Ballina Tidy Towns overcomes adversity with community support
Members of Ballina Tidy Towns pictured with representatives in the local community who contributed to the Tidy Towns after a devastating setback earlier this year. Photo: John O'Grady
The local community rallied behind Ballina Tidy Towns to help the volunteer organisation get back to their best after a serious setback, a robbery, threatened the future of the group.
In the autumn of 2025, the Ballina Tidy Towns faced a significant setback. After being forced to vacate their long-time premises and move to a new location, the organisation was dealt another blow when they were robbed, losing equipment worth thousands of euros.
However, from this adversity emerged a remarkable display of solidarity. Led by John Maloney and Family of Maloney’s SuperValu, the community came together in an inspiring show of support SuperValu, a national partner of the National Tidy Towns organisation, along with local businesses Twin Trees Hotel, Cube Security, St. Muredach’s College TY students, and many others, stepped up to help replenish the lost equipment.
Local organisations and businesses, including Mayo County Council, The Cot & Cobble, Ballina Boating Club, Ballina Credit Union, Ballina Tool Hire, Cooney’s Hardware, The Ballina Dragons, Dunleavy's Meats, O’Mara Loftus & Co., Killeen’s Market Square, Screwfix Moy Valley Business Park, and many others, contributed both financially and with in-kind support.
Even communities as far as Killarney and Killarney Tidy Towns lent their hand, showcasing the strength and compassion that binds all people together.
This outpouring of support has allowed the Ballina Tidy Towns to rebuild and continue their mission of beautifying the north Mayo town. The collective effort has reaffirmed that even in the face of hardship, the spirit of community shines brighter than ever.
Ballina Tidy Towns said they wished to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered their help and encouragement. They said this incident has only strengthened the bonds within Ballina, and they look forward to continuing our work with renewed dedication.
