Local Notes: Killasser NS, Swinford won Food Science category at the Stemtacular Science Fair.

Students of Killasser NS who attended the Stemtacular Science Fair in Leitrim. Their project "Do luxury brands taste better than own brand foods?" won them the award in the Food Science category.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 087 7694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Swinford GAA Club invite you to take part in their Club Survey 2025. Swinford GAA are developing a new Strategic Plan to guide the club’s progress over the next three years and it is essential that this plan is shaped by the voices of the community. Swinford GAA want to hear from everyone with a connection to Swinford GAA – members, volunteers, players, parents, supporters, sponsors, local organisations, community groups, the wider community, their diaspora, and anyone with an interest in the club’s future. The survey can be accessed on Swinford GAA Facebook page.
Congratulations to Clodagh Cronolly who won €575 in the February Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw with Noel and Christine Barry and Declan Kavanagh winning a €20 spot prize each. Next draw (March) takes place on Sunday, April 6.
Swinford GAA Club will hold a scrap metal collection on April 5, at Swinford Community Centre. They are accepting cars, tractors, motorbikes, bikes, batteries, galvanised gates/sheets, barrows, buckets, radiators, copper, aluminium, lead, cast iron, oil ranges, steel. They are not accepting timber, glass, tyres, rubber, plastic, washing machines, fridges, electric cookers. Contact the following for further information or to arrange collection of large amounts: Midfield - Paddy Cunney 087 6831960, Killasser - Alan Heaney 087 9066479, Swinford - Derek Kelly 087 2557230, Meelick - Vin Roughneen 087 2619442, Culmore - David Taylor 087 2726297.
Killasser Community Care Group will hold their AGM on Wednesday, April 2, at 8pm in Killasser Community Centre. New members welcome.
Swinford Laundry opened its doors in 1925. To commemorate its 100th anniversary it is proposed to compile a history of the facility to include photos and a list of all who worked there from its inception until it closed in 1975. Send your replies to Joe Mellett by email joemellett1951@gmail.com or put in an envelope and leave in Melletts pub. Closing date is April 30.
Results from the game played on Thursday, March 13, are as follows; card winners Noreen Geraghty, Eileen Geraghty, Michael Ryan, Francis Rowley, Mary Higgins and Maureen Morley. Raffle prizes were won by Tom Durkan, Leo Murtagh, Philip Moore and Detta Ryder.
Results from the game played on Thursday, March 20 are; card winners Marty Munnelly, Martin McNeela, Francie Rowley, Michael Ryan, Michael O’Neill, Peter Geraghty, Michael Regan and Leo Murtagh. Raffle prizes were won by Philip Moore, Detta Ryder, Annie McNeela and Geraldine Turbitt. The game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on March 24, were; 1, 14, 21 and 22. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by John O'Hagan, Lislackagh and Lettuce Eat Staff, Swinford. The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held on Monday, March 31, was €4,600.
Enrolment takes place at Killasser NS on Monday, April 7, at 5pm. All are welcome to visit the school and take part in the fun dance class for all age groups. Contact killasserschool@gmail.com for further information.
Congratulations to Seamus Cosgrove, Kiltimagh who won €507 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The organisers of the 2025 Swinford St Patrick’s Day Parade hosted an awards night in Melletts on Saturday, March 22. Congratulations to the winners and well done to everyone who contributed to making the annual event such a success.
Award recipients: Best School Band went to Midfield National School, Best Local Business was won by Ruane Plant Hire, the Pat Goff Cup (most creative) was won by Swinford Killasser LGFA, Joe Thompson Cup (most humorous) went to Naionra Montessori, and the Padraic Gavin Memorial Cup and overall winners were Swinford GAA.
Ireland West 3/4 Marathon, 10k and 5k will take place in Swinford on Saturday, September 6. Swinford Motors are once again the main sponsors of the event, without whom this event would not be possible. Thank you is extended to Cllr Gerry Murray and Paul Lawless TD for officially launching the event and for supporting Swinford Athletic Club and Track Development.
