Local Notes: Ballina Order of Malta cadets get ready for All-Ireland Finals
Ballina Order of Malta cadets and leaders who attended the regional finals n Craughwell recently. They will compete in the All-Ireland Finals in Co Fermanagh on Friday next.
Members of the Ballina Order of Malta Cadet Unit are heading to the All-Ireland Finals in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, later this week after achieving outstanding success at the recent Western Regional Competitions, proudly bringing home multiple top placements.
A total of 28 dedicated cadets, aged between 10 and 16, took part in a series of challenging events including First Aid, Activities of Daily Living, Footdrill, and the prestigious Cadet of the Year competition. Demonstrating impressive skill, discipline, and teamwork, the unit was thrilled to achieve seven first-place finishes and two second-place finishes, earning the right to represent the Western Region at the national level.
The Ballina cadet unit is a voluntary community organisation that meets every Friday and trains year-round in preparation for events like these, as well as for real-world service within the community. Their success at the regional competitions reflects the dedication of both the young members and their committed adult leaders.
Looking ahead, the unit is already planning for the future and is excited to announce that recruitment for new cadets will begin in September 2025. Young people aged 10–16 who are interested in learning valuable life skills, making new friends, and giving back to their community are encouraged to consider joining.
For more information about joining the Ballina Order of Malta Cadets, or to learn about their upcoming activities, keep an eye on their social media channels or reach out directly to the local unit.
Please contact Catherine, Cadet Leader in charge of Ballina unit by email on ballinacadets@orderofmalta.ie or 089-4518566.
Best of luck to all of the Ballina Order of Malta Cadet members in the upcoming All-Ireland Finals.
The death has taken place of Patricia (Pat) Doyle (née Moran), 38 Corcoran Terrace, Ballina, and formerly of Carrentrilla, Ballina.
Pat was the beloved mother of Paula and Patrick (Bob). She will be sadly missed by her daughter, son, grandchildren Ciaran and Shauna, great-grandchildren Hazel, Callum and Jack, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Gary, siblings Margaret, Eithne, Leonard, Geraldine and Dolores, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Tommie, parents Paddy and Kathleen, and brothers Ray and Paddy.
Pat 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 Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
This weekend’s new drama from the pen of Ballina playwright, poet and actor Tommy Cooke takes an emotional and philosophical look at the tragedy which has been unfolding before the world’s eyes in Gaza.
‘A Song for Palestine’ examines how our own Irish history, with landlordism and famine, is in some ways mirrored by the genocide in Palestine today. It looks at the devastation and futility of war, all war. It asks if war and genocide as a method of solving problems is sustainable for the future of mankind.
The proceeds of the play will go towards the Water for Gaza programme.
‘A Song for Palestine’ will be performed in Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5, at 8pm.
Tickets, at €20 plus booking fee, are now on sale online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also book by calling 096-73593, or by emailing info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The death has taken place of Joe Canning, Tonybaun, Knockmore, Ballina.
Joe will be sadly missed by his nephew Dessie Ruttledge, Dessie’s wife Mary and their family, and all his nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Anthony, and by his brothers and sisters.
Joe reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
The fusion of trad and folk music with other styles continues its merry journey on the back of bands such as NxNW, now confirmed as the headline act for Ballina’s National Heritage Day.
Presenting a vibrant, contemporary blend of tunes, NxNW comprises four traditional musicians from the top half of the country, including Mayo composers and musicians Stephen Doherty and David Doocey (fiddle), both of whom are from Foxford.
Stephen, a multi-instrumentalist best known for his flute and accordion playing, has performed in over 20 countries to date and has also featured on RTÉ’s ‘Nationwide’, ‘The Late Late Show’ and ‘The View’, and on TG4′s ‘Geantraí and ‘Hup’.
Fiddle player David Doocey has also performed around the world, including with renowned artists such as Martin Hayes, Sean Keane and Sharon Shannon. He played at the memorable, sold-out Mayo Fleadh concert in Ballina last April.
These well-known musicians are joined in NxNW by Kieran Leonard (drums and percussion) and Ryan Molloy (piano). Together, the quartet bring a powerful, genre-blending sound that’s as exciting as it is unforgettable.
Members of the group have collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including latest Irish singing sensation Cian Ducrot and seasoned acts such as Seán Keane, Lúnasa, Clannad, Celtic Woman, and even the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Earlier this month NxNW entertained audiences during Galway Folk Festival.
NxNW – meaning North by Northwest because band members come from both regions - will be playing on the Main Stage at the Post Office. National and international vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Laura Jo will be the band’s special guest.
National Heritage Day on Wednesday, July 16, will feature a variety of acts performing across multiple stages throughout the town, from rising local talent to seasoned performers. It promises is to be a day full of excitement, tradition and unforgettable moments.
