30th Annual Féile Brian Ború Festival – Killaloe and Ballina - Archive

St. Patrick’s Parade 2023

We were so delighted to see so many people lining the streets of Ballina and Killaloe to help us celebrate our patron saint.

The organising committee would like to say a huge thank you to all those who helped make the day such a success –

Inspector Michella Moloney, Sergeant Annette Ryan and members of the Killaloe Gardaí for their excellent work in ensuring the safe and successful running of the parade.

We are very grateful to you all.

Killaloe Fire Brigade

The Killaloe Coastguard Unit for a fantastic display of their services

St. Patrick; our drummers led by Boris Hunka, and our Piper Brian O’Connell

Giggles Entertainment who were delighted to mix with you all during the parade

All the voluntary clubs & organisations, individuals and businesses who put so much work into preparing their floats for the day –

Ballina Camogie; Ballina Ladies FC; Birdhill FC, Ború Blazers, Ború Tri-Club; Brian Ború on the Hill; Car Pal; Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticia; Irish Guide Dogs Volunteers; Killaloe 5th/22nd Scout Group, Lough Derg FC, Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club, Mike McGrath Haulage, My Next Adventure; Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie and a fantastic collection of classic cars from Nenagh Classic Car club.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the floats who continued from the Green to Lakes Nursing Home to entertain the many residents who were getting into the spirit of our feast day

Our sponsors, without whom the running of such a successful parade would not have been possible: Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council,

Allied Irish Bank, Birdhill Tidy Towns, Ború Blazers, Brian Ború on the Hill, Carpal, Collins Pharmacy Ballina, Collins Pharmacy Killaloe, Derg Credit Union, Derg House Cafe, Farrell’s Centra, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Larkin’s Gala, McKeogh’s Hardware, RAW Cafe & Interiors, Strands Hair Salon, Therese’s Hair Salon, Strands Hair Salon, Smith O’Briens GAA & Camogie clubs and Walsh’s Bar.

The dignitaries who attended the parade and those who were present on the reviewing stand – Councillor Fiona Bonfield, Councillor Phyll Bugler, Cllr. John Carroll, Rev. Paul Fitzpatrick, Fr. James Grace, Fr. Tom Lanigan-Ryan, Cllr. Rocky McGrath, Inspector Michella Moloney.

Mike McGrath Haulage for providing the reviewing stand for the parade,

Killaloe Flowers for beautifully decorating the reviewing stand,

Mike McKee for providing the PA for the day,

Ballina GAA club,

Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre, the parade stewards, judges & all those who helped with the preparations on the day.

We would also like to congratulate the winners on the day –

Best Overall Float: Birdhill Tidy Towns

Most Colourful: Killaloe Boys National School

Best Business Float: My Next Adventure

Best Voluntary Organisation: Killaloe 5th/22nd Scout Group,

Special Merit Award: Lough Derg Sub Aqua

Best Dressed Window: Derg House Cafe, Killaloe

We look forward to seeing you for Féile Brian Ború 2023 which this year will take place from Wednesday 5th – Sunday 9th July.

Photographic Competition – and the winners are…………….

July 12th, 2022 | Posted by arlenewhite in Arts - (0 Comments)

As part of Féile Brian Ború, we held a virtual photographic competition which encouraged people to get out and about in our beautiful twin towns, camera at the ready. And they didn’t disappoint!
Huge thanks to all who took part, but as we all know, there always has to be a winner.

Wildlife
“Hanging On By My Hind Legs” – Yeshuah O Brien

Nature
Killaloe from Ballina – Annagh Roche

Scenic Shots
Killaloe Canal – Michael Conroy

Buildings & Structures
Under The Green Bridge – Nicola Welford

Pastimes
Paddle Boarding on Lough Derg – Annagh Roche

Congratulations to all. We will be in touch regarding your prizes.

Children’s Art Competition; And the winners are…………………..

