darkblue.ie@gmail.com

26May

Cathal Gavin at Ballina Arts Centre – Friday, May 26

May 26, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Cathal Gavin in Concert

Ballina Arts Centre, Friday, May 26, 2023, 8pm

Featuring Amy McGrath and Judy Langan

with special guests Lorna Dennehy and Currabaggan NS

Tickets €20, available from Ballina Arts Centre

Join Cathal Gavin as he brings his new concert style show to the stage. The 20 year old, Swinford-born tenor, promises to dazzle audiences with his mesmerising voice, “a powerful voice that transcends beyond his years and translates across generations through his multi-genre style”.

His debut single ‘Forever Young’ reached, then maintained, peak position in iTunes Top 100 Charts in 2021. Following the phenomenal success of his debut single, Cathal reimagined the iconic hit ‘I’d like to Teach the World to Sing’ made famous by the New Seekers (1971). This was followed by ‘Christmas Wish’, which made its first official airplay in December 2021 and captured huge audiences across Ireland. It has since been streamed in over 60 countries.

Joining Cathal on vocals is Amy McGrath and Judy Langan and special guests include Lorna Dennehy and the children of Currabaggan (Naomh Pádraig) Primary School, Knockmore.

Cathal is honoured to be working with Musical Director extraordinaire Lavinia Gilmartin on this brand new show.

Buy tickets now

Supported by the Ballina 2023 Community Events Fund

24May

Capacity Building Workshop: Managing Volunteers at Festivals & Events, Wednesday, May 24

May 24, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Managing volunteers at festivals and events (Facebook Event Cover) (2160 × 1080 px)

Wednesday, May 24, 6pm
Telus International Ireland, Emmet St, Ballina

Following an incredible month of volunteer engagement throughout April, Ballina 2023 presents our next training session in partnership with Volunteer Ireland – Capacity Building Workshop:

‘Managing Volunteers at Festivals and Events’

With Stuart Garland, Learning and Capacity Building Manager at Volunteer Ireland

Volunteers play a key role in making events a success. They can fulfil a range of roles such as managing your social media, welcoming your guests, finding sponsors or capturing video footage of your event allowing you to promote the work you do. The event is designed for community groups and organisations that work with volunteers to deliver events and festivals and who would like to develop the skills and knowledge to effectively recruit, manage and make the most of event volunteering!

Stuart will share his own experience of managing event volunteers – from small events to national festivals, share volunteer engagement ideas that will help ensure your volunteers have a good experience and will explore the event volunteering lifecycle.

This event forms part of Ballina 2023’s RISE: Legacy Programme.

With thanks to Volunteer Ireland, Mayo Volunteer Centre and Telus International Ireland for their support.

About your trainer, Stuart Garland

Stuart is the Learning and Capacity Building Manager with Volunteer Ireland. Previously he was the manager of a local Volunteer Centre and was a Volunteer Manager with a leading homeless charity for a number of years.

Stuart has worked in a wide range of roles in the not for profit sector since 1993 and has a background in youth work. He was a Volunteer in Scouting Ireland for over 24 years.

He has direct extensive Volunteer Management experience with managing volunteer teams of over 1,400 event volunteers.

Stuart was part of the Volunteer Management Team for the Yorkshire Stage of the Tour de France Grande Depart 2014, Giro d’Italia Big Start in Ireland and Northern Ireland, World Police and Fire Games 2013 in Northern Ireland and also supported the volunteer programme for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.

He was the Volunteer Programme Manager for the European Sandyacht Championship 2017 and Volunteer Manager for the KBC Dublin Marathon from 2017 onwards and Dublin Pride LGBTQ+ 2019. He has worked on volunteer programmes for over 110 different events and festivals.

Stuart is recognised as Ireland’s leading specialist in the field of volunteer management and engagement.

20May

River Moy Half Marathon – Saturday, May 20

May 20, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

River Moy Half Marathon 2023 Ballina Co. Mayo 3

Saturday, May 20, 10am, Ballina Rugby Club
(Walkers’ Start: 9am)

One of Ireland’s most scenic and most forgiving half-marathon routes, the River Moy Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 20 in the North Mayo capital.

