Local Notes: Ballina to be represented in Credit Union national finals
Pictured at the presentation of prizes at Ballina Credit Union (BCU) Art Competition 2024 were, front row, from left: Tobias Laszczenwski, Conal Goonan, Liam Grant, Molly Philbin and Shanagh Heffron, all from Behy National School, Ballina. Back row, from left: Margaret Reddington (Director, BCU), Mark Winters (Chairman, BCU), David Dwane (Director, BCU) and Pat Farrell (Volunteer, BCU).
Two local participants in the 2024 Credit Union Art Competition have been selected to go forward to the national finals of the prestigious event, following their selection last week at chapter/regional level.
Representing Ballina Credit Union will be Declan Stenson, from Cooga, Easkey, and Kevin Lee Sweeney, from Rose Cottage, Corrimbla, Ballina. Both boys had initially qualified when they won the first stage of the competition, which was organised by their credit union in Ballina.
The theme for the 2024 Credit Union Art Competition – now in its 41st year - was ‘The Joys of Life’, and hundreds of entries were received by Ballina Credit Union from across the North Mayo and West Sligo region for the first stage of the competition.
Alongside the award winners, parents, teachers and credit union personnel Mark Winters (Chair), Margaret Reddington (Director), David Dwane (Director), Pat Farrell (BCU Volunteer) and Lavinia Kelly also attended the first-stage presentation ceremony in Ballina earlier this month.
Celebrating life's simple pleasures and treasured moments through the likes of beautiful sunsets, sharing laughter with friends, or spending time with loved ones, the theme encouraged participants to highlight their precious memories.
Prizewinners included: Tobias Laszczenwski, Behy National School; Molly Philbin, Behy National School; Conall Goonan, Behy National School; Shanagh Heffron, Behy National School; Liam Grant, Behy National School; Kamila Kersanskaite, Foxford National School; Bronagh McHale, Foxford National School; Kevin Lee Sweeney, Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey; Ana Barrios, Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey; Fia Ritchie, Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey; Liam Coll, Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey; Declan Stenson, Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey; Rian Cawley, Stokane National School; Matthew McManamy, Corballa National School; Adam Crawley, Corballa National School; Ryan Hargadon, Templeboy; Grace Hughes, Ballina; and Bobby Duffy, Foxford.
Young Killala artist Teresa Coen, representing Newtownwhite Educate Together National School, Ballysakeery, Ballina, was placed first in her category in the 8-10 age group at the national finals of the 2021/2022 Credit Union Art Competition, after proceeding from the Ballina Credit Union stage of the competition through to the final stage. Teresa’s artwork was selected for the 2023 calendar from the Irish Credit Union movement.
Around 25,000 entries are received from across the country every year for the first stages of this nationwide art competition.
Alongside the annual Credit Union Schools’ Quiz, the first round of which will begin again in January 2025, the Credit Union Art Competition is the largest of the credit union movement’s national initiatives.
The annual Belleek 10k Run will take place this coming Sunday, December 1. The hugely popular race is organised by Ballina Athletic Club and has become a staple in the local running calendar, bringing together the community in celebration of health and sport.
The event starts at 12 noon, taking competitors through the beautiful Belleek Forest and along the banks of Mayo’s longest river, the River Moy.
The members of Ballina Dragons, a dedicated community group known for its commitment to making a difference, have once again shown their support for those in need.
Earlier this month, the group presented thoughtfully curated care packs to Mayo Oncology Unit to provide comfort and encouragement to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Each care pack contained carefully selected items, aimed at easing the journey for patients. The initiative was made possible by the group's own fundraising efforts and generous contributions from Ballina companies Molloy's Pharmacies and Ultra-Pure Labs.
"We know how challenging this time can be for patients and their families," said Denise Swanick, spokesperson for Ballina Dragons. "Our goal was to provide a little bit of comfort and show that the community is behind them every step of the way."
The Mayo Oncology Unit staff expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, saying that the care packs mean so much to patients, helping to remind them that they are not alone in their journey and that the community is there to support them.
Ballina Dragons will also deliver care bags to Cancer Care West’s Inis Aoibhinn residential facility in Galway City on December 13.
The Care Pack initiative reflects Ballina Dragons' ongoing commitment to paying forward with gratitude. Ballina Dragons 2025 calendars are currently available, produced in conjunction with the group’s charity partners Breast Cancer Ireland. And recently the local group, which started life as a Dragon Boat Club, was involved in the ‘This is a Sign’ breast cancer awareness campaign, reinforcing its objective to always making a positive impact.
