Local Notes: Jim Lavin Memorial Cup competition at Swinford Bridge Club
Congratulations to Tom Salmon and Paddy Gallagher winners of the Jim Lavin Memorial Cup at Swinford Bridge Club meet in the Gateway Hotel, Swinford on Monday, January 26, last. Jim Lavin was one of the founding members of Swinford Bridge Club.
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 0877694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Results of the games played on Tuesday, January 27; card winners were Dan Walsh, John Walsh, Patricia Rowley, Kieran Rowley, Michael Durkin and Michael Regan. Raffle prizes were won by Tom Durkin, Dan Walsh, Michael Ward, Geraldine Turbitt and Noreen Geraghty. Games continue every Tuesday at 9pm in Meelick Community Centre.
Congratulations to Paul McNeela who won €450 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
25 card game is held on Monday nights in Killasser Community Centre at 8pm. Beginners welcome. €4 per night. Contact Geraldine at 085 156 5150 to join a WhatsApp group.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on January 26, were; 8, 21, 22 and 25. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by The Sheedys, Collagh and Ruby Dunleavy, Johnsfort; €35 was won by Adam Galvin, Callow. The jackpot in the draw held on Monday, February 2, was €11,400.
Results from the card game held in Swinford Golf Clubhouse on Thursday, January 22 were; card winners - 1st Margaret Sweeney and Brian McNulty, 2nd/3rd prize was shared by Martin McNeela, Marty Munnelly, Gerry Ronayne, Philip Irwin, Peter Geraghty and Michael O’Neill. Raffle prizes were won by Annie McNeela, Philip Moore, Noreen Geraghty and Ann Rowley. Game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
Killasser Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting on Friday, February 6, at 8pm. All welcome to attend.
Swinford Youth Garden of Remembrance members are looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden situated at the Cultural Centre. Any help would be appreciated. If interested contact 085 7468401.
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support provided. If interested apply via the ALONE website www.alone.ie or for further information contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 or volunteer@alone.ie. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer please call 0818 222 024.
Pickleball takes place in Swinford Community Centre on Wednesdays from 7-8pm. All welcome.
Swinford’s Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade is in its 74th successful year and will be held on St Patrick’s Day at 3pm. The 2026 theme is Irish Myths, Legends and Folklore. The parade is open to all clubs, organisations, schools, businesses and individuals to participate. The more floats the better the day is. All questions/ applications can be sent to Swinford St Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page or contact Megan Durkan at megandurkan@icloud.com.
Swinford Community Games AGM will take place on Thursday, February 5, in the Amenity Park at 8pm. Volunteers needed to help run the events this year. Please support.
Enrolment forms for Meelick NS are now available. Contact Meelick NS on 094 9384214 or email meelickns1@gmail.com Enrolment forms for Swinford NS are now available on the school website www.swinfordns.com or from the school office. Completed enrolment forms must be returned before February 13.
Enrolment forms for Carramore NS are now available. Contact 071 918 1435 or email: carramorenationalschool@gmail.com.
Enrolment forms for Killasser NS are now available. Contact 094 9251489 or email: killasserschool@gmail.com.
The Westnet Mayo Athletic Awards were hosted by Erris Athletic Club in The Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet recently. The awards honoured athletes - young and not so young - from all over Mayo for their achievements on track and field, cross country, nationally and internationally during 2025. Another very successful year for athletes from Mayo. Over three hundred and twenty athletes, coaches, parents, grandparents and friends turned out in style for a great day to celebrate the fantastic success of all those athletes. The awards ceremony was preceded by a gala dinner.
Congratulations to the Swinford AC members who received an award on the day: Team Achievement Award was won by Caitlin Hughes;Achievement Award went to James Darcy, Lottie Heaney, Rachel McNicholas and Siobhan Hyland; High Achievement Award was won by Emma Nolan and Saoirse Hunter; Special Achievement Award went to Rory Gruddy; Extraordinary Achievement Award was presented to Cathal McNicholas, Michaela Walsh and Shane Bracken; and Senior Club of the Year Award was won by Swinford AC.
Swinford Killasser LGFA, Swinford GAA, and Swinford Football Club are coming together for a jersey and sports gear sale in the Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 28, from 2–4.30pm. The initiative is all about pre-loved gear, one big swap, and an even bigger sense of community. Three clubs, one brilliant event with something for everyone. Gear drop-off dates: February13, 20 and 27 to Swinford Amenity Park from 6–9pm.
