Local Notes: Christine wins top prize in Ballina Credit Union draw
Christine Maguire was the winner of the top prize of €15,000 in the recent Quarterly Members’ Draw in Ballina Credit Union. Pictured from left are Maria Padden, CEO, Ballina Credit Union; Christine Maguire; David Dwane, Chairperson, Ballina Credit Union; and PJ Flannery, Lending Manager, Ballina Credit Union.
The local Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) branch has announced that the National Pioneer Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart will hold its annual Supporters' Draw for pioneers and their friends over the next six months.
The draw is to take place on the third Wednesday of each month, from January through to June of this year. The top prize is €1,000, with smaller prizes of €400, €200 and €100.
The first draw will be on Wednesday, January 21, hosted in St John's Rest and Care Centre, Knock. The final draw will be on Wednesday, June 17.
Tickets cost €40 for the full six months and can be purchased from Maeve Tierney, Crossmolina or Una Birrane, Moygownagh.
Fledgling Ballina trad and folk group Alder have been polishing their craft in recent weeks as the three members prepare for a busy start-of-year schedule.
Mark O’Donnell, Grace Killeen and Iarla Dunford are all well-known traditional and folk musicians in their own rights, with Mark and Grace bringing a performance which is laced with experience, matched by Iarla’s youthful musical exuberance across a range of instruments.
Over the coming month, the trio will be showcasing their music to the attending delegates and musicians at the 2026 Your Roots Are Showing Festival in Belfast and will make their first appearances as a band at venues in Castlebar and Donegal.
Just six months on the road, and currently in the process of writing material, Alder bring a special brand of contemporary folk that crafts original songs rooted in the natural world, nostalgia, love and loss. Their novel sound blends the earthy tones of guitar, fiddle, harmonium and bodhrán, creating music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The band will make their way to Belfast for the showcase event this week. Next month they play in Balor Arts Centre in Co Donegal on February 12 and headline the Bridge of Song night in Castlebar on February 18.
Alder will feature in the line-up for this year’s Forest Fest summer outdoor music festival in Emo, Co Laois, where Madness, Fun Lovin Criminals, The Coronas, The Undertones and James are also in the bill.
The death has taken place of Paddy Devaney 9, St Mary’s Villas, Ballina.
Paddy will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Carmel, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents James and Kate Devaney, sisters Bridie, Kathleen (Dolly) and Rita (UK), and brothers Joe and Kevin.
Paddy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
A Focus Ireland fundraiser revealed some engaging attire among members of Ballina Tennis Club at its fun event in the clubhouse just before Christmas, where colourful seasonal outfits helped to produce an enjoyable evening for all those present.
Focus Ireland was founded in 1985 by the late Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, who died in November last, and is now among the leading charities dedicated to ending homelessness in this country.
The local club, based close to Ballina Swimming Pool, raised €975 for Focus Ireland.
The Parish Council of Kilmoremoy is inviting all volunteers, as well as those involved in the various ministries at St Patrick’s Church and St Muredach’s Cathedral, to a gathering in the Parish Pastoral Centre as a gesture to thank everyone for donating their time.
The get-together is on Thursday, January 15, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and food and refreshments will be served.
St Muredach's College Parents’ Association is holding a table quiz this coming Friday, January 16, in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Sligo Road, Ballina.
The event will start at 9pm, with a raffle also set to take place. A fun night is guaranteed, and a table of four costs €40 to enter.
The death has taken place of Alan Jackson, Clearwater, Cloghans, Ballina and Preston, Lancashire, England.
Alan was the beloved father of Gillian. He will be sadly missed by his loving daughter, all his fishing friends and everyone who knew him.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Anna.
Alan reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Teresa’s Church, Rathduff, Ballina on Friday, followed by burial in Cloghans Cemetery, Knockmore.
May he rest in peace.
Ballina Fringe Festival is inviting visual art submissions for Ballina Contemporary Art Fair 2026, which will run from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28.
Last year’s event was a big success, with strong footfall and sales at the showings in Ballina.
Up to four submissions can be made in painting, print, drawing, mixed media and photography.
If you are interested in exhibiting, then please send a high-quality image per submission. You must include the name of the artist, artwork title, year, medium, dimensions and price. Some 50% of sales will go towards the 2026 Ballina Fringe Festival and 50% to the artist.
Works must be original and Ballina Contemporary Art Fair is open to all artists over the age of 18.
Submissions can be sent to info@ballinafringefestival.ie where you can also request a full list of terms and conditions.
The closing date for submissions is Friday, February 13, at 5pm.
The results of the first game of 2026 played by members of Ballina Bridge Club on Tuesday, January 6 were as follows: 1st, M. Corcoran and A. Ivers; 2nd, G. Scanlon and D. Hackett; Joint 3rd, T. Slowey and U. Doyle, and H. Moran and B. Thomas; and 5th, M. Gilvarry and G. Moran.
Mayo Sports Partnership is delivering classes in better balance for the people of Ballina, led by exercise instructors who have been trained by HSE physiotherapists.
The programme, called Ballina Better Balance Beginners, is set to commence on Friday, January 30, and registration will open next Tuesday, January 20. It will run for eight weeks, starting at 10am each week, and the location of the classes is Ballina Stephenites GAA Club.
If you are wondering if the programme is suitable, please attempt the following simple test of balance and strength: Fold your arms across your chest. While keeping your arms crossed stand on one leg, close your eyes and stand tall and steady for ten seconds. If you find yourself more wobbly than you expected after this test then the programme is for you!
Weekly classes will include an aerobic warm-up and a series of exercises to challenge and train the main components needed to maintain good, independent movement.
This programme is suitable for adults who walk unaided and want to stay strong on their feet and falls-free for life. It is not suitable for people who have fallen in the past 12 months or who use a walking stick, or for anyone who has had surgery in the past six months.
For further information, please contact the programme co-ordinator Edel O'Malley on 087-4764140, or email eomalley@mayococo.ie.
You can register at www.eventbrite.ie/o/mayo-sports-partnership-28485513507.
If you are from the Ardnaree or Parkside areas of Ballina then an interesting project starting next week will capture your attention.
Many of the stories and memories of family, friends and communities contain a valuable record of our past, and now a new oral history project is set to preserve this rich history. You are invited to share these stories as part of the programme.
Mayo North East is holding an information and training day about the initiative on Wednesday, January 21. Contact Gerard Mulherin on 087-2259986 or email gerardmulherin@mayonortheast.com for information on how to get involved.
This Empowering Community Programme is in partnership with Oral History Made Easy.
