Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Mayo Shore Anglers club members, pictured following a recent deep sea fishing competition in Killala Bay. Front row, from left, are Joe Dolan, who won the biggest fish prize, and Stephen Smith and Val Padden, cup winners. Back row, from left, are Jim Caden, Gerard McLoughlin, Jim O’Toole, Peter Sarsfield, Val McLoughlin, Tommy O’Malley and Tom O’Hara.
At the Wild Atlantic 10-Miler race and walk in Ballina on Sunday, a special prize will await the runner who can smash the course record of just over 55 minutes, set by Stephen Geraghty in 2024.
The annual event will bring competitors along sections of The Wild Atlantic Way and The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway, with a route through the beautiful forest trails and riverside paths of Belleek Forest, beside the River Moy.
The walk starts at 10am, while the race will get underway at 11am, both setting off from the athletic track grounds in Belleek.
The Mary Morrow Memorial Cup will be presented to the first local female athlete to cross the finish line, while there will be prizes too for the top three male and female participants.
Further information about the Wild Atlantic 10-Miler on August 16 is available from the social media pages of Ballina Athletic Club or The Wild Atlantic 10-Miler.
Eight acts from across Ireland will take to the stage of Mayo’s only music festival of its type, The Conncert, happening at Cloghans, Ballina this weekend. The not-for-profit music festival, run by volunteers, will see ticket sale proceeds go to the artists who perform at the event as well as to the backstage crew, and towards the costs associated with its staging.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 15 in and around The Lodge, a popular 120-year old pub on the shores of Lough Conn.
This is the third year of the one-day music gathering, which is operated along the co-operative model. The last two years of The Conncert brought 16 quality sets to the shores of heavenly Lough Conn.
The prestigious roster for 2026 includes The Altered Hours, Katie Kim, Mohammad Syfkhan, Moundabout, Caoilian Sherlock, Katie Gerardine O’Neill, Wild Rocket and Allies of Ferns.
While the venue at The Lodge in Cloghans does have parking, patrons are being asked to travel to the festival by taking the special bus which will operate from Ballina, costing €10. Cycling or even car-pooling is also recommended to get there.
Visit the social media pages of The Conncert for ticket information.
A new community project to knit and crochet fidget blankets, teddies and other items for people living with dementia has been launched by Craoibhín Ballina.
These handmade items will provide comfort, sensory stimulation and reassurance for individuals affected by this illness. Once completed, they will be donated to local dementia units in the Ballina area.
Craoibhín Ballina wants to help bring comfort, spark happy memories and brighten someone's day through its special project.
The Ballina social enterprise, which is run under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources IRD, and is based at St Anne’s Secondary School building at the rear of the former Convent of Mercy, is urging knitters and crocheters, and anyone who can help, to become involved in this meaningful activity.
Whether you can make a full blanket or teddy, knit or crochet a few squares, or donate yarn and other materials, every contribution will make a real difference.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Craoibhín Ballina centre on 087-2785365.
Ballina’s Stephanie Lackey will appeal to those who enjoy a song which tells a story, as she performs for the first time at the Music at Lunchtime series tomorrow.
Her musical style leans towards slow pop ballads and emotional acoustic songs, and she loves music that tells a story and connects with people.
Singing has always been a huge passion of hers, and Stephanie regularly shares covers and performances on her social media page, where she posts videos of her singing and creative work.
Currently studying Performing Arts in ATU Sligo, she is always looking for opportunities to grow as an artist, play live and connect with new audiences through her music.
Stephanie Lackey will perform at Ballina Arts Centre tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12 as part of the Music at Lunchtime series of free half-hour concerts, taking place from 1.15pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are also served.
The death has taken place, in her 91st year, of Christine (Tina) Kavanagh (née Ruane), Saltfield, Bonniconlon, Ballina and formerly of Knockroe, Bonniconlon.
