Local Notes: Ballina Tennis Club remembers one of its greats
At the unveiling of a new trophy to remember the long service and dedication of the late Vincent Frawley to Ballina Tennis Club were his widow, Fia Frawley and the Chairperson of the club, Damien Kelly. Over several decades, Vincent served across various roles in the Ballina club and represented Connacht in numerous Irish tournaments.
Take the first step towards improving your confidence in a social setting, in the workplace or amongst family and friends by coming along to Ballina Toastmasters Open Evening this Thursday.
Toastmasters is an international, not-for-profit, educational organisation that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills in a mutually supportive and positive learning environment. Every two weeks, the members of Ballina Toastmasters prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions and give and receive constructive feedback from each other.
Now, Ballina Toastmasters is inviting the public to its open evening on Thursday, January 22, at 7.45pm in the Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina.
Come along and enjoy the night in a relaxed and supportive environment.
TradFest takes place in Dublin this week, and Ballina’s own Billow Wood will be among many acts celebrating Irish music and culture in what is the biggest folk and trad gathering of its kind in the capital each January.
Billow Wood, currently working on material for a new album which will have a release date later in the Spring, will play live on Thursday, January 22 in Fitzsimons Secret Cellar in Temple Bar.
The five-piece ensemble features Mark O'Donnell (vocals/guitar), Harry Lawlor (vocals/harp), Andy Dempsey (vocals/drums), Emily Donoghue (vocals/mandolin) and Aodán Cronin (accordion).
A three-week tour of Germany in March will include special St Patrick’s Day festivities. And plans are being finalised for a four-week USA tour in July and August which will take in some of the biggest Irish folk festivals, including the Milwaukee Irish Fest and a festival in Dublin, Ohio.
Ballina Credit Union is inviting members to its annual general meeting in the Great National Hotel Ballina on Thursday, January 22. The AGM starts at 7.30pm.
The credit union is also seeking volunteers to help run this growing financial co-op. Volunteers are at the heart of Ballina Credit Union, which taps into their enthusiasm, skills and experience in order to achieve its goals and continue to deliver a strong service within the community.
The board of directors, board oversight committee and other committees within the organisation are comprised of unpaid volunteers from among the 17,500 members of Ballina Credit Union, whose area covers west from Templeboy and Enniscrone to Crossmolina and Ballycastle, and north from Lahardane and Foxford to Lacken and Killala.
The credit union movement is founded on the principles of co-operation, equality and mutual self-help, and on the efforts of thousands of volunteers across the country who freely give their time, skills and experience to benefit their local credit union.
Volunteers can acquire new skills across a range of subjects and levels as part of Ballina Credit Union’s training programme, which includes the option to achieve qualifications in third-level education, and at no cost to the volunteer.
If you are interested in volunteering then please email info@ballinacu.ie with your details, or telephone 096-71066. You can also download a volunteer application form from the Ballina Credit Union website at www.ballinacu.ie/membership/volunteer.
The death has taken place of Padraig McGowan, Knockleagha, Ballina and formerly of Cloghans, Ballina.
Padraig was the beloved husband of Tess and dear father to Annette, Eileen and Rosaleen. He will be sadly missed by his wife, daughters, grandsons Gavin, David, Paul, Conor, Ronan and Graham, sons-in-law Enda, Shane and John, brother Joe, sister Eileen, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his baby son Padraig, parents Jim and Annie, brothers Tom and Jimmy, and sister Teresa.
Padraig reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Thursday, followed by burial in Cloghans Cemetery, Knockmore.
May he rest in peace.
Ballina Badminton Club has resumed classes for adults and young people. Adult classes are on Mondays, at 9pm, while the juvenile classes take place on Saturdays, from 10am for primary school pupils and from 11.30am for secondary school pupils.
The classes take place in Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road.
The death has taken place of PJ Walkin, ‘Springfield’, 16 Amana Estate, Ballina and formerly of Tone Street, Ballina.
