Local Notes: Photo exhibition in Kilmovee Community Centre
Pictured at a photo exhibition which was held in Kilmovee Community Centre recently were from left; John Roddy, Siobhan Butler, Pat Rushe, Sandra McCann (nee Hunt), Tommy Horan, Sheila Hunt, Deirdre Cunningham (Mayo County Council), Cllr John Caulfield, and John Duffy. Picture James Hunt Photography.
Over one hundred members attended the Fine Gael selection convention for the forthcoming June elections to Mayo Co Council. The convention took place in the Gateway Hotel and was presided over by Mr Willie Geraghty, Chairman of the Fine Gael Executive Council.
There were two nominations before the convention - ongoing Foxford based Councillor Neil Cruise and new candidate and law graduate 22-year-old Antoinette Peyton, Killasser.
Councillor Cruise was proposed by Castlebar Councillor Donna Sheridan and seconded by Martin Brogan, Foxford. Ms. Peyton was proposed by Swinford businessman Tom Lavin and seconded by Imelda Kelly.
Accepting his nomination Cllr Cruise outlined in detail his hard work for the entire Swinford area since he was first elected in 2014. He was putting his name before the electorate again confident that his achievements and track record spoke for themselves. Central to his political philosophy is his emphasis on local. All politics is local. As the only Fine Gael Councillor in the Swinford District he has represented a huge area from Foxford to the outskirts of Ballyhaunis. He outlined his five policy priorities which would be his platform going forward.
Antoinette Peyton started by addressing the convention in Irish. She felt honoured and humbled to be inheriting the proud mantle carried with distinction by her predecessors Anthony Joe Peyton, Douglas Kelly, Tommy O'Hara, Charles Kelly, Sean McEvoy, John M. Flannery and three generations of the Mellett family. For the first time since the foundation of the State, Swinford town and the environs does not have a councillor. She wants to fill that void. She joined Young Fine Gael as soon as she entered University because she admires Fine Gael for its integrity and by always putting the country first. Many young people are turning more and more to populist parties with slogans but no solutions. She wants to give them a voice. " My focus, if elected, will be to enhance Swinford as a place where young people want to live, to raise a family and grow old".
The convention was addressed by Deputies Alan Dillon and Michael Ring. Also in attendance were new candidates Ballyhaunis based Alma Gallagher who is running in the Claremorris District and Westport candidate Kiera Keogh. The convention gave a standing ovation to Ballyhaunis Councillor John Cribbin who is retiring after 25 years.
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 evening.
The Cill Aodáin Choral Society will take to the stage at Linenhall Theatre, Castlebar, with Swinford’s Cathal Gavin as special guest. The award-winning society will perform on Wednesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 11, at 8pm. Tickets costing €20 are available at the door or booking at 094 9023733, or www.thelinenhall.com.
Results from the game played on Thursday, December 28, in Swinford Golf Club are as follows; card winners were 1st Ann Rowley and Gerry Ronayne, 2nd/3rd prizes shared by Annie McNeela, Michael O’Neill, Francis Rowley and Michael Ryan. Raffle prizes were won by Annie McNeela, Gerry Ronayne and Francie Rowley. The card game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
Do you want your child to get involved in an exciting activity to boost their confidence? Mayo Karate Academy is excited to offer a free karate class in Foxford Leisure Centre on January 9, at 6pm and in Bohola Community Centre on January 10, at 6pm. Classes are suitable for new beginners aged 6yrs+.
Swinford Athletic Club’s very successful Couch to 5k program commences on Tuesday, January 9. It is open to everyone of all abilities. Information and registration in Swinford Amenity Park on Tuesday, January a9, t 6.30pm. All are welcome to come along.
Looking to get a little bit fitter, get more flexible and improve your balance for the New Year? Swinford Active Mind’s will host gentle Tai-Chi classes commencing on Wednesday, January 10, at 8pm in the Cultural Centre. €7 pay as you go.
Congratulations to Teresa Reynolds who was last week’s winner of the Swinford GAA Club 50/50 draw held in the Sheepwalk winning €215. The next draw will be held on Tuesday, January 9, in Eurospar. Entries are available through SwinfordGAA.ie, Foireann, Clubspot and throughout town.
Congratulations to Katie Mulligan and Michael Roche who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in Midfield Church on December 28. They are wished many years of health and happiness.
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 9, at 9.15am and 6.30pm in Swinford Cultural Centre. Call Mary to book at 085 2150781.
Results of the game played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, January 2, are as follows; card winners were Liam Lynskey, Michael Lynskey, Ann Rowley, Paddy Doherty, Michael Ward and Tom Durkan. Raffle prizes were won by Tom Durkan, Shane Gallagher, Seamus Conwell, Margaret Waters and Eileen Geraghty. The game continues every Tuesday in Meelick Community Centre at 9pm. All welcome.
Mindfulness weekly classes with Maura Horkan start on Tuesday, January 16, at Castlebar Social Services Centre at 10.30am for 6 weeks and Balla Community Centre at 7.30pm for 4 weeks. Pay as you go option is available. There is also private counselling and self care sessions and Saturday retreats available. Booking is essential and to book or enquire email maurahorkanmia@gmail.com or tel 086 8237230.
Mayo Cancer Support offer a range of emotional supports to people with cancer and their families. For more information call 094 9038407.
Enable Ireland, Mayo Services, require volunteers in all areas of County Mayo to work with children with a disability. Volunteers usually work one to one with a child within their home but also within their community or at the centre in Castlebar. No more than three hours are required per week and work can be arranged around a person’s availability. Training is provided. If you are interested, contact Fiona at 087 6808350 or email fscully@enableireland.ie for further information. This is a rewarding activity and volunteers are very positive about their experience.
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. For further information contact Monica Morley at 094 9375320.
Offices are open and answering your questions by phone during Covid-19. Call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday from 9am-8pm) or visit the website for the latest information https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/.
