Local notes: All the latest news from Ballina
Renowned author Kate Kerrigan, who was a guest writer in STORY?, a new publication by Moyne College Secondary School, was among the speakers at the book's official launch held in Ballina Library last Thursday evening. Picture: John O'Grady
Volunteers from Ballina Community Clean-Up group made their way to Ballina District Hospital for the first Saturday clean-up of 2025.
The hardworking and ambitious group members have begun the first phase of a rejuvenation project in the grounds of the hospital on Mercy Road, with the support of hospital management and the HSE. It is expected that this current phase will take six weeks to complete, helping to enhance the environment for the hospital’s patients.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this first stage of the project, then contact Edel at Mayo Volunteer Centre on 087-2470197 or by email at edel@volunteermayo.ie.
The local P.T.A.A. branch is reminding people that tickets are still available for the annual Pioneer Dinner Dance next week. The Mid-Killala group’s traditional get-together will take place in Hiney’s Upper Deck, Crossmolina on Friday, January 31. Live music will be supplied by Michael S and Clodagh Togher and tickets cost €30. Tickets are available from Liam on 096-72839 or Maureen on 085-1122084. Anyone who is due gold or silver pins will receive these on the night but is asked to contact the organisers well in advance to enable time to have the pins ordered.
Ballina’s own Riverside Theatre Group returns to the stage in two weeks’ time with another drama classic, ‘Juno and the Paycock’.
Starring Sue Tierney as Juno and Simon Moran as Captain Boyle, the cast also includes Eddie Kenny, with direction by Ray Collins.
The Sean O’Casey play is set in Dublin 1922. The Irish Civil War is tearing the nation apart. In the cauldron of the family’s tiny tenement flat, Juno Boyle, a beleaguered matriarch whose sharp wit is a survival tool, struggles to make ends meet and keep the family together. Her husband, ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle, fancies himself as a ship’s commander but sails no further than the pub! When providence comes knocking with news of a great inheritance, could the family’s troubles finally fade away?
Poetic, poignant and hilarious, ‘Juno and the Paycock’ is a big hearted, black-humoured, tragi-comic triumph that reflects on a mother’s resilience in the midst of life’s most trying moments.
The Riverside Theatre Company take this play to Ballina Arts Centre for four nights, from Wednesday, February 5 to Saturday, February 8, starting at 8pm each night. Tickets are priced at €15 and are available to purchase online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
Mayo Cancer Support provides free support services to those affected by cancer at its Outreach Clinic in Ballina every Tuesday, but by appointment only. Telephone 094-9038407 or 087-2804164 to book and for further details.
Each year, Mayo Cancer Support must raise approximately €200,000, which is 90% of its running costs, in order to fund the services delivered free of charge by the organisation to people affected by cancer.
There are lots of ways that the public can support the group, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online via the donate/support buttons on the Mayo Cancer Support Facebook and Instagram pages.
Volunteers also fill an important role, and the services and supports which Mayo Cancer Support provides for cancer patients and their families and friends could not be sustained were it not for the help of these volunteers, who make themselves available for a variety of enjoyable and rewarding roles.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer please call the organisation on 094-9038407 or email info@mayocancersupport.ie.
The death has taken place of John Flannery, ‘Shalom’, Lord Edward Street, Ballina, a former principal of Behy National School, Ballina.
John was the beloved husband of Ann, loving father to Louise, Brian and Pamela, and adored grandfather of Emily, Katie, Sophie and Gemma.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, daughters, son, grandchildren, sons-in-law Gerry Loftus and Johnny Carlin, daughter-in-law Maria, sisters and brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Michael and his mother Mary.
John reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday last. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Thursday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
A meeting of Mayo Stoma Support Group will be held in Castlebar on Thursday, January 23 at 7pm.
Anyone interested in attending should message 087-6275766 in advance. The meeting will be held in The Ellison Hotel.
Mayo Stoma Support Group is a non-medical stoma support group that aims to help others who have stomas in the Mayo area, and its members hold several meetings throughout the year. You can email mayostomasupport@gmail.com for further information.
