Local Notes: All the latest news from Swinford.
At the Kilmovee Urlaur Group Water Scheme 50th Anniversary celebrations in Kilmovee Community Centre were members of the board with Deirdre O'Neill. Back l/r Brian Duffy, Anthony Gordon, Tom Shiel, Damien McDermott and James Noel Kenny. Front l/r Paddy Moran, Deirdre O' Neill, Anna Marie Tiernan and Tom McLoughlin. Pic James Hunt Photography
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted to Julie Ryan as follows: email ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call leaving a voicemail if not answered/text/WhatsApp 0877694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Battle of The Bands event in support of Lovefest 2026 at Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival Swinford will take place in The Whitehouse on July 11. To participate contact Michael on 087 9064865.
Congratulations to Nigel Sweeney who won €390 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Winners from the latest Golf Club Development Draw were; €1000 Orla and Cathal Quinn, €300 Dom McLoughlin, Ballina and €200 was won by Cathal Kelly, Swinford.
The Pierce Purcell team were in hard luck on Tuesday, June 23, losing in a play-off to Strandhill in Strandhill. Thanks to Pat for looking after team and the lads for giving their time to represent the club. Unfortunately, the ladies didn't qualify in the 9 hole trophy qualifier in Strokestown on Wednesday, June 24, but they had a very enjoyable day out.
Great news from the Fred Perry (senior men over 60) Connaught semi-final on Wednesday, June 24. The lads beat Ballaghaderreen 3-1 and are through to the final against Roscommon, which will be played over 2 legs on July 4 and 18. A couple of big days for the club to look forward to. Well done Doug and team.
Swinford Golf Club are running a raffle to coincide with Captain's Day. If you are interested in buying a ticket, contact Margaret Sweeney, John Sheahan or Mona Curry. Tickets are €10 and limited to 200. 1st prize is a Thermomix T6, 2nd prize an airfryer and 3rd prize a slow cooker.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford community lotto draw held on June 22, were 8, 10, 22 and 28. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by David Rowley, Culmore and Patrick Coyle, Derryronane; €35 was won by Jim Murray, Oak Drive, Pauline Thompson, Tower View, Meelick, Swinford and The Nolans, Drumalooaun Killasser. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on June 29, was €6,200.
The Siamsa Sraide Committee looks forward to welcoming everyone to the 2nd Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival Vintage Run on Sunday, August 2. Registration will take place from 1pm at the main stage on Main Street, and the run will commence at 2pm starting and finishing on Main Street. For further information or bookings contact Brendan Cassidy on 087 742 0617 or James Ruane on 087 091771. All proceeds raised on the day will go to Western Care Association and Northwest Stop. There will be a raffle and music on the day, with a whole host of family events to follow in Swinford Cultural Centre with balloon modelling, Disney characters and The Circus Show with Fred and Leo.
General Humbert will invade Swinford on July 30, as part of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival 2026. He makes his return to Swinford for a very special ceremonial event to honour the sacrifice of the French. Further information from Brendan on 087 7420617 or Moira on 087 2038407.
The countdown is on to the kick off of the Swinford Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival which returns from July 30 to August 5 bringing with it seven days of music, art, cultural, historical and family events. Chele Crawley and Martina Wintour will be launching their best-selling books on Thursday, July 30, at 10.30am in The Novel Bean. This event will be the start of an action-packed programme for the 2026 festival.
The Mayo GAA Club Development Draw 2026 is now underway. This draw plays a huge role in supporting GAA club’s and helps generate funding for facilities, equipment, training and much more. Entry is available on www.mayogaa.com/clubdraw26/. Please make sure to select Swinford GAA when purchasing online.
To infinity and beyond. Join Sandra and Jiving Juniors for a fun-filled Toy Story themed workshop packed with games, music, dancing and lots of laughter on Saturday, July 4, from 1pm – 3pm in Bohola Community Centre. The workshop is suitable for children aged 3–8 years and will feature Toy Story themed games, dancing and music, fun activities, meet new friends, suitable for boys and girls. The cost is €15 for one child, €25 for two siblings. Places are limited and booking is essential. Book your place on https://jivingjuniors-sandradance.classforkids.io/.