PJ was the beloved father of Alan, Garrett and Sinéad. He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughters, adored grandchildren Conor, James, Sean, Jean, Evan and Molly, partner Kathleen, daughter-in-law Jacqui, son-in-law Aidan, Alan’s partner Naz, sister Maura Gannon, brothers Gerry, Eamon, Séamus and Vincent, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a wide circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his adored wife Jean, parents Paddy and Kitty Walkin, brothers Tony and John, and the deceased Gilmartin family, Sligo.
PJ reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral on Tuesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
Enthusiastic parents, guardians and other volunteers are being sought by Ballina Town FC to support its underage squads for the 2026 season. The hugely successful Mayo soccer club will mark its 65th birthday later this year.
Whether it’s coaching, match-day assistance or helping behind the scenes, the Ballina club says that there is a role for everyone. Even if you can spare just a few hours a week, or only an hour, your time and skills will be greatly valued.
No experience is necessary as the club will provide all required training, resources and guidance.
Ballina Town FC, like so many other sports clubs, relies on the generosity of volunteers to create a happy, safe and inclusive environment for young people in the community.
Contact the club by email at ballinatownsecretary@gmail.com or call 087-9843643. You will also find an expression of interest form via the club’s social media pages.
Fifty of the lady members of Ballina Golf Club gathered in the clubhouse earlier this month to mark Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Christmas.
The celebrations included a two-course meal prepared and served by Claire’s Kitchen, with DJ Ray providing music and games afterwards.
The death has taken place of Mary (May) Ginty (née Gallagher), Carralavin, Bonniconlon, Ballina and formerly of Lisduvogue, Knockmore, Ballina.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughter Marie, sister Kathleen Judge, brothers Matt and Paddy, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Billy, sisters Nell McHale and Norah Cooney, brothers Peter and John, and nephew Martin McHale.
Mary reposed at Gallagher's Funeral Home, Bonniconlon on Thursday of last week with removal afterwards to the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday, followed by burial in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
A special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Dr Kathleen Lynn, alongside a showcase of the creative and digital work developed through HeritACT, takes place tomorrow.
Dr Kathleen Lynn (1874–1955) was a Killala-born physician, revolutionary and social reformer whose impact continues to resonate today. Active in the 1916 Easter Rising, she served as Chief Medical Officer of the Irish Citizen Army and later became a founding member of Cumann na mBan.
Deeply committed to public health, she co-founded St Ultan’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin, Ireland’s first hospital dedicated to infant care, and devoted her life to improving healthcare, advancing women’s rights and contributing to Ireland’s struggle for independence.
This unique celebratory evening in Ballina will bring history, creativity and digital innovation together. Programme highlights include an exhibition by Foróige participants responding to the life of Dr Kathleen Lynn, facilitated by Joanna Hopkins, a visual artist working across video, drawing, photography and installation.
There will also be stories from the life of Dr Kathleen Lynn, presented by Dr Yvonne McDermott, Lecturer in History and Geography at ATU, as well as an introduction to HeritACT’s augmented reality app, recalling memories of the Ballina Mineral Water Company facility in the town centre.
The event will be held on Wednesday, January 21, in The Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street, Ballina, from 5pm to 7pm. It is free to attend but a ticket is necessary, and can be accessed on Eventbrite, via the Jackie Clarke Collection social media pages.
The death has taken place of Patrick Kelly, St Muredach’s Terrace, Ballina.
Patrick will be sadly missed by his brothers John and Greg, sisters Rose and Anne O’Boyle, sister-in-law Eileen, Lorraine, brother-in-law Kenny and Rose’s partner John, aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Mollie and Hubert Kelly, and his brother Hubie.
Patrick reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday of last week, with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
Mick Flavin's country music party will descend on the Great National Hotel Ballina this April.
Mick Flavin is now in his sixth decade performing for the public. His latest album, released in 2024 to mark 50 years in the music business, continues to sell well. That album is a reflection of his enduring love for the genre and his deep connection with the many fans who have supported him throughout his remarkable journey.
Joining the singing legend for his Country Music Weekend will be Trudi Lalor, Shawn Cuddy, Chloe Winters, Carmel McLoughlin and Kevin Logue.
It’s all happening from April 17 to 19 next in the Foxford Road venue. Further details are available from the hotel on 096-23600 or email info@hotelballina.ie.
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