Local Notes: Ballina man's fundraising nears €17k mark
Former St Muredach’s College student Darragh Hopkins (front row, right) secured the help of teachers and students to raise €500 during a non-uniform day in the Ballina boys’ secondary school. Darragh is pictured with some of the college students who helped out, along with teacher Conor Moore (front row, left). Darragh has organised a year-long fundraising campaign in aid of the Irish Cancer Society which, to date, has raised almost €17,000.
Former St Muredach's College student Darragh Hopkins revisited his alma mater recently in support of the school’s non-uniform day. The charity initiative was organised by the students and staff in support of Darragh’s Dublin City Marathon fundraising run for the Irish Cancer Society.
Darragh – a second year medical student in the University of Galway – welcomed the donation of €500 from the school, and thanked the students and teachers for their contribution.
Through Darragh’s efforts to date, which included the challenging marathon race and a table quiz in September with proceeds of €4,000, a total of €16,546 has now been raised for the Irish Cancer Society. This money will support directly the Irish Cancer Society and its services, including cancer research, night nursing and daffodil centres.
The young student from Foxford Road, Ballina has become a champion for this fundraising cause since a close teenage friend of his, Richard Loftus from Ballina, was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer early in 2024. He and Richard have known each other since they first started playing rugby together in Ballina Rugby Club at Under-6 level, and have grown up alongside each other, both in school and in sport.
“The Dublin City Marathon was an incredibly meaningful experience for me,” said Darragh. “It was definitely tough at times, but when I thought about what Richard has been going through with his sarcoma diagnosis, it really put everything into perspective.
“The support I received along the way, both through donations and words of encouragement, was truly overwhelming. It made the challenge of running 26.2 miles feel more manageable, knowing that I was raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society and helping people like Richard.
“In the end, finishing the marathon wasn’t just about crossing the finish line, it was about showing my love and support for Richard, raising awareness for cancer care, and contributing to such an important cause. I’m really proud of what we accomplished together, and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me.”
Donations can still be made online at Eventmaster and Darragh is hoping to present the Irish Cancer Society with a cheque in the New Year.
Former editor, author and historian Terry Reilly has instigated a commemoration ceremony to honour one of Ballina’s legendary exiles, Edward Whelan. A plaque to honour Whelan will be unveiled today, Tuesday, December 17, at 12 noon on Lower Pearse Street, Ballina.
Edward Whelan was a journalist, politician and Father of the Canadian Confederation. He was born in 1824, and this year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth in Ballina.
He emigrated with his mother when he was seven years old, and eleven years later had, remarkably, established himself as a newspaper editor and orator of note. On the political front, Whelan was elected to represent King’s County in the House of Assembly at the age of 21 and campaigned for free land, free schools and responsible government. December marks the month of his death in 1867, aged only 43. Edward Whelan’s story is told in Terry Reilly's book ‘Ballina & Area People’.
Well memorialised in Charlottetown, the capital of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, he is now to be remembered in his native Ballina with the unveiling of a wall plaque.
Terry Reilly has been involved in erecting eight plaques of a historic nature in the town, and his historical research has led to even more plaques to be mounted around Ballina.
All are welcome to attend the event today, especially anyone with a Canadian background.
Seven brave men from the Ballina and Killala areas confronted the elements last month to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean off beautiful Ross Beach, Killala - wearing only a red dickie bow for charity!
The group plans to make this an annual event to mark Men’s Health Awareness Month each November.
The charity chosen by the swimmers to benefit from the initiative is Cancer Care West, the West of Ireland charity which provides support to cancer patients and their families during and after cancer treatment. The organisation is wholly dedicated to supporting those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis, helping to enhance patient care and wellbeing.
So far, the daring swimmers have raised almost €3,000 on their iDonate fundraising page.
The page is still open and all funds will go directly to this great cause, so donations are greatly appreciated. Donations, which are open until January 1, 2025, can be made online via idonate.ie/therossswimmers.
There were four lucky winners in the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50/50 Cash Draw over recent weeks.
Anne Rafter, Corrimbla South, Ballina won €375, while Seamus Parsons won €310. Andrea Walsh and Mickey Hanafin took away cash prizes of €370 and €350 respectively.
In the most recent draws, Mary Moran, Behy Beg, Ballina was the winner of €320 and Michael Kneafsey, Knockmore won €310.
Tickets for the weekly draw, which is a fundraising activity for the club, are available from outlets in the area or through the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club app.
Confirmation dates for 2025 in the Parish of Kilmoremoy have been announced, with all of the ceremonies taking place in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina.
Confirmations for the six primary schools in the area will be celebrated during the month of March next year, with dates and times as follows: Scoil Íosa, 11am on Friday, March 7; Quay National School, 11am on Saturday, March 8; Culleens National School, 2pm on Saturday, March 8; Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol, 11am on Saturday, March 22; Breaffy National School, 11am on Saturday, March 29; and Behy National School, 2pm on Saturday, March 29.
Saturday next, December 21 sees the first Christmas Market at TheNCF Cultural Co-Operative on Pearse Street, Ballina.
TheNCF Cultural Co-Operative is a creative co-op of artists, volunteers and patrons who meet regularly and organise events together.
The market is open from 12 noon to 6pm so hop in and you may be able to grab a unique, last-minute Christmas gift, while also enjoying some mulled wine and some tunes later, starting at 8pm. Art and records will be among the items on sale.
Craoibhín Ballina will close its centre on Cathedral Road for the Christmas break on Friday, December 20 at 4pm.
