Local Notes: Amanda wins 'Most Appropriately Dressed' at Swinford Agricultural Show.
Congratulations to Amanda O’Toole who won the 'Most Appropriately Dressed' at Swinford Agricultural Show which was held on Sunday, August 23 last.
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.
The Killasser/Callow Calendar committee has commenced planning for the 2027 edition. The annual calendar is now in its 5th year and there is only one subject that could be covered given the year that it is. The theme is "Killasser/Callow celebrating Sam". You are invited to send in any photos of people and places of Killasser and Callow getting ready for, watching, or celebrating the match. These can include humorous decorations e.g. decorated silage bales etc. The committee would also like to include suitable examples of the humour around the match so send any you feel would be appropriate. Email your pictures or for any further information to Killassercalendar@gmail.com.
Results from competition played over the weekend of August 29/30: Gents: 1st Michael Dee, 2nd Liam Healy, 3rd Trevor McDonnell. Ladies: 1st Caroline Goldrick, 2nd Geraldine Turbitt, 3rd Emer Mullins.
Results of the final Club Development Draw: €1000 Paul Benson, €300 Noel Stagg €200 Esther and Marty Munnelly. Swinford Golf Club Management committee extend a massive thank you to everyone who made it happen and in particular Donal Benson and Ronan Monaghan for all the work they’ve put in over the last few months. A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes. Thanks to everyone who supported it. It really is hugely appreciated.
Congratulations to David and Ollie Horan winners of the Swinford GAA 50/50 jackpot of €460.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on August 31, were; 14, 17, 21 and 24. €70 vouchers were won by Rhys Neary, Callow and Tara Café c/o Tara Café, Castlebar, €35 was won by Esther Munnelly, Newpark. The jackpot in the latest draw held on September 7, was €8,200.
Swinford Active Retirement meetings for the over 60’s continue every Monday at 2pm in Swinford Golf Club. Contact Ann on 087 7459089 or Bridie on 087 9049723 for more information.
Swinford Go Getters weekly meetings continue in the Cultural Centre every Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Contact Ann on 087 7459089 or Bridie on 087 9049723 for further information.
A 10-week strength and balance programme of pre-set exercises with progression guidance will commence in Swinford Cultural Centre on Wednesday, September 23, with beginners at 10am and improvers at 11am. Booking via Mayo Sports Partnership Eventbrite page from September 13. Places limited so book early.
Are you recovering from a cardiac event? You are not alone. Join the Croí Heart and Stroke Charity, Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group, for heart recovery and support in The Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on Wednesday, September 16, from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Information will be shared on local resources to support you to manage your condition. Connect with others who understand, share experiences and learn together. This initiative is a collaboration between Croí and the HSE in Mayo.
As part of O’Connell’s Pharmacy Parent Series, they are delighted to announce their Parent - Back to School Bootcamp. This bootcamp will focus on supporting you as a parent to help keep your child, fit, healthy and happy at school. Speakers on the day will be Vivian Barry talking about Fuelling the Future: Healthy Meal Ideas for the back-to-school routine; Debbie Cullinane speaking on Back-to-School Worries and Anxiety: Practical Support for Parents and Padraig O’Hora will discuss Keeping Kids Fit and Healthy: Building Resilience and Confidence Through Sport. The event will take place in Swinford Cultural Centre on September 13 from 11am to 1pm. Tickets costing €10 are limited and are available on Eventbrite.com with all proceeds from tickets going to charity.
The Midfield Memorial Walk and 5K Fun Run in memory of Brian Lavin and to mark his first anniversary will take place on Saturday, September 26, at 3pm starting from St. Joesph’s Church, Midfield. All money raised will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and the new Sunflower Children's Hospice in Castlebar. Donations can be made on https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/midfieldmemorialwalk or on the day. Families and dogs are very welcome to join in the event.
There will be a clean-up of the Youth Memorial Garden on September 12, at 11am. The organisers are appealing for volunteers to come out and help on the day. The Youth Memorial Garden reflects the love and memory of all the young people we as a community have lost and is reminder of the lasting love and cherished memories we have for everyone.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Oliver Graham, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary (brother of Imelda Loftus, Davitt Place); Evelyn Gallagher, UK and formerly of Culmore, Swinford; Mark Lavelle, Kiltimagh and Bollingbrook Drive, Swinford; Jason Kenny, Shraugh, Carracastle and formerly of Brabazon Heights, Swinford; Martin Quinn, Bextley Heath, UK (brother of Padraig and Kevin Quinn). May they rest in peace.
