Mad about Monaghan

27/06/2024

Selection of photos from last weekend in Charlottetown. Starting wirh Alex and Alexandra Bugaliskis (nee Treanor)...some of the architecture of Charlottetown ...Noel Murphy jiving !...few feile oriel teeshirts made it there also and now gone to various states in the USA

21/06/2024

The world capital of the Treanor clann tonight ...here in the Florence Cummings performance centre, Charlottetown. Prince Edward Island

21/06/2024

Really enjoying the Treanor/Traynor/Trainor global reunion on Prince Edward island. Noel Murphy here recording all...also Seamas McDermott, brother of PJ....and other Mobaghan folk not on this bus trip today

#

21/06/2024

A proud day last week and such an outstanding feature now for all yo enjoy. Well done to Waterways Ireland abd all involved

20/06/2024

On the road...or should I say...in the air again...this time heading to Canada. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for the global reunion of all the Treanor. Traynor. Trainor. Every variation of Treanors. This weekend. There's been lots of planning...with Kevin, Ann, Mike n others been super busy planning a fantastic schedule of events.. is delighted to be part of the celebrations this weekend. Will post as we go. There are quite a few Monaghan folk heading over. Keep an eye out to see who you might know.

18/05/2024

What an amazing group of guysover 100 of them here in Monaghan tonight on their motorbikes raising much needed funds for St Lukes Cancer hospital in Dublin...and a large group came over from Wales.
They all here now at the Squealing Pig...come on down an have the craic n support a great cause

18/05/2024

Such an honour for all of us here in Monaghan...at home and abroad..to have President Michael D and Mrs Higgins formally attend the 50th anniversary remembrance of the Monaghan bombing of May 17th, 1974.
Fine weather with the newly refurbished Church Square plaza set a very attractive backdrop to the proceedings.
Comhgairdeas to Monaghan County Council for their efforts in having all the works done in time for the special occasion.
Lest we forget.
It was very emotional to see the family members... Many of course we know well.

17/05/2024

02/05/2024

This is exactly what why where when.
These visitors...passing through Monaghan tonight...taking to the stage in now . Gorgeous

02/05/2024

Thursdays. McKennas. Dublin street. Monaghan. Live music at its best ....
The legends...Ronnie O Flynn. Tommy Flack. Gavin Taylor. John Ronaghan.
Come on ahead in

01/05/2024

To all our visitors travelling to Monaghan for 2024.
Introducing the Westenra Arms Hotel. The home of the main stage events over the coming weekend.
Have a wee watch

30/04/2024

Meant to post this last weekend. From Friday to Monday this May Bank Holiday weekend Monaghan will host a flurry of some of the top international names in trad Irish music
See www.feileoriel.com
Monaghan is such a beautifully presented town and will be sure to impress all those who rirher visit for the first time or are returning for another Féile Oriel.
Sessions all across town also at and Scotstown.
Main stage concerts.
Two amazing church concerts on St Joseph's
Lots of fun for the kids on Saturday as Gaeilge with Muineachan Le Gaeilge on Park Street
All details, ticket sales online on www.feileoriel.com


#

07/04/2024

A strong Monaghan presence at last night's gala finale.
The Irish Ambassador to UK, Martin Fraser, whose mother hails from Threemilehouse, herself, Eilish Byrne Whelehan director of Fiddler of London
Our very own Orla Corrigan in the finals
Then Michael Rooney, adjudicator of the Grúpa Cheoil.
It was a great opportunity to promote Monaghan and in four weeks time.
Shout out to Martin Donohue who proved to be an exceptional MC over the 2 nights.
And well done to all the finalists.
Three cheers to Eilish Byrne Whelehan who will be performing in Monaghan for Féile Oriel

21/03/2024

With the continual shortage of rooms in Monaghan for visitors to Monaghan we are asking people if they might offer room only or BnB for the weekend of 3rd to 6th May
Actually rooms also required for weekend 5th 6th April for the Monaghan RALLY weekend.
Ideally within 3km of Monaghan town.

Consider it your HOLIDAY FUND!!.

20/03/2024

I was planning to post this having just arrived back from Chicago before the sudden announcement today by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
Heather Humphreys. Minister Heather Humphreys from Monaghan. As a government representative in a major overseas city, Heather played a blinder at every event, at every turn. Audiences everywhere gave her huge applause people queued to meet her.
Speeches, whilst pre determined prior to arrival, were delivered in true Heather style. Her clarity, her advocacy, her immense willingness to engage...and the odd witty line thrown in.
People just loved her.
And if anyone thinks these are great junkets, think again.
I was on a similar schedule as Heather .... we crossed at many events, and I can tell you it was a punishing schedule.

