Local Notes: Slow waltz winners at the Tony and Bernie Towey Dance competition.
At the Tony and Bernie Towey Dance Competition in the Brusna Inn were the winners of the slow waltz Collette Hyland and Ray Noble being presented with their trophy by John Mulkeen (sponsor of the trophy). Pic; James Hunt Photography.
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.
Congratulations to Mayo Karate Academy members Timur Cerkasin and Rebecca Kelly who have been selected to represent Ireland at the upcoming European Championships in Cyprus 2026 competing at the highest level of European Karate.
Congratulations to Michael Davitt CCE branch members Ceola Quinn and Méabh Watson who won gold in their respective singing competitions at Ceol an Gheimhridh in Westport recently.
Results of the most recent Golf Club Development Draw: 1st prize of €1,000 went to Paddy Dyar, 2nd prize of €300 was won by John Sheahan and 3rd prize of €200 went to Kathleen Keating.
Swinford Athletic Club annual general meeting will take place on Friday, December 5, at 8pm in the upstairs meeting room in the Amenity Park. All members of the club are invited to attend. All nominations for the club committee for 2026 will be accepted at the AGM. Any motions for discussion at the AGM can be emailed to adettegallagher@gmail.com prior to this meeting.
Swinford Indoor Christmas Market will take place on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, in Swinford Cultural Centre, from 10.30am to 4pm each day. Handcrafted gifts, seasonal refreshments, raffle, free parking. The fantastic vendors will be showcasing a wide range of locally sourced produce, crafts, and unique handmade gifts, ideal for Christmas shopping. Cácaí Acla will be serving teas, coffees, and fabulous bakes during the market.
Congratulations to Jack Ferguson who won €430 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Results of Swinford Community Lotto draw held on November 24, had the numbers 7, 10, 28 and 30 drawn. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Patricia Tunney, Sancta Maria and Cian O'Neill, Tuam, Co. Galway. The jackpot is now €9,800.
Adult Boxercise classes in Swinford Boxing Club are held on Monday nights from 8-9pm. The cost is €10 per class or 6-week block for €50. All fitness levels are catered for.
Results of the games played on Thursday, November 20; Card winners were 1st Michael Ryan and Francie Rowley; 2nd/3rd prize shared by Carmel Timoney, Ronan Monaghan, Margaret Sweeney, Catherine Loftus, Michael Regan and Leo Murtagh.
Raffle prizes were won by Josie Prendergast, Annie McNeela, Peter Geraghty, Michael Moran, Ronan Monaghan and Geraldine Turbitt. The card game continues every Thursday night at 9pm in Swinford Golf Club. All welcome.
Congratulations to Sinéad Shovlin who won €560 in the Killasser Community Centre October 50/50 draw with Tom McNulty, Eileen Kavanagh and Tommy Kirrane/Philip Irwin winning €20 spot prize each. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 7.
Killasser Bingo is returning to the Turf Shed on Wednesday, December 17, at 7.30pm. Proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of a replacement parish defibrillator.
Midfield Development Association present the Midfield Christmas Gathering in Julians on Sunday, December 7, from 5 to 8pm. Meet Santa and his Elves, disco with Mary Kathleen, gingerbread cookie decorating, reindeer food to bring home, face painting, arts and crafts, write a letter to Santa. Spot prize on the night for the Best Christmas Outfit. Monster raffle also on the night. Admission €10 per child or €20 per family.
A table quiz in aid of Swinford Agricultural Show will be held in Boland's bar on Saturday, December 6, starting at 9pm. Tables of 4 cost €10 per person. 1st prize €100 with other great prizes and a raffle on the night. A great night guaranteed.
Pickleball is held in Swinford Community Centre every Wednesday at 7pm. All welcome. Come along and give it a go, contact 089 4841267 for further information.
Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford is setting up an Alumni Association.
If you are a past pupil of St Mary's Secondary School Swinford (day pupil or boarder), St Patrick's College Swinford (amalgamating in 1985 to form Meán Scoil Muire agus Pádraig) or Swinford Vocational School (amalgamating in 1993 to form Scoil Muire agus Pàdraig) the school would love to hear from you. If you want to learn more or get involved email Mr Damien McGraith principal@scmap.ie.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Patrick Langan who passed away recently in Chelmsford Essex at the age of 91 years. Patrick was predeceased by his wife Mary. Patrick, formerly of Sweetwell, Swinford is survived by his two sons Philip and Kevin, his sister Mary and brother Michael, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His funeral will take place in Essex. May Patrick rest in peace.
