Local Notes: Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford are overall winners of 74th St Patrick's Day Parade
After a 15-year break, Scoil Muire agus Padraig made a triumphant return, claiming the crown as overall winners of the 74th Swinford St Patrick’s Day Parade.
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.
Results from card game held in Swinford Golf Club on Thursday, March 26, were as follows; card winners shared 1st/2nd/3rd prize - Margaret Waters, Matt Duggan, Michael O’Neill, Peter Geraghty, Virginia Heeran, Margaret Sweeney, Michael Moran and Gerry Moran.
Raffle winners were Carmel Timoney, David Molloy, Michael O’Neill, Margaret Sweeney, Martin McNeela and Michael Regan. Winners at table five were Matt Duggan and Margaret Waters on last game.
Results of the weekend competition held on March 22; Men - 1st James Kilroy, 2nd Andy Murphy and 3rd Jim O Donnell; Ladies Spring League Week 1 result - 1st Lynda Kennedy Week 2 result - 1st Bernie Walsh; Gents Spring League Week 1 Best Individual Score - 1st Raymond Horkan, 2nd John McCarrick and 3rd Brian Turbitt.
Sing a Song with Bridie Rowley on Friday, April 24, at 7pm in The White House, Swinford. This special night will feature a selection of Bridie’s favourite songs, along with a beautiful songbook sharing her story and spirit, created especially for the occasion. All proceeds will go towards supporting Foxford Alzheimer’s and Community Trust CLG / FACT Social Club. All are very welcome - come along, bring a friend, and enjoy a heartfelt evening of music, memories, and community.
Thank you to everyone who supported and volunteered on Daffodil Day. A total of €10,770 was raised.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on March 30, were; 5, 20, 26 and 28. €70 vouchers were won by Michael Durkan, Kinaffe and Patricia Tunney, Cloonlara; €35 was won by Jimmy Henry, Coill Abhainn. The jackpot is now €3,800.
Join Atlantic Care, a friendly, supportive team providing exceptional care enhancing the lives of elderly people in their homes right across Mayo. Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle. QQI Care Skills and Care of the Older Person required but full training is provided. Rewarding, meaningful work. If you would like to join this amazing team, contact 094 9014028 nollag.mchale@atlanticcare.ie.
Siamsa Sraide table quiz will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 9pm in Bolands. Tables of 4 with a €100 1st Prize. There will also be a raffle on the night.
The 42nd Siamsa Síamsa Street and Arts Festival Swinford returns from July 30 to August 5, with a blockbuster brochure of a festival which will include free open-air music to Ritchie Remo, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Lovefest, Mike Denver and whole host of historic and cultural events. Brochure of Events will be launched in May.
Foxtrot is back on Sunday, April 19, at 1pm from the Foxford Leisure Centre. This year is a 5km fun run for all the family. This is an opportunity to raise funds for Brenda Walsh Grealis as well as the local community. Brenda, originally from Callow, was recently diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This is an extremely rare, severe neurological disease that causes extreme muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and progressive loss of mobility. A gifted singer and musician, she is a wife and mother of four children. The communities of Callow, Foxford and the surrounding area are coming together with Foxtrot in an effort to raise much needed funds to assist Brenda and her family with this life changing condition. Any enquiries contact Ann on 086 8302975 or Helen on 085 8282000.
People living in Swinford who are interested in the town's future development are invited to share their views as part of a consultation exploring the possible establishment of a Swinford Community Council. This stage of the process is primarily about listening and gathering views, no decisions are being taken yet. To take part contact: Tel: Eamon Connolly on 089 4165055 or email: eamon@methodconsultants.ie.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Jason Bourke, Brabazon Heights, Swinford; John Maloney, Aras Attracta, Swinford and formerly Craignafila, Foxford; Kathleen King (nee Kennedy) Kinaffe, Swinford; Fintan Scriney, Aras Attracta, Swinford and formerly of Spencer Street, Castlebar; John Casserly, Kilkelly Rd, Swinford; Bridie Lavin nee Clarke, Crossmolina (wife of the late Tom Lavin, Carnacull); Mary Kershaw nee Costello, England formerly Castlebawn (sister of Tom Costello, Lisheenabrone). May they rest in peace.
Swinford AC Little Athletics will commence on Tuesday, April 14, from 7 to 8pm in the Amenity Park Astro Turf F12H593. To register or for further information contact Annie 087 9843918 or Karen 087 9143878.
