Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Members of Mayo's All-Ireland winning team brough the Sam Maguire Cup to Ballina Medical Centre recently. Pictured with them were Emily, Eoin, Dara and Patrick Judge from Carralavin, Bonniconlon.
A classically trained singer and pianist who is based in Ballina, but is originally from Moldova in Eastern Europe will be this week’s guest for the Music At Lunchtime show in Ballina Arts Centre.
Alexandra Scripcari will blend classical, pop and soul songs from artists like Lara Fabian, Alicia Keys and Paloma Faith when she performs from 1.15pm to 1.45pm tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2.
Held in The Mezzanine, this event is free, and tea and coffee will be served. No booking is necessary.
Following last year’s widely-greeted new Halloween experience in Ballina, The Pumpkin Patch is back once again this October to entertain all the family, organised by the hard-working Ballina Christmas Lights Committee.
The magical event will help support Sunflower Children’s Hospice and raise money towards the Christmas street lights in Ballina town centre this year, which have a ceremonial switch-on date of Sunday, November 29.
This festive experience will have pumpkins, spooky fun, autumn photo opportunities and activities for young and old. Every child is guaranteed a pumpkin, along with plenty of spooky and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Take a stroll through the pumpkin patch, capture some unforgettable photos, soak up the autumn atmosphere and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Ballina Pumpkin Patch will be open in the old Convent Grounds on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, Ballina from Saturday, October 24 to Monday, October 26 at 9.30am each day.
A family ticket will cost €30 plus booking fee, admitting up to four people, and every child included on the family ticket will bring home a pumpkin. A single ticket will cost €12, plus booking fee, and also includes a pumpkin.
Dedicated autism-friendly sessions are available from 9.30am to 10.30am on Saturday and Sunday. These sessions are designed to provide a quieter, calmer and more relaxed Pumpkin Patch experience for children who may benefit from reduced crowds and sensory stimulation. An autism-friendly ticket is €12 and includes admission for one child plus one accompanying adult, as well as a pumpkin for the child.
You can book a spot at Ballina Pumpkin Patch at www.eventbrite.ie.
When purchasing your Pumpkin Patch ticket, you will have the opportunity to make an optional donation to Sunflower Children’s Hospice. Every contribution, large or small, is greatly appreciated.
The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will be the first dedicated children’s hospice outside of Dublin. To be located in Castlebar, the hospice will provide respite, comfort and a safe space for families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.
The death has taken place of Seamus Judge, Knockroe, Bonniconlon, Ballina.
Seamus will be sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law Lisa, brothers Padraic and Johnny, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and May, and by his brother Tommy.
Seamus reposed at his residence. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon on Monday afternoon of last week, with burial afterwards in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Back by popular demand at Craoibhín Ballina next Monday is the weekly Beginners’ Music Class, and the opportunity to learn a little about playing an instrument. If you own your own instrument please bring it along but, if not, there is no requirement to do so on the first day of the new session.
The class is for one hour, from 12.30pm, and everyone is welcome. It all starts back after the summer break on Monday, September 7.
Smartphone classes also return next Monday, September 7, from 2.30pm to 4pm.
There are a range of other weekly activities at Craoibhín Ballina this autumn too. Knitting and crochet classes take place on a Tuesday, from 11am to 1pm, followed by chair yoga from 2pm to 3pm.
On Wednesdays, seated exercises are for one hour from 10am, Spanish conversation lessons are from 11am to 12pm, and a bingo game closes the afternoon at Craoibhín Ballina from 2pm to 4pm.
Every Thursday it’s the turn of seated exercise classes from 10am to 11am, boccia from 11am to 1pm, and French conversation from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
A two-hour art class is held from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays, and Irish conversation is from 12.30pm to 2pm the same day.
You can get more information by calling Craoibhín Ballina on 087-2785365.
The Craoibhín Ballina drop-in centre is located in the former St Anne’s Secondary School building at the rear of the old Convent of Mercy on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, Ballina.
