Local Notes: Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference in Ballina
Pictured at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference were students from Moyne College, Ballina, with teacher Jackie Langan. Picture: Trish Forde
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol, Ballina is celebrating its 25th birthday. To mark the occasion a Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina at 6pm on Friday, January 19. This will be followed by light refreshments and entertainment in the school at Market Square at 7pm. All those associated with the school over the past 25 years are especially welcome to attend on the evening.
Erstwhile Ballina DJ Ray Mac has spent the last 28 years working and living in Istanbul, from where his regular light entertainment podcast is recorded and broadcast internationally under the title Blackmilkshake Comedy Podcast.
Now the popular podcast, which is co-hosted and produced by Scottish-born Jorma Kirrko, is undergoing a transformation that will become the Talking Istanbullocks podcast from January 11. Expect some fresh twists from this metamorphosis!
Ray was a celebrated and innovative figure on the Ballina nighclub scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s before moving on to work as a DJ at Dublin’s leading night-time entertainment venue, Break for the Border. He relocated to Turkey in the 1990s to perform his club magic in the resorts, eventually settling in Istanbul, where he also teaches English. Ray is married to Turkish woman Melek and the couple have a 12-year-old son.
The popular podcast from Ray and Jorma – who is also a comedy writer - is a uniquely crafted comic variety show that transcends the limits of a typical lads’ banter podcast.
Recorded in The James Joyce Irish Pub in the centre of the Turkish capital, where the bubbling broadcasters first met, stories unfold and laughter echoes as Ray and Jorma curate a fresh podcast that captures the spirit of ex-pat life in Istanbul, embodying the essence of pub banter, sentimentality and a nostalgic salute to 1980s and 1990s entertainment. And it’s all sprinkled with biting satire and a dollop of Irish and British wit.
Ballina talents such as the renowned writer Morag Prunty (aka Kate Kerrigan) and up-and-coming singer songwriter Michael Moloney are among the many guests who have also contributed to this weekly podcast show during 2023.
The aptly-named Talking Istanbullocks is available on all the usual podcast platforms every Thursday.
North West Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has produced its first-ever calendar. The calendar is full of cute images of some of the animal charity’s furry friends.
The Ballina-based charity is charging €10 for the calendar, with all proceeds going to the care of the animals. The calendar can also be posted to anywhere in the world for an additional cost.
The Ballina shop of NWSPCA is located at Market Square, directly across from Tesco. The charity also runs a shop at Linenhall Street, Castlebar.
The death has taken place of Piotr (Peter) Kowalski, Castlefield Manor, Killala Road, Ballina and formerly of Gniezno, Poland.
Piotr is sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken partner Elżbieta (Liz) Piesiecka, daughters Mika and Pola, parents Lubomira and Mieczysław, sister Ewa Moyles, brother-in-law Brendan Moyles, nieces Lili and Zosia, sister-in-law Maqda Kozlowska, brother-in-law Pawel, nephew Aaron and niece Anastazja, extended family, neighbours, and a large circle of friends.
Piotr reposed at Hiney's Funeral Home, Crossmolina last week. Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday in St Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina, with burial afterwards in Crossmolina Cemetery.
Ballina Order of Malta has congratulated unit member Sean Doherty on his appointment as Regional Director for the Western Region. He took over the post on January 1, 2024.
Sean has a wealth of experience, having held various positions in the Ballina unit and at regional and national levels over the past 44 years.
Ballina Chamber of Commerce is hosting Monday Lunchtime Micro-Business Support Workshops during January and February.
The series, run in association with AIB, is designed to empower business owners and professionals with essential knowledge on key topics such as Finance for SMEs, Human Resources, Budgeting and Planning.
This is an opportunity for business owners to enhance their skills, stay informed about industry best practices, and network with business colleagues. The workshops will provide valuable insights that can contribute to the success of your business in 2024.
For more information please email chamber@ballina.ie or telephone Ballina Chamber directly at 096-72800. You can also register online via Eventbrite.
The next sessions take place in the Ballina Chamber office at Pearse Street, Ballina on Mondays, January 15, 22 and 29, and on Monday, February 12, from 1 to 1.45pm.
Registration is essential.
The death has taken place of Ann Casey, 10 Bunree Road, Ballina and formerly of Healy Terrace, Ballina.
