Local Notes: Memorial Walk in Midfield was a huge success
There was a fantastic turnout in Midfield on Sunday, September 26th, for a special 5K Memorial Walk and Fun Run in memory of Brian Lavin.
The Midfield Memorial Walk was organised by Brian's family to mark the first anniversary of his passing.
The event began outside St Joseph's Church in Midfield and followed a scenic 5K route through the surrounding countryside before finishing at Julian's in Midfield.
The event was created not only to remember Brian, but to give people throughout the community an opportunity to remember their own loved ones who have passed away.
A fantastic total of €8,841 was raised on the day will all funds going to Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the new Sunflower Children's Hospice.
The winners of the first game of the season held on Tuesday, October 6th, were Brian McNulty, Philip Moore, Gerry Moran, Michael Moran, Peter Geraghty and Margaret Waters. Raffle prizes were won by Anne McNeela, Ann Rowley, Brian McNulty and Phyllis Bredican.
Games continue every Tuesday at 9pm in Meelick Community Centre. All welcome.
Congratulations to Tom Horkan who represented Scoil Muire agus Pádraig at the Senior Boys Scratch Irish Post-Primary Schools Connacht Qualifier in Castle Dargan Golf Club.
Tom delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 39 points to finish as overall winner of the event. His victory secures qualification for the Irish Post-Primary Schools National Finals next April.
In a change to the usual venue, the Saturday (October 24th) workshops at Féile na Samhna will be held in Mean Scoil Muire agus Padraig.
Workshops include singing with Emily Rooney and Síle Ui Mhongáin, Bodhrán with Junior Davey, Dancing with James Frayne, Rhythm and Song for three to six-year-olds and a Pop-up Gaeltacht le Gráinne Gleeson agus a cháirde.
On Friday night, October 23rd, the official opening will be held with a Seisiún na nÓg followed by a senior session. Oíche Amhránaíochta on Saturday night is always a very popular event.
The main event on Sunday evening, October 25th, is the annual Rambling House party in the Gateway Hotel. Pub sessions take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. A photographic exhibition of Swinford musicians and Comhaltas events from throughout the branch’s 68-year history will be on display.
On Monday, October 26th, a historical walk in association with the local history group, followed by cupán tae, comhrá agus ceol, will take place. Bígí linn!
Join the ceol and craic in Swinford for music, singing, dancing and lots of fun at the 14th annual Féile na Samhna.
The Men on the Move programme will start on Tuesday, October 13th, at Killasser Community Centre. It will run every Tuesday for six weeks from 7.30 to 8.30pm and will involve some warmup exercises followed by a 5km walk.
This is a community-based ‘beginners’ physical activity programme for men that aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of participants. The sessions help improve physical activity levels, mobility, and strength with a big emphasis on social engagement and getting to know other men in your community.
Mayo County Council invites members of the public to attend a public consultation event for the N5 Swinford Bypass Safety Scheme on Tuesday, October 13th.
The event will be held at the Swinford Cultural Centre (F12 WK83) from 2pm to 7pm, where the study area, constraints and project options will be presented and members of the project team will be available to answer questions.
For those unable to attend in person, a virtual consultation room will be available following the event at www.n5swinfordbypasssafetyscheme.ie, where project information can be viewed and feedback submitted until Friday, October 30th. All interested parties are invited to participate.
The annual Killasser Tractor Run will take place on Sunday, October 18th. Registration from 1.30pm at Killasser Community Centre, and the drive departs at 2pm.
The entry fee is €20 per tractor and €10 for a second tractor. Refreshments and participants' raffle afterwards.
The Killasser/Callow Calendar Committee has commenced planning for the 2027 edition. The annual calendar is now in its fifth year and there is only one subject that could be covered given the year that it is - the theme is 'Killasser/Callow Celebrating Sam'.
You are invited to send in any photos of people and places of Killasser and Callow getting ready for, watching, or celebrating the All-Ireland Senior Football Final. These can include humorous decorations e.g. decorated silage bales etc.
The committee would also like to include suitable examples of the humour around the match so send any you feel would be appropriate. P
lease email your pictures to Killassercalendar@gmail.com.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Swinford Community Lotto on October 5th when the numbers drawn were 1, 4, 5 and 27.
The winners of €70 vouchers were Lynette De Barra, Killasser and Anna Marie Loftus, Knocks; €35 was won by David J Langford, Tulleague and Áine Conlon, Druids Court.
The jackpot is now €9,200.
Congratulations to Phil Rowley on winning €520 in the September Killasser Community Centre 50/50 Draw and to Mary and Laurence McGuinness, Colin Cronnolly and Niamh and Ailbhe Cunney on winning a €20 spot prize each.
The next draw will take place on November 8th.
The Novel Bean in Swinford (Eircode - F12XF60) will be hosting three spoken word events this month as part of the National Books Week.
On Sunday, October 18th, there will be a spoken word event at 3.30pm for boys and girls aged 8 to 13.
On Tuesday, October 20th, a spoken word event as Gaeilge takes place for anyone aged 13+, starting at 7.30pm.
On Wednesday, October 21st, there is a spoken word event in English for anyone aged 13+, starting at 7.30pm.
If you are interested in participating in any of these spoken word events, please contact Cathal on 087-6412785 or email cathalkellyswinford@gmail.com.
Swinford GAA will host Screamford After Dark on Friday, October 30th, from 6 to 10pm. Refreshments and traditional Halloween games afterwards in Swinford Community Centre. Family fun for all.
The White House, Swinford will host a Mayo Night on Saturday, October 24th. A great night’s entertainment is planned with DJ Michael Burke and will include fun events such as Best Dressed Mayo Supporter prizes, chat with past Mayo players and fun quiz with spot prizes.
A new song titled 'Midfield in County Mayo', written by Midfield parishioner, Bernard O'Brien, and sung by local artist Michael Fox (Callow, Foxford) has been released, and it can be requested for airplay on local radio and online radio stations.
Swinford Folk Choir is looking for musicians to join it for Saturday evening mass. If you are an adult or teenager and enjoy playing music, why not give it a try. Music notes will be provided. If interested, contact Marie on 087-2805222.
Killasser Community Centre card games will take place in Killasser Community Centre on Monday nights at 8pm. If you are interested, please contact 085-1565150 to be added to the WhatsApp Group - games will go ahead depending on if enough people are available to attend. Beginners welcome.
Congratulations to David Taylor on winning €440 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw recently.
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.