The course starts and finishes at the Ballina Rugby Club, Creggs Rd, Ballina, Co. Mayo. As always, a fantastic atmosphere is anticipated, as family members, friends and supporters will be able to see competitors throughout the course.

The half marathon route is relatively flat with a few challenging hills along the way. Most of the half marathon will be run on roads on either side of the banks of the River Moy. Just over one mile of the course will take participants through the stunning Belleek Woods, one of Europe’s largest urban woodlands. There is an excellent trail surface on this part of the scenic terrain, which is used daily by local runners and walkers.

The race will finish back at Ballina Rugby Club where competitors can enjoy refreshments afterwards.

Entry costs €40 to include, t-shirt and race number and packs can be collected on the morning of the race.

There will be a late entry fee on race day, in order to encourage people to sign up online before race day. Please be aware that race day entries are not guaranteed a technical top.

There are no refunds / transfers or deferrals for this event.

Contact the organisers

16May

“Little did I know the extraordinary year that lay ahead” – Ballina 2023 Volunteer Co-ordinator Sheila Garvin shares her experience for National Volunteering Week

May 16, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

As with any large-scale project, volunteer support is essential to ensure that events can be delivered well, safely and enjoyably. To date, over 300 volunteers have given their time to various events and initiatives as part of Ballina 2023. To mark National Volunteering Week, our Volunteer Co-ordinator Sheila Garvin shares her experience:

“When I started volunteering with the Ballina 2023 team back in April 2022 as Volunteer Coordinator little did I know the extraordinary year that lay ahead….and it’s not over yet!

During that time, I have seen and participated in some behind the scenes planning for events large and small, connected with some amazing people, and shared in some unforgettable experiences. I am really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year of celebration has in store.

Ballina 2023 Volunteer Co-ordinator, Sheila Garvin (left) pictured with Ballina 2023 volunteers Avril Greham, Jordan Harel and Stuart Garland, and Maria Walsh MEP

As Volunteer Coordinator I have the privilege of engaging with various groups and individuals in our community, who show up and make all these events successful. So many people have responded to our messages for involvement and have come out in their hundreds over the course of the year so far, dedicating their time to support small-scale local events and large-scale events of global significance, such as the recent visit to Ballina by US President Joe Biden.

What I have noticed is that volunteering has really been a lifeline for so many after a hard couple years of isolation. It has brought new residents of Ballina into the heart of the community where previously connections may have been hard to establish. People who are just starting to call Ballina ‘home’ are making friendships and exploring what they can offer the town.

And of course, we have found assistance and leadership from groups who have been volunteering for decades in Ballina and know the town, inside out. Their experience has been absolutely invaluable to the planning and development of Ballina 2023 projects, and we are so grateful for the contribution they make to our town.

Volunteering is especially rewarding when you are doing something you enjoy, meeting new people and adding value to a project. Contributing even one hour a week can make a huge difference to a group or organisation who rely on the generosity of people. Your time is the most valuable thing you can give, and gaining experience, interacting with a diverse group, and exploring different opportunities are only some of the benefits of volunteering in return.

At Ballina 2023 we are here to celebrate the anniversary of the formal establishment of the town and we seek to involve everyone in those celebrations. We look to celebrate the people at the heart of all our activities and I would highly recommend getting involved.

If you would like to talk about how you could volunteer as part of Ballina 2023, please do feel free to get in touch. We have lots of opportunities!

Contact Sheila

Just some of our amazing volunteers pictured at Ballina 2023 events this year

National Volunteering Week is a weeklong celebration of volunteering, led by Volunteer Ireland that will take place from Monday 15 May – Sunday 21 May 2023.

Along with its national network of Volunteer Centres, including Mayo Volunteer Centre, Vounteer Ireland uses National Volunteering Week to amplify the incredible stories of volunteering in our communities through social and traditional media. It’s a week full of events, both online and in person, with everything from yoga to coffee mornings to seminars on offer. This year’s National Volunteering Week theme is ‘Connecting Communities’.

