Our annual Shannon Swim has been running for close to 30 years and still remains a most popular event in the locality. 33 swimmers took part in this years event, which runs from the Pier Head to just below Killaloe Library, a distance of about 500 metres.

This years’ winner was Mai Walsh in the Juvenile Category with a time of 7 minutes 32 seconds.

The winners were as follows:

Juvenile Category: 
1st – Mia Walsh (7 minutes 32 seconds)
2nd – Nathan Shinners (7 minutes 33 seconds)
3rd – Anna Considine (8 minutes 32 seconds)

Open Category:
1st – Geno Quinlan (7 minutes 34 seconds)
2nd – Bobby Reynolds (8 minutes 54 seconds)
3rd – Johnny O’Loughlin (8 minutes 56 seconds)

Special Youth Category:
1st – Danny Hickey
2nd – Grace O’Brien
3rd – Aoife Ringrose

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who took part in this years event –

Malachy Sheeran; Hardoin; Monika Tupa; Gary Madden; Deridre Mulally; Alma Moloney; Suzanne Cantrell; Maeve O’Dwyer; Hilda Moloney; Aisling O’Brien; Jos Slattery; Yvonne Briody; Bernie Little; Keely Cantrell; Edel Cribbin; Triona Campbell; John O’Brien; Natasha Crotty; Ray Hickey; Georgina Ringrose; Molly O’Sullivan and Ciara Bradley.

Thanks also to all those who helped us out on the day – Dee Kearney; Killaloe Sailing Club; My Next Adventure; Caroline Tierney; Yvonne Briody and Maeve O’Dwyer.

Vikings are Coming to Killaloe!

Prepare yourselves, Killaloe! Next weekend, the home of Brian Boru will witness the arrival of 60 Vikings, ready to descend upon our historic town.

🚢 Viking Ship on Display
The Vikings will sail into Killaloe and moor their majestic ship on the pontoon. The ship will be lit up at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Visitors are welcome to come aboard and explore the ship, with opportunities for trips on both Saturday and Sunday.

🍻 Friday Night Pub Raids
The weekend of Viking festivities will kick off on Friday night with a thrilling raid on the pubs in Ballina and Killaloe. Watch out for these Norse invaders as they bring their unique brand of entertainment and camaraderie to our local establishments.

🗡️ Interactive Viking Shows
Throughout the weekend, the Vikings will be putting on interactive shows, giving everyone a taste of what life was like during the Viking era. A highlight will be the display of a replica Viking sword found in Lough Derg—an incredible piece of history brought to life.

🔥 Torch-Lit Parade & Fireworks
On Saturday night, join the Vikings for a spectacular torch-lit parade through the village of Ballina. This fiery procession will culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display, lighting up the night sky in true Viking fashion.

Don’t miss this extraordinary event, where history comes alive in Killaloe. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique experience, this Viking invasion promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

See you there!

From 5th – 7th July, over 60 Vikings are going to descend on the twin-towns of Killaloe & Ballina, the birthplace of Ireland’s Greatest High King, Brian Ború.

We are delighted to welcome Lakes Viking to Killaloe-Ballina, and we hope you will come along to their village in Cathedral Quay on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July. They will also bring along their 40 foot replica Viking ship and are offering people the opportunity to get on board.

Enjoy chatting with our visitors and experience a range of exhibits including; a replica of a Viking Sword found in Lough Derg; Tablet Weaving, Needlework, Weapons and Armor,  Weapons, Leatherwork, Birds of Prey, Runes, Toys and Jewelry, Face-painting,  Storytelling, Carving, Coins, Music, and more…….

Come along about 2pm to watch some battle re-enactments.

We are also hoping that some local children will come along and “battle the Vikings” to make sure they don’t take over our twin towns! (Approx 3:30pm & 4:30pm)

Now that a very successful St. Patrick’s Day parade has finished, the committee would like to say a huge thank you to all those who helped make it happen – 

Our parade sponsors: 

Tipperary County Council; Clare County Council/Cllr Tony O’Brien; A Secure; Ballina Handball Club; Brain Ború on the Hill; Ború Blazers; Car Pal; Collins Pharmacy Killaloe; Derf Credit Union; Derg House Cafe; Farrell’s Centra; Fine Rags; Flanagan’s on the Lake; Green Cross Pharmacy; Harry Brann Auctioneers; The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre; McKeogh’s Hardware; O’Donovan’s Insurance. 

We put out a call for help with the parade and were blown away with the response we received locally from our local communities from people of all ages – we would like to say a huge thanks to all our parade stewards: 

Carla Abad; Aminata Dabo; Hannah Dillon; Tara Doolan; Rory Grogan; Rhys Kenny; Caoimhe Moran; Mark Mulcahy; Fionn McKeogh; Ryan McKeogh; Donal O’Brien; Kate O’Callaghan; Jack Scullane & Luath Walsh; Dmytro; Kamil; Serhii; Valerii; Vitalii; Vladyslav & Yehor; 

Aleksandra Anson; Karl Connolly; Celia Donoghue; Frank Free; Tarsila Felix; Donal Gleeson; Phil Glendinning; Liza Keane; Ben Kiely; Joe Mayo; Oisín Meagher; Rosari Mockler; Pius McGrath; Elaine McKegh; Chris O’Neill; Claire O’Sullivan; Tony Rafferty; Bobby Reynolds. 

We hope you enjoyed this years St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

We want our parade to be a safe and enjoyable event for everyone in our community, so we are asking for your help with this year’s parade –

Please do not walk with, or closely follow the parade unless you are part of one of the registered floats;

When you are watching the parade, please try not to move out onto the road, or crowd the people participating in the parade;

We ask that only vehicles which will be in the parade are brought to the start point (Ballina GAA Complex), this will reduce congestion in this area.

To ensure that the parade runs smoothly, we need help with stewarding. Please give one – two hours of your time to be part of it and help out. You can register to steward here

We appreciate your help and we hope you enjoy this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade ☘️

Great Fun & Games was had at the Féile Pool Gala.

For the older Children the “Divestick Challenge” proved to be the most popular event once again. With Tag Team and single events the Kids were put through their paces at the Deep end.

At the Shallow end there were various cross pool Races, Ball in a lifebuoy event , Armband races to keep the small kids busy. All the kids received medals & a Goody bag at the end of a great morning.

Big thanks to our event leader Cliona, Lifeguards Luke, Dylan & Isabella, Mary who looked after refreshments, Pool Supervisor Paddy and Lisa for organising the treats.

