Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Mary Kerins and Ellen Langton featured in 'The Devil's In The Dance Hall', which was staged recently in The Grove Hall in Bonniconlon. Picture: John O'Grady
After transforming Ballina's festive landscape last Christmas, the dedicated volunteer group behind the remarkable makeover is planning an even more ambitious programme of attractions and surprises for the 2026 festive season.
The Ballina Christmas Lights Committee has announced the return of the popular Ballina Christmas Markets, which will take place over the weekend of December 11, 12 and 13. Further details will be released in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the Let There Be Light Ballina social media pages for updates.
The official switching-on of the Ballina Christmas lights will take place on Sunday, November 22, marking the start of the festive season in the town.
The committee has worked tirelessly to raise funds to ensure Ballina enjoys a Christmas display that rivals those of much larger towns. Among its fundraising initiatives was the highly successful Ballina Pumpkin Patch, which brought a touch of Halloween magic to the community and helped support the group's ambitious festive plans.
The group's substantial efforts have not gone unnoticed, with chairperson Paul Bourke and his fellow volunteers earning a nomination in the Community Endeavour Awards category at the Cathaoirleach's Awards 2025, hosted by Mayo County Council in March of this year.
Past and present members of Ballina Drama Society, along with anyone with an interest in the society's rich history, are invited to join a special evening marking the 80th anniversary of its foundation.
The celebration will take place in Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, November 14 at 7.30pm, and promises a nostalgic journey through eight decades of memorable productions, featuring photographs, videos, stories and cherished memories from generations of performers and supporters.
Whether you trod the boards, worked behind the scenes or simply enjoyed the many productions over the years, this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and celebrate the enduring legacy of Ballina Drama Society.
Sadness has been felt in the Ballina community following the deaths of William (Battie) Beattie, 5 Rockwell, Ballina, and, just over a week later, his wife of 63 years, Eileen Beattie (née Johnston).
Battie, who was a well-known barber in Ballina, and Eileen will be sadly missed by their sons Colm, Edward, Fergal and Garie, daughters Deirdre, Saoirse and Aine, eight grandchildren, brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and friends.
A private cremation service for Battie was held in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan on Sunday, October 25.
Requiem Mass for Eileen was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina yesterday (Monday), followed by cremation in McGowan’s Crematorium, Collooney, Co Sligo.
Congratulations to Lena Healy, who scooped the St Muredach’s College School Lotto jackpot of €2,675.
Principal Wayne Walsh was delighted to welcome Lena and her husband, John, a former student of the college, back to the school to mark the occasion and celebrate the winning jackpot.
The college extends its sincere thanks to all parents, past pupils and friends of St Muredach’s College whose continued support of the school lotto makes a real difference. Funds raised through the lotto are invested directly in enhancing students’ educational experience and wellbeing, supporting extracurricular activities and a range of student support initiatives.
Current fundraising projects include the development of a covered bicycle storage area for students, along with other improvements identified by the student body.
Anyone wishing to support the initiative and be in with a chance of winning can join the St Muredach’s College Lotto at www.ourfundraiser.ie.
The death has taken place of Kathleen (Kay) Sweeney (née Gilmartin), Laughty, Golf Road, Ballina and formerly of Whitestream, Bonniconlon.
Kay was the beloved mother of Sinead, James, Catherine and Ursula. She will be sadly missed by her son, daughters, grandchildren, sister Breedge O’Connor (Limerick), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Jim, daughter Elaine, parents May and James Gilmartin, brothers and sisters.
Requiem Mass for Kay was celebrated on Monday of last week in the Church of the Immaculate Heart, Bonniconlon, followed by cremation in McGowan’s Crematorium and Funeral Home, Collooney, Co. Sligo.
May she rest in peace.
Young imaginations will have the chance to flourish this November with a creative storybook-making workshop designed for children aged eight to 12 years.
Beginning in Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, November 7, the six-week programme will run from 1pm to 2.30pm each week and offers budding authors and illustrators the opportunity to create and design their own original storybooks in a fun, hands-on environment. The course costs €120 per child.
Participants will learn how to bring their ideas to life through a combination of creative writing and illustration. During guided activities, children will develop characters, build story worlds and craft engaging plots while exploring a variety of art techniques.
