Local Notes: Swinford's Maxmillian Kucharzyk was crowned 2026 World Champion at the WUKF championships.
Congratulations to Swinford’s Maximilian Kucharzyk who represented Ireland and was crowned World Champion 2026 at the WUKF World Championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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.
Members of the Swinford Pétanque Club recently enjoyed a fantastic morning during a visit to Castlebar Pétanque Club. The matches were played in great spirit, with plenty of closely contested games, good humour and lively conversation throughout. While everyone appreciates a little healthy competition, the real winner on the day was the camaraderie shared between the two clubs. For those unfamiliar with the sport, pétanque (often referred to as boules) is a traditional French game that dates back to 1907 in the southern town of La Ciotat. The aim is simple: players take turns throwing metal boules as close as possible to a small target ball, known as the cochonnet or "jack". The rules are easy to learn, yet the game offers surprising tactical depth. At the same time, it is an inclusive sport that requires no previous athletic experience, is gentle on the joints, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Pétanque has grown steadily in popularity across Ireland in recent years. It is a wonderfully social activity that combines light exercise, strategy, and plenty of laughter. Whether you are naturally competitive or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon outdoors, pétanque has something for everyone. Swinford Pétanque Club is always delighted to welcome new faces. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced player, they would love you to join them. The club provides all the necessary equipment, so there is no need to buy anything before giving it a try. Weekly meet at Swinford Amenity Park on Thursday (weather permitting) at 1pm. The games run for about 1½ to 2 hours, with a small contribution of just €2 per player per session. Full membership options can be explained if you decide it’s for you. For more information, feel free to contact Ann on 087 745 9089 or Martin on 085 128 5175. Come along, give it a try, and discover why pétanque is one of the friendliest sports around.
Results from competitions played over the weekend of July 25/26: Gents - Robert McCallion Trophy, 1st Eric Hynes, 2nd Padraig Lyndon, 3rd Trevor McDonnell. Ladies: 1st Emer Mullins, 2nd Ann Moore, 3rd Catherine Loftus.
Results from the competitions played over the weekend of July 11/12: Gents: O'Connor Cup - 1st James Kilroy, 2nd Rob Thornburgh, 3rd Gearoid Brady. Ladies: 1st Edel Munnelly, 2nd Lorena McNicholas, 3rd Emer Mullins.
Congratulations to Swinford's Tom Horkan who has been selected to play for the Connaught U16 team at the 2026 Interprovincial Championships, which take place at Holywood Golf Club next week.
Massive congratulations to Team Mayo who was placed 3rd in the All-Ireland Community Games Pitch and Putt. Swinford Golf Club member Ruadh O'Donnell alongside Patrick and Henry from Balla made up the team.
Golf Open' Sweep results. Congratulations to the winners: 1st Ella Gormley €325, 2nd Ryan Munnelly €200, 3rd Sean Kavanagh €125, 4th and 5th prize shared by Kevin Henry, Tommy Grogan and Shane Gallagher winning €50 each.
Unfortunately, the Fred Perry Golf Team lost out 3 -1 in the 2nd leg of the final on Saturday in Roscommon. The final finished 5-3 overall in favour of Roscommon. The matches were all tight through the turn, but Roscommon just edged it on the back 9. Well done to Doug Cairns and the lads for putting in a huge effort throughout the competition.
Players were put to a proper major test in the Captain's Prize. In open championship like conditions - hard and fast browned fairways, hot sun and gusty swirling breeze, only 3 ladies and 3 gents broke 70. Coming out on top in the lady’s section was Lorena McNicholas with a fine 64 and in the gent’s section Stephen McNicholas fired a 68 to win by 1.
Results from the Golf Development draw held on Saturday, July 25; €1000 Katherine Gavigan, €300 Margaret Sweeney, €200 Brid O'Connell.
Swinford Comhaltas, Michael Davitt CCE will host a session on Market Street on Tuesday, August 4, 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 5, 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.
