Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
The Leaving Cert Class of 2026 at St Muredach's College in Ballina with principal Wayne Walsh and vice-principal Patricia Walkin at their recent graduation ceremony. Best wishes to the students as they commence their Leaving Cert exams this week. Picture: John O'Grady
Ballina Tennis Club welcomed clubs from across three provinces for its well-established and popular Doubles Open.
Players from Dublin, Sligo, Galway, Mayo and Clare participated in the event from May 22 to 24, with 74 tennis enthusiasts entering to play in nine different competitions. These included a large numbers of Ballina players, with some taking part for the first time.
Visiting clubs secured many of the top spots in the Men’s and Women’s Grade 2 and 4 competitions, but local club members Mary and Paul Dunne succeeded in breaking that trend with a win against Ballina players Elaine Fox and David Cahill in XD4. Elaine Fox then went to pick up second place in WD4 with her partner.
Junior members also impressed over the Open weekend. Johanna Scheder and Joachim Kelly, who played together for the first time, won in their category, XD6. Johanna now returns to her native Germany after completing her Transition Year locally, and Ballina Tennis Club has wished her well for the future, hoping to see her return to Ballina again someday.
The Consolation Finals went Ballina’s way in WD6 with the strong pairing of Mary Dunne and Helen Peglar producing a fine win. Ballina took first and second places in MD4, with an injured Martin Bourke and Paul Dunne giving a walkover to Denis Hayes and John Kelly.
Leaving Cert student Enda Loftus stepped away from his studies and joined his club colleagues on the court to play for the weekend, making quite an impression. In MD6, William O’Rourke and Dietrich Pfeiffer faced Enda and his partner Noel Walsh. After a gruelling battle, William and Dietrich took the win.
A project involving 5th and 2nd Year students of Moyne College, Ballina was a huge talking point during this year’s Ballina Tennis Club Open. Under the direction of their teacher Sinead McCarthy, the students of the local secondary school recycled tennis balls and racquets within a three-week period, producing some fascinating creative pieces for the players and spectators to enjoy.
The club has thanked everyone who helped make the event such a success, from those who donated tasty food to the roster of event sponsors.
Every Thursday at 7.30pm is Club Night, where everyone is welcome, whether new to the game or a regular player. Further details about Ballina Tennis Club are available from its social media pages.
Shine is a national organisation which aims to empower people with mental health difï¬culties, and their families, through support, information and education.
Shine's community-based, recovery-orientated and peer-facilitated support groups have recently started in the Ballina area. These support groups are for people experiencing mental health difficulties, offering a safe space where individuals can explore challenges along with their peers and learn from each other’s experiences.
To register please contact Shine on 01-8601610/086-0407701 or email support@shine.ie.
Shine also advocates for social change by promoting stigma reduction and social inclusion in its work towards a more compassionate Ireland.
Mass will be celebrated in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina on Sunday next, June 7, at 3pm.
Meanwhile, the first of the weekly community outdoor Masses in the Parish of Kilmoremoy is taking place at Ballina Rugby Club tonight (Tuesday, June 2) at 7.30pm.
Outdoor Masses will be celebrated at various locations in the parish for the month of June.
Ballina Costume Company Summer Camp takes place in The Sean Duffy Centre, Ardnaree and The Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street, starting on June 29 and running throughout the month of July.
Four separate weeks have been allocated by the costume company, during which time children between the ages of 4 and 12 can learn and enjoy crafts, and play games in a fun and creative environment.
In addition, special workshops for children will be provided by Ballina Costume Company during Ballina Salmon Festival 2026.
Telephone 096-72154 for more information and to book.
The Music at Lunchtime series of free, early afternoon gigs in Ballina Arts Centre returns tomorrow, Wednesday, June 2.
The programme of concerts for 2026 will be launched by MacHenry and The Dog Roses, a three-piece folk band from Tooreen, Ballyhaunis that has just released its debut album, ‘After The Rain’.
The band consists of Ethan Henry (vocals and guitar), along with sisters Elizabeth Burcovschi (harp and piano) and Victoria Burcovschi (violin). Ethan, Elizabeth and Victoria have recently played in the Roisin Dubh, Galway, where their lively mix of folk and trad had the audience rocking in their seats.
Tea and coffee will be served, and the half-hour gig starts at 1.15pm on the mezzanine of Ballina Arts Centre.
To celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg Day on Saturday, June 6, Ballina Library will be hosting a series of workshops for children.
Luke Malone will conduct two creative writing sessions for children aged six to 10 years old, one at 11.30am and the second at 2.30pm.
Ela Gizinski will conduct two craft paper-making sessions, the first at 11.30am for seven to nine-year-olds and the second at 2pm for 10 to 12-year-olds. All the workshops are free to attend, and to book a place please call Ballina Library on 094-9064442.
Also as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, free art workshops will be held in Ballina Arts Centre. This afternoon of creativity and fun for children from 4 to 12 years old is divided into two sessions, the first starting at 1pm, and the second at 3.15pm, each lasting for 90 minutes.
Led by two experienced artists, children can explore drawing, painting and clay in a fun, hands-on environment. Advance booking is required but drop-ins are always welcome. Places are limited. You can book at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The death has taken place of Gerard Reilly, Convent Hill Crescent, Ballina and formerly of Kiltimagh.
Gerard will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Mary (McGoldrick), daughter Elizabeth, sister Marion, brothers Fr Michael and Eamon, aunts Bernie and Kathleen, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nephews, nieces, sincere friend Séamus, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridie Reilly and his brother-in-law Charlie McGoldrick.
Gerard reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Friday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
Comedian John Colleary has just confirmed that Ballina will be part of his Irish tour later this year, with tickets now gone on sale on the Ballina Arts Centre website.
His new show, ‘Mighty Quack’, follows on from consecutive solo tours of his own after working extensively with Tommy Tiernan for many years. He will perform it in Ballina on Friday, November 27.
