Friday Church Services in Ballina: After 10am Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed until 5pm. Prayer of the Church and Benediction at 1.05pm. Why not come along and pray awhile.
Knock Festival for Young People: The Summer Festival is a one day event taking place on July 28th. It is for all young people between the ages of 17-30. On this day, young people will come together in a faith setting and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. They will explore, ignite and celebrate their faith. The event will have interactive talks, prayer, testimonies from young people as well as drama and music. More details on the Parish Noticeboards.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock: This pilgrimage takes place on Sunday, August 5th. A bus will leave Ballina at 9am. Further details can be obtained from Margaret on 061 376925.
Mid-Summer Barbeque: This event, to mark the acquisition of new field, was held last Friday evening at the Complex in ideal weather conditions and before a bumper crowd. This was a historic
event in the annals of the Ballina GAA club and a memorable occasion for everyone who attended.
We celebrated a great community effort with excellent food (compliments of McKeogh’s Supermarket)
and with the music provided by local group “The Last Friday Crew”. The breaking through ceremony was simple, but effective – Three Club Presidents (John J McKeogh, John J Maher and Patsy Nevin) handed two sliothars to Tipp Minor hurler Mikey Breen and Tipp Camogie player Mary Power, with Tipp Minor Footballer, Stephen O’Brien, receiving a football. Stephen, Mikey and Mary then broke through into the new field on behalf of the club. Finally, the assembled children released 100 blue and white balloons to mark this new and exciting chapter in the club’s history. Sarah Devane addressed the assembled crowd, welcoming everyone present and thanking everyone who contributed in any way to this great occasion which marked the commencement of the development of our new playing pitch which was long overdue. Everyone present got the opportunity to walk the new field which commends one of the best views in the area.
Summer Camp: This annual camp was held in the club field last week. It was attended by 118 children and despite a very wet start on Monday morning, the week remained mainly dry. The children were treated to a great week of fun and skills in their new red and white kit. The camp had the added benefit of having our own two local ‘superstars’ (Steven O’Brien and Mikey Breen, Tipp minors) as part of the coaching crew. We also had a visit from Tipp senior hurler, Conor O Mahoney.
Intermediate Hurlers: Our Intermediate team played their last group game against near-neighbours Ballinahinch in Newport on Saturday evening. Missing a number of first choice players, they played against the wind and against a very determined Ballinahinch team who held an 8 point lead at the interval. In the second half, Ballina made a big comeback but failed to bridge the gap. Final score on the night was Ballinahinch 0-12 Ballina 0-10.
