Local Notes: Swinford AC participated in the Mayo Cross Country event at Mellett's Hill, Swinford.

Members of Swinford AC who participated in the Mayo Cross Country event on Mellett’s Hill, Swinford on Sunday, September 28.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted to Julie Ryan as follows: email ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 0877694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Bingo takes place in Aghamore Community Centre on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm.
Breast Cancer Awareness month takes place October 1-31. For further information log onto www.breastcancerireland.com.
Set dancing classes are held in the Ox Mountain Heritage Centre, Drumartin, on Thursday nights at 8pm. All age groups are welcome so come along for some good fun and exercise. Further info on 087 2771778 or 087 6368834.
After the success of the Killasser/Callow Parish Calendars 2023, 2024, 2025 another one will be produced for 2026. The theme of the 2026 calendar is Killasser/ Callow from the air. Interested parties are invited to send in aerial pictures of Killasser or Callow. Contact any committee member or email killassercalendar@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Evan O’Neill who won €388 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on September 29, were 5, 6, 7 and 15. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Chloe Moran, Rathdubh and Caroline Folan, Collagh. €35 was won by Gail Smith, Midfield. The jackpot is now €8,200.
Swinford Folk Choir would welcome new members to join their choir for Saturday evening Mass in Swinford Church. If you enjoy singing or playing music, come and try it out. Adults and children welcome. Contact Marie on 087 2805222.
A Remembrance by Candlelight will take place in St Michaels’ Church, Foxford, on Wednesday, October 29, at 7pm. Join opera singer Sean Ruane and Bernadette Ruddy alongside St Anne’s Choir (UK), Maria Lynn, The Doherty’s and The Doocey’s for a candlelight evening of amazing performances. Proceeds on the evening are towards Foxford and District Alzheimer’s Trust (FACT) and Foxford’s Search and Rescue. Tickets costing €20 are available from Sarah on 087 7965520 and Irene on 087 2795242.
Well done to Swinford AC club athletes Saoirse Hunter, Jimmy Fulham, Cormac Fearon, Erin Crawford and Jane Heaney who competed in the recent Connacht Schools Combined Events competition in Athlone. Some fantastic individual and overall performances delivered.
Congratulations to Saoirse Hunter who placed 1st overall in the senior competition and goes forward to the All-Ireland on November 8 and to Jane Heaney who placed 4th overall in the 1st year girls.
Winners of the first draw of Swinford Golf Club Development Draw are as follows: €1,000 was won by Ger Metcalfe, Aghamore, €300 went to Paddy Dyar, Swinford and €200 to Damian McGrath, Castlebar. Results of the second draw saw €1000 won by the Coffin Dodgers (Swinford men’s seniors), €300 went to Davy Walsh and €200 was won by Laura Duffy, Ballina. Congratulations to the winners.
Small group maths sessions are held on a Saturday morning in Kilkelly Community Centre and delivered by a qualified and experienced maths teacher. There is a new group available for first year and second year, covering all strands of the junior cert curriculum. Each session is an hour and a half with all resources provided. Max of 5 students per group. Contact PHMathsgrinds@outlook.com for more details.
Band practice on Wednesday’s at 9pm in Midfield NS. New members welcome, including beginners.
A prayer service for peace will be held in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Swinford on Friday, October 10, at 7pm. This gathering is open to people of all faiths and to those who simply share a hope for peace across the world including Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Myanmar and many, many more areas where humanity is suffering. It is hoped that the Granny Squares for Gaza Blanket will be on display - each square represents ten children who have been killed. Sadly, the blanket continues to grow, but it stands as a symbol of compassion, solidarity, and remembrance.
Local groups in Swinford have contributed to the making of this remarkable blanket. Come together in prayer, reflection, and shared hope for peace.
Mayo North East, in partnership with Mayo County Council, will host the second of the Community Connections Information Roadshows in the Gateway Hotel Swinford on Monday, October 13, from 4 to 8pm. This event will celebrate the incredible work of Swinford’s community organisations, clubs, and societies. It is a chance to promote your group and highlight the vital contribution you make to the town. For more information contact Dolores on 087 7704251.
Weekly card games in Meelick Community Centre return on Tuesday, October 14, at 9pm after the summer break. All welcome.
