Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Minister Dara Calleary is pictured during his visit to St Dymphna's School in Ballina with Deputy Principal Jennifer McCormack and student Jack Holmes. Picture: John O'Grady
An afternoon of music for children in Gaza on Saturday next will offer the people of Ballina a chance to show their support for this critical humanitarian cause while also enjoying some beautiful and uplifting music in the surroundings of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Among the performers will be Donna Malone, Alan McGinty, Debbie McCole, Tony Kelly, Tara Doherty and The Sherry/Holmes sisters.
The concert will begin at 3.30pm on September 20 and people can come and go as they please during the charity event, which finishes at 6pm. All donations received will go directly to the UNICEF Ireland Gaza Emergency Appeal for Children Fund.
The concert in St Muredach’s Cathedral will be followed by a Mass for peace in Gaza, beginning at 6.30pm. Salma A. Alsharqawi, from Palestine, will speak at the Mass.
Those walking through IQ Ballina, site of the old military barracks dating back to the mid-1700s, have the opportunity to see some of the legends of the town’s past on display in a photographic exhibition that will change from time to time. The display can be seen through large windows in the building backing onto Market Square.
The collection was originally collated by author and historian Terry Reilly and Mags Downey-Martin when CEO of Ballina Chamber of Commerce, based on research done for the book ‘Ballina & Area People’, published in 2021.
Terry’s book features, amongst others, US President Joe Biden; Lady Sarah McElroy-Fleming, wife of penicillin pioneer Alexander Fleming; Richard M. Hooley, US theatrical entrepreneur; Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female President; General William Joyce Sewell, US soldier and senator; the musical Wallace family; Edward Whelan, one of the Fathers of the Canadian Confederation; Dr Kathleen Lynn, patriot and doctor; Fr Patrick Peyton, Rosary crusader, and many more.
The project has been assisted by Jacqui Kinsella, IQ Manager; Nicola Kennedy of Mayo Local Enterprise Office and a member of IQ Ballina Implementation Team; Aoiife O’Toole, Mayo Arts Office; Emmet O’Donnell, Ballina MD Architect; and David Dwane, Chair of Moy Valley Resources and a member of IQ Ballina Implementation Team.
Access to IQ Ballina is via the Market Square or off Pearse Street and provides state-of -the-art facilities with flexible workspaces and capacity for up to 200 jobs. It is managed by Moy Valley Resources, which was established to assist in the development of the Moy Valley Region in North Mayo and West Sligo, supporting community groups, community projects, local enterprises and individuals by providing services, expertise, information, advocacy and working in partnership with other agencies and organisations.
The innovation hub was renovated and developed at a cost of €8m, providing a solution to the need for start-up and expansion for small businesses, alongside co-working and hot desk facilities. Its external features have all been preserved.
A matinee performance of ‘Adventures on Old MacDonald’s Farm’ will bring some fun and excitement to the little children of Ballina.
The presentation in Ballina Arts Centre will see friendly Sammy Scarecrow enjoying his first day on Old MacDonald’s Farm and meeting all of the colourful characters that live there. When a mystery unfolds on the farm, the kids will try and help Scarecrow to find out what’s going on.
Join Dream World Promotions professional production, with lots of brand-new songs, along with singalong favourites and an original script.
‘Adventures on Old MacDonald’s Farm’ is in town on Saturday, September 27, at 2pm, and children from one to seven years are welcome. The show lasts for an hour, with an interval halfway through.
Tickets are €13 and can be booked online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
Among the recent winners in the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50/50 Weekly Cash Draw were Noel Beattie, Ballina (€300), Pat Lynch (€310), Eoin McLoughlin-O'Donnell, Ballina, (€320) and Paula Ryan, Ballina (€310).
The death has taken place of Deborah Morrell, Oaklawns, Killala Road, Ballina and formerly of Ferran Terrace, Ballina.
Deborah was the beloved partner of Sean, and loving and devoted mother to Sean, Michael and Ronan.
She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken partner, children, sisters Leslie and Kathriona, brother Edward, brothers-in-law Stephen and Noel, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Kathleen Morrell.
Deborah reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Congratulations have been extended by Ballina Dolphins Swimming Club to Jack Butler who will partake in the Swim Ireland Regional Development Programme Skills Academy for the 2025-2026 season. Selection for the programme is based on performance, and Jack is an active member of his local club.
