Local Notes: Katrina Armstrong Community Spirit Award presented in Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford.
Conor Goldrick accepting the Katrina Armstrong Community Spirit Award on behalf of Cuimsiú Mhaigh Eo with members of Swinford Comhaltas, the Armstrong family and staff of Scoil Muire agus Padraig Swinford.
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.
Cuimsiú Mhaigh Eo was honoured with the Katrina Armstrong Community Spirit Award at the recent awards ceremony in Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford. The award is a very special recognition of the wonderful spirit of inclusion, friendship, music and community that Cuimsiú Mhaigh Eo represents across the county. The award was proudly accepted on behalf of the group by Conor Goldrick, alongside Máirín Noone and Clodagh Gleeson from Swinford Comhaltas (Michael Davitt CCÉ). Conor was deeply honoured to receive the award on behalf of everyone involved in Cuimsiú Mhaigh Eo.
Swinford FC are outing a call out for players for their U18 men’s team. Registration on https://hub.klubfunder.com/SwinfordfootballClub/membership/membership-payment.
The Novel Bean Swinford is delighted to announce that they will be holding an Irish Evening on the last Thursday of every month going forward from Thursday, May 28, from 4pm to 6pm.
Congratulations to James and Michelle McLoughlin winners of the Killasser Community Centre April 50/50 draw, €20 spot prize draw winners were Shane Cunney, Tom McNulty and Brendan Fallon. The May draw will be held on June 7.
Congratulations to Sorcha, Marie and Grandad who won €440 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Results from the competitions played over the weekend of May 16/17: Ladies: 9 Hole Stableford 1st Bernie Walsh, 2nd Edel Munnelly, 3rd Kathleen Foy.
Gents: Canon Higgins Cup 1st Sean Geraghty, 2nd Tom Horkan, 3rd Shane Lacey.
The Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival will be launched on Friday, May 29, with a special plaque unveiling in memory of Volunteer Peter Neary on Main Street, Swinford, at 7.30pm. The plaque honours the memory of Vol. Peter Neary and is dedicated by the Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo Project (1918–1923). It will be unveiled by descendants of the women involved in the burial of Neary on August 2, 1922.
Peter Neary died during the Republican capture of Swinford National Army Barracks. His body lay on the street for some time before members of Swinford Cumann na mBan recovered it. The women carried his body firstly to the Fever Hospital, where he was prepared for burial by St Ethnea and then to Kilconduff Cemetery. He was hastily buried by members of Cumann na mBan, who had to flee under a volley of National Army gunfire.
Neary had recently returned from Liverpool, where he had served as a volunteer with the St Helens regiment. Tributes will also be paid to the National Army soldiers Comdt. Michael Skelly and Pte. Joseph Traynor, who were killed on the same day during an ambush at Callow, Foxford, as reinforcements arrived into Swinford.
The launch night forms part of Síamsa Sráide’s celebration of Ireland’s rich history and culture, featuring live Irish music, local history, and community events. Following this special event the official launch of Siamsa Sraide Street and Arts Festival Swinford will take place at 8.30pm in The White House by Karate Winning Champion Aaron Mc Loughlin.
The organising committee of Swinford Siamsa Sraide look forward to welcoming you to a very special evening. Further information contact Brendan 087 7420617.
Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club will hold a scrap metal collection on May 30, from 10am to 5pm beside Applegreen Foxford in aid of the new building fund which is coming near completion. Items accepted - cars, tractors, motor bikes, bicycles, batteries, galvanised gates, galvanised sheets, wheelbarrows, buckets, radiators, copper, aluminium, lead, cast iron, oil ranges. Items not accepted – rubber, tyres, glass, timber, plastics, fridges, washing machines, electric cookers. For further information WhatsApp 086 8373646.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on May 18, were 5, 10, 19 and 26. €70 vouchers were won by John Horkan, Dublin Road, Swinford and Monica Cusack, c/o Tara Café; €35 was won by Caroline Walsh, Kiltimagh. The jackpot in the latest draw held on May 25, was €5,200.
Time to Shine Talent competition, in association with Siamsa Sráide Street Festival returns this August. All talents and acts are welcome with U16 and 16+ categories. Whether you sing, dance, perform, or have a hidden talent, the organisers want to hear from you. Contact 087 4636841 to register your interest in participating.
