Local Notes: Behy NS pupils receive First Holy Communion
Second Class pupils from Behy National School, Ballina pictured after receiving their First Holy Communion in St Muredach's Cathedral, Ballina recently. Also included in the photo are, back row, from left: Mark Sheridan (teacher), Pat Cunnane (Principal), Fr Anthony Gillespie and Maeve Moyles (SNA).
Congratulations to Grace Cunnane from Ballina who was the national winner in the Senior Videography category at this year’s Young Reporters for the Environment competition. The awards were presented at a ceremony in Portlaoise last week.
This annual competition engages young participants in environment-focused citizen journalism, encouraging them to investigate local environmental issues and solutions, and report on them through articles, photos, podcasts or videos. The An Taisce Environmental Education Unit runs the awards each year and its 2025/2026 theme was Food Security and Climate Change.
Grace’s victorious three-minute video essay explored the consequences of over-consumption of animal products, including how it affects Ireland and our planet, and urged people to consider how to reduce their environmental impact.
Grace is a second year student of St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina where her English teacher, Jessica Wall, has been a strong source of support.
Grace was also among several other second and sixth year business students from the Ballina school who secured a variety of awards at this year's Young Economist of the Year prizegiving presentation in the O’Reilly Hall of UCD in early May.
In a submission to the Seanad Public Consultation on Culture and Arts Infrastructure, Ballina-based artist group TheNCF Cultural Co-op has called for the enactment of the Co-operative Societies Bill to provide a better legal entity for small, non-profit co-operatives.
TheNCF Cultural Co-operative was founded in 2023 by a group of local, returning and immigrant artists with experience in DIY event organising, commercial cultural enterprise and participation in European art collectives.
Since then, TheNCF has managed to build a framework for increased night-time cultural activity in the town, filling a gap that has existed for small-scale events where the artist can take ownership.
The founding group consisted of local veterans of the DIY music scene and people with first-hand experience of participation in art collectives abroad who were aware of the lack of suitable facilities to stage events in a social context, especially at night, and the benefits the project could bring.
Among the many volunteers helping to run the organisation are Conor Hickey and Peter ‘Sid’ Murphy (joint chairpersons), Seosamh Ó Cathail (secretary), Noel Feeney (director), Serena Tarascio (director), Colm Cahill, Sean Gorman, Joe Clarke, Bernie Colhoun and Carmel McMahon.
TheNCF Cultural Co-op now has 250 members and operates, through licence from Mayo County Council, from a premises on Lower Pearse Street, Ballina, offering a maximum event capacity of 50.
The group’s submission also recommends that easier pathways be created for so-called ‘meanwhile use’ through a standard licensing system for municipal councils. This could help address concerns property managers may have in terms of risk/benefit, as they see it, and would also encourage the reduction of vacancy of council properties by meanwhile use opportunities for cultural producers.
It proposes that the model of the European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC) could be adopted in an Irish context to support the creation of cultural co-operatives around the country. TheNCF Cultural Co-operative is a member of the ENCC, which unites socio-cultural organisations across 39 countries.
The NCF Cultural Co-operative submission is available to view on its website at www.thencf.art.
The Attymass History and Heritage group invites everyone to join it for the Attymass Community Famine Walk on Sunday next.
The commemorative walk will amble through the historic Bearna na gCorp (Gap of the Bodies), the original wood path once used to carry the victims of the Great Famine to their final resting place in Bonnifinglas Graveyard. Prayers will be recited at the famine graves in Bonnifinglas Graveyard.
The walk start time from Mullahowney Bridge in Attymass on Sunday, May 24 is 2.30pm, moving via Ballycong to the final destination, in what is expected to be a one and a half hour journey. Participants may walk back or arrange to be picked up in Bonnifinglas.
The organisers urge those taking part in this memorial walk to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and suitable clothing as some parts of the wood path may be wet. You should bring your own refreshments. Hi-vis vests will be provided on the day and children are welcome too, but must be accompanied by an adult.
An outstanding highlight of Ballina Salmon Festival each year is National Heritage Day, with its outdoor spectacle of bewildering curiosities that recall the life and times of our ancestors and a huge range of stalls that will make your visit a memorable journey into the past.