Heather Humphreys is a great Irish ambassador. A fantastic rural Ireland and Monaghan advocate. No one, no one, works as hard as Heather.
We are so lucky to have Heather as our TD and govt rep.
Thank you, Heather for all you do for Monaghan, rural Ireland and all of Ireland.td

18/03/2024

Well now!! Do any of ye know this guy here? Nigel McGrath formerly of Cornacassa...now 30 yrs in Chicago?
What a guy...what a success story....great to meet such a Monaghan- mad - man at Team Ireland event on the 19th floor of 401 Michigan Ave. Office of the Consulate General of Ireland. .. Nigel Mc Grath Heather Humphreys

18/03/2024

Too many stories, Monaghan connections over the four days ....Geraldine macarron so helpful organising logistics, the Irish Consul, Kevin Byrne....Monaghan folk showing up ....just brilliant. Got to meet so many people and it turns out featured on one of the TV news programmes...its all biding well for Monaghan. Patrick Kennedy in there somewhere too...Paul Donohue from St Macartans tce....loads more to post.
Thank you all for such an amazing experience
A young Tony McShane from Cross in there somewhere also..he runs the Longford pub on southside

17/03/2024

Great day and made very welcome
Heather, as ever, giving it her all and not afraid to try a good poc fada. See video also.
really pulled out all the stops and thousands of people lined the entire 1.5 mile route

17/03/2024

Happy St Patrick's day from.
Keep watching our posts and scroll down if u missed previous postings
Please come join us in the parade..float 41..Gaelic Park.


Fellowship

16/03/2024

The greening of the river in chicago

16/03/2024

Off we go....see u there .teeshirts at the ready

16/03/2024

The Irish Fellowship finner in The Hilton Hotel last night. 1450 guests.
Pictured here Irish Consul General Kevin Byrne with Minister Heather Humphreys, yours truly..Geraldine McCarron, Tydavnet, there's senators and judges and rubgy heads....amazing event on such a large scale.
Today we are heading for the downtown parade, greening of the river, official DFA and Enterprise Ireland launch, then off to catch tge rugby hopefully.

16/03/2024

Here tonight in Rosa's Lounge Chicago with Monaghan's own Grainne Duffy
Sen say shon Al

15/03/2024

Monaghan's own Minister Heather Humphreys gives the keynote signature speech this morning. 8 am breakfast in the stunning setting of the Union League club. Also in pics Patrick J Kennedy
Mad About Monaghan will be in the downtown parade tmrw morning walking behind the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band.

Keep an eye out as we post through the weekend.

14/03/2024

And I'm off again!! Chicago here I come.
Please share like comment and hope to meet as many Monaghan folk as possible between tmrw and Tuesday
Whoop whoop!

12/03/2024

Calling all Monaghan folk in Chicago
Come join us in either parade ...Don these tee shirts and promote Monaghan proud this weekend in the fabulous...and hopefully ...not too windy city.
My number.ber + 353 8689 31953.
We also have caps if ud like
Please share this video and let's bring the mid west USA yo the hidden gems county of Ireland.

09/03/2024

Small change in schedule. Monaghan goes to Chicago

There are actually more meetings and events planned....so will actually start as soon as I hit the ground on Thursday evening. Will be engaging with tourism promoters right into the hours before I depart again on 19th.
It's all about growing tourism into Monaghan. Bringing those who love Irish music to Féile Oriel. Encouraging the Irish diaspora to look to Monaghan as an ideal location hub.
Promoting all our hidden gems across the county.

I'm doing a shout out here for any Monaghan folk living in or near Chicago to come support at either parade or at Gaelic Park or the IAHC.

Two big suitcases full of Monaghan teeshirts, Fiddler trophies and brochures.
I'm well prepared and ready to roll!!
Hopefully also will get to one of gigs.

Please like, share...its all about promoting proud Monaghan.
And having Minister Heather Humphreys there too is just brilliant.

04/03/2024

Great news!!! And what a magic photo !!!
Mad About Monaghan heads back to Chicago next week for five days of full on promotion of all great things Monaghan.
Monaghan. As a tourist hub/ base for international tourists.
Monaghan. County of the hidden gems.
Monaghan. Fantastic hospitality, accommodation, retail.
Monaghan. Amazing natural amenities.
Monaghan. Easy access to top half of Ireland.
Monaghan. Music. Dancing. History. Storytelling.
Monaghan. It's Fierce Friendly People.
Monaghan. Half the Price & Twice the Bsng for Buck!
And of course: FÉILE ORIEL

And the bonus: Heather is coming too!
Yes, Ireland's favourite minister, Heather Humphyeys will be in attendance.
Turns out we both attending all the main events over the Four days ...by coincidence.....pure good luck!
The next few posts will prompt you if you have any friends or family living in or around Chicago.
We hoping to meet as many Monaghsn folk as possible..
By the way...I took this photo last year on October 2nd.

Humphreys