Local Notes: Double joy for Ballina Quay NS pupils at Credit Union Quiz
The Chapter final of the Credit Union Schools’ Quiz saw The Quay National School, Ballina take the top prizes in both age categories. Pictured in the front row, from left, are young team members Aoife Hillery, Michael Duffy, Gareth Doyle and Cian Gillespie of The Quay National School Under-11 team. Back row, from left, are Pat Farrell (Ballina Credit Union), Pauline Ryan and Noreen Hastings (Westport Credit Union), and Anne Treacy, Deputy Principal of The Quay National School, Ballina.
The Chapter final of the Credit Union Schools’ Quiz 2024 saw The Quay National School, Ballina take the top prize in both age categories at the event in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.
Competing against 20 teams from all over the county, the young pupils from Ballina, under the tutelage of Deputy Principal of The Quay School, Anne Treacy, maintained their excellent record in this competition.
Breaffy National School and Bonniconlon National School also took part in the Chapter final, all representing Ballina Credit Union following qualification from the first stage of the quiz contest which took place in January.
The two Quay National School teams will now compete in the All-Ireland Credit Union Schools’ Quiz Final to be held in the RDS, Dublin on Sunday, April 7, where 100 teams will battle it out to be crowned the 2024 Schools’ Quiz Champions, as well as securing a €4,000 prize for the overall winning schools.
The Under-11 team members from The Quay National School were Garrett Doyle, Michael Duffy, Aoife Hillery and Cian Gillespie. The Under-13 team comprised David Baynes, Noah Gallagher, Rowan Harrison and Iarla Hannon.
Pat Farrell represented Ballina Credit Union at the Chapter final.
Proceeds from the performance of an original play by Tommy Cooke this weekend will go towards the provision of a playing pitch at the new Culleens National School, Ballina.
‘Let Justice Rise Though the Heavens Fall’ has been penned by the well-known and talented local writer and actor, and will be presented in Ballina Arts Centre on March 14, 15 and 16 at 8pm.
It portrays the life and times of Michael Davitt, from his birth in Straide to his burial there in 1906.
Davitt’s was an extraordinary life which helped to change the destiny of Ireland. It was a life of savage degradation and great triumph, both nationally and abroad.
A cast of musicians, singers and actors from the ages of seven to a more mature vintage has been assembled, and audiences are sure to be entertained and inspired by this great man’s life and legacy.
Tickets for the premiere of Tommy’s play in Ballina, which cost €20, can be booked online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also book by telephoning 096-73593 or emailing info@ballinaartscentre.com. See our What's On pages for further details.
David Gray, Elbow, Sam Fender and Villagers have all played there in recent years. Now it’s the turn on Friday, April 12, of pianist and composer Frank McNamara to perform in the tranquil and acoustically-pleasing surroundings of the historic St Michael’s Church, Ballina.
During ‘Chopin by Candelight’, Frank McNamara will bring some of the finest piano works of Polish-born composer Frédéric Chopin to Ballina. That concert will be preceded by a recital to feature classic songs from Disney films.
Concerts by candlelight are a growing phenomenon worldwide and proving to be the ultimate setting to enjoy wonderful music.
As the sun sets and the stars emerge, the church will be transformed into a realm of captivating beauty, illuminated solely by the soft glow of countless candles. This breathtaking setting provides the perfect backdrop for an evening that promises to awaken the senses and transport the audience to a bygone era of musical grandeur.
At the heart of this enchanting event is the renowned Frank McNamara.
Frank is an internationally known arranger, conductor, composer and pianist from Dublin.
His career began at the age of 11 when he first appeared on Irish national television. Frank attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated with music honours. He received the most outstanding pupil award at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Irish audiences are familiar with Frank’s work as Music Director of RTÉ’s for 20 years.
He was the arranger and producer of two consecutive winners at the Eurovision Song Contest and has composed TV themes and other music for Irish television. He has written numerous works for orchestra and has released several albums, which include his orchestral arrangements and original compositions. Those recordings have resulted in Frank being awarded two platinum albums and two gold albums.
