Local Notes: All the latest news from Swinford.
Cutting the memorial cake at Culture Night in Kilmovee Community Centre from Ireland West Camino were John Cannon, Sr Maureen, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council John Caulfield, Mary B Prendergast and Jeremi Salatova together with local people. Pic James Hunt.
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. This is a great opportunity for younger members to take part in county-level competitions. There are two age groups: U11 and 11–14 (age as of 1st January 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 further information and entry details.
Results from competitions played over the weekend of September 12/13 were; gents 1st Philip Irwin Jnr, 2nd Trevor McDonnell, 3rd Shane Lacey. Ladies: 1st Lorena McNicholas, 2nd Marion Maloney, and 3rd Fidelma Snee.
The annual Killasser Tractor Run will take place on Sunday, October 18, with registration from 1.30pm at Killasser Community Centre and the drive departs at 2pm. The cost is €20 per tractor, and €10 for second tractor. Refreshments and a participants raffle will take place afterwards.
Part 2 of a two-part special of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival 2026 Highlights will air this evening, Tuesday, September 29 at 8.30pm on TV Ireland Sky channel 588 and Freeview channel 279.
The Killasser/Callow Calendar Committee has commenced planning for the 2027 edition. The annual calendar is now in its 5th year and there is only one subject that could be covered given the year that it is. The theme is "Killasser/Callow celebrating Sam". People are invited to send in any photos of people and places of Killasser and Callow getting ready for, watching, or celebrating the match. These can include humorous decorations e.g. decorated silage bales etc. The committee would also like to include suitable examples of the humour around the match, so send any you feel would be appropriate. Email your pictures or for any further information to Killassercalendar@gmail.com.
Congratulations to JP Broderick winner of the Swinford GAA 50/50 jackpot of €400.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on September 21, were 2, 15, 17 and 29. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Margaret Price, Cullane and Jeremy Kerr, Meelick; €35 was won by Anne Reynolds, c/o Eurospar, Mark Fulham, Rathscanlon and Shannon Rigby, Bollingbrook Drive. The jackpot is now €8,800.
Application forms for the St Vincent de Paul Education Grant can be obtained by emailing mhoc.swinford@svp.ie. Please include the following information when requesting an application form – address and year of course (third level course or apprenticeship).
Congratulations to Maximillian Kucharzyk on winning five categories and five gold medals in Waterford at the IKF Open (WUKF). This is the first national competition following the World Championships in Romania where Maximillian won World Champion 2026.
A new song titled "Midfield in County Mayo", written by Midfield parishioner, Bernard O'Brien, and sung by local artist Michael Fox (Callow, Foxford) has been released, and it can be requested for airplay on local radio and online radio stations.
Congratulations to Swinford AC club members Pearse Gallagher and Cathal McNicholas who were recipients of the Martin Sheridan John Mc Donnell Bursary for 2026.
Pearse and Cathal were presented with their Bursary Awards by Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach John Caulfield at an award ceremony in Ardagh in recognition of their sporting achievements in the past year representing Ireland in their chosen sports.
Congratulations to Marek Konopielko who won €600 in the August KCC 50/50 draw with Liam Ginty, Alan Heaney and Natasha and Vinnie Ginty winning €20 spot prize each. The September draw takes place on Sunday, October 4.
The Rivers Trust and South Kerry Development Partnership is holding a Paludi Fair in Killasser Community Centre on Thursday, October 8, from 11am to 4pm. Paludiculture is the practice of farming on wet or restored peatlands, producing everything from berries and moss to thatching reeds and biomass crops. This event provides a welcoming space for all to discover some of the products emerging from this growing sector and learn about its potential in Ireland.
Swinford Folk Choir are looking for musicians to join them for Saturday evening Mass. If you are an adult or teenager and enjoy playing music, why not give it a try. Music notes will be provided. If interested contact Marie on 087 2805222.
Congratulations to Mellett’s Emporium whose Beer Garden has been named the Best Outdoor Space in Connacht by Irish Pub Awards.
Card games will take place in Killasser Community Centre on Monday nights at 8pm. If you are interested, contact 085 1565150 to be added to the WhatsApp Group - games will go ahead depending on if enough people are available to attend. Beginners welcome.
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Following a series of workshops, the students of St Nathy’s College and local artist Tuesday Whitfield presented the Open Book Project. On Culture Night 2026, students were invited to ‘Borrow’ a community member. It was an inspiring, interactive event, facilitated by Tuesday and the students.
Local people Fatima Mahio, Niamh McGarry , Barra O'Flanniagh, David Whitfield, and Maire Caulfield shared their lives as human books. Students of St Nathys Ivy O'Connor, Milo Grearson, and Daniel Phillips interviewed them under the guidance of Tuesday Whitfield.
Taking place in Ballaghaderreen Library, people as ‘books’ shared their lived experiences in short sessions. Through this project, the artist and students aimed to promote Inclusivity, equality, and cultural diversity to challenge stereotypes and build understanding of each other. This project was Funded by Creative Roscommon Creative Communities Grant 2026, Ballaghaderreen Town Team with support by St Nathys College, Kathryn O'Dowd, Ballaghaderreen Library and Creative Places Ballaghaderreen.
Congratulations to Elaine Kenny and David Clarke who were married in Urlaur on Saturday, September 12. They are wished every good wish for good health and happiness in their lives into the future.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot now is €1,300 on 49 calls and the house lotto is €1,320 on 4 correct numbers and there is also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
The 20th edition of Kilkelly–Kilmovee Parish Magazine will be launched by Stuart Moyles at Ireland West Airport on Sunday, October 25, at 8pm. The event will commence at 8 pm and mistress of ceremonies is Eunice Moran, with local musicians, and Henry McGlade from TV Ireland recording the event. Admission is free.
Kilmovee Active Age Thursday Club are hosting an open day on Thursday, October 29, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Admission is €10 and it is open to the public. There will be finger food, live music, a raffle with valuable prizes. In addition there will be a door prize and a fancy dress prize. The committee would appreciate if people would dress up in fancy dress, but this is not essential. Book your place and pay in advance by contacting Kilmovee Community Centre on 094 9649484. The last day to book is October 22. This is required to facilitate catering.
Items for inclusion in the weekly parish newsletter should be community based or from voluntary organisations. Please 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.
The Age Strong, Live Long Health and Wellbeing event is being held on Thursday, October1, in the Great National Hotel Ballina, F26 X5P3. Doors open at 10am for workshops. The main event takes place from 1.15 – 4pm. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite or 094 9049291.
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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 at 094 9364900 or 087 3694477.
Everyone is invited the the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola, on Tuesday, October 6 at 7.30pm. Come along, have a cuppa and take a look at some of the recent upgrades that have been 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.
Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.
Congratulations to Martin Jordan, Bohola, who won a jackpot of €639 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 on Saturday, September 19. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
Learn a new skill at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, with the Museum Knitting and Crochet Circle. The group is meeting on Friday, October 2, from 11am to 1pm. This is a friendly meeting of talented craft workers with a keen interest in all things woolly. Come along to exchange tips, patterns, ideas and a chat. Beginners are welcome. This is a free, drop-in activity suitable for adults and children, aged seven years plus. No booking required.
