Local Notes: All the latest news from Swinford.
At the launch of the 20th edition of Kilkelly Kilmovee Magazine at Ireland West Airport were from left; Fr Joseph Gavigan PP, Carmel Williams, Susan Regan, Mary Teresa Duffy, Grainne Duffy and Eunice Moran. Pic; James Hunt Photography.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted to Julie Ryan as follows: email ryankneafsey@gmail.comâ¯or call leaving a voicemail if not answered/text/WhatsApp 087 7694781 after 6pm. Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Swinford Athletics Club are delighted to extend an invitation to the community of Swinford to the official opening of the Swinford Athletics Club track on Friday, November 6, at 6pm. This event will take place at the Swinford Athletics Club track facility in Swinford Amenity Park. This will be a historic occasion, one for all the family to attend to mark a very special day in the community. The Athletics Club are extremely proud of their new track facility which is available for use for all members in the community whether old or young. A facility to develop confidence in youngsters and forged friendships and a love for running and walking with all residents whatever your age bracket. Please do mark this in your calendars - Friday 6, at 6pm,and for more information contact club secretary Adette Gallagher on 087 2362112.
Congratulations are extended to Shonagh Rowley and Matthew Burke and to Claudia Davey and Pascal Touché who were married recently in Swinford Parish Church.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Mary Gallagher (nee Jordan), Kilbride, Swinford; Kathleen Daly (nee Hennigan), Chicago and formerly of Brackloon, Midfield; Delia Groarke, Manchester and formerly of Carraweeney, Killasser. May they all rest in peace.
Results from the card game played on October 22, were as follows: card winners 1st Jack Pidgeon and Philip Moore, 2nd Margaret Waters and Matt Duggan, 3rd Mary Higgins and Maureen Morley. Winners of game 20 at table 5 were Brian McNulty and Tom Durkan.â¯Raffle prizes were won by Chris Garret, Annie McNeela, Margaret Sweeney and Mary Callaghan. The 25 card game continues every Thursday night at 9pm in Swinford Golf Club.
Swinford AC will commence a Couch to Christmas Party 3km and 5km running plan on Tuesday, November 3, to Thursday, December 10, followed by the Santa 5km run/walk on Saturday, December 12, at Swinford Amenity Park from 7 to 8pm. For more information contact Adette on 087 2362112, Therese on 086 1704948 or Trish on 086 3048138.
The annual Meals on Wheels church gate collection will be taken up at all local churches over the weekend of November 7 and 8.
The numbers drawn in the community lotto draw held on October 27, were 16, 18, 19 and 20. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Alan Forkan, Rath Dubh and Tilly Masterson, c/o Tara Café; €35 was won by Vincent O'Brien, c/o Moore's and Marina Byrne, Park Rd, Swinford. The jackpot is now €9,800.
Congratulations to Phil Rowley winning €520 in the September Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw and to Mary and Laurence McGuinness, Colin Cronnolly and Niamh and Ailbhe Cunney on winning a €20 spot prize.
Congratulations to Padraig Lyons on winning €485 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The next meeting of Midfield Development Association will take place in St Joseph’s National School on Monday, November 9, at 9pm. The committee has an ambitious new project that they would like to explore for the village, which includes an astroturf, playground and community centre. To bring this vision to life, the involvement, ideas and support of the wider community is required. Working together means all aspects of the proposal can be explored, feasibility assessed and the steps needed identified to turn this exciting ambition into reality.
The Novel Bean Swinford will host a book reading and chat with local poet Peter Costello about his recently published book ‘Mayo’s Quest for Sam’ on Wednesday, November 4, at 7.30pm.
The annual general meeting of Swinford Agricultural Show will take place on Monday, November 16, at 8pm in Boland’s Bar, Bridge St Swinford.
The next Swinford Indoor Market will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 10.30am with a vast array of crafts, locally grown and produced goods and an opportunity to sit and enjoy tea/coffee with homemade treats.
Results of the game played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, October 20 were; card winners: Michael Lynskey, Mary Lynskey, Frank Neary, Tom Killilea, Brian McNulty and Mary Higgins. Raffle prizes were won by Philip Moore, Phyllis Bredican, Geraldine Turbitt and Seamus Conwell.