The Annual General Meeting of Ballina Credit Union will take place in the Great National Hotel, Foxford Road, Ballina on Wednesday, January 29. The meeting will start at 7.30pm.
Mayo North Tourism has officially launched its 2025 membership drive, inviting businesses from across Ballina and North Mayo to join forces in supporting a dedicated marketing and promotion fund for the region. This not-for-profit organisation plays a vital role in showcasing North Mayo’s unique attractions, events and hospitality across local, national and international stages.
Established by Moy Valley Resources IRD, and backed by Ballina Chamber of Commerce, which provides office space on Pearse Street, Ballina, and by Mayo County Council through the Ballina Municipal District GMA fund, Mayo North Tourism is also supported by a growing network of hotels, restaurants and other tourism providers.
A recent report, supported by Failte Ireland and conducted by Repucon Ireland, revealed that Mayo North Tourism’s initiatives were responsible for an estimated €2.78 million in tourism-related revenue in 2023 alone.
The website of Mayo North Tourism generated 27,000 visitors annually, including 8,500 overseas visitors who contributed €880,000 in expenditure and 18,500 domestic visitors who contributed €1.9 million in expenditure.
The organisation has achieved substantial media coverage, including features on national radio, TV, print and prominent digital platforms. Its well-maintained digital presence, including a comprehensive website, highlights everything that North Mayo has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant festivals.
In 2024, Mayo North Tourism was recognised as the ‘Best Community-Led Tourism Initiative - West of Ireland’ at the European Travel Awards, while the sinking of the MV Shingle in Killala Bay to create an artificial reef further highlighted this vibrant organisation’s reach, generating 2.9 million hits across Mayo North Tourism’s online platforms for what is potentially a global attraction.
Membership starts at just €120 per year for small businesses, with flexible monthly payment options. By becoming a member, businesses gain access to marketing opportunities, promotional campaigns and supports to help grow the region as a premier tourist destination.
For smaller businesses, the full 2025 plan and online payment options are available at www.northmayo.ie/become-a-member. Hotels, restaurants, gastropubs and visitor attractions can contact the Mayo North Tourism team directly at 096-80090 or info@mayonorth.ie for tailored membership options.
Noël Coward’s 1940’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ is a tug-of-love comedy with a difference: one of the lovers is a ghost!
The Windmill Players, formerly known as St Farnan's Drama Group, previously introduced Ballina audiences to a stunning adaptation of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ in June 2024, which received standing ovations for its two-night run.
Now the West Sligo drama group takes this classic English comic play to Ballina Arts Centre later this week, a play that was described by its author as an ‘improbable farce in three acts’.
The story revolves around the novelist Charles who, hoping to gather material for his next book, asks medium Madame Arcati to conduct a séance in his house. It works too well when his deceased first wife, Elvira, returns from the other side. Charles finds himself face-to-face with Elvira, who playfully appears only to him, much to the dismay of his second wife Ruth. And Elvira isn’t returning to the underworld until she sorts out some unfinished business. Take one husband, two feuding wives, add a sprinkling of mischief, and things get thoroughly out of hand.
This Windmill Players production is directed by Joe Burns, and features a strong cast in a delightful performance. It will be presented in Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25, at 8pm each evening.
The Windmill Players was formerly known as St Farnan's Drama Group and have had previous successes with ‘Wanted – One Body’ in 2020 and ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ in 2023, both of which were also presented in Ballina and in several other venues around the North West.
Tickets for ‘Blithe Spirit’ are priced at €18, and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The death has taken place of Jimmy Glacken, Carrareagh, Bonniconlon, Ballina.
Jimmy, who had a long association with Bonniconlon Agricultural Show, is deeply mourned by his sisters Mary and Geraldine, brothers Micheal and Paul, uncle, cousins, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Kathleen and James Glacken.
Jimmy reposed at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Bonniconlon. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon, with burial afterwards in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
Rathroeen Civic Amenity Centre on the Killala Road, Ballina is the drop-off point for recycling your Christmas tree, and will be available for this purpose until Saturday, January 25.
Mayo County Council asks that all decorations are removed from trees prior to recycling.