The Butterfly Garden committee is delighted to share that a pumpkin carving workshop facilitated by Feileacáin will be held in Swinford Amenity Park on Wednesday, October 22, from 7.30 to 9pm. Bring carving utensils/spoon.
Santa will be visiting Midfield on Sunday, December 7 at 6pm.
As part of Climate Action Week, Swinford GAA are organising a Gear Swap Event in the Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 11, from 3-5pm. This is a great opportunity for parents to offload some gear their children have grown out of and also pick up some newer items. Drop off your gear on Friday, October 10, from 8-10pm. Boots, jerseys, tops, shorts and bottoms only and must be of good quality.
Entry costs on Saturday, October 11, is €5 per person or €15 per family. For more info. contact Padraig on 087 6131849.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Shirley Peyton (nee Fox), Rush, Dublin (wife of Henry Peyton, Cloonainra); John Gallagher, Cloonfinaun, Swinford; Mary Frances Morrisroe (née Shiel), Barnacogue, Swinford; Padraic Costello, Mountgordon, Castlebar and formerly of Dublin Road, Swinford; Ray Munnelly, Killala (brother of the late Mary Mellett, Market St, Swinford); Bridget Rowlinson (née Dunleavy), Lancashire, England (sister of John Dunleavy, Coill Abhainn). May they rest in peace.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in Swinford Church on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11am.
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The editorial committee are busy preparing for the 2025 edition of the Bohola Post. Submit your news articles and photos as soon as possible. The deadline for submission is Friday, October 31. Material submitted after that date cannot be included. Send your contributions or queries to boholapost@gmail.com.
The all-weather astroturf pitch has been hugely popular at the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre in Bohola, since it opened over ten years ago. Groups from the area and surrounding towns avail of this facility each week and with the top quality outdoor floodlights, the pitch can be used all year round. However, over the years there has been some general wear and tear on the playing surface. Now the committee of The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre applied for GMA funding through Councillor Adrian Forkan, to put towards repairing and upgrading the pitch and netting. The committee was delighted to have been successful, and this funding went directly to the repair and upgrade work to ensure the astroturf pitch maintains its high standard and can be enjoyed by groups for many more years to come.
The funding also assisted with the installation of two new external basketball backboards and hoops which offers yet another space for not just local groups, but also for individuals, young and old, to engage with and enjoy.
As the cost of running local amenities rises, it is harder on local community groups to raise all of the funding necessary to continue the upkeep and maintenance of their facilities. That is why funding from local councillors, county council and various organisations, is so important and so gratefully received. This funding, combined with funds raised locally, ensure projects like these can take place.
The committee of The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre thank Councillor Adrian Forkan for his funding contribution, as well as thanking Ryan and the team at Outfit who carried out the work so quickly and so professionally. Those interested in availing of the astroturf or another facility at The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, are asked to email sheridanmccbohola@gmail.com.
Individuals and groups are being sought to be part of a Lipsync Show which will take place on Saturday, November 15, in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh. For further information, call Mary Ellen on 087 7929138. The event is organised by the Durcan Bohola Community Park Committee.
The death occurred of Seamus O'Brien, Ballyvary. He was buried in St Joseph's Cemetery, Bohola on Saturday, October 3. He was brother of Tommy O'Brien, Loughkeerin. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
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The next heritage night will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Monday, October 13, at 8pm. Local and visiting traditional musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers will be there. Admission is free and there is a raffle on the night.
Kilmovee Active Thursday Club is hosting an open day on October 30, in Kilmovee Centre from 1 to 5pm. There will be finger food, live music with Mark Finn and prizes for the best fancy dress effort, a big raffle with loads of prizes, a door prize, and much more. Admission is €10. Contact Margaret on 086 3187292 or James on 086 0680702.
English classes for beginners will be commencing very soon in Kilkelly Community Centre. This is a free course. If you or anyone you know would like to attend contact the Family Resource Centre on 094 964 9814.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the McLoughlin family, Tullinahoo, Kilkelly, and the Rochford family, Ballyhaunis and Knock on the death of Mary Rochford (nee McLoughlin) recently. May Mary rest in peace and may God comfort all the bereaved.