Local Notes: Charities to benefit from Ballina Lions Club Golf Classic
John Carroll (centre), the chairperson of Ballina Lions Club Golf Classic, is presented with a sponsorship cheque by Alan Burns, General Manager of Connolly’s Ballina. Also present are, on the left, Ivan Beattie (Ballina Lions Club), Keith Derrig (VW Sales Manager, Connolly’s) and, on the right, Brian Hopkins (Ballina Lions Club). The charity golf classic on May 2 will raise money for The Sunflower Children’s Hospice and Ballina Autism Friendly Town.
The Sunflower Children’s Hospice and Ballina Autism Friendly Town will benefit from the annual Ballina Lions Club Golf Classic on Saturday, May 2. The classic will be played in Ballina Golf Club.
John Carroll, Golf Classic Chairperson, is urging golfers of all standards to enter a team, enjoy a great day out and help support two very worthy charities.
“Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Castlebar is the first in the west of Ireland and will provide best-in-class care for children and their families during very difficult times. And Ballina Autism Friendly Town will use the funds to run summer camps and other events throughout the year, bringing some fun and respite to families,” said John.
Entry is €200 for a team of four and the timesheet is now open for bookings at Ballina Golf Club on 096-21050, where Tina or Eddie will be happy to help.
The wider community is also asked to consider a donation to the charity event via the Ballina Lions Club website at www.ballinalionsclub.ie.
Ballina Lions Club has thanked the main sponsors of the event - Connolly Motor Group, Gavin Opticians, EzeWarm, Moloney’s SuperValu, Brown Thomas (Galway) and Connacht Whiskey - for their continued support.
“We have fantastic ladies and gents prizes to hand out at the end of a good day’s golf and fun,” added John.
Any queries can be directed to John Carroll on 086-8277232.
Good wishes have been extended to the team from The Quay National School that will be contesting the All-Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz final on Sunday next in Dublin, the largest competition of its kind in Ireland.
The Under-11 team from the Ballina school, also known as Quignamanger NS, and the town’s largest primary school, took the top prizes in the first two stages of the annual competition, going on to earn a place in the national final.
The winning team from The Quay, which represents Ballina Credit Union, includes Ysanne Harrison, Joe Tighe, Oisín Martin and Oisín Murphy.
Over the years, the local school has been one of the most successful in Connacht at All-Ireland level.
In 2024, The Quay National School Under-11 team won at national level, while the Under-13 team from the same school was awarded joint runners-up prize. The Quay National School Under-11 team also won the national title in 2014, and again in 2019, and came in joint runners-up in 2023.
Success continued again last year when the school’s Under-13 team captured the top prize in the All-Ireland Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz final. Team members were Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy and Cian Gillespie.
The All-Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz attracts over 25,000 students annually. The county final was hosted by Ballina Credit Union on March 6 last. Running over three stages from February to April, the competition culminates in the national final in the Main Hall of the RDS, Dublin on April 19.
A lucky winner on two consecutive weeks in the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50/50 Cash Draw was Helen Mills, taking home €250 and €300 from two draws. Other recent winners were Páidí Hughes (€315) and John Durkan and Caoimhe Gilvarry (€335).
A country music festival in The Great National Hotel Ballina this weekend will feature live performances from Trudi Lalor, Shawn Cuddy, Chloe Winters, Carmel McLoughlin and Kevin Logue, who will be joining the star of the show, celebrated country music singer Mick Flavin.
The shows will run across three nights, April 17, 18 and 19.
Tickets cost €15, and further information is available from hotel reception at 096-23600.
The death has taken place of Carmel Farrell (née O’Hora), Rehins, Ballina.
Carmel was the beloved mother of Gerard, Mary, Peter, Aileen, Edel, Majella, Oliver and Martin.
She will be sadly missed by her sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons-in-law Sean, Alan, Clarence and Rob, daughters-in-law Sinead, Margaret and Laura, brother Colm, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Des, parents Mary and Vincent O’Hora, sister Gabrielle, and brothers Mick, Paddy and Aidan.
Carmel 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 burial in Ballinahaglish Cemetery, Knockmore, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
Recently married in the Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina) were Kirsty Quinn, Rathroeen, Ballina and Conor Igoe, Bonniconlon. We extend best wishes to them for the future.
Volunteer drivers are needed by Ballina Meals on Wheels, which is based at Ballina Community Centre on Teeling Street.
