Local Notes: All the latest news from Swinford.
The new Junior Infants in Straide NS.
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 087 7694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Meelick 25 card games resume in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, October 6, at 9pm.
Entries are now open for Mayo Ceol an Gheimhridh, which will take place in Westport on Saturday, November 7. There are two age groups: U11 and 11-14 (age as of January 1, 2026). There is no entry fee – competitors pay the admission charge on the day. Closing date for entries with the County Secretary is October 2. Contact cceswinford@gmail.com or 087 7454032 for details.
Results from play over the weekend of September 5/6 were; Gents Dick Crowley Cup: 1st Tony Spain, 2nd Michael Dee, 3rd Mark Fulham. Ladies Aine McDonald Memorial Trophy: 1st Ann Moore, 2nd Margaret Mulligan, 3rd Helen McNicholas.
Congratulations to Swinford AC member Faye Gallagher who came 7th in U18s Girls B&I Mountain running championship in Newcastle, Co Down. Faye was the 1st Irish girl home and the team finished 4th overall. All at Swinford AC are very proud of Faye’s achievements.
Congratulations to all the Swinford AC members who participated in the Connacht Cross Country Relay. U11 boys securing bronze - Kyle Hastings, Conor Nolan, Charlie Burke, Adam Hennigan, Tom Burke; U11 girls 4th place - Sophia Jordan, Emma Darcy, Fiadh Quinn, Lauryn Hughes; U12 mixed (4 x 500m) team 1 - Ciara Coyle, Hugh Hyland, Aoife Connelly, Nathaniel Price, team 2- Kayla Broderick, Iarlaith Kavanagh, Robyn Monteith, Richie Gallagher, Josh Munnelly; U13 boys team 1 securing silver - Charlie Corcoran, Kyle Marrey, Quinlan Gladding, Aaron Hastings, team 2 securing gold - James Darcy, Ethan O'Reilly, Fionn Julian, Jack Halligan; U13 girls 4th place - Emma Jane Burke, Aoife Dunne, Caoimhe Julian, Meabh Kelly; U17 mixed securing silver, Sarah Groarke, Evan Hughes, Rachel Halligan, Darragh O'Brien, Siobhán Hyland. Masters taking gold - Eamon Hyland, Trish Hyland, Amanda Hynes, Peter Hynes.
As part of this year’s 2026 Siamsa Sraide Street Festival a special event was held at Esker on the Castlebar Road about two kilometres from Swinford town. The event commemorated the deaths of two French soldiers who died there in August 1798 while marching from Castlebar where the French army of 800 soldiers and 2000 United Irishmen rebels under the command of Jean Joseph Amable Humbert defeated a much larger British Crown force numbering up to 5000 men and led by Viscount Gerard Lake. This battle is better known as The Races of Castlebar. The two soldiers had, it is believed, been wounded in the battle and succumbed to their injuries at Esker. Humbert was anxious that they should have a proper burial. Contact was made with the owner of the nearest house and lands, a Mr Frank Gallagher. Although neither General Humbert nor his officers had much English and Frank Gallagher could only speak Gaelic [which was common at that time] both men understood Latin. Permission was graciously given to bury the brave soldiers. Mr Gallagher then brought one of the officers into Swinford and introduced him to Stephen Mellett, who was sympathetic to the cause and who supplied two coffins [gratis]. After the burial, the location was marked by a mound of stones which is still in situ.
The event was attended by many locals and dignitaries, including Bernie Dunford, wife of the late Stephen Dunford who had been most instrumental in keeping the memory of 1798 alive. The plaque was unveiled by Mary Holleran, a direct descendent of the Gallagher family. The grave was then blessed by Fr Clement. Prayers were recited by Anne Leyden and Breege Rowley. Speakers included the chairman of Siamsa Sraide Joe Mellett, the CEO Brid O’ Connell, the co ordinator and secretary Brendan Cassidy, Michael Brabazon, Moira Philbin, Laurnet Ganthier, Patricia Conway and Maura Sweeney who read the Requiem of the Croppies by Seamus Heaney. Padraic Mc Neela sang two traditional ballads [Who fears to speak of 98 and The Rising of the Moon]. The event closed with the playing of the French National Anthem, on the bagpipes by David Cloherty a member of the Crimlin Pipe Band.
