife Ruane (Director, Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery, Drogheda) and Colleen Watters (Head of Learning & Partnership, Ulster Museum, Belfast).

Grace Conlon, Lannat, Killanny, receives her special merit certificate for her painting “Bird Tunes”. Photo: © Michael Fisher

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland – and popularly regarded as Ireland’s longest-running sponsorship of any kind. It has an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists have had their talents recognised and a springboard on which many have risen to national and international prominence. Aside from giving students the space to give expression to their talent and skill, the Competition has focused a spotlight on the quality of art teaching in Irish schools and the importance that the educational establishment attaches to the subject of art education.

Kate Norton’s painting “The Cute Kittens” won a Special Merit award in Category E. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Past winners whose early interest in art and the arts may well have been encouraged by their participation in the Competition include artists Graham Knuttel, Robert Ballagh, Bernadette Madden, Dorothy Cross, fashion designer Paul Costello and former broadcaster and artist Thelma Mansfield. Other notable past winners include Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD (a four-times winner), PR guru and columnist Terry Prone, ICTU General Secretary David Begg, actress Jean Anne Crowley, musician Ethna Tinney, Trinity College Professor of Contemporary Irish History, Eunan O’Halpin and the late novelist Clare Boylan.

Grace Conlon’s painting “Bird Tunes” won a Special Merit award in Category F. Photo: © Michael Fisher

KILLANNY SUCCESS IN TEXACO ART

08/06/2015 by borderroamer

TEXACO ART AWARDS FOR THREE YOUNG KILLANY PUPILS

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Carrickmacross News Thursday June 4th p.35

Texaco Children’s Art Competition winners Kate Norton, Sophia Goodman and Grace Conlon from Scoil Naoimh Éanna, Killanny.

Scoil Naoimh Éanna in Killanny is a centre of creativity for its 220 pupils, divided into eight classes. From sport to debating and now in the field of art, the talents of the youngsters are being recognised nationally. This week there was particular cause for celebration. Three pupils were among the finalists in Ireland’s biggest competition for chidlren’s art, the Texaco awards, now in their 61st year. Sophia Goodman, aged 7, from Annahean, came third in the 7-8 years age category. She won a €125 art voucher for her entry entitled “The Nice Flowers”.

Sophia Goodman from Killanny with her painting “The Nice Flowers” that won 3rd prize in Category E. Photo: © Michael Fisher

In the same category, Kate Norton (7) from Drumever, who painted “The Cute Kittens”, got €50 and an art box.

Kate Norton’s painting “The Cute Kittens” won a Special Merit award in Category E. Photo: © Michael Fisher

In a different age category, Grace Conlon (6) from Lannat got €30 and an art box for her work “Bird Tunes”. Both received Special Merit Awards. The prizes were presented by Arts Minister and local T.D. Heather Humphreys in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

Grace Conlon’s painting “Bird Tunes” won a Special Merit award in Category F. Photo: © Michael Fisher

During a visit to the school on Tuesday, the enthusiasm of the pupils was everywhere to be seen. Principal John Jones showed me around the building, where he has been in charge since 1988. There are eight class teachers ranging from junior infants (pupils from 4 years old) to sixth class (children up to 12), along with two support staff and a resource teacher. In 1995 a new complex was opened at the current site, which straddles the county boundary between Monaghan and Louth. That has both advantages and disadvantages but the county rivalry remains friendly. There are good sports facilities including a specially soundproofed sports hall and an astro turf all-weather pitch which has proved very popular. Basketball can be played inside or outside and boys and girls teams from the school have performed well in several competitions.

Sophia Goodman from Killanny receives her prize from Arts Minister Heather Humphreys T.D. and James Twohig of sponsors Valero (Texaco). Photo: © Michael Fisher

Scoil Naomh Éanna has done well at county level in the Cumann na mBunscol GAA competition. One of the pupils I met, Claragh McGahon, has won five medals for swimming in the community games, including a gold medal last year. The school has done well in the Credit Union schools quiz. Pupils are encouraged to take part in debates, even at a young age when they engage in lively “class discussions”. All this activity has meant that the school has become very popular and a year ago an extension was opened by the Bishop of Clogher Dr Liam MacDaid.