A Big thanks to the Féile Brian Boru Committee for all their assistance.

Féile Brian Ború would like to reiterate that the 30th annual festival will be going ahead with only some slight changes to our schedule.

All land based activities including but not limited to the fireworks display, Brian Ború Boogies, Cars and Coffee-style event, and live music will go ahead as normal. The complete schedule of events can be viewed on www.feilebrianboru.ie

We regret to inform, that all water based activities have been cancelled due to the forecasted strong winds. The safety and enjoyment of all festival-goers is our number one priority, and the Féile Brian Ború committee believe this to be the best decision.

The events that have been cancelled due to the weather are:

– Blessing of the Boats

– The Shannon Swim

– Sailing Taster Sessions

– SUP Taster Sessions

– Kayaking with My Next Adventure

All refunds will be issued in the coming days. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

All land based activities will be going ahead as planned. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for any updates to events.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We are looking forward to seeing you all over the coming days, celebrating the 30th annual Féile Brian Ború.

The beauty of the picturesque twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, await you during the 30th Annual “Féile Brian Ború Festival”.

As it is the birthplace of Brian Ború, we like to commemorate Ireland’s Greatest High King in style!

While things have been quite different of late, we are delighted to welcome back a full programme of events to celebrate our 30th Féile Brian Ború.

This years’ programme includes:

A stunning Fireworks display over the River Shannon; Classic Car car show; Kayaking; Sailing; Stand

Up Paddle Boarding; the annual Shannon Swim; Swimming GALA; Blessing of the Boats; historicall ectures and guided tours; Build a Fort at Brian Ború’s Fort; Fuinneamh Community Drum; A range of workshops for all ages, including drama, art & craft, painting, gardening; poetry readings and music; the Brian Ború Boogie; Strut your Mutt Dog Show; Pet photographic competition; Farmers Market; Community Garden Open Day; and much, much more!

Mark your Diaries for Wednesday 5th – Sunday 9th July and keep an eye on our social media (@FeileBrianBoru) for news and updates.

If you have any queries, just drop us a line – info@feilebrianboru.com

We hope you will come along and help us commemorate Brian Ború in style – Fun and entertainment for all the family guaranteed!

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.

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Feilebrianboru) to get updates on this years’ festival.

Féile Brian Ború has come to a close for another year and we hope you enjoyed this year’s celebrations.

We would like to thank most sincerely our funders, sponsors and everyone who helped in any way with this year’s festival – it would not have been possible without you!

Sponsors:

Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Creative Ireland

Allied Irish Bank; Ballina Riverside pool; Brian Ború Feis; ClareTipp Properties; Collins Pharmacy Ballina; Collins Pharmacy Killaloe; Derg Credit Union; Derg House Café; Farrell’s Centra; Fine Rags; Flanagan’s on the Lake; Goosers Bar & Restaurant; Harry Brann Auctioneers; J’Adore Nail & Beauty;  Larkin’s Gala; Liam O’Riain’s Bar; RAW Interiors & Cafe/Pizzeria; Scoops Ice Cream Parlour; T.J’s Angling Centre; The Bridge Creative Arts Centre; The Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre; West Lake Aqua Park.

We would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival:

Cllr. Phyll Bugler; Cllr. Tony O’Brien; Finn McGeever; Fr. Eamonn Conway; Fr. James Grace; Good and Green; Killaloe-Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre; Killaloe Community Garden; Killaloe Gardaí; Killaloe Heritage Tours; Killaloe Sailing Club; Mary Raphael; Mike & Austin Durack; Mike Monaghan; Paul McGrath; Ronan O’Boyle; Sadie Scanlan; St. Flannan’s Cathedral; Smith O’Brien’s GAA Club; Tribe Killaloe; Walsh’s Bar; Waterways Ireland; Yoga Flow with Jen; Zumba with Taylor and anyone who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival.
We are very grateful.

As part of Féile Brian Ború, we held a virtual pet photographic competition and we got so many photos of your gorgeous pets. Our judges had the most difficult job with this competition because, as we all know, our pets are gorgeous and they all have cute eyes……..but winners had to be chosen and here they are:

Open Category:
Paris
Owner: Sinéad Crotty

Cutest Eyes:
Owner: Chloe Byrnes-Lyons

Best “Oh No” shot
Rocky
Owner: Zara Simpson

Best Sleeping Position:
Obi
Owner: Eoghan Carroll

Best Action Shot:
Guinness
Owner: Shane O’Meara

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

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.

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.

After two years with no parade, we were so delighted to be back this year, and we were even more delighted to see hundreds of 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 Val McCormick 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 group of drummers led by Boris Hunka, 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 – 

A-Secure Ltd.; Ballina Camogie; Ballina LGFA; Ballina/Killaloe RFC, Birdhill FC, Ború Tri-Club; Derg Credit Union; Irish Guide Dogs Volunteers; Irish Taekwondo Academy, Killaloe 5th/22nd Scout Group, Killaloe/Ballina Community Garden; Killaloe Sailing Club; Lough Derg FC, Munster Tree Surgeons; My Next Adventure; Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie and a fantastic collection of classic cars owned and driven by members of our local communities. 

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: Tipperary County Council and Clare County Council, 

Allied Irish Bank, Brian Ború on the Hill, Collins Pharmacy Ballina, Derg House, Farrell’s SPAR, Fine Rags, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Optician’s, Irish Taekwondo Academy, Kavanagh’s Butchers, Larkin’s Gala, McKeogh’s Hardware, Munster Tree Surgeons, Scoop’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Strands Hair Salon, Supervalu, Therese’s Hair Salon, The Bridge Creative Arts Centre, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, TJ’s Angling 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, Cllr. John Carroll, Rev. Paul Fitzpatrick, Fr. James Grace, Fr. Tom Lanigan-Ryan, Cllr. Michael O’Meara – Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District, Inspector Michella Moloney.
  We would also like to thank the following who, due to other commitments, were not able to attend on the day – Councillors Joe Cooney, Ger Darcy, Hughie McGrath, Rocky McGrath, Seamus Morris, Tony O’Brien; Fr. Ted O’Rahelly, Rev. Rod Smith, Rosemary Joyce – Nenagh Municipal District. 
• Mike McGrath Haulage for providing the reviewing stand for the parade,
  A-Secure Ltd. who helped to decorate the bridge for the day,

Mike McKee for providing the PA for the day, 

Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre, 

Ballina GAA, 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: Killaloe 5th/22nd Scouts;  

Best Business Float: A-Secure Ltd; 

Best Voluntary Organisation: Killaloe Coast Guard Unit

Special Merit Award: Classic Cars Collection

Best Dressed Window: Fine Rags, Killaloe

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.