For more information about Ballina Dragons, or to support its future projects, please contact Denise Swanick on 086-2385542 or visit www.ballinadragons.com.
The death has taken place of Patricia Lyons (née Gilmartin), 130 Classiebawn Drive, Cartron Point, Sligo Town and formerly of Laughty House, Ballina.
Patricia was the dearly loved wife of John and cherished mother to Shauna, Gemma and Shane.
She will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her husband, daughters, son, sisters Mary Dunne (Carlow) and Geraldine Langan (Ballina), brothers P.J. (Ballina) and John (Ballina), sister-in-law Lavinia, brothers-in-law Hubert, Micheal (Bernie), Joe and Leslie, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Breege.
Patricia reposed at her home. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, Ballytivnan, Co Sligo on Monday of last week, followed by burial in Rathcormac Cemetery, Co Sligo.
The annual sale of homemade cakes, jams, chutneys and mince pies, along with hampers and various items of bric-a-brac, will be held in Ballina Presbyterian Church Hall on Saturday, November 30. All are welcome to come along to the church hall on Walsh Street, Ballina from 2pm.
The death has taken place of Chris Donegan, Manchester and late of Carrick, Attymass, Ballina.
Chris was the beloved father of Sandra and Louise, devoted grandfather to Daisy, Ollie and Macy, a cherished brother to Phil and Joe, a dear father-in-law to Paul and Matt, and a much-loved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbour.
He was predeceased by his wife Angela, sisters Annie May and Lil, and brother Michael.
Chris will be buried today, Tuesday, in Hollinwood Cemetery, Failsworth, Manchester following Funeral Mass in St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Failsworth.
Ballina Carers Support Group is busy preparing for the annual Quiz Night, where lots of great prizes will be on offer.
The fundraising quiz will be held in The Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Sligo Road, Ballina at 9pm on Thursday, November 28. The quizmaster will be Avril Greham.
Ballina Carers Support Group expressed its gratitude to those businesses in Ballina, Crossmolina and surrounding areas that have donated prizes for the raffle.
Jack Murray, Gavin Brennan, Barry Walsh and Cody Devaney-Gallagher will have the distinction of representing St Muredach’s College, Ballina in the All-Ireland final of the Feachtas Tráth na gCeist quiz competition in Dublin next March.
The team of four boys came out on top after thirteen teams from around the region competed in the annual Irish-language schools’ quiz contest, which took place in St Muredach’s College last Tuesday.
Mayo COPD Support Group will meet again on Thursday, November 28. The meeting at 2.30pm in the Tennis Club, Lannagh Road, Castlebar will be addressed by a respiratory physiotherapist on breathing techniques.
The death has taken place of Maureen Forde (née Roberts), Greenhills Estate, Ballina and formerly of Walsall, West Midlands, UK.
Maureen was the beloved wife of John and loving mother to Simon, Jonathan, Stella, Joanna, Katrina, Cleo and Corey.
She will be sadly missed by her husband, sons, daughters, grandchildren Jay, Callum, Logan, Natalie, Declan, Anthony, Sophie, Michael, Conor, Billie and Frankie, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law Jonathan and John, daughters-in-law Julie and Carla, brother David, sister Kathy, nephews, nieces, best friend Mary, relatives, friends and her dog Spike.
She was predeceased by her parents Edith and Fred Roberts.
Maureen reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday last. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Thursday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
There are still some tickets available for this weekend’s Midwinter Melodies, a night of delightful music by candlelight which will be presented in St Muredach’s Cathedral on Friday, November 29 at 8pm.
The concert, which will raise money for the St Muredach’s Cathedral Restoration Fund, will feature St Muredach’s Cathedral Choir and St Mary’s Secondary School Choir under the direction of musical director, Regina Deacy. Several local musicians will also take part.
Eurovision singer Eimear Quinn and local baritone Alan McGinty will be the guest performers, while former newsreader Eileen Dunne will be master of ceremonies for the night.
Tickets are available online, with no booking fee, at www.ballinaparish.org. You can also buy tickets between 9am and 5pm daily from the Kilmoremoy Parish Office, which is located on the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral. Telephone 096-70555 for more information.
Fr Brendan Hoban has a very interesting article about the history of the Cathedral in his weekly column in this week's edition.
The death has taken place of Patrick (Padraic) McBain, Quignalecka, Ballina and formerly of Fortland, Easkey, Co. Sligo.
