Local Notes: Ballina Quay NS quiz team are into national finals
The Quay National School in Ballina were the winners of the U-13 category in the Credit Union Chapter School Quiz held in Westport Woods Hotel recently. Back row, from left: Anne Treacy, Pauline Ryan, CEO Westport Credit Union; Joan Jennings, Sheila Langan, Westport Credit Union. Front row: Iarla Hannan, Gareth Doyle, Michael Duffy, Cian Gillispie. Picture: Frank Dolan
Iarla Hannon, Gareth Doyle, Cian Gillespie and Michael Duffy have made it through to the national final of the 2025 All-Ireland Credit Union Schools’ Quiz at Under-13 level.
The boys are pupils of The Quay National School, Ballina and three of the quizzers were also members of the Under-11 team which captured last year’s national title in Dublin.
Representing Ballina Credit Union, the Under-13 foursome won the 2025 Chapter/Regional competition in Westport on Saturday, March 8, having progressed from stage one of the contest earlier in the year.
St Joseph's National School (Bonniconlon), Foxford National School and Lisaniska National School also represented Ballina Credit Union in Westport on the day. Credit Unions in counties Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim are part of the same Chapter as Mayo, so competition was intense.
The Credit Union Schools’ Quiz is a nationwide contest for primary schools which attracts more than 25,000 participating students from across thousands of primary schools in Ireland each year and is the biggest quiz of its kind. It is run over three stages between the months of January and April, culminating in a National Final in the RDS Dublin on Sunday, April 6 when the quizmaster will be TV presenter, MC and content creator John Sharpson, known to many as ‘Múinteoir John’.
The Quay National School, Ballina has a strong track record in the All-Ireland quiz, having become national champions at Under-11 level in 2014, 2019 and 2024.
Under the tutelage of Anne Treacy, this young team is expected to put in a very strong performance in their quest for a third title.
The NCF Cultural Co-Op and Ballina Fringe Festival have launched a new Visual Artist Residency Programme, where the successful artist will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant community of Ballina, and engage with and create new work inspired by local culture and the natural beauty of Ireland’s west coast.
The residency will provide the artist with time, space and resources to explore their creative process.
The expansion of interest in the visual and performing arts in Ballina post-Covid means that this two-week autumn residency offers an attractive environment for collaboration, creativity and community engagement.
Artists will have access to shared studio spaces and to local creative networks, along with opportunities to share their work through workshops, talks or exhibitions.
This residency is designed to create lasting connections between the visiting artist and Ballina, with the possibility for future collaborations. Gallery space to showcase completed projects or work underway will offer an important platform for the artist-in-residence.
A dedicated workspace will be provided at the Ballina-based The NCF Cultural Co-Op, located on Lower Pearse Street in the heart of the town. Accommodation will also be provided within walking distance of the artist's studio, ensuring a comfortable and focused residency.
A stipend of €500 will be paid to support the creative journey of the successful participant in the programme, while the chance to collaborate with local artists and engage with the community will make this residency even more attractive.
The NCF Cultural Co-Op and Ballina Fringe Festival welcomes applications from both emerging and established visual artists based on the island of Ireland. Applicants will be asked to outline their preference and plans in their application.
The deadline for submissions is Saturday, May 31, and details on how to apply are available by emailing info@thencf.art.
The residency period will be from September 27 to October 11, 2025.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is seeking a volunteer to help with its collection in Dunnes Stores, Ballina on Friday, April 11.
The person will work alongside another volunteer, with help needed for two slots, from 10am to 2pm and from 2pm to 7pm.
If you can help out at any of these times then please email 65roses@cfireland.ie or call 01-4962433.
Get into Golf for Ladies is an initiative of Ballina Golf Club which begins on Wednesday, April 2.
The eight-week programme will offer group lessons with professional PGA golfer Eddie Treacy and group lessons with lady members of the club.
This is an ideal way for friends and family to experience the game of golf in a friendly and entertaining way on a delightful parkland course.
Each session will last for one hour, from 7pm, followed by refreshments in the clubhouse. After the programme finishes there will be membership offers available to participants.
