MONAGHAN ARMY MEMORIAL

04/04/2015 by borderroamer

Commemorative stone for DF members who served in Monaghan Barracks 1976-2009, designed by Marc Kelly, Emyvale. Photo: © Michael Fisher

ARMY’S CONTRIBUTION TO MONAGHAN COMMEMORATED AT FORMER BARRACKS SITE

MICHAEL FISHER The Northern Standard Thursday March 26th p.

Blessing of commemorative stone by army chaplain Fr Bernard McKay Morrissey, CF Dundalk Photo: © Michael Fisher

The tricolour was lowered for the last time at Monaghan Army Barracks in January 2009 and the gates were closed as the Defence Forces moved out. It was one of four army posts put up for sale by the government. Most of the soldiers based there transferred to the Headquarters of the 27th Infantry Battalion at Aiken Barracks in Dundalk.

Former Sgt Dennis Barry (centre), Monaghan Barracks Association with colour party: Mick Donoghue IUNVA Post 15 Cavan (left) and Wally Barry ONE Tanagh Branch (right) Photo: © Michael Fisher

It might have remained a derelict site for many years. But it has since been transformed into an Education Campus that includes a new Garage Theatre, as well as two schools and the Monaghan Institute. The complex which was developed by the Cavan Monaghan Education Board under its Chief Executive Martin O’Brien was officially opened last month by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Dennis Barry presents sculptor Marc Kelly with a DF crest to mark the occasion Photo: © Michael Fisher

Organiser Dennis Barry presents sculptor Marc Kelly with a DF cap badge crest to mark the occasion Photo: © Michael Fisher

In order to remember the contribution of thousands of army personnel who passed through the post, a Monaghan Barracks Association was formed by a former Sergeant, Dennis Barry. A native of Clonmel in County Tipperary, he was stationed at the Armagh Road complex for many years. Their way of marking the contribution of the military and their colleagues from the Air Corps and Navy was to commission a stone from Emyvale sculptor Marc Kelly.

Piper Kevin Murphy, 27 Inf Bn Dundalk, who played a lament as the stone was unveiled Photo: © Michael Fisher

Last Saturday (March 21st) former army colleagues including UN veterans joined serving members of the 27th Infantry Battalion and the Reserve, along with their families and friends, at the unveiling of the stone.

It was blessed by former Monaghan barracks chaplain, Fr Seán McDermott from Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, Canon Ian Berry, Rector of Monaghan, and Fr Bernard McCay-Morrissey, chaplain of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Dundalk.

Nathan Healy, Castleshane, unveiled the commemorative stone Photo: © Michael Fisher

The honour of unveiling the stone was given to 10 year-old Nathan Healy from Cavancreevy, Castleshane. His father Private John Healy of the 27th Infantry Battalion came from Dublin and joined the army when he was 19. Private Healy died in October and was given military honours at his funeral in Monaghan.

Flags on the stage during the Mass Photo: © Michael Fisher

The memorial stone is dedicated to all members of the Defence Forces who served on the site 1976-2009.

Army Chaplain Fr Bernard McKay Morrissey, CF Dundalk celebrated Mass at the Garage Theatre, Monaghan Photo: © Michael Fisher

At the start of the commemoration, a Mass was held in the Garage Theatre, celebrated by Fr McCay-Morrissey. He said when the announcement of the closure of the barracks came, it was unexpected. It was a time of anxiety and uncertainty for those affected. But good things had eventually emerged from it, although some were still adapting to the move to Dundalk. Prayers were said for all those who had worked in the barracks, the NCOs and officers and the staff.

Reflection during Mass by John Wilson, remembering all who had been stationed at Monaghan Barracks Photo: © Michael Fisher

Fr Seán McDermott was chaplain when the barracks closure was announced and recalls that he was with some members of the unit serving overseas at the time.

Colour Party escorting the tricolour Photo: © Michael Fisher

The decision to construct a barracks in Monaghan was made in November 1973 and the complex was opened in December 1976 by then Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave at the height of the troubles in the North. The soldiers who were then part of the 29th Infantry Battalion operated border patrols and served in aid of the civil power (Gardaí). They often found themselves called out to monitor unnapproved border crossings where local residents were filling in craters that had been caused by the British Army. The troops also supported the Department of Agriculture during the foot and mouth, BSE and poultry disease crises.

Not many local people signed up for military service initially, but as the years went by, more recruits came from the Monaghan area. Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Battalion have served in numerous peacekeeping missions around the world, most notably in Lebanon.

Colour party marches off at end of unveiling and blessing Photo: © Michael Fisher

UN veterans were among those who paraded from the Garage theatre to the site of the memorial stone in what was once the transport yard of the barracks.

