Local Notes: Ballina students attend Comhairle na nÓg conference
Students from Moyne College in Ballina are pictured at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2025, with their teacher Jackie Langan. Picture: Trish Forde
Al Porter’ s forthcoming show in Ballina is expected to be a sell-out. ‘Algorithm’ is the comedian’s brand new offering, an exciting, energetic and fun creation from the award-winning, 32-year old Dubliner.
He deals with questions like why does Instagram think he needs to get assessed? Can you learn to love renting in a house share? Can his parents deal with empty nest syndrome? Why is his brother the golden child? And much more!
One of few Irish comics ever nominated for a Perrier Award (like Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran before him), Al’s 2023/24 show ‘Now’ was critically acclaimed.
Tickets for his latest show in Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, November 21, cost €28 plus booking fee, and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The Moy Singers will hold their very popular annual Carols by Candlelight concert in the Great National Hotel, Ballina, on Friday, November 28th.
This is always one of the most popular events of the year and it certainly signals the start of the festive season in Ballina and North Mayo.
Tickets are available from members and the Great National Hotel.
If you have ever considered learning traditional Irish music then you are invited along to an information evening in The Merry Monk, Killala Road, Ballina on Sunday, November 23 at 4pm.
The Moy Valley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann is hosting the meeting for all adults interested in starting to play a traditional music instrument.
There’s also a special welcome to young people wishing to learn set-dancing and sean-nós dancing, a more freestyle dance than mainstream Irish dancing.
The information evening will help gauge the level of interest in the various instruments on offer with a view to commencing classes in Ballina shortly.
Further information is available from 087-2775317.
The ever-popular Belleek 10k Run returns this year on Sunday, December 7, attracting runners from all parts of the country to Ballina.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Belleek Woods, one of Ireland's largest urban forests, the race offers participants a scenic and challenging course through wooded trails and along the banks of the River Moy.
Attracting runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to beginners, the Belleek 10k Run is a community-driven event that promotes fitness, well-being and fun for all ages.
With its supportive atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, it has become a staple in the local running calendar, bringing together the community in celebration of health and sport. It’s also a great opportunity for newer runners to experience the buzz of a well-organised community race.
The Belleek 10k Run starts at 12pm and you can register online at Core Registered by following the link on the Ballina Athletic Club social media pages, at an entry fee of €20. There’s a free Belleek Race beanie cap for the first 150 people who enter.
A 5k Run is available on the same day, starting at 11.30am, also with a free beanie bag for the first 150 entries. It's like the Belleek 10k Run, only shorter and even more fun, and costing just €15 to enter.
Registration for both races will take place from 11am at Ballina Town FC soccer club in Belleek and refreshments will be available in the clubhouse afterwards for all participants.
Ballina’s own Neon Love will be among the cast for a night of wild and risqué entertainment with The Dirty Circus on Friday, November 21, taking place in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant on Sligo Road, Ballina.
Organised by Ballina Fringe Festival, which took place during October, patrons are invited to step right up and prepare for a night of glitter, laughter and cheeky mischief. The event was originally scheduled for October but had to be postponed due to Storm Amy.
This unforgettable burlesque and cabaret spectacle brings together dazzling performers, bold comedy and just the right amount of naughtiness. Expect feathers, sequins and surprises as Ireland’s finest entertainers light up the stage with wit, wonder and wild energy.
Doors open at 8pm and the show begins at 9pm.
Tickets, at €20, are available to purchase online at Eventbrite, or check the social media pages of Ballina Fringe Festival for more details.
The annual general meeting of TheNCF Cultural Co-operative will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19 at 6.30pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
Formed in 2023, TheNCF is a community of artists, volunteers and patrons based in Ballina who organise a diverse range of arts events together. The objective of the group is to provide the local and wider Mayo communities with access to creativity, including in its dedicated arts space on 5, Lower Pearse Street, Ballina, where regular events take place.
The AGM provides an important opportunity to participate in key decisions affecting the co-operative and it will take place in the organisation’s art space.
The death has taken place of Emmet O’Boyle, Riverside Estate, Foxford and formerly of Amana Estate, Ballina.
Emmet was the dear father of Ronan, Gerard, Kevin and Lorna. He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughter, cherished grandson Leo, sisters Stephanie and Charlotte, brother Kevin, daughters-in-law Tiana and Sarah, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Kevin and Charlotte (Amana Estate, Ballina) and brother Raymond (Enniscrone).
Emmet reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday evening last. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Thursday, followed by private cremation in McGowan’s Crematorium, Collooney, Co Sligo.
As part of Excel, Mayo County Council’s Youth Arts programme, socially-engaged artist Alice Dixon and animation filmmaker Yulia Bashakova are collaborating with teenagers in Ballina to create a series of animated films.
During ‘ReAnimation 2 - The Sequel’, young people will have the chance to explore their creativity, gain skills in various art forms and meet practicing artists.
Animation is an inclusive and playful medium where every participant can contribute, learn and express themselves without barriers. The process begins by listening to young people, ensuring the work reflects their voices and experiences, whilst drawing inspiration from animators from around the world.
Alice Dixon is a socially engaged visual artist and educator based from Ballina. Currently she is exploring themes of identity and belonging, and the innate human connection to the natural world in her work. She also holds years of experience in community development in a variety of roles.
Yulia Bashakova is an award-winning Ukrainian animation filmmaker now based in Ballina. A graduate of Piter.Mult.Art in St Petersburg, her debut film ‘Bloomsday’ screened at 17 international festivals from Japan to Germany, winning both Audience Choice and Best Animation awards.
The sessions are taking place in Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday afternoons this month.
The death has taken place of Robert Christopher (Christy) Casey, 12 Tom Clarke Place, Ballina and formerly of 8 Fenian Row, Ballina.
Christy was the beloved father of Robert (Leeds) and Patrick (Manchester).
He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughters-in-law Sharon and Shelia, grandchildren Roisin, Jack, Bronagh, Niamh and Aoife, great-grandson Kit, sisters Kathleen Connors (Healy Terrace, Ballina), Rita Osbourne (Birmingham) and Bridie Wintle (Birmingham), Gertie, Frank and Sharon, in-laws, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Susan, sister Patricia Mungovern and aunt Nancy Goga.
Christy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday last. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery.
