Local Notes: Swinford couple celebrate Diamond wedding anniversary
Congratulations to Mary and Michael McNicholas, Park Road, Swinford on celebrating their Diamond wedding anniversary on July 12th.
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 to 087-7694781 (after 6pm) - you can also text or WhatsApp. The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm on Wednesday.
The annual Swinford Comhaltas Pageant takes place in the Cultural Centre on Monday, August 3rd, at 8.30pm. As usual it will be a wonderful showcase of local and visiting talent with the cream of musicians, singers and dancers taking part. Drama, poetry and storytelling will feature too as usual.
2026 is the 75th anniversary of the foundation of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and this will be celebrated with some special performances. Michael Davitt CCE, Swinford Comhaltas, will be delighted to welcome you to the Cultural Centre to what promises to be an enjoyable show. Admission €10/€5. Doors open at 8pm. Come early to get a good seat.
Michael Davitt CCE, Swinford Comhaltas, have several events coming up during Siamsa Sráide 2026. A Seisiún na nÓg will be held in Campbell’s White House on Sunday, August 2nd, from 1pm. All young musicians, singers and dancers welcome.
The wonderful annual Pageant will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday night.
There will be a session on Market Street on Tuesday, August 4th, from 12 noon which will feature tutors and pupils of Scoil Cheoil Siamsa as well as anyone else who wants to join in. On Wednesday night, August 5th, the monthly Fair Night Session will be held in Boland’s Bridge Street and as always will be a great night of music and song. Do come along and enjoy the best of Irish culture with Michael Davitt CCE.
The fifth annual Time to Shine gala talent show takes place in Julian’s of Midfield this Friday night, July 31st. With a prize fund of €1,300 you can look forward to a great night’s entertainment. Admission only €10/€5. Doors open at 7pm and show will start at 8pm. Both the under 16 and over 16 competitions feature some really great talent so come early and be sure of a seat.
Congratulations to Paul McNeela who won €550 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The documentary 'All Our Yesterdays' comes home to Swinford this August with a special screening at the 42nd annual Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival in Swinford Cultural Centre on Saturday, August 1st, at 7.30pm.
Developed as a community-led project inspired by the stories, memories, and voices of the town, the film’s inclusion in this year’s festival marks a meaningful homecoming. Thanks to the Síamsa Sráide committee for their continued support and for including the film in the 2026 festival programme.
For 42 years, the festival has played an important role in celebrating creativity and community spirit in Swinford. 'All Our Yesterdays' explores themes of memory, emigration, resilience, and identity, while reflecting on the people, places, and shared stories that connect generations.
Siamsa Sraide has launched an iDonate campaign to help raise extra funds towards the entertainment costs of the festival.
The 2026 festival will have the biggest number of performers and entertainment acts in Siamsa Sráide's 42-year history. There are free open air music performances by Ritchie Remo, Mike Denver, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Finein Quinn, Shane Ruane to name but a few, circus show, fire show, award-winning dancers and so much more.
All funds raised from this campaign are strictly for entertainment costs only. The organising committee ask you all to do your best for Siamsa Sráide as 90% of events are free of charge. No donation is too small so please spread the word with family and friends at home and around the world. This campaign will remain active until August 7th.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Swinford Community Lotto draw which was held on July 20th when the numbers drawn were 7, 22, 24, and 27.
€70 vouchers were won by Neil Masterson, c/o Tara Café and Pauline Thompson, Meelick; €35 was won by Mary Dunleavy, Coill Abhainn; Ann Marie Kelly, Letterkenny Co Donegal, and V. and N. Murtagh, Tullinacurra, Swinford.
The Siamsa Sráide Committee looks forward to welcoming everyone to the second Siamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival Vintage Run on Sunday, August 2nd. Registration from 1pm at the Main Stage on Main Street. The run will commence at 2pm, starting and finishing on Main Street.
Raffle and Music on the day, with a whole host of family events to follow in Swinford Cultural Centre with balloon modelling, Disney characters and The Circus Show with Fred and Leo.
For further information or bookings, contact Brendan Cassidy at 087-7420617 or James Ruane at 087-091771. All proceeds raised on the day will go to Western Care Association and Northwest Stop.
The countdown is on to the kick-off of the Swinford Siamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival, which returns from July 30th to August 5th, bringing with it seven days of music, art, cultural, historical and family events.
Chele Crawley and Martina Wintour will be launching their best-selling books on Thursday, July 30th, at 10.30am in The Novel Bean. This event will be the start of an action-packed programme for the 2026 festival.
Blessing of Mosaics will take place at 10am on August 15th at Mass in Callow and 12 noon on the same day in Killasser Church (Mass will not be celebrated in Killasser). Blessing by Bishop Doran.
Swinford AC will once again host the annual Ireland West ¾ Marathon, 10K and 5K on Saturday, September 5th. Registration is open on Eventmaster. The marathon starting time is 10am, 10k starts at 10.15am and 5k begins at 10.30am.
Parking will be prohibited on Main, Market and Bridge Street from 9pm on Monday, August 3rd, until 1am on Thursday, August 6th.
This to facilitate the two biggest days of the festival, Heritage Day and The Old Harvest Fair Day. The committee is seeking help and support from the public, residents and businesses in making this possible.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused. For further information, contact Brendan at 087-7420617.
Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival is running from July 30th to August 5th. A brochure of events is available in local businesses or visit wwwsiamsasraide.ie to download your copy.
Siamsa Sráide extends an invitation to everyone for a very special commemorative opening evening on July 30th.
A commemorative plaque unveiling will take place at Esker near the burial site of two unknown French soldiers who were part of General Humbert's expedition to Ireland in 1798. The Franco-Irish Historical Society En Garde will be travelling to Swinford to perform as General Humbert and his expedition force.
Following the unveiling, a commemorative walk in the footsteps of General Humbert will start from the burial site to the Main Street of Swinford where General Humbert will be joined by Swinford clubs and organisations, headed by Aaron Mc Loughlin and Mayo Karate Academy.
Performances from the Midfield Pipe Band, Foxford Brass and Reed Band, David Cloherty of the Crimlin Pipe Band and Padraig McNeela.
There will be a special tribute on the night to the late Stephen Dunford, who did so much to keep alive the legacy of General Humbert. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in historic dress attire honouring The Year of The French of 1798.
For more information about this event, please contact Brendan on 087-7420617 or Moira on 087-2038407.
Congratulations to Alan Heaney who won €570 in the June Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw with Amy Dunleavy, Vincent Conlon and Dudley Filan winning a €20 spot prize each. The July draw will take place on August 9th.
