Local Notes: All the latest news from Swinford
At Kilmovee Community Dinner which was held in Kilmovee Community Centre recently were from left, John and Mary Jordan and James Cassidy. Picture 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 087 7694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Congratulations to Ceola Quinn who qualified for the Amhrànaìocht Aonair for Craibh Mhaigh Eo Scòr na bPàistì representing Swinford NS for the East Mayo division singing 'John Condon'. Ceola is wished the best of luck in the county final on February 28.
It is with great pleasure Swinford St. Patrick’s Day committee announce Conor Goldrick, John Greene and Martin Woods, All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil winners as this year’s Grand Marshalls. It is wonderful to have three such talented young men in the community and this year the community of Swinford honour them as the great ambassadors they are for Swinford. The Swinford St. Patrick’s Day committee also wishes to take this time to recognise and thank Máirín Noone and all members of Swinford Comhaltas for their constant support and hard work.
Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford has launched an exciting new community lotto, giving locals a fun way to support the school while being in with a chance to win. The jackpot increases every week, and there’s also a guaranteed weekly prize, adding to the anticipation and community buzz.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/scmap, or simply by scanning the QR code displayed on posters throughout the community. The first draw takes place on February 26, and everyone is encouraged to get involved early.
Funds raised through the lotto will directly support the students of Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, helping to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen the school’s role at the heart of Swinford. Every ticket purchased makes a meaningful difference to the young people in the school and the wider community.
The school extends its thanks for the continued support and looks forward to the excitement of the weekly draws.
Entries are now open for the Mayo Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2026. Entry forms are available on the Mayo Comhaltas website: https://mayocomhaltas.weebly.com/competitor-information.html.
Killasser NS invites prospective families to visit the school on Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, between 9am and 2.40pm. Come and experience the award-winning, inclusive and supportive school community, meet the dedicated staff, and see the vibrant classrooms in action. Infant After School Club available. There is a bus service connecting Swinford to the school. Contact 094 9251489 for further information.
Trade stand applications now open for Swinford Agricultural Show which will be held on August 23, at Gleeson’s Farm, Cullane. Catering and coffee, agri supplies and demonstrations, crafts, confectionary, artisan craft and food stalls. Public liability insurance must be in place. To apply email swinfordagrishow@gmail.com or call 087 1181680.
Results of the games played on Tuesday, February 17; care winners were Dan Walsh, John Walsh, Matt Duggan, Margaret Waters, Esther Munnelly and Annie McNeela. Raffle prizes were won by Michael Ryan, Michael Lynskey, Virginia Heeran, Eileen Cafferty, Mary Higgins and Willie Creighton. Games continue every Tuesday at 9pm in Meelick Community Centre.
Congratulations to Annie Gallagher, Attymass, who won €319 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Killasser Book Club will meet on Sunday, March 8, from 6.30 to 7.30pm in the Turf Shed, Killaser where Anna Carey’s book Our Song will be discussed and enjoyed.
Congratulations to Michelle Kelleher winner of €590 in the Killasser Community Centre January 50/50 draw. €20 spot prizes were won by Brendan Fallon, Siobhan O’Hara and Kathleen Bolton. The February draw will take place on Sunday 8th March.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on February 16, were 7, 8, 9 and 11. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Aine Doyle, Tumgesh and Coreen McCree, Derryronane; €35 was won by Orla Price, Kinaffe, Bernie Mellett, Larch Hill, John Chambers, Swinford and Joe Corbett, Tara Café. The Jjackpot is now €12,000.
The first market of the season will be held on Saturday, March 7, in Swinford Cultural Centre F12WK83 from 10.30am to 2pm, followed by the AGM at 2.30pm. The annual general meeting is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. 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.
Swinford Youth Garden of Remembrance members are looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden situated at the cultural centre. Any help would be appreciated. If interested contact 085 7468401.
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support provided. If interested, apply via the ALONE website www.alone.ie or for further information contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 or volunteer@alone.ie. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer call 0818 222 024.
