Local Notes: Swinford Athletic Club present 2023 Awards in Julian's
Members of Swinford Athletic Club coaching team. Photo by Tommy Regan
On Sunday, January 7, Swinford Athletic Club took time to celebrate the wonderful achievements of their athletes at the Swinford AC Awards held in Julian's of Midfield. 2023 was a phenomenal year for Swinford AC athletes with over 20 athletes picking up awards and a further 32 athletes receiving medals for being National finalists.
The awards recipients were: Extraordinary Achievement Award (international medal) Michaela Walsh; Outstanding Achievement Award (more than one gold at national level or national record) Emma Nolan and Shane Bracken; High Achievement Award (one national gold) Patrick Cuddy and Tom Gostick; Achievement Awards (silver or bronze medal at national level) Addison McDonnell, Aoibhean Flatley, Caitlin Hughes, Casey Coyle, Cathal Mc Nicholas, Ella Ginty, Holly Ginty, Isla Heaney, James Duffy, Lottie Heaney, Niamh Delaney, Patrick Hyland, Rory Grundy, Rhea Gostick, Sue Sue Nolan; National Finalists (qualified to nationals) Ailbhe Cunney, Aine Lavin, Alisha Broderick, Aoibheann McNicholas, Ava McNulty, Caoimhe Hughes, Daniel Anderson, Darragh Reynolds, David Forkan, Emma Maloney, Eris Grundy, Faye Gallagher, Holly Gallagher, Hugh Hyland, Jack McNulty, Jack Moore, James Mulroy, Jane Heaney, Jimmy Fulham, Juliette Delaney, Kevin Groarke, Megan Byrne, Myah Gallagher, Oisin McNicholas, Oisin Ruddy, Pearce Gallagher, Rachael McNicholas, Ruairi Reynolds, Saoirse Dunne, Sarah Fulham, and Siobhan Hyland.
Certificates of Achievement were also given on the day to those athletes who participated all year improving personal bests and participating in county and regional events.
These achievements would not be possible without the hardworking dedication and commitment of the Swinford AC coaches.
For the first time an award was given to a senior member for their outstanding achievement in athletics in 2023. This award was Couch to 5k Athlete of the Year which was awarded to Sean Galligan, who began Couch to 5k in January and went on to compete in Race to Glory and the Ireland West 3/4 Marathon Relay.
A presentation to outgoing treasurer Anna Marie Lavin for her outstanding contribution to the club over the last number of years was made as well as a presentation to Club President Eamon Ring for his contribution to the club, particularly with his contribution to the club lotto.
Days like these would not be possible without valued sponsors. A special thanks to Derek Kennedy and Eurospar for their very generous sponsorship of this year's awards. Thank you to Julian's of Midfield for the use of their venue and beautiful food.
Swinford Athletic Club wishes all their members a very Happy 2024, with lots of running, improving personal bests and having lots of fun and laughter.
Classes have resumed each Tuesday at 9.15am and 6.30pm in Swinford Cultural Centre. Call Mary to book at 085 2150781.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on January 8, were 1, 10, 11 and 18. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Tony Cunningham, Belcarra and Phil McDermott, Church View, Swinford. €35 was won by M Connelly, Balla. The jackpot is now €9,800.
Results from card game held in Swinford Golf Club on Thursday, January 4, at 9pm were; 1st and 2nd prize was shared by Phyllis Bredican, Nuala Kilgallon, Mary Higgins and Josie Prendergast; 3rd prize was won by John Gallagher and Brian McNulty. Raffle prizes were won by Phyllis Bredican, Philip Irwin, Ann Rowley and Philip Moore.
The Gardening Club Christmas Dinner will take place on January 20, in the Gateway Hotel at 7.30pm. This is always a most enjoyable annual event. To book contact Angela at 087 7917136 or Maura 087 7604763.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, at the invitation of Killasser Parish Council will join Killasser Parish for Evening Prayer on Tuesday, January 30, at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Anthony Doyle, Kinaffe, Swinford; William J Walsh, (Billy), Acres, Lismirrane, Swinford; PJ Gallagher, Tulleague, Killasser, Swinford; Marion Brehony (nee O’Brien), Cambs, Ballymote, Co Sligo (sister of Bernard O’Brien); Madge Carney (née McNulty), Shanwar, Foxford. May they all rest in peace.
Killasser Community Wednesday night Bingo in Killasser Community Centre will take place on January 24, at 8pm. Snowball game €160, new jackpot game for €500.