The young artists have been helped by attending art classes every week in the local hall run by Caroline and Bina Butler from Killanny. Three pupils currently in sixth class won special merit awards in the Texaco Art Competition in previous years and another one of them Kerry Grimes came first in Category E for 7-8 year-olds when she was in second class. Yet another success for the school has been the progress of one of its pupils to the Ulster Spelling Bee final, run by Easons. George Green was named Monaghan County Champion in a competition last month at Knockconan school. So it has been a busy few months for the staff and pupils in this part of South Monaghan (or should that be Louth!).

SOLIDARITY WITH DUNNES WORKERS

07/06/2015 by borderroamer

Dunnes Stores worker Muireann Dalton who addressed the rally Photo: © Michael Fisher

“I WANT TO WORK”

“We are not numbers. We are people. We are people who want to earn a decent wage, a living wage. We want to pay our bills. We want to send our children to school. I want to pay for my son to go to college. I want to pay my taxes. I want to work . I want forty hours per week. I want a wage.”

Belfast Trades’ Union Council banner being carried past government buildings Photo: © Michael Fisher

A passionate speech by Dunnes Stores worker Muireann Dalton at the rally yesterday in Dublin. Workers at Dunnes belonging to the union Mandate promised to continue their campaign for better conditions of employment and called on the government to introduce planned new legislation on collective bargaining rights without delay. Around 3,000 people took part in a march from Merrion Square backed by the Irish Congress of Trades Unions, followed by a rally outside the head office of the retailer at Aungier Street in Dublin city centre yesterday in support of the workers’ campaign.

Independent Socialist TD Clare Daly admires the Belfast & District TUC banner Photo: © Michael Fisher

Staff belonging to Mandate from more than 100 Dunnes Stores outlets around the Republic staged a one-day strike in April as part of campaign which seeks secure hours and incomes, job security, fair pay and the right to union representation. Dunnes Stores has said it does not engage with trade unions. In February it accused Mandate of engineering a row on issues that did not exist to pursue an agenda of securing union representation rights.

SIPTU General Secretary Jack O’Connor at the Dunnes Stores rally Photo: © Michael Fisher

Last month Dunnes Stores granted staff a 3 per cent pay rise. The company has also said that staff have received two other salary increases in recent years. Mandate said at the time that the retailer would also need to put in place secure, banded hour contracts for staff if the pay rise move was to be “meaningful”.

Larry Broderick (centre) led the IBOA presence at the march and rally Photo: © Michael Fisher

Addressing the rally, Dunnes Stores worker Muireann Dalton said staff had been “punished” for taking part in the recent strike. She said people who had held posts for 20 or 30 years suddenly had been moved to other areas. She said workers had faced a backlash after the work stoppage and had to hold a march to show Dunnes Stores management that they were not backing down. Ms Dalton urged politicians to pass the planned collective bargaining legislation.

ICTU General Secretary Patricia King addressing the rally in support of Dunnes Stores workers Photo: © Michael Fisher

ICTU general secretary Patricia King strongly criticised directors of Dunnes Stores and argued that by any moral measurement, they had descended to a shameful low. “No human being deserves to be treated in the maner in which you instruct on a regular basis.” She said Dunnes Stores used its power to own and control the lives of its workers. “If those workers do not comply with those demands, they threaten disciplinary action or re-assignment and they deny those workers trade union representation”.

UNITE Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly applauds one of the speakers at the rally Photo: © Michael Fisher

She said they needed to make sure that every TD goes into Leinster House and ensures that the government publishes a bill on collective bargaining and registered employment agreements and that the legislation is enacted and not obstructed.

Mandate General Secretary and ICTU President John Douglas at the Dunnes Stores march and rally Photo: © Michael Fisher

Mandate said that thousands of workers in Dunnes Stores did not know what hours they would have on a week-to-week basis and consequently their income could fluctuate from approximately €144 per week to €400 per week. Mandate say workers need certainty of earnings.

Dunnes Stores workers protesting over low hours contracts Photo: © Michael Fisher

Gerry Light, Mandate assistant general secretary said: “It is totally unacceptable that a local manager in Dunnes Stores can pick and choose which individual members of staff will be able to provide for their families at the end of a week. There are many Dunnes workers who have been with the company for up to 10 years doing 35 hours per week, only to have their hours slashed overnight and the company then hires new staff on lower wages. This is a complete abuse of power and it must be stopped.”

