A visit from very special guests from the Mayo men’s and ladies’ senior football teams, and manager James Horan, accompanied by the National Football League trophy, is set to be a highlight of the Cannonball Quay Festival which takes place on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 at the Quay in Ballina. Members of the public will have a chance to meet members of the team from 6pm on Sunday September 8, and maybe even get a chance to kick some ball with some of the county’s footballing heroes.
The teams will be visiting as part of a weekend-long series of family events, designed to coincide with the return of the famous Cannonball Ireland road trip on Saturday, September 7, which will stop at the Quay that afternoon. Members of the public will get a chance to get up close and personal with almost 200 super-cars, including Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Rolls Royce and more. Even the Popemobile will make an appearance, complete with a very flamboyant Pope!
Also confirmed for the weekend is a stellar and eclectic music line-up on the Quay Stage, adjacent to Kennedy Glasgow House. Taking to the stage will be Dave Browne (formerly Picture House ) with his band, the Controversial All Stars, party band The Dixie Micks, the White Gorillas, Katie Cassidy with her new band, Kass, Maximus, Atlantic Rhythm, Martin O’Donnell, Brendan Farrell and Rejoice Gospel Choir. Festival-goers will also get a chance to see legendary singer Tommy Fleming, who will make special guest appearances on both days.
Mags Downey Martin, manager of Ballina Chamber of Commerce said: “We’re delighted to welcome the spectacular Cannonball back to Ballina with all its drama and fun. The Cannonball Quay Festival marks the start of an exceptionally busy Autumn season of festivals in the town – hot on its heels comes our annual food festival, Food Fleadh Ballina in late September, Embers Children’s Film Festival in early October, Ballina Fringe Festival which runs for two weeks in October, and Samhain Abhainn, Ballina’s Halloween festival in late October. So there are lots of opportunities for locals to enjoy themselves, businesses to benefit and visitors to experience our fantastic Ballina hospitality over the coming months.”
Other treats in store over the weekend include a feast of family entertainment with zorbing, kick darts, a climbing wall, a Cannonball-themed children’s workshop with Ballina Costume Company, a circus workshop with street performers Babcock and Bobbins, a food village, vintage show, face-painting, and more surprises to be announced. Funds on Saturday will be raised in aid of Cannonball Ireland’s designated charity, the Irish Cancer Society, with funds on Sunday going to Croí.
The festival is being generously supported by a number of main sponsors, including Crockets Quay Bistro, BP Mitchell, Ballina Beverages, Ballina Chamber of Commerce and The Ice House Hotel and Michael Carr Foods, and a significant number of other businesses.
Full information is available on the Cannonball Quay Festival Facebook page.
