Renowned Mayo based artist Tom Meskill will work with Ballina 2023 to create a magical series of hand made light sculptures that will form an installation animating a unique location in Ballina.
This event is supported by The Arts Council.
Since the late 19thCentury the west of Ireland has been an inspiration for artists. In its topography artists found both beauty and awe. The original focus was south and north Connemara with its indented coastline and the rising majesty of the Twelve Bens. But since the late 1990s the focus of has shifted to North Mayo, the land located above the diagonal from Westport to Ballina.
To honour this landscape as part of Ballina 2023, the RHA plans to site a collection of its current artist members artwork in Ballina in the autumn of 2023. Works by many of Ireland most famous living artists will be on display, including painters such as Mick O’Dea and Geraldine O’Neill, sculptors like Eilis O’Connell and Eileen McDonagh, multi-media artists such as Dorothy Cross and Alice Maher. Over 50 artworks will be shown in this the 200thyear of the RHA celebration exhibition.
Working with Ballina Arts Centre each week a member of the RHA will conduct a masterclass, demonstration or talk. You can expect a demonstration by Blaise Smith, an animation workshop with Aideen Barry, or a portrait masterclass with Mick O’ Dea.
The Royal Hibernian Academy of the Arts was founded in 1823 for the betterment of the arts in Ireland. Its members have included Paul Henry, Sean Keating, Sarah Purser and many of the most important Irish artists from the 19thand 20thCenturies.
This is a collaborative project between the RHA, Sean Walsh, Ballina Municipal District Council and Ballina Arts Centre.
Building on their annual dive rally event, the Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club will present an International Dive Rally as part of Ballina 2023.
The geographic positioning of North Mayo as Ireland’s closest land base to the Continental Shelf is the driving force of marine biodiversity to its coastline.
It lends itself to being one of Europe’s top scuba diving destinations.
The Grainne Uaile Club is inviting scuba divers from all across the world to explore the rich marine terrain of Killala Bay during August 2023.
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The internationally acclaimed spectacle and street theatre company Macnas’ work is renowned for its unique hybrid of professional artists and volunteers collaborating on an event.
Throughout 2023, the company will work with local community members to develop and deliver one of its renowned parades on the streets of Ballina.
Workshops will begin Spring 2023.
A Partnership with Ballina Salmon Festival and Ballina Chamber of Commerce.
This event is supported by The Arts Council.
River Moy Swim. Photo: James Wright Photography
On July 8thth 2023, Ballina 2023 will shine a spotlight on the River Moy with a day long celebration of water-centred activities and cultural events.
The day will kick-off with the River Moy Swim, which aims to have 300 participants to mark Ballina’s 300th anniversary and will conclude with a very special performance along the banks of the River.
Register now for the River Moy Swim
A day of inclusive events celebrating Ballina’s LGBT+ community
As part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations, local LGBT+ support organisation OutWest has announced ‘A Day Out For All’ – a day of inclusive social events for members of the public and the the LGBT+ community and their families, friends and allies, to take place on Saturday, June 17. The ‘Day Out For All’ will take place across several locations in the heart of Ballina and will encompass a range of activities for both families and adults.
Programme of events
11am-12:30pm, Ballina Library: LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Storytime
Hosted by Sligo performers Ben Lucent and Sinéad O’Brien, featuring uplifting stories with themes of acceptance and cherishing diversity
12:30pm – 3pm: Outdoor Picnic, Jackie Clarke Collection Heritage Walled Garden
Held in the beautiful gardens of the Jackie Clarke Collection, including food and refreshment vendors, face painting and information stands from OutWest and Mindspace Mayo.
3pm – 5pm: Street Games,Walsh Street
Classic outdoor games for all the family to participate in, running directly beside the Jackie Clarke Collection in Walsh Street.
After Dark
The following night-time activities will also be held for adult audiences;
6pm – 7pm: Free Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, OutWest Drop-In Centre, Teeling Street
9pm – late: Drag Bingo, The Cot and Cobble
A fabulous night out with a selection of talented performers—including live entertainment from drag queens Miss Neon Love, Blondie Boots, Miss Memphis Shell as well as local comedian Therese Cahill—held within the lively Cot and Cobble, a familiar and popular destination for many in Ballina.
About OutWest
Since 1997, OutWest has worked constantly to support the LGBT+ community in the Connacht region of Ireland; whether by hosting much-needed events and spaces for LGBT+ people to socialise, make friends and express themselves in safety, advocating for LGBT+ rights and equality, and educating the public on LGBT+ issues and on how to build a more inclusive society.
A Day Out for All will be one of OutWest’s biggest and most exciting events yet.
Chairperson of OutWest, Rosie Dore said: “The aim of this event will be not only to offer a day of entertainment for the people of Ballina—including the LGBT+ community as well as their friends, families, allies and anyone wishing to show their support—but also to highlight the profile of the LGBT+ community as one of the many vibrant and wonderful communities that call Ballina home, and one very worthy of celebrating.
