Articles in the General News Category

By Veronica Corr The brilliant quote: “Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend!” is attributed to Robert Burns, Chief Executive (CE) of Monaghan County Council, but he gave credit where it was due to the speechwriters! The head of the Local Authority was speaking at the countywide launch of the Green Dog Walker initiative in Carrickmacross Civic Offices, which was followed by a photo opportunity in the dog park just behind the building. The CE congratulated the Environment Section on coming up with an innovative solution to the ...

The elected members of Monaghan Co Council on Monday went against the advice of senior planning and executive personnel on the local authority to vote through a number of potentially contentious changes to the new Monaghan Co Development Plan – the document that will act as the “bible” for planning and development policy in the county over the coming years. Members voted 9-7, on the proposal of Fianna Fáil local public representative Seamus Coyle, on a show of hands to zone land in the Coolshannagh area of Monaghan Town for ...

Our picture by Rory Geary shows a symbolic moment during the Mass of Thanksgiving held at St Macartan’s Cathedral in Monaghan Town on Sunday last to mark the departure of the St Louis Order of nuns after a 166-year association with education and healthcare in the local community. The flags held by members of the congregation were representative of the countries in which the order, founded in France in 1842 to promote Christian education for the young, had established itself over the course of its history. A capacity congregation, comprised ...

When the fixtures were announced at the end of last year, Monaghan’s trip to Louth always looked likely to be, what former Ireland football manager Steve “Stan” Staunton would call “a banana skin”. With three wins in their opening four matches, Monaghan have looked impressive so far this season, but will nonetheless proceed with cautious facing a difficult trip to Drogheda this Sunday. Having said that, it’s difficult to imagine what it would look like if this Monaghan team did play with caution. They have played with the shackles off ...

A plan to spend in the region of €6 million to develop 73 kilometres of cross-Border trails in the Sliabh Beagh heritage area of North Monaghan was unveiled this week as part of significant additional Government investment earmarked for the Shared Island initiative. A campaign to secure significant funding to put in place the elements of the Master Plan prepared for the development of the Sliabh Beagh area has been in train for a considerable time and this week’s announcement was welcomed across the local political and community development spectrum, ...

By Veronica Corr Former Minister Heather Humphreys needs no introduction and given that she decided to retire last year before the election, it seemed fitting that her contribution to her home county be acknowledged. Having stepped back from elected life at the highest level and the hectic schedule that goes with it, she looked great in a classic black dress with her husband Eric in a tuxedo for the black tie 2024 Farney Foundation County Monaghan People of the Year gala awards, which took place on Saturday night, February 22nd ...

The new Affordable Housing Scheme being put in place by Monaghan Co Council could provide vital stimulus for the construction industry in the county, stated Fine Gael’s Sean Gilliland at Monday’s meeting of the local authority. Councillor Gilliland was one of a number of elected members who enthusiastically welcomed plans outlined for the first of what is hoped can be a series of Affordable Housing Scheme deliveries in the county. The initiative, to be piloted in Monaghan Town, will see the Council offer newly built homes at a reduced price ...

COLM SHALVEY The Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U- 19.5 football competitions wrapped up with the Faul Cup Final last Thursday, which saw Largy College, Clones edged out in a controversial finish against Bailieborough Community School at Breffni Park. After having a goal ruled out as they chased a late winner, Largy subsequently conceded at the other end as Bailieborough sealed a 3-8 to 0-12 victory. MacLarnon Cup winners Patrician High School, Carrickmacross turn their sights to the All-Ireland ‘B’ Championship when they contest a Paddy Drummond Cup semi-final against Cashel Community ...

The recent felling of trees and the destruction of natural habitats in the Ballinode area had greatly shocked and upset local residents, Fianna Fáil councillor Raymond Aughey told Monday’s meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District. Referring to what he dubbed “the Ballinode chainsaw massacre”, Councillor Aughey said that an incident had taken place in the Ballinode area following the recent Storm Éowyn. Using the storm as cover, a load of trees had been cut down and some natural habitats destroyed in the process. The local authority had been contacted but ...

MAJOR INVESTMENT TO CREATE OVER 100 NEW JOBS AND BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY A consortium of investors, spearheaded by the McGettigan family, has announced the acquisition of the Nuremore Hotel & Golf Club in County Monaghan. The landmark hotel and golf resort is set to undergo a significant refurbishment, with plans to create over 100 new jobs, revitalize the surrounding area, and establish Nuremore as a premier destination for both local visitors and international tourists. With decades of expertise in the hospitality sector both in Ireland and abroad, the McGettigan family is ...