Halloween Festival had fireworks’ climax
THE HALLOWEEN Peace Festival had an exciting and colourful climax in Castleblayney on Sunday night last as the mid- Monaghan skies were illuminated by a dazzling fireworks’ display in the town.
The event, which was hosted by Monaghan County Council’s Community Relations’ Peace III was initiated as a move to counter anti-social activity in the town over the Halloween period, when in some previous years, residents, especially elderly folk were disturbed by the throwing of eggs and other missiles at vehicles, doors, and windows, causing some distress and annoyance.
Ghouls and Ghosts galore were to be seen at the Iontas Centre on Saturday night last for the Iontas SamhainFest, organised by Artswell – the Arts Company at Iontas. A great time was had by all. Over eighty adults and children attended and prizes for best costumes were given out. Pictured is the winner of the best girl’s costume (8 years and under) Bronwyn Murphy (“little witch”). The occasion was a great success and already plans are under way for a bigger event next year!
Meanwhile, the Town Mayor of Castleblayney, Cllr David Funcheon has praised the success of the weekend festival and other progressive achievements in Blayney during the past month of October.
He said the month began with the hustle and bustle of work men drilling and digging the Main Street laying what are excellent footpaths and a new road surface which also looks excellent. He went on: “It is important to mention that these contractors were on hand to assist any shopper who had any trouble accessing a shop or crossing the road due to their work and this was very much appreciated by all the townspeople”.
Mayor Funcheon also praised the Town Engineer Declan McKiernan who coordinated the project and sought funding to make it happen. “Castleblayney now has footpaths and roads around the town that we can be proud of, and I have no doubt it will enhance the forthcoming Christmas period for shoppers and shop owners”
Mayor Funcheon continued that during the middle of October the Monaghan Rehab People of the Year awards were announced and Castleblayney had two distinguished winners in two categories—firstly Michelle Walsh who won the ‘Carer of the Year’ Award, and Andrew Carr, who won a ‘Personal Achievement Award’ .
Mayor Funcheon said the accolade of being nominated for entrepreneur was not new for the Shabra Group, located in Castleblayney, but this year once again brought the nomination of Rita Shah again unto the international stage. He congratulated Rita, and her business partner, Oliver Brady, upon the company’s continued success.
He also congratulated the Muckno Mania Festival Committee and key-organiser Tommy McGuire on the success of the 2010 event which augured well for another equally successful festival in 2011.
Mayor Funcheon concluded by congratulating all concerned with the weekend Halloween Peace Festival, which it was realised would act as a deterrent against anti social behaviour on Halloween night.
He thanked the organising committee and the Joint Policing Committee and all sponsors, as well as Mr. Jim McConnon of SuperValu and Mr. Paddy Tavey of Conabury; Monaghan County Council; Monaghan Civil Defence; and all volunteers who helped on the night of the fireworks’ finale event.
