July has been a busy month for summer camps at Ballina Arts Centre.

A local councillor has suggested constructing a water feature at a scenic Ballina field to ‘fulfil the vision’ of a pivotal member of the local Tidy Towns who passed away recently.

A richly-textured new track from folk-pop artist Sarah Keane is set to capture an even broader audience for the music of this prolific Ballina-born songwriter.

It is anticipated that a design team will be appointed for the renovation of the old Garda Barracks on Walsh Street in Ballina at the start of September, writes Paul O'Malley.

A golf course owner struck a Garda with his jeep after the officer threatened to seize the vehicle.

Councillors in Ballina have agreed to extend the lease of the Estoria Cinema to Ballina Men’s Shed for the next five years. The agreement will see the Men’s Shed pay €100 per annum for the lease of the building on Teeling Street.

Councillors in Ballina have called for a bench where young people are loitering and causing vandalism to be removed.

Press Photographers Ireland are holding their annual exhibition at Ballina Library until July 20 next.  The exhibition, which is being held in memory of the late Henry Wills, was officially opened by Iar Taoiseach Enda Kenny on Monday last, July 8.

Warm tributes have been paid to a staff member of Mayo County Council who is to retire after working for the local authority for over four decades.

Ballina Arts Centre's Music @ Lunchtime series is proving to be a huge hit with local audiences. Over 50 people attended the last event with pianist William Reape. On this Wednesday, July 17th, it is the turn of local singer songwriter Hope Gillespie.

Press Photographers Ireland is currently holding its Press Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2024 at Ballina Library in tribute and in memory of the late Henry Wills of the Western People - a past president of Press Photographers Ireland and ...

A second man has been taken to University Hospital Mayo with injuries

Gardaí have confirmed that a man has died after a fire in Ballina this morning. A spokesperson from the Garda Press Office told the Western People that at 8. 15am this morning (Thursday), Gardaí received a report of a fire at a residence in Ballina.

Members of Moy Valley Resources IRD were told at the company’s AGM in Ballina last week that a highlight of 2023 for the social and economic development company was the formal launch of a partnership with Mayo County Council to manage IQ Ballina.

Almost 200 babies and their caregivers attended events as part of Mayo Baby Week 2024.

The new Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District has suggested that a Deputy Returning Officer be appointed in Mayo to speed up the election process.

The Ice House is a dreamy North Mayo destination where guests can enjoy downtime in one of the country’s most beautiful locations while sampling great food surrounded by natural beauty, with stunning views across the River Moy and out to the Wild ...

Mayo County Council is hoping to encourage people in local communities to take a stand against those who try to use bonfires as a means of free waste disposal after several incidents throughout the county leading up to Bonfire Night on June 23rd ...

Councillors in the Ballina Municipal District have paid tribute to Cllr Seamus Weir following his retirement from local politics.

Few people did more to spread the word about Ballina Salmon Festival in the early 1990s than Western People photographer Henry Wills, who was a member of the original organising committee and was involved in developing the festival's national ...

Tadgh O'Leary had a preparatory school in Bofield from 1916 to 1928. This school was there to prepare the students from all over Ireland for the King’s Scholarship and the results were not too bad for those years.

€750 for elite busker The new, beautifully-developed open-air public plaza at IQ Ballina will be the location for this year’s Busking Competition, one of the many events in the programme of Ballina Salmon Festival 2024.

Following the success of the last Punk Rock Night organised by Ballina NCF, Ballina Arts Centre will once again host a night of live punk music on Saturday, June 29th. This time the evening comes with a twist as punk meets comedy.

A Mayo woman is set to become Ireland's first astronaut. Dr Norah Patten, who is originally from Ballina but now lives in the Dublin and works for Realtra Space Systems Engineering , is due to take part in the space mission in 2026.

Registration has opened for the TELUS International Liquid Motion Salmon Run Triathlon which will take place on Saturday, July 27. This is the third consecutive year that TELUS International will sponsor the event in partnership with Liquid Motion.

My 17 hours at the local election count centre in the TF Royal Theatre last Monday and into Tuesday morning were some of the most enjoyable spent in this job since starting five years ago.

"Walk a mile in my shoes" is a quote that resonates with lots of people. Finding someone who has experienced what you are going through can be a great comfort if you are struggling.

The gentle sounds of Giuliano Gnagnatti’s guitar provided a calm oasis in the midst of a busy working week at the launch of the Music @ Lunchtime Concerts at Ballina Arts Centre  earlier this month.

This year’s Mayo County election’s wasn’t the major shake-up some might have expected but there is still going to be five news faces in the council chamber.

There has been a major archaeological development in Ballina in recent days as the lost site of Ardnaree Castle has now been located and given protected status by the National Monument Service of Ireland, due to the initiative, insight and ...

A plaque has been unveiled in Ballina in memory of a teenager who died after he was shot by the Royal Irish Constabulary over 140 years ago. Patrick Melody was aged just 14 when he was mortally wounded in Ballina by the RIC on May 5th, 1882.

