Local Notes: Celebration for 125th anniversary of founding of P O'Connor & Son, Solicitors, Swinford.
Celebration for 125th anniversary of the founding of P. O'Connor & Son solicitors in 1900. The function took place in Belleek Castle Ballina with Neil Reilly and Samantha Geraghty. Picture: John O'Grady.
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 on Wednesday prior to publication.
Midfield Development Association express their thanks to John Conlon from Kiltimagh First Responders who recently delivered refresher training to their trained personnel. The revised list of first responders is available in the cabinet adjacent to the defibrillator on the forge at the crossroads, across from Julian’s.
Swinford AC annual Christmas Santa Run will take place on Saturday, December 13, at 12 noon starting at Swinford Amenity Park. The cost is €5 per person, €10 per family. Come along for a run, walk or jog and some festive cheer. There will be a raffle and festive refreshments afterwards with all proceeds going to Swinford Tidy Town Association.
Congratulations to Gary McNeela who won €456 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Results of Swinford Community lotto draw held on December 1, had the numbers 2, 7, 17 and 22 drawn. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Anne Spragg, Oak Drive, Swinford and T. Reddington, c/o Moore's; €35 was won by Anne Spragg, Oak Drive, Swinford, Renee McDonnell, Killasser, Patricia Tunney, Cloonlara, Mary Reilly, Carnin, Tom Rooney, c/o Michael Kennedy, Brackloon and Sheila Reddington, Lislackagh, Swinford. The jackpot in the draw held on December 8, was €10,000.
Results from the games played in Swinford Golf Club on Thursday, November 27, are as follows; card winners 1st and 2nd prize was shared by Peter Geraghty, Michael O’Neill, Maureen Morley and Brian McNulty; 3rd prize was shared by Adrian King, David Molloy, Tom Durkan and Noreen Geraghty. Raffle prizes were won by Leo Murtagh, Philip Irwin, Matt Duggan, Philip Moore, Michael Moran, Bernard Callaghan Adrian King. The game continues every Thursday night at 9pm, and all are welcome.
Killasser Bingo is returning to the Turf Shed on Wednesday, December 17, at 7.30pm. Proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of a replacement parish defibrillator.
Pickleball takes place in Swinford Community Centre every Wednesday at 7pm. All welcome. Come along and give it a go, contact 089 4841267 for further information.
Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford, is setting up an Alumni Association. If you are a past pupil of St Mary's Secondary School Swinford (day pupil or boarder), St Patrick's College Swinford (amalgamating in 1985 to form Meán Scoil Muire agus Pádraig) or Swinford Vocational School (amalgamating in 1993 to form Scoil Muire agus Pàdraig) the school would love to hear from you. If you want to learn more or get involved email Mr Damien McGraith principal@scmap.ie.
The newly opened Novel Bean in Swinford will host its first-ever writer event on Thursday, December 11, with celebrated Mayo author Liam Horan taking centre stage as the café’s inaugural featured Author of the Month. The event begins at 7.30pm, and all are welcome. Horan, a native of Ballinrobe, recently won the prestigious Gerald Griffin Award for First Original Adult Fiction 2025 for his debut novel ‘On The Way Out’. His work blends sharp observation with deep empathy, bringing to life characters navigating the quiet complexities of the modern-day West of Ireland. The award has marked him as one of the most exciting new literary voices to emerge this year.
The evening promises an enjoyable and informal gathering, where Horan will read from his novel, discuss his writing journey and answer questions from attendees. Readers, aspiring writers, book lovers and community members are invited to come along. Liam will also sign books on the night. No pre-booking is necessary.
The first ever Turf Fest, Turf Fest 2025 in aid of local charity, The Butterfly Garden, will take place in The Turf Shed Killasser on Saturday, December 13. Entry is free on the night. There will be a raffle on the night and donations buckets with all money raised going to The Butterfly Garden. Six amazing local music acts will be performing live throughout the evening and night. Doors open at 5pm with the first act on stage at 5.30pm: Rachel Knox, 6.10pm: Kai Kinsella, 7pm: Par 9, 7.45pm: Elevation, 9pm: Blue Lagoon and 10.15pm: On Death’s Door. (Start times subject to slight changes). A fantastic night full of live music from local acts, whilst raising funds for an amazing local charity. Come along and support local musicians and help raise funds for a wonderfully worthwhile cause.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Sr. Margaret McCann, Convents of Mercy, Collooney and Swinford formerly of Derryronane, Swinford; Chris Heeran, Kiltimagh Road, Swinford; Paddy McManus, Carracanada, Swinford; Francis Judge, Maugheraboy, Killasser; and Harry O’Neill, New York (brother of Eugene O’Neill, Creggaun, Killasser). May they all rest in peace.
The Coolegrane Lights were switched on, on Friday, December 6. This fantastic annual display, established in 2006 has raised vital funds for charities over the years. This year, all proceeds collected will go to Down Syndrome Mayo Branch. Everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the light display. Donation box situated at the entry and all donations will be greatly appreciated.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig class of 1995 30-year school reunion will take place on Saturday December 27, at 8pm in Mellett’s Emporium. Contact Joanne on 087 2053438 for further details.
Results of the games played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, December 2 are as follows; card winners Brian McNulty, Michael O’Neill, Francie Rowley, Michael Ryan, John Doyle and Eileen Cafferty. Raffle prizes were won by Tom Killilea, Peter Geraghty, Philip Moore, Dette Ryder and Eileen Geraghty. Games continue every Tuesday at 9pm, and all are welcome.
***************
A fundraiser will take place in McDonaghs Pub on Saturday, December 20, in aid of Rise and Shine, formally Irish Pilgrimage Trust, which provides supported pilgrimage holidays for guests with additional needs and respite for their families. Kenneth Moran is undertaking a cycle in aid of same from Chartres to Lourdes (789Km). There will be a raffle, music, food and craic on the night and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to Sharon Murphy who won a jackpot of €520 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, November 29. 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).
Durkan Bohola Community Park are inviting all members of the community to join them for their annual general meeting on Sunday, December 14, at 7pm in the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre. This is your chance to have your say, share ideas, and get involved in shaping the future of your local community space. Your voice matters the members would love to see you there.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford are having the Class of 1995, 30-year School Reunion on Saturday, December 27, at 8pm, in Mellett's Emporium, Swinford. Contact Joanne on 087 205 3438 for further details.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting an individual with a disability for a few hours per week or month, or more regular? Western Care is looking for single people, couples or families to provide respite breaks for children and adults across County Mayo in your own home. If you are interested or want more information, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Co-Ordinator, on 094 9029148.
