Local notes: History to be made in Ballina school
Leah Ginty and Joachim Kelly with their prizes after they contested the final of the one point slam at Ballina Tennis Club.
It was a long time coming, but it will be worth the wait, as the 120-year old St Muredach’s College, Ballina presents its very first musical next month.
is a stage adaptation by St Muredach’s, inspired by S.E. Hinton’s and a subsequent Broadway musical, and now rehearsals are down to the final two weeks of preparation.
Set in a sharply divided world, the story centres on two rival groups: the working-class Greasers and the wealthy Socs, whose tensions shape the lives of the young people caught between them.
Students from the all-girls St Mary’s Secondary School will join the St Muredach’s crew for this ground-breaking theatrical experience, marking a landmark occasion for the all-boys diocesan secondary school.
The story of follows the journey of Ponyboy Curtis, a thoughtful Greaser trying to make sense of loyalty, identity and what it means to grow up in a world that seems stacked against him. Alongside his two brothers and his close group of friends, Ponyboy is drawn into events that will change their lives forever. Through powerful songs and emotional storytelling, explores friendship, courage, loss and the importance of holding on to goodness, even in the toughest moments.
The show is on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17, promising a night of guaranteed entertainment, standout pop songs, energy and heart, all brought to life by a talented cast and backstage team.
Tickets are on sale from the venue, Ballina Arts Centre, at €20, plus booking fee. They can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book. The show starts at 8pm.
The popular One Point Slam, seen at the Australian Open this year, made its way to Ballina Tennis Club recently, attracting 27 players from all levels to take part in this sudden-death style tournament, known for its entertainment value.
Sarah Murphy won the longest rally against Paul Dunne, propelling her to the semi-final against Joachim Kelly. But her winning streak ended there as Joachim narrowly won on the rally. Next up was Leah Ginty and David Csiszsar, with Leah making it through to meet Joachim Kelly. It took a few groundstrokes from both players before Joachim became the outright winner.
The club has thanked Damien Kelly for organising the event, and Rosaleen O'Malley and Gair Gordon for the tea and treats. Also a worthy mention to Claremorris Tennis Club, which donated to the event.
A special mention went to Martin Bourke who was working on the club shelter for which the fundraiser was taking place. Martin descended his ladder, traded his pencil in for a racket, and played his point!
Meanwhile, the Connacht Winter League Phase 1 has come to an end at the busy Ballina club. Ballina presented two teams in Grade 4 and one team in Grade 5. Home and away games were played over the course of four months, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the final in Sligo.
The Grade 4 ladies doubles team consisting of Grainne Gough (captain), Elaine Fox, Siobhan Gough, Mary Dunne, Leah Ginty, Helen Peglar and Carmel Tuffy were runners-up.
In Grade 5, Dietrich Pheiffer captained his team of William O'Rourke, Frankie Stevens, John Kelly, John Valerio and Jonathan Kelly, also coming in as runners-up.
The Grade 4 men's team, captained by Martin Bourke, and consisting of Des O'Brien, Paul Dunne, Denis Hayes, Alan Murphy, David Cahill, Damien Kelly and Noel Walsh, narrowly lost out on reaching the final.
“Well done to all the players for their dedication to this event,” said a club spokesperson. Ballina Tennis Club is now looking forward to its own annual Tennis Open, coming up in May.
The Easter Tennis Camp at the Ballina club will be held over four days, from Tuesday, April 7 to Friday, April 10. The camp will feature outdoor games and competitions, with all equipment provided and a professional coach present. The 10am to 12pm session is for children from six to ten years of age, while the 12pm to 2pm session is for children from 10 to 16 years of age. The cost is €60 for members and €70 for non-members, with sibling discount available. Contact 085-7573457 for further details and to book a place.
The death has taken place, in her 93rd year, of Carmel Cox (née Walsh), Libadore, Ballina.
Carmel will be fondly remembered by her daughters Lauretta, Carmel and Breda, son Joe, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband William, son Ronald, brothers and sisters.
Carmel reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
World Autism Day this Thursday, April 2 will be marked with an event to launch the Ballina Autism Friendly Town Light It Up project.