Parade from Garage Theatre to memorial stone in former transport yard Photo: © Michael Fisher

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the school canteen and young Nathan Healy from Castleshane was given the task of cutting the special cake that had been made for the occasion.

Nathan Healy, Castleshane, cuts the Monaghan Barracks Association cake Photo: © Michael Fisher

ICA MONAGHAN 60 YEARS

03/04/2015 by borderroamer

ICA President Liz Wall with her chain of office
Photo: © Michael Fisher

MICHAEL FISHER Northern Standard Thursday 26th March

“We are not a group of fuddy-duddies, although many people have that perception. Just look at the number of women out on the dance floor tonight, enjoying themselves”. The President of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association Liz Wall was speaking to me after presenting 161 members in thirteen Monaghan guilds with their long service certificates. When the sums were done, the result was that all these ladies had given a total of 4400 years’ dedication to the aims of the ICA in the county, what seems to be a unique record for any voluntary organisation. Two guilds, Aghabog and Clones, accounted for over a quarter of that figure.

ICA President Liz Wall presents members of Ballybay Guild with their long service certificates
Photo: © Michael Fisher

Liz has made three previous visits to the county during her three years in office, which will end in May when her successor will be elected at the AGM in Portlaoise. In October 2013 she opened a conference in Monaghan on Recovery, organised by the Solas Drop-in Centre Monaghan. It was an example of the work the ICA does to promote mental health.

With over 500 guilds throughout the country and around 10,000 members, Liz is very anxious to keep in touch with the members at grassroots level. She finds out their views by sending out questionnaires during the year. These included the Mental Health Survey, the abortion questionnaire, the audit of lace work in Ireland and a rural communities questionnaire.

ICA President Liz Wall presents members of Threemilehouse Guild with their long service certificates
Photo: © Michael Fisher

The ICA National President recently added her voice to the Save Rural Ireland campaign. “If rural Ireland dies, we won’t be able to bring it back”, she told me. “I think it’s a very important campaign. Unless someone puts down a marker to do something, nothing will happen.” The campaign includes groups such as Muintir na Tire, the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association, the Irish Postmasters’ Union, Macra na Feirme, and the Irish National Flood Forum.

The issues raised at its launch include the need for high-speed rural broadband, the continued threat of rural post-offices closures, the theft of scrap metal, the unavailability of insurance in flood areas, and the need for more rural GP cover.

The number of post offices has fallen from 2,300 in 1984 to about 1,100 now. “When the post office goes, the shops go, the chemist goes and then the public bus service goes,” Liz Wall says. “Our members feel that rural Ireland is being totally destroyed. It needs help before it is too late for rural communities.”

ICA National President Liz Wall cuts the 60th anniversary cake (by Mary Reilly Rockcorry) with one of her predecessors Mamo McDonald from Clones Photo: © Michael Fisher

ICA National President Liz Wall admires the 60th anniversary cake (by Mary Reilly Rockcorry) with one of her predecessors Mamo McDonald from Clones
Photo: © Michael Fisher

She paid tribute to one of her predecessors, Mamo McDonald, who helped her cut the cake at the diamond jubilee dinner. She had played a very big role during her term as National President, Liz said.

Before taking on the role of President, Liz Wall served as National Secetary of the ICA. She has visited guilds all over the Republic and has clocked up over 110,000 miles on her car. Last weekend, including the visit to Carrickmacross, she would cover 1500 miles and visit Dundalk and Galway before returning home to Ashford in County Wicklow. She is married and has three daughters who are university students and a 17 year-old son who is in Leaving Certificate year. Before the night concluded at The Shirley Arms Hotel in Carrickmacross, a cheque was presented by the Monaghan Federation to the National President for €2,800 towards the restoration of An Grianán, the Association’s residential college and conference centre in Termonfeckin, County Louth.

ICA Monaghan Federation President Patricia Cavanagh presents cheque to National President Liz Wall for €2800 for restoration of ICA College Termonfeckin Photo: © Michael Fisher

Outgoing ICA Monaghan Federation President Patricia Cavanagh, Ballinode Guild Photo: © Michael Fisher

ADDRESS BY OUTGOING ICA MONAGHAN FEDERATION PRESIDENT PATRICIA CAVANAGH
A Uachtarain Naisiunta agus a chombhaill. Ta athas orm faílte a chuir roimh go leir chuig an ocaid speisialta seo anocht.
Madame President, fellow members and special guests, I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening. This year Monaghan Federation ICA celebrates its Diamond jubilee and as part of our celebrations, tonight we will receive our long service certificates for those who are 15 years or longer in ICA in Monaghan. Many thanks to our National President Liz Wall for agreeing to come and be with us on this very special occasion.

