Local Notes: Locals gather at Lios na Leannaí, Culliagh, Kilmovee, to celebrate Mass.
Local people gathered with Fr Joseph Gavigan PP Kilmovee at Lios na Leannai in the village of Culliagh to celebrate Mass at the site of the children's graveyard to remember and pray for the eleven children who are laid to rest there. 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 0877694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Warm congratulations are extended to Swinford native Tom Horkan on his appointment as President of Connacht Rugby, a richly deserved honour and recognition of his outstanding lifelong contribution to rugby throughout the province. Tom has been synonymous with the game in Connacht for decades and has dedicated countless hours to the development and promotion of rugby at all levels. His appointment is a fitting tribute to the commitment, professionalism and passion he has consistently shown over many years. In particular, Tom’s contribution to the Association of Referees Connacht Branch has been immense. Through his work and dedication, he has earned enormous respect across the rugby community, both on and off the field. His leadership, encouragement and support for referees and grassroots rugby have helped strengthen the game across the province. Those who know Tom will appreciate the pride and humility with which he takes on this prestigious role. His elevation to the presidency is not only a personal achievement, but also recognition from the wider rugby community of a lifetime devoted to Connacht rugby. Everyone involved in rugby in the West will join in wishing Tom every success during his term as President. It is an honour that is thoroughly merited and a proud moment for his family, friends, colleagues and all who have worked alongside him over the years.
Congratulations to Swinford AC club members who represented Mayo in the Community Games final in Gormanston. Niamh Devaney was 9th in the 5k Community Games marathon event; in the U13 mixed relay Holly Ginty, Juliette Devaney, and Emma Jane Burke won a team 4th place medal with the Mayo team. The Mayo team was well represented with members from Swinford AC, Moy Valley Athletic Club - Ballina and Lake-District Athletic Club.
Swinford National School Parents Association will host a 24 hour sponsored walk on June 11 and 12 at the Amenity Park to raise funds for the school astro pitch fundraiser. Parents, family members, friends, and the wider community are invited to take part by walking for just 1 or 2 hours around the amenity pitch. Every step taken helps support better facilities and opportunities for the children. To take part or find out more contact Roisin on 087 6153826.
Congratulations to the Swinford AC members who participated at the Mayo Outdoor competition in Claremorris recently. Results: U12 gold Hugh Hyland walks; U13 bronze Lottie Heaney 60m hurdles, bronze Lottie Heaney long jump, gold Ailbhe Cunney shot putt, silver Caoimhe Julian shot putt, gold Quinlan Gladding 80m, silver James Darcy 80m, bronze Charlie Corcoran 80m, silver Ethan OReilly hurdles, bronze Aaron Hastings Hurdles, gold Charlie Corcoran 600m, bronze James Darcy 600m, gold Quinlan Gladding high jump, silver Kyle Marley high jump, silver Ethan Oreilly long jump, gold 100m relay, gold Fionn Julian, gold Quinlan Gladding, gold Charlie Corcoran, gold James Darcy (sub Aaran Hastings, Ethan OReilly, Kyle Marley), gold Lottie Heaney javalin, bronze Caoimhe Julian javalin.
U14 silver Alisha Broderick high jump. U15 gold Cormac Fearon High jump, gold Cormac Fearon Triple Jump, gold Emma Nolan Javelin, bronze Holly Gallagher Javelin, gold Emma Nolan shot putt, silver Aine Lavin shot putt, bronze Aoibheann McNicholas shot putt, silver Chloe O’Connor long jump. U16 bronze Sarah Groarke 800m. U17 gold Patrick Cuddy 100m, 200m and long jump, gold Rachel Gill 800m, gold Faye Gallagher 3000m. U18 gold Cathal McNicholas shot putt.
‘Super results and well done to everyone who participated. Thank you to the fantastic coaches and parents for making this possible’, said a spokesperson for Swinford AC.
Join the Croí Heart and Stroke Charity, Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group, for heart recovery and support. The next meeting will take place in The Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on Wednesday, June 17, from 6.30-8.30pm. A dietitian will present on a heart healthy diet. Connect with others who understand, share experiences and learn together. This initiative is a collaboration between Croí and the HSE in Mayo.
Swinford FC are putting a call out for players for their U18 Men’s Team. Registration on https://hub.klubfunder.com/SwinfordfootballClub/membership/membership-payment.
Congratulations to James and Michelle McLoughlin winners of the Killasser Community Centre April 50/50 draw, €20 spot prize draw winners were Shane Cunney, Tom McNulty and Brendan Fallon. The May draw will be held on June 7.
Training at the new Table Tennis Club in Foxford commences today, Tuesday, June 2. The club is open to all age groups and total beginners are very welcome to register. To date in excess of thirty adults and twelve under 18s have registered. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm for adults and Sunday afternoons 4pm to 6pm for under 18 year olds. The club is in search of Table Tennis Tables to provide suitable entertainment for the large membership expected. Professional coaching will be provided and the club intend to enter competitions in the future. For further information contact 086 8373646.