Volunteer drivers deliver hot meals to older people and others in the community who rely on this essential service.
Not only are you helping to provide sustenance to more vulnerable people, but you are also strengthening a social connection for Ballina Meals on Wheels’ clients and supporting those who wish to remain living independently at home.
The time commitment is just five days per month, from 11am to 1pm, followed by two months off duty.
If you can spare a few hours a month to make a real difference in someone’s day, and you are a friendly and reliable person, then please contact Mayo Volunteer Centre on 087-6801934 or email info@volunteermayo.ie.
You can also contact Ballina Community Centre directly at 096-21572 for more information.
OutWest is hosting a Karaoke Night in The Twin Trees Hotel, Downhill Road, Ballina on Saturday, April 25.
A night of music, laughs and unforgettable performances await patrons, and everyone is invited to take the mic, sing their heart out, and enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere in great company.
OutWest is a voluntary social, support and advocacy group for LGBT+ people in Connacht, with its drop-in centre located at Unit 6, Cualgara, just off Teeling Street, Ballina.
The Karaoke Night begins at 9pm, so whether you’re a seasoned performer or only there for the craic then this is your chance to shine, or just cheer others on. Taking part is free.
Ballina Badminton Club is hosting a Ballina Singles competition on Saturday, April 25, with entries closing on this coming Saturday, April 18.
Event categories include boys and girls singles at Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 levels. All players must be registered with Badminton Ireland and a member of a Mayo club.
Ballina Badminton Club is based at Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road.
Tickets for next month’s concert by Rejoice Gospel Choir in Belleek Castle are now on sale.
The Ballina-based singing group’s annual summer concert will take place on Friday, May 22, at 8pm in the enchanting surrounds of the Ballina venue.
Tickets can be had from Ballina Tourist Office, Pearse Street or from choir members. You can also contact rejoicegospelchoir1@gmail.com.
Watch out for details of the programme and a special guest appearance on the social media pages of the choir.
The death has taken place in his 98th year of John Halloran, Church Road, Ballina and formerly of The Brook, Ardnaree, Ballina.
John was the beloved father of Marie, Nuala and John. He will be sadly missed by his daughters, son, sister Patty Heffernan, son-in-law Ciaran McNamara, sister-in-law Ita Halloran, grandchildren Sarah, Molly, Jonathon and Andrew, daughter-in-law Annmarie, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy, brother Mort and sister Rosaleen Devaney.
John reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday evening of last week, followed by removal to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, with burial afterwards in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
Ballina Dolphins Swimming Club will hold its annual general meeting on Tuesday next, April 21, and the club is asking that at least one parent from each family attend. The AGM will take place online, starting at 8pm.
Whether you are a newcomer to the game of tennis or a regular, you are invited to the Club Night every Thursday evening at Ballina Tennis Club.
The weekly Club Night runs from 7.30pm to 9pm and you can join in by sending a text to the club secretary on 083-8562510 or email ballinatennis@gmail.com. All equipment is provided and the first session is free.
Membership will be required for subsequent activities at the club, which is located next door to Ballina Community Sports Centre, just off Cathedral Road.
An event in The Sean Duffy Community Centre, Ardnaree, Ballina this coming Saturday, April 18 is aiming to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Cancer Society. Coffee, tea and lots of tasty treats will be on offer at this fundraiser organised by Donna McLoughlin and her family, running from 2pm to 5pm.
Donna’s charity drive comes after going through her own cancer journey and wanting to do something to help others face the challenge of dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
All proceeds raised from Donna’s charity gesture will go to the Irish Cancer Society but if you cannot make it on the day you can also contribute to Donna’s Fundraiser via the society’s own website at www.cancer.ie.
There’s another great table quiz on the way in The Loft Bar, Ballina this Friday night, April 17. With the experienced and witty Elaine Tighe as question master and compere, this fundraiser for Ballina Lions Club is set to be another enjoyable night of mind-twisting fun in aid of the local organisation which raises money for charities. It starts at 8pm.
A table of four is available for €40, and lots of raffle prizes will be on offer too.
A fundraiser in memory of the late Fintan Greavy will raise money for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Ballina District Hospital Patient Comfort Fund. The popular Bonniconlon man who died last September was a darts enthusiast, and he was remembered by many of his friends during a memorial darts tournament held in his native village on Easter Sunday.
Online donations are still open on the GoFundMe website and every contribution will help to make an impact in the great care and services that both institutions provide.
