Town Council - Programme 6 - Recreation & Amenity
Carrick Aces commenced construction of their running track and playing fields at Convent Lands during 2009 having successfully raised €80,000 in funding under the Sports Capital Programme in July, 2008. Both Carrickmacross Town Council and Monaghan County Council pledged their support and each allocated €40,000 to the project. Carrickmacross Town Council has also committed €5,000 per annum for the next five years to help service a loan for the balance of works on the current phase of the project.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
2009 saw much upheaval around the town of Carrickmacross due to road-works resulting from the ongoing sewerage job. As a result, our Parade kicked off from the Ardee Road as opposed to the normal Dundalk Road starting point. This did not however deter our eager and colourful floats and marchers. The 17th of March fell on a bright and sunny Tuesday which drew huge crowds of spectators onto Main Street, to view over 60 participating entrants. As well as numerous local and non-local bands, there were a number of community and business floats and marchers, as well as a wide collection of vintage tractors and machinery. Face painting and street entertainment brightened the day along with traditional music provided by the Carrickmacross branch of Comhaltas, prior to the parade. Prizes given out on the day went to St. Jarlaith’s Independent Pipe Band for the “Best Band”, with the “Best Float” going to the Carrickmacross Festival. It was a brilliant day, enjoyed by all!
The Council continues to support the local June Bank Holiday festival and Halloween Festival in October. Both festivals were again very successful in 2009.
Other Events
On the 7th of March, 2009 Cllr. Rose McMahon, An Meara Bhaile made a presentation to Mr. John Scully, Chairperson Carrick Emmets to mark the occasion of Carrick Emmets winning the 2008 County Senior Football Championship. The presentation was made in the Nuremore Hotel at the Carrick Emmets annual dinner dance. Following the Council’s May meeting a presentation was made to Sr. Marie Byrne and Sr. Rita Greene to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Order of Saint Louis Sisters to Carrickmacross. Presentations were also made to local members of Comhaltas who won All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil 2008 awards. At the close of the presentations Comhaltas performed a number of tunes for the members. At the October monthly meeting Mrs. Kathleen Ryan was presented by An Meara Bhaile Cllr. Kerr-Conlon with a piece of crystal to mark her recent retirement as Principal from Bunscoil Luaighaidh Naofa. Cllr. Kerr-Conlon made a presentation to Mr. Fergus Lane to mark his retirement as Principal of St. Joseph’s National School following the November monthly meeting.