Application forms for the St Vincent de Paul Education Grant can be obtained by emailing mhoc.swinford@svp.ie. Please include the following information when requesting an application form – address and year of course (third level course or apprenticeship).
Move it or lose it is starting its weekly classes in Swinford Cultural Centre on Thursday, September 10, at 10.30am. Low to medium intensity class. First class free for new attendees and thereafter €10 pay as you go. Contact Claire for further information on 086 1617231.
Results of the jiving and waltzing competitions held at Swinford Agricultural Show on Sunday, August 23; Jiving winners were; 1st Rachel and Hannah Cunniffe, 2nd Chloe Gallagher and Niall Langan, 3rd Dermot Reilly and Roisin Berine.
Waltzing winners were; 1st Ray and Margaret Devine, 2nd Rachel and Hannah Cunniffe, 3rd Martin Donnelly and Maura Parsons.
***********.
Fr O’Mahony will be away on holidays until September 18. Hopefully there will be no need, but in case of emergency, contact Swinford (087 1338200), Fr Micheal Quinn, Kiltimagh (087 9082342) or Fr Padraig Costello, Foxford (087 242 2273).
Moy Davitts are delighted to announce the arrival of Sam Maguire to the club GAA pitch at Srath Garbh, Foxford on Saturday, September 26. All are welcome.
Congratulations to Paul Tolan who won a jackpot of €760 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, August 29. 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 Mayo branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20, around Lough Lannagh, Castlebar and it is suitable for all levels. The society are looking for walkers from all across Mayo to join them to help raise funds for vital services that support so many people living with dementia and those who care for them. The meeting point is at 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 A257. Register for the Memory Walk on www.alzheimer.ie.
Family Carers Ireland’s Ballina Carer Support Group meets on Thursday, September 10, from 10-11.30am in the Green Room at the Ballina Manor Hotel, F26 HY84. The meeting takes place on the second Thursday of every month. This is a great opportunity to sit and have a cuppa and chat with other carers and meet Supports Manager for Mayo, Michelle Moriarty. There is no need to register, just turn up on the morning.
Mayo Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland are having their annual church gate collection on the September 12/13 across the churches of the parishes. All monies raised stay within the Co. Mayo community. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Mayo Recovery College begin their Autumn Winter 2026 suite of mental health and wellbeing education modules on the following dates throughout September in the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar (online option also); Tuesdays 15 and 22 at 10am ‘Recovery, Let’s talk’; Thursdays 17 and 24, ‘All about Stress’ at 5pm.
Call/text Karen McHale on 086 0294901 or email karen@mentalhealthireland.ie to register. New participants are warmly invited to begin at any time throughout the semester.
A Bereavement Support Group meets at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine each Wednesday morning at 11am. Trained facilitators conduct the meetings, which provide guidance and support to all who find loss difficult. Further information from Monica Morley on 094 9375320.
**************.
The jackpot and house lotto have each exceeded €1,050 at the bingo which is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot now is €1,150 on 48 calls and the house lotto is €1,200 on 4 correct numbers. There is also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
The Active Age Group meets every Thursday in Kilmovee Community Centre from 11am to 2.30pm. Come along from 11am for tea/coffee/chat, exercises around midday, lunch at 1pm with Bingo afterwards. It is a lovely way to spend a few hours in good company, get some exercise and a good lunch. The cost is €10 a week plus annual membership.
The monthly meeting of Kilkelly ICA Guild will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 8pm in Kilkelly Community Centre. All ladies welcome.
Ballaghaderreen Community Resource Centre will be holding a candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, September 10, at 7 pm in the Garden of Remembrance Market Street, Ballaghaderreen. Refreshments afterwards in the Community Resource Centre, all welcome.
Visit the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park for Oíche Chultúir/Culture Night on Friday, September 18. The main museum galleries will be open late from 6pm until 9pm. Admission, as always, is free. Last chance to visit the popular temporary exhibition The Murmur of Bees and explore various themes from the National Folklife Collection including trades and crafts, life in the home, life in the community, clothing, textiles, farming and fishing. Culture Night is an annual, all-island initiative celebrating the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today and connecting people to cultural activities.
