Local Notes: Swinford author returns for literary evening
Chele Crawley's book has been a huge hit since it was published in April.
A touch of scandal, society and Regency romance will arrive in Swinford on Tuesday, May 19, when local writer Chele Crawley returns to her hometown for a literary evening celebrating her debut best-selling novel, .
This captivating historical romance, which explores the price of securing social mobility and love in Regency England, made headlines in mid-April when it stormed to #1 on Amazon Ireland, just 24 hours after its release.
"Reaching number one was the stuff of dreams, particularly as a self-published author," says the Park Road native. " has had a great start, and I owe that entirely to every person who went out, supported me as a writer, and bought it. So, in a way, this literary evening in The Novel Bean is more of a celebration of itself, and the success it has had over the past few weeks. It's an opportunity to raise a glass to it, engage with readers, and personally sign books that people at home have already bought or wish to buy on the night."
The event will feature an in-conversation event with The Novel Bean owner, Cathal Kelly, an audience Q&A, author-reading, and book-signing. The gathering offers attendees a chance to hear excerpts from the novel, learn about the inspiration behind the story, and meet the author in an intimate and welcoming setting.
"I have been blown away by the level of support and well-wishes that people from Swinford have extended to me since the book was released a few weeks ago. It’s been so lovely and a testament to how Swinford people encourage, support and champion their own. I can’t wait to meet familiar and new faces alike and hear what people think of the novel."
The event begins at 7.30pm.
The following are the results from competitions played at Swinford Golf Club over the May Bank Holiday weekend:
Men’s Morrisroe Cup - 1st, Martin McNeela; 2nd, Declan Munnelly; 3rd, Sean Geraghty.
Ladies O'Connor Cup: 1st, Edel Munnelly; 2nd, Dympna O'Donnell; 3rd, Julie Loftus.
Congratulations to David Molloy who won €530 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club will hold a scrap metal collection on May 16th, 23rd and 30th from 10am to 5pm beside Applegreen in Foxford in aid of the new building fund which is coming near completion. Items accepted - cars, tractors, motor bikes, bicycles, batteries, galvanised gates, galvanised sheets, wheelbarrows, buckets, radiators, copper, aluminium, lead, cast iron, oil ranges. Items not accepted – rubber, tyres, glass, timber, plastics, fridges, washing machines, electric cookers. For further information, WhatsApp 0868373646.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on May 5th when the numbers drawn were 4, 10, 22 and 24.
The winners of €70 vouchers were Ger Lester, c/o Tara Café and Marina Byrne, Park Road, while €35 was won by Alex Brophy, c/o Horkan's, Mary Reddington, c/o Moore's, Aoibheann Cafferty, Meelick and Gary Buckley, Swinford.
The jackpot is now €4,800.
Swinford Gardening Club will have their first trip of the year on May 23rd visiting Tullynally Castle and Gardens in Castlepollard and Knights and Conquests in Granard. There will be surprises as well.
Breakfast, dinner, all entrance fees and guided tours are included for a cost of €90. The bus will leave Swinford from Lower Main St at 8.30am. To book, contact Angela 087-7917136 or Maura at 087-7604763 as soon as possible.
The next Gardening Club talk will take place on Tuesday, May 26th, in the Meeting Room on Lower Main St at 8pm.
John Brennan will talk and give demonstrations on hanging baskets, window boxes and tubs. He will be happy to answer questions afterwards. All are welcome to attend. Non-members pay €5 to enter.
The 42nd Siamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival Swinford returns from July 30th to August 5th with a blockbuster brochure of a festival which will include free open-air music from Ritchie Remo, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Lovefest, Mike Denver and a whole host of historic and cultural events. A brochure of events will be launched later this month.
Time to Shine Talent Competition, in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival, returns this August. Applications to take part will be opening very soon. 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.
Congratulations to Swinford FC members Cian Forkan and Evan Kelly who have been selected for this year’s Mayo Kennedy Cup which is taking place in June.
