Articles in the General News Category

COLM SHALVEY The GAA has confirmed that walking tracks on club grounds may be allowed to reopen from next week. Any training, even in small groups, remains off-limits during the second phase of the Government’s ‘roadmap’, but the situation may be reviewed in phase three. In a statement released late last week, the Association said: “The GAA continues to monitor closely the ongoing pandemic and the Government’s roadmap relating to the relaxation of restrictions. The Association notes that we remain in Phase One and await an update about the possible ...

COLM SHALVEY Monaghan Town Runners undertook a major three-day summer clean-up of the local area over the bank holiday weekend. More than 40 members and their families got out during the sunny long weekend to gather rubbish within their 5km radius, covering not only the town but also areas such as Tyholland, Glaslough, Milltown, Threemilehouse, Aghabog, Tydavnet, Corcaghan and Rockcorry. MTR AnnaMarie McCleary told The Northern Standard that there was a “great reaction”, adding “We had over 40 Monaghan Town Runners over three days out picking up litter in ...

COLM SHALVEY The GAA may consider permitting limited access to some club grounds before July 20, but not for playing purposes, as per recent comments by John Horan. With the GAA and the LGFA insurance currently suspended, the playing fields are due to remain closed until July 20, despite a glimmer of hope regarding the earlier reopening of walking tracks, following recent comments by GAA President John Horan, who told BBC NI: “If there is one first step that we may make in terms of loosening things up it may well ...

CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 CRISIS Páraic McDonald made his name as a multitalented sportsman in Castleblayney and a winner of multiple titles with the Faughs, but he has now spent almost two decades as a full-time coach at Kilmacud Crokes as the Stillorgan club has grown into one of the biggest in the country. Monaghan GAA Games Development Manager Paul O’Connor called on his former team-mate to deliver a webinar on developing youth club coaching programmes last week and speaking to The Northern Standard this week, Páraic said they were pleased with the ...

The journey from Malin to Mizen Head is significant for any adventurer, but it’s just the challenge energetic Glaslough boy Dylan Dickson (9) and his mother Alison are taking on to help raise vital funds for ISPCC Childline. The Third Class pupil at St. Mary’s Primary School is making a difference for children and young people throughout the country by cycling the 640km length of Ireland with his mammy – all within a two kilometre radius of their home. The daring pair accepted the mission after spotting the idea on ...

• Councillor Coyle criticises SF for failure to insist on all-island approach Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Co Council Councillor Seamus Coyle has expressed serious disappointment at the withdrawal of the company chosen to deliver the National Broadband Plan in the Republic of Ireland from the tendering process for the equivalent project in Northern Ireland. Granahan McCourt, the US investment firm founded by tech billionaire David McCourt, was one of three bidders for Project Stratum, Northern Ireland’s £165 million (€184 million) rural broadband project. However, it failed to submit its initial tender for ...

Michael Fisher EirGrid has made clear its intention to push forward with its controversial plan for the North South interconnector, which is still awaiting planning permission in Northern Ireland. A statement sent to The Northern Standard by the company said its agricultural liaison team remained available at the Carrickmacross office to answer questions on the multi million Euro scheme. EirGrid is continuing to work on the North South Interconnector project as a key element of its grid development programme, a company spokesman said. He added that: “We’re always keen to ...

Decrease in Coronavirus Cases But 2m Guideline Remains Michael Fisher The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has told the Cabinet he does not intend to advise that the two metre social distancing rule should be reduced. After days of speculation about a possible reduction in the restriction on physical distance, Dr Holohan told Ministers it would not be appropriate for him to recommend revising the 2m rule at this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chief Medical Officer is reported to have rejected suggestions that the distance should be cut ...

The Gortakeegan Park Halting site outside Monaghan Town. ©Rory Geary/The Northern Standard Monaghan Co Council said this week that it anticipated works commencing in the third quarter of this year on extensive development works at the traveller accommodation facility at Gortakeegan in Monaghan Town. The 20 halting sites at the location will be redeveloped into 14 units in the development, which will see eight of the existing units extended to provide bedroom facilities and the remaining 12 units converted into six two-bedroom houses. Around €800,000 is to be spent on ...

THE Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth is urging families to apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) as the scheme opened for applications. Deputy Smyth has received confirmation that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will be writing to customers who will be awarded the BSCFA automatically before July 3rd. Deputy Smyth commented, “This will be a pressurising time for young families’ as they grapple with the expense of uniforms, sports gear, school books, stationery and other essential school equipment for the ...