Local Notes: Michael Davitt CCE Swinford present cheque to Swinford Hospice Shop.
Members of Michael Davitt CCE, Swinford, who organised the St. Stephen’s Day “Bring Back the Wren” fundraiser, presenting a cheque for €300 to Joanne Bourke, Manager of the Hospice Shop Swinford. Pictured left to right are Clodagh Gleeson, Sheila Byrne, Mary Brennan, Máirín Noone, Alex Richmond, Sean Healy, Breege Gleeson and Joanne Bourke.
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.
WEEE Ireland Public Electrical and Battery Recycling Event taking place in Swinford on Saturday, March 7, from 10am-4pm, at Swinford Golf Club, Deerpark, Swinford, F12V213.
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, contact Megan on 087 9808064 or email swinfordstpatricksparade@gmail.com.
Day 1 of the Connaught Indoors proved to be a very enjoyable day for the Swinford AC athletes. Congratulations to all twenty-four athletes who competed against very tough competition. Many of the athletes gained personal bests, medals and more importantly strengthened friendships through support and encouragement. Congratulations to Aaron Hastings, Ailbhe Cunney, Alan Heaney, Alisha Broderick, Caoimhe Julian, Casey Coyle, Charlie Corcoran, Lottie Heaney, Eris Gruddy, Ethan Oreilly, Fiadh Cosgrove, Fionn Julian, Hugh Hyland, Isla Heaney, James Darcy, Josh Munnley, Juliette Devaney, Kayla Broderick, Kyle Marrey, Nathanial Price, Quinlan Gladding, Robyn Monteith, Sarah Fullham and Siobhan Hyland. Special congratulations for all medal winners; U13 boys 600m 2nd Charlie Corcoran; U13 girls long jump 2nd Lottie Heaney; U13 girls shot putt 1st Ailbhe Cunney; U13 girls shot putt 3rd Sarah Fulham; U17 girls walk 1500m 2nd Isla Heaney; U13 boys 4x200m relay 2nd Fionn Julian, Quinlan Gladding, Charlie Corcoran, James Darcy, Aaron Hastings and Ethan O’Reilly.
Swinford AC had eighteen members participate in Day 2 of the Connacht Indoor events. Congratulations to all who ran, jumped and threw, some great results, personal bests and medals. Congratulations to Aine Lavin, Aoibheann Devaney, Aoibhin McNicholas, Caoimhe Hughes, Caoimhe Hanley, Cathal McNicholas, Cormac Fearon, Daragh O’Brien, Emma Nolan, Jane Heaney, Jimmy Fullham, Michaela Walsh, Niamh Devaney, Rachel McNicholas, Rory Gruddy, Saoirse Hunter. Saoirse Julian and Sarah Groarke.
Medal winners were; U15 shot putt 1st Emma Nolan, 2nd Aine Lavin, 3rd Aoibhin McNicholas; U15 triple jump boys 1st Cormac Fearon; U15 tripple jump girls 2nd Jane Heaney; U16 200m boys 3rd Jimmy Fulham; U16 girls shot putt 1st Rachel McNicholas PB 12.65; U16 boys 1500m 1st Rory Gruddy; U17 high jump 1st Aoibheann Devaney; U18 shot putt 1st Cathal McNicholas; U19 shot putt 1st Caoimhe Hughes PB; senior shot putt 1st Michaela Walsh senior high jump 2nd Saoirse Hunter.
Results of the recent Golf Development Draw were; €1000 Fia O’Connell, €300 Tommy and Michelle Deane, Glenamoy and €200 Brid O’Connell. The next draw will take place on March 5.
Swinford St. Patrick’s Day church gate collection will take place at all Masses over the weekend of March 7 and 8.
Monster Bingo on Saturday, March 7, in Scoil Muire agus Padraig school hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and eyes down at 8pm. All proceeds in aid of Parents Association Scoil Muire agus Padraig.
The launch of the Swinford St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Friday, March 13, along with a table quiz in The Whitehouse. It is always an enjoyable night and a good start to the weekend festivities, please support.
Ladies Basketball Swinford is looking for new players. If you are looking for great exercise, a non-competitive sport, great company and a super laugh then this is for you. No previous training or experience needed, it’s a game for all skill levels and just for fun. Swinford Community Centre on Thursdays at 8.30pm. Contact Yvonne on 083 3065689 for further information.
Beannacht is a community gathering to celebrate International Women’s Day which takes place on Sunday, March 8, from 3-5.30pm in Swinford Cultural Centre. It includes gentle yoga, meditation and relaxation followed by coffee/tea, treats and crafting activities at the Novel Bean Café and Bookshop. Pre-booking required, for further information contact Kate on 086 35 84 279 / breathingbeingyoga@gmail.com.
