Local Notes: Enjoying the Tony and Bernie Towey Dance Competition in the Brusna Inn.
At the Tony and Bernie Towey Dance Competition which was held recently were from left; Martin and Evelyn Cawley, Kathleen, Anne and Martin Bourke. Picture James Hunt Photography.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 0877694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
The Killasser Community Care and Killasser Community Centre committees will hold the Annual 25 Card Drive on Monday, December 9.
Congratulations to Tony Lynskey who won €625 with Stephanie Heaney and Douglas Kelly winning the €20 spot prize each in the October KCC 50/50 draw. The November draw takes place on Sunday, December 8.
Swinford Golf Club table quiz will take place on Saturday, December 14, at 8pm in Swinford Golf Clubhouse. Teams of 4 and €40 entry. 1st prize is a €300 fuel voucher, plus plenty of other fantastic prizes. All proceeds go to support the Junior Golf Program to help nurture the next generation of golfers while having a night full of fun, trivia, and a bit if craic!
Clann Machua Drama Group will present the hilarious comedy A Wake in the West in the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh on Tuesday, December 3, Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5, at 8pm each night. Tickets on door.
There will be a Christmas Market in the Courtyard at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, from 1 to 5pm on Sunday, December 15. Browse unique and special gifts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more. There will also be a live crib display with Kiltimagh Pet Farm and festive storytelling with Fiona Dowling. See www.museum.ie for further details.
The Butterfly Garden committee are delighted to launch a very unique calendar of special images from The Butterfly Garden Swinford honouring all the little babies who couldn't stay. Calendars are €10 each (postage extra) with all proceeds going to the Butterfly Garden Maintenance fund. To order, call or text Natasha on 086 3622522.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on November 25, were 7, 9, 12 and 13. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by C & G McNicholas, Tubbercurry and Lorraine Kelly, Gleann Darrach; €35 was won by Lilian Judson, Cloonfinish, Eileen Duffy, Johnsfort and Michael Durkan, Kinaffe. The jackpot is now €19,000.
Results from the game played on November 23 were; 1st/2nd was shared by Michael Ryan, Francie Rowley, Matt Duggan and Geraldine Turbitt; 3rd prize was won by Phillip Moore and Jack Pidgeon. Raffle prizes were won by Peter Geraghty, Ronan Monaghan and Gerry Ronayne. The card game continues every Thursday night at 9pm in Swinford Golf Club Clubhouse.
This year’s Swinford AC Santa Run will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 11am from Swinford Amenity Centre. Dress up in your Santa outfits and after your run/jog or walk, enjoy some refreshments with friends. All proceeds in aid of two local charities Swinford SVP and Swinford and Meals on Wheels.
Congratulations to Swinford AC member Caitlin Hughes who has been named to represent Ireland in the European Cross Country Championships. Caitlin will wear the Ireland jersey as part of the U20 team at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships which take place in Antalya, Turkey, on Sunday, December 8.
Swinford AC AGM took place in Swinford Cultural Centre on Friday, November 22. A review of 2023-2024 took place where the numerous achievements across all ages were discussed and celebrated. It was unanimously agreed that one of the biggest successes of the club this year was its fundraising efforts of €6,139 to four local charities.
Mindspace Mayo received €1000 from the 2024 Santa Run, Cancer Care West received €2909 from the Run for Hope, Kelly's Walk 2 Rome received €860 euro from the Siamsa 5k and Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation received €1370 from the Killasser 5k in memory of Maureen Murphy.
Many committee members of 2023-2024 were re-elected for the upcoming year as follows: chairperson Michael Oliver; president Padraig Walsh and Eamon Ring, secretary Adette Gallagher, treasurer Eamon Hyland, registrar Siobhan Gallagher, competition secretary Sharon Campbell, PRO/Social Lorraine Julian, vice chair Kieran Gallagher, vice treasurer Angela Gaughan, vice secretary (newly elected) Catherine Mc Donagh (outgoing Vanessa Crawford).
Thank you to all the committee members for their hard work and dedication and wishing the newly elected members the best for 2025. A special word of thanks to the amazing coaching team who make the club what it is today. If you would like to become a coach and learn from the best, contact a committee member.
