Local Notes: Ballina Rugby Club celebrates success of ladies players
Ballina Rugby Club recently celebrated ladies' rugby with the seven club players who have won caps for Ireland presenting the club with their framed jerseys. Pictured at the event were, back row, from left: Joe Doherty, Barry McLoughlin, John Kenny, John Carroll, Stephen Lacken, Pat O'Brien. Front row Ireland capped player Sarah McCormick, Ireland U18 captain Ailish Quinn; Deirdre Whyte Past President; Irish capped players Grainne Moran and Emily Foley. Picture: John O'Grady
Billow Wood will play its first Ballina concert in some time when the group performs in St Michael’s Church on Saturday, June 15.
The Ballina church was the location for two series of the popular TV music programme ‘Other Voices’ in 2018 and 2020, which saw international artists such as David Gray, Elbow, Denise Chaila, Sam Fender and Villagers play in its tranquil and inspiring surroundings, a setting that is blessed with warming acoustics.
Ballina-based Billow Wood has been active on the music scene at a national and international level for seven years now, playing Irish and folk music fused with mainstream influences and textured with delightful vocal harmonies and layers of instrumental virtuosity. The group’s delightful arrangements of songs and tunes blend together traditional and non-traditional sounds, with both original songs and evergreen favourites among its repertoire of genre-breaking music.
The group has played extensively across Europe and is a particular favourite with German audiences. Billow Wood also thrilled audiences at last year’s Electric Picnic, Ireland’s largest music festival.
Earlier this year, the group performed at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, USA.
Founder members Mark O’Donnell and Harry Lawlor are delighted to be back on home ground and promise that the five-piece band will deliver an outstanding show for their fans.
The band originally came together as Flat Out in the last decade, before changing its name to Billow Wood in 2017, and leading to a number of changes in the group’s line-up.
Special guest on the night will be Niall McCabe, the singer and songwriter from Clare Island. Niall has performed extensively with his folk-soul group The Niall McCabe Band over the past decade, but has more recently being touring with Beoga, and is the organiser behind the Clare Island Folk Festival, which takes place in August.
Tickets for Billow Wood’s Ballina concert are available from Eventbrite and the show starts at 7.30pm.
Following an outstanding festival last year, excitement is building ahead of Ballina Salmon Festival 2024, which will mark 60 years since the first festival was staged in the town in 1964.
This year’s event will run from Saturday, July 6 to Sunday, July 14.
Ballina Salmon Festival is the longest-running community festival along the Wild Atlantic Way, centred on the River Moy, the jewel in the crown of Ballina’s many attractions.
Officially dubbed the ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland,’ Ballina will host some exciting highlights for the 2024 festival, including a Mike Denver concert in the historic and newly-developed IQ plaza, a ‘Sound of Music’ themed show on Monday, July 8, and the iconic Ballina Salmon Festival National Heritage Day on Wednesday, July 10, one of the festival’s biggest annual crowd-pullers.
A 60-year Reunion Lady of the Moy party in the Great National Hotel Ballina on Friday, June 28, will bring together many familiar faces associated with Ballina Salmon Festival over its long history, and select the 2024 Lady of the Moy.
As usual, children and families are well catered for, and the ever-popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic will attract hundreds of excited youngsters to Tom Ruane Park, Sligo Road on Sunday, July 7.
Water-based activities will include Cruinniú na mBád, a gathering of boats on the River Moy on Saturday, July 6, and the River Moy Swim, an official event in the Swim Ireland calendar which takes place on the penultimate day of the festival, Saturday, July 13.
Among the other events are ‘The Best of Ballina’ on Tuesday, July 9 and an Irish music night in the open-air IQ plaza on Friday, July 12.
Members of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland will bring their exhibition of outstanding images from 2023 to Ballina Library in memory of their late friend and colleague Henry Wills.
Street performers and buskers will provide impromptu performances in the town centre, with talented street artists and musicians bringing an extra layer of excitement to the festival atmosphere.
Sporting events will include the popular juvenile salmon fishing competition, a Tug-of-War and a GAA Football Blitz.
Visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy a series of heritage tours, where you can discover the rich history of Ballina through guided tours that will explore the town’s heritage sites, historic buildings and the scenic River Moy.