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)

Due to the current restrictions as a result of COVID-19, this year’s Féile Brian Ború will unfortunately not go ahead as planned from 8th – 12th July 2020.
It is really disappointing to be taking a break from our annual festival for the first time since 1993, but obviously everyone’s safety is far more important.

Stay Safe!

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.

The Féile Brian Boru Swimming Pool Gala was a great fun event. It catered for all ages and abilities. Well done to Paddy & Lifeguards Anthony & Laura for organising the events and to Mary for providing refreshments to all.
Results:
U10A Freestyle : 1. Tadhg Hogan 2. Noah Shannon 3.Ryan Crotty
U10B Freestyle : 1. Charlie Collins 2. Arron Welsh
U11 Freestyle: 1. Adam Ahern 2. Iggy Ordon 3. John Nolan
U12 Freestyle : 1. Jagode Ordon 2. Mark Ahern 3. Leonne Geragthy 4. Shauna Higgins
Junior Armband/Woggle : 1.Elle Slattery 2. Ruby Welsh 3. Sarah Ordon 4. Ollie Collins
Dive Time Trial Open: 1.Jagobe Ordon 2. Mark Ahern 3.John Nolan
Mammy’s Race : 1. Orla Collins 2.Camille Nolan
Daddy’s Race 1. Seamus Collins

Lifeguard Race: 1. Anthony Dunne 2.Tadhg O Shaughnessy Joint 3rd Rory Mockler & Laura Mc Grath

32 swimmers took part in the annual Shannon Swim which starts at the Pier Head and finishes before Killalie Brudge, a distance of approx. 500 metres.

The winners were as follows:

Ladies Open
1st – Edie Reynolds
2nd – Deirdre Kearney
3rd – Orlagh Scanlon

Men’s Open
1st – Finn McGeever
2nd – Christian Jones
3rd – Nicholas O’Brien
Finn McGeever was first in at a time of 5:22:44, beating his previous time of just over 6 minutes. Well done to Finn.

Masters
1st – John Ryan
2nd – Geno Quinlan
3rd – Rosie Foley

Juvenile Winner – Rory Bradwell

Well done to all who took part.

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

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

Feile Brian Boru has come to a close for another year and we hope you enjoyed this year’s celebrations.

We would like to thank most sincerely everyone who helped in any way with this year’s festival.

Main Sponsors:

Failte Ireland, Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Waterways Ireland, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre for their ongoing support, and to all the local businesses for their valuable sponsorship and support of Féile Brian Ború 2018.

Gold Sponsors:

Ballina Engineering; Brian Boru Feis; The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre; Trident Holiday Homes.

Silver Sponsors:

Benson Box; Bond Auto; Kincora House B&B; Quay Arts; McKeogh’s Hardware; Reddan’s Bar & Whelan’s Newsagent & Foodstore

Bronze Sponsors:

Alchemy; Allied Irish Bank; An Siopa Beag; Brian Ború on the Hill; Derg Credit Union; Derg House Café/B&B; Farrell’s SPAR; J’Adore Nail & Beauty; Harry Brann Auctioneers; Killaloe Post Office; Larkin’s Gala; Ponte Vecchio; Scoops Ice Cream Parlour; Simply Delicious; The Seanachoí Bar; Walsh’s Bar

 We would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival:

Ballina Swimming Pool, Irish Coastguard Killaloe, Killaloe Gardaí, Killaloe Library, Killaloe Fire Brigade, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Bryan Brislane, Mike McGrath Haulage, Stacey Piggott of Shine Digital; Smith O’Briens GAA Club, Ballina & Killaloe Tidy Towns Committees, Cllr. Phyll Bugler, Mike & Austin Durack, Ruth Durack, Fr. James Grace, Paul McGrath, Ronan O’Boyle, Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Carol O’Donoghue, Fr. Ted O’Rahelly, Rev. Gary Paulsen, Sadie Scanlan and anyone who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival. We are very grateful

Despite the bitterly cold day, hundreds of people lined the streets for the 2018 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 David Finnerty, 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 drummers who led this years’ parade, St. Patrick and our Piper Brian O’Connell, who played at two parades on the day.
• All the voluntary clubs & organisations, individuals and businesses who put so much work into preparing their floats for the day –

Ballina GAA, Ballina/Killaloe RFC, Birdhill FC, Birdhill Tidy Towns, CarPal, Darkness into Light & Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, East Clare Farmers Hunt, 11^th Clare Scouts Clonlara, Irish Taekwondo Academy, Killaloe 5^th/22^nd Scouts, Lough Derg FC, Nuala’s Tuamgraney, Sasha Morrissey Irish Dance School, Smith O’Brien’s GAA, Vintage Tractor driven by John Bowman & Vintage Car driven by Paddy & Patsy O’Brien.

• 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.
• The dignitories who were present on the reviewing stand – Fr. James Grace, Inspector David Finnerty, Councillor Michael Begley and Timmy Dooley, T.D. We would also like to thank the following who, due to other commitments, were not able to attend on the day – Councillor Phyll Bugler, Cllr. Joe Cooney, Councillor Ger Darcy, Councillor Tony O’Brien 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
• The parade stewards, including two willing volunteers who were visiting from North Carolina & all those who helped out with the preparations on the day.
• Our sponsors, without whom the running of such a successful parade would not have been possible:

Allied Irish Bank, Birdhill Tidy Towns, Brian Ború on the Hill, Car Pal, Darkness into Light, Derg House B&B, Farrell’s SPAR, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre, Killaloe Post Office, Larkin’s Gala, McKeogh’s Hardware, Sasha Morrissey Irish Dance School, Scoop’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, The Seanachoí Bar, Walsh’s Bar.

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

Best Overall Float: Birdhill Tidy Towns;

Best Business Float: Nuala’s Tuamgraney;

Best Topical Float: 11^th Clare Scouts Clonlara;

Best Club Float: East Clare Farmer’s Hunt;

Special Merit Award: The Irish Taekwondo Academy

Best Dressed Window: O’Donovan’s Insurance, Killaloe for their excellent interpretation of St. Patrick “Driving” the Snakes out of Ireland.

