Ballina: Meals on Wheels benefits from local fundraiser
Ballina Community Centre, which provides the Meals on Wheels service in Ballina, was one of the beneficiaries of a fundraising event organised by Ballina Soroptimist Club. Sr Martha Hegarty of the Community Centre accepted a cheque for €1,000 from members of the club earlier this month. From left are Marian Murphy (President, Soroptimist Ballina), Geraldine McKenzie, Yvonne Ward, Laura Kenny, Eileen Kelly, Sr Martha Hegarty and Patricia Fox.
Mayo North Tourism has officially launched its 2025 membership drive, inviting businesses from across Ballina and North Mayo to join forces in supporting a dedicated marketing and promotion fund for the region. This not-for-profit organisation plays a vital role in showcasing North Mayo’s unique attractions, events and hospitality across local, national and international stages.
Established by Moy Valley Resources IRD, and backed by Ballina Chamber of Commerce, which provides office space on Pearse Street, Ballina, and by Mayo County Council through the Ballina Municipal District GMA fund, Mayo North Tourism is also supported by a growing network of hotels, restaurants and other tourism providers.
A recent report, supported by Fáilte Ireland and conducted by Repucon Ireland, revealed that Mayo North Tourism’s initiatives were responsible for an estimated €2.78 million in tourism-related revenue in 2023 alone.
The website of Mayo North Tourism generated 27,000 visitors annually, including 8,500 overseas visitors who contributed €880,000 in expenditure and 18,500 domestic visitors who contributed €1.9 million in expenditure.
The organisation has achieved substantial media coverage, including features on national radio, TV, print and prominent digital platforms. Its well-maintained digital presence, including a comprehensive website, highlights everything that North Mayo has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant festivals.
In 2024, Mayo North Tourism was recognised as the ‘Best Community-Led Tourism Initiative - West of Ireland’ at the European Travel Awards, while the sinking of the MV Shingle in Killala Bay to create an artificial reef further highlighted this vibrant organisation’s reach, generating 2.9 million hits across Mayo North Tourism’s online platforms for what is potentially a global attraction.
Membership starts at just €120 per year for small businesses, with flexible monthly payment options. By becoming a member, businesses gain access to marketing opportunities, promotional campaigns and supports to help grow the region as a premier tourist destination.
For smaller businesses, the full 2025 plan and online payment options are available at www.northmayo.ie. Hotels, restaurants, gastropubs and visitor attractions can contact the Mayo North Tourism team directly at 096-80090 or info@mayonorth.ie for tailored membership options.
The 2025 calendar of Ireland’s Credit Union movement, which circulates across the country, features an image created by Kevin Lee Sweeney.
Kevin’s painting, which shows St Muredach’s Cathedral and the Cathedral Beat of the River Moy, took the national award in the 11-13 age category of the 2023 Credit Union Art Competition, representing Ballina Credit Union.
The 2023 competition encouraged young people to focus on the importance and meaning of community in their everyday lives, a theme that is at the core of credit unions, each being independently owned and operated by its members.
Kevin, who is a student of Coláiste Iascaigh, Easkey, and is from Corrimbla, Ballina, also reached the finals of the 2024 Credit Union Art Competition alongside fellow Coláiste Iascaigh student Declan Stenson.
Meanwhile, the following young artists were also well-placed at the Chapter/Regional final of the competition in their respective categories: 2nd, Tobias Laszczewski, Ballina; 2nd, Conall Goonan, Ballina; and 3rd, Fia Ritchie, Skreen, Co. Sligo. The event was hosted in Westport by Westport Credit Union.
Throughout the 1990s, An Emotional Fish was one of this country’s most outstanding rock bands, best known for the song ‘Celebrate’, which was to become an Irish and international hit in 1990.
But, over the past two decades, the band’s frontman Gerard Whelan has become much better known for his alter ego, Jerry Fish.
Playing solo and, at times, with his band The Mudbug Club, Jerry’s latest album was released in November of this year, with a promotional tour coming to Ballina on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
The indie legend and colourful showman has dedicated his new long player, which also features the voice of May Kay, to the late American songwriter Daniel Johnston. Johnston’s songs inspire Jerry’s live performances, which can be quite theatrical, blending music, carnival and circus.