July 11th, 2022 | Posted by arlenewhite in Arts | Family | Fun | Youth - (0 Comments)

As part of Féile Brian Ború 2022, we held a virtual children’s art competition.
We had so many entries our judges had a very tough job picking the winners, BUT here they are –

0-3 years –
1st – Senan Ronayne Age 3
2nd – Alexander Gough Coleman Age 1

4-6 years –
1st – Maxime Jang Age 6
2nd – Leo Ryan Age 5
3rd – Cathal Monaghan Age 5

7-9 years
1st – Elle Murray Age 7
2nd – Éile Ronayne Age 8
3rd – Roisin Harte Age 8

Hugh congratulations to all.
We will be in touch with the winners soon to deliver their prizes.

Ballina-Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022

After a two year break, we are delighted to announce that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Thursday 17th March 2022.

The parade will start from Ballina GAA complex at 2:30pm, travel through Ballina, across the bridge, finishing in the Green in Killaloe.

All local businesses, clubs and individuals are encouraged to take part on the day.

PLEASE NOTE: For insurance purposes, all entries must register prior to taking part.

Prizes will be presented on the day for the best floats. A prize will also be presented to the business or home with the best dressed window in Ballina & Killaloe.

For further details or booking, please contact 087 261 5406 or e-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com

Brian Ború’s Wild and Wonderful Art Adventure Winners 🎨

WORKSHOP WINNERS

1st Prize – FAMILY CLAN PASS FOR 5 to WEST LAKE AQUA PARK WITH ICE-CREAM/HOT CHOCOLATE FROM WEST LAKE COFFEE -Lena, Harvey & Killian McMahon

2nd Prize -FAMILY CLAN PASS TO LAKESIDE LEISURE CENTRE – Annabel & Andrew Anoop

3rd Prize – MILKYMOO ICECREAM FOR 4, HEANEY’S COSTCUTTER – Cian & Adam O’Hora

WILD CARD WINNERS

1st Prize – FAMILY CLAN PASS FOR 5 TO LAKESIDE LEISURE CENTRE SWIMMING POOL – Cathal Monaghan

2nd Prize (joint winners) – BOX OF SIX MUFFINS EACH FROM BLESS CAFÉ – Maxime & James Howard

COLOURING COMPETITION

WINNER – PIZZA FOR 2 IN PONTE VECCHIO – Jack and Femke Schregardus

Pet Photographic Competition

We received almost 2oo photos of your gorgeous fur babies, and this was such a difficult one to judge.
However, I think you’ll agree the winners are well deserving.

Cutest Eyes:

Belle the Dashund Grace Bourke & Declan O’Meara

Best Action Shot:

Sadie the Black Labrador owned by Annagh Roche

Best “OH NO” shot:

Bonny the JRT and Dolly the Cow owned by Siobhán Cahill

Best Sleeping Position:

Loki the Cat owned by Martin Conroy

Open Category:

Cincau the Chinchilla owned by Soo Ling Koh

Photographic Competition Winners

July 13th, 2021 | Posted by arlenewhite in Arts | Heritage - (0 Comments)

Thanks to everyone who entered our photographic competition – we receievd some amazing photos, which made the judge’s job quite difficult.
Congratulations to the Winners !!!

U’16 Photography competition:

Winner:

Patch Curtain Age 12

Mirror reflection of St. Flannan’s Cathedral

Adult Photography competition:

Scenic shots in our locality:

“In the Spotlight” Lough Derg from Tountinna by Amy Heyerman

Nature:

“Looking for the magic in every moment” by Patrick Ryan

Wildlife:

Family of Swans by Brenda O’Connell

Buildings & Structures:

“The Bridge” by Annagh Roache

Art Competition Winners

Congratulations to all the winners of our art competition – “Your Favourite Place on a Plate”
Thanks to Scoops for their ice-cream vouchers

All the pieces of art entered are currently on display in Crotty’s window on Bridge Street (across from RAW)

0 – 4 year olds:

1st – Cathal Monaghan Age 4

2nd – Rody Cronin Age 3 and a half

3rd – Ebony Harty Age 2

5 – 6 year olds:

1st – Elle Murray Age 6

2nd – Ronan Fleming Age 5

3rd – Maxime Howard Age 5

7 – 9 year olds:

1st – Nora Neylon Age 7

2nd – Emily Monaghan Age 8

3rd – Liam O’Brian Age 8

10 + years:

1st – Anna Fleming Age 11

2nd – Emily Seymour Age 10

3rd – Lucy Bradwell Age 11

Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2020

On the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team, we have decided to postpone the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day parade –

we hope to run this at a later date and will keep you posted! We did not make this decision lightly.

Sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Feile Brian Boru Children’s Art

The Feile Brian Boru Children’s Art competition took place on Saturday 20th in Killaloe Library. Over 60 children took part and created some amazing artwork.

The judges had a really hard job but the winners on the day were:

0 – 3 years
1st – Rian O’Connell
2nd – Maia Cooney
3rd – Logan Tucker

4 – 6 years
1st – Laoise
2nd – Ryan Murphy
3rd – Doireann Moloney

7 – 9 years
As there were so many fantastic entries in this category, the judges awarded joint 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes.
1st – Ryan Crotty & Elle Jorgensen
2nd – Grace Nagle & Tegan Muldoon
3rd – Emma Kenny & Louise Ryan

10+
1st – Kristina Horenberg & Tori Muldoon (Joint Prize)
2nd – Tara
3rd – Caoimhe Moloney

Huge thanks to all who helped with thus event – Killaloe Library, Bridge House Studios & Benson Box.
Thanks to Mike Quigley for some great photos!

Everyone enjoyed some drumming with the Fuinneamh Community Drum afterwards

Feile Brian Boru: 17th to 21st July 2019:

Feile Brian Boru 2019 is almost upon us and we have another jam-packed programme of events this year.

Events include: Feile Fireworks; Fly-Boarding displays; Traditional Family Fun Day – Archery, Games, Mini-Zoo; Strut Your Mutt Dog Show; Walks, Talks and Guided tours; Photographic Exhibition; Kayaking, Sailing, Canadian Canoe Races;

Shannon Swim; Pond Dipping; Workshops for all – Art, Drama, Gardening, Natural Skincare; Mobile Theatre;

Fuinneamh Drum; Brass Band; Beat on the Street; Craft Fair; Farmers Market, and much more…….

Printed programmes will soon be available in local shops and businesses and our full programme is now available on our website www.feilebrianboru.com

Another successful St. Patrick’s Day parade in our twin-towns

Despite the rather risky weather, hundreds of people lined the streets for the 2019 Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day parade and the organising committee would like to say a huge thanks to all those who helped make the day such a success.

Inspector Morgen O’Donoghue, Sergeant Annette Ryan and members of the Killaloe Gardaí for their excellent work in ensuring the safe and successful running of the parade
The Killaloe Coastguard Unit for their fantastic display of their services
Killaloe Fire Brigade
Our group of drummers who led this years’ parade, St. Patrick and our Piper Brian O’Connell
All the voluntary clubs & organisations, individuals and businesses who put so much work into preparing their floats for the day –

Ballina GAA Club; Ballina/Killaloe RFC, Birdhill FC, Birdhill Tidy Towns, Ború Tri-Club; CarPal, Derg Credit Union; Derg Credit Union; Fergus Collins Construction; Irish Taekwondo Academy, Killaloe 5^th/22^nd Scout Group, Kieran Scullane Home Improvements; Kilbane Tractor Run; Killaloe Garden Hire; Lough Derg FC, My Next Adventure; Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Vintage Tractor driven by John Bowman

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the floats who continued from the Green to Lakes Nursing Home to entertain the many residents who were getting into the spirit of our feast day
Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre for their continued support,
Our sponsors, without whom the running of such a successful parade would not have been possible:

Main Sponsors of this year’s event: Tipperary County Council and Technopath Clinical Diagnostics.

Allied Irish Bank, Birdhill Tidy Towns, Brian Ború on the Hill, Car Pal, Collins Pharmacy Ballina, Derg Credit Union, Farrell’s SPAR, Fergus Collins Construction, Fine Rags, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Gooser’s Bar & Restaurant, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Optician’s, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Irish Taekwondo Academy, Kieran Scullane Home Improvements, Kilbane Tractor Run, Killaloe Garden Hire, Killaloe Post Office, Larkin’s Gala, Lough Derg FC, McKeogh’s Hardware, Scoop’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, & Walsh’s Bar.
The dignitories who attended the parade and those who were present on the reviewing stand – Councillor Fiona Bonfield, Councillor Phyll Bugler, Timmy Dooley T.D, Fr. James Grace, Councillor Mattie McGrath, Inspector Morgen O’Donoghue, Fr. Tom Lanigan-Ryan, Councillor Tony O’Brien

We would also like to thank the following who, due to other commitments, were not able to attend on the day – Cllr. Joe Cooney, Councillor Ger Darcy and Sadie Scanlan.