Pickleball is held in Swinford Community Centre on Wednesdays from 7-8pm. All welcome.
Swinford’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade is in its 74th successful year and will be held on St Patrick’s Day at 3pm. The 2026 theme is Irish myths, legends and folklore. The parade is open to all clubs, organisations, schools, businesses and individuals to participate. The more floats the better the day is. All questions/ applications can be sent to Swinford St Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page or contact swinfordstpatricksparade@gmail.com.
Swinford Killasser LGFA, Swinford GAA, and Swinford Football Club are coming together for a jersey and sports gear sale in the Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 28, from 2–4.30pm. The initiative is all about pre-loved gear, one big swap, and an even bigger sense of community. Three clubs, one brilliant event with something for everyone. Gear drop-off date: February 27 to Swinford Amenity Park from 6–9pm.
The Butterfly Garden, Kilkelly Road is having the first clean-up of 2026 on Saturday, February 28 from 10.30am to 12.30. All volunteers are welcome and please bring gloves, brushes, rakes and any other tools you may have.
Swinford Gardening Club will hold their annual general meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 8pm in the meeting room on Lower Main St. All members are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served after the AGM.
Results from games played on Thursday 12th February. Card winners – 1st Mary Higgins and Maureen Morley, 2nd/3rd shared by Matt Duggan, Margaret Waters, Margaret Sweeney, Tom Durkan, Michael O’Neill and Peter Geraghty. Game every Thursday night in the clubhouse at 9pm. All welcome.
Swinford Golf Club are now accepting enquiries for membership for 2026. Contact Michael Walsh on 087 9064865 or John Sheahan 087 9100572 for adult membership. Contact Raymond Horkan 086 3066494 for junior membership.
Adult players and parents/guardians of underage players, complete registration as soon as possible. Players cannot attend any training sessions or use gym if not registered.
Membership is open to all; parents/guardians and to the wider community. Limited offer options to subscribe to the 50/50 draw in a value bundle to include membership. Family discounts too. Membership deadline is March 31. Any person that is involved with Swinford GAA club as coach, manager, executive committee member must register on Foireann by March 31 deadline.
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Bohola.
Moy Davitts are looking for all your pre-loved jerseys, jackets, goodies, football shorts, football boots etc The next drop off for gear is at the clubhouse on February 28 from 11am-12pm. Alternative collection can also be arranged outside of this time by contacting Mike Kelly on 0871967360. Please ensure all gear donated is in a clean and usable condition.
The Bohola Book Swap Box is now in the community centre where you can bring a book or take a book — it’s that simple. Clearing out your shelves? Need a new bedtime read? Love a good thriller, romance or kids’ story? Call in and have a look. You never know what you’ll find.
Are you interested in helping your community while earning extra money? There are rural social scheme vacancies and they are seeking people for caretaking, maintenance, and social care positions in the Kiltimagh/Bohola/Midfield areas. 19.5 Hours per week based on a farmer friendly schedule. New eligibility criteria applies making it more accessible to join the team. Contact Caroline if you have any questions on 087 2107385.
Enrolment is now open at Bohola National School for the 2026/2027 school year. A copy of the school’s admission policy and application form for admission is available to download from the school website at www.boholans.ie. Alternatively, these documents may be requested by emailing boholaschool@gmail.com or by writing to: The Principal, Bohola N.S., Bohola, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 PR53. An open evening will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at 5pm, providing an opportunity to view the school and meet the staff.
There is a proposal with the Department of Agriculture to plant 62 hectares of forestry at Carramore by a commercial company. You can view this proposal on this website: https://flv.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/ and it is application number CN99375. If you wish to make a submission on this proposal, it needs to be on or before February 25. This application, if granted, will set a precedent for large scale forestry to be approved in the locality as well as having potential adverse impact on local fisheries and indigenous wildlife. If you require any further information, please email savecarramore@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Tarren Napier who won a jackpot of €546 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, February 14. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