Mr Light (as reported in The Irish Times) said that Dunnes Stores generated up to €350 million in profit annually and the owners had accumulated an estimated €1.78 billion in wealth. “This is not about the inability of Dunnes to treat their workers fairly, it’s about their unwillingness to do so. Today, Dunnes workers, members of the wider trade union movement and the public will send a strong message to Dunnes Stores and all other unscrupulous employers. We want decent work and a living wage for all.”

ICTU Assistant General Secretary (NI) Peter Bunting and (behind) Sligo Cllr Declan Bree with IMPACT group Photo: © Michael Fisher

Dunnes Stores has not commented publicly on its dispute with Mandate. The retailer employs almost 10,000 workers in 114 stores in the Republic.

The Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins was one of a number of public representatives at the march. According to the party, new legislation that could enforce agreements on Dunnes could be an assistance, but won’t resolve the problems. A party statement said anything imposed was likely to be minimal, because of what it claimed was the anti-worker bias in state institutions and would be resisted by Dunnes. It claimed the company would respond by making the workplace like a dictatorship. “They need to be pushed back”, the statement added.

Joe Costello TD with Michael Fisher at the Dunnes Stores rally in Dublin on Saturday

END OF THE LINE FOR BOSE

06/06/2015 by borderroamer

NO SOUND AT BOSE AS PLANT FINALLY SHUTS DOWN

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday June 4th Carrickmacross News p.35

They came in small groups to collect their redundancy payments. Over the course of several hours last Friday, 140 workers left the Bose plant in Carrickmacross, having clocked out on Thursday for the last time. The car park gates are locked and over the next week, preparations will be made by a Dublin company to auction the plant and machinery inside the building. Viewing begins next Thursday and the public auction will be on Friday 12th June, the final chapter in a 37-year history of production at the site.

As they left the plant, the workers again pointed out that this had been a profitable operation for Bose, manufacturing high quality sound systems, and their Irish base in Europe had never been affected by industrial disputes. They said they had always shown their loyalty to the company and had generally been treated well by their employer, until the founder of the company Dr Amar Bose had died two years ago.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D. said she had been in contact with Jobs Minister Richard Bruton on a regular basis, most recently this week regarding the search for an alternative investor for the Bose facility. She said she had been informed that the Industrial Development Authority (responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland) was continuing to seek an alternative use for the Bose building and was highlighting the strengths of the border region as a location for inward investment.

Minister Humphreys told the Northern Standard: “As the existing factory is not owned by Bose, the IDA is in discussions with the relevant parties on how the facility could be made available for a new investor. In response to the Bose announcement Minister Bruton established an interagency group to co-ordinate the response from the state in terms of awareness of entitlements and opportunities for the affected staff of the company and to pursue a replacement investor. This group is chaired by Enterprise Ireland and includes representatives from IDA Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office, the Education and Training Boards from Cavan/Monaghan and Louth/Meath, and the Department of Social Protection. I have been assured that the Department of Social Protection has been very active in terms of meeting the staff in relation to that Department’s services, and the Educational Training Board are pursuing relevant courses and training.”

Minister Humphreys said the Bose announcement in January had been a huge blow to the area, and a terrible shock for staff. Her focus now was on helping to secure an alternative investor for the facility if possible. This process could take some time, but she remained hopeful that Carrickmacross could attract another employer into the town. She added: “As well as continuing to seek a new investor for the facility, it is important that all possible training and up-skilling opportunities are made available to the Bose workers. Job opportunities in Cavan and Monaghan have improved considerably in the last year or so; the number of people on the Live Register across the two counties has dropped by an average of 25% and in total 14,300 additional people are back at work in the border area since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. I will continue to work with Minister Bruton to seek alternative employment options for all workers affected by the Bose closure.”

As the BOSE plant closed its doors for the last time on Friday, Carrickmacross-based Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy said the closure of the plant was devastating for the local economy and community who had been let down by the government. The MEP said:

“Today is a sad day for the staff, their families and the wider community of Carrickmacross as we witness the closure of long- standing employer BOSE and the loss of 140 full time jobs in the area. I wish to extend my solidarity, and that of my party colleagues, to the workers and their families on what I am sure must be a difficult day for them personally.”