Rosa Patterson, founder member of ICA Guild Ballybay 60 years ago Photo: ICA Monaghan book

Sixty years ago as Rosa Patterson cycled to and from her work as a primary school teacher in the Ballybay area she stopped and spoke to the local women as they went about their many daily chores on the farm and in the home and realised the need to form a women’s group in the area where women could come together, socialise, learn new crafts and generally discuss items of interest that was common to them all. She maintained that every woman had their own individual potential and skills and encouraged the use of them. Ballybay Guild opened in January 1954 and in June 1955 Monaghan Federation held its first meeting in Hatton’s hotel Ballybay with at least six guilds in the County at this stage. Rosa Patterson became its first President and from there we ventured forward to make our mark in the world of ICA as we know it today.

Monaghan can be proud that two National Presidents were elected from its midst. The first was Josephine Carroll 1972 -1975. Josephine worked tirelessly for the Save Monaghan Hospital campaign and was a skilled craftworker and craft teacher with a keen interest in country markets. She was responsible for the setting up of two branches of country markets, here in Carrickmacross and in Monaghan town. Secondly Mamo McDonald, who joins us here this evening. She became President in 1982.

ICA National President Liz Wall, Honorary President Mamo McDonald and outgoing Monaghan Federation President Patricia Cavanagh Photo: © Michael Fisher

There have been many events and gatherings over the years and many women have gained so much from being part of this wonderful organisation at all levels. In 1993 Monaghan ICA was alarmed by the introduction of probate tax in the budget which was going to involve the surviving spouse where joint ownership did not exist facing a new tax. A resolution was passed and brought to National Council calling for its abolition which was then brought to government. An alliance was formed with other interested parties which led to many exemptions being secured.

ICA Monaghan Federation celebration dinner, Shirley Arms Hotel Photo: © Michael Fisher

In 1994 when the teachers’ centre in Monaghan was in danger of being downgraded, the ICA got behind the campaign and petitioned for it to be retained. In 1996 Monaghan Education centre was upgraded to a full-time education centre. At our last Federation meeting we discussed the downgrading of the library service in County Monaghan, where we are going to be amalgamated with County Cavan library services. Once again we hope to petition against this. I could speak of many of our events and achievements, but at this stage I would like to pay tribute to members who are no longer with us. We hope that into the future that ICA will remain strong and vibrant and continue to support women to support each other on their journey through life.

I will finish with this short poem written by a member of Threemilehouse Guild, Kathleen Kieran, who sadly is no longer with us:-
As we celebrate our 60th,
Let’s cast back our thoughts today,
To the women of foresight and courage,
Who founded the ICA,

They gave women a stance in our country,
The voice that was silent now heard,
To speak out for fair play and justice,
That the wealth of our country be shared.

A BUSY THREE YEARS AS FEDERATION PRESIDENT

Patricia Cavanagh from Tullyvogey in Tydavnet was one of the founder members of the ICA’s Ballinode guild at a meeting in the community centre in Otober 1983. Her sister Breege Lenihan also joined. She has had a very busy three years as President of the Monaghan Federation. It is one of five areas in the country that has seen a growth in members, whereas other counties have been in decline. There are around 260 members in the thirteen guilds in the county. The work the Association does to encourage crafts was one of the reasons Patricia joined. Learning skills that can be passed on to a younger generation.

Their trips over the years to the ICA college at An Grianán introduced them to a wide variety of crafts and courses such as cookery, aromatherapy, healthy lifestyle, ballroom dancing and gardening. The Ballinode guild has around thirty members and meets in Tydavnet community centre on the second Thursday of each month. It raises funds annually for different charities and every year their entries feature in Tydavnet Show.

Patricia says the ICA has played a major role in the social, educational and cultural lives of Irish women since its inception. It now aims to attract younger and new members. Any female over 16 is eligible to join. Although it is perceived widely as a predominantly rural group, the “country” in the title stands for Ireland, and the biggest ICA guild is in Blanchardstown, County Dublin.

ICA National President Liz Wall congratulates Killanny Guild members on their long service certificates, among them Mary Callan (right), mother of comedian Oliver Callan Photo: © Michael Fisher

The outgoing Federation President says she is proud to have been part of the Association and what it stands for. It has brought friendship, fellowship and comradeship, she says. Patricia gained a particular insight into the history of the organisation when she consulted the ICA minute books held in the National Archives in Dublin. Along with a committee, she helped to produce a book “Friendship and Fellowship: ICA, The Monaghan Story” to mark the national centenary in 2010.

During her term Patricia has visited most of the thirteen guilds in Monaghan. As a former psychiatric nurse, one of the highlights for her was when the ICA along with the Solas centre marked World Mental Health Day in 2013 by organising a Recovery conference in Monaghan, which the National President attended. Liz Wall also came to Carrickmacross for a very successful craft day. The ICA has been to the forefront in helping to preserve both Carrickmacross Lace and Clones Lace.

