Poetry competition winner

It is with great delight that we announce the winner of the poem bsed on BallyBay and Lough Major. Our winner is Esther Goldman from Colorado, USA! How is that for for our reach! Esther’s family hails from Ballybay mnay monns ago, and she was due to make her first ever visit here last Summer, then COvid struck. Esther, both judges loved your poem and were unanimous in their first choice. Congrats and your pize will be given to you (as it is Monaghan based) when you get here.

The Soul of Ballybay

By Esther Goldman 

Listen to the winds that gently roll across Lough Major. Listen and you will hear.

Of Ancestors.

Living. Toiling. Breathing. Loving.

Ballybay.

Of fairies in their forts. 

Guarding and protecting.

Ballybay.

Of birds gliding over the wetlands.

Soaring with purpose.

Ballybay.

The Mouth of The Ford of The Birch.

Ballybay.

A place within Ireland’s soul. 

A piece of my Irish heart.