Local Notes: All the news from East Mayo
Pictured at the Memorial Mass at Lios Na Leannai in Kilmovee were, from left: Tina Coakley, Mary Teresa Duffy, Thomas Regan, Fr Joseph Gavigan PP and Anna Marie Tiernan. Picture: James Hunt Photography
Siamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival was launched on Friday, May 29th, by Aaron McLoughlin in the White House following the unveiling of a plaque on Main Street, Swinford dedicated to Irish Volunteer Peter Neary and entertainment by Midfield Pipe Band.
The 2026 brochure of events is available in local businesses or can be downloaded on www.siamsasraide.ie.
The Siamsa Sráide Committee have also 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 from free open air music performances by Ritchie Remo, Mike Denver, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Finein Quinn, Shane Ruane to name but a few,
There will also be a circus show, fire show, award-winning dancers and so much more. All funds raised from this campaign are strictly for entertainment costs only. Some 90% of Siamsa Sráide events are staged free of charge for all members of the community and visitors to attend and enjoy. 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.
Swinford Killasser LGFA will host a car wash and bake sale on Saturday, June 20, from 10am to 2pm at Swinford Amenity Park. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Swinford National School Parents' Association will host a 24-hour Sponsored Walk on June 11th and 12th at the Amenity Park to raise funds for the School Astro Pitch Fundraiser.
Parents, family members, friends, and the wider community are invited to take part by walking for just one or two hours around the amenity pitch. Every step taken helps support better facilities and opportunities for the children. To take part or find out more, contact Roisin on 087-6153826
Are you recovering from a cardiac event? You’re not alone.
Join the Croí Heart and Stroke Charity, Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group, for heart recovery and support. The next meeting will take place in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on Wednesday, June 11, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. A dietitian will present on a heart healthy diet. Connect with others who understand, share experiences and learn together. This initiative is a collaboration between Croí and the HSE in Mayo.
Congratulations to Conor Forkan who won €500 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The Bridie Ronayne Memorial Tournament commenced in Swinford Golf Club on June 8th and will run until June 13th. It is a Ladies Open and Gents 18-Hole Stableford. The entry fee is €10 and it is supporting The Butterfly Garden. All donations welcome.
Presentations on Saturday next, June 13, in Swinford Golf Club at 9pm sharp. For more information, contact Gerry on 087-6036565.
The results from the competitions played at Swinford Golf Club over the June Bank Holiday weekend, sponsored by VPR Accountancy:
Gents - Guinness Cup: 1st, Daniel Irwin; Tied 2nd, Kevin Irwin and Neil Fallon.
Ladies - Date O'Hara Cup: 1st, Dympna O'Donnell; 2nd, Hilary McCrohan; 3rd, Dearbhla Mullins.
Swinford Golf Club are running a raffle to coincide with Captain's Day.
If you are interested in buying a ticket, contact Margaret Sweeney, John Sheahan or Mona Curry. Tickets are €10 and limited to 200.
First prize is a Thermomix T6, second prize is an airfryer and third prize is a slow cooker.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on June 2nd when the numbers drawn were 2, 9, 18 and 28.
€70 vouchers were won by Seamus Neary, Callow Foxford and Hospice Staff, Swinford.
The jackpot is now €5,600 and you can pick up tickets locally.
Time to Shine Talent Competition, in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival, returns this August. Applications are now open. 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. Please contact 087-4636841to register your interest in participating.
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). The blessing is by Bishop of Achonry Kevin Doran.
Congratulations to Michael Mulholland and Sarah Farlow who were married recently in Midfield Church.
Congratulations to Rachel McNicholas, Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford who won gold in the Junior Girls Shot Putt, and silver in the Junior Girls Hammer with a new PB of 47.90m; to Emma Nolan, Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford and Aine Lavin, St Louis CS, Kiltimagh who claimed 1st and 2nd in Shot Putt at the Schools All-Ireland Track and Field events in Tullamore.
Michaela Walsh had another fantastic day out recently at the National Outdoor Open in Tullamore claiming first place in the Women’s Shot Putt.
Congratulations to Alan Dunne of Swinford AC on his fantastic finish at the Trail de Guerledan. Alan was part of an Irish team who competed in the 26km event, a tough race over mountainous terrain. Alan achieved sixth position overall, was first in his age category and had the honour of leading the Irish team to bronze medal position.
This is the first time Ireland secured a podium finish in the event.
Horticulturist Dennis O'Hara will give a talk on Summer in the Garden on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8pm in the Meeting Room on Lower Main Street in Swinford. He will be happy to answer any gardening questions after the talk.
Dennis will also have flowers, plants etc available for sale. Everyone is welcome to attend. The charge for non-members is €5.
Two Battle of The Bands events in support of Lovefest 2026 at Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival in Swinford will take place in Mellett's Emporium on June 12th and in The Whitehouse on July 11th.
To participate in these events, please contact Michael on 087-9064865.
Items for inclusion in the Swinford 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).
The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm each Wednesday.
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Kilmovee
Congratulations to Louise Tunney, Kilkelly and Patrick Lally, who were married in Woodfield Church on Saturday, May 23rd.
We extend every good wish to them for health and happiness into the future.
A new approach to grass cycling with the rules revamped and made into a simple low barrier fun event has now gained national attention, including visits from the president of Cycling Ireland after three successful years in Mayo national schools.
For the 2026-'27 school year, a unique twist has unfolded. Pupils from Mayo are now in a countywide competition to rename the event.
The announcement of a new name together with dates and venues will be made by pupils of 4th, 5th and 6th Class from Kilmovee N.S.
Pupils are on their bikes at 12.30pm on Friday next, June 12, cycling to The Thatch in Kilmovee Community Centre where they will be joined by Cycling Ireland staff and local dignitaries. This is their day and they want you to celebrate with them. Tea, coffee and legendary Kilmovee hospitality will be available to all who attend ... see you there.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Jimmy Cunningham, Culliagh and Dublin on his recent passing.
Sympathy also to Anne Jordan, formerly from Rusheens on the death of her partner Alan Dawson, Leicester, UK; to Paddy Nyland, Kilkelly on the death of his brother Tom (Killorglin and Swinford); to Anne Marie Rushe, Ballinrumpa on the death of her mother, Annie Kate O’Hara, Aclare; and to Josephine Regan Egool and Breege Regan Shraheens on the death of their sister Mary Daniels, Connecticut, USA.
The numbers drawn in the Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Lotto on Saturday, May 23, were 8, 12, 24 and 25.
There was no winner of the jackpot.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot now is €550 on 45 calls and the house lotto is €680 on four correct numbers and also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
The Active Age Group meets every Thursday in Kilmovee Community Centre from 11am to 2.30pm. Come along from 11am for tea/coffee/chat. exercises around midday, lunch at 1pm with Bingo afterwards. It is a lovely way to spend a few hours in good company, get some exercise and a good lunch. The group looks forward to welcoming you. The cost is €10 a week plus annual membership.
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in our area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at or for further information please contact ALONE on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to learn more about the services ALONE can offer, please call 0818 222 024.
The Achonry and Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from August 28 to September 2, and will be led by Bishop Kevin Doran.
For bookings, please contact JWT at 01-6852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. For assisted pilgrims who will stay in the Accueil, please contact Fr Ray Milton on 090-6661115 before June 11th.