Calico dolls made for Temple St Children’s Hospital by members of ICA Guilds in Clones and Ballinode Photo: © Michael Fisher

During the celebration there was an example of how ICA members can use their skills to help others. The play therapists at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin contacted the women’s group to see if any members could make calico dolls. These dolls are used with the young patients, allowing them to colour in and make unique to themselves their illness or condition and to explain to them their treatment. Sacks of the dolls were handed over at the dinner and will be forwarded by the ICA to the hospital. As a mark of thanks for her service in Monaghan, Patricia Cavanagh was presented with a silver oak leaf brooch by the National President at the end of a very enjoyable evening marking the achievements of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.

HONORARY NATIONAL PRESIDENT MAMO McDONALD CLONES GUILD

ICA Honorary President Mamo McDonald, Clones Guild, receives her certificate from National President Liz Wall for 60 years of ICA membership Photo: © Michael Fisher

Mamo McDonald from Clones Guild served as National President of the ICA for three years from 1982 to 1985. She said it was the beginning of an adventure that was fulfilling, exciting, educational, exhausting and always challenging. In ‘Friendship and Fellowship’, the history of the ICA in County Monaghan published in 2010, the ICA’s Centenary year, Mamo revealed that it was the leadership of another National President from Monaghan, Josephine Carroll, that encouraged her to run for the position. This was at a time when the ICA membership was at an all-time high of 27,000 members.

“Mamo originally joined the Association in Croom, County Limerick, in 1947 and went on to help found the Clones Guild. It was just after the Second World War and there were many scarcities. Mamo recalled: “In one of my first meetings we learned to cure lamb skins and to make slippers and soft shoes lined with fleece. Today my Guild has lots of younger members, many of whom have joined in the last few years. What do they want to learn? They want to learn to knit, sew, make Clones lace and to learn other craft skills. We have come full circle”.

In another ICA publication Mamo said one of the highlights for her was bridging the gap with the radical feminist movement. “Before my time they were considered “the enemy” and it was a huge challenge for both sides to accept each other and realise that we were usually singing from the same hymn sheet and were able to work more together”, she said. During her presidency the different women’s groups grew closer and closer, supporting each other, and the ICA became more a part of the Irish Women’s movement.

Mamo said she believed the opportunity to travel was one the greatest opportunities she got as National President and the other was the chance to sit on national committees and to really make a difference.

“Before I became President of ICA I had been concentrating on raising my large family and the only holidays I got were short visits to An Grianán”, she said. “Then as President I travelled many times to London working with the Associated Country Women of the World, further afield working with the Confederation of Family Organisations in the EU and I travelled to Canada and to Nairobi in Africa as a delegate to the United Nations International Conference on Women. Being invited to join government- appointed committees was also a great opportunity”.

Mamo recalled: “As a businesswoman with a drapery shop in County Monaghan, I knew a lot about the responsibilities that go with the rights of consumers, so I often spoke out about it. I was invited to join the Committee for Consumer Education. As I was travelling widely at the time, I noticed differences in the welcome received in hotels and establishments in these countries that was often lacking in Ireland. After a visit to Vancouver where I had been very impressed with the customer service I spoke out about the failings in the hospitality sector in a speech entitled ‘Céad Míle Faults?’ and was then invited to join Bord Fáilte”.

The great disadvantage during her presidential term, she said, was being away from home and from her family and that proved very difficult at times. “I have eleven children and I always felt guilty when I was away. When I came in as President some of my children where working, some were in university, some in secondary education and even little ones still in primary school. My husband Eugene died in 1979 so during my presidency, I relied on the wonderful support and great friendship of Patsy our housekeeper and wonderful friend; I couldn’t have done the work of President without her. When I was at home I spent a lot of time baking so that there would be loads of loaves of brown bread in the freezer for everyone and then when I was at home, I felt guilty about not being at work for ICA!”

After her term in office Mamo became involved in the politics of ageing. She is a founder member of Age and Opportunity and the Older Women’s Network. When she was 70, Mamo McDonald returned to full-time education and did a higher diploma followed by a Masters in Women’s Studies in UCD. She delights in her thirty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who visit her regularly.

(from an interview with ICA News)

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

TACKLING DIESEL LAUNDERING

01/04/2015 by borderroamer

NEW DYE TO COMBAT DIESEL LAUNDERING The Northern Standard Thursday 2nd April p.1

Michael Fisher

Containers filled with toxic diesel sludge abandoned at a roadside in Co. Monaghan Photo: RTÉ News 2012

New measures to tackle diesel laundering have been introduced on both sides of the border. From yesterday (Wednesday), a new, additional fuel marker for rebated fuel is being introduced following consultation with, and support from, the oil sector.

