Local Notes: Ballina basks in sunshine for Heritage Day
Enjoying Heritage Day in Ballina were Sinead Quinn (Quinn's Pharmacy) with staff members. Picture: John O'Grady
The bucket collection in Ballina town centre for Craoibhín Ballina earlier this month raised €2,030 for the local organisation.
A project of Moy Valley Resources IRD, Craoibhín Ballina is dedicated to opening up social, learning and exercise opportunities for all persons in the North Mayo area. It has its walk-in hub in the grounds of the old Convent of Mercy, Ballina.
Located at the back of the former secondary school, in the St Anne’s School building, anyone is welcome to call in from Monday to Friday just to have a chat and a cup of tea or coffee, or to take part in any of its varied activities.
Contact Craoibhín Ballina at 087-2785365.
The death has taken place of Amy Maguire (née O’Connell), Castle Road, Ballina and formerly of Ennis Road, Limerick.
Amy was dear mother to Geoffrey (Galway), Yvonne (Kerry) and Muriel (Dublin).
She will be sadly missed by her son, daughters, son-in-law Gerry, daughter-in-law Lucia, Yvonne’s partner Steve, grandchildren Daniel, Kate, Ben, Sam, Finn, Ivanko and Lucián, sisters Maureen and Muriel, brothers Frank and Brian, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Eugene, brother Charlie O’Connell, and parents Amy and Charles O’Connell.
Amy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
A weekly Irish music session in the Great National Hotel Ballina promises an evening of lively entertainment from performers across all ages every Thursday this summer.
The Bofield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is assembling some of the finest Irish music and dance talent in the county and beyond to present its annual summer show, which will also feature songs and storytelling.
The Bofield CCÉ seisiún promises to be a great night out for locals and visitors alike, so, whether you are a regular sessions-goer or have never been there before, be sure to join the music, song and dance. There's something for everyone.
The weekly seisiún continues this Thursday night, July 23, at 8.30pm, running up until, and including, Thursday, August 20. Admission is €10.
For over quarter of a century, NWSPCA Ballina has assisted more than 160,000 animals through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and veterinary treatment services.
Now, in an effort to raise funds, this not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation is offering supporters the chance to win over €7,500 worth of impressive prizes while, at the same time, helping vulnerable animals across Mayo and the North West.
Dozens of prizes are on offer in the big NWSPCA ‘Too Hot to Handle’ summer raffle, which is now open.
This year's draw is its biggest and most exciting yet, featuring some truly spectacular prizes that count among the long list a luxury Ashford Castle experience worth over €1,200, and €1,000 in cash sponsored by The Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone. There’s also a two-night lakeside escape to Wineport Lodge, Athlone, with accommodation, breakfast and dinner.
Founded in 2001, North West Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has helped abandoned, neglected, injured and unwanted animals.
Every euro raised by this charity group goes directly towards animal welfare, helping to provide emergency veterinary care, food, shelter, neutering programmes, transport, fostering and rehoming services for animals in need. With no animal shelter of its own, and no paid staff, NWSPCA relies heavily on the generosity of the public and local businesses to continue its vital work.
In addition, prizewinners could take home a range of Mayo, Sligo and Wild Atlantic Way packages that include more luxury hotel stays, dining experiences, family adventures, wellness treatments, beauty packages, pet-lover prizes and much more.
Tickets cost €5 and can be purchased online via iDonate, or follow the link from the social media pages of North West SPCA Ballina.
The death has taken place of Tommy Gallagher of Ballina who, along with his late brother Benny, ran Gallagher’s family grocery shop on the eastern side of O’Rahilly Street for many years, after taking over the well-known Ballina town centre premises from their parents in the second half of the 20th century.
Tommy, of Convent Hill, Ballina, and formerly of O’Rahilly Street, was in his 94th year and will be sadly missed by his nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters Dr Sean (Killybegs), Peter (UK), Gerry (Dublin), Frank (Dublin), Mary (Ballybeg), Brendan (Ballina), Monsignor Patrick (Ballina) and, in March of this year, Christina (Ballina).
Tommy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Tuesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
The ongoing work to bring joy to the patients of Ballina Community Hospital continues this weekend when a group of volunteers will get together to carry out some flower planting.
If you have an hour or two to spare between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday, then you are very welcome to come along and help out. No experience is necessary, only a willingness to lend a hand.