Congratulations to Emily Gavin on being named vice captain of the Mayo U16 team. An incredible achievement and so well deserved, all at Swinford Killasser LGFA are so proud of you.
Swinford AC juveniles put in some great performances at the National Juvenile Indoor Championships over the weekend of March 28 and 29 with many athletes placing and personal bests achieved. Congratulations to all on qualifying for national finals and your amazing achievements. On the track three athletes qualified.
In U13 Charlie Corcoran ran a fast 600m in a very tough field gaining a new personal best. Sarah Groarke ran a fast 800m in a competitive U16 field with a new personal best. Jimmy Fulham put in an impressive U16 200m with another personal best. Super performances by all. In the long jump Lottie Heaney just missed out on a medal placing 5th with an impressive jump and personal best of 4.31m. Aoibheann Devaney in U18 long jump, smashed the 4-meter mark with another impressive jump.
In walks Swinford AC had two participants, Siobhan Hyland claiming gold in U16 and Isla Heaney just missing out in 5th place.
Swinford AC dominated the shot-putt arena with some amazing throws.
At U15, podium spots for Emma Nolan 1st and Aine Lavin 3rd with a new personal best. At U16 Rachel McNicholas earned 1st with a new personal best. U13 was very competitive with Ailbhe Cunney coming so close with a new personal best just missing out on a medal in 4th place. Her teammate Sarah Fulham put in a great performance finishing well in a strong field. Thank you to all the coaches, committee and parents who make days like this possible.
Time to Shine Talent competition, in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival returns this August. All talents and acts welcome. U16 and 16+ categories. Whether you sing, dance, perform, or have a hidden talent, the organisers want to hear from you. Keep an eye on The Railway Players and Time to Shine Social Media page for application details.
Results of the game played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, March 31, were; card winners: Michael Moran, Gerry Moran, Bernard Callaghan, Mary Callaghan, Seamus Conwell and Philip Moore. Raffle prizes were won by Michael Durkan, Mary Higgins, Annie McNeela, Maureen Morley, Mary Callaghan, Carey Moore, Michael Ryan and Philip Moore.
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Mayo Cancer Support Association at Rock Rose House, will be holding their annual Church Gate collection on the weekend of April 19 and 19 next, in Shraheens and Bohola Churches. They would appreciate your continued support for this local charity that offers free emotional support to people affected by cancer and their families. If anyone can volunteer to assist with the collections, call Rose 083 489 0754.
Durkan Community Park is taking part in An Taisce's national spring-clean anti-litter campaign. Meet at Sheridan Community Centre on Saturday, April 25 at 2pm. All volunteers are welcome to litter pick throughout the village or tidy up your own road or townland. Bring bags to central location for disposal. Contact 086 3620928 for further information.
Bohola NS Parents Association are holding a ‘Ladies night’ in the Village Inn on Friday, April 10. Enjoy music by Michael Bourke, cocktails, raffle, spot prizes and fun games throughout the evening. Come along for a wonderful night celebrating women.
Congratulations to Sarah Ryder who won a jackpot of €305 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, March 28. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
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The next Cois Tine Heritage Night will take pace in Kilmovee Community Centre on Monday, April 13, at 8pm. There will be live traditional music, song, and dance with a raffle for valuable prizes. Admission is free.
Kilmovee FRC together with Kilmovee Community Centre will be commencing a Breakfast Club starting 2026/2027 school year. Expressions of interest to kilmoveehwc@gmail.com.
Ballaghaderreen Golf Club will be running their ‘Get into Golf’ programme for new beginner ladies starting Monday, April 13, at 7pm in the clubhouse with an introduction night, meet and greet and some light refreshments. No experience or golf clubs needed. Watch out also for our junior registration dates. Further details available at 087 1463628/ ballaghaderreengolfclub@gmail.com.
The death took place of John King, Castlerea Road, Ballaghaderreen on March 20, peacefully in the Sonas Nursing Home, Knock. John was a very popular resident of the locality. He was predeceased by his wife Dolores and his son James, and is survived by his son Jonathon, daughter Fiona Brady (Stamullen), son-in-law Barry, granddaughter Cara, grandson Rian, his sister Catherine (Kay), relatives, neighbours and many friends.
John reposed in The Kilgarriff Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Tuesday, March 24, concluding with evening prayer at 7pm. His funeral cortege arrived at The Cathedral of the Annunciation and St Nathy Ballaghaderreen, on Wednesday, March 25, for Mass of the Resurrection at 2pm followed by interment in Kilcolman Cemetery. May John rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved.