The local authority also reminds people that Christmas trees dumped in any public locations other than the designated drop-off points in Ballina and across Mayo will be treated as litter, and litter pollution fines will apply.
Further information about recycling your Christmas tree is available by emailing environment@mayococo.ie or calling 094-90-64000.
The team at Mayo Volunteer Centre, Ballina has thanked volunteers, organisations and partner bodies for their support last year. Manager Lesley Moore and staff Edel, Arlene, Marie and Vincent are looking forward to another busy year at the Cathedral Road centre, which is the one-stop shop for volunteering across County Mayo, providing services for organisations and individuals.
The centre is operated under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources IRD and can be contacted by telephone on 096-71444 and 087-6801934, or by email at info@volunteermayo.ie.
Ballina Bridge Club members played their first game of the year on Tuesday last, January 14. The results were as follows: 1st, H. Moran and M. Gilvarry; 2nd, M. Lowry and T. Slowey; 3rd, G. Scanlon and F. Walkin; 4th, N. Kilroy and B. Gormley; 5th, A. Ivers and B. Mulligan; and 6th, M. Mongan and M. O Dowd.
Bridge games are played in the Moy Club, Dillon Terrace, Ballina on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm and newcomers are always welcome to come along and take part.
A collaboration between The Jackie Clarke Collection and Ballina Costume Company later this week will see the completion of the St Brigid's Day Cloak.
The project to recreate St Brigid’s Cloak was started in Ballina in 2024, inspired by the addition of a new public holiday in Ireland the year previously to commemorate the Irish saint.
Those crafters who were involved in the original creation of the beautiful garment last year are invited to come along to the Jackie Clarke Collection on Pearse Street this Thursday, January 23 at 11.30am to help finish off the cloak in time for St Brigid’s Day on February 1.
The project team will also be sharing some new ideas for community projects with those present.
To celebrate Nollaig na mBan in January 2024, Ballina Costume Company and the Jackie Clarke Collection unveiled the Community Quilt, which was made by women from across the diverse communities of Ballina.
Ballina Toastmasters will resume regular meetings on this coming Thursday night, January 23, at 7.45pm. The scheduled first meeting of 2025 had to be cancelled on January 9 last because of the adverse weather conditions.
In a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, you can see how Toastmasters approach public speaking. The organisation can greatly assist participants in giving presentations in the workplace, delivering a speech at a function or simply building confidence in finding your voice in a social setting or group.
Ballina Toastmasters meet every second Thursday at 8pm at the Great National Hotel, Ballina and new members are always welcome to come along.
Contact Siobhan on 089-4182740 for further information or visit the Ballina Toastmasters Facebook page.
Ballina playwright Tommy Cooke is taking his play about Michael Davitt to Belmullet this weekend.
“The play is an effort to bring alive those dark days and shine a light on those great people, particularly Michael Davitt, who were instrumental in giving the ordinary people of this country hope for themselves and their families and a renewed pride in that joy of being Irish," said Tommy. "It is not a sad story but one that sparkles with unbounding inspiration”.
‘Let Justice Rise though the Heavens Fall’ will be staged in Aras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25.
Last year’s premiere of the play in Ballina helped to funds for the provision of a playing pitch at the new Culleens National School, Ballina.
Line Dancing resumes today at Craoibhín Ballina. Anyone interested in a lively start to their New Year, or in an opportunity to get fit while participating in this most enjoyable of country music dances, should come along to the centre on Cathedral Road, Ballina this afternoon at 12.30pm for a fun, hour-long session.
The line dancing sessions will run at Craoibhín Ballina for six weeks, up to February 18, at a cost of €10 per person. For more information please call 087-2785365 or email craoibhinballina@gmail.com.
The students of St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina have begun rehearsals for their forthcoming annual musical. The show will have a strong ‘Barbie’ theme, ensuring a colourful and lively night’s entertainment from the talented cast.
Last year’s musical featured a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme.
Ballina Golf Club will stage a Lip Sync Battle next month to raise funds for its course development. The club is calling on members, friends of the club and lip sync fans to join in the fun.
The Lip Sync Battle will take place in the clubhouse on Friday, February 28 from 8pm. Tickets, priced at €25, are available directly from the club.
