Local Notes: Alan McDonnell runs New York Marathon in Swinford AC colours.

Congratulations to Alan McDonnell sporting the Swinford AC colours running the New York Marathon a week after running the Dublin marathon.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 087 7694781 after 6pm. Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Swinford GAA will host their AGM on Sunday, December 1. If any club member wishes to obtain a nomination form or AGM agenda, contact the club secretary.
The Killasser Community Care and Killasser Community Centre committees will hold the Annual 25 card drive on Monday, December 9.
Monday night card game in Killasser Community Centre at 8pm, beginners welcome.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on November 18, were 12, 19, 20 and 25. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Johanna McNicholas, Barnacogue and Yvonne Brennan, c/o Moore's; €35 each was won by John Gallagher, Cloonfinaune, Gearóid Brady, Rathdubh, Simone Ronayne, Cois Coille and Gary Buckley, Swinford. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on November 25 was €18,800.
Swinford Indoor Market Christmas Market will take place on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, in Swinford Cultural Centre from 10.30am to 4pm for a festive celebration. The vendors will be showcasing an array of delightful products, from locally sourced produce to unique crafts that are sure to light up your holiday spirit. And let’s not forget the sweet treat in store - Cácaí Acla will be serving up delicious teas, coffees, and their fabulous bakes indoors, adding a sprinkle of joy to the market.
Congratulations to Tony Lynskey who won €625 with Stephanie Heaney and Douglas Kelly winning the €20 spot prize each in the October KCC 50/50 draw. The November draw takes place on Sunday, December 8.
Knock Pilgrimages are going on an Escorted Tour of Northern Ireland departing Monday, December 9, for 3 nights. The cost is €549 per person sharing and the price includes luxury coach transport, 3 nights in Armagh City Hotel with breakfast and 4 course dinner. Visit Armagh Cathedrals, Belfast Christmas Market, Stormont, Hillsborough Castle, Navan Centre, Titanic Museum and Derry City. There will be music nightly. Single supplement is available on enquiry. Contact Patricia on 094 900 6426, 087 1890 236 for further details and to book.
Swinford Golf Club table quiz will take place on Saturday, December 14, at 8pm in Swinford Golf Clubhouse. Teams of 4 and €40 entry. Prizes will include; 1st €300 fuel voucher, plus plenty of other fantastic prizes. There will be a raffle with great prizes to be won on the night.
All proceeds go to support the junior golf program which will help nurture the next generation of golfers while having a night full of fun, trivia, and a bit if craic. Come test your knowledge, enjoy some laughs, and maybe even walk away with a prize. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Christmas cards are available at all three churches, Swinford, Meelick and Midfield - 6 cards for €5.
Congratulations to the members of Swinford Athletic Club who participated recently in the All-Ireland Even Ages XC finals - reaching an All-Ireland is a massive achievement.
Well done to: U12 girls Holly Ginty 4th place, Juliette Devaney, Casey Coyle, Lottie Heaney and Eris Gruddy. U14 Girls Niamh Devaney, Ella Ginty, Addison McDonnell, Siobhan Hyland and Emma Nolan. U14 Boys Rory Gruddy 3rd, Ruairi Reynolds, Darragh O’Brien and Evan Hughes. U16 Girls Faye Gallagher. U18 Boys Darragh Reynolds. Junior Women Caitlin Hughes 5th place.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Vincent Birrane, Fairfield, Crossmolina (brother of Mae Quinn, Fraun Hill, Swinford); Sr Monica Kiernan, Presentation Convent, Tuam (sister of Philomena Campbell, Oldcastle); Kathleen Brzezinski, Chicago (cousin of Paddy Lavin, Leeds, Brian Lavin and Delia Hanley, Swinford); James (Jimmy) Cassidy, Fairgreens, Charlestown and formerly of Laughta, Meelick, Swinford; James (Jimmy) Calter, Gardenia Avenue, Luton, UK and formerly of Fauleens, Carracastle, Charlestown (brother of Pat Calter). May they all rest in peace.
Congratulations to Amanda Hynes, Swinford Athletic Club, recipient of the European Athletics Member Federation Award.
Congratulations to Swinford AC member Alan Dunne taking 1st place in Westport Sea 2 Summit Supreme run for the 2nd year in a row. Well done Alan.