The illegal dumping of diesel laundering waste has been a huge problem in County Monaghan for over ten years. The hazardous waste has to be sent abroad for disposal. Monaghan County Council estimated the total costs incurred in its area because of diesel wash between 2004 and 2013 totalled over €2.14 million. Last year the clean-up cost was over €600,000 and this was reimbursed by the Department of Environment.

The Irish and British governments say the new fuel marker is now required in addition to the existing mineral oil markers. Producers and suppliers of rebated fuel must ensure that any supply of rebated fuel removed from the warehouse for home use contains the new mix of markers as set out in legislation in the different jurisdictions.

The Revenue Commissioners say action against the illegal use of marked fuel is an integral part of their wide-ranging programme of action against all forms of fuel fraud. An extensive range of new measures have been introduced over recent years to tackle fuel fraud, including enhanced supply chain controls and now the acquisition of a more effective fuel marker.

This marker will help both the Revenue Commissioners and the British Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle the criminal market in off-road diesel, marked with a green dye in Ireland and a red dye in the UK, and also kerosene primarily used for heating oil. Excise duty on rebated diesel is charged at a lower rate than standard fuel duty.

Launderers primarily target red or green diesel, filtering it through chemicals or acids to remove the government marker. The chemicals and acids remain in the fuel and damage fuel pumps in diesel cars.

The new marker is produced by The Dow Chemical Company and is intended to make rebated fuel much harder for fraudsters to remove the dye and to sell on at a profit. Rebated fuel use is strictly limited to specific circumstances, primarily in agriculture, construction and heating.

The new marker does not have any colour and is added in addition to the current markers. There will be no change of colour. Specialised equipment is required to confirm the presence of the new marker.

The exact formation of the new marker is secret, but it only consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It does not contain any halogens or metals. The manufacturer expects it to be fully compatible with all fuels containing ethanol or biodiesel. It is not expected to affect engine emissions.

ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL ON DISAPPEARED

29/03/2015 by borderroamer

Columba McVeigh, one of the ‘disappeared’

The Catholic Primate of All-Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh has made a new appeal for information to help find the remains of the six people known as “The Disappeared”. RTÉ News reported that Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated Mass with family members of the victims in Armagh this afternoon.

As happened with his predecessor, Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop Martin this afternoon celebrated Palm Sunday mass in Armagh with families who had a loved one killed and secretly buried by republicans during the troubles. Since the mid-1990’s ten bodies have been recovered but six are still missing.

A dig for the remains of one of them, Joe Lynskey, began in a County Meath bog earlier this month.

Archbishop Martin said some families are living a long Good Friday. He appealed to the conscience of anyone who has information that might help to come for forward. His hope is the six affected families could, at this late stage, be able to offer a christian burial to their loved ones.

In recent years republicans, through confidential channels set up by the Irish and British governments, gave information that led to the recovery of the remains of several victims.

Annually on Palm Sunday in the College Chapel of Saint Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh a Mass of Remembrance is held. For the past sixteen years the gathering helps the families to connect with each other in solidarity and compassion. Eleven of the seventeen families have recovered the long-lost bodies of their loved ones.

The text of his homily was published by the Catholic Communications Office:

“Some families are living a long Good Friday, and it is difficult for them to know the Easter promise of resurrection”
“I appeal to the conscience of anyone who has information that might help to come forward to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains” – Archbishop Martin.

“It is a humbling experience for me to meet and pray for the first time today with families of ‘The Disappeared’. For sixteen years the families of those abducted, murdered and secretly buried, have gathered annually on Palm Sunday here at Saint Patrick’s College in Armagh for a Mass of Remembrance. The gathering helps the families to connect with each other in solidarity and compassion.

Over these sixteen years the families have comforted each other, and consoling friendships have formed among them. There have been moments of hope when fresh information has come forward leading to a new search. There have been great disappointments when some of those searches have proven futile. And, thank God, during that time, eleven of the seventeen families have recovered the long-lost bodies of their loved ones, allowing them to begin at last to find some closure.

For other families the pain, uncertainty and waiting continues. Today, as we begin Holy Week, their sorrowful burden reminds me of how our Saviour had to carry His heavy Cross along the Via Dolorosa. Some families are living a long Good Friday, and it is difficult for them to know the Easter promise of resurrection. The recovery, last October in County Meath, of Brendan Megraw’s body, encourages them not to lose hope. I appeal to the conscience of anyone who has information that might help to come forward to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains so that, even at this late stage, the remaining families can experience the consolation of being able to offer a Christian burial to their loved ones. They come with the assurance that the information can only be used to recover the bodies of those disappeared”.