It won’t be just tractors at the inaugural Backs Tractor Run in Knockmore on Sunday week, September 13. Vintage vehicles of all kinds will chug alongside cars, trucks and motorcycles as this entertaining family day out aims to raise funds for the local Christ the King Church.
Adding to the excitement of the day will be an auction, as well as goodies such as tea, coffee and ice cream.
There will also be a Kiddies Pedal Tractor Run before the main event, so bring along your pedal tractors, pedal go-karts and any other dinky, pedal-driven machines. Every child who enters will receive a little goodie bag.
Registration for the Backs Tractor Run is from 11am at Knockmore GAA Club, while the auction will be held at 12 noon in the nearby Knockmore/Rathduff Recreation and Resource Centre. There will be refreshments for entrants as they return to Knockmore GAA Club following the 18.5k trip.
As autumn officially starts, and the evenings get progressively darker, those who are 65 years of age and older are advised that you may be eligible to have a monitored personal alarm installed in your home, especially if you live alone.
The service is available through the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) from Pobal, administered in Ballina by Ballina Family Resource Centre.
The alarm enables people to continue to live securely in their home, giving them confidence and peace of mind.
To qualify you must be living alone or with another person who meets the eligibility criteria. You may also qualify if you are living alone for any significant period of time, or a carer to someone else in the household.
You can get the alarm free of charge if you have a landline, but you will have to pay a fee if you do not possess a landline. The alarm monitoring service is free for the initial twelve months. However, after the first year users will be asked to pay the annual monitoring fee.
If you think you may be entitled to avail of the scheme then please contact Ballina Family Resource Centre, which is based at Unit 2, Abbey Street, Ardnaree, Ballina, on 096-75573.
The monthly Cine Club returns to Ballina Arts Centre on Thursday, September 10 at 7.30pm, with a new film to be screened each month. Tickets are €10, but the better-value membership fee of €30 buys you entry to all four films which will be shown during the forthcoming autumn/winter season.
See our entertainment pages for more details.
The death has taken place of John Kneafsey, Carrowkerribla, Attymass, Ballina.
John will be dearly and forever missed by his sister Dorothy McGloin and brother Jimmy, sister-in-law Eileen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Winifred, sister Mary, and brothers-in-law Patsy McGloin and John Noone.
John reposed at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford on Friday evening of last week. Funeral Mass was celebrated in The Church of The Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Attymass on Saturday, with the funeral proceeding afterwards to Bonnifinglas Cemetery, Attymass.
May he rest in peace.
The OutWest drop-in centre in Ballina will re-open on Saturday next, September 5, following its summer break.
OutWest is a voluntary social and support group for the LGBTQ+ community in the west of Ireland, operating a dedicated drop-in facility at Unit 6, Cualgara, Teeling Street, Ballina.
Visit the OutWest website at www.outwest.ie for more information about the service. The drop-in centre is open every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.
If you are part of an organisation based within the common bond area of Ballina Credit Union and would like to apply for sponsorship, then some funding is still available this year, subject to terms and conditions.
The Ballina Credit Union area stretches from North Mayo into West Sligo, including Ballina.
Please visit www.ballinacu.ie where you will find more information.
If you are recovering from a cardiac event, then you are not alone. You are invited to join Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group, an initiative for heart recovery and support in the county.
A meeting will be held in The Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on Wednesday, September 16 where information will be shared on local resources available to help support you to manage your condition.
This meeting will be an opportunity to connect with others who understand, and to share experiences and learn together. It will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group is a collaboration between Croí and the HSE in Mayo.
Thursday, September 24 is the date for this year’s National Hospice Coffee Morning.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice is calling for people to host a coffee morning, afternoon or evening event with family, friends or work colleagues to help with its ongoing fundraising efforts in Ballina. The occasion can be held on September 24, or on a date that suits the organiser, and will help to raise vital funds for palliative care services.
Free packs to help out are available online at www.hospice.ie. You can also email info@hospice.ie or call Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in Knock on 094-9388666.
Applications opened last weekend for the annual Ballina One-Act Drama Festival, which will be held in Ballina Arts Centre on November 6, 7 and 8.
