Local Notes: Almost €40,000 is won in Ballina Credit Union Draw
Pictured at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference were students from St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina with their teacher Jessica Wall. Picture: Trish Forde
The winner of the top prize of €15,000 in the Ballina Credit Union Quarterly Cash Draw was Patricia Hennigan, Ballina.
Sandra Griffiths, Ballina won €3,000 while €2,000 each went to Denis Reddington, Ballina; Mary Jordan, Crossmolina; and John Donagher, Easkey.
Sharon Doherty, Ballina; Patrick Wynne, Kilglass; Alan Murphy, Ballina; Majella Mulhaire, Ballina; and Karen Knox, Killala each won €1,500.
Other prizewinners included Benedict Walkin, Ballina; Orfhlaith Lavelle, Dromore West; Caroline Bournes, Easkey; John Peter Tuffy, Enniscrone; Ciara Armstrong, Ballina; Grainne Sweeney, Ballina; Maura Healy, Ballina; and Eleanor Robinson Ormsby, Ballina, all of whom won €1,000.
A prize of €600 went to Frances Kelly, Knockmore while Mary J Devers and Kieran Lawrence, both Ballina, won €500 each. Tom Hanahoe, Crossmolina, won €490.
A total of almost €40,000 was given away in the draw.
To enter the Ballina Credit Union Quarterly Cash Draw, just complete the entry form available from the credit union’s office on O’Rahilly Street, Ballina, or, to find out more, contact Ballina Credit Union on 096-71066.
The teachers and students at Moyne College have extended a heartfelt farewell to teacher Mark Irwin who has been appointed principal of Gaelcholáiste Chomáin in Rossport.
In a message on its Facebook page, the school said: "Mark has worked tirelessly and poured his heart and soul into this school, becoming a true shining light in our community. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on our community.
"Although we're sad to see him go, we're excited for Mark as he embarks on his new journey as the Principal in Gaelcholáiste Chomáin Rossport this January.
"Mark, your impact has been immeasurable, and we wish you all the success in the world. You'll be dearly missed, and your legacy will continue to inspire us."
The sometimes controversial and often incisive comedian David McSavage is stand-up comedy’s answer to spontaneous human combustion, an explosive and always surprising phenomenon that simply cannot be contained in a box or transposed to TV.
Son of former Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews and brother of MEP Barry Andrews, the Dubliner has used the stage name David McSavage for many years, a name that reflects his no-holds-barred satirical style.
His RTÉ television show ‘The Savage Eye’ did cause outrage in some quarters, from time to time leaving public figures stunned by its bluntness!
David McSavage will bring his latest show to Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 8pm.
The master comic’s new show is a unique blend of energy, improvisation and leaps of imagination that take his audience on a joyride they will never forget. Even David has no idea what might happen when he unleashes his crazy brand of improvised comedy mayhem. He possesses the rare gift of creating a space where audiences feel like they are kids again, all taking part in a practical joke.
Tickets for his show in Ballina, which cost €22 (full price), can be booked online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also book by telephoning 096-73593 or emailing info@ballinaartscentre.com.
Ardagh Community Players group is preparing for its production of the comedy ‘Marrying Mike’, with a cast of seven.
Written in 2023, this is one of the first outings for the new three-act play from the pen of Westmeath playwright Jimmy Keary, among whose other works include the popular ‘For Better, For Worse’.
The story revolves around elderly bachelor farmer Mike Fogarty, who has land and money despite appearances to the contrary, and who suddenly announces that he is looking for a wife. Mike’s scheming friend Barney O’Toole decides that his sister Colette would be an ideal candidate. Both Barney and Colette are determined that it will be a very short marriage. Mike’s friend Kate O’Sullivan discovers the scheme and rushes to the rescue. But Mike is a hard man to save from himself.
Ardagh Community Players meets every Monday and Thursday evening in Ardagh Community Centre, with the hilarious play pencilled in for staging on February 9, 10 and 11.
The death has taken place of Mark Melody, Kilkeel, Co Down and formerly of Currower, Attymass, Ballina.
Mark is deeply mourned by his wife Bernadette, son Sean, daughter Coleen, sisters Ann (Ballina) and Mary (USA), son-in-law Robert, daughter-in-law Joanne, grandchildren Christopher, Ryan, Keelen, Jade and Aaron, extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his daughter Nora, sister Bridie, and brothers Michael, Paddy, Martin, Tom, Tony, Chris, Johnnie and Othan.
Mark's Funeral Mass and burial took place in Kilkeel.
Strongly influenced by bluegrass, old time country and folk music, seven-piece Irish band Pilgrim Street will perform in Ballina Arts Centre next month.
Pilgrim Street bring a warm and lively atmosphere to their music and have garnered glowing endorsements for their powerhouse live performances from audiences right around the country.
Drawing from fellow luminaries such as Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, The Pogues and Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions outfit, Pilgrim Street will take their infectious melodies, harmonies and songs to Ballina on Saturday, February 10.
