Local Notes: Peter Hynes, Swinford Athletic Club receives presentation for contribution to athletics in Mayo as Co Board Chairperson.
Peter Hynes, Swinford Athletic Club in receipt of a presentation from Marion Mattimoe, Mayo Athletic Co. Board in recognition of his contribution to athletics in Mayo as County Board Chairperson for five years and is still involved in all aspects of athletics in the county and indeed countrywide. Left to right: Carmel Heaney, Peter Hynes, Marion Mattimoe, Michael Oliver, Jennifer McCann and Patricia McKeon.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 0877694781 after 6pm. Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
The next meeting of Swinford Book Club will take place on February 19, at 3.30pm in Swinford Library. The book Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese will be discussed. New members always welcome.
GAA 2025 membership registration is now open for players and non-players on www.foireann.ie. All players must register ahead of restarting training without exception.
Any problems contact Swinford GAA Registrar, Trish, Registrar.Swinford.Mayo@gaa.ie.
In conjunction with the Swinford FC Jungle Challenge Paul Halligan will climb Croagh Patrick on Sunday, February 23, at 10am. Paul would love if as many people as possible to join him for the climb. Donations can be made on https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PaulHalligan0. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Michael Davitt CCE Swinford is delighted to be hosting the Connacht finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh (The Winter Fleadh) in Swinford National School on Saturday, February 15. Young competitors from all over Connacht (including four from Swinford) will travel to Swinford to take part and it is hoped that people will come out to support all the wonderful young musicians, singers, dancers and those telling stories or reciting poems. Everyone is welcome to attend the competitions. €5 admission fee covers all competitions/venues for the day. Competitions begin at 10.30am.
A great weekend of sessions for all age groups has been planned starting with a Seisiún na nÓg in The White House on Friday evening from 6.30pm followed by the official opening at 8pm. A lovely Cupán agus Comhra event will take place from 3pm on Saturday afternoon in Padraig Horkan's. There will be go leor caint, amhranaíocht agus ceol...not to mention Hillary’s famous ham sandwiches and O'Hara's buns. The session in Boland's on Saturday evening begins at 7pm and we're hoping to have a great blast of music there as usual. The usual Sunday session with Rob and friends will be happening in Padraig Horkan's and that is always a mighty session. Michael Davitt CCE branch youth officer and assistant youth officers, Seán, Ríona and Martin along with all the committee here in Swinford are working hard to make Ceol an Gheimhridh a resounding success. A special shout out to all the senior musicians who help out in all the branch activities and in particular those who come along to support and encourage the young people. The organisers are very grateful for the generosity and support of the principal, Mr Adrian Cregg, and all the staff of Scoil Muire agus Treasa. All information is available on the Connacht and Mayo Comhaltas websites and Facebook pages, Swinford Comhaltas Facebook page and Instagram. Text/WhatsApp enquiries to 087 7454032.
Results from the game played on Thursday, January 30, in Swinford Golf Clubhouse: 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize was shared by Marty Munnelly, Martin McNeela, Annie McNeela, Esther Munnelly, Matt Duggan and Bernadette Ryder. Raffle prizes were won by Mary Callaghan, Josie Prendergast, Tom Durkan and Noreen Geraghty. Game continues every Thursday night at 9 pm.
Clann Machua Drama Group will present 'The Snapper' in the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 13, 14 and 15 at 8pm each night.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on February 4, were; 3, 20, 22 and 28. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Pat Horan, c/o Horkans and Aine McGowan, Meelick; €35 was won by Matthew Barry, Tullinahoo; John Harkin, Park Road and Deborah Convey, Killasser. The jackpot is now €3,200.
Congratulations to Aidan Breen who was last week’s winner of the GAA 50/50 draw winning €745. The online entry winner was Bernie Groarke who won a Swinford GAA jacket. The draw takes place every Saturday night with tickets available in businesses in the town or online on www.swinfordgaa.ie.
Swinford Killasser LGFA are looking for recruits of all ages and abilities to take part in Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others. No experience needed, just come and be part of the fastest growing grade in ladies football. A fun and enjoyable atmosphere guaranteed but also room for the more competitive. Training on Monday evenings in Swinford Amenity Park at 8.30pm. Contact Regina 087 8219183.
Michaela Walsh claimed gold recently at the International Indoor Open in Loughborough England. Michaela threw an amazing two meters ahead of the silver medallist. Congratulations Michaela on your continued success.
