Local Notes: Bohola native completes the London Marathon.
Miriam Maher (nee Gordon) born in Bohola and now living in Lancaster UK did the London Marathon on April 26, and finished in a time of 4 hours 18 minutes. She is pictured soon after the marathon (with her medal) looking extremely fresh alongside her daughter Kirsty Maher of Moy Valley AC.
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.
Results from the Spring League sponsored by First Choice Credit Union. Ladies team results: 1st Emer Mullins, Margaret Sweeney, Siobhan King and Lynda Kennedy; 2nd Julie Loftus, Caroline Goldrick, Lorena McNicholas, Marie Gavin. Gents team results: 1st Sean Comer, John McCarrick, Tony Spain, 2nd Michael Dee Peter Moore, Marty Munnelly, 3rd Sean Golden, Ron Howko, Rob Thornburgh. Gents individual results: 1st John McCarrick, 2nd Ron Howko, 3rd Peter Moore, 4th Pat Henry.
Congratulations to Tommy Campbell who won €460 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The numbers drawn in the community lotto draw held on April 27, were 11, 12, 19 and 25. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Ger Lester, c/o Tara Café and J. Kenny, c/o Mellett's; €35 was won by Keith James, c/o Moore's and Michael Kennedy, Brackloon, Swinford. The jackpot is now €4,600.
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 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.
A benefit dance for Brenda Walsh Grealis will be held in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Thursday, May 7, with music by Streetwise and Friends from 9pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are available from Kennedy’s Eurospar, Swinford, The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, The Connacht Telegraph, Castlebar, Mulroy’s Londis, Moneen Roundabout, Castlebar, Carrabine’s Centra, Bangor Erris, O’Hara’s Centra, Foxford, Doherty’s Costcutter, Mulranny, Mulranny Post Office. Tickets €20.
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. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Swinford Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival returns from July 30 to August 5 bringing with it seven days of music, art, cultural, historical and family events.
The Novel Bean is honoured to have Chele Crawley and Martina Wintour launching their bestselling books kicking off 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.
Congratulations to Niamh Cunney who won €565 in the March Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw with Paul Grogan, Tommy and Ann McManus and Marty Gallagher winning €20 spot prize each. The April draw will take place on May 10.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice would appreciate your kind assistance in helping them raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Mayo on both days. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated. Contact 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie.
Swinford Community Games will be held on Sunday, May 10, at Swinford Athletic Track. Registration from 1.30pm with the first race at 2pm. €5 per entry. U6’s Swinford competition, U8’s to 18’s qualify for Mayo competition.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Amy Reynolds and Evan Tuohy who were married recently in Midfield Church.
Siamsa Sraide Lovefest 26 returns to The Streets of Swinford on Sunday, August 2, from 5pm hosting a variety of youth bands.
General Humbert will invade Swinford on July 30, as part of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival 2026 making his return to Swinford for a very special ceremonial event to Honour The Sacrifice of the French. For further information contact Brendan on 087 7420617 or Moira on 087 2038407.
A SICAP representative is available to meet with individuals and community groups in the Swinford area each Thursday by appointment only. Support is available in areas such as community group development, education and training opportunities, employment supports, social inclusion initiatives. To book an appointment contact Dolores on 087 770 4251or dmcnicholas@mayonortheastldc.
Join two of Mayo’s most accomplished musicians and composers for an intimate night of traditional and new music performed on harp and flute on Thursday, May 21, at 8pm in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar. Swinford native Alannah Thornburgh fresh from the success of her debut solo album has gained massive momentum through her various residencies and festival performances over the past number of years, she is constantly pushing the boundaries of the Irish Harp through her technical compositions and collaborations and was recently awarded 'Best Folk Instrumentalist of the year' at the RTÉ folk awards.
Foxford's Stephen Doherty is a multi-award winning musician, composer and producer and has toured with many of Ireland's major artists including Sean Keane, Lunasa, Niall McCabe and many more alongside performances with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Both of these virtuoso artists have collaborated on various projects and albums and have now created a freshly inspired duo performance with their combined material. Tickets available on https://www.thelinenhall.com/whats-on/events/alannah-thornburgh-and-stephen-doherty.