The event at The Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street will showcase a unique light-based art project featuring a digital projection of artwork and poetry created by autistic adults from the local community.
The project has been developed under the guidance of Ballina artist Alice Dixon, in collaboration with the North Mayo UBU Youth Project and The Jackie Clarke Collection.
Alice is a socially-engaged visual artist and educator. Her work has included leading the Giant Tent project during the town’s highly successful Ballina 2023 celebrations which marked the 300th anniversary of the formal founding of Ballina three years ago.
Guests attending the Light It Up project launch will be welcomed with refreshments from 7.30pm, followed by the official ceremony at 8.15pm, after which the artwork will be illuminated on to the former Ballina Mineral Water Company building, located directly across the street.
The initiative aims to highlight creativity within the autistic community while promoting greater awareness, inclusion and acceptance. Organisers hope that the event will mark an important step in Ballina’s journey towards becoming an AsIAm Autism Friendly Town, bringing together community members, local organisations and supporters for an evening of reflection and celebration.
The death has taken place of Sarah Ellis (née Ginty), 21 Cluain Na Rí, Ardnaree, Ballina and formerly of Carralavin, Bonniconlon.
Sarah will be deeply mourned by her sons Cameron and Maxwell, daughter Isabel Ellis, father Laurence Ginty, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her mother Mary Ginty and her daughter Charlotte Ellis.
Sarah reposed at her residence, following which Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Sunday, March 22.
No great skill is required, but if your levels of physical endurance are medium to strong, then you can help River Moy Search And Rescue Ballina raise some funds during its annual charity spinathon this coming Easter Saturday, April 4, or simply donate to the members’ efforts as they pedal for a great cause!
Money raised will go towards the incredible work of the volunteer organisation, which celebrates its fifteenth birthday in May.
River Moy Search and Rescue Ballina is a search, recovery and rescue organisation whose volunteer members help in a search for someone who may have been tragically lost to water. The principal objective is to perform search and recovery work on the River Moy in Ballina. Another one of its objectives is to help combat the problem of marine litter and to improve the marine environment.
The organisation, which is based at The Quay, also promotes water-based sports, and members regularly participate in recreational activities together, particularly diving and kayaking.
The charity spinathon on Saturday is from 10am to 1pm outside The Jackie Clarke Collection, and is part of the day-long Easter celebrations which will be taking place inside and outside the Pearse Street museum and gardens.
The death has taken place of Dieter Kurt Losleben, Ardvalley House, Ardvalley, Castleconnor, Ballina and formerly of Strandhill Road, Sligo and Remscheid, Germany.
The late Dieter had a long association with Shamrock Forge and Tool, an industry set up in Ballina in 1973 and one of the first foreign-owned factories to be established in the town. Dieter spent many years as Managing Director of the firm, which later became Heyco-Werk, a company that is still an important employer at its plant in Bunree.
Dieter was the beloved husband of Marie and loving father to Maik and Simone. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son, daughter, step-daughters Yvonne Ward, Marguerite Timlin and Jillian Bunce, grandchildren Jennifer, Emily, Tamara, Hannah, Nils, Luca, Zachary, Sadhbh and Gemma, sons-in-law Padraig Ward and Jonathan Bunce, daughters-in-law Vanessa Losleben and Sophia Timlin, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Franz and Margarete, sister Marliese Prinz, brother-in-law Rolf Prinz and step son Byran Timlin.
Dieter 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 Killanley Cemetery.
Join Craoibhín Ballina this coming Thursday, April 2 for a special music afternoon celebrating Easter.
Refreshments will be served and a raffle will take place, alongside music from 11.30am to 1pm. Admission is €5 and, of course, everyone is welcome.
The Moy Valley Resources-run Craoibhín centre is located in the St Anne's School building to the rear of the grounds of the former St Mary's Secondary School, and behind the vacated Convent of Mercy building on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, Ballina.
You can contact Craoibhín Ballina on 087-2785365.
The death has taken place of Declan Walsh, Creggs Road, Ballina.