Formed almost ten years ago, the band released two EPs before the release of their debut album ‘Ash Into Gold Dust’ in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With a setlist made up of covers and their own original songs, the septet have graced the stages of Electric Picnic and Vicar Street in Dublin, and toured all over Ireland. The band is currently recording its second album.
Pilgrim Street is a collective of musicians that include Peadar Farrelly on guitar and vocals, Eugene Donegan on banjo and vocals, Eoin McDonnell on mandolin and vocals, Francis McGinn on bass guitar, Mark Lynch on dobro, Brendan Kelly on accordion and vocals, and Cathal McQuaid on the fiddle.
Tickets for the band’s show cost €25 and you can book online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. Also by email at info@ballinaartscentre.com or telephone 096-73593.
‘Mama and Baby’ reflexology classes return to Ballina this month.
The sessions explore the benefits of reflexology for both new and more experienced mothers and their little ones.
Learn deep relaxation for mother and baby to help reduce stress and tension. Digestive issues, reflux, constipation, teething, sleeping and other issues are also dealt with.
Classes are small in size, so booking is essential. Telephone reflexologist Jennifer Rutherford at 087-2944995.
The classes start on Monday, January 22, from 9.45 to 10.45am in the Ballina Family Resource Centre, Abbey Street, Ardnaree.
The death has taken place of Tom Howe, Cullane, Attymass.
Tom is deeply mourned by his loving wife Nell (Margaret), daughters Finola and Moyra, son Tom, sons-in-law Brendan McCauley and Pat Fogarty, daughter-in-law Lisa, grandchildren Ciaran, Aoibh, Silinn and Declan, brother Raymond, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary, brother Sean and, more recently, by his brothers Billy and Michael (November 2023).
Tom reposed in the Morahan Funeral Home, Tubbercurry on Wednesday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Joseph's Church, Attymass on Thursday, with the funeral proceeding to Killeen New Cemetery, Attymass for burial.
In the first week of January, 102 years ago, Dáil Éireann voted narrowly to accept the Anglo-Irish Treaty, leading to a split which precipitated the Irish Civil War.
The Jackie Clarke Collection on Pearse Street, Ballina contains an autograph book that was signed by delegates and contains the counts of the votes cast on that fateful day, January 7, 1922.
To commemorate these historical events, the Jackie Clarke Collection commissioned a special film by Anula Productions about this unique item, a ‘silent witness’ to history in the making.
You can view the Treaty Notebook in The Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street, Ballina, which opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm.
The Ballina museum, which celebrated ten years in existence in 2023, has 100,000 items in its collection, spanning 400 years of Irish history. Admission is free.
Visit www.clarkecollection.ie for more details.
The death has occurred of Barry Walsh, Abbey Court, Killala Road, Ballina and formerly of London.
Barry was the beloved husband of Marlene and dear father to Edith and Alex.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife and children, parents Jimmy and Margaret Walsh, brothers James and Kevin, father-in-law Séamus Dever, mother-in-law Mary Dever (Mulranny), sisters-in-law Nicky, Deirdre, Orla and Siobhán, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Barry reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Tuesday of last week.
Requiem Mass took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mulranny on Wednesday, followed by burial in Murrivaugh Cemetery.
Ballina Arts Centre re-opens tomorrow, January 4, at 10am.
Ella Bertilsson’s exhibition ‘About the Show’ will launch later this month in the Main Gallery, while Eva O’Callaghan’s ‘Low Light’ exhibition will be revealed in the Concourse Gallery. Both exhibitions open at 2pm on Saturday, January 20.
Other imminent presentations in Ballina Arts Centre are a show by singer Christine Tobin and a one-woman play by Morag Prunty.
Ballina’s Moy Singers is seeking more men for its choir. As well as performing Christmas music in Ballina town centre, the busy choral group enjoyed a very successful Carols by Candlelight concert last month, but is anxious to have more male voices in its ranks.
Men from anywhere around the North Mayo and West Sligo region, and within any voice range, are invited. You can make contact through the Facebook page of the Moy Singers.
The death has taken place of Eamon Timlin, Tom Clarke Place, Ballina and formerly of Ballinglen, Ballycastle and London.
Eamon will be sadly missed by his mother Mary, son Aaron, daughter Ellie, brothers Colm and Richard (Ballycastle), sisters Caroline (Shrule) and Patricia (Ballina), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Richie.
Eamon reposed in Lynn's Funeral Home, Killala on Tuesday of last week. Mass was celebrated in St Bridget's Church, Ballycastle on Wednesday, followed by burial in Ballycastle cemetery.
The office of Mayo Volunteer Centre, Ballina will re-open after the Christmas holidays on Monday next, January 8. The centre, which is operated under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources IRD, is the one-stop shop for volunteering across County Mayo, providing services for organisations and individuals. It has enjoyed one of its busiest years ever during 2023.
Mayo Volunteer Centre is located at Cathedral Road, Ballina and can be contacted by telephone on 096-71444 and 087-6801934, or by email at info@volunteermayo.ie.
