Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Pictured at the Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival in Swinford were Keith, Heidi and Eoin Murphy from Ballina. Picture: John O'Grady
Billow Wood has been recognised with an illustrious award from its home county while on an August tour of the United States.
Ballina musicians and band founders Mark O’Donnell and Harry Lawlor, along with their three fellow group members, accepted the honour presented by Mayo County Council, which acknowledges the outstanding contribution of Billow Wood to the Irish music industry.
The Billow Wood sound is a unique and captivating experience, driven by a fusion of Irish trad and contemporary folk music. It is regarded as the leading band of this genre in Mayo.
The distinguished accolade came as Billow Wood played during the Milwaukee Irish Fest, where close to 100,000 people attended a celebration of Irish culture.
The presentation of the award was made by the Cathaoirelach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John Caulfield, in Gingerz Irish Bar in the Wisconsin city of Milwaukee. The council had a strong presence at the four-day festival, one of the biggest annual Irish festivals in the USA.
“We are thrilled to have received this award from Mayo County Council for our contribution to the Irish music industry,” said Mark O’Donnell. “It is always lovely to be recognised, and we are very thankful.”
The band finished its extensive American tour in Gaelic Park, Chicago at the weekend following a series of shows in Indianapolis, St Louis and other venues that began on July 31, and which saw audiences treated to concerts rooted in instrumental virtuosi, storytelling, close harmonies and textured acoustic arrangements.
While Billow Wood’s line-up has changed over the years, its founding members Mark O’Donnell and Harry Lawlor have been there since the start, with the Ballina musicians first coming together in 2013 to play in the band Flat Out, which they formed with Bríd O’Donnell and Ciara O’Donnell. A name change to Billow Wood occurred in 2017 and, since then, the group has established a strong following across Ireland and mainland Europe, particularly in Germany.
In addition to fiddle player and singer Mark, and harpist, guitarist and singer Harry, Billow Wood comprises Andy Dempsey (vocals/drums), Emily Donoghue (vocals/mandolin) and Aodán Cronin (accordion).
Young badminton enthusiasts will welcome the return of the game to Ballina Badminton Club in September, when the juvenile section re-opens following the summer break.
The club has announced that its Juvenile Club is back on Saturday, September 12. Primary school level players start at 10am that morning, and secondary school students are set to play from 11.25am. Children must be at least seven years of age to join the club.
Some promising young talent has emerged after the successful summer camp held last month, which was led by coach David Walsh.
Ballina Badminton Club operates from Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road, and can be contacted by email at ballinab@gmail.com.
Congratulations to the local medal winners who secured impressive results at the 2026 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions in Belfast earlier this month, all members of the Bofield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Second place prizes went to Cora Ní Neachtain (Comhrá Gaeilge – 11 to 13), Keira Holmes (Harp Slow Airs – 12 to 15), and Oisín O'Donnell (Flute Slow Airs - Over 18).
Iarla Dunford was placed third in the Céilí Drums (Over 18) competition, while Emma Holmes also took the third place spot in Lilting (Over 18).
The Mayo Volunteer Centre Library Roadshow rolls in to Ballina next Wednesday, September 2.
People are invited to drop in to Ballina Library, Pearse Street between 10am and 12 noon to ask questions, and discover how volunteering can make a difference for you and your community.
Whether you are looking for your first volunteer role, returning to volunteering, or representing a community group trying to source volunteers, then Mayo Volunteer Centre would love to meet you. No appointment is necessary.
Mayo Volunteer Centre is a project of Moy Valley Resources IRD, Ballina and was established in 2009, with its Mayo headquarters in Ballina. The centre is part of a network of 29 volunteer centres across Ireland funded by the Government, and is affiliated to Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteering body.
It serves as the the one-stop shop for volunteering across the county, providing services for organisations and individuals throughout Mayo.
A popular Ballina summer pastime which attracts large numbers of people who are raring to show their cerebral skills and mobility prowess will set off from The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Sligo Road this Friday, August 28.
The Family Fun Car Treasure Hunt is for both the fun-loving and competitive, and will depart for the roads and boreens around Ballina at 5.30pm, with an expected finish by 7pm.
Those interested in taking part will pay €20 per team, pen not included!
The entertaining outdoor escapade is suitable for all ages and abilities.
The death has taken place of Marek Grzona, Rath Bán, Rehins Fort, Foxford Road, Ballina and Starogard, Gdanski, Poland.
