Local Notes: Ballina Golf event raises funds for Western Alzheimers
Lady Captain of Ballina Golf Club, Mary Reynolds (left), raised an impressive €5,225 for Western Alzheimers following a charity event recently. She is pictured presenting the proceeds to Melissa Roche of Western Alzheimers.
Lady Captain of Ballina Golf Club, Mary Reynolds raised an impressive €5,225 for Western Alzheimers following a charity event recently.
Mary’s golf competition and coffee morning on Saturday, May 23 was well attended, and she has thanked everyone who contributed in any way, including sponsors, those who gave donations and provided refreshments, and all who helped out on the day.
Registration for the annual Tennis Summer Camps for Kids at Ballina Tennis Club is now open.
The camps will take place most weeks during July and August, from Monday to Friday, commencing on Monday, July 6.
Two-hour sessions are offered each day, with children between the ages of 6 and 10 catered for from 10am to 12pm in the morning, while those between the ages of 10 to 16 are from 12pm to 2pm in the afternoon.
The camps are an opportunity for youngsters to have some fun, develop fresh skills, stay active and make new friends. All abilities are welcome.
The cost to Ballina Tennis Club members is €60, while non-members will pay €70. There are discounts available for siblings.
For more information, please visit www.arturtenniscoach.com or Whats App Artur on 085-7573457.
Ballina Tennis Club is located beside Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road.
Friday, July 3 is the date set for the annual Craoibhín Ballina street bucket collection.
Volunteers who can spend two hours helping out on the day are very welcome, with the collection taking place between 9am and 6pm.
If you are available to help out then please call 087-2785365, or give your name to a Craoibhín staff member at its centre in the former Convent of Mercy Secondary School campus, where the organisation is now based.
All funds raised will go towards the running of Craoibhín and the services which it provides to the people of Ballina and the surrounding areas.
Grace Cunnane, a student of St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina, has been placed second in the International Young Reporters for the Environment competition, which featured outstanding entries from across 44 countries.
Grace, the daughter of Aoife and Enda Cunnane, Ballina, won the Irish national title in the Senior Videography category of this prestigious competition earlier in the year, earning a spot to represent Ireland in the international contest.
Her superb three-minute video essay, titled ‘Animal Farming’, probes the environmental impact of the overconsumption of animal products and commercial animal agriculture, with a particular focus on its effects on Ireland and the wider planet.
The An Taisce Environmental Education Unit runs the awards at national level each year. This annual competition engages young participants in environment-focused citizen journalism, encouraging them to investigate local environmental issues and solutions, and report on them through articles, photos, podcasts or videos.
Grace, who is about to enter Third Year, was inspired in her work by St Mary's Secondary School English teacher, Jessica Wall.
Her video can be watched online.
Ballina Arts Centre celebrated the opening of another significant community facility recently with the official launch of Organic Flow Studio.
Founded by Ballina man Ryan Cawley, the studio gives young people from age eight and upwards, and adults of all backgrounds, hands-on access to professional audio and visual equipment, providing participants with a creative experience never previously available in the town.
The studio works with schools, youth organisations, disability services and community groups, handling all facilitation and planning.
It is modelled around community involvement, welcoming individuals, fortnightly crews and small, interest-based groups, and helping to forge creativity in a relaxed and social space where participants can collaborate with like-minded people.
"Geography and income shouldn't decide who gets to be creative with technology," said Ryan about the new professional audio and visual education hub. "It's in Ballina, it's accessible, and it's built around this community."
Having spent five years delivering mobile workshops across Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon, Ryan has now established a permanent home for creative technology in the heart of Ballina.
A community activist who, along with local man Padraig O’Hora, has been the driving force behind Ballina Sensory Park, Ryan’s new studio caters for those who are interested in DJing, music production, vocal recording, podcasting, animation, video editing or content creation.
Further information is available by visiting www.organicflow.ie.
The death has taken place of Mary Acton (née Wall), Bray, Co Wicklow and formerly of Marian Crescent, Ballina.
Mary will be sadly missed by her daughter Majella, sisters Josie and Breda, son-in-law Derek, grandchildren Conor and Aoife, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tom, brothers Fintan, William and Michael, and sisters Evelyn, Rose Ann and Peggy.
Mary reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Saturday, June 13. Requiem Mass was celebrated the next afternoon in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
Ballina Salmon Festival Busking Competition is one of the highlights of festival week in Ballina each year, bringing vibrancy and excitement to the town centre.
The busking competition began in 2016 and provides a platform for emerging and established musicians and singers to demonstrate their talent to the general public, creating an energetic and entertaining festival vibe on the streets of Ballina for much of festival week.
The busking contest will run from July 13 to July 17, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, July 18, the penultimate day of the annual festival. Judging will take place daily from 1pm to 2pm.
The competition offers cash prizes and is open to solo performers, including singer-songwriters, bands and groups, and promises to showcase a diverse range of musical genres.
There is no age limit to take part. While low-watt amplification is permitted, PA systems are not allowed.
To enter the competition please visit the festival’s social media pages.
The death has taken place of Enid Goode, The Quay, Ballina and formerly of Kincon, Kilfian, Ballina. Enid will be sadly missed by her family and friends, whose lives were enriched by her kindness and warmth.
The funeral of the late Enid took place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Killala on Wednesday of last week, followed by burial in Killala Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Ballina Lions Club is staging a fundraising walk this weekend. The charity event sets off from Bessie's Bar, close to Kilcummin Pier, on Saturday, June 27 at 1pm.
Everyone is welcome to take part and you can choose from a 5km or 10km loop walk across delightful coastal routes. Afterwards, a barbecue, music and other entertainment will provide a relaxing way to unwind following the fundraising activity, where young and old can enjoy the atmosphere of this stunning location. You might even enjoy a swim.
If you cannot make it on the day, then you can donate online, via iDonate, at www.idonate.ie.
The Friends of Leigue Cemetery Committee would like to thank all who helped out during the recent annual Mass in the Ballina cemetery, which took place on Sunday, June 7 in front of a large congregation.
A total of €3,961.84 was collected and will go towards the upkeep of the cemetery, funds for which the committee is very grateful.
Thanks have also been extended to Fr Kieran Holmes for celebrating the Mass, to Fr Anthony Gillespie and Fr Gerry O’Hora for con-celebrating, and to Sylvie and Deirdre Golden for the music.
The electric atmosphere around a Bruce Springsteen concert will be no less evident when The Boss’s near-doppelgänger comes to Ballina next month.
Veteran rock singer Monte Thompson, whose ability to match Bruce’s intricate vocal style, performance and facial expressions has even the most die-hard fans ranting about his accuracy in the role, will front the Bruce Springsteen tribute band playing in Ballina Arts Centre.
Boasting the only 100% American ‘Bruce’ in Europe, ‘Springsteen – A Tribute’ brings the passion and energy of Bruce Springsteen’s classic hits to life.
Based in Ireland, this seven-piece band is comprised of top Irish session musicians who have played at the highest level for acts such as Mary Black, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, The Waterboys and many more.
And if Monte’s level of authenticity wasn’t enough, his real-life wife Pauline plays the part of Bruce’s wife Patti in the show, with her stunning background vocals.
All of these factors combine to make ‘Springsteen – A Tribute’ a breath-taking high energy performance that is a must-see spectacle for all fans of The Boss.
Tickets for the two-hour show at 8pm on Saturday, July 11 cost €27 plus booking fee and can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book.