Your work will continue to enhance the outdoor spaces for visitors and staff to enjoy, as well as for patients of the district hospital on Mercy Road.
The death has taken place of Maura McNulty (née O’Hora), Rehins, Ballina and formerly of Corroy, Knockmore.
A retired schoolteacher who taught for many years in Rehins NS, Maura is deeply mourned by her loving sons John and Padraic, daughters Geraldine, Collette and Michelle, grandchildren Róisin, Liam, Sarah, Eoin and Anna, sister Kathleen, brother Frank, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She predeceased by her beloved husband Gerry and brother Paddy O’Hora.
Maura reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday of last week. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Thursday, with burial afterwards in Ballinahaglish Cemetery, Knockmore.
May she rest in peace.
€5,000 was raised recently for Mayo Mental Health Association by the staff of Hollister.
The money is the proceeds of the Walk Into Hope fundraiser by workers at the Ballina medical equipment manufacturer.
All money raised goes into supporting the Mayo MHA Primary and Post-Primary Schools Education Programmes and other mental health promotion initiatives throughout the county.
Dechorum, a small vocal group that was established in 2022, will bring some contrasting sounds to the Music at Lunchtime series of short gigs in Ballina Arts Centre this Wednesday, July 22.
The chamber choir was born from a shared love of music, friendship and the joy of singing together. Based across the North Mayo and East Sligo region, the ensemble currently performs in an SAB format with six dedicated members who bring warmth, energy and musical sensitivity to every performance.
In 2025, the group welcomed musical director Catherine Egan, alongside accompanist Nathan Barrett and harpist Grace Cassidy, further enriching the choir’s distinctive sound and artistic direction.
Dechorum’s repertoire travels comfortably across genres and traditions, from beloved Irish classics such as ‘Danny Boy’ to the rich harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash, and even vibrant Swahili-inspired tribal rhythms.
The show starts at 1.15pm, for half an hour, and is free to attend.
A Water Safety Course in Ballina Swimming Pool next week is now accepting participants.
The course will be held from Tuesday, July 28 to Saturday, August 1. You can book now by contacting Ballina Swimming Pool on 096-70506.
Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Eileen Queenan is lending her name to a major music and dance fundraiser tomorrow night in Ballina.
Eileen, who is from Ballina, is living courageously with MND, and now a campaign has been organised to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
A Night For Eileen Queenan with Declan Nerney is to take place in the Great National Hotel Ballina on Wednesday, July 22, with doors open at 8pm.
The fundraising page which has been set up on iDonate refers to Eileen’s caring and kind nature, with a smile for everyone she meets.
She has been one of Declan Nerney’s biggest fans for many years, travelling far and wide to enjoy the country and Irish singer’s shows, meet up with friends and spend countless hours on the dance floor.
Now Declan will return the support and celebrate Eileen’s incredible spirit at a special event which will also feature some guest stars, including Mayo’s own Oisín O’Donnell.
Come along for a memorable evening of music, dancing, raffles and community spirit. Your contribution will be enabling the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association to provide essential care, equipment, support and advocacy for people and families living with this devastating disease across Ireland.
Admission is €20, and you can also help support the fundraising by visiting iDonate at www.idonate.ie.
A signed Rio Ferdinand jersey is among the prizes on offer from the Ballina Community Clean-up Group’s summer raffle, proceeds from which will go to the completion of Ballina Sensory Park on Sligo Road.
Incredible work has been achieved by the dedicated volunteers of Ballina Community Clean-Up and Flow Community Project to create a sensory space in the town for everyone to enjoy, but further work is yet to be done in order to bring this remarkable local project to fruition.
Other raffle prizes include €500 worth of vouchers from Penneys Store, Ballina and €100 worth of vouchers from Supermacs, Ballina.
Tickets cost €5 each, or three for €10, and are available on iDonate until Tuesday, August 18.
A celebration of short film shot entirely on a smartphone will take place this autumn as part of Ballina Fringe Festival.
Filmmakers of all ages and nationalities, from first-timers to professionals, are invited to submit short films on the theme of ‘resilience’. All scripts and ideas must be original.
Films should be between one and ten minutes in duration and can be submitted via FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com. Please state what device your film was shot on when submitting. The deadline for submissions is August 28.
