Local notes: Young art winners are celebrated
Tony Flynn, Liverpool FC Supporters Ballina Branch, presenting a cheque for €2,568 to Olive O'Donnell, Ballina Community Centre Meals on Wheels, which was the proceeds from a recent table quiz and raffle of a signed Liverpool FC jersey held in Rouse's Bar, Ballina. Seated, from left, are Jacqui McGeever (Liverpool FC Supporters Ballina Branch), Oliver O’Donnell, Tony Flynn and Sinead Tyrrell (Ballina Meals on Wheels). Standing, from left, are Tony Morrin, Niall Holmes (both Liverpool FC Supporters Ballina Branch), Ann Farrell (Ballina Meals on Wheels), and Shane McGeever and Brian Cronin (both Liverpool FC Supporters Ballina Branch). Picture: David Farrell Photography
There were smiles all round as the presentation of prizes for this year’s Credit Union Art Competition, the first stage of which took place in Ballina Credit Union last month.
The theme for the 2025 Credit Union Art Competition, which is now in its 42nd year, was ‘The Future Is’, and 344 entries were received by Ballina Credit Union from primary and secondary schools in the North Mayo and West Sligo region.
Prizewinners included: May Finnerty (Carn NS); Aileen Tobin (Behy NS); Aodán Cullinane (Behy NS); Aoibhe Carr (Bonniconlon NS); Cameron Dodd (Bunscoil Naomh Brid agus Padraig, Knockmore); Lilly McAndrew (Carn NS); Ava McManamy (Corballa NS); Abigail Christie (Bunscoil Naomh Brid agus Padraig, Knockmore); Ciara O’Regan (Corballa NS); Silvia Macias (Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey); Riah McCarron (Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey); Javier Pinto Zangoli (Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone); Kevin Lee Sweeney (Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey); Declan Stenson, (Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey); Rówhan Leonard Reddington, (Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina); Rosie McKinley, Ivy Broder and Martin Hogan.
Ballina Credit Union officers David Dwane (Chair), Margaret Reddington (Director), Declan Naughton (Director) and Pat Farrell (BCU Volunteer) made the presentations to the young artists in the presence of parents and teachers.
The entries were judged by Ciara O'Hara, a visual artist based locally, who was also in attendance.
The winning entries from this local stage will proceed to Credit Union Chapter/Regional level for further adjudication in Manorhamilton, following which the first three placed pieces of art will be submitted to the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) for final judging at the national stage in December.
Around 25,000 entries are received across the country every year for the first stages of this nationwide art competition.
The 2026 Credit Union Calendar, published for distribution across the country’s credit unions, features an image created by Kevin Lee Sweeney, a student of Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey. Kevin was placed runner-up in the national final of last year’s competition in the 11-13 category and he also featured in the 2025 calendar.
Alongside the annual Credit Union Schools’ Quiz, the first round of which will begin again in January 2026, the Credit Union Art Competition is the largest of the credit union movement’s national initiatives.
Winners of recent prizes in the weekly Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club 50-50 Cash Draw were as follows: Desmond Lackey, c/o Hughes Pub, Ballina (€310); Johnnie Rafter (€300); and Bernie Kenny, c/o Hughes Pub, Ballina (€300).
Tickets for the club’s fundraising draw can be purchased in participating shops in the area or through the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club app.
The death has taken place of David Lynch, 170, Greenhills Estate, Ballina, and formerly of 25, St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina.
David was the beloved father of David, John, Bridget, Teresa, Rosemary and Bernadette. He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughters, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Teresa and his son Michael-Patrick.
David reposed at his daughter’s residence and his Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
Sarah Barrett has been elected Chairperson of Bofield Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for the coming year and will work alongside a newly-elected committee to further develop what is one of the region’s most active CCÉ branches.
Sarah succeeds outgoing chairperson, Michael O'Donnell. Michael fulfilled positions on multiple Bofield CCÉ committees over the years, all the while being a pivotal figure in the branch's expansion, development and success. The incoming committee has thanked Michael for his countless hours of contributions, selfless work ethic and continuous support, while leading Bofield CCÉ as an exemplary chairperson.