Girls and boys who love to sing are being invited to join the Kilmoremoy Parish Children's Choir. This junior choir sings at 10am Mass on allocated Sundays, with practice happening for an hour at 5pm on the corresponding Fridays.
Members must be pupils of Third to Sixth classes in primary school.
Joining a choir is a great way to develop confidence, a love of singing and to be part of a team. For more information, please contact the Choir Director, Mary Caulfield, on 086-3463515.
Meanwhile, the St Muredach's Cathedral Boys' Choir is now accepting applications for new members for the coming year. Email stmuredachsboyschoir@gmail.com for more information.
The death has taken place of Joe Devlin, Behybeg, Ballina and formerly of Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.
Joe was the beloved father of Ray (UK), Michael (UK), Sandra Harris (Corrimbla South, Ballina) and Gary (UK).
He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughter, son-in-law Paul, daughters-in-law Tricia, Carmel and Alison, grandchildren Megan, Jamie, Oliver, Thomas and Grace, great-grandchildren Mabel, Khelani, Jack, Liam and Ryan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Peggy, parents Sarah and Joe, brothers and sisters.
Joe reposed at St Augustine’s Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Tuesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Bookings are now being taken for a free six-week Climate and Nature Programme for the over-60s in the Mary Robinson Centre, Ballina.
Facilitated by Jacinta Barris, this programme will explore climate awareness and practical ways to connect with nature.
The programme starts in The Climate Hub of the Mary Robinson Centre on Tuesday, November 4, running from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Access to the Climate Hub is via Moy Lane (Bank Lane).
To book your place on the programme, please email events@maryrobinsoncentre.ie or call 089-4238873.
This programme is hosted by the Mary Robinson Centre in association with Mayo County Council.
The Ballina Ignatian Team will host an autumn-themed Retreat Day in the Father Peyton Centre, Attymass, Ballina on Saturday, October 4.
Centring around the 'mellow fruitfulness' of the season, this retreat will provide periods of gentle guided meditation, quiet reflection in and around the grounds of the centre, and some insights into Ignatian spirituality.
To book, or for more information, please contact Kathleen on 087-6798839 or Phil on 087-9658370.
Registration is at 10am and the retreat concludes at 5pm. The cost to attend for the day is €40, which includes lunch and morning tea or coffee.
The death has taken place of Pascal Murphy, Currower, Attymass, Ballina.
Pascal will be dearly and lovingly missed by Ivan (Ballina), Jerome (Waterford), Eileen Lloyd (Scotland), Marian Jefferies (New Zealand), Carmel (Bray), Geraldine Lynn (Keenagh), Nuala Higgins (Tuam), Bernie Naughton (Breaffy, Ballina), Lucy Scollard (Killarney, Co Kerry), nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Bridget and Anthony, and by his brothers Dessie, PJ and Anthony.
Pascal reposed at the Father Peyton Centre, Attymass. Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Attymass, followed by burial in Bonnifinglas Cemetery.
Moy Valley Resources Community Employment Scheme, which is one of the largest in the region, has a marketing position available at Mayo North Tourism.
Mayo North Tourism is an independent, not-for profit organisation that supports the development and promotion of the tourism offering in Ballina, North Mayo and West Sligo. Its substantial online presence, including 3.9 million social media impressions last year, helps showcase North Mayo to a global audience.
In 2024, Mayo North Tourism received the ‘Best Community-Led Tourism Initiative 2024 – West of Ireland’ accolade at the European Travel Awards.
The vacant role is for a Digital Marketing Assistant at its office located on Pearse Street, Ballina.
This Community Employment (CE) position is offered in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, and is a developmental position where full training will be provided.
For full details of the role and how to apply, please visit the JobsIreland website and use the reference number CES-2407282 to find the position. The closing date for applications is Thursday, September 25.
International Peace Day next Sunday will bring a Heartfulness relaxation and reflection session to Ballina, open to anyone over the age of 18.
Heartfulness is a simple system of meditation and relaxation which can be easily integrated into one’s daily lives, and this special gathering in the Twin Trees Hotel, Ballina on Sunday, September 21, from 10.45am to 12pm will demonstrate how it works.
However, booking is essential so please contact Anne on 087-9337121 or Angelika on 087-7444481 to secure a spot.