“I believe that the closure today is indicative of the lack of an effective regional jobs plan by this government.  Since the closure announcement in January I have been in correspondence with Minister Richard Bruton and with the IDA. I held a meeting with IDA Chief Executive Martin Shanahan in his office where I urged that all possible opportunities to identify an alternative employer for the BOSE site to explored. I regret to say that I do not believe that the government or its agencies have done enough to ensure that either the plant remained open or that alternative employment could be secured for the premises.”

Matt Carthy said people in Carrickmacross and South Monaghan felt very let down by the government agencies who had not delivered for the area and he was hugely disappointed on their behalf. He concluded:

“We must redouble our efforts to minimise the impact of this closure on our community and local economy and I am calling on local government representatives to put pressure on their colleagues to ensure that Carrickmacross is not left behind. I have again written to Minister Richard Bruton requesting real action on this front and I will continue to work with my party colleagues, including Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, on this matter.”

Monaghan County Councillor Colm Carthy is a former Bose employee. The Sinn Féin representative said the closure of the Bose plant was the end of an era. Not only was it a huge blow for the town, it was a huge blow to the whole of South Monaghan and beyond. Councillor Carthy told the Northern Standard:

“The staff of this facility are a family and they are devastated to have lost their jobs. We need to push now for a replacement company to come in to the facility as soon as possible. We have already seen the lack of respect local councillors have been shown by central government in their dealings with all the relevant bodies who are working on getting replacement jobs into the area. This cannot be allowed to continue. We, as a council, will continue to push the government to do all in their power, not only to utilise the facility that is already in place but, more importantly, to utilise the talented workforce that has been left behind.”

GAMING CLUB FOR CARRICKMACROSS

05/06/2015 by borderroamer

GAMING CLUB GETS GO-AHEAD IN CARRICKMACROSS

Permission has been granted by Monaghan County Council, with a number of conditions attached, for the operation of a private members’ gaming club off the Main Street in Carrickmacross. When the initial application was made in January to the planning department on behalf of Carrick Gold Mine Ltd, it was strongly criticised by all six Councillors in the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District. Councillors have since written to the Minister for Justice asking her to close a loophole in the gaming legislation that permits such private clubs and to bring in regulations that would restrict such establishments.

A number of local residents and businesses sent in objections to the Council in February on the basis that the town had never adopted by-laws allowing gaming. However it was discovered that there is a loophole in the legislation that permits private members’ clubs to organise card games such as poker.

The planners rejected the first application as incomplete and invalid. A new application was received by Monaghan County Council on April 13th. This time only one local resident made a representation (for which there is a charge of €20). The submission stated that Carrickmacross had never implemented the gaming by-laws.

In this person’s view, the town did not need any more gambling establishments as there was already an abundance on the Main Street. The objector also raised a question over the suitability of the entrance to accommodate a fire engine or emergency services vehicle.

According to the plan submitted with the application, there would be a total of 24 video machines in the club with three poker tables. A cashier would be based in one corner of the room where there would be a tea or coffee making facility.

Carrick Gold Mine Ltd sought full planning permission for a change of use from an existing vacant ground floor commercial unit to a private members gaming club with external signage, and including all other associated site works. The premises is situated beside the car park at the rear of Carrickmacross Shopping Centre at Drummond Etra, Main Street.

The proposed Private Members Gaming Club would provide card games like Baccarat and other games like Texas Holdem etc “for groups of dedicated card players”. It would be the Club’s intention to have weekly Poker tournaments, some of which would be for local sports teams and associations, according to the application. The club’s facilities would be open to members only, who must be over eighteen.

Original site notice (January): Ground floor unit to be turned into a private members’ gaming club in Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

In a letter to the planning authority, consultants for the applicants outlined that the proposed opening hours would be from 10am to midnight, seven days a week. They said there would be no noise nuisance or other amplified sound from the club. The operators did not favour loud noises as this could affect the enjoyment of the card players. There would be no difference to the current ambient sound from the nearby street.

The applicants said that internal and external CCTV cameras would be installed to discourage anti-social behaviour in the area of the club. A downward facing light would illuminate the front of the building. There would be a single sign to the front of the building.

The conditions imposed by the planners require the applicants to pay a sum of €5825 towards car parking facilities beside the building and €199.50 towards community facilities. Other conditions relate to water and sewerage connections and to sound levels. Permission has been granted for the premises to open seven days a week between 10am and 1am the next day, an hour longer than the operating time submitted by the applicant.