Marek will be sadly missed by his daughters Patrycja and Iwona, sons-in-law Wojciech and Lukasz, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Genowefa and Wladyslaw, sister Grazyna and brother Wieslaw.
Marek reposed at Mc Gowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday morning of last week with removal afterwards for Requiem Mass in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. A cremation service was held in McGowan’s Crematorium and Funeral Home, Collooney, Co Sligo.
Seán Gorman and Joe Clarke will, once again, be your hosts for the Open Mic Night in Ballina on Saturday, August 29.
The stage is open to musicians, singers, poets, comedians and storytellers. The Open Mic Night can also be a great opportunity to catch some emerging creative talent.
Sign-up begins at 9pm and performances start at 10pm.
Drop in to TheNCF Cultural Co-op at 5, Pearse Street, Ballina for a relaxed night of creativity, fun and community spirit, all for free.
Ballina Badminton Club is running its Ladies Hour on Sundays at 7pm. The club meets in Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road, and for details please e-mail ballinab@gmail.com.
Closing this week is ‘Out Of Ink’, the highly successful exhibition by Val McLoughlin at Ballina Library. A local artist, Val’s work in this exhibition blends calligraphy and painterly styles, embracing the fluidity and speed of working in ink.
By contrast, his exhibition ‘Quarters’, running at Ballina Arts Centre, is a slower study of the River Moy, time spent along the river and the many memories this work awoke for the Ballina man.
‘Out Of Ink’ runs until this coming Thursday, August 27, and ‘Quarters’ finishes on September 26. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Following the recent election of its current President, Ballina Chamber of Commerce is inviting new members to join.
Local businesswoman Cliona Campion has taken over the reins from Mary Moyles, who served for two years at the helm of this progressive organisation.
Ballina Chamber is dedicated to nurturing a robust local economy that values and supports businesses of all sizes. It aims to amplify the business community’s voice through constructive engagement with policymakers, and advocating for infrastructure and policies that meet members’ needs.
The Chamber encourages local spending, with programmes like the Ballina Gift Voucher stimulating residents and visitors to support businesses in the Ballina area. Seasonal projects such as the very successful annual Christmas Hamper scheme also promote the ‘shop local’ message.
To become a member you can call Ballina Chamber of Commerce, located on Pearse Street, on 096-72800 or email info@ballina.ie. You can also join online through www.ballina.ie and clicking the Ballina Chamber link at the top of the homepage.
Other Officers of Ballina Chamber of Commerce are Simon Haban (Vice-President), John Newcombe (Secretary), Julie O’Hara (Treasurer) and Jessica McGreal (PRO).
Meanwhile, submissions will be accepted from next Tuesday for the annual Mayo Business Awards, which has seen numerous Ballina successes over the years. From start-ups to established names, the Mayo Business Awards honour outstanding achievements across diverse categories. Visit www.mayobusinessawards.com for more information. The awards ceremony will be held on November 6 in the Erris Coast Hotel, Geesala.
Smartphone classes are returning to Craoibhín Ballina this autumn.
Located in the former St Anne’s Secondary School building on McDermott Street, this community organisation has helped hundreds of people to update their skills across a range of interests. Daily activities and classes at the busy Craoibhín Ballina centre help to promote physical and mental health wellbeing, and take place in a pleasant and sociable setting.
Craoibhín moved to its spacious new location in January of this year, originally the grounds of the former Convent of Mercy. Since its establishment in 2008 as the Over-55 Club, Craoibhín had operated at the Moy Valley Resources-run premises on Cathedral Road, Ballina until December 2025, now part of Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB.
The popular Smartphone Classes will bring advice from tutors Susan and Declan, who will show you how to get more from your smartphone. You will learn how to download apps and how best to stay safe to avoid cybercrime.
Places are limited to ten participants, so booking is essential.
The classes start on Monday, September 7, from 2.30pm to 4pm, at a cost of €5.
Contact Craoibhín Ballina on 087-2785365 to book your place.
Bertha Cooke was one of the top winners at the Ballina Golf Club Lady Captain’s Day on Sunday, August 16.
Bertha was placed first with 70 nett (b9) in the 18-Hole stroke competition, and was presented with her prize by Lady Captain of Ballina Golf Club, Mary Reynolds.
Other placings included: 2nd, Siobhan Leonard, 70 nett (b9); 3rd, Ann Carrabine, 65 nett; 4th, Ela Doherty, 70 nett (b9); and 5th, Sinead Fox, 70 nett.
