BLAYNEY BLADES HAVE MADE FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES OVER 30 YEARS IN EXISTENCE

Broadcaster, journalist, entrepreneur and Monaghan woman Áine Kerr proved to be an excellent choice to host a celebration of female empowerment, the 30th anniversary of Blayney Blades on Friday night in the Íontas Theatre, attended by the Sisters of Mercy, Father Eddie Walsh and distinguished guests including Minister of State Niamh Smyth, Deputy Cathy Bennett, Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Paul Gibbons, Cathaoirleach of Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Sinéad Flynn, Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns, elected representatives, invited guests and friends of Blayney Blades. Indeed, these inspirational women have made many friends over those 30 years and influenced people outside the organisation too, not least President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina.

They couldn’t be there on the night because of a scheduling conflict, but they sent a message instead, hand delivered by Áine Kerr, Chairperson of An Gaisce, the President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and personal development programme for young people aged 14-25. Áine, who is a proud Monaghan woman read the correspondence aloud from President Michael D. Higgins addressed to WCI Blayney Blades on the occasion of their 30th anniversary, dated Friday, 29 August 2025: “Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, (As President of Ireland) it is with great pleasure that I send my warmest congratulations to all…