Last year, nine drama groups from across the four provinces took part in the 10th Ballina festival, across both open and confined competitions.
In the Men’s 18-Hole Strokeplay at Ballina Golf Club, played on August 22 and 23, the overall winner was Steve Harris, who shot a 67 nett. Categories 1, 2 and 3 winners respectively included Eddie Bowes (69 nett), Tony Kierans (69 nett) and Mark McLoughlin (71 nett).
The results of the Ladies 18-Hole Stableford which took place on August 23 were as follows: 1st, Michelle Mulligan (41 points); 2nd, Deirdre Beattie (38 points); and 3rd, Bertha Cooke (37 points).
Both competitions were sponsored by Caffrey’s Gallery and Framing, Tone Street, Ballina.
The Ladies 9-Hole Stableford played on August 21 yielded the following successes: 1st, Teresa McGuire (20 points); 2nd, Mary Donnelly (18 points); and 3rd, Catherine Mulligan (17 points).
And, with 24 points, Bridie McCormack took the top spot in the 12-Hole Stableford which was held on August 20.
Meanwhile, the club has congratulated the Ballina Golf Club Junior Boys, who were crowned All-Ireland champions. Team members were Rian McLoughlin, Patrick McLoughlin, Dara Gaughan, Ben Scully, Adam McAndrew and Tom Moran.
Ballina Salmon Anglers Association saw some skilled fishing from the youngsters who took part in the recent juvenile competition organised by the club.
David Maloney was the winner, while second place went to Hunter Cawley and third place to John Maloney.
A super-Sunday afternoon of family fun and games with more than a dash of colour is what will await those taking part in a novel Ballina Stephenites GAA Club fundraiser on September 13.
The 2026 Colour Dash promises a welcoming environment for all participants, with activities designed to foster learning, fun and community spirit. It is the second year of the event.
All age groups are welcome to run, jog, walk or buggy-push along a route where you can expect to be colour-bombed with a non-toxic paint at various points.
You will also enjoy a free BBQ, music and games, with the fun starting at 1.30pm.
To take part in the Colour Dash, which sets off at 2.30pm, you can register via the social media pages of Ballina Stephenites GAA Club.
Registration requires providing a date of birth and phone number, all helping to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Multiple registrations are available, making it easy for families or groups to sign up together.
Adult entry is €15 and children can take part for €10. A family ticket costs €50.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, participate and enjoy a memorable day with Ballina Stephenites.
Ballina Stephenites GAA Club has expressed its gratitude to Mullafarry Quarry, the main sponsors of the event.
Involve Ballina is organising a six-a-side football fundraiser on Saturday, October 3 and all money raised on the day will be donated to the Irish Cancer Society.
Expressions of interest are now being invited, as spaces are limited. The entry fee is €5 per player and teams may have as many players as they wish. There will be trophies for the winning team and for the tournament’s most valuable player. See the social media pages of Involve Ballina for more information.
For anyone who cannot be there on the day, and still would like to donate, a GoFundMe page has been set up by the organisers.
Involve Ballina is a youth project which provides after-school programmes for young people aged from 10 to 24, and is located in the former St Mary’s Secondary School building on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, Ballina. More information about the organisation is available by calling 087-2379132, or by email at youthprojectballina@involve.ie.
Those in the Millennial and Generation X cohorts will have a particular affinity for the music of the 1980s, having grown up to the sounds of bands such as Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. Unsurprisingly, more recent generations are also tuning into the music from that decade.
This multi-generational fan base for the electronic-driven sounds of the 1980s can look forward to the ‘80s Icons Show’, which visits Ballina next month.
What makes the songs of that era so attractive? Well, you can find out and relive the magic of all of the greatest 1980s hits by icons such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Go West, Deacon Blue, Phil Collins, Nik Kershaw, Mr. Mister, Cutting Crew and many more.
‘80s Icons Show’ makes its third Ballina visit and is a must-see for any true 1980s music culture fan, coming to town on Friday, October 16.
Tickets for the two-hour spectacular, which starts at 8pm, cost €30 plus booking fee and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book.