The new 2025/2026 committee includes vice-chairperson, Margaret Igoe; treasurers, Marcella Holmes and Patricia Newman; secretary, Ciara Murray; PRO, Conor Maheady; Treoraí na Gaeilge, Marie Barry; child protection officer, Patricia Newman; auditor, Michael O'Donnell; county board delegates, Mary Mulhern and Mary Cawley; and youth officers, Meabh Finnerty and Lilia Conlon.
Meanwhile, last month, Bofield CCÉ paid tribute to those members of the branch who were bestowed with the honour of an All-Ireland medal at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. A concert in the Great National Hotel Ballina heard performances from the successful musicians, including Alan Judge, who was awarded the coveted Dal Glais trophy and Kitty Linane Cup at the Senior Céilí Band competition in Wexford. Oisin O’Donnell, Aoife Sherry, Cora Naughton and Patrick Munnelly were among the other national prizewinners on stage, with a special performance from 2025 All-Ireland Senior Ceili Band champions Glór na dTonn.
Raymond Gaughan, East Port, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, who died recently, was a native of Byhalla, Attymass, Ballina and a retired Sergeant of the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co Donegal.
Raymond in survived by his loving wife Fidelma, daughter Emma, son Jason, son-in-law Aidan McGonigle, daughter-in-law Jenny, grandchildren Patrick, Sean and Anna, brothers and sisters Tony, Mickey, Mary, Anne, Margaret, Patricia and Bernie, nieces, nephews and all his extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his infant babies Claire and Edward, parents Anthony and Annie Gaughan, brothers Jimmy and Sean, and nephew Edwin.
Raymond’s burial took place in Ballyshannon following Funeral Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Ballyshannon.
The results of the game played by members of Ballina Bridge Club on Tuesday, November 18 were as follows: 1st, S. and A. Callaghan; 2nd, G. Scanlon and F. Walkin; 3rd, C. Callaghan and M. McAndrew; 4th, B. Thomas and G. Moran; and 5th, M. Corcoran and B. Mulkearns.
Successful pairs at the bridge game played in the Ballina club on Tuesday, November 25 were 1st, G. Scanlon and F. Walkin; 2nd, S. and A. Callaghan; 3rd, M. Corcoran and B. Mulkearns; 4th, B. Thomas and G. Moran; and 5th, M. and J. Munnelly.
The Girls Friendly Society, who meet every Friday night in St Michael’s National School, Church Road, Ballina, will be among those to contribute to a carol service in Ballina later this month.
Girls from all parishes in the area are welcome to attend the society’s weekly get-togethers, and even bring a friend.
The carol service will take place in St Michael’s Church, Ballina on Sunday, December 21.
The death has taken place of Kevin Gallagher, Kingfisher Lodge, Drumrevagh, Ballina, and formerly of Caltragh, Sligo town.
Kevin was the beloved husband of Bernadette and loving father to Sinead (Manchester), Lorna (Perth), Aidan (Ballina) and Marie (Scotland). He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son, daughters, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Kathleen, and by his brother Eugene.
Kevin reposed at his residence on Monday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of Christ the King, Knockmore on Tuesday, followed by burial in Ballinahaglish Cemetery, Knockmore.
A campaign in Ballina to ensure that no child is left without a toy this Christmas is gathering momentum.
An Sean Sibin, Abbey Street, Ardnaree is the drop-off point for new toys during a Toys for Kids initiative organised locally, with Thursday, December 11 set as the cut-off point for donations.
The admirable project is designed to help any family in need this Christmas in Ballina and in surrounding towns and villages such as Killala, Ballycastle, Swinford, Kilfian, Lacken, Crossmolina, Attymass and Foxford. If you, or someone you know, could use a little extra help this Christmas, then the organisers request that you please don’t hesitate to reach out to them. You can direct message on the social media pages of Toys for Kids this Christmas 2025, or email kidstoyschristmas24@gmail.com. All contact is completely confidential.
A Toys for Kids fundraising event in An Sean Sibin this coming Thursday night, December 11, at 9pm will offer the chance to win generous spot prizes in return for buying a raffle ticket.
Also, an online fundraising page has been created on Go Fund Me at https://gofund.me/4da1b6141. A special raffle for those who donate online will see the winner receive a personalised video from the well-known entertainer Garron Noone.
Last year’s donations from the local community were very generous and the organisers are hoping for another strong response again this year.
Ballina Christmas Markets will run from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14.
And, for the very first time, the markets will take place in the newly-developed IQ Ballina, located in the town centre just off Market Square.
