Local Notes: All the news from Swinford and Bohola.
At the Good Friday Quiz which was held in Kilmovee Community Centre were the National School winners. Pictured from left; Cllr John Caulfield, Eoghan Duffy, Darragh Egan, Kieran Sweeney and Gerrard Duffy. Cllr Caulfield acted as quiz master and Gerrard Duffy Quiz co-ordinator. 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.
Students at Kinaffe National School have been recognised at a national level for their outstanding efforts in promoting sustainability, earning the Best Creativity Award in this year’s Daily Swaps Challenge, a nationwide initiative from the Green-Schools programme, run by An Taisce. The award celebrates schools that bring bold, imaginative, and inspiring ideas to raising awareness—and Kinaffe National School stood out for doing exactly that.
Throughout the initiative, students designed a series of colourful graphic designs using Canva, with a different design created for each day of the week highlighting a new sustainability swap. These eye-catching posters were displayed around the school and shared on social media, helping to spread the message both within the school community and beyond.
Tori Rickman, Green-Schools Officer for the Water Theme, added: “Kinaffe National School’s Daily Swaps campaign is a fantastic example of how students can lead meaningful environmental action in a creative and engaging way. By running their own challenges, Green-Schools Committees build real skills in communication, teamwork and motivating others. It highlights that environmental action doesn’t have to be about giving things up—it can be about challenging ourselves and our peers to make small changes together in a way that’s fun and impactful.” For more information about the Green-Schools programme, visit www.greenschoolsireland.org.
Prizewinners in the recent Golf Development Draw were; €1000 Linda Kennedy, €300 Swinford Athletic Club and €200 Dympna O’Donnell. Congratulations to the winners. The next draw will take place on April 18.
Results from the Golf Club card game held on April 2, are card winners: 1st Margaret Sweeney and Virginia Heeran, 2nd/3rd shared by Ann Rowley, Geraldine Turbitt, Margaret Waters and Matt Duggan. Raffle prizes were won by Gerry Ronayne, Francie Rowley, Mary Higgins, Ann Rowley, Maureen Morley, Mary Callaghan, Carmel Timoney and Annie McNeela. Winners of game 20 at table 5 were Gerry Ronayne and Philip Moore. This was the last game of the season. The organisers thank everyone who supported the card game this year.
The Captain's Drive took place on Monday, April 6, followed by a 9-hole Scramble; 1st was Rob Thornburgh, John McCarrick and Edel Munnelly; 2nd Tom Regan, Neil Fallon and Elaine Marren; 3rd James Kilroy, Peter Moore and Hilary McCrohan.
Sing a Song with Bridie Rowley on Friday, April 24, at 7pm in The White House, Swinford. This special night will feature a selection of Bridie’s favourite songs, along with a beautiful songbook sharing her story and spirit, created especially for the occasion. All proceeds will go towards supporting Foxford Alzheimer’s and Community Trust CLG / FACT Social Club. All are very welcome so come along, bring a friend, and enjoy a heartfelt evening of music, memories, and community.
Congratulations to Darren McLoughlin who won €463 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on April 7, were; 9, 16, 19 and 26. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Annie Gallagher, Carrowreagh, Meelick and Meghan Philbin, Lislackagh; €35 was won by Noreen Kelly, Castleroyan. The jackpot in the draw held today, April 14, is €4,000.
Swinford Show committee wishes to express their sincere thanks to all the wonderful bakers who supplied the home baking for the annual cake sale in aid of Swinford Agricultural Show on Easter Sunday last. Thanks to all that contributed in any way. A special thank you to Fr Dermot Meehan for the use of the Parochial House.
Swinford Gardening Club will hold their next talk on Tuesday, April 28, at 8pm in the Meeting Room on Lower Main St. Horticulturist Conor Brennan will speak on flower and vegetable planting, lawn care and give tips on dealing with moss. Everyone is welcome to attend. Non-members €5.
Siamsa Sraide table quiz will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 9pm in Bolands. Tables of 4 with a €100 1st prize. There will be a raffle on the night and your support will be much appreciated.