Congratulations to Philip Irwin who won €342 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
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 Sraide’s 42-year history. From free open air music performances by Ritchie Remo, Mike Denver, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Finian 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 Sraide 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 7.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on July 28, were; 4, 7, 10 and 11. €70 vouchers were won by Antoinette Peyton and Margarat Price. €35 was won by Kearney Family, Lagcurragh, Fiona Ryan, c/o Tara Café, Christine Conway, c/o Tara Café, Cathy, Rabawn, Julie Ryan, Sweetwell, Vanessa Crawford, Killasser, Dorothy McHugh, Meelick and Therese Hennigan, Cloonfinish. The jackpot is now €7,200.
Blessing of Mosaics by Bishop Doran, will take place at 10am on August 15 at Mass in Callow and 12 noon on the same day in Killasser Church (Mass will not be celebrated in Killasser).
Swinford AC will once again host the annual Ireland West ¾ Marathon, 10K and 5K on Saturday, September 5. Registration is open on Eventmaster. ¾ Marathon starting time 10am, 10k starting time 10.15am and 5k starting time 10.30am.
Parking restrictions continue on Main, Market and Bridge Street until 1am on Thursday August 6. 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.mFurther information by contacting Brendan on 087 742 0617.
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 9.
Congratulations to Swinford AC members Saoirse Hunter who came 1st in the U20 high jump and 2nd in the U20 shot putt in the Connacht Athletics Senior Outdoor event and Michaela Walsh who won gold in the senior women’s shot putt at the Connacht Athletics senior outdoor event and gold at the AAI games in Dublin.
The annual Siamsa RAS 5k will take place on Wednesday, August 5, at 7pm with registration from 6.45pm. The starting point is Swinford Amenity Park. €5 per person or €10 per family.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Jean Doherty (nee Groarke), Sonas Riverview Nursing Home and formerly of Church View, Swinford, Cloontubrid, Swinford and London; Viktor Abramowicz, Park Road, Swinford; Vinny Maloney, Ozaman Place, Swinford, formerly of Curryane, Swinford and Wallasey, Merseyside, UK; Christina Durkan (nee Reape), Lakeview, Rubble, Killasser. May they rest in peace.
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The annual Urlaur Pattern will be held today, Tuesday, August 4, beginning with Mass in the ruins of the Abbey on the shores of Urlaur lake at 1pm. Following on from this there will be traditional music by the lake, followed with music by Tempo, free activities for children compliments of the committee, the Domnick Henry Memorial Cup soccer competition, the Michael McDermott cup for solo and group musicians and singers, face painting, fancy dress, free arts activities, Community First Responders meet with local volunteers, fast food, ice cream and Urlaur Tea Shop. Haulie Grady will be there with his new book ‘I wonder if I had turned right’. The day will finish with a social in Urlaur Community Centre at 10pm with music by Mary Kathleen Henry.
The next heritage night will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Monday, August 10, at 8pm. There will be live traditional music, song, dance recitations etc with plenty of good cheer. Admission is free and a raffle will be held on the night.
Mass will be celebrated in Urlaur Abbey Cemetery on Tuesday August 4, at 1pm and on Wednesday, August 5, at 7.30pm in St Patrick's Old Cemetery, Rusheens, Kilmovee.
The pool is now open daily for the season from 3-8pm. The Re-turn Scheme is in operation again. Please help support the pool by donating your return drink containers to the Orange Re-turn bin outside the pool.
The lotto numbers drawn for Saturday, July 18, were 30, 31, 37 and 45. There was no winner.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot now is €900 on 47 calls and the house lotto is €1000 on 4 correct numbers. A 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner is also held every week.
Preparations are underway for the 20th edition of the Kilkelly Kilmovee Parish Magazine. The committee invites parishioners at home and abroad to submit articles, photographs, memories, or local news for this special anniversary edition by the deadline date of August 31. Email your material to kilkellykilmoveemagazine@gmail.com or give it to any member of the magazine committee. Thank you for your continued support.