Archbishop Eamon Martin Photo: http://www.armagharchdiocese.org/2013/05/13/archbishop-eamon-martin/

Archbishop Martin also issued a Joint Holy Week and Easter 2015 message with the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop Richard Clarke:

We join in wishing you all, wherever you may be, a blessed Holy Week and a joyful Eastertide. We invite you to enter with real spiritual seriousness into the powerful story of Holy Week so that you can experience personally and profoundly the joy and happiness of Easter.

Easter Day is far more than a happy ending to the sad tale of Good Friday. Rather it is the celebration of the ultimate victory of God over all that damages, terrifies and destroys us.
On Good Friday it seemed that the worst that the world can do was victorious over the best that there can ever be. The crucifixion was the rejection of all that it is to be truly human. It was the refusal to believe that only in Christ can men and women find their truest identity and fullest humanity. It was the attack of darkness on the reality of a total Love.
All around us today, we still see powerful signs of that same darkness in our world. It is found in in the horrors of cruel and vicious inhumanity to those who are seen as other; in the day to day debasement of the dignity of those who are unable to defend themselves; in physical violence, murder, war and persecution. It issues in the extreme selfishness of some individual lives that have fallen away catastrophically from any generosity and forgiveness.
But in the compassionate cry of abandonment from the cross, Good Friday reminds us that God is to be found not among those who can destroy others most effectively, but rather totally with those who are at the receiving end of the envy, spite and viciousness of others.
Saint Paul describes the resurrection of Christ as the “first fruits” – the evidence that there will be a harvest of hope, and a final victory of love over hatred, injustice and futility.
May we together follow trustfully with Jesus Christ on the way to the Cross, and share fully with him in the joy of his resurrection. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

+Eamon Martin +Richard Clarke

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh

EASTER EGG HUNT CARRICKMACROSS

28/03/2015 by borderroamer

The Easter Bunny is in town Photo: Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce

Passing through Carrickmacross? Then take part in the Chamber of Commerce annual Easter Egg hunt which started today and runs until Easter Saturday 4^th April.

Photo: Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce

The hunt takes in shops and businesses from all over town. Each business has two eggs hidden in their window. Everyone is invited to come along and take part. Entry forms are available from Bits and Bobs, Birdys, and Keegans newsagent’s. There are great prizes for the winner and lots of chances to win something on Easter Saturday if you are around. Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce invites you to come along and take part in the hunt. Remember the safe cross code when crossing the streets, and you are advised to wear a high-viz vest.

On the Easter Egg trail Photo: Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce

ORGAN DONATION WEEK

27/03/2015 by borderroamer

Kevin Hickey from Monaghan and other transplant recipients with Donor Awareness Ambassador Mary Kennedy at the launch in Dublin Photo © Conor McCabe Photography

ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK LAUNCHED IN DUBLIN

Northern Standard Thursday 26th March 2015

UCD law student Kevin Hickey, aged 22, from the Cootehill Road in Monaghan is among 3000 people in Ireland enjoying extended life as a result of organ transplantation. This is his story:

Born with a crippling defect in my heart muscle, I was gravely ill as a baby and under the care of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. Following a relative stabilisation of my condition, I went on to live what I believed was a relatively normal, healthy existence. However, in January of 2014 my health nosedived. I presented myself to hospital in late January of that year and didn’t emerge from inpatient care until mid-April, by which time I had received a heart transplant at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

My end-stage deterioration was swift and brutal, culminating in exhaustion and my heart being unable to function to any satisfactory degree without the assistance of invasive devices. So grave was my position that, by late February, I was placed on the waiting list for a transplant. My decline continued rather swiftly from that point forth, incorporating blood clots amongst other hugely painful events.

My survival chances were grim with medical thinking being that, without a transplant, my life expectancy was abysmal – less than 50% chance of lasting a year and less than 5% likelihood of making it to 27 years of age.

In late March, just as my condition was at an extremely low point, I received word from the wonderful Transplant Team in the Mater Hospital that a heart might be available. Following an excruciating wait one Saturday evening, including a battery of tests, it was agreed that the heart was a match. The operation could go ahead.

In the absence of organ donation, I would most likely not be here today. Not only would my existence be unlikely, it is unquestionable that my standard of living has improved immensely. I feel better now than I have done my entire life – a sense of energy that I never enjoyed with my old heart.

Organ donation has provided me with the gift of life, as it has done for many others. What we must do now is encourage the message of its merits to be spread. It is truly the most generous thing a person can possibly do – whether said person is a loved one agreeing that the organs of a clinically dead loved-one be donated or the extremely selfless act that is living organ donation.