A ‘Jigs & Jerseys’ inspired festival birthday bash is on the programme for Saturday evening, July 13. This will be accompanied by live music from Irish band Cronin, followed by a spectacular fireworks display the same night which will span the two bridges and banks of the River Moy, bringing the 2024 festivities near a close.
Watch out for details of more events.
The Festival Director for 2024 is Mary Dunne.
Lunchtime concerts featuring local artists will be hosted in Ballina Arts Centre this summer.
An invitation is being issued to local singers and musicians who are interested in performing short lunchtime concerts to contact the centre.
The Music at Lunchtime series of half-hour concerts will run on Wednesdays during June and July, starting at 1.15pm, and will feature emerging local artists as well as more established acts.
If you are interested in being included in the programme then please contact Audrey Robinson via the centre e-mail at info@ballinaartscentre.com. Auditions will be held.
The death has taken place of Michelle Crean, Quignashee, Behy Road, Ballina.
Michelle is sadly missed by her parents Eamon and Mary Crean, sisters Suzanna Gavin and Patricia Walshe, brothers-in-law Joseph Gavin and Daryl Walshe, niece Roslyn, nephews Leo, Pádraic, Oisín, Karsten, Finnán, Jonah and Donnacha, cousins, aunts, uncles and her friend Geraldine.
Michelle reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Congratulations have been extended to Sinéad Ruane and Darren Durkan who were married recently in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon.
The end-of-season prize night for members of Ballina Bridge Club saw Sean and Ann Callaghan take the top prize in the game played in The Moy Club, Ballina last week.
Secnd were Helena Moran and Ann Ivers, while Mary Mongan and Mary O'Dowd took third place.
Betty Gormley and Rosaleen Keohane were in fourth position.
As part of Bealtaine Festival 2024, Ballina Library will host a morning of storytelling and reminiscing with storyteller Fiona Dowling this coming Wednesday, May 29.
The event is aimed at those over 55 years of age, and will take place from 11am to 12.30pm.
Further details are available from the library, which you can contact by email on bnalib@mayococo.ie or telephone 094-9064454.
The Mary Robinson Climate Conference is returning to Ballina from Wednesday, June 5 to Friday, June 7, focusing on the theme ‘A Shared Response to a Shared Responsibility’.
Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2023, the conference underscores the necessity for collective action to combat climate change.
This year’s event will feature a diverse line-up of speakers and will commence with Mary Robinson, who is a past President of Ireland, Chairman of The Elders and a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, leading a discussion on Project Dandelion.
Project Dandelion is the first global, women-led campaign for climate justice and the organisation calls on leaders, NGOs, movements and individuals around the globe to unite in action for a climate-safe world.
Joining the former President will be Laura Cook, one-time Communications Advisor to The Elders.
The Mary Robinson Climate Conference is a unique meeting point that draws voices from all sectors, including experts, policymakers, activists, communities and innovators to share climate experiences and discuss pathways for a sustainable future in a fun and relaxed environment.
The Project Dandelion discussion will set the stage for a comprehensive three-day programme.
The conference is delivered by The Mary Robinson Centre, Victoria House, Emmett Street, Ballina in partnership with the University of Galway and its national and local stakeholders.
For more details, including on how to register, please visit www.maryrobinsoncentre.ie.
The death has taken place of Bernadette McKenzie (née Curley), Farranmorgan, Ballina and formerly of Carrowpadden, Rathlee, Easkey.
Bernadette will be sadly missed by her beloved husband Tommie, daughter Deirdre, son Michael, daughter-in-law Geraldine, son-in-law Gerard, grandchildren Conor and Kate, sister Emily Young, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours.
She was predeceased by her sisters Maura Brolly and Annie Hanley and by her brother Eugene Curley.
Bernadette reposed at her residence on Tuesday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Wednesday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Craoibhín Ballina is running an excursion to Athlone on Wednesday, June 12.
The trip offers a number of options, including a cruise on the River Shannon and a guided walking tour of the historic town.
The cost is €25 per person for the bus. The river cruise will cost €15 per person and a guided walking tour is €10 per person.
Booking is essential for the day trip and to reserve a place please call Craoibhín on 087-2785365. Craoibhín Ballina points out that no refund will be possible after June 5 to those who have already paid.
The bus will depart from the Craoibhín Ballina centre on Cathedral Road at 9am, leaving Athlone again at 6pm.
