Local Notes: Ballina's new €1m Scout Hall goes to tender
The team from the Quay National School won first place in the U-13 category at the Ballina Credit Union Schools Quiz at Ballina Community Sports Centre. Back row, from left: Niamh Howley, Anne Tracey, Pat Farrell, David Dwane, Anne Garvin. Front row: Cian Gillespie, Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy. Picture: John O'Grady
Tenders are been sought for the building of the new 5th Mayo Scout and Community Hall in Belleek, Ballina, for which funding of €1,152,000 was secured 11 months ago under the Community Centres Investment Fund.
The new centre will benefit the 5th Mayo Scout Unit and other groups using the recreational facilities of Belleek Forest.
Long-serving member of the 5th Mayo Scout Unit Benny Walkin, who has been involved with the organisation for 61 years, said that this is a great news story for Ballina.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped to get us to this stage of the process, especially Minister Dara Calleary, himself a former Boy Scout in the Ballina Unit, along with Mayo North East, Coillte, Ballina Municipal District councillors and the Head of Ballina Municipal District, Declan Turnbull,” said Benny.
“There are many others who have contributed as well, and everyone’s help is greatly appreciated,” he said.
The tender for the proposed Ballina Scout Den and Community Centre project was published last week. The project site is located at Belleek, with an approximate required building area between 316 and 400 square metres, situated on a site size of 0.306 hectares.
The tender notice explains that the project is a joint venture involving Mayo North East LEADER Partnership CLG and 5th Mayo Scout Group Ballina CLG, and is to procure a community centre in a part of Ballina where there is none and to open it to several community groups, especially the many organisations that visit Belleek Forest.
The 5th Mayo Scout Troop was originally established in Ballina in 1933 and operated from the former boys’ school on Teeling Street for a number of years. Thousands of members have passed through its ranks since the group’s foundation.
The current Scout Den at Teeling Street, which was built in 1969 on church-owned property at the rear of the former Ballina Town Hall, is no longer fit for purpose for the 100 members of the unit, which operates Beaver, Cub, Scout and Venturer sections for young people in the area.
It is hoped that the sod-turning ceremony for the development will take place in early summer and that the new Scout Hall can be occupied in the first half of 2026.
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol, Ballina is holding a fundraiser on Sunday, March 15, in the Great National Hotel, starting at 8pm.
The event promises to be a twist on the popular ‘Dancing with the Stars’ television show, with a lively and fun evening guaranteed.
Tickets, priced at €20, are available from the primary school by calling 087-9152568, or from the Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina. The charity partner is River Moy Search and Rescue.
Your support for this worthy cause will be greatly appreciated.
Dermot Hopkins, who died suddenly at his residence in Knockleagha, Ballina, was a highly regarded singer.
Dermot, a painter by trade, was best known for his work with several local bands from the 1960s onwards, including The Bobby McCafferty group, and as a wedding performer.
Dermot will be sadly missed by his sister Geraldine, brother-in-law Michael Grehan, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues from the music business.
Dermot was the last of the native male residents of Knockleagha Cottages, which are located close to Ballina Railway Station.
He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Annie Hopkins, his brothers Des, Ivan, Stephen and Ted, and his sisters Mary, Nano and Dorothy.
Dermot reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Tuesday, followed by committal prayers in McGowan’s Funeral Home and a private cremation afterwards.
Liquid Motion’s Spring Duathlon is back by popular demand for a second year.
After such positive feedback from last year’s race, the Ballina-based sports group has announced the return of the event on Sunday, March 30.
The course will consist of a 2km run to begin with, followed by a 20km bike race, and finishing off with a 4km run.
The duathlon begins at 10am in Ballina Athletic Track and entries are now being accepted. Visit the Triathlon Ireland website to sign up immediately.
The death has taken place of Mary (May) Kate Harrison, 66 Libadore, Ballina and formerly of Cloona.
May will be deeply regretted by her nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Bridget, her brothers Martin, Frank, Padraic and Joe, and her sister Bridie Mulderrig.
May reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
The results of the game played by members of Ballina Bridge Club on Tuesday, February 11 were as follows: 1st, H. Moran and M. Gilvarry; 2nd, S. and A. Callaghan; 3rd, A. Ivers and B. Mulligan; 4th, V. Baynes and D. Hackett; and 5th, N. Kilroy and J. Cawley.
The results of the game held on Tuesday, February 18 were as follows: North/South – 1st, A. Ivers and J. Cawley; 2nd, T. Slowey and M. Lowry; and 3rd, G. Scanlon and F. Walkin. East/West - 1st, H. Moran and M. Gilvarry; 2nd, S. and A. Callaghan; and 3rd, J. and M. Munnelly.
Ballina Salmon Festival 2025 will take place almost a week later than its traditional dates.
Widely recognised as one of the West’s premier annual community festivals for over six decades, this year’s event is running from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19, with the promise of a spectacular programme of entertainment.
Further information will be announced in the coming months.
The death has taken place of Philomena Clarke, Toronto, Canada and formerly of Gortogher, Cloghans, Ballina.
Philomena will be sadly missed by her loving son Steven, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandson Dean, brothers Frank, Micheál and Vincent, sisters Bríd, Helen and Bernie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and a large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Teresa, and brothers Michael Joseph, Seamús, Padraic and John.
Philomena’s Funeral Mass was held in the Chapel of St Joseph, Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Longstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. Interment followed in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
Billy Corcoran will provide the live music for an afternoon tea dance in Ardagh Community Centre, Ballina on Sunday next, March 9.