The gift of life is something that is required all too often. Even in our locality at present, there is a beautiful baby from Corcaghan under the care of Our Lady’s Hospital as she awaits a life saving heart transplant.

I cannot begin to thank all of the people in my life who have assisted me over this period, ranging from my wonderful family and friends to the fantastic medical staff in the Mater Hospital, Dublin. Of course, it is to the donor family whom I will never know that I must express the greatest gratitude.

The Mater Hospital in Dublin conducted a record number of heart and lung transplant operations in 2014. It was also a record year for kidney transplants for children and more living donor kidney transplants were carried out last year than ever before.

Kevin Hickey attended the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week by the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar T.D. at the Mansion House in Dublin on Monday. A life saving awareness campaign organised by the Irish Kidney Association will begin on Saturday and continues until 4th April. During the week IKA volunteers will be distributing organ donor cards and selling ‘forget-me-not flower’ emblems in towns and villages throughout the country.

In his address at the national launch, Mr Varadkar said, “an organ transplant can make an enormous difference to a patient, and to the lives of those around them. That’s why Organ Donor Awareness Week is an important annual event. Although Ireland has a reasonable strong record on organ donation, I would like to see our rates rise to levels seen in other European countries. In 2014 the number of deceased donors was lower than in 2013, but we performed well in terms of maximising the number of organs that were transplanted. A total of 251 transplants were performed thanks to the generosity of 63 deceased donors and 40 living donors. Last year I launched a new scheme to reimburse the expenses of living donors. And additional funding of almost €3m has been provided to the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Office to develop the most appropriate infrastructure for organ donation and transplantation. This includes for 19 whole-time-equivalent staff dedicated to organ donation and transplantation across the country”.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of heart transplantation and the 10th anniversary of lung transplantation at the Mater Hospital.

Irish Kidney Association Monaghan Branch Members Margaret McCague (Scotstown) and Martin Thornton with Donor Awareness Ambassador Mary Kennedy (right) Photo © Conor McCabe Photography

COUNCILLORS OPPOSE GAMING OUTLETS

26/03/2015 by borderroamer

COUNCILLORS CONTINUE TO OPPOSE GAMBLING OUTLETS

Michael Fisher

All six Councillors in the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District have again highlighted their opposition to a proposed private members gaming club in Carrickmacross. A fortnight ago planners in Monaghan County Council put on hold an application by Carrick Gold Mine Ltd to set up a private gaming club in a vacant commercial unit off Main Street, beside the car park at the rear of the Shopping Centre at Drummond Etra.

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD Councillors PJ O’Hanlon, Aidan Campbell, Colm Carthy and Padraig McNally Photo © Michael Fisher

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

Planning officials have requested additional information about a number of aspects and have given the applicants six months to reply to the Council.

Cllr Jackie Crowe (SF), Cathaoirleach Carrickmacross=Castleblayney Municipal District Council Photo: © Michael Fisher

The March meeting of the Municipal District Council held in Carrickmacross and chaired by Cllr Jackie Crowe heard from District Co-Ordinator Cathal Flynn that because of a loophole in current legislation, there was nothing the District Council could do to prevent the operation of such a club, if the application was approved. Councillor Padraig McNally asked for Standing Orders to be suspended so that he could ask a question seeking additional information, following last month’s decision to write to the Minister for Justice, asking for local authorities to be able to introduce bye-laws that would prohibit gaming facilities, including gaming clubs. He was told that the Council had received a letter from the office of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., last week. It informed Councillors that the government had approved the general scheme of the Gambling Control Bill in July 2013. The scheme was currently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, awaiting legal drafting. A copy has been made available on the Department’s website. The letter, signed by the Minister’s Private Secretary, said that upon enactment of this proposed legislation, the Minister would assume the sole regulatory function as relates to all forms of gambling, with the exception of the National Lottery. It was not possible to indicate at this point when the Bill is likely to be published, according to the Minister’s Office.

Cllr Padraig McNally (FF) Photo © Michael Fisher

Councillor McNally said this letter should be circulated to local Deputies and they should be asked to help speed up the process of bringing the Bill through the Dáil, so as to ensure this planning application would come under the remit of any new gambling legislation.

Cllr PJ O'Hanlon (FF) Photo: © Michael Fisher

His party colleague Councillor PJ O’Hanlon said they would do everything in their power through the Council to stop such private members clubs. As public representatives they had a role and a function to represent the views of people on the ground.

Cllr Colm Carthy Photo: © Michael Fisher

Councillor Colm Carthy said a number of local businesses and residents in Carrickmacross had already been in contact with Oireachtas members and they would push the issue to try to get it resolved. Councillor Noel Keelan said their aim should be to try to close the planning loophole concerning private members gaming clubs. Councillor McNally proposed and Councillor O’Hanlon seconded a motion, which was passed unanimously:

“That this Authority writes to our local TDs to ensure the speedy passage of legislation in Dáil Éireann and to seek their support for measures to stop such gambling outlets from receiving consent for planning authorities and court services”.