The judges of the Best Dressed Window would also like to commend the following:

Collins Pharmacy, Ballina

Collins Pharmacy & The Celtic Cat, Killaloe

Fine Rags, Killaloe

Heaney’s Costcutter, Killaloe

Joanne’s Boutique, Ballina

John Crotty’s, Bridge Street (decorated by Paul McGrath)

I think we have found one of our judges for next year! 

We would like to thank most sincerely all the main sponsors of the Festival:

Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Waterways Ireland, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre for their ongoing support, and to all the local businesses for their valuable sponsorship and support of Féile Brian Ború 2017.

Gold Sponsors:

Arra Communications; Ballina Engineering; Brian Boru Feis; Flanagan’s on the Lake; Kincora House B&B; The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre; Trident Holiday Homes.

Silver Sponsors:

Benson Box; Bond Auto; Brian Ború on the Hill; Quay Arts; Reddan’s Bar

Bronze Sponsors:

Allied Irish Bank; Alchemy; An Siopa Beag; Collins Pharmacy, Ballina; Collins Pharmacy, Killaloe & Celtic Cat; Derg Credit Union; Derg House Café/B&B; Fine Rags; Green Cross Pharmacy; Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticians; Harry Brann Auctioneers; J’adore Advanced Nail & Beauty; Joanne’s Fashion House; Killaloe Post Office; Larkin’s Gala; ML’s Hair Studio; McKeogh’s Hardware; Ponte Vecchio; Scoops Ice Cream Parlour; Walsh’s Bar; Whelan’s Newsagent & Foodstore

We would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival:

Ballina Swimming Pool, Irish Coastguard Killaloe, Killaloe Gardaí, Killaloe Library, Killaloe Fire Brigade, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Bryan Brislane, Mike McGrath Haulage, Smith O’Briens GAA Club, Ballina & Killaloe Tidy Towns Committees, Cllr. Phyll Bugler, Mike & Austin Durack, Ruth Durack, Fr. James Grace, Paul McGrath, Ronan O’Boyle, Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Fr. Ted O’Rahelly, Rev. Gary Paulsen, Sadie Scanlan and anyone who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival. We are very grateful

The beauty of the picturesque twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, await you during the 24^th Annual “Féile Brian Ború Festival”.  As it is the birthplace of Brian Ború, we like to commemorate Ireland’s Greatest High King in style!

Féile Brian Ború 2017 promises to be a great four days of unrivaled fun and entertainment.

From Thursday 29th June – Sunday 2^nd July 2017, experience a variety of fun activities including: A stunning Fireworks display over the River Shannon, historical guided tours, Family Fun with traditional Carnival Games, Milk the Cow, traditional craft workshops, Animal Magic with their amazing display of animals, Genealogy Workshop, Brian Ború Feis, Bingo Quiz, Virtual Charity Cycle, Garden party, Strut your Mutt Fun Dog Show, Children’s Art Competition, Art exhibitions & displays, Street Theatre, Live Music, Shannon Swim, The MET Trainer, Farmers Market, Craft Fair and much, much more!

We hope you will come along and help us commemorate Brian Ború in style – Fun and entertainment for all the family guaranteed!

Our full list of events is now available on http://www.feilebrianboru.com/2017-events/

For further information contact:

e:  info@feilebrianboru.com

w:  www.feilebrianboru.com

f:   www.facebook.com/Feilebrianboru

For further details on our twin-towns, check out www.discoverkillaloe.ie / www.discoverloughderg.ie/www.discoverireland.ie /  www.irelandsancienteast.com /

The 23^rd Annual Féile Brian Ború has come to an end and the committee would like to thank most sincerely all the sponsors of the festival and all those who helped to make it a success. We would also like to thank all those who attended and took part in our events –

Children’s Art Competition –

0 – 3:

1^st – Emily Monaghan – Age 3

2^nd – Noah – Age 2

3^rd – Ellie Eilís Griffin – Age 3

4 – 6:

1^st – Eleanor – Age 6

2^nd – Clodagh Swez Walsh – Age 5

3^rd – Isabella Hogan – Age 4

7 – 9:

1^st – Matthew Ryan – Age 8

2^nd – Evie Green – Age 8

3^rd – Aoife Kennedy – Age 9

10+

1^st – Amy McKeogh – Age 12

2^nd – Liam Daly – Age 12

3^rd – Ella Joslin – Age 12

There was also a highly commended section with the following winners:

Junior Category: Leon Carrew – Age 4

Senior Section: Immogen Davidson – Age 11

Shannon Swim –

A huge thanks to the Lakeside Hotel Leisure Centre who sponsored the swim hats.

Men’s Open:

1^st – Finn McGeever with a new record time of 6minutes 24 seconds

2^nd – Darren O’Connell

Ladies Open:

1^st – Rosie Foley

2^nd – Olive Foley

3^rd – Jane Keating

Masters:

1^st – Donagh O’Sullivan

2^nd – Michael Donnellan

3^rd – Mike Kelly

Funkiest Granny – Yvonne O’Donoghue

Best Dressed Lady – Marina Rostier

“Grandest” Grandad – Anthony O’Donoghue

Grooviest Grandad – Steven Scanlan

A huge thanks to the sponsors of this competition – Fine Rags; Green Cross Pharmacy; Grogan’s Pharmacy; J’adore Nail & Beauty; M.L.’s.

Archery Competition: Jimmy Dwyer who got 3 bulls eyes

Welly Throwing Competition: Robert Cantrell – over 23 metres

Ten expert historians bring Ireland’s most famous king to life for you at St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Killaloe, County Clare on 2 – 3 JULY 2016

• Entertaining and informative talks
• Buffet lunches and a wine reception
• Includes a 3 hour guided tour of local historic sites on Sunday 3 July

Special Day Rate – just 30 Euros for residents of Clare, Tipperary, Kerry and Galway and for tourists

!!!PLUS!!!

• Brian Boru BBQ with live Irish entertainment at Flanagans on the Lake, starting 6.30pm, Sat 2 July – open to all by ticket

 Adult BBQ 15 Euros — Child BBQ 7.50 Euros

Get your tickets now from the Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Killaloe

Or email tobssinformation@gmail.com

Following a most successful St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballina/ Killaloe the organising committee would like to thank all those who helped make the day such a success.