Congratulations to Philip Irwin who was last week’s winner of the Swinford GAA Club 50/50 draw held in Eurospar winning €205. The next draw will be on Tuesday, January 16, in Moores. Entries are available through SwinfordGAA.ie, Foireann, Clubspot and throughout town.
Best of luck to Alannah Thornburgh will be playing a solo show in Dublin Castle as part of TradFest on Friday, January 26.
Congratulations to Ann Nash who was the winner of the December Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw winning €1,000. €20 spot prize winners were Eugene Hussey and Kaz Szatkowski. The January 2024 draw will be held on Saturday, February 3.
Swinford is playing host to a great new initiative this Saturday. Mayo Co Board CCE decided to revive Ceol an Gheimhridh and Michael Davitt CCE Swinford volunteered to host the competitions on January 20. The competitions will be held in Swinford NS (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). The competitions (for U11s and U14s) have been entered by children from all over Mayo 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 entrance fee covers all competitions for the day. A great weekend of sessions for all age groups has been planned and a lovely ‘Cupán agus Comhra’ event will take place on Saturday afternoon. All information is on Swinford Comhaltas Facebook page and Instagram. Text/WhatsApp enquiries to 087 7454032
A meeting of Charlestown Drama Group will be held in the Arts Centre on Thursday, January 25, at 8pm. If you are interested in joining the group, you are invited to come along on the night. No experience necessary.
Winners of the game played on Tuesday, January 9, in Meelick Community Centre are as follows; Card winners were Brian McNulty, Mary Higgins, Ciaran Rowley, Patricia Rowley, Michael Ryan and Francie Rowley. Raffle prizes were won by Mary Higgins, Michael Regan, Brian McNulty, Jimmy Maughan and Liam Lynskey.
The county final of Senior Scór will be held in Balla Community Centre on Friday, March 22. The night begins with the quiz at 7pm. This will be followed by stage events in dancing, singing, recitation/drama and instrumental music. Further enquiries to local GAA clubs or scor.mayo@gaa.ie.
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The death took place of Ann Gallagher, Cloonamna, Kilmovee, (nee Brennan) Glann, Charlestown, on December 31, 2023, peacefully surrounded by her family in The Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Ann was predeceased by her brothers Domnick and Thomas and is survived by her husband Padraig, sons Gerard and Noel, daughter Marie Madden, sisters Lucy and Eileen (USA), grandchildren Steffi, Darren, Steven and Kailum, great-grandchildren Harry, Nova and Alfie, son-in-law Martin, daughter-in-law Karen, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Ann reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Tuesday, January 2. Removal took place from her home on Wednesday, January 3, to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon, followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí Cemetery. May Ann rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved by her passing.
The jackpot of €600 was won by a loyal patron at the Kilmovee bingo of January 7. The house lotto of €240 on four correct numbers is still available and the jackpot started on Sunday, January 14, at €400 on 45 calls or less and the 50/50 draw with a guaranteed weekly winner is also available.The house lotto is increased weekly by €40 and the jackpot is increased by €50 weekly.
Items for inclusion in the weekly parish newsletter should be community based or from voluntary organisations. Submit items for inclusion by lunchtime on Thursday. Some items may have to be edited for space purposes. Where possible, send in your news items, including contact details, by email to news@kilmoveeparish.org.
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The death occurred of Bill Walsh, Lismirrane, who died on Sunday, January 7, and whose funeral took place in Bohola on Wednesday, January 10; John McQuade, Blackley, Manchester, husband of the late Mary McQuade (Durkan), formerly of Carroward, who died on Sunday, January 7; please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Freda Colgan, who died on Thursday, January 4. She was the wife of the late Tom Colgan, Ballinlag, and the sister-in-law of Noel and John Colgan. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Congratulations to Vanessa Evans, Bohola, and Jacob Kent, Gloucester, England, who were married in Bohola on Saturday, January 6. They are wished every blessing and many happy years of married life together.
Social Bingo resumes after the Christmas break on this Monday, January 15 in The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola. Doors open at 8pm for an 8.30 start.
Congratulations to the following who were recent winners of the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw: Martin and PJ Brady, Callow €396, Dayna Towey, Foxford €440, and Grace Gavin, Castlebar €517.
Drums, guitar and piano lessons are available in the Barnacarroll / Claremorris area. A few slots are still available for the new term. Contact Elizabeth on 087 9689763.