The organisers are now inviting traders to take part in this year’s event, during which streets and squares in the town centre will be taken over by around 50,000 people for the day, keen to get a glimpse into the lives of generations past.
Commercial businesses, food and truck vendors, and craft people who would like to sell and promote their work are invited to apply to trade. If you are eager to showcase and sell your products, then you can register your Expression of Interest via the social media pages of Ballina Salmon Festival. The closing date for applications is Friday, July 3.
National Heritage Day 2026 will also feature a superb programme of live Irish and international entertainment acts, delicious food, and stunning arts and crafts.
National Heritage Day 2026 will take place on Wednesday, July 15, from 10am to 6pm, while Ballina Salmon Festival starts on Sunday, July 12, running until Sunday, July 19.
The death has taken place of Kevin Brownlee, Ballisodare, Co Sligo and formerly of Ballina.
Kevin will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his children Kevin, Pamela and Colleen, grandchildren Daniel, Louis, Mackayla and Sophia, and brother Stephen.
He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Nancy Brownlee.
Kevin reposed at J.B. Perry and Sons Funeral Home, Collooney, Co Sligo. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina, followed by burial at Leigue Cemetery, Ballina on Saturday, May 9.
May he rest in peace.
Mayo Recovery College, a HSE and Mental Health Ireland-supported organisation based in the Castlebar campus of Atlantic Technological University, will run a Community Outreach session on navigating grief in Ballina next week.
The purpose of Mayo Recovery College West is to create a culture of recovery, improve quality of life and promote social inclusion by empowering people with mental health challenges, their families, friends and the community through co-produced education and learning together.
‘Exploring Grief’ is an educational module from the college which will explore some of the causes and effects of grief and look at the ways we can best help someone going through the grieving experience. Everyone is welcome to attend the session in Ballina Public Library, Pearse Street (upstairs) on Friday, May 29, from 10am to 1pm.
Further information is available by calling Billy Clarke on 086-0773038, or email billy@mentalhealthireland.ie. You can also visit the Mayo Recovery College website at www.recoverycollegewest.ie.
If you are thinking about weaning your baby any time soon, you might be interested in upcoming Weaning Workshops with the HSE Community Dietitian and Public Health Nurse.
The first session will take place in Ballina Public Library tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20 at 10am. Babies are welcome, but booking is essential. Please contact Olivia at odonohoe@mayococo.ie, or telephone the library on 094-9064442 for further information.
Ballina Agricultural Show has announced that Patrick Feeney will be the star entertainment attraction at this year’s annual event on Sunday, July 12.
Livestock displays, crafts, food stalls, family entertainment and more make this annual outing a huge favourite for the thousands who are attracted to Ballina Showgrounds each year.
Known for his heartfelt performances and powerful tenor voice, Sligo-born country singer Patrick Feeney has been bringing a unique blend of inspirational and uplifting music to audiences across Ireland and beyond this year as part of his ‘Voice of Hope’ tour.
The Sligo-born country and gospel singer will be on stage in the afternoon.
A project of Moy Valley Resources IRD, Craoibhín Ballina is dedicated to opening up social, learning and exercise opportunities for people in the North Mayo area.
There are regular activities from Monday to Friday each week at the club’s comfortable and spacious centre in the vacated St Anne’s Secondary School building, which is located in the grounds of the former Convent of Mercy campus on McDermott Street, Ballina.
Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20), there are seated exercise classes from 10am to 11am, Spanish conversation from 11am to 12 noon and a two-hour bingo session in the afternoon, starting at 2pm.
On Thursday morning, you can avail of exercise lessons with an instructor from 10am or play boccia from 11am to 1pm. In the afternoon, chair yoga takes place for an hour from 2.30pm and French conversation is from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
The regular two-hour art class is on Friday from 10.30am, and Irish conversation is from 12 noon to 2pm.
You can learn how to play a musical instrument from 11am on Monday morning next, develop your knitting and crochet skills on Tuesday from 11am to 1pm, or take part in creative workshops from 2pm to 4pm, also on Tuesday. Booking is essential for the creative workshops because of a limited number of places.
To book a place, or for more information about any of the above activities, please contact Craoibhín Ballina at 087-2785365.
Ballina Braves Basketball Club is looking for volunteers to help support its growing club membership and community, as preparations begin for the 2026–2027 season.