Mike McGrath Haulage for providing the reviewing stand for the parade
Killaloe Flowers for beautifully decorating the reviewing stand for the celebrations
Ballina Engineering who kindly provided our steps for the reviewing stand
Mike McKee for providing the PA for the day
Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre for their continued support,
Ballina GAA for use of the complex,
The parade stewards & all those who helped out with the preparations on the day
Our volunteer photographers who did a great job capturing the parade – Dennis Kennedy and Robert Fairfield

We would also like to congratulate the winners on the day –

Best Overall Float: Fergus Collins Construction;

Best Business Float: Killaloe Garden Hire;

Best Topical Float: Birdhill Tidy Towns;

Best Comical Float: Lough Derg FC;

Best Club Float: Killaloe 5^th/22^nd Scouts;

Special Merit Award: The Irish Taekwondo Academy

Best Dressed Window: Collins Pharmacy, Ballina

We look forward to seeing you for Féile Brian Ború 2019 which this year will take place on the later dates of from Wednesday 17^th – Sunday 21^st July.
Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Feilebrianboru) to get updates on this years’ festival.

Photo Credit: Denis Kennedy

Ballina-Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2019

We are delighted to announce that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Sunday 17th March 2019.

The parade will start from Ballina GAA complex at 2:30pm, travel through Ballina, across the bridge, finishing in the Green in Killaloe.

All local businesses, clubs and individuals are encouraged to take part on the day. All entries must complete a St.-Patricks-Day-parade-application and return to the committee.

Prizes will be presented in the following categories –

Best Overall Float
Best Business Float
Best club/voluntary group
Best Comical Float
Best Topical Float
Special Merit Award

A prize will also be presented to the business or home with the best dressed window in Ballina & Killaloe.

For further details or booking, please contact 087 261 5406 or e-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com

Unveiling of Sinnan – Goddess of the River Shannon & The Salmon of Knowledge

August 27th, 2018 | Posted by arlenewhite in Arts | Crafts | Heritage - (0 Comments)

A huge thank you to all those who came along to the unveiling of our two plaques outside Killaloe Library yesterday morning.

These pieces were commissioned by the Féile Brian Ború committee, which grant assistance from the Heritage Council, and work began on them during Féile Brian Ború 2018 in July.

The first sculpture depicts Sinann – the Goddess of the River Shannon.

Under the experienced tutorage of Mark Wilson, Artist and Blacksmith, this piece was planned and prepared by the Circle of Friends group based in Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre. The group came together yesterday to unveil this plaque, showing the team effort that went into researching, planning and preparing this wonderful piece of art. Group member Harriett Moore then read a story which explained how Sinann became known as the Goddess of the Shannon.

The second piece depicts the Salmon of Knowledge and this piece was worked on during Féile Brian Ború 2018 in July.

This piece was unveiled by Ailish Conacur, the granddaughter of the late historian, Seán Kierse.

Seán himself unveiled a copper sculpture which again was commissioned by the Féile Brian Ború in 2014 to commemorate the millennial anniversary of the death of King Brian Ború at the Battle of Clontarf.

We felt it very fitting to have Ailish unveil one of our plaques and we would like to thank her and her family for being a part of the day.

We would also like to thank all those who were involved in this project – Mark Wilson & team; Circle of Friends Social Group; staff of the Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre; Deirdre Scanlan who provided musical entertainment on the day and the Killaloe Library for allowing us to mount these pieces of art in a perfect location in our beautiful twin-towns.

Both plaques will be permanently mounted outside Killaloe Library in the coming week or two, which is the perfect location on the bank of River Shannon. We hope you will enjoy them for years to come.