Cllr Noel Keelan Photo: © Michael Fisher

The Northern Standard

COUNCILLORS DEFEND LIBRARY SERVICE

25/03/2015 by borderroamer

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD Councillors PJ O’Hanlon, Aidan Campbell, Colm Carthy and Padraig McNally Photo © Michael Fisher

COUNCILLORS OPPOSE PLANS TO CHANGE LIBRARY SERVICE

Michael Fisher

Moves to amalgamate library services in Monaghan and Cavan by the appointment of a joint librarian will be strongly opposed by Councillors in the Carrickmacross and Castleblayney area. A meeting of the Municipal District Council on Monday discussed a submission received by a Ballybay resident and member of the local library, who expressed her concerns over the issue. She said there was a real fear among members that if the proposal goes ahead then smaller libraries like the one in Ballybay would close. The library service is important to local communities on many levels, she told Councillors, and she asked them to contact Minister Alan Kelly to get him and his department to abolish the proposed amalgamation.

Councillor Padraig McNally said they had been told the only proposal was to share the County Librarian between the two counties. But he said they did not need such a change as they already had a good system in place. He proposed that the District strongly objected to any amalgamation. This was the thin end of the wedge and next thing they would be looking at the fire service, he said. The county had already been stripped of so many services.

Councillor PJ O’Hanlon said this was the start of another service being taken away from the county. Councillor McNally proposed and his party colleague Councillor O’Hanlon seconded a motion:

“That this Municipal District rejects any amalgamation of our library services. Monaghan has a proud record of providing library services and does not need to be linked with any other counties or regions”. It was passed unanimously.

Cllr Noel Keelan (SF) Photo: © Michael Fisher

Councillor Noel Keelan said ‘amalgamation’ was another word for cuts and proposed a motion: “That this District Council writes to the Minister, Mr Alan Kelly T.D., requesting that the proposed amalgamation does not proceed, given how important the Library Service is to the people”. Councillor Colm Carthy seconded and this motion was also agreed.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Jackie Crowe said they were all absolutely opposed to any amalgamation.

The Northern Standard

JUNK KOUTURE SUCCESS

23/03/2015 by borderroamer

Carrickmacross Creation in Junk Kouture Final

The Future, by St Louis Carrickmacross Art students Naoise Brennan, Katie Lynch and Aimee Ward

The Future by St Louis Carrickmacross students Naoise Brennan, Katie Lynch & Aimee Ward

A group of students from St Louis Secondary School in Carrickmacross have reached the final of the ‘Junk Kouture’ competition with their creation called The Future. Earlier this month the Millennium Forum in Derry was packed with supporters and family members of the eighty regional finalists. Second level schools from the nine counties of Ulster were represented at the event, and five of the regional finalists were from St Louis Carrickmacross, all of them students of Art teacher Patricia O’Reilly. Each model had just ninety seconds to impress the judging panel on the catwalk and twenty designs were chosen to progress to the glamorous grand final of the competition in the 3Arena in Dublin on April 24^th. The St Louis girls displayed great creativity in their designs. The school was delighted that The Future, a stunning creation by 4^th year Art students Naoise Brennan, Katie Lynch and Aimee Ward was chosen for the All-Ireland Junk Kouture final.

Junk Kouture is a national competition for second level students which challenges teenagers to create high-end wearable fashion from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin. Junk Kouture aims to inspire and ignite passion in these teenagers while at the same time subtly educating them about the importance of recycling and reusing waste. Over the last four years, Junk Kouture has established itself as the premier recycled fashion competition for teenagers throughout the island of Ireland.

MONAGHAN MILITARY REMEMBRANCE

22/03/2015 by borderroamer

Current and former Defence Forces members gather at Monaghan Education Campus Photo: © Michael Fisher

Monaghan’s military past was commemorated at the weekend with the unveiling of a stone at the site of the former army barracks. The site has been redeveloped and is now the Monaghan Education Campus on the Armagh Road, which was formally opened by An Taoiseach last month.

27th Infantry Battalion Shoulder Flash

The barracks was opened in 1976 as a base for members of the 29th Infantry Battalion who were assigned to border duties and assisting the civil power (Gardaí). The 29th also had a base in Cavan. The Monaghan element was later combined with Castleblayney to become the 27th Infantry Battalion, which has a headquarters at Aiken Barracks in Dundalk. This is where most of the seving personnel transferred to when the tricolour was lowered for the last time at Monaghan barracks in January 2009.

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