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the two brave soldiers who died at this location, 228 years ago and thus preserved their memory for the future. Afterwards the attendees marched into Swinford led by the Franco Irish Historical Society En Garde from Limerick attired in full French Army costumes and led by General Humbert, aka, Con O’Sullivan. The group was met by the Foxford Brass Band and the Midfield Pipe Band, both of whom led them into the Town Square where flowers were laid outside Corleys Hotel (where Humbert stayed in 1798]. The 1798 proclamation was read by Helena Stockpoole, followed by the 1916 Proclamation read by Angela Campbell and John Sheahan. The Midfield Pipe Band performed the playing of The National Anthem and the ceremony concluded with a rendition of the Foggy Dew by the Foxford Brass and Reed Band.
Sincere thanks must go to Mary and Aiden Barrett who, as present owners of the lands, gave their permission for the Memorial Plaque to be erected and to Brendan Cassidy and Moira Philbin for their commitment and dedication in the delivery of the completed project. The entire event can be viewed on You Tube. Stephen Mellett who supplied the coffins is the great, great, great, great grandfather of Marie Mellett, the present owner and seventh generation in Melletts Emporium, which in 2027, will celebrate 230 years of continuous trading in the same family.
Part 1 of a two-part special of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival 2026 Highlights will air on Tuesday, September 22, at 8.30pm on TV Ireland Sky channel 588, Freeview channel 279 also on TV Ireland You tube channel. Part two will air on Tuesday, September 29, at 8.30pm on TV Ireland Sky channel 588 and Freeview channel 279.
Congratulations to Kieran McDonagh winner of the Swinford GAA 50/50 jackpot of €400.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on September 14, were 13, 21, 24 and 30. €70 vouchers were won by Louis O'Grady, Killasser and Anne Forkan, Lislackagh; €35 was won by Anthony Spain, Main Street, Dermot O’Brien, Cunnagher, Ross and Pauline Thompson, Meelick. The jackpot in the latest draw on September 21, was €8,600.
The Midfield Memorial Walk and 5k Fun Run in memory of Brian Lavin and to mark his first anniversary will take place on Saturday, September 26, at 3pm starting from St. Joesph’s Church, Midfield. All money raised will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and the new Sunflower Children's Hospice in Castlebar. Donations can be made on https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/midfieldmemorialwalk or on the day. Families and dogs are very welcome to join in the event.
Speed quizzing with DJ Baldy Mick will take place in the Gateway Hotel on Saturday, September 26, at 8.30pm to mark Amy Kate O'Sullivan's 10th Anniversary with all proceeds in aid of The Butterfly Garden. This event promises to be great fun, exhilarating as you test your knowledge and also frustrating when the Wonky Wheel turns the whole game on its head. It promises to be a great night out for family and friends alike.
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Western Alzheimers urgently need Volunteer Befrienders in your area. Do you have one to two hours per week to spare? Contact Lucy on 094 9364900 or 087 3694477.
The annual Coffee Morning/Cake Sale, in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, takes place on Thursday, September 24, in Bohola Community Centre, from 10am-2pm. Come along and support this wonderful cause. Anyone interested in helping out or baking for the morning, contact Vera on 087 6401155.
Everyone is invited to go along to the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola, on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.30pm, for their open evening and AGM. Go along, have a cuppa and take a look at some of the recent upgrades they have made to the centre. It is a great opportunity to see what’s been happening, hear about what’s ahead, and meet others involved in the community.
Congratulations to John McGloin who won a jackpot of €562 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, September 12. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
Moy Davitts are delighted to announce the arrival of Sam Maguire to their club grounds in Srath Garbh, Foxford on Saturday, September 26, from 10am-1pm. Gates open at 9am.
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The general public are invited to the launch of Kilmovee Community First Responders on Saturday, September 26, at 7pm in Kilmovee Community Centre. Call 086 8129082 or email kilmoveefrg@gmail.com for details.
The 20th edition of Kilkelly–Kilmovee Parish Magazine will be launched by Stuart Moyles at Ireland West Airport on Sunday, October 25, at 8pm. Mistress of ceremonies is Eunice Moran and Henry McGlade from TV Ireland recording the event. Admission is free and includes free parking and door prizes.
The new boules area at the back of the centre is being launched on Wednesday September 23, from 11 30am-12 30pm. Instructor Tracy will be on hand to facilitate the group for the next 10 weeks. They hope to then enter a Pétanque League under Mayo Sports Partnership if the group is interested. For more information and to book your place contact 089 4179929.
The lotto numbers drawn on Saturday September 5 were 8, 15, 21, 33. There was no winner.
