Local Notes: Scor Sinsear winners to represent Swinford GAA and Mayo in Connacht final.
Comhghairdeachas mór le Ríona Foote, Sean Healy and Aisling Hyland, winners of the Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental music) at Scór Sinsear Mhaigh Eo. They will now represent Swinford GAA and Mayo in the Connacht final in Tubbercurry on March 21.
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.
The first Gardening Club talk of the year will take place on March 24 in the Meeting Room on Lower Main Street. Horticulturist Martin O’Connor will speak on all aspects of spring in the garden. He will be happy to answer any questions after the talk. All are welcome to attend. Non members €5.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of David Tordoff, Knocksville, Bellaghy, Charlestown; Catherine (Kate) McHugh, Cragaballa, Killasser, Swinford and formerly of Cullane, Swinford; John Geraghty, Castleroyan, Midfield, Swinford; Sheila Carr (nee Kelliher) Westport and formerly Cragaballa, Killasser, Swinford, Ranelagh and Castlemaine, Co Kerry. May they rest in peace.
Vision Ireland Swinford is seeking the following donations as follows: ladies wear including accessories and shoes, menswear - casual wear and shoes, furniture such as chest of drawers, small two-seater couches, bookcases, kitchen chairs. Any unopened gift sets/cosmetics would also be appreciated. Paper/plastic bags also are also required. Any queries call 087 4827468 or emailswinford.retail@vi.ie.
Fine Gael County Mayo Constituency AGM will be held in Gateway Hotel Swinford at 8pm on Thursday, March 19.
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. They meet at Swinford Community Centre on Thursdays at 8.30pm. Contact Yvonne on 083 3065689 for further information.
The Achonry Pioneer Dinner Dance will be held in the Yeats County Hotel Curry on Friday March 20, at 8pm. Music by the Duets, tickets €40 available from Yvonne in Moores Supermarket Swinford.
Killasser NS invites prospective families to visit the school on Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, between 9am–2.40pm. Come and experience the award-winning, inclusive and supportive school community, meet the dedicated staff, and see the vibrant classrooms in action. Infant After School Club available. Bus service connecting Swinford to the school. Contact 094 9251489 for further information.
There was a major win of the Swinford Community Lotto on March 2 with Siobhan O’Toole, Westport winning the jackpot of €12,200 and Eurospar Swinford winning the sellers prize of €610 (5%). Swinford Amenity Park, the CE Scheme and Swinford Killasser LGFA presented the cheques to the winners at the weekend and thanked them for their support. Siobhan who hails from Swinford (nee Cunney) was astounded with the great progress over a short number of years on the 10-acre site. It is great to have a Gaelic pitch focused on ladies gaelic football in the county.
Swinford Amenity Park enjoyed a busy year in 2025, with several developments, including the new gym/meeting room and contract signed with PST to install and complete the infill area at the track. The infill contract is €100,000 funded by the Athletic Club and OSCAR. The hocky surface will be sand infilled and will have two bowling lanes. When these works are complete it will be available during the day for the schools and community.
Planning approval was granted for the in-progress gym/meeting room and a lighting scheme at the Park Road training pitch. A croquet lawn has approved funding and will be installed in 2026.
Swinford Amenity Park has hosted the first three of Mayo LGFA Senior National League games, it provides a home for Mayo GAA minor team and hosted many Connaught LGFA finals. Over 100 people utilise the walkway on a daily basis.
The members and directors of Swinford Amenity Park Martin Tunney, Brendan Doyle, Philip Durkin and Secretary Anne Tierney have reported that a great deal to be proud of at the Amenity Park was achieved in 2025, and more progress for the community this year is planned, with the help of the public. The community 'Pink Ticket' is run with the sole purpose of developing the community facility which is run totally by volunteers.
Swinford Killasser Ladies assist with the draw and picking up the tickets and get allocated free access to the facility. Aoife Kavanagh Swinford Killasser LGFA identified the winning ticket with a shout of joy and following all the ticket checking Siobhan was called with the great news. Tickets can be purchased online from https://www.lottoraiser.ie/SwinfordCL with various options from 1 week (€2) to 1 year (€100) to be in with a chance of winning the Swinford Community Lotto jackpot, which is currently €3,200, and supporting a community facility run by volunteers.
