Local Notes: Ballina Scouts collecting copper coins to raise funds for new den

Coin collection for Ballina Scout Den

The 5th Mayo Scout Unit is collecting copper coins to help raise funds for its planned new Scout Den in Belleek, Ballina.

Coins in 1c, 2c and 5c denominations will be gratefully accepted by the local scouting organisation. If you have a jar of coins you can donate, then please telephone 096-21313 or contact any member of the movement in Ballina. All amounts, big or small, are welcome.

HSE suicide prevention course

The HSE is set to run a course designed to help caregivers to recognise the immediate risk of suicide and learn how to intervene to prevent the tragic consequences of suicide.

The ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) programme is a two-day course at the Newman Institute, Cathedral Road, Ballina, to be delivered by the Mayo, Galway and Roscommon Resource Office for Suicide Prevention.

The course runs on February 28 and 29, from 9am to 5pm. The training is free but booking is essential.

Ballina duathlon entries now open

Sunday, March 24 is the date for the Mayo Duathlon Series Race 2, taking place at Belleek Athletic Track, Ballina. The event is organised by Liquid Motion Triathlon Club, Ballina.

Liquid Motion Triathlon Club has mapped out a new route for the duathlon, which will include a 2k run, a 20k bike race and a 4k run.

Entrants must have full Triathlon Ireland membership or a one day race licence to enter, and must be over the age of 18.

Entries are now open, with a closing date of March 22. The individual entry fee is €20 and the relay fee is €40.

Further information is available by emailing info@liquidmotion.ie.

Attymass fundraising dance

Attymass Parish is organising a fundraising dance and raffle on Friday, March 15, the start of the St Patrick’s Day public holiday weekend.

The event will take place in the Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone with live music by Kelly’s Heroes, John Glynn and the Wranglers.

The proceeds will be used to upgrade the drainage at the back of Attymass Parish Church.

Confirmation dates for Ballina primary schools

The Parish of Kilmoremoy has circulated the dates and times for children’s confirmations this year. All ceremonies will take place in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina.

Dates and times for the following Ballina primary schools are: St Oliver Plunkett National School, The Quay, 11am on Saturday, February 24; Culleens National School, 2pm on Saturday, February 24; Scoil Iosa, 11am on Friday, March 8; Breaffy National School, 11am on Saturday March 9; Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol, 2pm on Saturday, March 9; and Behy National School, 11am on Saturday, April 13.

Active travel funding on the way

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD has confirmed that the Ballina area is set to benefit from Active Travel Funding to the tune of €420,500 this year.

Funding for projects at Creggs Road (€223,500), The Quay National School (€50,000), Scoil Íosa (€50,000), Belleek Arch (€22,000) and for pedestrian crossings in the town (€75,000) has been secured by the Mayo TD.

Projects in the Killala and Moygownagh area will also receive funding under the scheme.

A total of €290m will be spent nationally on cycling and walking infrastructure in 2024 through this Government programme.

Bridge Club welcomes new players

Ballina Bridge Club is delighted to welcome new members along to its regular Tuesday night sessions in The Moy Club, Ballina. Games for the club’s members commence each week at 7.30pm. For information, contact 087-2131145.

The results of the game played on Tuesday, February 6, were as follows: 1st, Ann Ivers and Josie Cawley; 2nd, Trish Slowey and Mary Lowry; 3rd, Ann and Sean Callaghan; 4th, Margaret and James Munnelly; 5th, Gerry Scanlon and Francis Walkin; and 6th, Betty Gormley and Niall Kilroy.

Valentine’s event and fashion show from Craoibhín

Craoibhín Ballina is hosting a Valentine’s Coffee Morning in its centre at Cathedral Road, Ballina on Thursday, February 15, between 11am and 1pm. There will be live music, refreshments and a raffle on the day. The cost is €7 per person and everyone is welcome.

Craoibhín Ballina, which was established in 2008 by Moy Valley Resources IRD and is open to any adult who experiences social isolation, loneliness or who would like to make a friend in the community, is planning a fashion show for Sunday, April 7. The Spring/Summer Fashion Show will take place in the Kennedy Glasgow Centre, The Quay, Ballina from 2 to 4pm. Tickets are available from Craoibhín Ballina.

Contact the organisation for further information on 087-2785365.

Rouse hopes for bigger voter turnout in Ballina election

Since putting his name forward as a candidate in the forthcoming Ballina Municipal District elections, Hugh Rouse has expressed his surprise at the number of people not registered to vote in their electoral area.

This year there are local elections and referenda, and the possibility of a general election.

“Now more than ever people should be exercising their votes. We live in a democratic society and people need to vote for positive change,” said Mr Rouse.

“I would urge people at a local level to check the register as soon as they can. This applies to first time voters, young and old, and people who have moved to the area. I would also ask female voters in particular to check to see if their details are up to date.

“In 2019, there was only a 59% voter turnout in Ballina, one of the lowest in Mayo, which could be down to voters not correctly registered. Ballina voters need to make their vote count,” he said.

You can check if you are on the register by contacting Mayo County Council or on www. checktheregister.ie.

The late Gerry Moore

The death has taken place of Gerry Moore, 29 Millview Crescent, Ballina.

Gerry was the beloved husband of Una. He will be sadly missed by his wife, brothers Padraig, Robert, Mary, Rose and Brian, niece Lynda, and nephews Jason, Conor, Daniel, Brian and Adam. Gerry was the much loved granduncle to Kaitlyn, Oscar, Shane, Anna and Kennedy. He will be greatly missed by his relatives, neighbours and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Gerry and Mary.

Gerry reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Saturday, followed by a private cremation service.

Ballina Chamber Business Outlook Survey

Ballina Chamber of Commerce is carrying out a Business Outlook Survey which will help the organisation to support its business plan and tailor its lobbying strategy during this, an election year.

The survey, which deals with everything from safety and transport, to legislation and the minimum wage, will form the basis of a report from the Chamber that will identify the issues facing businesses in the area and its plans to address these issues.

New officers elected at retirement group AGM

Six officers and an executive committee were elected by members at the annual general meeting of Ballina Active Retirement Association, held in The Pastoral Centre, Ballina on Thursday last, February 8.

At the AGM, the group’s secretary, Pauline Gray, gave her report on the past year’s activities. Treasurer Bernie Cawley outlined the income and expenditure accounts for the year and answered questions from the floor while the chairperson Noreen Baker thanked all the team for their hard work throughout 2023, and for their loyal support. One of the highlights of 2023 was the celebration of the 21st anniversary of Ballina Active Retirement Association in November.

Various items were discussed and agreed on by the members at the meeting, and the new executive committee and officers were elected for 2024.

Officers elected were as follows: Chairperson, Noreen Baker; Deputy Chairperson, Linda Neary; Secretary, Pauline Gray; Assistant Secretary, Rosemary Armstrong; Treasurer, Bernie Cawley; and Assistant Treasurer, Breege Garrett.   

Among the group’s activities for the week ahead are a whist session on Wednesday, February 14, and chair yoga on Thursday, February 15. There are also plans for an outing and overnight stay in Westport during March.