Swinford AC will be starting their 5km spring series of runs in Killasser tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2 with the run/walk starting at 7pm. Registration will take place from 6.30,and the cost is €5 per person or €10 per family. All welcome.
Gaelic Football training for boys and girls aged 6-12 years will start in the Killasser parish field every Sunday at 1pm from April 6. All welcome for an hour of fun and learning the skills. Assistance from parents/coaches would be much appreciated. Contact Paul at 087 239 0802 if you are interested in helping.
Swinford Indoor Market will take place on Saturday, April 5, in Swinford Cultural Centre from 10.30am to 3pm. A range of vendors will be showcasing an array of products, including locally sourced produce, crafts, and other unique items that the organisers believe will be of great interest to their customers. Additionally, Cácaí Acla will be serving teas, coffees, and their fabulous bakes adding to the overall experience.
Would you have an hour to spare in the week? Adult mentors are required for Foroige’s Big Brother Big Sister Programme in your area. If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact on young person’s life. There are many young people waiting to be matched to a mentor and would be delighted to hear from you. Call 086 0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to hear more information on our recruitment process.
A National Youth retreat will take place at Knock Shrine on Thursday, May 8. Students from all over Ireland will gather at Knock Shrine to celebrate the life of Donal Walsh and to reflect on his message to ‘Live Life’. If you are interested in learning more about the day or registering a group email youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly ‘Bereavement Support Meeting’ at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am. There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners /spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment is needed. Further information from Monica Morley at 094 9375320.
************.
Swinford Golf Club ladies’ beginners golf programme starts on Wednesday, April 16, running for six weeks until May 21, from 7 to 8 pm (subject to numbers). This is a great opportunity to learn the game in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Bohola Easter Workshop will be held in Bohola Community Centre on Thursday, April 17, from 10am-1pm. The workshop will be Easter themed arts, games and dance. The cost is €20 per child/€35 for 2 siblings and it is suitable for children aged 4 - 10. Contact Sandra at 086 2108029 or jivingjuniors@gmail.com as booking is essential.
Thanks to all in Bohola and Shraheens who supported and contributed to its recent church gate collection which raised €350.
Congratulations to Rowena Malee, Shanaghy and Conor Jordan, Breaffy, who were married in Bohola on Friday, March 21. They are both wished every blessing and many happy years of married life.
Congratulations to John Ward who won a jackpot of €340 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, March 22. 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 numbers drawn in the Garrymore GAA lotto which was held on Sunday evening, March 23, were 3, 5, 7 and 31. There was no winner of the €7,500 jackpot on offer. Extra €50's prizes for 30th anniversary of the Garrymore Lotto, went to each of the following: Bernard Dolan, Pulbawn; Brian Healy, Farmhill; Martin Jordan, Kilmaine; Sophie McGuinness, Farmhill; Jamie Oates, Garrymore; and Ava Hession, c/o Lyons, Roundfort. The latest draw took place in Garrymore on Monday evening, March 31, with a jackpot of €7,600 on offer.
Tickets are available at all local shops and club players and officers, and available on-line at the Clubforce.com website, enter Garrymore in the ‘Find my Club’ search box, select Garrymore GAA Club (not Garrymore GAA Club Events) and then Play Lotto.
The numbers drawn in the Western Alzheimers lotto which was held on March 26, were 20, 21, 12, and 28. There was no winner of the €8900 jackpot and the jackpot in the draw to be held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2, is €9000. For details contact www.westernalzheimers.ie or phone 094 9364900.
Age Friendly Mayo is delivered by Mayo County Council and works to improve the services that older people have identified as being important to them, and the wider community, as they live healthy and active lives. The projects they offer, in conjunction with other organisations include; outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, respect and social inclusion, social participation, communication and education, civic participation and employment and health and wellbeing. The key contributors to this programme are the Age Friendly Alliance and Mayo OIder Peoples Council. The Age Friendly Alliance brings together older people, service providers and businesses to change thinking about aging and how services to our older people are planned and delivered.
If you would like to find out more about this programme email agefriendlymayo@mayococo.ie.