Blessing of Mosaics by Bishop Doran will take place at 10am on August 15 at Mass in Callow and 12 noon on the same day in Killasser Church (Mass will not be celebrated in Killasser).
Congratulations to Fionnuala Dunleavy who won €550 in the May 50/50 Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw with Ann Taylor, Mary Goldrick and Eoghan O’Connell winning €20 spot prize each. The June draw takes place on Sunday, July 5.
Time to Shine Talent competition in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival returns this August and applications are now open. All talents and acts are welcome and is open to U16 and 16+ categories. Whether you sing, dance, perform, or have a hidden talent, the organisers want to hear from you. Contact 087 4636841to register your interest in participating.
The July Indoor Market will be held on Saturday, July 4, in Swinford Cultural Centre F12WK83 from 10.30am to 3pm. Swinford Market offers a wonderful selection of local crafts, baked goods, handmade goods, and community stalls. Cácaí Acla will be serving teas, coffee, and freshly baked treats.
A photographic exhibition exploring rural Ireland from a skateboard is currently on display at the Courtyard Gallery in Turlough Park, in the Courtyard Gallery. It explores aspects of the lived, social and economic history of rural Ireland through a series of spaces, reflecting on a range of themes from loss and dereliction to endurance, resilience, and renewal. The images and stories were compiled in 2025 for a special issue of the Irish skateboarding publication, Goblin Magazine. Róidin, Courtyard Gallery, Turlough Park. Admission is free.
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Bohola Cemetery Committee seeks new members. If you are willing to volunteer, please contact John O’Brien, TJ Byrne or Peter Gallagher. Thanks is extended to the current committee who continue to do great work but more help would be appreciated.
Sixth class graduation took place in Bohola NS on Tuesday evening, June 16. The sixth classes of both schools celebrated their end-of-year and end-of-school graduation services with their families and school staff. They are all thanked for all they contributed to the life of their respective schools over the last eight years and as they move on to pastures new, Bohola NS wish them every success and blessing in the years ahead. The school also wish the staff, all pupils and parents of both schools a fun, restful and well deserved summer break.
Best wishes are extended to Anne Mulroy on her retirement from her role as special needs assistant in Bohola NS. Anne has been a valued member of the school for many years, having worked in the school since 1997 in a variety of roles, including secretary, classroom assistant and special needs assistant. Throughout her time in Bohola NS, Anne has shown exceptional kindness, care and dedication to generations of pupils and their families. Her warm, welcoming nature and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on the school community.
Bohola NS thank Anne sincerely for her many years of service and commitment to the school and wish her every happiness, good health and success in her retirement. Thankfully, Anne will continue to remain part of the school community in her role as school secretary and everyone looks forward to continuing working with her in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Michael Maloney who won a jackpot of €518 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, June 20. A huge thank you 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 grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Throughout the biodiverse grounds, you can explore plants, trees, birds and animals, big and small. Some are native and some are not. Pick up the new ‘Woodland Explorer’ activity booklet from Museum reception to learn more on a self-guided nature trail through Turlough Park. Use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish the trail! No booking require and the nature trail has free admission.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting an individual with a disability for a few hours per day or a couple of hours/days per month, or longer term? Western Care Home Share Service are looking for people, single/couples/families, to provide short respite breaks to children and adults across County Mayo, in your own home.
Training and support is provided and a non-taxable allowance is payable for each home share arrangement. If you are interested and/or would like further information about Home Sharing, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home share Co-ordinator on 094 9029148 or 087 6811261.
Join the Turlough Poetry Collective for a special afternoon of poetry readings and music with piper Diarmaid Moynihan, from 2pm to 3pm on Saturday, July 4, at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar. Seven poets from across the west of Ireland will read on the day - celebrating creativity and bringing the written word to life. This is a free event but booking is required. Visit museum.ie for booking details or telephone 094 90 31751.