‘Chopin by Candlelight’ is meticulously crafted to showcase the breadth of Chopin's genius. From the delicate grace of the nocturnes, through the heart-warming waltzes, to the lively energy of the polonaises, the repertoire will span the emotional spectrum, captivating hearts and minds alike. Frank’s stories of the composer’s life and his music will give the audience a deeper insight into Chopin’s works.
The hour-long concert starts at 9pm and tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Earlier that evening, also in St Michael’s Church, Frank will be joined by Brian Gilligan and Naoise Stuart Kelly for a magical performance under candlelight of some favourite Disney songs, beginning at 7pm.
The annual Helena Winters (née Langan) Daffodil Day Coffee Morning takes place this year on Saturday, March 16, from 10.30am to 2pm.
The fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society will be hosted in a new venue this year, the Ballina Pastoral Centre, Cathedral Road (beside St Muredach’s Cathedral).
There will be lots of tasty treats and a raffle, with the prizes donated by local businesses. All are welcome to come along and support this very worthy charity in its fight against cancer.
Craoibhín Ballina is delighted to let people know that its Lend a Hand programme is now fully up and running.
This programme involves performing minor household repairs and doing odd jobs in the homes of people who need extra support, often elderly people.
The type of jobs which can be attended to include changing light bulbs, checking smoke alarms, installing locks, door chains and bolts, installing curtain rails and setting heating timers.
Craoibhín Ballina has its own van, tools and skills to carry out these jobs, which incur a small fee. The service is part-funded by the HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme, which enabled the purchase of a small van.
Craoibhín Ballina is looking for volunteers to donate a couple of hours each week to help deliver the scheme. This is an ideal volunteering opportunity for retired tradespeople or for those who are competent at DIY, and who have spare time and would like to make a difference in someone’s life.
Craoibhin Ballina's Lend a Hand service is available on Wednesdays from 9am to 12.30pm, Thursdays from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 4pm.
Craoibhín Ballina, an organisation which is run under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources, conducts a very successful social inclusion programme which enables those feeling lonely or isolated to engage in activities with like-minded people on a regular basis. It is open to any adult who experiences social isolation, loneliness or who would like to make a friend in the community.
As well as its new Lend a Hand programme, Craoibhín Ballina has operated a drop-in centre on Cathedral Road, Ballina for 16 years, which is open from Monday to Friday, and offers an informal space for a chat, a cup of tea and regular activities, and to where anyone is invited to come along.
For more information, call the centre on 087-2785365.
Ballina Municipal District Cllr Annie May Reape has welcomed confirmation that a Low-Cost Safety application to the Department of Transport has been successful for works to be carried out on the Ballina to Bonniconlon Road/R5133 junction. Funding of €48,000 has been approved to carry out exit visibility works to enable vehicles to move safely from the R5133 onto the Bonniconlon Road.
Cllr Reape said that this project, coupled with the safety measures carried out in 2023 when crash barriers were added alongside the river bank, will make a significant difference to all road users, not least those travelling to and from Behy National School. She thanked Minister Dara Calleary for his assistance in securing the funding.
Separately, Cllr Reape has confirmed that Mayo County Council is preparing an application for funding to remove a dangerous hill on the Behy Road close to the Ballyholan Junction.
Sick and elderly guests going on the Order of Malta Ireland Pilgrimage to Lourdes in May will be looked after by the medical, nursing and care team from Ballina Order of Malta and by their colleagues from around the country.
The pilgrimage tour to the French Marian shrine is from Friday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 7, flying from Ireland West Airport Knock. Full board in a choice of 3-star hotels, flights and a full pilgrimage programme are included in the overall price.
For more information, please contact Rosann McDonnell of Ballina Order of Malta at 087-6856509, or email ballina@orderofmalta.ie.
The death has taken place of Phyllis O’Hora (neé Ruddy), 33 St Muredach’s Terrace, Ballina.
Phyllis was the beloved wife of Paddy and dear mother to Peter, Declan and Niall. She will be sadly missed by her husband, sons, sister Breda Brogan, brothers Vincy, Kieran and Michael, daughter-in-law Michelle, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Phyllis was predeceased by her sisters Frankie and Maura.