Siamsa Sraide Street Festival is proud to have Breege Rowley’s as one of the flagship events for the forthcoming festival, which takes place from July 30th to August 5th.
The focus at this year’s festival is 'Honouring Ireland's History and Culture', and especially our hometown of Swinford, with many events from historic presentations covering the War of Independence and the Civil War.
Breege Rowley's is a landmark documentary. It is about the story of Ireland told through the people of Swinford containing many unearthed archives from Swinford’s past as well as music from members of the Swinford Comhaltas branch and the late Conor Walsh.
Its significance holds a special place in the hearts of the Swinford Diaspora.
This documentary is a testament to the extraordinary commitment and passion of its creator Breege Rowley. Save the date – Saturday, August 1st, at 7.30pm in Swinford Cultural Centre. Admission is €15. To book seats, contact Breege on 087-2660241 or Brendan on 087-7420617.
Swinford Active Retirement Club meet every Monday at Swinford Golf Club from 2 to 4pm with a variety of activities tea/coffee etc. The cost is €5 weekly, so why not come and join and bring new ideas with you. Contact Ann on 087-7459089 or Bridie on 087-9049723 for further details.
Swinford Go Getters meet in the Cultural Centre every Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It involves walking with activator poles and exercises then refreshments followed by Boccia. The cost is €5 weekly, so come and join for some fitness and laughs. Contact Ann on 087-7459089 or Bridie on 087-9049723 for further details.
Pétanque games at the Amenity Park on Thursdays from 1 to 3pm. The cost is €2 weekly. Spare boules available so why not give it a try. Contact Ann on 087-7459089 or Martin on 085-1285175.
Swinford Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival returns from July 30th to August 5th, bringing with it seven days of music, art, cultural, historical and family events.
The Novel Bean is honoured to have Chele Crawley and Martina Wintour launching their bestselling 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.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice would appreciate your kind assistance in helping them raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th.
Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Mayo on both days. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated.
Contact 094-9388666 or email info@hospice.ie.
Siamsa Sraide Lovefest 26 returns to the streets of Swinford on Sunday, August 2nd from 5pm, hosting a variety of youth bands.
General Humbert will invade Swinford on July 30th as part of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival 2026, making his return to Swinford for a very special ceremonial event to honour the sacrifice of the French in 1798. For further information, contact Brendan on 087-7420617 or Moira on 087-2038407.
Join two of Mayo’s most accomplished musicians and composers for an intimate night of traditional and new music performed on Harp and Flute on Thursday, May 21st, at 8pm in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar.
Swinford native Alannah Thornburgh, fresh from the success of her debut solo album, has gained massive momentum through her various residencies and festival performances over the past number of years. She is constantly pushing the boundaries of the Irish Harp through her technical compositions and collaborations and was recently awarded 'Best Folk Instrumentalist of the Year' at the RTÉ folk awards.
Foxford's Stephen Doherty is a multi-award winning musician, composer and producer and has toured with many of Ireland's major artists including Sean Keane, Lunasa, Niall McCabe and many more alongside performances with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Both of these virtuoso artists have collaborated together on various projects and albums and have now created a freshly inspired duo performance with their combined material.
Tickets available on www.thelinenhall.com.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation are hosting a Volunteer Day on Thursday, May 15th, in the McWilliam Park Hotel and would love to welcome anyone interested in getting involved. Come along, meet the team and volunteers and learn more about the work they do and the different ways you can help. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, this is a great opportunity to find out more in a relaxed and friendly setting.
RSVP to info@hospice.ie.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Marian Gildea, Cois Coille, Swinford and formerly Knocks, Killasser; Brendan Mullaney, Kilbride, Swinford; Bridie McCann, Ballinlag, Swinford and Terenure, Dublin; Mary O’Hora (nee Durkan) Cloonbrone, Knockanillaun, Ballina and formerly Derryronane, Swinford.
May they rest in peace.
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) or you can text or WhatsApp that number.
The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm each Wednesday.