The cost is €80 for the eight-week course and equipment will be provided. Contact Ann at 083-8188183 or Tina at 096-21050 for more information.
The death has taken place of Peggy Ralph (née Mears), St Jude’s, Greenhills Estate, Ballina, and formerly of Lower Bunree, Ballina.
Peggy was the beloved wife of Seán and dear mother to Kenneth, Anne, Shane and Sinead.
She will be sadly missed by her loving husband, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Aoife, son-in-law Dave, sister Philomena, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Mary and John Mears, her brothers PJ, Ned and Michael, and her sisters Doris and Patricia.
Peggy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Friday morning, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
When the Ballina musical theatre group Heroes for Hospice presented its first-ever show ‘Beyond the Barricade’ for charity 11 years ago, little did the group realise the impact that this unique theatre spectacle would have on the public.
Not only did it generate thousands of euros for Mayo Roscommon Hospice, but the show also provided a platform for emerging local talent, drawing full houses to performances in Ballina, Castlebar, London and Manchester.
In 2024, Heroes for Hospice returned with its new production ‘One Day More’. A run of four shows in September last in Ballina Arts Centre debuted this outstanding show and raised €11,000 for its charity partners Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and Mayo Cancer Support.
Now the theatre group is hoping to add significantly to this amount with a performance in Castlebar next month.
‘One Day More’ is a celebration of human resilience told through an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. It is directed by accomplished local singing teacher Lavinia Gilmartin, with a score that features some of the best-loved classics of musical theatre.
Tickets for the production of ‘One Day More’ in the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Wednesday, April 16 at 8pm are on sale online at Eventbrite.
This year’s Ballina Tennis Open will take place at Ballina Tennis Club on the weekend of May 23, 24 and 25.
The club, located beside Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road, offers four all-weather and fully floodlit courts which are playable all year round.
Applications for the tournament will be accepted soon and more details are available from 083-8562510, or email ballinatennis@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Nipper Barrett, Ballina who won €335 in the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club weekly 50/50 cash draw.
Other recent winners in the draw included Shay Hegarty, Ballina, who won €330; Deirdre O'Hora, Ballina, who won €320; and Johnnie O'Malley, Ballina, winner of €325.
The draws took place in Breathnach’s Pub, An Bolg Buí, Howard’s Bar and The Cot and Cobble respectively.
Tickets for the draw can be purchased in participating shops in Ardnaree or through the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club app.
Recently baptised in the Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina) were Páidí Mickey Hughes, Cluain na Rí, Ballina; Romeo Sean Ruane, Convent Hill Avenue. Ballina; Cian Raymond O’Donnell, Killala Road, Ballina; John Paul Lennon, Oaklawn, Ballina; Thomas Padraig Lennon, Oaklawn, Ballina; James Laurence Moynihan, Mossgrove Village, Ballina; Henry Noel Healy, Waterstone, Foxford Road, Ballina; Benjamin Kevin Martin, Rathmeel Lawns, Ballina; and Trystan Bailey Cruiz Geraghty, Greenhills Estate, Ballina.
The Cuimsiú Fleadh competition for people with a disability/additional need will run during Mayo Fleadh Cheoil 2025 in Ballina.
The competition was trialled very successfully at the 2024 Mayo Fleadh Cheoil in Westport and will be staged this year on Sunday, May 11, in St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina.
The competition is seen as an opportunity to develop participation and enjoyment of traditional Irish music for all in Mayo. Cuimsiú is the Irish word for ‘inclusion’. In developing this new competition, Mayo Fleadh Cheoil has worked closely with Áirc Mayo, an organisation set up to support children with disabilities in the county.
Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 will take place in Ballina this May and will be hosted by the Gort na mBó/Bofield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Dancing competitions will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 and all other competitions will be held on May 10 and 11.
The death has taken place of Christy McLoughlin, Rathkip, Ballina and formerly of Bridge Street, Ballina.
A well-known pharmacist in Ballina for many years, Christy was the beloved husband of Jackie and loving father to Christopher (Ballina), John (Dublin), David (Galway) and Helen (Galway).