Phyllis reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday last, followed by removal to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Requiem Mass took place on Saturday morning with burial afterwards in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Thursday, March 14, is the date for some St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Craoibhín Ballina.
A coffee morning in the centre at Cathedral Road, Ballina will also enjoy live music with Padraig Moran, a raffle, and a variety of refreshments. The entertainment kicks off at 11am, finishing at 1pm.
The cost is €7 per person and everyone is welcome to come along.
For more information, please call the Craoibhín Ballina centre on 087-2785365.
The death has taken place of Bertie (Bridget) Kennedy (neé Forde), Healy Terrace, Ballina.
Bertie was the beloved mother of Patricia, Tommy, Sandra and Kathleen.
She will be sadly missed by her daughters, son, grandchildren Stella, Jason, Nathalie, Robin, David, Tom, Ryan and Ross, ten great-grandchildren, sons-in-law Robert and David, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Tommy and son Martin, and by her brothers and sisters.
Bertie reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Sunday evening with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Following Requiem Mass yesterday, Bertie’s funeral proceeded to Leigue Cemetery, Ballina for burial.
Community groups, clubs, charities and voluntary organisations in Ballina are being urged to register with Mayo Volunteer Centre to avail of the useful range of services that the organisation provides.
Located at Cathedral Road, Ballina, Mayo Volunteer Centre operates as a distinct project within Moy Valley Resources IRD, which facilitates and supports the management of the centre.
Among the many services offered to community groups, the majority of which are free of charge, is assistance with the recruitment of volunteers, a process which can be difficult for community organisations where resources are limited.
Mayo Volunteer Centre also provides volunteer management training, volunteer policy development and a Garda Vetting service.
Mayo Volunteer Centre is a member of the national body for volunteering, Volunteer Ireland, and is managed by Lesley Moore. Lesley has a strong business and consultancy background and worked for much of her career in the UK. She moved to Ireland over 10 years ago and was a consultant in digital marketing and social media before becoming manager of the Mayo Volunteer Centre in Ballina in September 2020.
Placement officers at the centre are Vincent McHale and Edel Gallagher.
Funding for Mayo Volunteer Centre is primarily through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
You can contact the centre on 096-71444, or email info@volunteermayo.ie. You can also sign up your community group or club at www.volunteermayo.ie.
Minister of State Dara Calleary TD has announced that the Department of Education has sanctioned a modular framework extension for Newtownwhite Educate Together National School.
Located in Ballysakeery, Ballina, the school is a mainstream primary school where the National Primary Curriculum is taught alongside the Learn Together Programme.
“I am delighted to have received confirmation that an extension has been sanctioned for Newtownwhite Educate Together School,” said Minister Calleary.
“The proposed development will allow the school to continue to grow its offering to current and future pupils. I am delighted for the principal, Caroline Walkin, and for the entire school community who have advocated for this for quite a while, and I am happy to have been able to assist them,” he said.
Darkness into Light Ballina will stage its annual 5k walk/run early on Saturday morning, May 11.
The local organising group is seeking volunteers to join the team to help with this year’s annual fundraising event in aid of Pieta.
Pieta was founded in Dublin in 2006 and was established to provide free, accessible support to people affected by suicide and self-harm. Pieta has now more than 20 centres nationwide with over 300 staff and delivers a variety of supports to people impacted by suicide and self-harm, completely free of charge.
The Pieta Crisis Helpline at 1800 247 247 offers crisis intervention support to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The Ballina walk/run for Darkness into Light will begin at 4.15am and the participants will be among over 150,000 people who will take part in events at more than 200 locations around the country that morning.
James Curley, Ballina won €375 in last week’s Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50/50 Weekly Cash Draw. The draw was held in An Sean Síbín, Abbey Street, Ardnaree.
The previous week’s winner was Margaret Harte, Ballina, who took the jackpot of €330 in the draw held in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Ballina.
So far this year, Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club has given away thousands of euros in prizemoney in its weekly draw, which helps raise funds for the club.
Tickets for the draw are available from shops in Ardnaree or through the club’s app.
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