The National Ball was introduced to the calendar of Pioneer activities in 1997 by the Kilteely/Drumkeen Pioneer Youth Committee. Having obtained permission to hold such an event from the National Leisure Committee in late 1996, the energetic committee set about their task with great enthusiasm.

The inaugural Pioneer National Ball was held in the Limerick Inn Hotel in February 1997. This event has continued annually in the following locations - 1998 Sharkey's Hotel, Virginia, Co. Cavan; 1999 Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline Co. Cork; 2000 Belmont Hotel, Knock, Co. Mayo; 2001 The Earl of Desmond, Tralee, Co. Kerry; 2002 Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath; 2003 Fernhill House, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

The National Youth Committee are the body which has overall responsibility for the running of the Ball and anyone interested in hosting the Ball should apply to them for permission to do so. In the early years the Ball failed to break even financially and the local organising committees looked after this shortfall. In recent years the Ball has been a financial success and it is important that any profits should be returned to the National Youth Committee to help fund the many projects they need to put in place to benefit the P.T.A.A. at all levels especially among the youth.

The National Pioneer Ball was held in the Downhill Hotel, Ballina, Co. Mayo on 20th March 2004. The Connaught Youth Committee ran the Ball in conjunction with the Ballina Pioneer Centre. Mass was in St. Murdeachs Catherdal at 7.30pm followed by dinner (€30/€15) and music was provided by Sonny Warde. More details can be seen here! The National Pioneer Ball was held in Fernhill House, Clonakilty, Co. Cork on 29th March. This years event started with Mass in Clonakilty Parish Church at 7.30pm, followed by the meal at 8.30pm. The Guest Speaker for the night was Mr. Michael Manning, West Cork Tourism.
After a very successful 2001 Ball held in Tralee, the East Meath Region put their name forward to host this great occasion in 2002. It was confirmed and the wheels were set in motion. A committee was elected to organise the event and Christopher Clarke of Duleek was elected as Chairperson. Secretary was Melissa Fitzpatrick of Donore/Rosnaree Centre. It was decided that the committee would use the same Treasurer as the senior committee. The Treasurer for the event was Mary Brady of Duleek Centre.

Posters, an application form and Information letter was sent out to all Regional Secretaries in Ireland. The hotel was booked and a menu was set. The services of the band and the DJ were obtained by Melissa.

The night began with mass in St. Mary's Chapel in Navan. The principal celebrant was Fr. Coleman of Navan Parish and the homilist was Fr. Mac Greil. The readers at the mass were from the East Meath Region but all four provinces participated in the Offertory Procession - Matthew Mulkeen - Connaught, Bridget Reilly - Leinster, Suzanne Scott - Ulster, and Eilis Murphy - Munster.

In his homily; broadcast by LMFM, the local radio station, Fr. Mac Greil talked about the Young Pioneer Pledge - to abstain from alcohol until eighteen years old and to keep off illegal drugs for life. He also talked of the increase in the numbers enrolling in the Pioneer Association in Africa. The homily was both interesting and inspiring.

It was then time to move down to the Newgrange Hotel. The Pioneer prayer and grace before meals was lead by East Meath Regional Spiritual Director, Jack Matthews. Melissa Fitzpatrick did an excellent job in her role as Master of Cermonies for the night. Sean Coll, President of the Pioneer Association, told us how much he was enjoying the final year of his term. Seamus Kennedy, Chairperson of the East Meath Region, spoke of his delight at seeing such a great crowd of people of all age groups, having a ball without the aid of alcohol.

Christopher Clarke thanked everyone for their assistance in making the Ball possible, and everyone who came to make this a night to remember. He made a presentation to three special people, without whom this night would not have been so successful, namely, Margaret Brady, Mary Brady. Margaret and Mary received a certificate and a special gift for their dedication to the East Meath Young Pioneers. Christopher presented his mother with a bouquet of flowers as a 'thank you' for letting the Ball preparations take over their home for the last six months.

The night continued with music by local band 'All Shades', followed by a disco until the wee hours of the morning. All who were in attendance praised the hard working committee - Christopher Clarke (Chairperson), Melissa Fitzpatrick (Secretary), Grace and Margaret Brady (Booking Secretaries), Mary Brady (Treasurer), Colm Clarkin and Frank Wade (PRO's), Deirdre Brady and Philip Brady - for making the event so special and enjoyable.

A souvenir booklet was given out on the night to all present. The committee would like a special word of thanks to their families for putting up with all the inconveniences and also to the East Meath Regional Committee for their support from the time that plans for the event were put in motion, over six months ago. Thank you!
Ball pics .... from Ulster Youth Website