Local Notes: New Croquet Lawn for Swinford.
Martin Murphy, Supervisor Swinford CE, Philip Durkin - Director Swinford Amenity Park, Eoin Quigley, PST Sport and Barry Leonard, PST Sport on the occasion of the signing of the contract for the new Croquet Lawn for Swinford.
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.
Swinford Amenity Park signed a contract with PST Sport to construct a new Croquet Lawn for the Swinford and surrounding community. The project was kindly supported by Minister Dara Calleary TD and his Department for Rural, Community Development and an Gealtacht through Mayo North East Leader, James Golden and Mayo County Council, Cllr Adrian Forkan with GMA funding. The remaining funds (€6,000) were received from local, Mayo businesses who supported this community development by sponsoring a sign at the facility.
Swinford Amenity Park have many projects in progress for the community and if you wish to support this community development you can do so by installing a sign. Please contact swinfordamenitypark@gmail.com for further information.
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.
Congratulations to Mary Geraghty winner of the Swinford GAA 50/50 jackpot of €461.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford community lotto draw held on September 7, were 4, 6, 26 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and the €70 vouchers were won by Jordan Sheilds c/o Corrib Oil and Susan Lavin. The jackpot in the latest draw held on Monday, September 14, was €8,400.
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 take place in Swinford Cultural Centre. Classes will start 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.
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.
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).
Comhaltas music classes have resumed on Saturday mornings, in Swinford NS. New pupils always welcome. All age groups (from 6 up) and abilities will be catered for in guitar, tin whistle, button accordion, concertina, fiddle, flute, keyboard, banjo, bodhrán and singing. Enrolment forms and information is available from cceswinford@gmail.com, Ray Lambes Jewellers or text 087 7454032.
Horticulturist Conor Brennan will speak on the topic of ‘Autumn in the Garden’ on Tuesday, September 22, in the Meeting Room on Lower Main St. Conor will be happy to answer questions after the talk. All are welcome to attend. The cost for non members is €5.
Speed quizzing with DJ Baldy Mick will take place in the Gateway Hotel on Saturday, September 26, at 8.30pm to mark Amy Kate O'Sullivan's 10th Anniversary with all proceeds in aid of The Butterfly Garden.
This event promises to be great fun, exhilarating as you test your knowledge and also frustrating when the Wonky Wheel turns the whole game on its head. It promises to be a great night out for family and friends alike. All support will be greatly appreciated.
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The numbers drawn in the Mayo Gaels lotto which was held on Tuesday, September 8, were 6, 13, 23 and 26. Congratulations to Aoife Brennan, Weatherfort, who was winner of the jackpot. The jackpot in the draw to be held today, Tuesday, September 15, is €5,000.
The social dinner takes place every Tuesday in the Mayo Abbey Community Centre but must be booked in advance. The centre offer free computer/smartphone support for beginners, hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews, and it is the pick up and drop off point for Local Link Bus Service which goes to Castlebar daily Tuesday to Saturday and Claremorris every Thursday. This service is available to all and free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link on 094 900 5150. Collection from your home may be possible, so call the centre to find out more on 094 93 65987.
Why not go along on Thursday mornings and join the Mayo Abbey Walking Group which starts from the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, and walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the centre on 094 93 65987 for information.
Mary Brett and Mary T Brett are hosting a Hospice Coffee Evening on Wednesday, September 23, from 4-8pm in Mayo Abbey Community Centre F12 X8P5. All welcome, and your support will be greatly appreciated.
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Go along to Bohola Community Park on Friday, September 18, from 4 to 7pm for a special hands-on, community-led Living Willow Dome Workshop as part of Culture Night 2026 and be part of creating something truly special for the community. Together, they will weave, shape, and sculpt living willow to form a beautiful natural dome that will become a lasting feature in the park.
This is a collaborative activity where everyone can get involved, learn traditional willow weaving techniques, and help bring this unique living structure to life. As the willow grows and changes with the seasons, the dome will become more and more woven into its surroundings — creating a peaceful and welcoming space for people, families, and wildlife to enjoy. The finished dome will offer a natural place to sit, explore, connect with nature, and spend time together. Surrounded by biodiversity-friendly planting, it will provide shade, shelter, and stand as a living piece of community art.
All ages and abilities welcome, whether you’re experienced or completely new to willow weaving, they would love to have you join them. Go along, get your hands involved, meet your neighbours, and help create a living legacy for Durkan Bohola Community Park. Bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and love of nature and help grow something wonderful together. Contact: boholacommunitypark@gmail.com for further details.
Over the past few weeks, great progress has been made. Stage one drainage is now complete, and topsoil is already being laid over it. Stone picking is ongoing, and everything is moving along, which is a real testament to the hard work on site.
It won’t be long now before Prunty pitches are on the ground, seeding what will soon be an incredible playing surface which is exciting times ahead for the whole community. More updates to follow.
The committee are delighted to invite everyone along to the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola, on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.30pm for their open evening and annual general meeting. Go along, have a cuppa and take a look at some of the recent upgrades they have made to the centre. It is a great opportunity to see what’s been happening, hear about what’s ahead, and meet others involved in the community. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.
The annual Coffee Morning/Cake Sale in aid of Mayo Roscommon hospice, takes place on Thursday, September 24, in Bohola Community Centre, from 10am-2pm. Please go along and support this wonderful cause. Anyone interested in helping out, or baking for the morning, should contact Vera on 087 6401155.
"Remembrance by Candlelight" will take place in St. Michael's Church Foxford, on Friday, November 20, at 7pm. Join opera singer Sean Ruane, alongside the Cill Aodáin Choral Society, Maria Lynn, John Mc Hugh, The Doherty's and The Doocey's for a candlelight evening of amazing performances. The proceeds from this year's event are in aid of Hughs House (in memory of baby Cian Mc Hale), along with the Foxford Enhancement Group, Foxford Christmas Lights and St. Michael's Church, Foxford.
Advance booking is advisable as they cannot guarantee tickets will be available on the night. Tickets are priced at €20 and are available from Sarah on 087 7965520 or Irene on 087 2795242.
Congratulations to Betty Byrne who won a jackpot of €866 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw which was held on Saturday, September 5. 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).
Moy Davitts are delighted to announce the arrival of Sam Maguire to the club grounds in Srath Garbh, Foxford on Saturday, September 26.