The full details of the planning approval are as follows:

P15/107 – Carrick Gold Mine, Rear of Shopping Centre, Drummond Etra, Carrickmacross.

Prior to commencement of development the developer shall pay to Monaghan County Council a sum of €199.50 in accordance with the General Development Contribution Scheme 2013-2019 made under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), towards expenditure incurred or proposed to be incurred by the Council in the provision of community, recreation and amenity public infrastructure and facilities, which will facilitate the proposed development. The Development Contribution Scheme shall be updated by the Planning Authority on an annual basis, in accordance with the Wholesale Price Index for Building and Construction (Materials and Wages). The sum attached to this condition shall be revised from the date of the grant of planning permission to the value pertaining at the time of payment in accordance with the annual update and the amount of contribution attached therein.
Prior to commencement of development the developer shall pay to Monaghan County Council a sum of €5825.00 in accordance with the General Development Contribution Scheme 2013-2019 made under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), towards expenditure incurred or proposed to be incurred by the Council in the provision of car parking facilities which will facilitate the proposed development. The Development Contribution Scheme shall be updated by the Planning Authority on an annual basis, in accordance with the Wholesale Price Index for Building and Construction (Materials and Wages). The sum attached to this condition shall be revised from the date of the grant of planning permission to the value pertaining at the time of payment in accordance with the annual update and the amount of contribution attached therein.
a. Domestic effluent from toilets and wash hand basins to be discharged to the public foul sewer via existing public foul sewer collection system serving this premises in an approved manner to water services specification. b. The foul sewer connections from any new facilities shall be connected to the existing foul sewer collection system , serving this premises. All new manhole and connections to existing manholes to be constructed watertight with benching to direct discharge into flow path of existing sewer pipeline , all to the approval of the water services representative. c. Storm run off only, to be connected to existing storm sewer collection system serving this development and discharged to existing watercourse/storm sewer in an approved manner. d. You shall be required to pay for water usage by this premises as per approved rates as may be determined by Irish Water , and to any future revisions of said water rates. Applicant shall grant Irish Water and their agents with right of access , at all times, to all water pipelines , valves and meters. e. You shall be required to pay for discharge of effluent by this premises to the public sewer as per approved rates as may be determined by Irish Water , and to any future revisions of said rates. Applicant shall grant Irish Water and their agents with right of access , at all times , to trunk public foul sewers which traverse this site and all associated manholes and sewer pipelines.
Prior to commencement of development, applicant to contact Irish Water regarding the provision of water services necessary to enable the proposed development and to confirm acceptability of the proposed development with regard to source/network infrastructure.
The hours of operation of the business hereby permitted shall be from 10.00am to 01.00am daily (Monday to Sunday). The business shall be operated so as not to cause a noise nuisance in the vicinity.
No additional advertising signs, flags, symbols, emblems, logos or other advertising devices other than signs indicated on lodged plans, to be erected externally on the building or anywhere on the site without prior grant of permission from the Planning Authority.
The noise level from within the boundaries of the development not to exceed 55dB(A) equivalent continuous level (leq) at any point along the boundaries of the development between 8.00am – 8.00pm, at all other times, the noise level not to exceed 45Db(A) equivalent continuous level (leq). Where noise is impulsive in nature or has clearly audible tone components, the levels to be reduced by 5dB(A).
Lighting shall be provided to the elevation of the building in accordance with the details submitted on the 13/04/15.
Subject to the above the proposed development to be carried out in strict conformity with the plans and specifications submitted to the planning authority on 13/04/15.

THE REASONS FOR THE IMPOSITION OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE:

It is considered appropriate that the developer should contribute towards the expenditure incurred or proposed to be incurred by the Council in the provision of community, recreation and amenity infrastructure and facilities, which will facilitate the proposed development.
It is considered appropriate that the developer should contribute towards the expenditure incurred or proposed to be incurred by the Council in the provision of community, recreation and amenity infrastructure and facilities, which will facilitate the proposed development.
To ensure a satisfactory standard of development.
In the interest of sanitary services and orderly development.
In order to prevent unauthorised development.
In the interest of visual amenity.
In the interest of amenity and orderly development.
In the interest of a satisfactory standard of development.
In order to prevent unauthorised development.