The 42nd Siamsa Síamsa Street and Arts Festival Swinford returns from July 30 to August 5, with a blockbuster brochure of a festival which will include free open-air music to Ritchie Remo, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Lovefest, Mike Denver and whole host of historic and cultural events. A brochure of events will be launched in May.
Foxtrot is back on Sunday, April 19, at 1pm from the Foxford Leisure Centre. This year is a 5km fun run for all the family, with prizes and raffle on the day. This is an opportunity to raise funds for Brenda Walsh Grealis as well as the local community.
Brenda, originally from Callow, was recently diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This is an extremely rare, severe neurological disease that causes extreme muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and progressive loss of mobility. A gifted singer and musician, she is a wife and mother of four children. The communities of Callow, Foxford and the surrounding area are coming together with Foxtrot in an effort to raise much needed funds to assist Brenda and her family with this life changing condition. Any enquiries contact Ann on 086 8302975 or Helen on 085 8282000.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Padraic Lynskey, London and formerly Meelick, Swinford and Anne Lavin (nee Quinn), Rabawn, Midfield, Swinford. May they rest in peace.
Swinford AC Little Athletics will commence on Tuesday, April 14, from 7 to 8pm in the Amenity Park Astro Turf F12H593. To register or for further information contact Annie 087 9843918 or Karen on 087 9143878.
Eucharistic Healing Family Tree by Fr John Keane will take place in the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass on April 18 and 19. The price per person is €75, and this includes all meals on Saturday and Sunday. Places must be booked in advance. Contact Patricia on 085 8373680 or Catherine on 087 2112141.
Time to Shine Talent Competition, in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival returns this August. Applications to take part will be opening very soon. All talents and acts are welcome. U16 and 16+ categories. Whether you sing, dance, perform, or have a hidden talent, the organisers want to hear from you. Keep an eye on The Railway Players and Time to Shine Social Media page for application details.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Annual Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt. A total of €460 was collected for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.
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The death occurred of Liam Salter, Bawnishal, Castlehaven, Co Cork, who was buried in Castlehaven New Cemetery on Monday, April 6. Liam was the father of Barbara Conlon, Toughnane. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Congratulations to Martin Byrne who won a jackpot of €580 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, April 4. 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).
Durkan Community Park is taking part in An Taisce's national spring-clean anti-litter campaign, meeting at Sheridan Community Centre on Saturday, April 25, at 2pm. All volunteers are welcome to litter pick throughout the village or tidy up your own road or townland. Bring bags to central location for disposal. Contact 086 3620928 for further information.
This year's Moy Davitts Golf Classic takes place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, May 30. Entry fee is €160 per team of four and there will be some major prizes on the day for all winners. Competitions on the day include Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin and the top prizes will include night's away and green fees at some of the top golf courses in Ireland.
There will also be a halfway house barbeque at the 9th hole for those looking for a bite to eat and drink during their round. To book contact Ballina Golf Club on 096 21050 or info@ballina-golf.com and early booking is advised.
Mayo Cancer Support Assoc at Rock Rose House, will be holding their annual church gate collection on the weekend of April 18 and 19 next, in Shraheens and Bohola Churches. Mayo Cancer Support would appreciate your continued support for this local charity that offers free emotional support to people affected by cancer and their families. See www.mayocancersupport.ie for more. If anyone can volunteer to assist with the collections, call Rose on 083 489 0754.
Run, jog or walk on Sunday, April 19, at 1pm, with registration at Foxford Leisure Centre from 11am to 12.30pm. Refreshments and a raffle on the day with great prizes! In association with the Brenda Grealis Fund. Brenda’s life changed suddenly and devastatingly when she was recently diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome, an extremely rare and aggressive neurological disease. The fundraising is vital to continue her treatment, as this condition causes severe muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and rapid loss of mobility, and in Brenda’s case has progressed with alarming speed. Once a gifted singer and harpist, Brenda has lost her ability to perform, her independence, and her source of income. She now faces lifelong, complex medical care with limited treatment options. Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean so much, and sharing this message helps too. Thank you for considering this – if you would like to contribute, please visit www.gofundme.com
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