Balla (Balla), a small town on the Castlebar-Claremorris road, owes its origin to a monastery established there in the seventh century by St. Cronan, alias Mochua. The site is marked by a round tower (10m) and a medieval altar. Patrick W. Nally (1856-1891), after whom the Nally Stand in Croke Park is called; was born at Rockstown House, near Balla. He organised two national athletic events in Balla which inter alia led to the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. There is a Celtic Cross to his memory in the town.
Balla Map