The Coolegrane Christmas Lights display raised €6,625 for Down Syndrome Ireland, Mayo Branch this year. A huge thanks to everyone who donated to the charity in any way and to the people who also donated spot prizes for the raffle. Presentation of the money raised will take place in the Moy Hotel Foxford on Friday, February 6, from 9pm, with music by Pats Country Road Show.
The committee thank everyone who came out to support the St Stephen’s Day fundraising walk. A total of €1,030 was raised on the day, your generosity is much appreciated. This was divided equally between the Defib Fund and the Christmas Tree Lights fund. Special thanks to everyone who helped especially those who set out the route markers, the tables in the hall, those on registration and a special thanks to those who provided a welcoming warm cuppa and treat after the walk. An additional €100 was donated prior to the walk to the Defib fund. The committee would also like to acknowledge receipt of €1,380 from the Christmas themed Tractor Run that took place on Sunday, December 28, in memory of James Geraghty, and they thank Breda and James’ family and friends for organising this fundraiser, proceeds of which were divided between the Defib Fund and Ground Force. The defibrillators at Killasser Community Centre and Callow Church have now been replaced with new and updated defibrillators.
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The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre is available to hire for classes, meetings, events, parties and more. There is also an astro turf pitch, kitchen facilities, meeting room, large hall and parking. Book now for 2026 at sheridanmccbohola@gmail.com.
Kids Jiving classes commence in Bohola Community Centre, Bohola, commenced on Wednesday, January 28, from 4.30 – 5.15pm for children aged 3 to 6, and from 5.15 -6pm for children aged 7 to 11. The cost for the 4 week course of jiving, line dancing and waltz, is €40 for 1, €75 for 2 siblings. To book contact jivingjuniors@gmail.com, 086 2108029 or www.sandraganleydance.ie. Booking is essential.
The bake sale in Bohola on Sunday, January 18, raised €469.60 in support of the Rise and Shine charity. Special thanks to Mary Sewell, Noreen Byrne, John Jordan, Irena Walsh, the JP2 students and to all who baked and supported in any way. Well done to all involved.
Enrolment is now open at Bohola National School for the 2026/2027 school year. A copy of the school’s admission policy and application form for admission is available to download from the school website at www.boholans.ie. Alternatively, these documents may be requested by emailing boholaschool@gmail.com or by writing to: The Principal, Bohola NS, Bohola, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 PR53. An open evening will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at 5pm, providing an opportunity to view the school and meet the staff.
Congratulations to Claire Mulvey who won a jackpot of €348 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, January 24. 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).
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Kilmovee NS are now accepting enrolments for the school year 2026/27. Forms are available from the school. Please contact school Principal Caitriona McDonnell at kilmoveens1@gmail.com.
The annual general meeting for Kilmovee Swimming Pool will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at 7.30pm, in Kilmovee Community Centre. The current committee would really appreciate your attendance at this meeting to show your support for such a valuable local amenity.
Circle of Security 8 week parenting programme is starting on February 26, from 10.30-12 noon in Kilkelly Trimoge Community Centre. This is a lovely programme for parents/carers of children aged from 0 to 6 years. This course is free of charge. It’s also a lovely way of meeting other parents in the area. There is a limited number of places so booking is essential.
The death took place of Marian Phillips, Tavnaghbeg, Cloontia, Carracastle. and late of Derrinabroc East, Cloontia) on January 13, peacefully at home in the tender loving care of her family. Marian was predeceased by her husband Johnny, son Martin John, and her son-in-law Seamus Davey, her sisters Rita, Vergie, Madeline and her brother Paddy.
Marian is survived by her heartbroken family, daughters Christina and Marilyn, sons Padraic and Des, her brother Christy, son-in-law Dave, daughters-in-law Mary and Ann, her 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.
Marian reposed at home in Tavnaghbeg on Thursday, January 15, with removal from her home on Friday, January 16, at 12.30pm to arrive at the Church of Ss. John the Baptist and Colman Derrinacartha for Mass of the Resurrection at 1pm followed by interment in Carracastle Cemetery. May Marian rest in peace as sympathy is offered to the bereaved.
