Mayo town to host poignant riverside remembrance event

On Saturday, September 30, the Moy will be illuminated with the prayers and intentions of hundreds of local people as they come out in force to support the 2023 Remembrance on the River event in Ballina.

Local charities Mayo Cancer Support, River Moy Search and Rescue and the 5th Mayo Scouts Group, Ballina, have once again joined forces to host this very special and beautiful fundraising event.

Remembrance on the River was first introduced to Ballina in 2014 by local sisters Cathy and Emma Cawley, who were inspired by the Japanese tradition of Toro Nagashi.

This tradition involves the release of candle-lit paper lanterns onto water to symbolise the guiding of the souls of the deceased towards peace while also celebrating and honouring their memory.

On Saturday, September 30, Remembrance on the River in Ballina will offer people the opportunity to purchase a floating lantern either in memory of a loved one or to symbolise a private intention and have it released on the River Moy in a beautiful open-air ceremony.

Lanterns can be purchased online now for €10 via https://remembrance.iregister.ie, and will also be on sale in the old Technical School building next to St. Muredach’s Cathedral on the afternoon of the event.

The name of your loved one or your own name/intention will be inscribed on your lantern, with all of the lanterns purchased being released onto the River Moy from Cathedral Road in Ballina from 8 p.m. on September 30. All proceeds will be divided between the three charities hosting the event.

You can follow the Remembrance on the River Facebook page at for further updates.