Club History
Early History & Participation
- Long Tradition: For decades, children in Ballina actively participated in the Community Games, a significant part of the town's youth activities, involving sports and cultural events.
- Widespread Appeal: Community Games are a national movement, started in 1967, offering a platform for children to develop skills, teamwork, and confidence through athletics, art, and cultural events.
Challenges & Withdrawal
Volunteer Shortage: Like many local branches, Ballina and The Quay eventually withdrew from the national program, primarily due to a lack of volunteers.
Ongoing Involvement
Event Hosting and Organizing: A number of organizations and volunteers from the Area have continued to stay involved with COmmunity Games, despite Ballina and the Quay not being affiliated. These people include:
1. Theresa Doherty from Nadia Gymnastics, Ballina who host the gymnastics events for Mayo Community Games
2. Trinnie Kennedy from Ballina Pacers Basketball, who organizes the Basketball events for Mayo Community Games
2. Mary Dunne of Ballina Dolphins Swimming, who organizes an annual swimming event for local areas to select their swimmers.
Revival Efforts (2025-2026)
In late 2025, Mayo Community Games granted Ballina and the Quay a 3 year trial period to operate as a combined area, with the hope that interest could be revived in the games in Ballina.
Community Demand: Local parents have expressed interest in seeing the Games return, leading to new initiatives to re-establish the branch.
Volunteer Shortage: Like many local branches, Ballina and The Quay eventually withdrew from the national program, primarily due to a lack of volunteers.
Ongoing Involvement
Event Hosting and Organizing: A number of organizations and volunteers from the Area have continued to stay involved with COmmunity Games, despite Ballina and the Quay not being affiliated. These people include:
1. Theresa Doherty from Nadia Gymnastics, Ballina who host the gymnastics events for Mayo Community Games
2. Trinnie Kennedy from Ballina Pacers Basketball, who organizes the Basketball events for Mayo Community Games
2. Mary Dunne of Ballina Dolphins Swimming, who organizes an annual swimming event for local areas to select their swimmers.
Revival Efforts (2025-2026)
In late 2025, Mayo Community Games granted Ballina and the Quay a 3 year trial period to operate as a combined area, with the hope that interest could be revived in the games in Ballina.
Community Demand: Local parents have expressed interest in seeing the Games return, leading to new initiatives to re-establish the branch.
- Volunteer Drive: The Mayo Volunteer Centre and local organizers are actively seeking volunteers (Chairperson, Administrator, Children's Officer) to rebuild the committee.
- Re-engagement: The goal is to restart events for children aged 6-16, fostering community spirit and providing vital opportunities for personal growth through sports and arts.
Hosting of the Games (2027-2028)
In 2026 Ballina will be hosting the Mayo finals for Gymnastics and Rugby x7's.
Local Clubs: We are current seeking expressions of interest from various Ballina venues to investigate the potential for Ballina and the Quay to host Mayo finals and Connacht finals in future years.
In 2026 Ballina will be hosting the Mayo finals for Gymnastics and Rugby x7's.
Local Clubs: We are current seeking expressions of interest from various Ballina venues to investigate the potential for Ballina and the Quay to host Mayo finals and Connacht finals in future years.
- Volunteer Drive: The Mayo Volunteer Centre and local organizers are actively seeking volunteers (Chairperson, Administrator, Children's Officer) to rebuild the committee.
- Business engagement: We are currently seeking local businesses to sponsor events should they be held in Ballina
- Accommodation Providers: We are currently seeking local accommodation providers to partner with to provide accommodation to families whose children attend events in Ballina.
Community Games Ballina & the Quay
Founded 1972