National Pioneer Ball to take place in Mullingar this year

There will be a Pioneer presence from across Ireland in Mullingar for the first weekend in April when the 25th National Pioneer Ball takes place on in the Annebrook House Hotel.

The event is open for both Pioneers and friends of Pioneers to attend, and it is being organised by the Leinster Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) Youth and Activities Committee.

The ball will begin with the celebration of Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, followed by a meal, special guest speaker and live music by Camillus Egerton and Heads Up in the Annebrook.

As this is the silver anniversary of the National Pioneer Ball, the committee (who are mostly young people between the ages of 18-35) have arranged a full weekend of fun and extra celebratory activities for attendees to enjoy.

They start on the evening of Friday April 5, with tea in the Annebrook at 6.30pm, followed by bowling in Rock ‘n’ Bowl at 8pm. On the Saturday at 2pm, local historian and author Ruth Illingworth will lead a walking tour of Mullingar. Sights will include All Saints Church, the Cathedral of Christ the King, the Joe Dolan statue and the venue for the first meeting of the Mullingar Pioneers.

The 25th National Pioneer Ball is on the Saturday from 6pm. The evening begin with Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, followed by a meal, special guest speaker and live music by Camillus Egerton and Heads Up.

“To conclude our weekend of celebrations, we are inviting attendees to the Franciscan Abbey in Multyfarnham on Sunday April 7 for a morning of spiritual reflection,” said a committee spokesperson.

Mass will be celebrated in the Friary Church at 10.30am, followed by Stations of the Cross. The afternoon (and full event) will conclude with lunch in Abbey Blooms Café at 1pm.

All Pioneers and friends of Pioneers are welcome to attend weekend events. Tickets for the National Pioneer Ball (April 6) are €40, and can be purchased by contacting Daisy – 087 6544626, Dermot – 085 7201646 or leinsteryouthcommittee@gmail.com.

The Leinster PTAA Youth and Activities Committee look forward to meeting all attendees in April.

All activities are priced individually. The walking tour and Stations of the Cross are free of charge to attend. Please note that times and activities are all subject to change.