09May

An Evening with John O’Conor – Friday, June 9

May 9, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Ballina Lions Club presents, as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations

World-renowned pianist, John O’Conor

A recital, at the Twin Trees Hotel, Ballina, June 9, 2023 at 7.30pm.

Tickets: €15, available from Ballina Arts Centre

“One of Ireland’s greatest internationally acclaimed living artists”

“Impeccable technique and musicality … it would be hard to imagine better performances” (Sunday Times – London)

“…has the kind of flawless touch that makes an audience gasp” (Washington Post)

“Exquisite playing” (New York Times)

The Ballina 2023 programme continues into June with the internationally acclaimed and world renowned pianist John O’Conor appearing at the Twin Trees Hotel, Ballina on Friday June 9th, 2023, 7.30pm to perform a repertoire featuring many of the much loved favourites the Master is so well known for. The event is presented by Ballina Lions Club to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

John O’Conor, regarded as one of the most important pianists in the world, was presented with the Lifetime achievement award of the National Concert Hall, Dublin in 2018 by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and is considered the foremost interpreter of Beethoven living today.

A Steinway Artist, he is Chair of the Piano Division at Shenandoah University in Virginia, Professor of Piano at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Distinguished Visiting Artist at the TU Dublin Conservatoire of Music and Visiting Professor at Showa University in Japan.

For his services to music he has been decorated “Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Government, awarded the “Ehrenkreuz für Wissenschaft und Kunst” by the Austrian Government, the “Order of the Rising Sun” by the Emperor of Japan, and has received many other awards.

Tickets are available from the Ballina Arts Centre box office at +35396 73593 or online at www.ballinaartscentre.com.

Buy tickets

09May

Mayo Mental Health Association Poster Competition Awards – Saturday, June 10

May 9, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Saturday, June 10, 1pm
Ballina Arts Centre

Poster Competition

Every year, Mayo Mental Health Association runs an annual Art Poster Competition for primary school students to encourage young school children to think about mental health and well-being in their formative years – and the competition is currently in its 15^th year! The theme of this year’s competition is ‘Helping Hands are Always Here’, and the students are asked to include the words ‘Positive Mental Health’ on their posters.

Entries will be professionally judged on different categories such as best use of colour, most positive message, most insightful, best detailed, most stylish etc. The first prize winner of the competition will receive a €100 One for All voucher, along with a Buddy Bench for their school. There are also One for All voucher prizes for our special category and second, third and fourth places.

The idea of the Buddy Bench is simple – if a child feels lonely, they can go to the bench as a signal that they need someone to play with. It encourages engagement and is a place where friendships are made.

The closing date for entries is Friday, May 26, 2023.

Entrants from this year’s competition will play a role in creating the Mayo Mental Health Annual Newsletter.

Poster Competition Guidelines

Posters must be A4 sized
The theme of this year’s competition is ‘Helping Hands are Always Here’
Students are asked to include the words ‘Positive Mental Health’ on their posters
Take a photo of your completed piece
Ask your parent/guardian to send your picture to admin@mayomha.ie
First name, class, and name of school must be included in the email

2023 Primary School Poster Competition_ (002)

Awards Ceremony 2023

An awards ceremony is held each year for participants and their families. This year’s awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 10^th June at 1pm in Ballina Arts Centre as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations.

An exhibition will be held throughout the day which will showcase each of the winner’s artwork. This is a wonderful way for people to connect through art and creativity, along with appreciating the hard work of young artists from all corners of the county.

If you want to enter Mayo MHA’s Art Poster Competition, please see the guidelines below or check out Mayo Mental Health Association on Facebook/Instagram.

This event is supported by the Ballina 2023 Community Events Fund.

04May

A Day Out for All: Drag Bingo – Saturday, June 17

May 4, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Saturday, June 17
Doors: 8.30pm
The Cot & Cobble

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of glitter, laughter, and fabulous entertainment at OutWest‘s Drag Bingo Night, as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations!