Membership of Ballyvary Hurling Club is open to players from Ballyvary and from the following clubs – Swinford GAA, Moy Davitts GAA, Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin GAA and Balla GAA. Register on foireann.ie or email secretary.ballyvaryhurling.mayo@mayogaa.ie for further information. Training (indoor) commences on Tuesday, March 4.
Congratulations to Swinford native Gillian Scahill nee Dyar, who recently shared her terrifying experience of postpartum sepsis with Irish Country Magazine. Gillian’s story can be viewed on www.irishcountrymagazine.ie Walk in her Shoes: “How Postpartum Sepsis Changed my Life”.
Results of the game played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, February4 are as follows: card winners - Francie Rowley, Michael Ryan, Dan Walsh, John Walsh, Brian McNulty and Mary Higgins. Raffle prizes were won by Dan Walsh, John Gallagher, Phyllis Bredican and Eileen Geraghty. Games continue every Tuesday night at 9pm.
******************.
Bohola.
The death occurred of PJ O'Brien, Castlebar and formerly of Rathruane, Bohola, on Thursday January 30, and whose funeral took place in Ballyheane on Monday, February 3. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Congratulations to Alan Regan, Carroward and Ciara Ruane, Tallaght, Dublin who were married in Bohola Church on Saturday, February 1. Alan and Ciara are wished every blessing and happiness for the future.
A defibrillator is located at Shraheens Mass Centre and is now ready if needed. It is also be linked to 999 service and they will have code and location if someone from the community rings.
Congratulations to John McGloin who won a jackpot of €430 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, February 1. 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).
Registration is now open for all players and club members on www.foireann.ie. All players must be registered before returning to training. All underage players who register before February 14, will receive game day shorts (white and red) plus red midi socks as part of their registration.
**************.
Kilmovee.
The annual Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA and LGFA dinner and awards night takes place on Saturday, February 15, in Julians, Midfield at 8pm. Tickets cost €40 and are available from club officers. Live music will be supplied by Jaxed with DJ Aaron Smyth. A great night is assured and your support will be appreciated.
The death took place of Dympna Fagan, Kilkelly (Kilkelly Post Office), peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, in her 94th year on January 19. Dympna nee Grennan, late of Monasteraden, Co. Sligo was predeceased by her husband Pat. Dympna is survived by her sons Aidan and Noel, her brother Jarlath, daughters-in-law Spain and Della, her adored grandchildren Charlie, Joseph, Cassie and Grace, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Dympna reposed in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock ) on Saturday, February 1, from 3pm with removal at 5pm to St. Celsus Church, Kilkelly arriving at 5.30pm. Mass of the Resurrectionon was held on Sunday, February 2, at 1.30pm followed by interment in Culmore cemetery.
May Dympna rest in peace as deepest sympathy is offered to all who mourn her passing.
The annual general meeting (AGM) of Kilmovee Swimming Pool took place on Wednesday, February 5, in the Thatch Cottage, Kilmovee Community Centre at 8pm. They are looking for more volunteers and support this year to ensure the pool can open and run smoothly during the summer months. Please attend the AGM and show your commitment and support to a very valuable amenity enjoyed by so many from the community and surrounding areas.
Kilmovee Parents Association have organised the commencement of the Deposit Return Scheme fundraising initiative for Kilmovee National School. They have set a target of €950 and plan to provide an all-weather outdoor space for the children to enjoy. This will include an outdoor classroom, outdoor activity equipment, and a mini Kilmovee Community Play Village. Please help them and donate your bottles to reach this goal. Plastic bottles and aluminium cans with the Return logo can be dropped into the School Re-turn bin which will be left inside the school gate at the bus drop off point each Monday only between 9am and 2.30pm.
The death took place of Seamus (James) Eagney, Ballindine, and Claremorris and formerly of Magheraboy, Kilmovee, unexpectedly yet peacefully, at Limerick University Hospital on January 25.
Seamus was predeceased by his parents John and Teresa and his brother Damian. He is survived by his sons Brian, Cathal and Donal, his daughter Rachel and their mother Rita, brothers John and Michael, sisters Majella and Therese, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Seamus reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Monday, January 27. Removal took place from the funeral home on Tuesday, January 28, to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee (via Magheraboy) arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí cemetery. Deepest sympathy is extended to those who are bereaved and may Seamus rest in peace.