Shauna Smith was recognised for her score of 84 gross.
Category winners were as follows: Category 1, Breege Lennon, 72 nett; Category 2, Pauline Rowley, 73 nett; and Category 3, Mary Tighe, 72 nett.
The first nine was Vera Sweeney (36.5 nett) and the second nine was Teresa McGuire (33.5 nett).
Past Captain winner was Clair Cooke, 73 nett, and Secret Hole prize went to Bridie McCormack.
In the 9-Hole Stableford Alice Melody took the Category 1 top prize (22 points), followed by Phil Cronin (19 points).
Patricia Fox was tops in the Category 2 (20 points) while Arlene Molloy scored 25 shots in the Get Into Golf 4-Hole competition, coming in at first place.
Jerome Tuohy took the Lady Captain’s Prize for Men with 61 nett, while Scramble winners were Michael Brady, Deirdre O'Reilly, Deirdre Beattie and Michelle Grogan.
Café-style seating will combine with cheese and wine to provide a magical ambience to the two-hour classical music concert by the Kantos Quartet in Ballina next month.
This is the debut tour for an exciting new quartet comprising some of the finest and most experienced classical musicians in Ireland, which takes in six towns across the four provinces. Sarah Sew and Hugh Murray are on violin, Alexandros Koustas plays viola, and Aoife Burke is the cellist.
Their programme looks both to music and events of the 1920s and to the upcoming bi-centenary of Beethoven’s death in 1827.
Featuring works by Beethoven and JanáÄek, the programme will also include the B flat, Opus 18, No. 6 quartet by the little-known late 19th/early 20th century Irish-American composer Swan Hennessy. Caroline Shaw’s ‘Blueprint [2016]’ will complete the performance in Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19.
Because of the café-style seating arrangement, early booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. Tickets for the concert, which starts at 8pm, cost €23 plus fees and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book. You should advise of any allergies when booking.
The Croí 5k Charity Night Run 2026 will come to Ballina this autumn.
In recent years the run has been staged only in Salthill, Galway, but 2026 brings an expansion that will also take in several other centres around Ireland, including in Ballina.
The event is in aid of the national charity dedicated to the fight against heart disease and stroke, and will be held in Ballina Athletic Track, Belleek at 8pm on Friday, October 9.
The run will raise money for Croí, and participants in the Ballina event will be helping to support loved ones living with heart disease and stroke.
The €35 per person entry fee includes an exclusive, long-sleeved running top, and a glow in the dark medal. Runners who raise €100 or more will also receive a limited-edition Croí EOS running vest as a ‘thank you’ for their support.
Visit the Croí 5k Charity Night Run website at www.croinightrun.ie for more information and to register.
Community development company Mayo North East, SICAP, Pobal and Erris Workability will come together to help employers and staff discover how to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace at a training event in Ballina on Thursday, September 17.
This will be an excellent opportunity to learn and engage in a supportive community setting and identify how greater understanding and awareness can help build a workplace where everyone can thrive.
The organisers, Mayo North East, urge anyone interested to book immediately.
The Disability Awareness Training event for employers and staff will be held in the town centre Ballina Manor Hotel, from 10am to 1pm. Refreshments will be provided.
Advance booking is essential, so please contact Siobhán on 087-4996605 or email siobhanscanlon@mayonortheastldc.com.
Áirc is a non-profit charity organisation which aims to provide various supports to the families of children with additional needs in Mayo.
The organisation is hosting a significant fundraising event in Ballina on Saturday, December 5, with tickets going on sale soon.
The Festive Feast in the Great National Hotel will offer a champagne reception, five-course dinner and raffle, along with entertainment from a live band and DJ...and some surprises. Tickets are €55.
Áirc’s help is accessible to any family in Mayo that has a child with a disability, funding and resources permitting, and who is up to 18 years of age.
The organisation can be contacted by calling 087-3427145, or by emailing aircmayo@yahoo.ie.
Among those recently baptised in the Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina) were: Freya Mary Walsh, Hertfordshire, UK; Lochlann Jun Yan Pang, Berkshire, UK; Evie Teresa Hughes, Gurteens, Ballina; Hayley Marie Collins, Tom Clarke Place, Ballina; Donny Michael Lawrence, Market Lane, Ballina; and Sean Neil Matthew Roberts, Cardiff, Wales.