Active Pole Walking to music every Thursday at 10.30am for 1 hour in Swinford Cultural Centre followed by tea/coffee and biscuits after. €4 to help cover hall hire, tea and insurance.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Catherine Mulligan, Tavanaglass, Midfield, Swinford and Woodview, Belleek, Ballina and Patricia McCann (née Turbitt), Magheraboy, Kilmovee and formerly of Sancta Maria Terrace, Swinford. May they rest in peace.
Midfield Development Association are delighted to be hosting the Christmas gathering in Julian’s on Sunday, December 8. Professional boxer and Midfield native, Eoghan Lavin, will be switching on the lights on the village tree at 4.45pm before Santa’s arrival at 5pm. As well as meeting Santa, there will be face painting, gingerbread men decorating, arts and crafts, letters to Santa and dancing with the elves, raffle on the night with loads of fabulous spot prizes thanks to the generosity of the local businesses and individuals alike. This is a fundraiser for Midfield Development in Association with the An’dagi Foundation which runs Fr Victors schools in Africa. Admission €10 per child, €20 per family (no bookings necessary) Any enquiries 087 4134998.
Please note that on Sunday, December 8, Julian’s Carvery will finish at 4pm to get ready for Santa’s arrival at 5pm.
The Coolegarne Lights will be launched on Friday, December 6, at 7pm. All proceeds collected this year will go towards the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.
Results of the card games played in Meelick on Tuesday, November 26; card winners Philip Moore, Seamus Conwell, Michael Ryan, Francie Rowley, Annie McNeela, Esther Munnelly, Tom Durkan, Noreen Geraghty, Kieran Rowley, Patricia Rowley, Margaret Sweeney and Ann Rowley. Raffle prizes were won by Francie Rowley, Ann Rowley, Margaret Waters and Mary Higgins.
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The death took place of Patricia McCann, Magheraboy, peacefully surrounded by her family on November 23, at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Patricia was a native of Swinford and resided with her family at Sancta Maria Terrace. Patricia was predeceased by her parents James and Margaret, and sisters Mary, Carmel, Dorothy, Madeline and Josephine. She is survived by her husband Tommy, daughters Patricia and Margaret-Mary, sons Patrick, Thomas, James and John, brother Jimmy, seventeen grandchildren, sons-in-law Larry and Jimmy, daughters-in-law Lisa, Jessica and Siobhan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Patricia reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Tuesday, November 26. Removal took place from her home on Wednesday, November 27, to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí cemetery. May Patricia rest in peace as we offer our deepest sympathy to all who mourn her passing.
The next Heritage Night will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Monday, December 9. Come along and join in with live music, song and dance, home-baked goods and a raffle. All are welcome. Doors open at 8pm and admission is free.
Sean Keane is scheduled to appear in Kilmovee Community Centre on Friday, December 6, at 8pm. Tickets are €30. For further information contact 094 9649484.
Kilmovee Community Christmas Party will take place on Sunday, December 15, from 1-5pm. The lunch is supported by Kilmovee Bingo and everyone will be treated to carol singing, a festive two course lunch, dancing, mince pies, drinks and lots of fun. Tickets are €20 and places are limited. Call Kilmovee Community Centre to book your place on 094 96 49484.
The death took place of Michael Keane, Sinolane, Kilmovee, peacefully on November 22, in the Oakwood Nursing Home, Ballaghaderreen. Michael was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, his brother Francis and his brother-in-law PJ McDermott. Michael is survived by his sisters Mary and Theresa, his nephews Aidan, and Gerard, their wives Ciara and Sandra, and grand-nephews Cian and Liam, extended family and a wide circle of wonderful neighbours and friends. Michael reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Sunday, November 24, with removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Glann arriving at 8pm. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Monday, November 25, at 11am followed by interment in Urlaur Abbey cemetery. May Michael rest in peace as we offer our deepest sympathy to all who are bereaved.
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Congratulations to Michael McDonagh, Foxford, who won a jackpot of €335 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, November 23. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
Moy Davitts 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book will be launched by Martin Carney on Saturday, December 7, at 8.30pm in the Moy Hotel. The sporting, cultural and social memories of Moy Davitts GAA club and Moy Davitts LGFA are compiled in this wonderful limited edition publication which will be available to purchase at the launch.
A Candlelight Concert with John McNicholl and his Band takes place in Bohola Church on Saturday, December 14, at 8pm in aid of the Durkan Community Park. Tickets are limited and can be purchased from committee members and are on sale online.