They’ve brought together a stellar lineup of talent to make your night truly extraordinary.

Host for the night is none other than the hilarious MC, comedian Therese Cahill, who will keep you in stitches throughout the event. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Also present will be an incredible ensemble of performers to dazzle and entertain you. Brace yourself for sensational performances by the enchanting Miss Neon Love, the sassy Blondie Boots, and the captivating Miss Memphis Shell. They will have you cheering, clapping, and begging for more!

Doors will swing open at 8:30pm, giving you ample time to grab a drink, mingle with friends, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Once the clock strikes 9pm, the bingo extravaganza will kick off, and you’ll have the chance to win fantastic spot prizes that will make your heart skip a beat. But don’t fret, the fun doesn’t end with the last bingo call!

After the games, DJ Dermot Rice will take over the stage, spinning energetic beats that will keep you dancing into the late hours of the night. Get ready to let loose and show off your moves!

Tickets are priced at just €15, offering unbeatable value for a night that promises memories you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out on this electrifying event – secure your spot now and join us for an unforgettable evening of Drag Bingo magic!

Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 18 and above.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of glitter, laughter, and fabulous entertainment at OutWest’s Drag Bingo Night!

They’ve brought together a stellar lineup of talent to make your night truly extraordinary.

Doors will swing open at 8:30pm, giving you ample time to grab a drink, mingle with friends, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

After the games, DJ Dermot Rice will take over the stage, spinning energetic beats that will keep you dancing into the late hours of the night. Get ready to let loose and show off your moves!

Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 18 and above.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

04May

A Day Out For All – Saturday June 17

May 4, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

OutWest and Ballina 2023 are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community by presenting an exciting and joyful day of events!

30Apr

Arthur Muffeny Memorial Unveiling – Saturday, April 30

April 30, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

Sunday, April 30, Pearse St (old Tylers/Eurogiant building), 5pm

Followed by light refreshments in Rouse’s Bar

Arthur Muffeny was one of Ballina’s greatest campaigners, businessmen, philanthropists, industrialists and humanitarians, and was known as a champion of the poor and destitute.

A Land League campaigner and friend of Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Davitt, Arthur was vociferous in his opposition of landlordism and evictions, serving two prison terms for same.

The story of Arthur Muffeny – a man with a big heart and a brave spirit is not commonly known in Ballina, but that is about to change, as the town honours its past as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations.

A permanent plaque will be unveiled in Arthur’s honour by the recently formed Arthur Muffeny Commemoration Committee on Sunday, April 30 at 5pm at his former residence at the corner of Pearse Street and Tolan St. (formerly Tyler’s Corner) .

A book, “Ballina’s Forgotten Hero”, co-written by two of Arthur Muffeny’s great grandchildren, Yvonne Ahearn-Kevany and Colum MacDonnell will also be launched on the day.

30Apr

Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon – Sunday, April 30

April 30, 2023 darkblue.ie@gmail.com

A large group of female runners in bright colours on a sunny day. The lead runner is checking her watch.

Time: 12 noon

Venue/Location: Market Square, Ballina

The Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon is to be staged in Ballina for the first time this year, as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations. This year’s mini-marathon (10km) will be held in Ballina over the Mayo Day weekend on Bank Holiday Sunday, April 30. Sponsored by the Western People, the event attracts hundreds of participants each year.

All levels of ability are welcome to register and participate, and walkers are especially welcome.

The staging of the prestigious event in Ballina is the result of a collaboration between a host of organisations, including Mayo Sports Partnership, local athletics clubs Moy Valley AC and Ballina AC, Ballina Municipal District, Ballina 2023, Mayo.ie and the Western People.

A virtual option will also be available for 2023 with t-shirts and medal posted, to enable you to walk or run from anywhere in the world!

Registration

An Early Bird registration rate of €20 (normally €25) is available until March 26, and in addition, all early bird entries will be in with a chance to win a luxurious overnight stay for two in Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina, with dinner in their award-winning Kitchen Restaurant.