The first ever Turf Fest, Turf Fest 2025 in aid of local charity, The Butterfly Garden, will take place in The Turf Shed Killasser on Saturday, December 13. Free entry. There will be a raffle on the night and donations buckets with all money raised going to The Butterfly Garden. Six amazing local music acts will be performing live throughout the evening and night. Doors open at 5pm with the first act on stage at 5.30pm Rachel Knox, 6.10pm Kai Kinsella, 7pm Par 9, 7.45pm Elevation, 9pm Blue Lagoon and 10.15pm On Death’s Door. (Start times subject to slight changes). It promises to be a fantastic night full of live music from local acts, whilst raising funds for an amazing local charity. Come along and support local musicians and help raise funds for a wonderfully worthwhile cause.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Mary Nix (nee Dunne), Chicago and formerly of Cloonfinish, Swinford. May Mary rest in peace.
Mayo Cancer Support will host their annual Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on Thursday, December 4, at 7.30pm in Rock Rose House, Castlebar F23P659. All welcome.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig class of 1995 30-year school reunion will be held on Saturday, December 27, at 8pm in Mellett’s Emporium. Contact Joanne on 087 2053438 for further details.
The guest musician at Swinford’s Fair Night Session in The Sheepwalk this Wednesday, December 3, is the wonderfully talented banjo maestro Martin Woods. Michael Davitt CCE are delighted to have Martin, one of the rising young musician stars in area, as the special guest. The session starts at 9pm and everyone is welcome. You can be assured of a great night of ceol agus craic. Bígí linn
Results of the games played on Tuesday, November 25; card winners Patricia Rowley and Ciaran Rowley, Tom Killilea, Eileen Geraghty, Michael Moran and Gerry Moran. Raffle prizes were won by Geraldine Turbitt, Patricia Rowley, Brian McNulty, Michael Moran and Leo Murtagh. The games continue every Tuesday night in Meelick Community Centre at 9pm.
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Durkan Bohola Community Park are inviting all members of the community to join them for their AGM on Sunday, December 14, at 7pm in the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre. This is your chance to have your say, share ideas, and get involved in shaping the future of your local community space. Your voice matters and the committee would love to see you there.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford, Class of 1995, 30-year School Reunion will take place on Saturday, December 27, at 8pm, in Mellett's Emporium, Swinford. Contact Joanne on 087 205 3438 for further details.
Do you have a curious 1-4-year-old at home? Encourage their development through play with all their senses. Have fun with your child. Sensory activities include: creative play with dough, textures, and colors; stimulation of the senses: touch, sight, smell, and movement; supporting the development of speech, concentration, and motor skills; a wonderful space to explore and... get dirty without stress. Your child will experience, experiment, and have a blast!
Starting on Friday, December 5 at 10am in The Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola. Contact Magda on 089 2200234 for details or enroll your child today. Let your child learn through their senses – that's how they learn best.
Congratulations to Brigid Moylett who won a jackpot of €460 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, November 22. 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).
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s annual Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 7, to help raise funds for vital palliative care services in both Mayo and Roscommon. The Foundation’s Memorial Walk will precede the ceremony and will begin at the Plaza in Knock at 4pm. The Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5pm with music the Rejoice Gospel Choir Ballina.
People are invited to remember a loved one, living or deceased and share in the Shine A Light ceremony. During the ceremony, loved ones who have passed away or indeed those who have been going through a challenging time will be remembered. Prayers and music will be offered for those being remembered. Refreshments will also be served.
Register for the Memorial Walk at hospice.ie/christmas/memorial-walk-2025/ or purchase a special light online ahead of the ceremony at hospice.ie/christmas/sponsor-a-light-this-christmas/ or by calling 094 9388666. Christmas cards are available to purchase online and hospice mugs are available to purchase in local Hospice Shops, with all proceeds supporting palliative care services.