A new phase in the evolution of Ballina Dragons Boat Club into a larger organisation which encompasses even more community offerings has now been launched.
Ballina Dragons Meitheal Abhainn Community Hub is another major milestone along its community development journey.
Located at the former St Mary’s Secondary School on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, the new Community Hub is set to become a vibrant space for health, wellbeing, creativity and connection.
A wider range of programmes and activities will be introduced in this new chapter, Phase Two of its development. These will include health promotion and physio-educational activities, alternative therapies, Pilates, yoga and low-impact fitness classes.
The hub also aims to create a space for art and cultural expression. A regular book club and reading circle has been set up, and Ballina Dragons even has its own choir.
This welcoming new community drop-in centre has been warmly welcomed in Ballina.
Speaking about the development, Denise Swanick, Chairperson of Ballina Dragons Meitheal Abhainn, said: “We are thrilled to see our vision come to life. This hub is about more than programmes and activities - it’s about creating a space where people can connect, support one another and grow stronger together as a community.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the Convent Regeneration group for its trust and support in helping make this dream a reality,” said Denise.
For more information, programme details or to get involved, please contact Denise Swanick, Chairperson, by email at ballinadragons@gaill.com.
You can also visit www.ballinadragons.com.
Autumn yoga classes at the Mary Robinson Centre, Ballina commence this coming Thursday, September 18.
The lunchtime yoga sessions in the heart of the town may be the perfect mid-day reset to stretch, breathe and recharge. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned yogi, all are welcome.
The classes take place every Thursday for five weeks, finishing on October 16. You can join for €15 per drop-in (subject to availability), or €60 for five weeks. WhatsApp 086-3303834 or email annmarie4d@gmail.com to book.
Ballina Soroptimist Club will host its September Soiree on Saturday afternoon, September 27, where proceeds raised will be donated to two charities, Daisy Lodge Cancer Fund for Children and Ballina Family Resource Centre.
Lunch will be served in the Kennedy Glasgow Centre at The Quay to the music of Keith and Lorraine McDonald, starting at 2pm.
Tickets are priced at €50 per person and are available from Trish at 087-4196587 or Yvonne at 086-9680782.
Last year’s September Soiree raised €7,000 for Cancer Care West, while local organisations Ballina Community Centre and St Vincent de Paul each received €1,000 from the fundraiser.
The successful summer series of stories, songs and rhymes for children of all ages has been extended into the autumn at Ballina Library.
A free story time session for children under the age of eight will take place for half an hour on Fridays, from 10.15am. A 10.15am to 10.45am slot on Wednesdays is reserved for youngsters of any age, and will feature songs and rhymes from Tommy T. This is also free to attend.
Email Barbara Varley at bvarley@mayococo.ie or phone Ballina Library on 094-9064442 for further information about any of these fun events.
Junior Savers Week returns to Ballina Credit Union next week, with the theme ‘Save the Day: A Week of Fun, Facts and Future Finances!’
Each year, this nationwide initiative continues to promote positive saving habits and financial education among young members aged between five and 12 years in an entertaining and engaging way.
Credit Union Junior Savers Week will take place from September 22 to 28.
Ballina Squash Club has resumed coaching on Monday evenings. Its squash coaching sessions are from 7pm to 8pm or from 8pm to 9pm. For further details about coaching and for information about joining the club, please contact David Roache at 086-2860835 or Yvonne Lavelle at 086-7722083.
The club meets in Ballina Stephenites GAA Clubhouse.
Ballina Meals On Wheels is seeking volunteers drivers to deliver meals to the elderly and incapacitated in the Ballina area.
Ballina Community Centre provides the Meals on Wheels service, which is one of the longest-established such community services in this region, having been established in 1969. You can donate to this local charity on iDonate.
The service ensures that the elderly and the housebound can live healthy, independent lives in the safety and comfort of their own homes. Meals are delivered to the recipients’ homes by volunteer drivers.
Ballina Community Centre, which is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, and is located on Teeling Street, also offers meeting rooms on the premises which are available to community groups and self-help groups.
Volunteer drivers for the Ballina Meals on Wheels service are needed from Monday to Friday, between 11.30am and 1.30pm. If you are interested in helping out then please call 096-21572 anytime between 9am and 1.30pm, or email monwb@hotmail.com.