Patrick was the former town foreman in Ballina and tributes were paid to him at the meeting of Ballina Municipal District last week (see news section).
Patrick was much loved by his children John, Ken, Michelle, Greg and Yvonne. He will also be sadly missed by his sister Maureen (Gaughan), his adored grandchildren Diane, Lauren, Rebecca, Grace, Faye and Kénon, son-in-law, partners, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and his many friends from Ballina Town Council.
He was predeceased by Eileen, the love of his life, and by his brother Dermie.
Patrick reposed at his residence in Quignalecka, Ballina on Tuesday of last week, Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Wednesday, followed by burial in Roslea Cemetery, Easkey.
The Mayo branch of the Retired Civil and Public Servants Association is holding a meeting in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on Tuesday next, December 3. The RCPSA meeting is taking place from 11am to 1pm and all retirees are welcome to come along.
The death has taken place of Breege Keavney, Greenhills Estate, Ballina and formerly of Rathruyan, Killala Road, Ballina.
Breege was the beloved mother of Aaron and Alanna and partner of Frank. She will be sadly missed by her loving son, daughter, Frank, sisters Barbara, Teresa and Pauline, brothers Padraic, Dominick, Seamus, Tom and Eamon, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Dee and Delia, sister Kathy, and brothers John, Peter and Noel.
Breege reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Friday, with the funeral proceeding afterwards to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
Leaving Cert students will have an opportunity to see ‘Caith Amach É’ in Ballina next week. This smash hit comedy is based on the Leaving Cert Irish Oral picture sequences and has been seen by over 85,000 students in every county of the Republic over the past thirteen years.
It’s a fast-paced, physical, comic sketch show covering each of the 20 sraith pictiúir for the 2025 examination and is accessible to students of all levels.
‘Caith Amach É’ is a top-class production dealing with all sets for the Irish Oral test and features music, puppetry and live interaction.
The show is on Friday morning, December 6, at 10.30am. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.ballinaartscentre.com and cost €12. However, teachers go free. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com to book.
December begins on a high note at the Jackie Clarke Collection with music, a mini-mistletoe market, and a visit from the Claus family.
The Ballina museum’s Countdown to Christmas is for the whole family and is on Sunday next, December 1, from 2pm to 5pm, when the Pearse Street venue becomes a magical wonderland for three hours.
Children will enjoy a visit from Buddy the Elf, a free meet-and-greet with Mrs Claus and a special visitor from the North Pole.
The annual festive treasure hunt will take you around the streets of the town centre looking for clues, starting at 2pm.
As you wander through the mini-mistletoe markets to marvel at the festive stalls and admire the local crafts in the Seomra from Ballina Girl Guides, or to view the dazzling light show in the Sleeping Winter Garden of the Jackie Clarke Collection, you can also enjoy some festive tunes from DJ Pat Boyle.
Telephone 096-73508 for further details.
Whenever Ballina Punxx presents a show in town, you can be sure of a mad night of music.
A Wexford band will join musicians from Mayo, Sligo and Galway for the gig on Saturday, November 30, featuring three bands on stage in Ballina Arts Centre.
Mayo/Sligo three-piece Magnetic Monopole play heavy, dark prog, with a Gothic touch. Mike, Izzy and Brad form Magnetic Monopole, brandishing a noticeably punkish edge to their music. Expect heavy riffs from this trio, with pummelling bass and crushing drums, surrounded by soaring melodies. Their recent single ‘The Swamp’ will be among the songs which the Ballina audience can expect.
Peer Pleasure is a band that has gigged at punk festivals, pubs and squats across Northern Europe. The Wexford garage rockers have adopted a DIY ethos which has already taken them to Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Notable performances at home in Ireland include two consecutive slots at Electric Picnic, as well as at Whelans’ Summer Watch and Ones to Watch sessions. Peer Pleasure will launch a new album in 2025.
New five-piece punk rock band Asphyxia hail from Galway and Mayo, blending driving rhythms with raw vocals and dirty riffs to create their own energetic brand of this enduring genre. Asphyxia features Thomas Sweeney (vocals), Tommie Cassidy (guitar), Kevin Scully (bass) and Danny Gibbons (drums), and the band is a popular fixture of the Galway City music scene, where the lads’ recent single ‘Normality’ was quite an audience pleaser.
The Ballina gig will start at 9pm, and tickets can be bought for €10 online at www.ballinaartscentre.com, by calling 096-73593 or by emailing info@ballinaartscentre.com.
