Ballina Arch Club to mark 40th anniversary in 2026

A Ballina social club for adults with special needs, run by volunteers, will celebrate its 40th anniversary later this year.

Ballina Arch club is a voluntary club established in March 1986 by a group of locals who saw the need for providing a social dimension for adults with special needs.

Throughout its history, the club has provided a safe, structured, supervised social outlet for adults with special needs and helps them to integrate into the wider community, fostering friendship, confidence and independence.

Now entering its 40th year, the group's members and volunteers remains active and enthusiastic, meeting every second Wednesday night throughout the year and taking part in events that create fulfilling and enjoyable experiences for all.

They continue to meet a vital social need for a disadvantaged group within the Ballina and wider north Mayo community with members hailing from surrounding areas such as Knockmore, Crossmolina, Foxford and Killala and in 2026, they continue to expand their offerings.

Ballina Arch Club has made a difference for countless adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Hydrocephallus and other special needs throughout its history and the upcoming reunion will give service users and volunteers, past and present, a chance to get together to celebrate the club’s rich history.

Anniversary event organisers said they want to raise awareness of the event at this early stage with the event just over 3 months away to ensure that past members and volunteers do not miss on this celebration of Ballina Arch Club’s 40th birthday.

It also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the club’s ongoing work and presence as a service within the local community.

The Ballina Arch Club 40th anniversary event takes place at the Great National Hotel on Friday, June 12 at 7pm and will include a mass, a buffet and music and dancing.