The Bridge Coffee Company, nestled on the serene banks of the river Moy in Ballina, is set to celebrate its official opening this Saturday.

Heifer is top prize in Show fundraiser A fundraising draw to help with the running of the 2024 Ballina Agricultural Show is offering a top prize of an in-calf Pedigree Angus heifer, calving in Autumn 2024, and worth €2,500.

In a clarion call to those at the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference in Ballina last week, former President Mary Robinson called on all delegates to work in kinship to create a shared response to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Fastrack Into Information Technology (FIT) held the grand opening of its new community training hub in Ballina on Friday, May 31st. The hub, located on Teeling Street, was officially opened by Minister for State Dara Calleary.

Circus and craft events in Achill, creative writing workshops in Claremorris, illustration events in Belmullet, a magic workshop on Inishturk, jiving and country music in Bohola – these are just a few of the exciting events for children on ...

Three of Mayo’s most talented young athletes were recipients of this year’s Martin Sheridan Bursary Awards last Thursday.

What does it mean to be Irish?As a country with a long history of emigration, we are very aware of how fluid it can be. Someone may not be born here but may consider themselves more Irish than me or you.

Minister of State Dara Calleary has paid tribute to legendary Ballina native John Walkin who has passed away. Mr Walkin was a renowned businessman in the town and played a huge role in developing the town's fisheries industry over many decades.

No of Seats: 6  Candidates (15): David Alexander (Fianna Fáil); Garie Beattie (Non-Party); Antonio Cafolla (Sinn Féin), Joe Doocey (Non-Party); Mark Duffy (Non-Party); Joe Faughnan (Non-Party); Keith Howley (Non-Party); ...

Ballina Chamber has been shortlisted in six of the eight categories for the annual Chambers Ireland Awards, which take place on Thursday next in the Killashee Hotel, Co Kildare.

Listowel Writers Week opened last week with a gala event, featuring the presentation of several prestigious literary awards, including the Single Poem Award, which was won by Ballina writer Finola Cahill for her poem The Death of a Foal.

Annie May Reape has asked the Mayo public to support her once again on Friday next when she runs for her seventh successive local elections.

A Ballina local election candidate has welcomed news of plans to carry out a ‘green project’ at Ballina Railway Station.

When Dave Devaney’s song Compass was selected to compete in the final of a special Valentine’s Day category of the renowned International John Lennon Songwriting Contest, it took the Ballina songwriter and singer to a whole new level in the world of ...

Ballina local election candidate Joe Faughnan has said he wants to bring fresh, young energy to Mayo County Council.

Fine Gael local election candidate Hugh Rouse has said that Ballina needs strong representation as it has fallen behind Castlebar and Westport.

Anne Marie Coleman lives a jet-set life in her role at Coca-Cola. As Chief of Staff to the Head of HR for the entire company, the role is undoubtedly demanding and rewarding in equal measure. She is married to Kevin and they have three daughters.

Ballina-based Independent Cllr Mark Duffy has said an increase in sporting and amenity infrastructure will improve the quality of life in Mayo.

Knockmore singer songwriter Cathal Connolly returns to the Ballina Arts Centre for an eagerly awaited album release night on Friday, May 31st.

Independent Cllr Mark Duffy has said the acceleration of the delivery of housing in the Ballina Municipal District is going to be one of his top priorities if he is reelected to Mayo County Council on June 7.

Billow Wood homecoming gigBillow Wood will play its first Ballina concert in some time when the group performs in St Michael’s Church on Saturday, June 15.

A commemoration event will take place in Ballina on the June Bank Holiday weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of IRA hunger striker Michael Gaughan.

Ballina Independent Cllr Mark Duffy has contacted Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan about the upgrading of traffic lights in Ballina at the Font and Sligo Road, which have been plagued with faults.

Theatre fans have two excellent productions to look forward to in June and July at Ballina Arts Centre.  Windmill Players are back on June 7th and 8th with Brian Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’.

The new Water Services Strategic Plan, which is under development, needs to take account of smaller group water schemes that are currently not being connected to public supplies, according to Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly.

Coming to Ballina on Friday, May 31, is a unique opportunity to hear 16th and 17th-century music performed by one of Ireland’s finest choral groups, Resurgam.

Ballina students picked as mascots for Europa League Final A number of students from Ballina have been selected as mascots for tomorrow night’s Europa League Final at the Aviva in Dublin.

The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Vincent Guèrend, visited the Quay National School, Ballina to celebrate Europe Day on May 9.

A group of lucky children from a Ballina primary school will serve as mascots for this Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League Final, taking place in Dublin.

Basketball: Deora Marsh, American born but Ballina by heart, received the ultimate honour from basketball’s governing body in Ireland on Saturday night when he was inducted into the Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame.

Noo Chocolates has become an instantly recognisable brand. Mary Corrigan is the brains behind the artisan chocolate company, based at The Quay in Ballina.