• 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 participation in the parade and for organising a fly-over during the parade
• The Killaloe Fire Brigade
• All the clubs/organisations, businesses and individuals who put so much work into preparing their floats for the day
• The dignitories who were present on the reviewing stand – Councillor Michael Begley, Councillor Phyll Bugler, Cllr. Joe Cooney, Timmy Dooley T.D., Fr. James Grace, Fr. Edmond O’Rahelly, Inspector John O’Sullivan, Reverend Gary Paulsen 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
• Mike McKee for providing the PA for the day
• The parade stewards & all those who helped out with the preparations on the day
• Our sponsors, without whom the running of such a successful parade would not have been possible:

Clare County Council – 1916 Centenary Fund, Tipperary County Council – Nenagh Municipal District,

A Dog’s Life, Alchemy, Allied Irish Bank, An Siopa Beag, Ballina Engineering, Ballina Handball Club, Birdhill Tidy Towns, Brian Ború on the Hill, Car Pal, Clare/Tipp Properties, 11^th Clare Scouting Clonlara, Card Connections, Collins Pharmacy Ballina, Collins Pharmacy & The Celtic Cat Killaloe, Darkness into Light, Derg Credit Union, Derg House B&B, East Clare Hunt, E&G Hardware, Farrell’s SPAR, Fine Rags, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Harry Brann Auctioneers, K9 Grooming, Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre, Killaloe Post Office, Killaloe Sailing Club, Killaloe Scouts, Larkin’s Gala, Lough Derg F.C., McKeogh’s Hardware, Molly’s Bar & Restaurant, Ponte Vecchio, Quay Arts, Reddan’s Bar, Sasha Morrissey Irish Dancing, Simply Delicious, Supervalu, The Anchor Inn, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, Unislim, Walsh’s Bar.

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

Best Overall Float: Killaloe Scouts

Best Business Float: McKeogh’s Hardware

Best Club Float: Ballina Handball Club

Best Comical/Topical: A Dog’s Life

Best 1916 Commemoration Float: Birdhill Tidy Towns

Special Merit Award: Pink Ribbon

Best Dressed Window: Joanne’s Boutique, Ballina

The judging panel would like to commend all other entries in the parade who put so much thought and work into their floats.

We look forward to seeing you for Féile Brian Ború 2016 which will take place from Thursday 30^th June – Sunday 3^rd July. Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Feilebrianboru) to get updates on this years’ festival.

The 2016 Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Thursday 17^th March.

The parade will leave Ballina GAA Complex at 2:30pm and follow it’s usual route through the twin-towns, finishing in The Green, Killaloe.

The organising committee are encouraging all businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals to get involved in the 2016 Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day parade and enter a float in the parade – All creative interpretations are welcome!

Prizes will be presented in the following categories –

Best Overall Float / Best Business Float / Best Club / Best Topical Float / Special Merit Award / Best 1916 Commemoration Float – As we are commemorating Easter 1916 this year, we will be presenting a prize for the float which best depicts 1916.

All entries must be registered by Friday 11^th March 2016 and registration forms are available for download St. Patrick’s Day parade application, by e-mailing info@feilebrianboru.com or by contacting John Grimes 086/2587819 or Paddy Collins 087/2615406

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 download an entry form Best Dressed Window application or e-mail info@feilebrianboru.com.

We hope you will join us in celebrating the 2016 Ballina/Killaloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade in style!

Be Part of it!

The organising committee are looking for volunteers/First Aiders on the day to assist during the parade. If you would like to give one hour of your time, please contact John Grimes 086/2587819 or Paddy Collins 087/2615406 or e-mail info@feilebrianboru.com.

The Féile Brian Ború committee would like to congratulate all the Winners of  our Competitions –

Congratulations to the winners of The 2015 Brian Ború Themed Poetry Competition in schools –  Holly Sheridan – 4th Class Killaloe Convent Primary Róisín Hayes – 5th Class Ballina Primary School Adam Fogarty – 6th Class Ballina Primary School.

Congratulations to the winners of The 2015 Brian Ború Themed Art Competition in schools –  Molly Orme – 3rd Class Ogonnelloe National School Keelin McNamara – 4th Class Killaloe Convent Primary Hannah Furey – 5th Class Ballina Primary School Jessica McCarthy Gilligan – 6th Class Ballina Primary School Overall winner – Aiden Foley (Age 10) Ogonnelloe National School.  The winning Masterpieces were on display in the windows of Bridge House Studios Art & Framing shop from Wed. 1st – Sun. 5th July, Kindly sponsored by Bridge House Studios.

Féile Brian Ború Table Quiz 2015 Brian Ború on the Hill Ballina on 2nd July

1st place – The Banner Bandits

2nd place – The Cookie Crew

3rd place – The Quattro’s

A huge thanks to Mike & Mairéad O’Donovan from Brian Ború on the Hill for hosting this event and thanks to all who took part.

Congratulations to the winners of The Children’s Art Competition in Killaloe Library

Under 3’s –

1^st – Lucy Coll

2^nd – Ryan Crotty

3^rd – Ruth Coll

4 – 6 year olds –

1^st – Evie Hayes

2^nd – Chloe Ryan

3^rd – Jacob

7 – 9 year olds –

1^st – Lucy Pigott

2^nd – Madison Harding

3^rd – Tom Ryan

10+ years –

1^st – Emily Reil

2^nd – Amelia Moloney

3^rd – Liam Daly

Congratulations to Libbi, Zara and William Black, who took part in “Return of the Warriors” Street Pageant and won the Best Traditional Costume competition. The Black family were visiting Killaloe & Ballina from Cork for the weekend to celebrate Féile Brian Ború 2015.

22 participants took part in the Annual Féile Brian Ború Shannon Swim, which ran from the Pier Head to the Bridge, a distance of approx. 500 metres.

Prizes were presented in 4 categories –

Ladies Open

1. Ailbhe O’Grady
2. Rachael O’Grady
3. Niamh O’Grady

Men’s Open

1. Finn McGeever
2. Gary Madden

Juvenile

1. Rowan Barret
2. Lily O’Brien
3. Ava Barret

Masters

Winner – Rosie Foley

Runner-Up prizes were presented to

1. Patricia Scanlon
2. Fiona Ward
3. Rivoallan &
4. Pat Minogue

A huge thanks to the Killaloe Coastguard Unit for their help in running this event.

Strut your Mutt Dog Show was a new addition to this year’s programme and was a great success.

A total of €495 was raised on the day; all of which will be donated to Limerick Animal Welfare’s Refuge in Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick.

Thanks to Fenella Samways, from Limerick Animal Welfare, who had the most difficult job of judging the competition and to Ronan O’Boyle who acted as compere on the day, and to everyone who helped out on the day. Thanks also to South East Clare Show for sponsoring the event.