The Ladies Team from Ballina Golf Club which finished in first place in the Connacht Region 9-Hole Qualifier Trophy Competition has been congratulated by the club. The successful team members were Greta Harrison, Alice Melody, Deirdre Beattie, Catherine Mulligan and Michelle Grogan.
Meanwhile, the new Mid-Week Open Competition at Ballina Golf Club is attracting plenty of interest from those who like to play their golf between Tuesday and Thursday. This competition is in addition to the usual tournaments at the busy club, and can be booked online through the BRS Golf Booking System or by contacting the club on 096-21050.
The results of competitions played at the club on June 14 and 15 were as follows:
Gents 18-Hole Stroke competition: Overall Winner, Michael Brady – 64 nett; Category 1, Richard Doherty – 69 nett; Category 2, Enda Jones – 68 nett; and Category 3, Wayne Devine - 66 nett.
First in the Ladies 18-Hole Stroke competition was Mary Tighe - 66 nett; 2nd was Deirdre Beattie - 67nett; and 3rd was Bertha Cooke – 71 nett.
Both competitions were sponsored by Foxford Woollen Mills.
Congratulations have also been extended to the Ballina Golf Club Men’s Over-55 team that had a 3-1 victory over Ballinamore Golf Club in the Fred Perry competition, and who now go on to the regional semi-finals, where they will play Connemara Isles.
The final summer outdoor Mass of the season in Kilmoremoy Parish will take place in the grounds of St Joseph’s Hospital, Mercy Road, Ballina tomorrow, Wednesday July 1.
The service will include the blessing of the restored Marian Grotto, which is located in the hospital grounds. Everyone is welcome and the Mass, which will start at 7.30pm, will be followed by refreshments.
The death has taken place of Michael (Mickie) Bergin, Ivy House, Mill Street, Ballina, and formerly of 13 Morrison Terrace, Ballina.
Mickie was the beloved husband of Marie and loving father to Brian, Pamela and Mary Moynihan (Ballaghaderreen).
He will be sadly missed by his wife, son, daughters, daughter-in-law Geraldine, sons-in-law Con and John, grandchildren Conor, Ella, Lorna, Liam, Hannah, Emma, James and Grace, sisters Sr Mary and Johanna McKenna, brother-in-law Peter McKenna, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Martin and Annie-May and his grandson Shane.
Mickie reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday evening of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Craoibhín Ballina is hosting an Afternoon Tea Dance at The Quay during the forthcoming Ballina Salmon Festival.
The dance will take place in the Kennedy Glasgow Centre on Thursday, July 17, from 1 to 3pm. Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held, while the live music will be supplied by Padraig Moran. The cost is €8 per person and all are welcome.
For more information, please call the Craoibhín Ballina centre on Cathedral Road on 087-2785365.
The full schedule for this year’s Ballina Agricultural Show is now available.
Ballina Agricultural Show opens at 10am on Sunday, July 13, with valuable prizemoney across all sections of the show. Categories will include cattle show, sheep classes, dog shows and arts and crafts displays.
Call in to Ballina Tourist Office (Pearse Street), Tuffy’s Gala (Foxford Road), Gill’s (Church Road) or Aurivo (Crossmolina Road) to find out more about the wide range of categories and classes. You can also email ballinashow@gmail.com for details.
There will be live music during the day-long show too, including from country star Ciaran Rosney.
St Muredach’s College Parents’ Association is organising two ‘Uniform Drop & Swap' mornings this week, where parents and guardians can swap old uniforms for new sizes, or simply drop off any unwanted uniform items that are still in good condition.
The association says that this is a positive way to support each other, save money and ensure that all students have access to what they need.
If you have any uniforms that your son has outgrown, please consider donating them to the event. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will help other families in the community.
The ‘Uniform Drop & Swap' days are on Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2, taking place in the school gymnasium of St Muredach’s College, Ballina from 11am to 1pm.
Conversational English classes are being provided every Friday in Ballina by Fáilte Isteach, a nationwide group which helps welcome migrants to this country by providing conversational English classes.
The Fáilte Isteach programme operates across Ireland, where people are tutored by volunteers, with the classes providing a great opportunity to improve language and meet people.
Fáilte Isteach is an initiative of Third Age Ireland, and there are over 170 classes running throughout the country.
The weekly classes in Ballina are from 10am to 12 noon in the Methodist Church, James Connolly Street (Hill Street). The lessons are informal, free of charge and focused on English conversation. Classes are open to everyone and cater for all levels of English.
To find out more about the weekly Ballina Fáilte Isteach class, please contact clairedeberry@hotmail.com.