Christine will be deeply mourned by her loving sons Michael John, Francis and PJ, daughter Margaret, daughters-in-law Maria and Geraldine, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Michael, parents John and Margaret, daughter Christine, brothers Paul, Johnny, Micky, Tommy, Joe and Gerald, sisters Betty and Peggy, and baby Patrick.
Christine reposed at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Bonniconlon. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon, with burial afterwards in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Two new exhibitions by local artist Val McLoughlin have gone on display in Ballina.
A lynchpin of the arts scene in the area for many years, Val’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally over an exceptional career.
His exhibition ‘Out Of Ink’ opened on Thursday last in Ballina Library, and will run until August 27. Those present were treated to a poetry reading by the Ox Mountain Poets, of which Val is a founding member.
On Saturday, retired RHA Director Patrick T Murphy was on hand to cut the ribbon at the launch of ‘Quarters’, an exhibition title which refers to the fact that most of the studies for these paintings were executed on the banks of the River Moy across the four seasons. Val’s ’Quarters’ is on display upstairs in the Concourse Gallery of Ballina Arts Centre until September 26.
Anne Murray (née O’Dowd), who died in Boston, USA on July 20 at the age of 100, was a native of Rathbane, Knockmore, Ballina.
The late Anne will be sadly missed by her daughters, sons, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Edward (Eddie), son Patrick, parents Patrick and Catherine (née Sweeney), siblings Jimmy, Ned, Jack, Anthony, Patrick, Michael, Molly Barrett, Margaret (Maggie) Corcoran, Bridie Burke and Onnie Carney, and two infants at birth.
Anne’s Funeral Mass and burial took place in Boston and she was remembered at a Memorial Mass which was celebrated in Christ the King Church, Knockmore last Friday.
May she rest in peace.
Several Ballina anglers took part in the annual deep sea fishing competition organised by Mayo Shore Anglers Club in Killala Bay last month.
After departing Killala Pier on a calm and sunny morning, the competitors were faced with a scarcity of fish in the early part of the day. However, in the late afternoon that situation changed, leading to plenty of mackerel and pollock being landed. Joint winners were recorded in the most species section and, among the prizewinners on the day, were Joe Dolan, Stephen Smith and Val Padden.
The death has taken place of Liam (Lee) Walsh, Convent Hill Avenue, Ballina and formerly of Ferran Terrace, Ballina.
Lee will be deeply mourned by his brothers Chris and Aidan, sisters-in-law Josephine and Pauline, nephews Joseph, Seanie, Paul and Barry, nieces Mary and Tara, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and a wide circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Leo and May, brothers Séan and Vinny, and sister-in-law Irene.
Lee reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on August 1, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
The development and renovation of community centres, youth facilities and other amenities may benefit from the latest round of grants from the Oweninny Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund 2026.
Mayo County Council is inviting applications from qualifying community groups under the programme, with small-scale capital project grants of up to €5,000 available in the Ballina area.
Among the other types of projects that may qualify for funding include improvements to town parks, public realm improvements and streetscaping.
For an application to be considered for funding under the scheme, it must be in at least one of the following categories: Amenities; Culture/Heritage; Education; Recreation/Health; Social Inclusion; Community Development; and Environment.
Qualifying mandatory criteria apply, including membership of the Mayo PPN. Further details are available from Mayo County Council, or visit www.mayo.ie.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, September 8 at 4pm.
The death has taken place of Maura Carr (née Murphy), Carralavin, Bonniconlon, Ballina.
Maura will be lovingly remembered by her beloved son Christopher (Tara), Lisa (Stephen) and Rachel (Robbie), their father Paddy, and her cherished grandchildren Alex, Noah, Adam, Kyra, Rhea and Isla-Rai. She will also be sadly missed by her brothers, sisters, sister-in-law Evie, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Josephine Murphy, brothers Val and Bernard, and sister Bernadette.
Maura reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon on August 2, followed by burial in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Ballina Family Resource Centre re-opens on Monday next, August 17 following a short summer break. Should an emergency arise between now and then, the community organisation, which is located on Abbey Street, Ardnaree, is advising people to get in touch with it on 087-0618525.
