A month on and Ballina is still buzzing and proud following the visit of President Biden to the north Mayo town as people can now reflect and enjoy video footage of the event going global, while looking forward to an ongoing busy calendar of events as the Ballina 300th year-long anniversary continues right throughout 2023.
At the May meeting of Ballina MD this week, following the Head of MD report which noted four events of focus in April - namely, preparations for visit of President Biden; preparations for Mayo Day; preparations for Mini-Marathon and the launch of Ballina Rowing Club, a warm glow spread around the council chamber from the feel-good factor of Ballina being recognised as a happening town with exciting things going on.
Picking up on the good vibes, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly described how the very essence of Ballina has been transformed in 2023, saying: "There is a lot of positivity in the town and people are very proud, the town is looking so well and there is lots of envy about Ballina. Once upon a time you would hear it said here other towns in the county were getting this and that, but the opposite is being said this year, that Ballina is getting this, and Ballina is getting that, and it’s great, because it is overdue!"
Cllr Seamus Weir said: "The council stepped up to the mark and did whatever was asked. Everything was done to make sure all worked well for Ballina and there was a marvellous public response. Events like this just come round once in a while. Ballina did extremely well especially as part the 300 year anniversary and it is only early days yet."
Cllr Annie May Reape said the visit was highly regarded globally, with council staff and everyone putting their shoulder to the wheel, adding: "Ballina should be proud. When you watch the recordings now, it really looked superb, the cathedral the lighting in the back. It was a fantastic weekend, everyone worked so hard, there was lots of pressure, but it was a great success, a lovely visit and a lovely man!"
Cllr John O Hara said it was a big wheel of an operation with so many involved, adding: "The street cleaning was one of the best things to happen in Ballina and we should keep it up. It was a great showcase for our town all over the world."
Ballina MD Cathaoirleach Mark Duffy paid tribute to all staff and volunteers for all the work through April which led to 'an exceptional performance', adding: "And we were very lucky with the weather, which was nice on top of everything that made it all go so well."
Director of Services Tom Gilligan also said the visit of President Joe Biden has put Ballina firmly on the map, as he told the Mayo Advertiser: "His visit as US President last month, built on his previous visits to the town, and in my opinion, was the high point of his recent trip to Ireland. Apart from the huge attendance on the day, the millions of people who watched and listened to his speech, right across the globe, got to see Ballina at its finest. I was inundated with texts and message from people everywhere, praising Ballina and offering congrats to all involved, especially the team in Ballina and Mayo County Council. People who hadn’t thought about visiting Ballina before are now planning to come here and see for themselves the spot where the President gave his speech, the cathedral in the background and the beautiful river Moy. The President’s visit was a great moment for Ballina and the work continues to make sure that we ensure a lasting legacy that will benefit the town and the county for generations to come."