Congratulations to Cathal Kelly on receiving a Mayo Rehab People of the Year Award for his 2,200k walk from Canterbury to Rome, raising funds for Mayo Parkinson's Association and Children's Health Ireland Crumlin. Cathal received his award surrounded by family and friends at the awards ceremony held on Friday, November 15, in Breaffy House Hotel.
*******************
Keeping it Lit – sustaining Mental Health and Wellness in rural communities presented by Gerry Glennon with guest speakers Paddy Joe Burke, John Martin Griffin and Tony and Ann Gilligan will take place on Thursday, November 28, at 8pm in Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea. This is a free event. Everyone welcome.
Sean Keane is scheduled to appear in Kilmovee Community Centre on Friday, December 6, at 8pm. Tickets are €30. For further information contact 094 9649484.
Bingo is held every Sunday evening at 8.30pm in Kilmovee Community Centre. The jackpot is €750 on 46 calls or less and the house lotto is €560 on four correct numbers, and there is also a 50/50 game with a guaranteed winner of the 50/50 weekly.
Kilmovee Bingo committee wishes to recruit new volunteers to help run the Sunday night Bingo. This is an important service in the community and only possible with volunteers. If you think you can commit to 1 or 2 Sundays a month get in touch with Kilmovee Community Centre on 094 96 49484.
The Achonry Pioneers Christmas party will be held in the Pastoral Centre Charlestown on Tuesday, December 10, at 7p . This party is open to non-pioneers and costs €28.50 per person. It is necessary to book your place and to do so contact Caroline on 086 1660196 as soon as possible. Treenlaur catering is providing the food.
Kilmovee Community Christmas Party will take place on Sunday December 15, from 1-5pm. The lunch is supported by Kilmovee Bingo and you will be treated to carol singing, a festive two course lunch, dancing, mince pies, drinks and lots of fun. Tickets are €20 and places are limited. Call Kilmovee Community Centre to book your place on 094 96 49484.
The committee of the Kilkelly Kilmovee magazine thank all those who attended and supported the 18th Edition of parish magazine launch at Ireland West Airport recently; to the staff of the airport, the sponsors who donated raffle prizes, and everyone who sold tickets, and helped the committee recently. It is greatly appreciated. The launch will be televised on Sky Channel 588 on December 17. The magazine is on sale locally.
The Christmas Market and Santa in Kilkelly will take place on Sunday, December 1, from 12 noon to 3pm, in Kilkelly Triomog Community Centre. To book your place to meet Santa contact 097 3528953. There will be lots of stalls, raffles and music on the day.
The death took place of Thomas Horkan, Craggagh, Carracastle, Ballaghaderreen, on November 12, peacefully, with his family by his side, in the wonderful care of the doctors and nurses at Mayo University Hospital. Thomas was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Winifred and his sister Patsy and is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Derek, Thomas, Declan, Finbarr and Niall, daughter Collette, grandchildren Paul, Aisling, Emily, Tori Leigh, and Isla Mae, brothers Michael, John and Ambrose, daughter-in-law and partners, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Thomas reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, November 15. Removal took place from the funeral home on Saturday, November16, to St. James’ Church, Carracastle, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 2pm, followed by interment in Carracastle Cemetery. May Thomas rest in peace as deepest sympathy is offered to all who are bereaved by his passing.
*****************.
The new date for the Moy Davitts 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance is January 25, 2025. Tickets remain on sale for that date and can be purchased directly from Annette Clarke 087 678 1500/ treasurer.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie) costing €50 per person. November tickets are still valid.
The organising committee look forward to seeing everyone for a really special night on Saturday, January 25, in the Great National Hotel, Ballina. Special accommodation rates are also available from the hotel.
Bohola Christmas Market is taking place on Sunday, December 1, from 5-8pm n Bohola Community Centre. To book contact sheridanmccbohola@gmail.com or through their Facebook page The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre.
A Candlelight Concert with John McNicholl and his band takes place in Bohola Church on Saturday, December 14, at 8pm in aid of the Durkan Community Park. Tickets are limited and can be purchased from committee members and are on sale online at www.ticketor.com/boholacommunitypark/tickets/candlelight-concert-with-john-mc-nicholl-band-298454.
Congratulations to Brian Hunt, Bohola, who won a jackpot of €397 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, November 16. A huge thank you is extended to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
The Moy Davitts annual general meeting will take place on Sunday, December 1, at 5pm in the Brown Memorial Hall, Foxford. If you wish to attend, please email secretary.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie.
The launch of the club's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 8pm in the Moy Hotel. All are welcome to attend.