Articles in the General News Category

Michael Fisher Corby Rock Mill on the Ballybay Road in Monaghan produces animal feed and is one of the local farming businesses exempt from the latest public health restrictions imposed by the government last Friday to deal with the coronavirus emergency (see separate story). Agriculture including agricultural contractors and agrifood industries were among those listed as essential businesses, with people able to continue to travel to work. The company was founded in 1975 by the late George Quinn. Corby Rock Eggs had grown to become Ireland’s largest egg producer and ...

Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said this week that he has been lobbying the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty TD to “demand that she reverse the disgraceful position that denies workers who are based in the North, who have paid their taxes and PRSI in this State, are denied access to the Covid- 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.” Deputy Carthy said that the issue was particularly pronounced in his own constituency where he has liaised with dozens of cases in which workers were being denied supports while their colleagues ...

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan Brendan Smith this week called on the Government to implement an action plan published by his party detailing immediate measures needed for farmers and the agri-food sector to deal with the impact of the current Coronavirus outbreak. Deputy Smith stated: “While public health is paramount, it is imperative that our farming communities and agri-food sector are supported during this time. Farmers in Cavan/Monaghan have stepped up to support their communities and ensure the safety of the food supply chain – now they need our support. ...

The creative schools team at St Aidan’s comprehensive school, Cootehill have been collecting students responses to the covid 19 virus and being off school. This project is called ‘student voice’, and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. The students have been sending in creative writing with the title, Covid 19, it’s past, the present and your future, they have also included any creative work they have been doing since school closed. These pieces are a sample of their contributions. Staying connected and being able to express themselves helps ...

Michael Fisher The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr Seamus Coyle says everyone must play their part in observing the medical guidelines for distancing and staying at home where possible in order to beat the coronavirus pandemic. He acknowledged that it was very difficult to practice isolation, but urged people “Let’s do it. If we do the right thing, this will pass.” He was speaking to The Northern Standard from his home in Mahon, Latton, where he is following the government’s advice and remaining in selfisolation. Cllr Coyle said the ...

FIRST COVID-19 CASE CONFIRMED IN CO. MONAGHAN “STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE” – VARADKAR Michael Fisher Unprecedented actions in response to an unprecedented emergency. This is how the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the latest restrictions decided by the government at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to tackle the coronavirus emergency. They include the closure of non-essential retail outlets and new powers for Gardaí to monitor physical distancing in public spaces. People are being advised to stay at home if possible and operate remotely, unless their presence at work is essential. It was ...

Michael Fisher Professor Sam McConkey is an expert in infectious diseases who has appeared frequently on radio and television to talk about the dangers of coronavirus. Based in Dublin, he explained this week to The Northern Standard how he was unable to return to his native Killeevan to visit his mother in Latroe for Mother’s Day. He said he wanted to protect her and did not want to put his family in harm’s way, so he followed the public health guidelines. His brother Andrew who lives locally is able to ...

Catholic Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy has announced the cancellation of the 2020 diocesan pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Lourdes in France. A media release from the diocese said the July pilgrimage had been cancelled “in view of the current situation at present and into the period ahead with regard to Covid-19 and taking into consideration that the Sanctuary of Lourdes has been closed for the first time in its history”. Bishop Duffy said: “I appreciate that this will be a sad decision for many, but in the circumstances ...

Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) – the national membership organisation for companies that provide home care services – has called on elected representatives in Cavan and Monaghan to support its COVID-19 home care action plan. The plan sets out six urgent recommendations for government and the HSE to ensure home care providers can continue to provide essential care services to vulnerable people in Cavan, Monaghan and across Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to HCCI, home care services will play a crucial role in the coming months in alleviating ...

Chairperson of the Tydavnet Show committee, Paula Treanor, centre, with some of the members of the committee of the 2020 Tydavnet Show, at their AGM that was held last week at the Tydavnet Community Centre. ©Rory Geary/The Northern Standard