Ann was the beloved mother of Katharine Peyton and Jane Corrigan. She will be sadly missed by her loving daughters, brothers John, Stephen, Michael and Paul, sisters Patricia, Geraldine, Mary and Susan, sons-in-law Stephen and Michael, grandchildren Emily, Sophie, Kate, Anna, Alex and Charlotte, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Martin and May, brothers Máirtín and Tony and her sister Madge.
Ann reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Sunday. Requiem Mass took place in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday, January 1, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Three celebrated stars of the country music scene in Ireland, past and present, will perform at a concert in Ballina on Saturday night.
Mike Denver will be joined by Philomena Begley and Brendan Shine for the show in The Great National Hotel Ballina on January 13.
Born and raised in Portumna, Co Galway, Mike Denver began singing from an early age, continuously honing his craft over the years to become the top entertainer he is today.
Affectionately known as The Queen of Country, 81-year-old Philomena Begley began her career with a céilí band, before having a huge hit with the song ‘Blanket on the Ground’. She still performs on stage and on television.
Brendan Shine’s repertoire spans country and folk, with the Athlone singer probably best known for his 1979 No 1 single ‘Do You Want Your Oul Lobby Washed Down’.
There have been a number of baptisms in recent weeks in the Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina). Those baptised include Ceola Margaret Goonan, Nephin Court, Ballina; Meadhbh Mary Veronica O’Connor, Blackrock Court, Ballina; Olivia Mae Courell, Cloonaghmore; Arayah Gray Elizabeth Abbekerk, St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina; Siomha Hennigan-Beardshall, Moyvale Green, Ballina; Jonah Joseph Birrane, Lord Edward Street, Ballina; Fiadh Violet Aune, Ardoughan Woods, Ballina; Zara Elizabeth O’Boyle, Breaffy, Ballina; and Ricky Jackson Conroy, Saint Patrick’s Estate, Ballina.
Members of Ballina Active Retirement Association are reminded that its activities will resume again following the Christmas and New Year break on Thursday, January 11.
The group’s first meeting of 2024 will take place at 10.30am in the Pastoral Centre in the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
The annual general meeting and election of officers is scheduled for the following Thursday, January 18. Members are advised that if they wish to have any items raised for discussion at the AGM, or present any nominations for the committee, to please let the current committee know as soon as possible.
Over 150 members attended the Ballina District Fine Gael selection convention for the forthcoming June 2024 Council elections.
The convention took place in the Great National Hotel Ballina and was chaired by Sligo Leitrim TD and former Minister Frank Feighan.
In accordance with the directive, three candidates were nominated and selected.
Sitting councillor Jarlath Munnelly, Killala was proposed by Sean Callaghan, Ballycastle and seconded by Lorraine Munnelly. Sitting councillor John O'Hara, Bonniconlon was proposed by Vincent Healy and seconded by John Fox. First time candidate Hugh Rouse was proposed by Aileen Horkan and seconded by Margaret Rouse.
Addressing the convention, Deputy Feighan stressed the importance of the local elections. He was pleased to see that the Fine Gael candidates were ideally located in order to deliver three seats.
Alan Dillon TD, Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, emphasised the critical importance of the local elections and the next general election. He warned of the emerging challenges posed by the rise of populist parties and the "sinister far right".
He reaffirmed his dedication to regional development balance, outlining the key infrastructure projects such as the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor and the much needed improvements to the N26, N58 and N17.
Senator Paddy Burke congratulated the three candidates and wished them well. He paid a glowing tribute to former Senator and TD Michelle Mulherin who is leaving politics, for her enormous contribution over many years at local and national level. He was confident that her expertise and experience would be available to the three candidates when the campaign gets underway.
Over €250,000 worth of Ballina Shop Local Gift Vouchers were issued in 2023. The figure was reported by the President of Ballina Chamber of Commerce, Tracey Glacken, who added that over €800,000 of voucher sales have been recorded since the initiative was first launched.
The Shop Local Gift Vouchers, introduced by the retail committee of Ballina Chamber of Commerce in 2017, have proven to be a standout success.
“The voucher scheme, designed to encourage the community to shop locally, has not only benefited consumers but has also provided a much-needed boost to local retailers and businesses since its introduction,” said Ms. Glacken.