Mayo and Roscommon Hospice Foundation are hosting a volunteer day on Thursday, May 15, in the McWilliam Park Hotel and would love to welcome anyone interested in getting involved. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, this is a great opportunity to find out more in a relaxed and friendly setting. RSVP to info@hospice.ie by May 8.
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Bohola.
Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mary Gerard Mullaney, Boleyard, who died on Sunday, April 26, and whose funeral took place in Bohola on Wednesday, April 29; Mary Walsh, Rathfarnam, Dublin, who died on Sunday, April 26 and whose funeral took place in Rathfarnam on Thursday, April 30. She was the mother of Donal Walsh, Barleyhill. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved. May they both rest in peace.
Congratulations to Helena Thompson, Ardgullen, and Aidan Moloney, Newport, Co Tipperary, who were married in Bohola on Friday, April 24. They are wished every blessing and many happy years of married life together.
The Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh Walk in conjunction with Pieta House (the organisation for suicide and self harm prevention and mental health support), and Electric Ireland takes place on the morning of Saturday, May 9, at 4.15am. Everybody is asked to be assembled at the Bocce Courts, Kiltimagh (behind the church) by 4.05am. There will be a brief talk at 4.10am and the walk starts at 4.15am. The route is just under 5k traversing Chapel Street, Cordarragh and the Old Bog Road in Kilcon before finishing back at the Bocce Courts at Dawn where light refreshments will be served. The Cill Aodain Choral Society will be singing at the Sculpture Park on the way back. The committee asks (where possible), that all houses and businesses have a light in their window on all approach routes to help mark the day. While registration will be accommodated on the morning, the committee encourages as many people as possible to sign up in advance to save time at www.darknessintolight.ie and don't forget to select Mayo/Kiltimagh as your venue. They encourage as many people as possible to support this very worthy cause. All are welcome including your 4 legged friends. Traffic restrictions and parking guidelines will be in place on the morning of the walk so please follow the directions of the stewarts on all approach routes. You can follow Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh on Facebook and Instagram or tel: 086 807 7209 with any queries.
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Kilmovee
The death took place of Bridie Kenneally, Rusheens East, Kilmovee and formerly of Tiernaur, Newport, Co. Mayo on April 9, peacefully, at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. Bridie was born on January 28, 1937, a member of a family of ten born to the late Tom and Kate McHale.
Bridie received her primary and secondary education in the locality and later emigrated to London and while there she met and married her future husband Joe Kenneally in 1959. They had a family of two sons Edward and Kevin and they returned to Ireland in 1971 when they purchased their new home in Rusheens East, Kilmovee.
Bridie had a great sense of humour, was very warm and welcoming, had a deep faith and she engaged easily with people and as a result made friends easily. Prayer, family and deep sense of commitment to everything were the hall marks of her personality.
Bridie was predeceased by her husband Joe, brothers and sisters Frank, Julie, Kathleen, Teresa, Tommy, Mary and recently Nora and Martina. Bridie is survived by her sons Edmund (Eddie) and Kevin, grandchildren Niamh, Niall, Meadhbh and Kevin, daughters-in-law Bríd and Carol, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Bridie reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Sunday, April 12, with removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee arriving at 7pm. Mass of the Resurrection on Monday, April 12, at 12 noon, was followed by interment in Naomh Mobhi cemetery. May Bridie rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved by her passing.
Mass will be celebrated at the Lios na Leanbh, Culliagh on May 4 at 11am; May 16, at 11am Holy Communion in Kilmovee Church; May 17, at 11.30am Holy Communion in Kilkelly Church; May 25, Parish Pilgrimage to Lough Derg with bus leaving Kilmovee at 7am. Contact Fr Joseph on 086 1605373 for more information; June 7, at 2pm Corpus Christi procession in Urlaur.