St. Patrick’s Day 2018

Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day 2018

Plans are well underway for this year’s parade and it’s guaranteed to be full of music, entertainment, colour and fun!

This year’s parade will leave Ballina GAA Complex @ 1pm and it will follow the usual route, finishing in the Green, Killaloe.

We are encouraging all businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals to get involved and enter a float – All creative interpretations are welcome!

To register an entry, please contact John Grimes 086/2587819 or Paddy Collins 087/2615406 or e-mail info@feilebrianboru.com for a registration form.

Prizes will be presented on the day for the best entries. A prize will also be presented on the day for the business or home with the Best Dressed Window so if you would like to help add colour to the streets of Ballina/Killaloe by decorating your window(s), please e-mail to info@feilebrianboru.com.

We hope you will join us in celebrating the 2018 Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade in style!

We need you!

The organising committee are looking for volunteers on the day to assist during the parade. If you are interested in stewarding or you are a First Aider and would like to help out please contact John Grimes 086/2587819 or Paddy Collins 087/2615406 or e-mail info@feilebrianboru.com

Plans are well underway for the 22nd Annual Féile Brian Ború in Ballina/Killaloe.

From Wednesday 1^st July – Sunday 5th July 2015, experience a variety of fun activities including, historical guided tours, a stunning Fireworks display over the river Shannon, Traditional Craft Experience, Animal Magic with their amazing display of animals, Strut your Mutt Fun Dog Show, Children’s Art Competition, Art exhibitions & displays, Street Theatre, Live Music, Table Quiz, Farmers Market, Shannon Swim, Canoe Polo and much, much more!

Féile Brian Ború 2015 Highlight – Legends of Irish music & song The FUREYS will play LIVE in concert in The Lakeside Hotel on Sunday 5^th July. Renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 37 years. Their emotive songs stir many emotions….tears and laughter, sadness and joy. A FUREYS concert is always a night to remember. Tickets €20. For further information and tickets, contact The Lakeside Hotel T: 061-376122.

Féile Brian Ború 2015 – Fun for all the family guaranteed!

Check out our website – www.feilebrianboru.com

E-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com

2012 Féile Brian Ború Brings Colour and Sunshine to Killaloe and Ballina.

This year’s Féile Brian Ború got off to a great start with Tommy Tiernan performing a sellout show at the Lakeside Hotel on Thursday. Highlight of the first weekend in an action packed 10 day schedule was Sunday’s children’s parade. Hundreds of children from primary schools on both sides of the river came together during the week to craft costumes, and on Sunday, a river of colour and sound poured across the bridge. Also on Sunday, the Feile Feis was a busy day for dancers with some super performances given.

Butterly preparation for the parade

Hide Children's Art Workshop

Events didn’t slow down after the weekend. The new week brought culture galore with Harp workshops and storytelling from the master of tales, Eddie Lenihan, and the weather on Monday held out for a wonderful guided historical walk. More of these will be running during the rest of the festival. There are dozens of events on over the next few days, with something to suit everyone. Mary Coughlan, Richie Hayes, Canal tours, Féile singing, Spin on the Street and a not-to-be missed performance from the National Harp Orchestra at the Cathedral. Saturday and Sunday are busy with 30 unique events running over the weekend.

Hide Children's Parade

Feile Feis at the Lakeside

This year the Féile has introduced an historical re-enactment of Brian Boru’s camp at Cathedral Quay. From 11.30 on Saturday you can observe battle tactics, warriors competing, combat trials and at 4.30pm a full battle! On Sunday, observe a traditional Brehon trial, and a battle at 3.30pm. Saturday night’s Feile Pageant on the Green at 8pm will bring history to life, and culminate in fireworks from 10.30pm. Sunday has plenty to do with Garden Fete, Farmer’s Market, Viking long boat racing, animal magic, dog show and lots more.

Pop Up Playhouse Art

A New Website for 2012

We are delighted to launch the new Feile Brian Boru website.

You will see signs throughout the site that the Feile is increasing in scale and ambition as we move towards 2014.

This has been made possible by an expanding team of professionals giving their time to advise and assist with all aspects of the event.

If you would also like to be involved, please get in touch and you can be part of a truly inspiring community collective effort.