“The success of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers is a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives and the importance of supporting local businesses.
“The fact that businesses in Ballina have actively participated in buying these vouchers for their staff demonstrates a shared commitment to keeping resources within the local economy,” she said.
Chair of the Chamber Retail Committee, Garret Michael, said: “The Chamber deserves commendation for their dedication and effort in implementing this initiative, which has had a significant and positive impact on the local retail sector, underscoring the collaborative effort of both businesses and the public in fostering a thriving local economy and community spirit in Ballina.”
Niamh Ryan, PRO of Ballina Chamber, described the vouchers as the ‘gift of choice’.
“With over 100 businesses participating in the scheme in Ballina and surrounding areas, the vouchers have become a versatile and inclusive gifting option,” she said. “The introduction of a €10 denomination, in addition to the existing €25 and €50 options, makes these vouchers accessible for various occasions, from birthdays and weddings to special events like communions, confirmations, retirements and staff rewards."
One of the standout features of a Ballina Shop Local Gift Voucher is the extended expiration date of five years. This not only adds to its appeal as a long-lasting and flexible gift but also ensures that businesses receive the full voucher amount without any commission deductions. The fact that the vouchers do not lose value over time further enhances their attractiveness to both consumers and businesses.
The Ballina Shop Local Gift Voucher can be purchased through Ballina Chamber office, Pearse Street, Ballina.
Recent winners in the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50/50 draw took home cash prizes worth over €300 each.
Paul McLoughlin, Ballina won €310 in the draw which took place in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Sligo Road while Michael Timlin, Knockmore took home €350 following the draw which was held in Lillies Bar, Connolly Street.
Tickets for the weekly fundraising draw can be purchased in participating shops in Ardnaree or through the club’s app.
Ballina Badminton Club has resumed weekly sessions for adults. The games take place at 9pm on Wednesday evenings in Ballina Sports Centre.
Over 500 adults and children participated in the 2023 Ballina GOAL Mile in ideal weather conditions on Christmas Day last.
At the event in Belleek Forest, Ballina, an impressive €3,445 was raised for the poorest of the poor in wartorn countries such as Gaza, Ethiopia, Sudan and Syria, to name but a few.
The organisers have thanked all those who took part and all who helped out in any way with the smooth running of the 2023 Ballina GOAL Mile.
Special mention goes to Catherine, Peter, Dean and Simon Gillespie, John McLoughlin, Mary McBrearty, Aoife Dowling, Leona Igoe, and Brian, John and Marion Mattimoe.
Gratitude was also expressed to the businesses of Ballina who provided refreshments for those taking part.
Anyone who still wishes to donate can do so via iDonate.
Ballina Toastmasters kicks off the new year with its first meeting this coming Thursday, January 11.
Every year, thousands of individuals across Ireland visit Toastmasters clubs in every province, seeking to improve their communication or leadership skills.
Ballina Toastmasters can help people to overcome a fear of public speaking and the organisation believes that it is never too late to conquer those fears.
Membership can also help people to gain self-confidence, build ability to motivate and inspire others, improve interview skills, enhance career growth or simply prepare a Best Man speech!
The group meets at Great National Hotel Ballina, Old Foxford Road at 8pm, where tea and coffee will be served and guests are always welcome.
Other meetings scheduled for the first few months of 2024 are on January 25, February 8 and 22, March 14 and 28, April 11 and 25, and May 9 and 23.
Ballina Toastmasters can also facilitate online attendance via Zoom.
CAPTIONS:
Pic 1. Patricia Maguire, Rehins, Ballina, making a presentation of €5,000 to Cancer Care West nurse Catherine McCormack. Patricia, who raised the funds in memory of her father Paddy McGrath from Rossport, has thanked everyone who generously supported this very worthy cause.
Pic 2. At a function to celebrate 21 years since Ballina Active Retirement Association was founded by Ann and the late Paddy Flynn were Mary McDonnell and Grace Dowdall.
Pic 3. Bernie Furey and Margaret Hannan at the 21st anniversary celebrations of Ballina Active Retirement Association.
Pic 4. Leona Igoe, and Brian, Marion, Stacy, John, Luke and JJ Mattimoe completed the Ballina GOAL Mile in Belleek Forest on Christmas Day, helping to raise €3445 for the charity.