The Ardagh Social Services Tea Dance has a 4pm start, finishing at 6pm. Tea, cake and plenty of music to tempt those dancing feet will cost just €5, payable at the door. The event is open to all-comers.
The Killala and Tuam Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be led this year by Archbishop Francis Duffy, Apostolic Administrator of Killala.
The pilgrimage to the popular French Marian Shrine will place from August 29 to September 4. 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 €995, which includes accommodation in the Hotel Agena.
The death has taken place in the USA of Joe Mullarkey, Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA and formerly of 28, Morrison Terrace, Ballina.
Joe, who was born in Ballina in 1935, will be sadly missed by his family and friends in the USA and Ballina, including his children, grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary, whom he married in 1959 and who died just four months ago, and also by his son James, his sisters Maureen and Peggy, and his brother Sean.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Joe’s life was held on February 22 in the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, Wethersfield, followed by burial in Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield, Connecticut.
A day-long festive atmosphere will extend around Ballina on St Patrick’s Day this year.
The annual parade on Monday, March 17, to be led by Grand Marshal Norah Patten, will start at 3pm, promising some exciting floats, lots of colour and plenty of music.
The theme is ‘Reach for the Stars’, as Ballina native Norah, an aeronautical engineer, looks likely to become the first person from Ireland to go into space.
And from 12pm that afternoon, a Children’s Fun Fair will provide entertainment in Market Square, running until 7pm in the evening. The Fun Fair will include a Carousel Toy Ride, Kids’ Chair-o-Planes and other amusements.
The death has taken place of Neil McCarron, Sligo Road, Ballina and formerly of Cleagh, Conmany, County Donegal.
Neil was the beloved husband of Olive and dear father to Alan and Elaine (Manulla).
He will be sadly missed by his adored wife, son, daughter, grandchildren Ríain, Odhran, Colum, Cara, Alannah and Callum, daughter-in-law Jilly, son-in-law Kevin, brother John, sisters Hannah and Elizabeth, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Sarah, brothers Brian and Packie, and sisters Sadie, Delia and Mary-Ellen.
Neil reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, followed by a private cremation service.
Craoibhín Ballina will host a St Patrick's Celebration in the centre on Thursday, March 13, from 11am to 1pm. Refreshments will be served, with music and a raffle adding to the entertainment. The cost is €5 per person and everyone is welcome to come along.
In the meantime, music teacher Maria will be on hand at Craoibhín Ballina next Monday to introduce people to the world of the instrumentalist. Learning to play a musical instrument will be made to look easy for anyone who wants to join in, and this fun session will last for one hour every Monday, from 11am to 12pm. The cost is €10.
For more information, please call the Craoibhín Ballina centre on Cathedral Road on 087-2785365.
Buggy Buddies is an initiative from Mayo Sports Partnership and is a physical activity programme for parents, childminders, grandparents etc, to participate in with their little ones. It is part of the many events taking place this week to mark Women in Sport Week.
For more information, please contact Sheenagh in Ballina Family Resource Centre by email at admin@ballinafrc.com. You can also call 096-75573 or 087-0618525.
The death has taken place of Noreen Jackson (née Doherty), Behy Road, Ballina and formerly of Church Road, Ballina.
Noreen was the beloved wife of Martin and dear mother to James, Laura, Martin, Pearse, Damien, David, Marie, Mark, and Noreen. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband, sons, daughters, grandchildren Felix, Adara and Coby, daughter-in-law Erin, brothers Tommy and Billy, sisters Marian, Ann and Eileen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Mary and Tom Doherty, brother Paddy and sister Betty Rodgers.
Noreen 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 Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
The music of classic rock bands such as Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple and Van Halen will take centre stage in Ballina Arts Centre this weekend.
On Saturday night, March 8, the Rock Icons Show brings much-loved songs and instrumentals from these and other legendary acts to Ballina.
Prepare for an unforgettable night of rock music from top-class musicians and singers, featuring some of the greatest rock anthems ever recorded. From the classic riffs of Deep Purple to the anthemic energy of Bon Jovi and the atmospheric brilliance of Pink Floyd, the show celebrates the timeless hits of rock’s most iconic bands.
Tickets for this electrifying show, which starts at 8pm, are priced at €28.50 and can be purchased online via www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
A Bereavement Support Group meeting will take place next Wednesday, March 12, at 8pm in the Newman Institute, Ballina. Trained facilitators will offer their services to those requiring support.
The Newman Institute is located on the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina and the group will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of each month.
All are welcome and there is no need to book in advance.
The highly anticipated Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference is set to return to Ballina this year, bringing together global leaders, scientists, activists and policymakers to address the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
The conference is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27, and will be hosted in venues throughout the town.
Meanwhile, the monthly Swap Shop at the Mary Robinson Centre, Emmett Street will be held in the Climate Hub on this coming Saturday, March 8, from 2pm to 4pm.
To take part in the Swap Shop, you can bring along up to five items which must be clean, gently used and in good condition, and which may include clothes, books, toys and plants. Once you arrive, you will receive tokens for each item you are swapping. You can then use these tokens to purchase or swap new items from the selection available on the afternoon. There is usually something for everyone at the Swap Shop.
Electrical items or food items such as baby formula cannot be accepted. Also ineligible for swapping are toys with a cord over 30cm, car seats, baby slings or other safety equipment.
The Mary Robinson Centre is located on Emmet Street, Ballina (opposite St Muredach’s Cathedral), and access to the centre’s Climate Hub is via Moy Lane, immediately to the left of the building.
