The traditional pre–Salmon Festival warm-up, the annual Lady of the Moy competition, took place in the Ballina Arts Centre, on Friday 23rd June,
hosting a night of pure talent and great entertainment that saw Lyndsay Golden (representing Centre Stage Vocal Academy) crowned the overall winner.

The Lady of the Moy will represent Ballina Salmon Festival during festival week as well as acting as an ambassador for the town throughout the year.

Holding the title of Lady of the Moy is regarded as an honour for the winning lady that offers great opportunities for networking, development, as
well as many fun, memorable occasions throughout the year.

Sponsored by Allure Hair and Beauty, Dr Lisa Guthrie, Ballina Blossoms and Ballina Chamber, this year the competition boasted 13 contestants in total, each representing a local business or group. The contest was judged by Martha Galvin (Allure Hair & Beauty Saloon), Den Moran and Helen O’Shea.

Master of Ceremonies on the night and local DJ, Paul Bourke ensured the participants enjoyed the on-stage interview keeping the banter and conversation flowing and guiding the participants through their on stage interview. Some of the ladies sang, danced, or recited poetry, showing once again the level of talent that exists in Ballina and Co Mayo, with may sating after the night resembled an Irelands Got Talent, such was the level of entertainment on the night. Prior to the live event, each lady also completed an individual interview with the judges.

Winner Lyndsay Golden, performed a song, playing guitar, and acknowledged her parents support of her during her studies at college and music teachers Maureen Lawlor and Shona Louise Seck, who she now works alongside at the Centre Stage Vocal Academy.

Event organiser Mary Moyles, manager of The Cot and Cobble: “The Lady of the Moy gives these young women a fantastic opportunity to express
themselves as well as giving them the confidence to stand up in front of their town, and highlight all that is great about the festival and Ballina town. They are all so proud to represent their towns and their businesses. In our eyes they are all winners and young women our town can be proud of.”

Mary acknowledged the hard work of fellow colleague Michelle Cunningham, who’s passion and commitment to the young women participating on the night, ensured every person enjoyed the experience.

Mary Dunne, Chairperson of Ballina Salmon Festival congratulated Lyndsay on winning the title and welcomed Lyndsay into the very special Lady of
the Moy alumni. Mary also gave thanks to Mary and Michelle for their hard work and commitment to this event since the Salmon Festival made a welcome return in 2022.  

Final words of thanks were given to outgoing Lady of the Moy, Cara Martin, who not only represented Ballina Salmon Festival at the Mayo Rose selection recently, but also represented Ballina at various events and functions throughout 2023 and 2023.    

The Lady of the Moy competition was supported by several local businesses;
Allure Hair and Beauty, Dr Lisa Guthrie, & Ballina Blossoms.

Ballina Chamber of Commerce, Rouses Jewellers, Gerry McGuires, Wards Pharmacy, Quinns Chemist, Molloys Pharmacy, Connacht Distillery, The Ice House, Mount Falcon, Ella & Jo.

Gold Time Jewellerys, The Post House, Platforms, Nikkis Barbers, Mister A, The Loft, Gerry Kennys, Price Busters.

Thank you to all that attended on the night to support the ladies.

Words of thanks was expressed for Ballina Arts Centre, the Salmon Festival office, and all the ladies who participated on the night !

Ballina Arts Centre hosted Ballina Salmon Festival’s Lady of the Moy on Friday night with Lyndsay Golden representing Centre Stage Vocal Academy crowned as the overall winner. Back row, from left Amy Conway, Muddy Burn’s, Aisling Mullarkey, Kilroy’s Pharmacy, Lyndsay Golden, Center Stage Vocal Academy, Maria Zhura, Ballina Community Clean Up, Tina Browne, Westport, Leanne Rowlette, Supermacs, Amelhyne O’Regan Farineau, Olive Howley Hair Salon, Antoinette Peyton, Cupán Ceoil. Front Row, Hannah Parsons, Belleek Castle, Megan Healy, Glacken Accountants, Hannah Birrane Murray, The Cot and Cobbie, Sophie O’Donnell, Doherty’s Daybreak, Regina Murphy, Connelly’s Ballina. Picture: John O’Grady.