Local Notes: Hospice benefits from Ballina event
Pictured at the handing over of a cheque for €5,222 to Mayo Roscommon Hospice following a fundraising event in Ballina in memory of the late Elizabeth Langdon were, from left: Claire Gorman, Lizann Gorman, Jennifer Gorman, Brian McLoughlin, Carmel McLoughlin, Kathy (Hospice Office, Knock), Eugene Gorman, Sophie Gorman (at front), Jane O’Hora (Cot and Cobble) and Shane McLoughlin.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice was delighted to receive a cheque recently for €5,222 from Ballina’s Carmel McLoughlin and friends. Carmel wanted to give something back to the charity organisation in memory of her close friend, the late Elizabeth Langdon.
The proceeds followed a monster raffle and night of entertainment and music which was held in the Cot and Cobble Bar and Restaurant, Ballina, in December of last year.
Carmel, with the help of Elizabeth's nephew, Eugene, were the chief organisers and managed to secure some top-class prizes from local businesses, which contributed greatly to the success of the fundraiser. Their initial target of raising €3,000 was exceeded as a result of the hard work put into the event.
Thanks have been extended to Carmel, Eugene, Jane O’Hora from the Cot and Cobble, and everyone else involved.
Winners in the Ballina Tennis Club 2025 Winter League were as follows:
Ladies - 1st, Rosaleen O'Malley; Runner-up, Marie Loftus.
Ladies Advanced - 1st, Grainne Gough; Runner-up, Carmel Tuffy.
Gentlemen: 1st, Frankie Stevens; Runner-up, John Valerio.
The club has thanked chairperson Damien Kelly for the new format, and the competitions secretary Helen Peglar.
HeritACT Ballina, in association with Mayo County Council, is running a series of workshops celebrating Ballina's rich cultural heritage.
The Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshops will be led by creative practitioner, Fiona Keane, at the HeritHub in Ballina Library, Pearse Street.
This initiative will enable participants to explore the town's unique history through creative writing and storytelling. All these stories or memories don’t just ‘relate’ to Ballina’s history and heritage, but they are an integral part of it. Led by Fiona, these workshops will provide an engaging platform for community members to connect with Ballina’s unique historical and cultural narrative.
The organisers extend a heartfelt invitation to all community members, including retired traders, residents and students, who have stories or memories connected to Ballina’s history. Your unique insights and experiences are invaluable to this project. Whether you wish to share your stories or actively participate in the workshops, your involvement will enrich the collective understanding of Ballina’s heritage.
Workshops are scheduled for February 26 and March 12, 19 and 22. To register, please email hq@sixpens.com.
The Ballina Golf Club Lip Sync Battle fundraiser takes place in the clubhouse this coming Friday, February 28, starting at 8pm.
The final finishing touches are being put at rehearsals, after which some stunning acts will strut their stuff for what promises to be one of the best nights of the year. Proceeds are going to the development of the golf course.
There are still some tickets left, costing €25, and they are available to buy in the clubhouse or by calling Ballina Golf Club on 096-21050.
There are still some tickets remaining for ‘A Night with the Country Stars’, coming to the Great National Hotel Ballina.
This spectacular show will feature five Irish country music legends who have created an incredible legacy of recordings, live dates and television appearances between them, some going as far back as the 1970s.
Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, Robert Mizzell, Kathy Durkin and Mick Flavin will be backed live on stage by the superb Keltic Storm Band.
The famous five of Irish country music will present a toe-tapping show, individually showcasing their biggest hit songs. So, if it’s country music you like, then this is a show you won’t want to miss.
‘A Night with the Country Stars’ will take place in the Great National Hotel Ballina on Thursday, March 27, and you can contact 096-23600 or email info@hotelballina.ie for further information about tickets and the hotel’s special overnight accommodation rates.
If you are a lover of art then this week’s Ballina Affordable Art Fair, organised by Ballina Fringe Festival, will offer a visual feast of high-quality, locally produced artwork for purchase.
The event in Ballina Civic Office Gallery, Arran Place, Ballina (beside Dunnes Stores) is to take place from Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, March 1, and will gather together art pieces at realistic prices from artists living and working in the region.
A regular feature in the autumn event calendar, Ballina Fringe Festival returns in 2025 for its eighth year. The festival provides a showcase for local arts, in addition to bringing high quality and far-reaching arts and other events to Ballina for audiences to enjoy, including producing some of Ballina’s best-loved street art pieces. This annual feast of entertainment seeks to offer something for everyone, and many of its events are free. The Contemporary Art Fair will be an important fundraiser for Ballina Fringe Festival 2025.
Local artists were invited to submit up to four works for inclusion in the fair, extending fantastic opportunities for these creatives to reach new audiences.
Over 80 art works, ranging in price from €20 to €1,000, have been submitted for sale in an incredibly generous response from the local arts community.
Every piece sold will be a 50/50 split, with half of the sale proceeds going directly to the artist and the other half supporting this year’s Ballina Fringe Festival, which promises to be even bigger and better than before.
Ballina Affordable Art Fair is open to all to attend and is a place where you will discover original, contemporary art for a modest cost. In supporting North Mayo’s thriving creative community, you may find the perfect - and unique - piece to adorn your home.
Ballina Affordable Art Fair opening night is on Thursday, February 27, at 7pm in Ballina Civic Office Gallery, which is located beside the Motor Tax Office. This event is free to attend.
