Pictured at the planting of a special oak tree beside the playground in Tom Ruane Park, dedicated to the children of Ballina born in 2023, were Councillor Seamus Weir (cathaoirleach, Ballina MD), Angela Zamorano, Liam Zamorano, Christina Padden, Susan Heffernan, project manager, Mary Robinson Centre, Joe Cawley, AIB Ballina branch manager, Minister Dara Calleary, Mags Downey Martin, CEO, Ballina Chamber of Commerce, Councillor Michael Loftus, Rosie Dore and Jordan Harel, Ballina 2023. Photo: John O'Grady

Special tree planted for Ballina's 2023 generation

AS part of Ballina’s Climate Action Weekend, recognising the significance of 2023 as Ballina’s 300th anniversary celebrations, a young oak tree has been planted dedicated to the children born in Ballina in 2023.

The future is theirs for the taking, and Ballina Green Town now invites all the parents and families of those young children to add their child’s name to the tree’s dedication.

This campaign encourages all parents and families of those young children born in Ballina in 2023 to add their child’s name to the tree’s dedication by visiting www.maryrobinsoncentre.ie/plant-a-tree-2023.

One of the core legacy priorities for Ballina 2023 is to create a positive legacy for future generations, and this initiative, sponsored by AIB Ballina, rounds out 2023 with an intention to building a healthier, more sustainable town and planet for future generations.

Speaking about the initiative, Mags Downey Martin, CEO of Ballina Chamber of Commerce and tourism and committee member, Ballina 2023, said: “Ballina 2023 is not just an event; it is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and unity of our community.

“This milestone year will be remembered for the cultural richness, inclusivity and positive transformations it brought to our town. As we now shape the legacy of Ballina 2023, this initiative focuses on the future generations of Ballina, and our desire for those generations to dream big, embrace diversity, and cultivate a spirit of collaboration for the future of our beloved Ballina.”