Congratulations to Callum McNicholas who won €600 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The Bridie Ronayne Memorial Tournament will be played in Swinford Golf Club from June 8 to 13. Ladies Open and Gents 18 Hole Stableford. Entry fee €10 supporting The Butterfly Garden. All donations welcome. Presentations will be held on Saturday, June 13, in Swinford Golf Club at 9pm. For more information contact Gerry on 087 6036565.
Results from competitions played on May 24: Gents1st Kevin Irwin, 2nd Eric Hynes, 3rd James Irwin and ladies: 1st Caroline Goldrick, 2nd Dearbhla Mullins, 3rd Julie Loftus.
Congratulations to top prize winner of €1000 Davy Walsh (Dublin) in the recent Swinford Golf Club Development Draw, and to €300 winner Tommy Moore (Kent, UK) and €200 winner Alan Gallogly (Australia). The next draw will take place on June 6.
Results from the PGA Championship Sweep: 1st Tom Bardwell (Mango) €250, 2nd Kenny Groarke (United 3 2 Liverpool) €175, 3rd Dougie Cairns (Cloonlara Chosen) €100, 4th Ollie Ryan (Pitiful Putters) €75.
Swinford Golf Club are running a raffle to coincide with Captain's Day. If you are interested in buying a ticket, contact Margaret Sweeney, John Sheahan or Mona Curry. Tickets are €10 and limited to 200.1st prize Thermomix T6, 2nd prize Airfryer and 3rd prize Slow Cooker.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on May 25 were; 15, 21, 24 and 26. €70 vouchers were won by Aoife Groarke, Culmore and Gay Grealy, Swinford; €35 was won by Aileen Lynch, Moanmore.
The June Indoor Market will be held on Saturday, June 6, in Swinford Cultural Centre F12WK83 from 10.30am to 3pm. 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.
Blessing of Mosaics by Bishop Doran will take place at 10am on August 15, at Mass in Callow and 12 noon on the same day in Killasser Church (Mass will not be celebrated in Killasser).
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Kathleen Brady, Maynooth (sister of Irene Tansey, Killasser); Maurice O’Connell, Park Road, Swinford; Padraig Stenson, Culmore, Swinford; Tom Nyland, Tulligbeg, Killorglin, Co. Kerry and formerly of Sweetwell, Swinford. May they all rest in peace.
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Kilmovee Urlaur Group Water Scheme will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on Saturday, June 6. Mass will be held in St Joseph's Church in Urlaur at 6.30pm for all the deceased members of the Group Water Scheme. Following Mass there will be entertainment and light refreshments in Kilmovee Community Centre and all Group Water Scheme members are welcome to attend.
Congratulations to the following pupils from local schools who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday /Sunday May 16 and 17 lastPupils from Kilmovee and Tavrane were as follows Fionán Burnett, Conor Cooney, Finn Cooney Kayla Duffy, Luke Gillard, Orlaith Grennan Amelia Leonard, Lorcan Leonard, Grace McCann Kayla Murphy, Kieran Roddy, Daniel Towey, Bronwen War and pupils from Kilkelly were as follows; Milos Cervenak, Ava Coen, Freya Conway, Jake Curry, Fíadh Harrison, Kyle Maye, Kyle O’Donnell, Bridget Martina McDonagh, Tadhg Prendergast , Candy Ramompinwane and Hugh Regan.
The Corpus Christi procession will be held in Urlaur at 2pm on June 7.
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Congratulations to Sam Byrne, Clodagh Doherty, Emma D’Arcy, Ella Hearty (New York), Robyn Jordan, Rosalee Lawless, Caitlin McHale, Penny McNicholas and Nevin Okpere, who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 23rd. Congratulations also to their parents, families and friends who shared in this very special occasion.
Our grateful appreciation to all in Bohola National School, especially Ms Grace Ivers and Ms Averil Glynn for preparing the children so well, to school principal Ms Gráinne Healy for all her backup support and for the lovely music and singing she provided together with Ms Áine Henry and the school choir, to Mrs Ann Mulroy for preparing the beautiful booklet and to those responsible for the lovely artwork on display. We also wish to record our appreciation of Anne Grady and Mary O’Brien who facilitated the parents’ meetings throughout the year.
Grateful thanks to Rose Reddington for always having the church decorated so well and to all on the RSS scheme who ensured that everything in the church grounds was in immaculate condition. Last but not least, we are indebted to the parents of next year’s class, who prepared and provided the very welcome refreshments afterwards.
Congratulations to Seán Heneghan who won a jackpot of €712 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, May 23. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated.