Ballina Fringe Festival 2026 will be held from October 2nd to 11th across venues in the town.
A team of 40-plus volunteers from Ballina-based Telus Digital Ireland rolled up their sleeves at the former Convent of Mercy on McDermott Street, Ballina last week, taking on the challenging task of clearing the overgrown internal courtyard.
The ongoing work by various groups and dozens of volunteers is bringing new life to the historic old convent building and its surrounds, led by the Convent Regeneration Committee.
The death has taken place of Rita Igoe (née Rowan), Carrowkelly, Killala Road, Ballina.
Rita was the beloved mother of Mary (Devers), Michael, Alan, Noel and Leona. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, sons, son-in-law David, Leona’s partner Lucas, Alan’s partner Sinead, grandchildren Megan, Rachel, Clodagh, James, Ella and Ollie, brothers, sisters, in-laws, extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Noel and baby Igoe.
Rita reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to an opportunity to showcase their fitness and skills across the undulating roads of North Mayo when the annual Ballina Salmon Sportif takes place on Sunday week next.
There will be three well-supported and exciting routes to choose from, offering something for all levels of ability, and separated across 50km, 90km and 120km distances. A food stop will help keep you fuelled along the way.
You can find more information about the Ballina Salmon Sportif on the Ballina Cycling Club’s social media pages.
This year’s event will be held on August 2nd, starting at 9am, and is organised by Ballina Cycling Club. It is supported by Ballina Stephenites GAA Club, Ballina Lions Club and Soroptimist International Ballina.
Construction work on the new 5th Mayo Unit’s Scout Den in Belleek, Ballina is continuing at a brisk pace, with an expected opening date towards the end of this year.
The imposing new structure will also be available to other community groups that use the outdoor recreational amenities of Belleek Forest and the nearby River Moy.
The sod was turned on the greenfield site development in June of last year, with funding of €1.152m coming from the Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Community Centres Investment Fund.
Recently baptised in the Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina) were: Montana Faith Muldoon, St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina; Tadhg Darren Christie, Rockwell, Ballina; Willow Hope Pullen, Knockleagha, Ballina; Millie Grace Browne Cummins, St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina; Isabelle Josephine Mulready, Tooreenphilip, Ballina; Maya Tia Stelmach, Abbey Court, Ballina; Rian Gerard Naylor, Howley Terrace, Ballina; Patrick Michael Maughan, Tyrawley Terrace, Ballina; John Gerard Kelly, Athenry, Co Galway; Luca Oliver Norman, Crossmolina; Iarlaith Eamon Erraught, Rockwell, Ballina; Caiden Joseph Faherty, Millview Crescent, Ballina; Shae Remi Reddington, Coonealcauraun, Ballina; Tadhg Eugene Reddington, Coonealcauraun, Ballina; Sonny Ray Reddington, Coonealcauraun, Ballina; Cruz Jack Helly, Convent Hill Avenue, Ballina; Jacinta Lucia Francisca Lawrence, Castlefield Manor, Ballina; Joseph William Hopkins, Moy Heights, Ballina; Aurora Maeve Contente, Croydon Park, Australia; Harper Colohan, Corcoran Terrace, Ballina; Avery May McLoughlin, Tyrawley Terrace, Ballina; Mila Rose Carden, Convent Hill Crescent, Ballina and Michael Cillian Doherty, Corcoran Terrace, Ballina; Jamie Patrick Hughes, Corcoran Terrace, Ballina; Wylder Callan, Ardoughan Woods, Ballina; Emily McCormack, Kilcock, Co Kildare; Tadhg William Battle Bowden, Malaysia; and Sadie Mary Bourke, The Olde Mill Stone, Ballina.
The annual Mass will be celebrated in Bonniconlon Cemetery on Saturday, August 1 at 3pm.
There will be a collection box for any voluntary donations, which will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery. Everyone is welcome to attend.
OutWest, the voluntary social and support group for the LGBTQ+ community in the west of Ireland, has just launched it’s new website.
Information on all services and supports offered, as well as news about events, can be accessed through the new website at www.outwest.ie or from the OutWest social media pages.
The drop-in centre for the organisation at Teeling Street, Ballina is the only such centre in the west and serves as a hub for the entire region. It was opened in 2019.