As Ballina celebrates its 300th anniversary, we feel there is no better time to pay homage to the diversity of our local people with this joyous day of festivities, and we hope you will join us in our celebration.”
The Drag Bingo Night will also play an important role in raising funds for OutWest so that the organisation may continue its vital support for LGBT+ people and allies.
Planted in Boston, America during 1646, a very special tree once grew.
Described as “a stately elm…whose lofty branches seem’d to touch the skies”, this ancient tree lived long enough to stand nearby the building where John Adams – who would later become the second President of the United States – met with his fellow American patriots and ‘Sons of Liberty’ in the years leading to the American Revolution.
Thus, the tree was known as the ‘Liberty Tree’, and so became the most famous symbol of revolution in America.
In 1775, the British Army cut this original Liberty Tree down – no doubt in an attempt to quash the morale of the American Loyalists – and used it for firewood. What they perhaps did not realise, however, was how the Liberty Tree’s legacy would live on, throughout America, France and into Ireland, with its roots in rebellion wherever it grew.
The last of multiple Liberty Trees planted in France in 1790 still stands to this day, in the parish of La Madeleine at Faycelles. This tree and others of its kind became one of the most prominent symbols of the French Revolution.
French Honorary Consul Catherine Gagneux describes the Liberty Tree of France as: “…a symbol of the everlasting Republic, national freedom, and political revolution… a legacy of the Age of Enlightenment with the motto “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité”.
As an icon of revolution and freedom from oppression in both France and America, it was only natural that the influence of the Liberty Tree would spread to Ireland during its people’s own struggles for independence.
In 1798, General Humbert began his Expedition from France to support the United Irishmen and Irishwomen in their uprising against the ruling British, and his time in Ireland saw many more trees take root across County Mayo and elsewhere in towns such as Killala, Castlebar, Westport and our very own Ballina.
For the Year of the French and Ballina 2023, in commemoration of the events of 1798 and France’s historic support of the Irish, the French Embassy and In Humbert’s Footsteps has planted 225 new Liberty Trees within the grounds of schools and local communities from Kilcummin in Co. Mayo to Ballinamuck, Co. Longford, along the very route that was taken by General Humbert and his troops.
These trees are of species native to Ireland, and were planted by children local to the schools along the route.
Sharon Horkan, Secretary of In Humbert’s Footsteps, says: “Today, planting a Liberty Tree represents a commitment to democracy and human rights, and can serve as a reminder of the importance of individual liberty.”
Indeed, in addition to our increased awareness of the crucial benefits of native trees to our natural ecosystems, climate and environment, there is surely no better way to memorialise the iconic Tree of Liberty by planting more; thus passing its legacy of freedom and revolutionary spirit to the younger generations, where it may continue to grow and flourish for many more decades to come.
St Eunan’s of Letterkenny stave off home challenge to claim Ballina 2023 Shannon Medals spoils in tournament revival
After a week of torrential rain, it was with great relief that the appearance of sunshine was greeted on Saturday morning to welcome four visiting teams to North Mayo for the first Shannon Medals tournament in almost 30 years, as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations. Spectators were treated to a fast-moving feast of 15 competitive senior football games in a league format played across three pitches, featuring St Eunan’s of Letterkenny, An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille of Tyrone, Roscommon Gaels, Mayo Gaels, Knockmore GAA, and Ballina Stephenites who hosted the tournament. St Eunan’s of Letterkenny were the talk of the day, sweeping the boards in an impressive display to win all five of their games, just pipping home team Ballina Stephenites, who they had beaten in the first game of the day. to the top spot.
The tournament, supported by Joseph Murphy Ballina Ltd Moy Tools and Hardware, had been placed in doubt due to the weather conditions with just 24 hours to go, but the schedule was fulfilled in full, with just a few minor tweaks, and all three pitches, especially the main pitch at Ballina Stephenites held up remarkably well considering the volume of rain.
Organiser and Ballina Stephenites player Ger Cafferkey said: “We’re delighted with how the day ran, and the strong level of volunteer support we received from across the community for the event, particularly from our sponsors, Joseph Murphy Ballina Ltd Moy Tools and Hardware who got behind the concept from the very beginning. The participating teams enjoyed the day hugely and there is definitely an appetite to run the tournament again. From a social perspective the camaraderie on the day among teams who might not normally get to compete against each other was a real high point, and in the spirit of the original Shannon Medals, there were some great friendships forged between the clubs on the day.”
