Coca-Cola is injecting plenty of fizz and pop into this year’s St Patrick’s Day festivities in Ballina as the soft drink has become the main sponsor of the four-day festival celebrating all things Irish.
The town is to be turned green for festivities taking place from March 14 to 17, from children’s activities to treasure hunts, family runs, the spectacular Coca Cola Life fireworks, parades, and more.
The Ballina festival has become a must attend event for families across the west of Ireland.
It all kicks off tomorrow, March 14, when the Jackie Clarke Collection will be transformed into a hub of children’s activity from 12 noon to 2pm, finishing just in time to find a television and watch the mighty Irish take on Wales in the Six Nation’s rugby championship.
Celebrate Mother’s Day, Sunday March 15, at Belleek with a family run for charity at noon. Registration takes place from 11am.
On Monday March 16, there is a treasure hunt in store, starting at Dillon’s at 2pm. That night, traditional music will flow from all of the pubs all around the town.
For the big day itself, March 17, the town will be awash with colour as the old rivals battle it out in the annual GAA ex-players game between Ardnaree and the Stephenites, at James Stephens Park at 1pm, preceded by an under 10 and under 12 tournament in the morning at 10am.
The grand parade will start at 4.30pm and will begin at Convent Hill, Ballina. There will be live music on the streets until 8pm to provide the build-up to an amazing fireworks display on the Moy, starting at 9pm.
The Coca Cola Life fireworks display will be extra special this year and will bring the festival to a close in spectacular fashion.
Visit www.mayonorth.ie or find the festival on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date on competitions and giveaways in the lead-up to the festivities.