Craoibhín, established by Moy Valley Resources, Ballina in 2008, is an organisation whose objective is to promote positive wellbeing and social inclusion for adults in Ballina and the wider region in a happy, safe and welcoming environment. It achieves this aim by encouraging people to participate in social activities that promote a fulfilled and healthy lifestyle.
The centre will open again to offer its services to the people of the area on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9am.
The death has taken place of Bernard (Bernie) Long, Ferran Terrace, Ballina and formerly of Drimnagh, Dublin.
Bernie was the beloved husband of Jody and loving father to Bernard, Jonathan, Stephen and Charlene.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughter, sister Noelean Quirke (Dublin), brother Ken (Dublin), daughters-in-law Gráinne and Emer, son-in-law Barry, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Matthew and Josephine.
Bernie reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week, followed by removal to St Patrick’s Church, Ballina.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Mayo Volunteer Centre, Ballina marked annual International Volunteer Day on December 5 last with an inaugural poetry competition. The winning entries were from Triona Ryan, Brid Quinn and Sorcha Nevin.
The centre asked entrants to write a poem about their volunteering experiences, with the entries then whittled down to the top ten.
Judges Lizann Gorman, a recently published Ballina poet, and Raymond Brogan of Pangur Bán Bookshop, Tone Street, Ballina chose the final three winners.
The Mid Killala Pioneer group dinner dance will take place in Hiney’s Upper Deck, Crossmolina on Friday, January 31, 2025. Live music will be supplied by Michael S and Clodagh Togher and tickets cost €30.
Anyone who is due gold or silver pins will receive these on the night but are asked to contact the organisers well in advance to enable time to have the pins ordered.
Tickets for the dinner dance can purchased from Maeve Tierney, Crossmolina; Una Birrane. Moygownagh, Ballina; or Phyllis McLoughlin, Ardagh, Ballina.
The death has taken place of Mary O’Malley (née Sweeney), Castlebar Road, Foxford and formerly of Carrowkerribla, Attymass, Ballina.
Mary will be lovingly missed by her husband Tommie, her daughters Mary Patricia (Murtagh) and Teresa, son Tommie, adored grandchildren Brian, Seán, Paul and Shane, daughter-in-law Frances, son-in-law Tommy, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Bridget, her brothers Anthony and Paddy, and her sister Margaret (Melody).
Mary reposed at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford on Tuesday of last week, followed by removal to St Michael’s Church, Foxford. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday with the funeral then proceeding to Bonnifinglas Cemetery, Attymass.
Archbishop Francis Duffy will celebrate Mass in the chapel of the former Convent of Mercy, Convent Hill on Friday next, December 20 at 6pm.
The Mass will mark an historic occasion for this notable Ballina landmark. It is an opportunity to thank the Sisters of Mercy for gifting the building to the community, and to invoke God’s blessing on the regeneration project just beginning there.
Refreshments will be served afterwards in the convent dining room and all are welcome.
Dates for the Credit Union School Quiz 2025 have been announced by Ballina Credit Union.
The first stage of the popular quiz for primary schools in the Ballina Credit Union area, which covers much of the North Mayo and West Sligo region, will take place on Friday, February 7.
Over the last 11 years, Ballina representatives have led the way in Connacht with the most successes at national level.
Last year, the Under-11 team from The Quay National School, Ballina took the title of All-Ireland Credit Union Quiz Champions 2024, following the final of the annual quiz in The RDS in Dublin.
A total of 46 teams participated in the Ballina Credit Union School Quiz 2024, and the organisation is expecting even more entries for the first stage of the 2025 contest.
The second stage of the Credit Union School Quiz 2025 will take place at Chapter/Regional level on the weekend of March 7 to 9, 2025, while the National Final will be held on Sunday, April 6 in Dublin.
There are two categories for school pupils: Under 11, for entrants aged 10 or younger on December 31, 2024 and Under 13, for entrants aged 12 or younger on December 31, 2024.
Further information is available from Ballina Credit Union on 096-71066 or by email at info@ballinacu.ie.
The death has taken place of Mary Guthrie, The Commons, Ballina and formerly of McHale Rd, Castlebar.
Mary was the beloved mother of Barbara Taylor (Ballaghaderreen), Louise Haran (Tubbercurry), Darren Haran (Ballymote), Kelly Haran (Sligo) and Dylan Mitchell (Ballina).
She will be sadly missed by her sons, daughters, sisters Eileen, Marian and Esther, brother Stephen, grandchildren Logan, Caoimhe, Katie-Lee, Jayden, Cody and Daisy, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Molly and Frank, son baby Michael, partner Val Mitchell, and brothers Frannie and Joe.
Mary reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Tuesday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina on Wednesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Ballina Credit Union is advising members that the last day to order foreign currency and have it in time for Christmas is Wednesday, December 18, at 12pm. Orders placed later than this time will not be available until after Christmas.
To order your foreign currency, simply call into Ballina Credit Union on O’Rahilly Street, Ballina, or telephone 096-71066.
The offices will be closed from December 23 to December 27 (inclusive), and again on January 1. Business will be as usual on December 28 and December 31, and then returning to normal from Thursday, January 2.
The annual Christmas Concert in St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina will reveal some hidden gems from among the school’s talented pupils.
A variety of acts will include Sixth Year vocal and instrumental soloists, the award-winning St Mary’s Secondary School Choir, the First Year choir, and Irish dancers.
St Mary's traditional Irish music group and the staff choir of the girls’ post-primary school will also entertain.
The concert will be staged in the School Assembly Hall on Wednesday, December 18, at 7.30pm, with a raffle also taking place on the night. Tickets are €10 (adults) and €5 (students) and are on sale at the school office. Telephone 096-70333 for more details.