Close to 100 dogs were judged in 10 categories, with rosettes presented for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd & Highly commended in each category (below are the categories and the 1^st prize in each category)

• Best Costume – Snowy
• Handsomest Dog – Travis
• Prettiest Bitch – Elsa
• Golden Oldie (over 6 years) – Mel
• Sweetest Puppy (under 1 year) – Loop
• Most Appealing Eyes – Kaiser
• Waggiest Tail – Oscar
• Best Rescue Dog – Banner
• Best 6 Legs (Junior Handler) – Oscar
• Dog the judge would most like to take home – BentleyThe winners of each of the 10 categories then went on to compete for Best in Show.
• 3 Highly commended rosettes were presented in this category:

• Kaiser who won Most Appealing Eyes
• Oscar who won Waggiest Tail
• Oscar who won Best 6 Legs (Junior Handler)
• Best in Show on the day was presented to Banner (formally named Rufus from the Galway SPCA).

Following a most successful Féile Brian Ború in Killaloe and Ballina, the committee would like to thank most sincerely all those who helped make this event possible.

We would like to thank in particular all the sponsors of Féile Brian Ború 2015.

We recongise that we are currently in a challenging environment and we would like to thank all those, who in spite of this, continue to support our local festival! It is with your support that we continue to run Féile Brian Ború each year and continue to commemorate Ireland’s Greatest High King in his native place!

Gold Sponsors –

Féile Feis Committee, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, Molly’s Bar & Restaurant, Trident Holiday Homes & Wood Brothers.

Silver Sponsors –

Benson Box, Bond Auto, Brian Ború on the Hill, Bridge House Studios, Derg Business Alliance, Killaloe River Cruises, Quay Arts, Reddan’s Bar, South East Clare Show, Technopath & Whelan’s Newsagent & Foodstore.

Bronze Sponsors –

Allied Irish Bank, An Siopa Beag, Clare/Tipp Properties, Collins Pharmacy, Ballina, Collins Pharmacy, Killaloe & Celtic Cat, Derg Credit Union, Derg House B&B, Derg Property Services, Green Cross Pharmacy, Gooser’s Bar & Restaurant, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Heaney’s Costcutter, Joanne’s Fashion House, Killaloe Post Office, Kincora House, Mike McGrath Haulage, M.L.’s Hair Studio, McKeogh’s Hardware, New York Pizza, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour, Simply Delicious, Strands, Supervalu, TJ’s Angling Centre, The Washerwoman, Tuscany Bistro & Walsh’s Bar.

We would also like to express our huge gratitude to the organizations below who continue to provide sponsorship towards Féile Brian Ború –

Fáilte Ireland, Tipperary County Council & Waterways Ireland.

Last but not least, we would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival –

Irish Coastguard Killaloe, Killaloe Gardaí, Killaloe Fire Brigade, Killaloe Library, Killaloe Tourist Information Office, Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Smith O’Brien & Ballina GAA Clubs, Ballina & Killaloe Tidy Towns Committees, Kincora Kids, Community Garden, Limerick Animal Welfare, Bryan Brislane, Cllr. Phyll Bugler, Sarah Devane, Charlie McGeever, Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Ronan O’Boyle, Sadie Scanlan, Chris Stoodley, Keith Wood, our local clergy, clubs & schools, to all the volunteers who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival, to all the event organisers who work so hard to help us to deliver a great programme of events and to everyone, from home and away, that came and supported the festival this year, we hope you enjoyed it and we thank you all for making it another great festival!

A huge thanks to all those who have already volunteered to help out over the festival weekend. However, we are still looking for people to assist with events on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July to sell Féile Wristbands, to assist with Strut your Mutt Dog Show and to assist with stewarding. If you would like to lend a hand, you can contact us by e-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com, send us a message on Facebook or contact 086 3586293.

Over the next five fun-filled days, experience a variety of excellent events including: The Furey’s Live in Concert; A stunning Fireworks display over the River Shannon; Traditional Craft Experience with CELT; Traditional Games; Animal Magic with their amazing display of animals; Strut your Mutt Dog Show; Return of the Warriors Street Pageant; Historical Guided Tours; Street theatre; Live Music; The BBC – The Ború Busking Competition; Comedy Night; Children’s Art; Art Exhibitions & Displays; Table Quiz; Farmer’s Market; Craft Fair; Garden Party; Shannon Swim; Soul SUP & much, much more…..

We hope you will come along and help us commemorate Brian Ború in style. Fun and entertainment for all the family guaranteed!

For details of how to buy tickets for the Furey’s; how to register for Strut your Mutt Dog Show or how to register for the BBC – The Ború Busking Competition please check out our website www.feilebrianboru.com

 Return of the Warriors –

On Sat. 4th July from 9pm, make sure you come out and line the streets of Ballina & Killaloe to welcome back the survivors of the Battle of Clontarf – the remaining Dal Cassian soldiers who have travelled from Armagh after burying their High King, Brian Ború. These warriors will be led into Ballina by the Armagh Rhymers (www.armaghrhymers.com) and will walk to the Palace of Kincora (The Green, Killaloe).

We invite you all to dress in TRADITIONAL COSTUME and assemble on the streets of both towns and in the Green to welcome back these brave soldiers. A prize will be presented for the Best Costume(s). Details of how to make simple costumes are available on our website.

If you would like to dress up and join in this pageant, please contact us by e-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com, send us a message on Facebook or contact 086 3586293. 

Congratulations – 

Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Brian Ború Themed Poetry Competition in schools –
Holly Sheridan – 4th Class Killaloe Convent Primary
Róisín Hayes – 5th Class Ballina Primary School
Adam Fogarty – 6th Class Ballina Primary School.
The winning poems will be read out in Killaloe Library on Wed. 1st July at 7pm so come along and listen to the works of these budding poets.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Brian Ború Themed Art competition in schools – 

Molly Orme – 3rd Class Ogonnelloe National School
Keelin McNamara – 4th Class Killaloe Convent Primary
Hannah Furey – 5th Class Ballina Primary School
Jessica McCarthy Gilligan – 6th Class Ballina Primary School
Overall winner – Aiden Foley (Age 10) Ogonnelloe National School.
The winning Masterpieces will be on display in the windows of Bridge House Studios Art & Framing shop from Wed. 1st – Sun. 5th July so come along and take a look.

Kindly sponsored by Bridge House Studios.

This year’s programme of events is almost finalized and it’s going to be a good one! 

Printed programmes will soon be available in our local shops & businesses.