The workshop will be facilitated by Emer Noone, a primary school teacher with a background in journalism. An enthusiastic advocate for creativity, Emer has recently completed a specialist course in writing for children and young adults and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and experience with young storytellers.
Throughout the programme, children will be introduced to the fundamentals of storytelling, character development and picture-book design. The first sessions will focus on generating ideas and creating memorable protagonists and antagonists, while later workshops will explore settings, themes, emotions and plot structure.
Participants will also learn how to develop tension and conflict within a story, create maps and plans of their characters’ worlds, and use a simple ten-point framework to shape their narratives. Alongside their writing, children will use illustrations to express personality, mood and emotion, helping to bring their stories vividly to life.
By the end of the course, each participant will have completed an original illustrated story and will have the opportunity to present their work to the group. Depending on time, children may also create their own zines as an additional creative project.
The programme aims to help young people develop confidence in both writing and visual storytelling while encouraging imagination, creativity and self-expression in a supportive and enjoyable setting.
Places are limited, with booking available online at www.ballinaartscentre.com, by telephone on 096-73593 or by email at info@ballinaartscentre.com.
Ballina Toastmasters is encouraging anyone interested in improving their communication and leadership skills to attend its next meeting on Thursday, November 5, and learn more about the benefits of membership.
For those who feel nervous about public speaking, delivering workplace presentations or taking on leadership responsibilities, Ballina Toastmasters offers a supportive environment in which to build confidence and develop valuable skills.
Whether you are preparing for a public presentation, a wedding speech, or simply want to become a more confident speaker, the club provides an excellent opportunity to practice speaking in front of an audience and improve your ability to respond to unexpected situations.
Visitors and prospective members are assured of a warm welcome at this week's meeting, which takes place at 8pm in the Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina.
Step aboard for a magical Christmas adventure as Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, their cheerful elves and festive helpers welcome families on a special seasonal train journey from Ballina to Manulla Junction.
The much-loved fundraising event, organised by the 5th Mayo Scout Group, and now in its 11th year, will take place on November 28, and again on December 5, 12 and 19, all on Saturdays.
Children and their families are invited to enjoy a truly enchanting Christmas experience as they travel with Santa and his team on a festive return journey. The train departs Ballina at 11.20am, offering plenty of seasonal fun, excitement and Christmas cheer along the way.
All proceeds from the event will support work on the new Scout Den in Belleek, Ballina, which is nearing completion and expected to open in the coming months. The busy Ballina scout unit has operated from its current base in the town centre since 1969.
As tickets are limited, early booking is strongly advised. Tickets cost €17.50 plus booking fee and are available through Eventbrite. Further information can be found on the social media pages of the 5th Mayo Scout Group.
With strong demand anticipated, families are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this special festive train experience.
Mayo Cancer Support Association, based at Rock Rose House in Castlebar, will hold its annual Church Gate Collection at churches in Ballina on the weekend of November 14 and 15.
The organisation is appealing for the public's continued support of this vital local charity, which provides free emotional help and services to people across Mayo affected by cancer, and their families.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the collection and anyone willing to help is asked to contact Rose on 083-4890754.
Every contribution helps Mayo Cancer Support continue its valuable work in supporting individuals and families through their cancer journey. Further information about the association and its services is available at www.mayocancersupport.ie, including details on its Ballina Outreach Centre.
With close to 18,000 members, Ballina Credit Union is urging account holders to review their nominations and consider who would receive their Credit Union savings in the event of their death.
By making a nomination, you can ensure that your credit union savings, up to a value of €27,000, are passed to the person of your choice when you die. It is a straightforward step that can help provide certainty and peace of mind for your loved ones at a difficult time.
It is worth taking a few moments to review your nomination and consider whether you have made one, whether your chosen nominee is still the person you would wish to benefit, and whether any changes in your personal circumstances mean your nomination should be updated.
Members should also be aware that marriage automatically revokes an existing nomination, while separation or divorce does not automatically cancel a nomination.
For further information about nominations, contact please Ballina Credit Union on 096-71066.
A short review today could help ensure that your wishes are reflected tomorrow.