He will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughter, brothers John (Galway), Micheal (Galway) and Barry (Ballina), father-in-law Paddy O’Toole, mother-in-law Jacqueline O’Toole, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Helen’s fiancé Sean Callanan (Galway), John’s partner Xinlin Ruan (Dublin), nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents John T and Maureen, and by his sisters Marana and Paula.
Christy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday of last week, with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
The Cosy Blanket project from Mayo Volunteer Centre will see several charities benefit from the work of talented local knitters and crochet experts from around Ballina.
An enthusiastic group of volunteers has already produced some impressive blankets, among whose recipients will be Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
The knitting and crochet work is carried out on Monday mornings in Ballina Arts Centre, and Mayo Volunteer Centre has expressed its gratitude for the wonderful facilities provided there each week for the project work.
However, Mayo Volunteer Centre is requesting more double-knit wool from the public in order to satisfy the high production levels from the committed volunteers.
If you would like to donate any balls of wool to the project, be that one or two balls from an individual, or perhaps a larger quantity from a knitting group, then your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
The drop-off and collection point for the wool is at the Craoibhín Ballina Centre, Cathedral Road, Ballina (beside St Muredach’s Cathedral).
The presentation by Moyne College students of ‘Cash Machine’ in Ballina Arts Centre will reveal some of the hidden talents of Ballina’s only co-education and non-denominational secondary school.
Written by the school’s John Cribben, ‘Cash Machine’ is a musical with lots of appeal….and it’s all set in Ballina!
Times are tough for Jimmy and his mammie, that is until their luck is turned around. But with big money comes big trouble, and someone is determined to steal their good fortune. Can they outsmart a sneaky thief? Will the young farmer win the girl’s heart? And can Alma, the radio’s over-caffeinated host, survive another day of rural mayhem and one relentless caller?
Get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment featuring music from ABBA, The Tumbling Paddies, Tracy Byrd, Dolly Parton, Sister Act, and even a bit of Shakira and Beyoncé, plus some brand-new original material.
The show will be presented by the Transition Year students of the school on Thursday, April 3, at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at €15 plus booking fee, can be purchased online via www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The results of the card game played by members of Ballina Bridge Club on Tuesday, March 11, in The Moy Club were as follows: 1st, B. Thomas and G. Moran; 2nd, M. Gilvarry and H. Moran; 3rd, A. Ivers and B. Mulligan; 4th, D. Hackett and V. Baynes; 5th, J. Cawley and V. McMahon; and 6th, J. and M. Munnelly.
The challenge in recruiting volunteers was highlighted at the recent annual general meeting of Ballina Credit Union.
Credit Unions, which are financial co-operatives owned by members, are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland in a similar manner to other financial institutions such as banks. Unlike other financial institutions, the board of directors in a credit union is made up of unpaid volunteers, those members who have the skills and knowledge to lead and manage it, and who are elected by their fellow members.
Regulatory changes over the last few years have made it more difficult to attract volunteers and Ballina Credit Union believes that this changing fitness and probity regime may be having an impact on its ability to recruit new board and committee members to the organisation, which has 18,000 members across North Mayo and West Sligo.
However, being a board member, or sitting on one of the many important committees which form a key part of the governance infrastructure of a credit union, can be very rewarding. The role offers the opportunity for volunteers to receive training, develop leadership skills and give something back to their community. All training is free and can, where applicable and when available, include courses up to NFQ Level 7.
The credit union movement started with volunteers. When Ballina Credit Union was established in 1968, members volunteered their own time to set up and manage this not-for-profit financial institution within their community. Without the tireless work of its volunteers, Ballina Credit Union would not have been able to grow to where it is today, with assets now of over €110m.
Last month, Ballina Credit Union announced that it has purchased the former Ulster Bank premises on Pearse Street, Ballina. This significant move will allow it to provide a base from which to offer a growing range of services and maintain the important face-to-face engagement with its members that other financial institutions lack.
Whether you are looking for a leadership role, want to gain experience and training, or would like to give something back to your community and meet like-minded people, then, whatever your age, Ballina Credit Union offers invaluable volunteering opportunities.
Contact Ballina Credit Union at 096-71066, email jacqueline@ballinacu.ie or visit www.ballinacu.ie.