A proposed link route from the Crossmolina Road to the Killala Road in Ballina will not be advanced this year due to resources being tied up elsewhere.

Twelve teams of budding engineers, representing a variety of Foróige projects from across Ireland, gathered in Athlone on Friday, April 5, for an exhilarating FIRST® LEGO® League Masterpiece Challenge Blitz.

The Ballina Lions Club annual Charity Golf Classic on Friday, May 31st, will see the proceeds of this year’s fundraising outing distributed to Mayo Autism Camp (Ballina), MindSpace Mayo (Ballina) and Foxford Alzheimer’s Community Trust (F. A. C. T).

The Taoiseach has acknowledged a letter sent to his office by councillors in the Ballina Municipal District regarding the number of international protection applicants that have been accommodated in the district over the last number of months.

Mayo Day made its debut in Belmullet this year and anyone fortunate enough to be there will testify it was a success. It chimed perfectly with the town’s 200th anniversary celebrations and the town was a hive of activity on May 4th.

A hospital has apologised over failings in care for a 72-year-old woman who died 11 days after she was admitted to Mayo University Hospital (MUH) suffering from shortness of breath and weakness.

The woman's family described the health service as "a shambles and a disgrace"

Ann Egan’s selfless and unflagging work in promoting the weekly Ballina parkrun has been acknowledged at a national level by the Irish parkrun community. Ann has been presented with the VHI Parkrun Hero Award for the month of March.

Ballina and it’s hinterland has always been a source of exceptional artistic talent.

An application has been made to the Department of Heritage under a new funding stream for the refurbishment of an old Garda Barracks in Ballina.

Described once as ‘Mayo’s most charming ball of misery’, Ballina-born comedian Bob Hennigan has been confirmed to play The Comedy Tent at All Together Now Festival in August, alongside Ardal O’Hanlon and Tommy Tiernan.

What: Four bedroom bungalow Where: Englewood, Bohersnasup, Ballina Price: €385,000 Link: www. myhome.

It was a night to remember at the IMC Cinema in Ballina on Saturday, April 26th, as An Pointe Productions premiered its acclaimed film, Prospect House.

A big-hearted Mayo student, who is running the Dublin Marathon this year for one of his best friends who is battling cancer, has raised over €5,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

A local councillor says he is hopeful that works will soon begin along the N59 Ballina to Crossmolina Road, writes Paul O'Malley.

There is a strong focus on young people in this week’s programming at Ballina Arts Centre.

Students in counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon have taken part in the Young St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Programme, writes Paul O'Malley.

Nine pupils from fifth and sixth classes in The Quay National School, Ballina qualified for the Bebras National Computational Thinking Final organised by the Irish Computer Society (ICS) Skills in Maynooth University.

Bealtaine celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. Mayo County Council's Arts Service has a Bealtaine programme this year that includes performances, workshops and tours - and all events are free of charge.

A Mayo County councillor has said it is hugely positive that phase one of a proposed major Mayo greenway project has commenced and it can transform the entire county.

Thousands participated in the Mayo. ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon and the support of the hundreds who lined the streets has also been praised.

Local authority by-laws, currently in place at three Mayo piers and harbours, could be extended to cover 12 additional locations.

A well-known Ballina sportsman has launched an innovative new line of jelly sweets that are low in sugar and calories and high in protein.

Orla Gillespie (nee Hearns) took a leap of faith two years ago – a leap that has resulted in ensuring she is changing lives and supporting those who need it most every day.

Chemistry honour for student St Muredach’s College student Eoghan Durkan has earned a prestigious spot on the four-member Irish Chemistry Olympiad team.

B Ballina Chamber is up for a slew of awards in the 2024 Chamber Awards. The North Mayo town’s Chamber has been shortlisted across a staggering six categories.

Connacht Rugby U18 Girls Cup – Final  Ballina 29  Tuam/Oughterard 21  At Dexcom Stadium  A narrow league win over Tuam/Oughterard earlier in the season was ...

When I was 13 or so and a boarder in St Muredach’s College, I was given the honour of serving Mass every morning for the then Bishop of Killala, Patrick O’Boyle, who lived adjacent to the college.

The last chance to register and receive your Mayo. ie Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon t-shirts and race numbers in advance by post is today, Tuesday, April 23, at 4pm.

Ballina is such a good news story! From fishing to festivals and from history to culture, the town is bursting with enthusiasm, driven by people and organisations who are passionate about their town.

Many concerns were expressed at the public meeting about the mental health of homeowners who now must deal with the pyrite remediation process.

Annette Maughan is a busy woman. As chief executive officer of Moy Valley Resources, based in Ballina, there are literally a million and one different things going on in her working life.

It is more than a little sad to see the protest taking place in Ballina around the Twin Trees Hotel, formerly the Downhill. The protestors are making clear, time and again, it is a peaceful protest.