Ballina will see the revival of their traditional Heritage Day which will take place on Wednesday, July 13, following a two year gap due to Covid-19.
Examples of items on display will include the Rolls Royce armoured vehicle which accompanied Michael Collins, known as the “Slievenamon”, (Sliabh na mBan ) - a poignant reminder in this 100th year of his death.
There will be a farm, for adults and children alike and in that farm there will be many demonstrations of animals which in turn are a life blood of the agricultural community of Ireland. There will be a bog in operation, a bothàn resembling a poor house at the time of the Famine, and huntsmen in full regalia from neighbouring counties of Sligo and Galway as well as Mayo.
Throughout the day there will be the sound of music, our music, Irish music as well as the wonderful music of Europe, UK and the Americas. The Garda Band will perform, there will be buskers from all over Ireland, individual acts and performances will continue on up until 11pm that evening at the Market Square, such as Mairtin O’Connor with Frankie Gavin, The Copperplate Ceili Band, and many more.
Steam engines will roar, smoke will rise, crafts will weave and hammer out their trades, there will be spontaneous singers, you may be lucky to see a seven faction fight between warring families (stay well back! ), the truth and the authenticity and the reality of the day are being renewed and reemphasised for your greater enjoyment.
There will be entertainment for children, there will be a food court located in a prime position between the Market Square and Pearse Street, you will see antique carts and carriages and veteran and vintage motorcars spread throughout the town. Former President Mary Robinson will walk the streets that she knows so well, she did it many times as a child, now it will give her joy to applaud, to recognise, to acknowledge and appreciate.
