Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Members of the Ardnaree GAA Club senior team and coaches are pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup recently. Also present were Mayo senior footballers Liam Golden, Darren McHale and Dylan Thornton. Picture: John O'Grady
The future of Ballina Salmon Festival could be shaped by those who attend a public meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday, October 28), as organisers seek fresh volunteers and committee members to help drive the festival forward.
As one of Ballina’s most cherished annual events, the festival has always depended on strong community involvement. Its growth into one of the largest and most successful community festivals in the region is testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and countless voluntary hours contributed over the decades by a relatively small but committed group of local people.
Organisers are now inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to become part of the team behind its continued success.
There are numerous opportunities to get involved, ranging from general committee membership to key leadership positions, including chairperson, secretary and treasurer. Volunteers are also being sought for a number of dedicated sub-committees responsible for some of the festival's most popular attractions, including Heritage Day, the Teddy Bears Picnic, and the Grand Finale and Fireworks Night. Support is also welcome for event planning and activity coordination.
Joining the festival team offers a chance to contribute to an event that has played a central role in community life for generations, while also meeting new people and helping to create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
The public meeting will take place at 8pm in Ballina Tourist Office, Pearse Street. Anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to attend, bring a friend and help to ensure that Ballina Salmon Festival continues to thrive into the future.
Halloween excitement continues in Ballina this week at the Sean Duffy Community Centre, Ardnaree, as the popular Haunted House on the Hill delivers plenty of spooky fun and fright-filled entertainment for young and old.
Organised by Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club, the seasonal attraction is once again proving a major draw, with Ballina Order of Malta benefiting as the charity partner for this year's event.
The Haunted House on the Hill is open from 7pm to 10pm tonight (Tuesday, October 27) and will also welcome visitors on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
For further information and event updates, or to book, see the social media channels of Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club.
Book lovers are invited to join the next meeting of the Ballina Library Book Club.
The group will gather next Tuesday, November 3 at 6pm in Ballina Library, Pearse Street, to discuss ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver, the 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that has earned widespread critical acclaim.
The novel has been widely praised for its powerful portrayal of contemporary Appalachian life in the USA, and is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield’, set in the Appalachian region of Virginia during the opioid crisis.
Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, the popular Ballina book club provides an opportunity for readers to explore a wide range of titles, exchange opinions and discover new authors in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
New members are always welcome to come along and join the conversation.
Young creatives have plenty to look forward to at Ballina Arts Centre in November, with two exciting six-week programmes designed to inspire imagination and develop new skills.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 3, a Crafts and Sewing Class for children aged six and over will introduce participants to the basics of sewing in a fun and supportive environment. Children will learn how to safely handle and thread a needle, practice simple stitches and create a range of handmade projects, including finger puppets, stuffed keyrings, games and decorative items for the home. Classes run from 4pm to 5pm each Tuesday.
The following day, Wednesday, November 4, sees the return of the centre's popular Children’s Art Workshops, led by Ciara O’Hara and Monika Brzózka. Aimed at children aged five and upwards, the workshops encourage creativity and self-expression through a variety of artistic materials and techniques. Two class times are available each Wednesday, at 3.40pm and 5pm, with all materials supplied. The six-week programme offers young artists the opportunity to explore their imagination while developing confidence and creative skills.
Contact Ballina Arts Centre by telephone on 096-73593 or by email at info@ballinaartscentre.com.
A bereavement course entitled ‘Journey from Grief, Through Loss, to a Place of Hope’ will begin on Tuesday next, November 3, at 8pm in The Newman Institute, Ballina.
The course will be presented by Monica Morley, Midwest Radio presenter and bereavement consultant with Knock Shrine, and will continue each Tuesday evening throughout November.
Open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, the programme aims to offer understanding, support and hope to those navigating the grieving process.
To reserve a place please contact 096-72066 or email reception@newman.ie. The four-week course costs €60.
The Newman Institute is located in the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
The annual Ballina St Vincent de Paul Church Gate Collection will take place on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
The society extends its sincere thanks to everyone who continues to support its work in the local community. Funds raised through the collection will help St Vincent de Paul provide practical assistance and support to individuals and families in need throughout the area.
The death has taken place of Irene McAndrew (née Hanna), The Willows, Carrowcushlaun, Ballina and formerly of Blarney, Co Cork.
Irene was the beloved mother of Michelle Doherty, Shane and Stephen. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, sons, grandchildren Nick, Luke, Leah, Thomas, Solenn, Hannah, Robyn and Adam, son-in-law Declan, daughter-in-law Annette, sisters Sylvia and Ruth, brothers-in-law Richard and Eddie, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Des and daughter Louise.
Irene reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Friday, with the funeral then proceeding to McGowan’s Crematorium and Funeral Home, Collooney, Co Sligo for cremation.
May she rest in peace.
Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated Ballina Golf Club Lip Sync Fundraiser, promising a night of entertainment, laughter and memorable performances from club members.
The event takes place on Friday, November 6, at 8pm in Ballina Golf Club, with tickets priced at €25 per person. Every euro raised will go directly towards supporting the club, while every ticket holder will also be entered into a raffle on the night with a range of attractive prizes up for grabs.
Tickets can be purchased online through Clubforce.
Those who prefer a physical ticket can buy one from the club office or Pro Shop.
With strong interest already being shown, organisers are encouraging supporters to secure their tickets early and gather friends and family for what promises to be a fantastic night in support of the local club.