Table officials, under-age team managers and general volunteers are being sought by this nationally-successful basketball club. No matter how big or small the role you can play, every bit of help will make a huge difference to the club’s players and members for the year ahead.
If you are willing to volunteer for this forthcoming season, or just want more information, then please contact the social media pages of Ballina Braves Basketball Club.
The death has taken place of Henry Kelly, Quignashee, Ballina and formerly of Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK.
Henry was the beloved husband of Maureen and loving father to Rory and Olivia. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son, daughter, brother Robert (UK), sister Jean (UK), daughter-in-law Sinead Lowther, son-in-law Martin Blair, grandchildren Ronan, Éabha, Jude, Harry, Cormac, Fiah, Evanna and Naoise, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Michael and May Kelly (UK), siblings, nephews and nieces.
Henry reposed at his residence on Thursday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Friday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
Craoibhín Ballina is looking for a volunteer who is fluent in, or confident in speaking, Spanish. The role will help to facilitate the Spanish Conversation Group which meets in the centre every week.
The volunteer will support friendly and relaxed Spanish conversation sessions for participants interested in practicing and improving their language skills. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys languages and culture, and who would like to help out in the community. The group meets on Wednesdays, from 11am to 12pm.
If you are interested in offering your services, or would like more information, then please get in touch with Craoibhín Ballina on 087-2785365 or email craoibhinballina@gmail.com.
Mary Gavaghan, from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will give a lunchtime talk in Ballina Library this afternoon (Tuesday, May 19) about biodiversity in our local environment, and how light pollution affects their habitats and natural environment.
‘Day & Night – Call of the Wild’ is a free talk in Ballina Public Library, Pearse Street, starting at 1.30pm, and everyone is welcome to come along.
Mary is based at Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy.
Ballina-based Mayo Volunteer Centre will mark National Volunteering Week in its own special way on Friday with the screening of six new videos that showcase the remarkable work of volunteer groups and projects from around Mayo, including two from Ballina.
Mayo Volunteer Centre, which operates with Government funds under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources IRD, has invited the Minister for Social Protection and Community Development Dara Calleary to launch the premiere in Ballina Arts Centre at 11am on Friday, May 22.
The Friends of St Joseph's Hospital Ballina film will show how volunteers helped to revamp the hospital building and grounds, making them a beautiful and healing space for patients and visitors alike. In The Global Kitchen video, the audience can watch how volunteer chefs from Ukraine, Algeria, Jordan, India, Sudan and Pakistan cooked up a feast for the local community as part of Ballina Fringe Festival, itself a very successful volunteer-led organisation.
The other four Mayo groups to be showcased will be Mayo Foróige’s Big Brother/Big Sister, Mayo Autism Camp, Mayo Super Knitters and St Colman's Care Centre CLG.
The team at Mayo Volunteer Centre includes Kim Merrifield (Manager), Vincent McHale (Development Officer), Edel Gallagher (Development Officer) and Arlene Monteith (Community Engagement Officer).
Everyone is invited along to this free event, which runs from 11am to 1pm.
National Volunteering Week runs from May 18 to 22.
An end-of-year show for The Core Mayo will feature 10-plus young bands on stage in Ballina Arts Centre this coming Saturday, May 22.
The Core Mayo is a resource for musicians and schools across the county, operated under the auspices of Music Generation Mayo, and working out of its own dedicated space in Ballina Arts Centre. Music Generation is a national programme that was initiated 15 years ago by U2 and The Ireland Funds to help ensure that everyone, no matter what their background, can get access to music tuition.
At The Core Mayo, not only can young people aged between 12 and 18 receive music lessons, but they can also engage in workshops, camps and regular performance opportunities such as open mics and showcases. The Core Mayo helps provide young people with confidence-building space for their creativity in a friendly and communal setting.
The free Ballina show on Friday will run from 6pm to 9pm.
Bonniconlon will extend a warm welcome to visitors during its Welcome Home Week this summer. Taking place from July 31 to August 9, the local community council is behind the festival that will bring a lively carnival atmosphere to the village, with plans for a wide range of events and entertainment for every age group.
During the Welcome Home Week, celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the popular Bonniconlon Agricultural Show on Monday, August 3 will add further to the festive excitement.