Declan was the beloved husband of Sharon and loving father to Corinna and Callum. He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife and family, sister Michelle Feely, brothers Adrian and Shane (USA), brothers-in-law Martin Feely, PJ Dolly and David Dolly, sister-in-law Anna McHale Walsh, father-in-law Tony Dolly, mother-in-law Mary, lifelong and best friend Gerard Grogan, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and his large circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Cyril and Mary Walsh.
Declan reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday night of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Tuesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Ballina Golf Club begins its Get Into Golf for Ladies sessions on Wednesday, April 15 at 7pm. Lady members, along with the club’s own golf professional Eddie Tracey, will deliver the one-hour lessons every Wednesday across eight weeks. Refreshments will be served in the clubhouse afterwards.
Equipment will be provided and follow-on membership offers will be available for those interested.
The cost for the eight-week course is €80 and you can contact Mary at 085-7809816 or Tina in Ballina Golf Club at 096-21050 for more information or to book a place.
The death has taken place in her 96th year of Christina Gallagher, The Glebe, Ballina and formerly of O'Rahilly Street, Ballina and Mail Coach Road, Sligo.
Christina’s family ran a grocery business on O’Rahilly Street, Ballina for many years.
She will be sadly missed by her brother Tommy, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Christina was predeceased by Dr. Sean (Killybegs), Peter (UK), Gerry and Frank (Dublin), Mary (Ballybeg), Brendan (Ballina), and Monsignor Patrick (Ballina).
Christina reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday of last week, with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Killala Diocese’s Lourdes Invalid Fund will benefit from a quiz night in Ballina next week. The event in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Sligo Road is on Friday, April 10 at 8pm.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support the next diocesan pilgrimage to the French shrine, taking place between August 28 and September 3 this year.
The aim of the fund is to help defray part of the costs for the elderly and ill to be able to access medical care and assistance while in Lourdes. This relies on the support of many benefactors and volunteers.
The table quiz begins at 8pm, with an entry fee of €40 for a table of four people. There will be spot prizes on the night, and everyone is welcome to join in.
Supporting the anxious child ‘Understanding and Supporting the Anxious Child’ is the title of an upcoming two-hour course in Ballina, to be facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr Sharyn Byrne.
Those who would like to attend the event in Ballina Family Resource Centre, Abbey Street, Ardnaree are asked to register by calling 096-75573 or 087-0618525. You can also email Ballina Family Resource Centre at admin@ballinafrc.com.
The cost of the course, which takes place on Monday, April 20 from 7pm to 9pm, is €10. Places are limited.
The death has taken place of John Barrett, Nephin Court, Ballina and formerly of Caherdavin, Limerick.
John will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Pat, adored children Andrea (LA), Carina (Ballina), John Paul (Spain) and Patrick (Ballina), sons-in-law Dustin and John, daughter-in-law Tere, grandchildren Doireann, Ronan, Jack, Ciaran, Darragh, Brendan, Seàn and Matteo, brother Eamon, extended family and friends.
John reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Tuesday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Wednesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol, located in central Ballina, invites all the family to an Easter fun day this Saturday, April 4. There will be games, an Easter egg hunt, photo opportunities and treats for every age at the special event, which is a fundraiser for the Gaelscoil. Tickets can be booked online at Eventbrite.
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol is situated opposite Tesco Ballina.
The death has taken place of Carmel Jenkins (née O’Halloran), Palmyra, Church Road, Ballina and formerly of Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
A widely-respected solicitor who had served the region over many decades, Carmel will be sadly missed by her daughter Clodagh, son John, granddaughter Anna, daughter-in-law Síofra, brother Kevin, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, the extended Ó Briain family, relatives, neighbours, carers and friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband George and brothers Michael, Desmond and Cyril.
Carmel reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina last Friday evening, with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning, followed by burial in the grounds of St Michael’s Church of Ireland, Church Road, Ballina.
Bonniconlon Village Enhancement group is looking for additional volunteers to help out the organisation. If interested in volunteering, please contact Siobhan on 087-6129678. All assistance, however little, will be appreciated.