It is with great pleasure Swinford St. Patrick’s Day committee announce Conor Goldrick, John Greene and Martin Woods, All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil winners as this year’s Grand Marshalls. It is wonderful to have three such talented young men in the community and this year the community of Swinford honour them as the great ambassadors they are for Swinford. The Swinford St. Patrick’s Day committee also wishes to take this time to recognise and thank Máirín Noone and all members of Swinford Comhaltas for their constant support and hard work.
Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford has launched an exciting new community lotto, giving locals a fun way to support the school while being in with a chance to win. The jackpot increases every week, and there’s also a guaranteed weekly prize, adding to the anticipation and community buzz. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/scmap, or simply by scanning the QR code displayed on posters throughout the community. Funds raised through the lotto will directly support the students of Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, helping to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen the school’s role at the heart of Swinford. Every ticket purchased makes a meaningful difference to the young people in our school and the wider community.
The school extends its thanks for the continued support and looks forward to the excitement of the weekly draws.
Killasser NS invites prospective families to visit the school on Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, from 9am–2.40pm. Contact 094 9251489 for further information.
Killasser Book Club will meet on Sunday, March 8, from 6.30 to 7.30pm in the Turf Shed, Killaser where Anna Carey’s book Our Song will be discussed and enjoyed.
Congratulations to Michelle Kelleher winner of €590 in the Killasser Community Centre January 50/50 draw. €20 spot prizes were won by Brendan Fallon, Siobhan O’Hara and Kathleen Bolton. The February draw will take place on Sunday, March 8.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw on February 23 were; 9, 21, 22 and 28. €70 vouchers were won by Kevin Reilly, Tullinacurra and Rose Walsh, Bohola; €35 was won by Anne Forkan, Lislackagh, Anthony Spain, Main Street, Swinford and John O'Grady, UK. The jackpot is now €12,200.
The first market of the season will be held on Saturday, March 7, in Swinford Cultural Centre F12WK83 from 10.30am to 2pm, followed by the AGM at 2.30pm. The AGM is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. 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.
Swinford Golf Club are now accepting enquiries for membership for 2026. Contact Michael Walsh 087 9064865 or John Sheahan 087 9100572 for adult membership and Raymond Horkan 086 3066494 for junior membership.
On Wednesday, March 4, at 7.30pm the Novel Bean Swinford is delighted to host an evening with local Kiltimagh poet Terry McDonagh. Terry taught creative writing at Hamburg University and was Drama Director at International School Hamburg. He facilitates in Europe, Asia and Australia. He has published 15 poetry collections and is translated into German, Indonesian, Arabic and Chinese. He returned to Cill Aodáin, Kiltimagh in 2019. For more information on this event contact Cathal on 087 6412785.
Swinford’s monthly Fair Night Session is in Boland’s, Bridge Street, this Wednesday night, March 4, from 9pm. Special guest this month is good friend and neighbour, the very popular and brilliant musician Tom Doherty from Foxford. Tom was their first Fair Night Session guest three years ago and they are delighted to welcome him back.
The 2026 Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eó takes place in Ballina on May 8 and 9. Fleadh entries need to be with the branch secretary on or before March 16. Entry forms are available from Ray Lambe’s, by email from cceswinford@gmail.com or online at mayocomhaltas.weebly.com Branch membership forms also available at Ray Lambe’s, by email or WhatsApp or at Swinford NS during Saturday morning music/singing classes.
Swinford Comhaltas are pleased to have Junior Davey joining them as bodhran tutor on Saturday mornings from 10am. Other classes include fiddle, banjo, concertina, button accordion, tin whistle, flute, guitar, keyboard and singing. For more information contact cceswinford@gmail.com, message Swinford Comhaltas Facebook or 087 7454032.
Meelick ICA are holding quilting classes for 6 weeks in Meelick Community Centre starting Wednesday, March 4, from 7 to 9pm. Contact Patricia on 087 7856461 for details and booking as places are limited. The cost of the course is €60.
The Mayo Indoor Market will be held on Sunday, March 8, from 11-4 at Julians in Midfield, F12VE20. The market started in January and is held every 2nd Sunday in the month. They started with 7 stalls and are now up to 18 stalls. Julians also serves food from 1pm in their newly renovated carvery room, or people can book a table in the restaurant.
The market will be a lovely place to get mums a mothering day gift for later in the month. There are stalls from handmade bee waxed candles, handmade wood crafts, artisan jams and chutneys, aloe vera products, scented candles, beautiful upcycled lamps, vintage jewellery, hand knits, delicious cakes and coffee, handmade bags, handmade waxed aprons, skin care and Ballagh Farm Shop displaying their shop offerings, and more.
