Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Pictured at Ballina Parkrun in Belleek were Morgan Foley, Ross Williams, Karen Williams, Eve Williams Gill, Archie Williams Gill and Tracey Mitchell. Picture: John O'Grady
Wondering what you could do with a spare hour in the week? If you are interested in supporting a young person there is an enjoyable and rewarding way to spend your time and, at the same time, have a positive impact on that young person’s life.
Foróige's Mentoring Programme is now seeking volunteers from the Ballina and surrounding areas.
The national youth organisation, which operates a club locally at Pearse Street, Ballina, has many young people waiting to be matched to a mentor and would be delighted to hear from you. Call or WhatsApp Mary on 086-0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to find out more information about the recruitment process.
The monthly Swap Shop at The Mary Robinson Centre, Emmett Street will be held in the Climate Hub on this coming Saturday, March 14, from 2 to 4pm.
To take part in the Swap Shop, you can bring along up to five items which must be clean, gently used and in good condition, and which may include clothes, books, toys and plants. Once you arrive, you will receive tokens for each item you are swapping. You can then use these tokens to purchase or swap new items from the selection available on the afternoon. There is usually something for everyone at the Swap Shop.
Electrical items or food items such as baby formula cannot be accepted. Also ineligible for swapping are toys with a cord over 30cm, car seats, baby slings or other safety equipment.
The Mary Robinson Centre is located on Emmet Street, Ballina (opposite St Muredach’s Cathedral), and access to the centre’s Climate Hub is via Moy Lane, immediately to the left of the building.
The Swap Shop is held on the second Saturday of each month.
Father-daughter duo Pat and Faye Shortt bring their inimitable style of comedy back to Ballina next week. In ‘Shortt Stuff’, the pair conjure up a madcap world that is part social commentary but all sweetness.
Whether skewering small-town politics or turning family feuds into full-blown musical numbers, their shows are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable.
Pat Shortt is a veteran of the comedy circuit, for many years associated with the late Jon Kenny and for his own television comedy series ‘Killinaskully’, one of the finest RTÉ sitcoms ever made. His daughter Faye is a theatre-trained firecracker with a razor-sharp wit.
Together, this duo has built a cult following with their blend of absurd characters and lightning-quick banter.
After a whirlwind tour across Australia and New Zealand that had audiences roaring with laughter from Sydney to Perth, and beyond, this beloved Irish comedy duo is embarking on a tour of Ireland with their new show ‘Shortt Stuff’, coming to Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, March 20.
Tickets are €30, plus booking fee, and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book.
Rejoice Gospel Choir is hosting its annual table quiz on Friday next, March 13.
Local quiz queen Elaine Tighe will be in the driving seat and there will be super prizes for winners, as well as a fantastic range of raffle rewards on the night.
Join the popular Ballina singing group and friends for a night of fun and laughter in The Loft Bar, Pearse Street, Ballina at 8.30pm.
Entry costs €40 for a table of four.
Craoibhín Ballina will host a St Patrick's Day coffee morning in its centre this coming Thursday, March 12, which will feature live music, refreshments and a raffle.
Entertainment will be provided by local musician and singer Padraig Moran, and the cost to attend is €5.
Craoibhín relocated to the old convent secondary school campus on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, Ballina in January of this year, after moving from its former riverside location on Cathedral Road. It operates from the St Anne’s secondary school building to the rear of the grounds of the former St Mary's Secondary School.
All are welcome to come along and enjoy the atmosphere on Thursday morning, between 11am and 1pm. More information about this event and the variety of other daily activities at Craoibhín is available by calling the centre on 087-2785365.
The death has taken place of Marie Moore (née Devers), Lord Edward Street, Ballina.
Marie was the beloved mother of Loretta, Marie, Peter, Robert, Margaret and Susan. She will be sadly missed by her sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren. great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Peter and her son John.
Marie reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
The annual Helena Winters (née Langan) Daffodil Day Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday, March 14, in the Pastoral Centre, which is located in the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Local businesses have sponsored a raffle, with all attendees on the day in with a chance of winning some great prizes.
Last year’s event, the most successful to date, raised €6,640.15 for the Irish Cancer Society, with funds raised going to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Entry is free to an exhibition of fascinating acrylic-on-canvas and glass paintings, running for the next seven weeks in Ballina.
The Infrangible Bonds Collection by artist Bó Gorm is on display at the Clarke Museum of Irish History, Pearse Street until the end of April.
Step into a space where imagination takes centre stage as Bó Gorm’s art brings together a vibrant collection of works that challenge perspective, celebrate creativity and invite you to see the world through a new lens.
This exhibition is an epic journey across ancient Celtic kingdoms, myth and legend, lands of kings and druids, saints and scholars, fairies and folklore, and poets and bards.
So don't miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful and unique exhibition which offers a rich blend of colour, texture and storytelling - each piece a conversation waiting to happen.
The Jackie Clarke Collection, its award-winning walled heritage garden and the Infrangible Bonds Collection are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm.
Entries close next Monday for the 2026 Ballina Dancing Feis.
The annual competitions will be held on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 in the Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina. The Preliminary and Open Championships will be judged by a panel of three adjudicators.
Buckles and Bling are the vendors for the weekend while Hair and Make-up by Clodagh will be available on site.
Enquiries about Ballina Feis can be directed to Cheryl Scariff on 086-8420829 or Des Bailey on 087-1464489, while details on competition entry fees are available via the social media pages of Ballina Feis.
Door admission is €5, payable on the day by cash only.
The adjudicators will include Shane Cummins, ADCRG Munster; Kelley O’Boyle, ADCRG UK; and Michael O’Meara, ADCRG Munster.
The accompaniment will be provided by musician Paul O’Donnell.