During this winter’s ‘Dreaming of Daniel’ tour, Jerry Fish will be performing tracks from that new album, alongside fan favourites from across the years.
Join in the celebrations of Jerry’s exotic artistry when he comes to Ballina Arts Centre next month. Tickets for the show are priced at €30, and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
Edward Gaughan, Commissioner for Oaths, was in charge of overseeing the December Cash Draw at Ballina Credit Union, which awarded a total prize fund of €41,715 to members.
The top prize of €15,000 went to Mary J McGuinness, Ballina.
Carol White, Enniscrone won €3,000 while €2,000 went to Marian and Michael Hannick, Ballina; Patricia Curtis, Ballina; and Jennifer Connor, Crossmolina.
The winners of €1,500 each were Eileen Weir, Ballina; Ann Marie Bernard, Ballina; Geraldine Leonard, Ballina; Michael Tighe, Ballina; and Emma Norton, Rehins, Ballina.
€1,000 went to Barry Judge, Corballa, Co. Sligo; Francis Irwin, Bonniconlon; Ann Jackson, Ballina; Laura McGreal, Ballina; Josephine Jackson, Crossmolina; Marita Golden, Ballina; Mary Casey, Ballina; and Ann Marie Conway, Enniscrone.
Thomas Cooney, Ballina won €700; Jerome O’Dowd, Enniscrone won €650; Mary McHale, Ballina won €500; and Mary Coughlan, Ballina won €365.
Ballina Credit Union operates four draws throughout the year. The cost of entry is €8.28 per quarter and you must be over 18 years of age and be a member of Ballina Credit Union to take part. Terms and conditions apply.
Contact the organisation on 096-71066 if you would like to find out more details, or call in to the office at O’Rahilly Street, Ballina, just down from the Post Office.
Ballina Credit Union is open as normal today, Tuesday (New Year’s Eve), and again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.
The death has taken place of John O’Boyle, Quignalegan, Ballina.
John was the beloved husband of Tracy and dear father of Patrick. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son, stepchildren Rosheen, Padraig and Fergal, grandchildren Erin, Ciara and Seán, daughter-in-law Una, sisters Catherine, Ann and Jacinta, brother Michael, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Michael and his mother Mary.
John reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina and Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
The Ballina Parish Gift Shop and Office, which is located in the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, will reopen on Thursday, January 2. The gift shop carries a large collection of cards and gifts, which can be purchased between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Mayo Heritage Calendar for 2025 has adopted the theme of the Holy Wells of Mayo for next year, recalling the customs and cures of these sacred places around the county.
A free copy of the attractive new calendar from Mayo County Council is available from Ballina Library. The library on Pearse Street is currently closed for the Christmas and New Year break, but will re-open again on Thursday, January 2, at 10am.
Craoibhín Ballina will reopen on Monday next, January 6, 2025 at 9am following the Christmas/New Year break. Members can expect a busy calendar of activities during the month and newcomers are always welcome to come along to the centre on Cathedral Road, Ballina.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is inviting blood donors to come along to its clinic in Ballina this week. The clinics are open across three days in Ballina Community Sports Complex, Cathedral Road, starting on Thursday, January 2 at 3.50pm and running until 8.10pm that night.
Other clinics are on Friday afternoon, January 3 from 12 noon to 3.40pm and on Sunday afternoon, January 5 from 12 noon to 3.40pm.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service recommends that you have eaten something in advance and have taken plenty of cold drinks before you donate blood. Allow yourself about an hour and a half to complete the process at the clinic, from the registration to refreshments.
To make an appointment please call 1800 222111.
The death has taken place of Sarah Gallagher (née Loftus), The Village Tavern, Bonniconlon, Ballina.
Sarah is deeply mourned by her loving husband Padraic, sons Colum and Graham (London), daughter Fiona (Cloona), daughters-in-law Janet and Noeleen, grandchildren Aaron, Ryan, Megan, Chloe and Sean, sister Maureen McGrath (Boyle), brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her parents James and Mary, brothers Paddy, Martin, Tony, Joe and Johnny, sisters Agnes, Julia and Teresa and her son-in-law Kevin Gaughan.
Sarah reposed at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Bonniconlon, and Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon, followed by burial in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
With its high levels of volunteerism, the Ballina area has become a vibrant model of community spirit in recent years that has inspired many other communities across this region.
The Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024 will recognise the dedication and efforts of the many community volunteer groups at work in County Mayo during the year, as they worked quietly behind the scenes to make our communities stronger, more vibrant and caring places in which to live.
Last year, the Ballina Karen Community group took the Green Community Group of the Year award for its garden at Sligo Road, Ballina, adjacent to St Muredach’s College.
Entries are now being accepted for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024, with further information available at www.mayo.ie.
The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 24, 2025.
Belleek Castle Hotel, Ballina will soon resonate to the unique sounds of one of music’s greatest bands, Fleetwood Mac.
Northern Ireland’s Big Love will be performing all your favourite Mac hits, transporting you back to the iconic sounds of this beloved band, whose songs include ‘The Chain’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Little Lies’ and ‘Man of the World’.
The tribute band is a six-piece wonder whose vocal and instrumental sound is incredibly close to that of the original 1970s/1980s band.
The show will take place on Saturday, February 8, at 9.30pm and tickets, costing €30, are available to buy through Eventbrite.
Proceeds from the sale of Ballina Dragons Calendar 2025 are to be shared equally between the Ballina-based boat club and Breast Cancer Ireland.
The calendar, which features members of the club alongside the stunning riverside landscapes they paddle on, was created not only to showcase the team’s spirit but also to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
One third of the current members of this energetic and inspiring club – based at The Quay - are breast cancer survivors, and are living life to the full. With this in mind, members agreed to create and pose for the fun calendar, with half of the money raised from the sales going to Breast Cancer Ireland. The beautifully photographed calendar shots are the work of local photographer Corrine Beattie.
Ballina Dragons Boat Club, located along the River Moy, is a thriving community of paddling enthusiasts dedicated to health, fitness and community involvement. Through their various initiatives, the club works to make a positive impact locally and beyond. Call Denise on 086-2385542 to get your calendar or, for more information, please visit www.ballinadragons.com. The calendar costs just €10.
The death has taken place of Ann Higgins, Rathduff, Cloghans, Ballina and late of Ballinamore Nursing Home, Kiltimagh.
Ann was the beloved sister of Pat (Lahardane), Mary Mackie (UK), Eddie (Cloghans) and Bridgie Mullaney (Kiltimagh).
She will be sadly missed by her loving brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law John Mullaney and Kevin Mackie, sister-in-law Geraldine Higgins, nieces Ashling, Christina, Susan, Edwina, Mary and Michelle, nephews Joe, Jason and Sean, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Eamonn and Bridgie.
Ann reposed at McGowan's Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week, St Stephen’s Day. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Teresa's Church, Rathduff, Ballina on Friday, followed by burial in Cloghans Cemetery.
Coming to Ballina, a dark comedy for two players tells the story of Declan, who lives on his own, though he is not alone. He wants to prove to himself and his constant companion that he has got what it takes. After years of suffering from a lack of confidence, he’s decided to ‘go for it’. So we see Declan trying to prepare for his upcoming audition on a talent show; but there is someone else there. And, as Declan tries to silence this other voice, we are dragged back into East Cork/West Waterford in the late 1960s.
We follow Declan attempting to enter the Church, cope with his infatuations and watch him triumph over this negative friend.
Fight2Flight Theatre’s latest offering is called ‘Declan’s Got Talent’, and it comes to Ballina Arts Centre in January.
The play is written by Peter Gowen and stars the author and actor Jack Healy.
It toured for three weeks in the Autumn of 2024 and will be revived in January as part of First Fortnight Festival 2025, taking in Dublin, Letterkenny, Ballina, Tullamore and Kinsale.
‘Declan’s Got Talent’ will be presented in Ballina Arts Centre on Thursday, January 16, at 8pm. Tickets for the play are priced at €18 (€16 concession) and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The National Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart is holding a Supporters' Draw for Pioneers and friends of the association from January to June 2025. The PTAA draw will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning on January 15.
The draw is a key fundraiser for the organisation. The Pioneer Association was founded in Ireland in 1898 to provide a Christian solution to the problem of alcohol abuse. Members freely choose to abstain from alcohol and offer this sacrifice as a prayer for the freedom of others who are addicted.
It costs €40 to enter all six draws and tickets are available from Maeve Tierney, Crossmolina and Una Birrane, Moygownagh.