For more information, please contact info@ballinafringefestival.ie.
The death has taken place of Evelyn Ferguson, Whealdstone, Harrow, London, and formerly of Carranaglough, Bonniconlon, Ballina.
Evelyn will be sadly missed by her loving partner Joe Horan (Whealdstone), sisters Margaret Devine (Bonniconlon), Christine O’Hora (Ballina), Breeda Gill (Kildare) and Moira Flynn (Castleconnor), brother Tommy Ferguson (Bonniconlon), and extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Micheal Willie and Mary Ferguson.
Evelyn reposed at the residence of Ray and Margaret Devine on Friday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bonniconlon on Saturday, followed by burial in Bonniconlon Cemetery.
Tubbercurry’s Phoenix Players have entertained and enthralled theatre enthusiasts since the drama company was first established in the South Sligo town in 1945.
This year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the group, takes The Phoenix Players to 1833 for Brian Friel’s ‘Translations’.
Directed by Eamonn Óg Gallagher, in this poignant exploration of language and identity, ‘Translations’ shows us pupils in a hedge school in the fictional Baile Beag, Co Donegal, an unlikely focal point for a changing world. Tensions are growing, Royal Engineers are arriving, and the relationship between people and nations comes into focus.
The three-act ‘Translations’, which boasts a large cast, will be performed in Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, March 1st, at 8pm. Tickets, priced at €18 (€16 concession), can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.
A Diocesan meeting of members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will take place in the Newman Institute, Ballina on tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 26.
Representatives from all parishes in the Killala Diocese are invited to attend the meeting, which will be addressed by the first female president of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Frances Egan.
The Newman Institute is located on the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral and the meeting starts at 7.30pm.
The annual Helena Winters (née Langan) Daffodil Day Coffee Morning fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society will be held on Saturday, March 1st, in The Pastoral Centre, which is located on the grounds of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
There will be lots of tasty treats on the day, as well as a monster raffle with lots of fabulous prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Everyone is welcome to pop in, say hello, pull up a chair and enjoy a cuppa anytime between 10.30am and 2pm. All donations received are going to support and help cancer patients and their families. The organisers look forward to welcoming you.
Foróige's youth mentoring programme Big Brother Big Sister pairs adult volunteers with young people who are looking for friendship and support from someone with a bit more life experience.
Foróige is currently seeking those who have an hour to spare each week to take part in this popular programme. If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in that young person’s life.
The organisation works with over 50,000 young people aged 10-18 around the country each year through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects. Foróige currently operates in 26 counties in Ireland, with more than 600 Foróige clubs, 150 youth projects, the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring programme, the Foróige Youth Entrepreneurship programme, and the Youth Citizenship and Youth Leadership programmes. It is funded from state, corporate and philanthropic contributions.
The national youth organisation, which operates a club locally at Pearse Street, Ballina, has many young people waiting to be matched to a mentor and would be delighted to hear from you. Call 086-0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to find out more information about the recruitment process.
The Legion of Mary is holding its annual reunion on Sunday next, March 2nd, in the Father Peyton Centre, Attymass, starting at 2.30pm.
Anyone interested in attending should please contact Barbara on 086-0741641 before Friday, February 28.
The death has taken place of Kathleen Kelly, Primrose Hill, Ballina and formerly of Ballinlena, Kilcummin.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by her family: partner Arthur, children, grandchildren, sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Kathleen reposed at Lynn's Funeral Home, Killala on Thursday of last week. Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Patrick's Church, Ballina on Friday, followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
The next meeting of the Mayo COPD Support Group will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 2.30pm in the Tennis Club, Lannagh Road, Castlebar. A pharmacist will be in attendance to speak to the gathering.
Mayo County Council has opened applications for grants under the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) 2025. The funding will be administered locally by Ballina Municipal District.
Funding applications will be considered for activities or projects that promote directly or indirectly the social, economic, environmental, recreational, cultural, community or sporting development of the area. Applications are being accepted under the following headings: Residents' Associations, Clubs/Organisations, Festivals and Events, and Burial Grounds.
Preference will be given to projects which are community-based and demonstrate that they have, or can attract, matching funding.
Application forms are available online from www.mayo.ie.
You can also contact Ballina Municipal District office on Arran Place by telephone on 094-9064400, or by email at ballinagma@mayococo.ie.
The closing date for applications is Friday, March 7th, at 4.30pm.
Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary has confirmed that funding has been secured for a number of specific roads in the Ballina Municipal District area under the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Allocation.
“I have secured €40.5m in funding for Mayo’s regional and local roads to allow Mayo County Council to repair and maintain its road network,” said Minister Calleary.
“A number of specific projects will be allocated funding. Under Climate Change Adaptation there is an allocation of €25,000 for Mullahowney Bridge drainage. The R315 Lahardane to Crossmolina road will receive a €30,000 investment under Specific Improvement grants and there is also €30,000 for the R314 Killala Regional Road. Safety Improvement Works grants have been allocated for Quay Road, Ballina (€53,000), Killala Road, Ballina (€18,000), and Culleens, Ballina (€20,000).
“I want to thank my colleagues Cllr Annie May Reape and Cllr Michael Loftus for their assistance in securing this funding for the region,” he said.