Results of the games played on Tuesday, October 27; card winners: Matt Duggan, Margaret Waters, Gerry Moran, Michael Moran, Seamus Conwell and Philip Moore. Raffle prizes were won by Michael Ryan, Tom Durkan, Esther Munnelly and Francie Rowley.
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Bohola.
After all the fundraising, hard work, and incredible community support, all at Durkan Bohola Community Park are absolutely thrilled to announce that work is finally commencing on their long-awaited playground. The amazing Lip Sync Battle fundraiser last year, which raised an incredible €25,000, was a huge step towards making this dream a reality, and the committee are so excited to see things getting underway.
A massive thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts and helped bring this exciting moment. This is a fantastic milestone for the community, and the committee can’t wait to watch the playground take shape and see the joy it will bring to the children and families for years to come.
Bohola Christmas Market will be held in The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre on Sunday, November 29, from 6-8pm. Stallholders get in touch now as tables book up early. The organisers look forward to welcoming everyone for another lovely Christmas themed evening. Contact: sheridanmccbohola@gmail.com for further details.
The death occurred of Anne Gordon, Carracastle, who died on Saturday, October 24. She was buried in St Joseph's Cemetery, Bohola, on Tuesday, October 27; Peggy Roarty, Creeslough, Co Donegal, who died on Tuesday, October 20, and whose funeral took place in Creeslough on Friday, October 23. She was the sister of the late Mary O’Brien, Treenduff; Willie Malee, Carracastle, Bohola who was buried in St Joseph's Cemetery, Bohola, on Saturday, October 31, following his funeral Mass in Bohola Church. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Congratulations to Mickie Ryder who won a jackpot of €330 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, October 24. 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).
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Balla / Manulla
The death has taken place of Gertrude (Gertie) Roache nee Geraghty, Balla, and formerly of Attymass. Gertrude passed away on Monday, October 26, peacefully at University Hospital, Galway, surrounded by her loving family.â¯Widely known in the Set Dancing and Ceili Circuit she was highly popular for her warmth, kindness and joyful personality. She is deeply regretted by her daughter Ann-Marie, her son Michael, grandchildren Ruby, Sid, and Ciarán, son-in-law Dougal, daughter-in-law Lauren, sister-in-law Margaret, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Her remains reposed at her residence, 13 Moat, Balla on last Wednesdayâ¯evening from 5pm until 7pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on last Thursday at 12.30pm in St Cronan’s Church, Balla with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla Christmas Festival Launch for Christmas 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, and it has an exciting programme. There will be Christmas Markets, Santa and the Elves, Christmas Lights at 6pm, Kids Tractor Run, Fireworks Display, and a Big Tractor Run. Santa tickets are on sale now (almost sold out). https://willwego.com/organiser/balla-community-centre.
The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA Lotto Draw October 22 in the Shebeen for a jackpot of €3,200 were 6, 10, 25 and 30. €30 consolation prizes went to Mark Sheridan (Online), Kathy Lyons (Online) and Grace Flanagan (Online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, October 29, in Flukies with a jackpot of €3,300.
Huge congratulations to Balla Tidy Towns on an outstanding achievement at the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards. Five awards were won and the bronze medal retained. It was a merited recognition for all the hard work, dedication and community spirit that goes into making Balla such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. This success is a testament to the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy and passion to keeping Balla village beautiful and thriving. Your efforts make a real difference, and the whole community has every reason to be proud. From everyone at Balla Community Centre / Balla CRD, well done to everyone involved and you are a credit to the community.
Balla CRD AGM will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at 8pm in the Courthouse. All members are requested to attend.
Applications for Balla Secondary School incoming first year students for the 2027/2028 academic year are now open! Please see the link below. https://letsenrol.school/Balla-Secondary-School/827100. The open night will take place on next Thursday, November 5.
On Saturday, November 28, Manulla FC will host a 50 years Celebration Dinner in Breaffy House Hotel & Spa Resort. This will be a night of nostalgia, gathering of friends and a celebration of what the past 50 years have been for Manulla FC - a magnificent achievement for the club.
Balla Active Age First Friday Mass will be held on November 6th in the Community Centre at 3pm.