As well as a social event, the tournament served each of the teams in a training capacity, giving entire panels valued game time against new opposition in a competitive format. Knockmore, for example, used the tournament strategically to experiment, fielding a large panel – essentially two teams across the venues. Mayo Gaels, despite having a tough day results-wise also managed to field a lot of players, and put in physical, competitive performances that left them in contention in each of their fixtures right up til the end. It was clear to see that the visiting teams had their eye on the big prize, and the final game of the day saw the second and third placed teams Ballina Stephenites and An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille of Omagh in a thriller that ended with the runners up sharing the spoils. With former Stephenites great Denis Coen managing the visitors, it was highly anticipated and did not disappoint considering the volume of ball that had been played earlier in the day. Both teams left everything on the pitch over the 20 minutes in a fast-moving encounter with Evan Regan the stand-out player for the home side, before the teams retired for food, refreshments and a bit of a sing-song – and of course, many of the visitors went on to sample the delights of Ballina’s nightlife afterwards.
Thanks were extended on the day to event partners and supporters Conor Rowe of HiFive Clothing, Niall Heffernan of the Food Store Ireland (Claremorris), Mary Moyles and team of the Cot and Cobble for their generosity and enthusiasm. During the presentation of prizes, captain of winning team, St Eunan’s of Letterkenny, Niall O’Donnell thanked Ballina Stephenites for the invitation to participate and for the hospitality extended by the club on the day in what he said was a hugely enjoyable and well-organised tournament. For more information on the Ballina 2023 programme of events, visit www.ballina2023.ie.
Out on the Moy – a celebration of LGTBQ+ in song featuring Glória LGBT+ Choir and Rejoice Gospel Choir Ballina Arts Centre, April 15, 2023, 8pm
Ballina 2023 and Rejoice Gospel Choir will welcome Dublin’s acclaimed Glória LGBT+ Choir to town on Saturday, April 15 for an unforgettable concert in Ballina Arts Centre. ‘Out on the Moy’ will celebrate Ballina’s LGBTQI+ community in a night of love, acceptance, unity and song – and everyone is invited.
The award-winning Glória LGBT+ Choir was established in Dublin in 1995 to provide a safe, comfortable space for gay and lesbian people to meet and sing together, and to promote a positive image of Ireland’s growing LGBT community. The choir has performed extensively throughout Ireland and overseas at many prestigious events and audiences, while maintaining an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people from all backgrounds and different life experiences irrespective of gender identity, or sexuality.
The choir’s repertoire is wide-ranging from musicals to madrigals and from classical to camp. The songs are chosen sometimes to surprise, sometimes to challenge, but always to entertain! They are looking forward to bringing their varied repertoire to a Ballina audience for the very first time.
Avril Greham, Ballina 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Officer and event organiser said: “As Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Ballina 2023, I am thrilled to welcome Gloria LGBTQ+ choir to our community and am honoured to see them share the stage with our own Rejoice Gospel Choir. This event is not only a celebration of music and art, but also a representation of our commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.
The evening will highlight the beauty of our differences and the power of coming together to create something truly special. I invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable concert, where we can enjoy the power of music and create life-long connections.”
Glória LGBT+ Choir Chairperson John O’Donovan remarked: “Just as our repertoire is varied so is our membership, with singers from all walks of life. We are particularly pleased as we have members from Ballina and other parts of mighty Mayo and are looking forward to donning the green and red on April 15!
We are really looking forward to celebrating Ballina 2023 and are delighted to have been asked to take part in the town’s celebrations. Our singing programme like Ballina 2023’s mission will honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire hope for the future. This is not our first time performing in Mayo, and it certainly will not be the last.”
For over two decades members of Rejoice Gospel Choir, fuelled by a passion for performance have been uplifting the people of Ballina and beyond with their unique musical talents and spiritual ethos. The much-loved choir sings regularly at midday Sunday Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Ballina, but also enhances community life by participating in concerts, musicals, festivals, TV programmes and charity endeavours at a local, national and international level.
Rejoice Gospel Choir PRO Sheila Garvin stated: “There is something powerful about choirs performing in unison and this will be a very magical experience, and we are very excited to perform alongside Glória.”
Tickets for ‘Out on the Moy’ are now on sale from Ballina Arts Centre, priced at €20 and selling fast!
Celebrate the official launch of Christmas 2022 in Ballina, with a fun-filled afternoon for all the family, starting at 1pm in the Jackie Clarke Collection.
- Circus 250 with Hoop Artist, Female Clown, Achill Cackle, Juggling Workshops and much more
- Christmas Arts and Crafts with Ballina Girl Guides, supported by Ballina Costume Company
- A fun treasure hunt out and about the streets of Ballina, solving clues as we search for Santa! Suitable for all ages, buggy friendly but children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
- DJ playing all our favourite tunes
- Meet and Greet with Mrs Claus
- Arrival of Santa Claus
After a busy afternoon, enjoy the Switching on of Ballina’s Traditional Christmas Lights