Details of all events are available on our website so make sure to check it out – www.feilebrianboru.com

You will also find details on our website of how to purchase tickets for the Furey’s Live in Concert in the Lakeside Hotel, along with registration forms for Strut your Mutt Dog Show and the Shannon Swim and also details of how to make a simple costume to be part of our street pageant  “Return of the Warriors”.  

You can also follow us on Facebook for regular updates – www.facebook.com/FeileBrianBoru

For queries or further information, e-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com  

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

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!

Follow us on Facebook for regular updates- www.facebook.com/FeileBrianBoru

Check out our website – www.feilebrianboru.com

E-mail: info@feilebrianboru.com  

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 @ 2:30pm 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 click here to download an entry form or send an e-mail to info@feilebrianboru.com

We hope you will join us in celebrating the 2016 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

The sun shone down in Killaloe/Ballina last Saturday as Ireland’s Greatest High King, Brian Ború, was honoured in his native place with the unveiling of a shield commemorating the 1,000^th anniversary of his death at the Battle of Clontarf.

This shield was unveiled by local historian Seán Kierse and Co. Clare based blacksmith Mark Wilson.

Prior to the unveiling the crowd were treated to a performance by a group of Transition Year students from St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe who performed the Kincora Call.

“We are delighted to be here today to commemorate Brian Ború” said John Grimes, Chairperson of the Féile Brian Ború committee. “Féile Brian Ború was set up in 1993 with the aim of celebrating Brian Ború’s life in his native place and even back then, we hoped that we would be able to do something like this to commemorate Brian Ború in 2014. We hope that this shield will be here for many years to come” John thanked everyone who had been involved, in particular, Mark Wilson, who had put so much work into this piece. John also commended Séan Kierse, local historian, who had imparted so much information about Brian Ború over the years. John also thanked Mr. Kierse for his support of Féile Brian Ború and for his help with setting up Féile Brian Ború 21 years ago.

Tony O’Brien, Deputy Mayor of Clare, congratulated everyone involved and stated that he was delighted to witness the unveiling of the shield in Killaloe. Tony also commended the Féile Brian Ború committee for their continuous work and dedication over the past 21 years even through challenging times.

The Féile Brian Ború committee would like to thank:

Mark Wilson (Blacksmith); Suzi Lewisohn (Silversmith); Suzannah O’Reilly (Artist/Printmaker); Séan Kierse, CELT (Centre for Environmental Living & Training); Clare County Library; Killaloe Library; Kincora Call; Clare County Arts Office; North Tipperary Arts Office; Nard Slabbers – East Clare Repairs; Sarah Devane; Úna Kierse; Paul Mc Namara, George Hickey, Charlie Henniger, Ballinahinch National School & all the local schools; all those who took part in the Copper Craft Workshops during Féile Brian Ború 2014 and all the sponsors of Féile Brian Ború 2014 .

This shield is mounted on the wall outside the Killaloe Library/Brian Ború Heritage Centre and is well worth a visit!

About the shield-

This piece was commissioned by the Féile Brian Ború committee as a way of commemorating Brian Ború in his native place in 2014 and in the future. During Féile Brian Ború 2014 (3^rd – 6^th July), which commemorated the 1,000th anniversary of the death of Brian Ború at the Battle of Clontarf, the pieces for this unique mural were created by adults and children who took part in Copper craft workshops with Silversmith Suzi Lewisohn at the CELT Traditional Craft Experience. It is a two dimensional copper sculpture using different techniques including stamp work, riveting and wirework. This artwork was created and finished by Co. Clare based blacksmith Mark Wilson and the design for this piece was taken from a woodcut created by artist/printmaker Suzannah O’Reilly with the help of Ballinahinch National School during the Artists in Schools Scheme earlier in 2014.

Following a most successful Féile Brian Ború in Killaloe and Ballina, the committee would like to thank most sincerely all those who helped make this event possible.

We would like to thank in particular all the sponsors of Féile Brian Ború.We recongise that we are currently in a challenging environment and we would like to thank all those, who in spite of this, continue to support our local festival! It is with your support that we continue to build Féile Brian Ború each year, and that we were able to commemorate the millennium anniversary of the death of Ireland’s Greatest High King in style!

Gold Sponsors – Ború Stoves Thurles, Féile Feis Committee, Flanagan’s on the Lake, Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, Molly’s Bar & Restaurant, Ryan Stoves & Trident Holiday Homes.

Silver Sponsors – Alternative Photography, Benson Box, Bond Auto, Brian Ború on the Hill,Derg Business Alliance, Quay Arts, Reddan’s Bar, Whelan’s Newsagent & Foodstore

Bronze Sponsors – Allied Irish Bank, An Siopa Beag, Collins Pharmacy, Ballina, Collins Pharmacy, Killaloe & Celtic Cat, Derg Credit Union, Green Cross Pharmacy, Gooser’s Bar & Restaurant, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Heaney’s Costcutters, Killaloe Post Office, Larkin’s Gala, Mike McGrath Haulage, M.L.’s Hair Studio, McKeogh’s Hardware, New York Pizza, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour, Simply Delicious, Strands, Supervalu, TJ’s Angling Centre, Tuscany Bistro, Walsh’s Bar

We would also like to express our huge gratitude to the organizations below who continue to provide sponsorship towards Féile Brian Ború – Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, North Tipperary County Council and Waterways Ireland.

Last but not least, we would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival – Irish Coastguard Killaloe, Killaloe Gardaí, Killaloe Fire Brigade, Killaloe Library, Killaloe Tourist Information Office, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Bryan Brislane, Smith O’Brien & Ballina GAA Clubs, Ballina & Killaloe Tidy Towns Committees, Killaloe/Ballina Men’s Shed, Ballina Riverside Pool, Kincora Kids, Community Garden, Kincora Call, Sarah Devane, Úna Kierse, Keith Wood, Charlie McGeever, Sadie Scanlan, Killaloe Ballina 2014 Project, our local clergy, clubs, councillors & schools, to all the volunteers who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival, to all the event organisers who work so hard to help us to deliver a great programme of events and to everyone, from home and away, that came and supported the festival this year, we hope you enjoyed it and we thank you all for making it one of the best festivals ever!

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 Riverside Park at 2:30pm 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 complete an entry form or send an e-mail to info@feilebrianboru.com

We hope you will join us in celebrating the 2015 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

Following a most successful Féile Brian Ború in Killaloe and Ballina, the committee would like to thank most sincerely all those who helped make this event possible.

We would like to thank in particular all the sponsors of Féile Brian Ború.