A limited number of stalls are still available, at a cost of €140. If interested then please email ballinalights@gmail.com for an application form.
Ballina Committee, a voluntary group which is responsible for creating the town’s impressive new Christmas light display this year, is organising the markets as a fundraising activity.
This eagerly anticipated event promises to bring festive magic, local crafts, food, music and community cheer to the heart of the town. The market will feature a wide range of stalls celebrating local talent and seasonal fare, including arts and crafts retailers offering handcrafted gifts, food retail stalls showcasing quality products, and catering stalls providing hot and cold food for visitors to enjoy on-site, ensuring a genuine Christmas atmosphere.
Recently married in the Roman Catholic Parish of Kilmoremoy (Ballina) were Rachel Ginty, Castlecourt, Ballina and Alan Dooley, Celbridge, Co Kildare.
Saturday’s Open Mic Night in The NCF Cultural Co-Op space on Lower Pearse Street, Ballina is a Christmas special.
Whether it’s music, poetry, comedy or storytelling, the stage is open for you, with seasonal themes perfectly allowable.
The evening will be hosted by Seán Gorman and Joe Clarke, and performances start at 10pm on Saturday, December 13. Sign-up for artists begins at 9pm and guitars – both left-handed and right-handed – will be supplied, where needed.
St Muredach’s Cathedral will host the annual Carols from the Cathedral event next Sunday, December 14, at 5pm.
The Cathedral Choir, Rejoice Gospel Choir, Kilmoremoy Parish Children’s Choir and St Muredach’s Boys’ Choir will provide the festive entertainment in the ambience of this beautiful house of worship, with its fine acoustics and soothing surroundings.
A procession of gifts to the crib will also take place, helping to support St Vincent de Paul. Only non-perishable foods can be accepted and people are asked not to wrap food items which are being donated.
All are welcome to come and celebrate the warmth, light and music of this special time of year.
The death has taken place of Vered Danielle (Dani) Laloum, 7 Church Manor, Church Road, Ballina and formerly of Marseille, France and North London, England.
Dani was the beloved wife of Nuala. She will be sadly missed by Nuala, Nuala’s family, her many friends at home and abroad, her loving pets Hugo and Fia, and her neighbours.
She was predeceased by her mother André Bitoun.
Dani reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Friday of last week. A Cremation Service was held on Saturday in McGowan’s Crematorium and Funeral Home, Collooney, Co. Sligo.
The annual Christmas Concert in St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina will reveal some hidden gems from among the school’s talented pupils… and staff!
A variety of acts will perform including Sixth Year vocal and instrumental soloists, the award-winning St Mary’s Secondary School Choir, the First Year choir and Irish dancers. St Mary's traditional Irish music group and the staff choir of this all-girls post primary school will also entertain.
The concert will be staged in the School Assembly Hall on Wednesday, December 17 at 7.30pm, with a raffle also taking place on the night. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the St Muredach's Cathedral Restoration fund.
Tesco has selected Friends of Saint Joseph's Hospital to be part of its blue token community fund.
The Ballina voluntary community group is asking for support from Tesco customers to help fund its work to improve the grounds of the district hospital in Ballina and make the environment more attractive for patients and visitors alike.
A collaboration between Friends of Saint Joseph's Hospital and other local organisations such as Ballina Community Clean-up and Mayo Volunteer Centre has resulted in significant work having been carried out by dedicated volunteers already, taking place on a regular basis throughout 2025.
Customers decide how the Tesco Ballina Community Fund is shared by voting for their preferred cause in store through placing the blue token they receive at the checkout in the donation box of the local good cause they would like to support.
Then, at the end of a twelve week period, the number of tokens is counted. Every 12 weeks, Ballina Tesco store donates up to €2,000 between three local good causes in its community, which is distributed proportionally between the three groups. The more tokens a community group or charity gets, the larger the share of the donation they receive.
So make sure to place your token in the Friends of Saint Joseph's Hospital box, as every token counts.
The death has taken place of James (Jimmy) Lowther, Cloona, Ballina.
Jimmy will be deeply mourned by his loving son James, daughter Eilish, daughter-in-law Veronica, son-in-law Adrian, grandchildren Emma, Alanah, Jack and AJ, sister Nancy (London), nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary.
Jimmy reposed at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Bonniconlon on Friday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Ardagh, Ballina on Saturday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
