Ballina Community Sports Hub Officially Launched
Date: 12-04-2024
Following on from the very successful Ballina Urban Adventure Initiative in 2021 / 2022 the Ballina Community Sports Hub was formally launched in the Kennedy Glasgow Centre the Quay on Thursday March 21st 2024 by local TD and Minister of State Dara Calleary.
Other speakers on the night included councillor Michael Loftus Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and Chairperson of the Mayo Sport Partnership together with Councillor Seamus Weir Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District.
Anne Finn of Mayo North East spoke of their role since May 2023 in hosting the position of the Ballina Community Sports Hub Coordinator with Pat O’Brien as the person carrying out this very important role. Funded by Sport Ireland through Mayo Sports Partnership the hubs mission is to increase participation in sport / physical activity by all members of the community irrespective of age, ability, background etc.
Charlie Lambert Head of Mayo Sports Partnership informed the meeting that the mission of a Community Sports and Physical Activity Hub in disadvantaged areas is to bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations.
Pat spoke of his love of all sports especially water based, and he believes his knowledge and local involvement will help with the new development of Ballina Quay happening shortly. Since taking on the role in May 2023 Pat has helped set up Ballina Dragon Boat Club and Ballina Cricket Club together with reigniting interest in sports such as Tug of War, Badminton, Waterpolo, Picklelball and Walking Football.
Peter Gill Parks Supervisor Mayo County Council outlined all the progress in Mayo where different MUGA pitches and outdoor recreational areas have been created and gave a presentation on the development of the playing areas in the Tom Ruane Park on the Sligo road.
The evening concluded with a Sports club Network meeting in which 20 local clubs took part in a brainstorming event to see how Pat’s role could help their club and enable all clubs to work together to improve communication, develop their facilities, improve coaching skills and education such as First Aid and child safeguarding.
A full programme of events from Ballina Sports Hub can be download from HERE and is supported by Healthy Mayo.
To make contact with Pat or to find out more about the hub phone Call 087 2540334 or Email
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Photo Credit: John O’Grady
Picture Caption: (Community Representatives, Local Councillors, Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Coordinator Charlie Lambert, Dara Calleary TD and Michael Loftus (Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council))