We recongise that we are currently in a challenging environment and we would like to thank all those, who in spite of this, continue to support our local festival! It is with your support that we continue to build Féile Brian Ború each year, and we hope that 2014 will see even bigger celebrations to commemorate the death ofIreland’s Greatest High King in his native place.

Gold Sponsors – An Siopa Beag, Féile Feis Committee, Flanagan’s Bar & Restaurant, Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre and Molly’s Bar & Restaurant

Silver Sponsors – Alternative Photography, Benson Box, Bond Auto, Gooser’s Bar & Restaurant, Larkin’s Gala, O’Donovan’s Bar & Restaurant, Quay Arts, Reddan’s Bar, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour, Spirit of Killaloe, Whelan’s Foodstore

Bronze Sponsors – Allied Irish Bank, Amore Mio, Alchemy, Collins Pharmacy, Ballina, Collins Pharmacy, Killaloe & Celtic Cat, Brown Paper, Forme Beauty Salon, Green Cross Pharmacy, Grogan’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Harry Brann Auctioneers, Heaney’s Costcutters, Joanne’s Fashion House, Killaloe Post Office, Mike McGrath Haulage, ML’s Hair Studio, McKeogh’s Hardware, Next Generation, O’Meara’s Bookmakers, Ponte Vecchio, Planet Tri, Simply Delicious, The Greene Room, Strands, Supervalu, TJ’s Angling Centre & Walsh’s Bar

We would also like to express our huge gratitude to the organizations below who conitue to provide sponsorship towards Féile Brian Ború –

Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, North Tipperary County Council and Waterways Ireland.

Last but not least, we would also like to sincerely thank all those who give of their time and energy to support all aspects of the festival – Killaloe Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, Killaloe Gardaí, Irish Coastguard, Killaloe, Killaloe Fire Brigade, Killaloe Library, Killaloe Tourist Information Office, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, University of Limerick Activity Centre, Smith O’Brien & Ballina GAA Clubs, Ballina & Killaloe Tidy Towns Committees, Ormond & East Clare Comhaltas, Clarisford SRS, Killaloe Ballina Festivals & Events networking group, Killaloe Ballina 2014 Project, Charlie McGeever, Sadie Scanlan, Tom Greene, Bryan Brislane, our local clergy, clubs, councillors & schools.

A special thank you to our patron Keith Wood, to Alan Kelly for all his support, to all the event organisers who work so hard to help us to deliver a great programme of events, to anyone who gave of their time in any way in regards to this year’s festival and to everyone, from home and away, that came and supported the festival this year, we hope you enjoyed it and we thank you all for making it one of the best festivals ever!

Historical re-enactors took some time out from their busy schedule in Brian Boru’s Living History Camp yesterday to visit the 2013 Féile Brian Ború Gold Sponsors – An Siopa Beag, Flanagan’s Bar & restaurant, The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre and Molly’s Bar and Restaurant. Our other gold sponsor was the Féile Féis committee. A huge thanks to all!

The 2013 Féile Brian Ború Shannon Swim took place on Sunday last, running from the Pier Head to the Bridge through the Canal.
19 people took part in the swim and prizes were awarded to the following –
Overall Winner/Men’s Open 1st – Finn McGeever
Mens Open 2nd – Donnacha McGeever
Mens Open 3rd – Ruairí McGeever
Ladies Open 1st – Amy Killeen
Ladies Open 2nd – Rosie Foley
Ladies Open 3rd – Majella Scanlan
Juvenille Winner – Steven Atkinson
Masters 1st – Damien McCormack
Masters 2nd – Jennifer Hennessy
Masters 3rd – Greg Chatfield
Thanks to the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit; Jonathan McGrath, Irish ParaOlympic Swimmer, who presented prizes to the winners and thanks to all who took part in the event.

Over 60 children took part in the annual Féile Brian Ború Children’s Art Copmpetition on Saturday last in Killaloe Library.
Prizes were presented in the following categories:
0 – 3 year olds
1st prize – Emily Begley Age 2
2nd prize – Lawrence Durack Age 2
3rd prize – Lily Conroy Age 2
4 – 6 year olds
1st prize – Jillian Buckley Age 6
2nd prize – Clara Coughlan Age 4
3rd prize – Lucy Pigott Age 5
7 – 9 year olds
1st prize – Patrick Durack Age 7
2nd prize – Aisling O’Neill Age 9
3rd prize – John J. Ryan Age 9
10+ year old
1st prize – Naomi Rice Age 13
2nd prize – Ellen Roche Ryan Age 12
3rd prize – Phoebe Lanharth Age 10
 
Thanks to Killaloe Library for hosting this event and to all the children who took part.

The beauty of the picturesque twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, awaits you during the 20th Annual “Féile Brian Ború Festival”.

As it is the birthplace of Brian Ború, we like to commemorate Ireland’s Greatest High King in style! With a busy programme of events, this years’ Festival is a perfect fun-filled event for all the family.

It is also another milestone on the road to our build up to celebrations in 2014.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES…

From Thursday 4^th – Sunday 7^th July 2013, experience a variety of excellent events including, Viking Long Boat Trips on the River Shannon; Brian Ború’s encampment; historical guided tours on lake and land; Animal magic with their amazing display of animals; a stunning Fireworks display over the Shannon and the festival highlight – a live concert in the Lakeside Hotel with Hermitage Green – a 5 piece acoustic folk/rock band from Limerick.

In the historic 12^th century St. Flannan’s Cathedral, enjoy the Féile Pageant & Ceolchoirm; an evening with the National Harp Orchestra and the Limerick Pipe Band; guided tours of this stunning building; Féile Brian Ború lecture and the Craft Fair.

AND THERE’S STILL MORE ….You can also enjoy the children’s Art Competition, the Exploration Dome; Teenzone; Garden Fete; Farmer’s Market; art exhibitions and displays including “Art in Windows”; pub theatre nights; music workshops; Féile Table Quiz; tag rugby; King Puck; Hurling and Camogie matches; Blessing of Boats; a range of water sport events including boat races, Canoe Polo, the Shannon Swim; and a Guinness World Record Attempt in Lough Derg by Christopher Healy to scuba Dive the distance of 20km without surfacing!

We hope you will come along and help us commemorate Brian Ború in style – Fun and entertainment guaranteed!

A programme of events is available on our website – www.feilebrianboru.com

 For further information contact:

e:  info@feilebrianboru.com

t:   086 44662446

f:    www.facebook.com/Feilebrianboru