Swinford Community Games took place on Sunday, May 17, the fantastic athletic track of Swinford AC and Amenity Park. Over 90 children participated with races from U6s to U16s. The "Abbigael Tourniè Moore Trophy" for the winner of the U10 girls 200m was won by Anna Kilroy with a very impressive run. This trophy is in memory of Abbigael who represented Swinford in the Mayo Community Games in 2024 before her tragic passing. Abbigael’s infectious smile and laughter will long be remembered in Swinford Community Games. A special presentation was made to Adette Gallagher who has volunteered with Swinford Community Games for over 15 years. Without Adette and the amazing volunteer’s Community Games would not be able to be run.
Thank you to all the young people who ran, jumped and threw on the day. Best of luck to all those who qualified for Mayo Community Games on June14.
A SICAP representative is available to meet with individuals and community groups in the Swinford area each Thursday by appointment. Support is available in areas such as community group development, education and training opportunities, employment supports, social inclusion initiatives. To book an appointment contact Dolores on 087 770 4251or dmcnicholas@mayonortheastldc.
Swinford AC members enjoyed a great day at the Mayo Children’s Games recently in Claremorris. Emma D’Arcy brought home two gold medals in the U10 60m and long jump. Ciara Coyle placed 1st in the 60m U11 competition, Ciara Coyle and Sophie Jordon 2nd in the Teams U11 60m, Conor Nolan Turbo Javelin 2nd in U11 and Conor Nolan and William Hughes, Turbo Javelin 2nd U11 teams.
The June Indoor Market will be held on Saturday, June 6, Swinford Cultural Centre F12WK83 from 10.30am to 3pm. Swinford Market offers a wonderful selection of local crafts, baked goods, handmade goods, and community stalls. Cácaí Acla will be serving teas, coffee, and freshly baked treats.
The AGM of Midfield GWS will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at 9pm in Julian’s of Midfield. All members are invited to attend.
Calling all Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students. Take a break from your studies and join The HUB Knock for their annual exam Mass which will take place on Monday, June 1, at 7.30pm in Knock Basilica.
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A Heartsaver CPR and AED course will be held on May 28, at 6.30pm in The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola. Booking is essential. Course content will include CPR and Defib, choking, stroke and heart attack. Contact: info@firstaidtraining.com, http://nationalfirstaidtraining.com or 0871810827.
Congratulations to John McGloin who won a jackpot of €430 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, May 16. 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).
As part of National Carers Week from June 8-14, Family Carers Ireland Mayo are holding an event at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Turlough Park House, Gortnafolla, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 HY31 on Monday, June 8. Family carers are invited to join for a gentle and restorative Summer Saunter in the beautiful grounds of Turlough House.
Beginning at 11am with a relaxed stroll, the morning offers time for connection, fresh air, and quiet reflection. At 12 noon they will enjoy tea, coffee, and light refreshments in the café, followed at 1pm by a supportive workshop, Recognising and Responding to Carer Burnout, in the workshop space at the café area. This is a lovely opportunity to pause, connect, and focus on your wellbeing. For more information or to book your spot, email: mayocs@familycarers.ie or call 094 9041148.
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The death took place of Kathleen Duffy (nee Lavin) Carralackey, Kilmovee, peacefully, at University Hospital Castlebar on April 30, and she was previously a resident in the wonderful care of Eithna and her team at Oakwood Nursing Home, Ballaghaderreen. Kathleen was a lady of deep faith and this she needed during her life to help her cope with the challenges she faced in life with the death of husband Martin at a relatively young age and later the deaths of her two daughters Rosemary and Una.
Kathleen was very resilient and possessed a great ability to see the brighter side of life and to cope with adversity. Even though she was not blessed with good health in her later years she rarely complained and this trait endeared he to many and it ensured that Kathleen was a very popular resident in the local community. She loved her game of bingo and also loved to socialise.
Kathleen is survived by her daughters Mary, Annmarie, Kathleen, Patricia and Martina, sons Johnnie, Martin and Mark, seventeen grandchildren, four step grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister Peggy, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Kathleen reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Sunday, May 3. Removal took place from her home on Monday, May 4, to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 1pm, followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí Cemetery. May Kathleen rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all bereaved by her passing.
Congratulations to Melissa McNamara, Carralackey and Christopher Reddington, Swinford, who were married in Swinford Church on Friday May 8. They are wished all the very best into the future.