Mayo COPD Support Group has announced a meeting for Thursday, May 30, at 2.30pm. The meeting will take place in the Tennis Club, Lannagh Road, Castlebar. Guest speaker Donna Lynott will talk about the provision of hospice services in the area.
The death has taken place of Michael Clarke, Bunree Road, Ballina and formerly of Greenhills Estate, Ballina.
Michael will be sadly missed by his daughter Donna, son Jason, mother Carmel, sisters Geraldine and Amelda, brothers David and Vincent, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Gerry and sister Mary.
Michael reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday last, with removal afterwards to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, with the funeral proceeding to Leigue Cemetery, Ballina for burial.
Ainmhithe Animal Rescue visited pupils of St Dymphna’s School earlier this month.
The animal charity had been specially invited to speak to students and teachers of the Ballina school about its work, and brought along some of the animals it had rescued to meet the children.
Ainmhithe Animal Rescue is a small, independent charity that cares for abandoned and neglected animals in North Mayo.
Members of the group spent the morning speaking to pupils about animal care and rescue, and pupils had the opportunity to meet Pirelli the cat and a collie puppy called Emma, aka Baby Spice. Ainmhithe also answered questions which the pupils had prepared. The charity said that it was delighted to spend the morning with the pupils.
If you feel you could help the charity in any way, such as organising a fundraiser, donating or volunteering in its charity shop in Ballina, please visit www.ainmhitheanimalrescue.com.
Ballina Agricultural Show returns to Ballina Showgrounds on Sunday, July 14. This event promises a full day of activities and entertainment for the entire family, including cattle and dog shows, horse and pony jumping, poultry, horticulture and flowers, sheep and other showcases.
Additionally, there will be lifestyle events such as cookery demonstrations, craft displays and bakery exhibits, as well as live music and plenty of entertainment for the kids.
It’s set to be a fantastic day with something for everyone, as the annual show brings to an end the festivities of Ballina Salmon Festival 2024.
Congratulations have been extended to Marty Hughes, a young member of Bofield Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who recently received the Micheál Ó hEidhin Medal.
The medal is awarded to Comhaltas Scrúdu Ceol students who obtain distinction in their Grade 8 exam.
The presentation was made to Marty by the outgoing president of Comhaltas, Éamonn ÓhArgáin, at the 2024 Annual CCÉ Congress which was held in Sligo earlier this month.
The award is named after the late Micheál Ó hEidhin, a former music inspector with the Department of Education.
Ballina Arts Centre will stage a retelling of the classic story of in a musical production next month.
The musical, , is based on J.M. Barrie’s story, and it tells of the Darling children who set off on an adventure with Pan and Tinker Bell. On the way they meet the Lost Boys, Indians and Mermaids, not to mention the Pirates ruled by Captain Hook! Will the Darling children return unscathed or will the Captain get his hook into them?
The show is suitable for all the family and will be presented on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 at 6.30pm.
tickets cost €15 for an adult and €12 for a child.
You can book online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. Alternatively, you can call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
The Killala Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be led by Bishop John Fleming, Bishop Emeritus of Killala, and will place from July 18 to 23 July this year.
A limited number of places are available in the Assisted Section and you should contact Eileen on 086-4013897 for more details.
General enquiries and bookings can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours on 01-2410800. The cost is €929, which includes five nights in full board accommodation in the Hotel Agena and flights from and to Ireland West Airport.
As part of Mayo Baby Week, an Art Crawl will be hosted by Ballina Arts Centre on Tuesday, June 11, where the little ones will have a chance to mount their own mini-exhibition!
Promoting the notion that 'Early Relationships Really Matter', Mayo Baby Week is a celebration of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, organised by Mayo CYPSC, in partnership with the Mayo Infant Mental Health Forum.
During the Art Crawl in Ballina, babies and their parents are encouraged to crawl amongst the artworks in Ballina Art Centre’s exhibition space.
Then, in the workshop space which will be lined with butcher's paper, the little ones will be set free with paints to create a response, inspired by classical music. The pieces created will then be put on display to form an art exhibition of the babies’ works.
Parents are advised to bring a change of clothes for their children, as the fun could get messy!
Mayo Baby Week takes place from June 10 to 16, with events across the county.
To book for the Art Crawl in Ballina Arts Centre, you should contact 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