The Parents Association of Scoil Muire agus Pádraig extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful local community for the incredible generosity, kindness, and support shown at the Monster Bingo Night on Saturday evening. From those who attended, donated prizes, bought bingo books, helped organise the event, or volunteered on the night, every contribution played a part in making the fundraiser such a tremendous success. The atmosphere throughout the school was fantastic—full of fun, laughter, and a real sense of community spirit.
A special and sincere thank you goes to principal Damien MacGrath, and vice principal Ciara O’Shea, for their unwavering support and for making the school such a warm, welcoming place for students, families, and the wider community. Their leadership and encouragement help create the positive environment that allows events like this to thrive. It was truly uplifting to see the school buzzing with people once again, serving as a vibrant hub at the heart of Swinford. Events like this remind all of the strength of the community and the shared commitment in supporting the children and their school. Your continued support means so much, and the Parents Association are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the night such a memorable occasion.
People living in Swinford who are interested in the town's future development are invited to share their views as part of a consultation exploring the possible establishment of a Swinford Community Council. This stage of the process is primarily about listening and gathering views, no decisions are being taken yet. To take part contact: Tel: Eamon Connolly on 089 416 5055, email: eamon@methodconsultants.ie.
Swinford Active Minds are running a three-week floristry course in Swinford Cultural Centre week 1 on Wednesday, March 18, at 8pm; week 2 on Wednesday, April 8, and week 3 on April 22. The course will be delivered by Eilish from Blossoms Floristry, Ballina. She will be giving tips and ideas on how to decorate your home with flowers. This course is partially funded by MSLETB, so spaces are limited. Contact 087 4150663 to book a place.
Comhghairdeachas mór le Ríona Foote, Sean Healy and Aisling Hyland, winners of the Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental music) at Scór Sinsear Mhaigh Eo. They will now represent Swinford and Mayo in the Connacht final in Tubbercurry on March 21. Quiz team of Tony Fahy, Martin Conlon, Julie Owens and Pádraig Owens were runners up in the Tráth na gCeist. The event was held in Jack’s Old Cottage in Islandeady. Thanks to Joe Moylette for hosting everyone at this beautiful venue.
Congratulations to Thomas M. Tully, Chicago, who received the Cathaoirleach Award for Mayo Diaspora Outstanding Engagement at a ceremony held in Breaffy House Hotel on March 5. Tom’s father, the late Michael Tully, was from Carroweena, Killasser, and his mother, the late Delia McNeela, was from Cloonlumney, Swinford. Last year, 75 years after his first visit to Mayo, Tom played a key role in organising the Tully Family Gathering in Swinford, which saw many relatives return to Mayo to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their shared family history. The gathering was a wonderful occasion and greatly enjoyed by all who attended. No doubt Tom, along with his family and extended relatives, will be back in Mayo again before too long to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Well done to Tom and best wishes to him and his family.
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Jiving Babies and Mums is a fun, relaxed dance class where mums and babies can move, bond and meet other mums. Part of the class includes gentle, mum-friendly exercise, while another part is baby-friendly dancing and movement where your little one can join in. There will be a mix of line dancing, waltzing and more, with plenty of smiles along the way. This class will commence on Thursday, April 9, at Bohola Community Centre from 11am to 12.30pm for 6 weeks. Booking is essential.
Book your place at https://jivingjuniors-sandradance.classforkids.io/â .
Bohola Easter Camp will be held in The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre from Wednesday, April 1 to Friday, April 3, from 10am to 1pm daily. Easter themed arts, games and dance. The cost is €55 per child/€100 for 2 siblings and is suitable for children aged 3 - 10. Booking is essential. Contact Sandra on 086 2108029, jivingjuniors@gmail.com.
This year's Moy Davitts Golf Classic takes place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, May 30. Entry fee is €160 per team of four and there will be some major prizes on the day for all winners. There will also be a halfway house barbeque at the 9th hole for those looking for a bite to eat and drink during their round. Contact Ballina Golf Club on 096 21050 or info@ballina-golf.com and early booking is advised.
Moy Davitts are holding a gear swap on Easter Monday in Bohola Community Centre. The club are looking for all your pre-loved jerseys, jackets, goodies, football shorts, football boots etc. If you have any sports items that you'd like to donate to the Gear Swap, contact Mike Kelly on 087 1967360. Please ensure all gear donated is in a clean and in usable condition.
