Ballina Arch Club marks 40 magical years

Volunteers and members of Ballina Arch Club are excitedly looking forward to their 40th anniversary celebrations on Friday, June 12, at the Great National Hotel in Ballina.

The voluntary club was established in March 1986 by a group of locals who saw the need to provide a social outlet for adults with special needs. They meet every two weeks on a Wednesday night and hold activities such as music and dancing and go on different outings such as bowling throughout the year.

It is a valuable part of the Ballina community that has made, and continues to make, a difference for its members and their families, as well as its volunteers, who have been enriched by the experience of helping out.

The Western People spoke to volunteers and members ahead of the anniversary. Carmel Reilly has been a volunteer with Ballina Arch Club since 1995 and has seen what a monumental difference it has made to members down through the years.

“Sometimes when members first come, they’d be very shy, but as they get familiar with the volunteers and other members, even the shy people gain confidence and self-esteem,” she said.

“They’ll go up there and sing and, to see that, it makes it so worthwhile. Trevor Moyles provides the music and he knows all our members by name and the type of music they like.

“They love the outings and our bus driver John Rush is very good to all our members, he would know all of them as well. 

“They’re so happy, great friendships form and for a lot of them, it is maybe the one social outlet they have. It is in a safe environment, they are happy to be there and they feel loved.” 

Rita Ginty was looking to get into volunteering and joined the Arch Club in 2000.

“My kids had finished secondary school and I wanted to join something. I knew Arch were looking for volunteers and I never looked back once I joined,” she said.

“You meet lovely people through the volunteers and you grow fond of the members. They really enjoy themselves and really look forward to this every fortnight.” 

Rosie Igoe is another volunteer who has been with the Arch Club since 1998. While the club has made a difference for members, it has also had a positive impact on its volunteers.

“Someone came around collecting for Western Care and they told me all about the Arch Club. I decided to go with them to see what it was like and have been there since,” she said.

“I love it. I really enjoy it, you get some good fun and laughs and really have a great time.” 

While the likes of Carmel, Rita and Rosie have been flying the flag for many years now, Ballina Arch Club continues to welcome new volunteers regularly. Rosie’s granddaughter, 16-year-old Ellie Igoe, has found her experience of volunteering with the Arch Club to be a fulfilling one.

“Nanny got me started with the Arch Club. She said you should come and try it out. From the first time I went, I loved it. The members are so happy and it is great to see everyone enjoying themselves,” she said.

“You feel in a good mood yourself and you have a feeling you’ve done something nice. It is a win-win for everyone.” 

Club members Lisa, Theo, Jonathan and Darragh told the Western People what they love the most about Ballina Arch Club.

“I love meeting all of my friends and going out dancing and getting the chance to do my party piece,” said Lisa.

“I love coming here because I get to see all my friends and get to meet new people as well. We love dancing and singing and going out bowling and we’ve been to Knock a few times,” said Theo.

“I enjoy going bowling, our Christmas dinners and parties. Having good fun and good craic, listening to good country music,” said Jonathan.

“I absolutely love Arch Club. I’ve been coming here a long time and I love meeting all my friends,” said Darragh.

For parents of members, it also makes a huge difference. Darragh’s parents, Liam and Shirley, said the Arch Club is the highlight of his week.

“For us as parents, Arch Club allows our son a rare opportunity to meet with his friends for a couple of hours and have a night of singing and dancing and chat. It is the highlight of his social life,” they said.

“He spends the majority of his time with us and it allows him to have a break from us and interact with others. We also get a valuable and much appreciated date night during the Arch Club.” 

Ballina Arch Club will celebrate its 40th year on Friday, June 12, at 7pm at the Great National Hotel.

As for its continued success over the last four decades, Theo said it best: “Everyone must like it because they keep coming back.”