Local Notes: Swinford AC members on Ireland team
Pictured at the Mayo Fóroige Citizenship Awards celebration held at Ballina Arts Centre earlier this year were members of Skye Foróige Club from Swinford, with the then Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Council Cllr Sean Carey, Michelle Reynolds (Foróige Area Manager, Mayo), Claire Gavigan (Foróige Area Manager, North West), Jackie Farrell (Mayo Foróige Chairperson), Dr Wayne Travers (National Chairperson of Foróige) and MEP Maria Walsh. Picture: Trish Forde
Swinford Athletic Club congratulates Cathal McNicholas and Patrick Cuddy on their selection to represent Ireland at the 2026 FISEC-FICEP Games in Budapest, Hungary which took place last week.
The FISEC-FICEP Games brought together more than 1,000 young athletes from over 15 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain. Open to students under 18 attending Catholic schools, the Games featured competitions across a range of sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, futsal and volleyball.
Established in 1948, the FISEC Games are recognised by the International Olympic Committee and provide a unique opportunity for young athletes to compete at international level while fostering friendship, cultural exchange and sporting excellence.
Selection to the Irish team was made by the ASICS School Sports Federation (ASSF), Ireland’s official representative body within FISEC.
Cathal, a student at St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, competed in both the Shot Put and Discus, while Patrick, a student at Ballyhaunis Community School, contested the 100m, 200m and relay events. Both athletes joined a strong Irish squad of more than 20 competitors who travelled to Budapest.
Representing Ireland is a tremendous honour and reflects the dedication, commitment and hard work that both Cathal and Patrick have consistently demonstrated through their performances and training. Their selection is not only a proud personal achievement but also a significant milestone for their families, schools, coaches and club.
Everyone at Swinford AC is immensely proud of Cathal and Patrick and wishes them every success in the future.
There is no doubt that they will continue to represent their club, county and country with distinction.
Swinford Comhaltas is joining in the nationwide celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the national Comhaltas organisation.
The 11th All Ireland Fleadh was held in Swinford in May 1961. Swinford Comhaltas Committee would appreciate the loan of any photographs people may have from that occasion. These will be recorded and returned immediately. They can be left into Ray Lambe’s shop, given to any branch committee member or contact 087-7454032 or email cceswinford@gmail.com.
The flagship celebration, with an extravaganza of traditional music, song, dance and drama, entitled 'Memories and Celebrations', will take place in Swinford Cultural Centre on Monday night, August 3rd, at 8.30pm. Swinford Comhaltas greatly appreciates your ongoing support.
There was no winner of the jackpot when Swinford Community Lotto draw was held on July 13th. The numbers drawn were 1, 8, 15 and 22.
Vouchers worth €70 were won by Fergal Harte, Carrowbeg, Swinford and Thomás Grufferty, Swinford; €35 was won by Rosie Buddies, c/o Kathryn Gavaghan, Cloonlara; Della Mannion, Lislackagh and the Nolans, Drumalooaun, Killasser.
The jackpot is now €6,000.
The annual Siamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival Collection will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Highlights of the 2026 Siamsa Sraide launch night will air on Sky Channel 588 and Freeview Channel 270 on Tuesday, July 21st, at 8.30pm.
Repeats of the show can be seen on Saturday, July 25th, at 6pm on both channels.
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 to 087-7694781 (after 6pm).
The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm each Wednesday.
The annual clean-up of Kilconduff Cemetery will take place on Saturday, July 25th, from 9am.
No one will be expected to stay for the full day, an hour will suffice with all help appreciated. Just a few tools and gloves. Mayo County Council will supply the bags.
Parking will be prohibited on Main, Market and Bridge Street from 9pm on Monday, August 3rd until 1am on Thursday, August 6th.
This to facilitate the two biggest days of the Siamsa Sráide Festival - Heritage Day and The Old Harvest Fair Day.
The committee is seeking help and support from the public, residents and businesses in making this possible. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
For further information, contact Brendan at 087-7420617.
Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival is running from July 30th to August 5th.
The brochure of events is available in local businesses or visit www.siamsasraide.ie to download your copy.
Siamsa Sráide extends an invitation to everyone for a very special commemorative opening evening on July 30th.
A commemorative plaque unveiling will take place at Esker near the burial site of two unknown French soldiers who were part of General Humbert's expedition to Ireland in 1798.
The Franco-Irish Historical Society En Garde will be travelling to Swinford to perform as General Humbert and his expedition force.
Following the unveiling, a commemorative walk in the footsteps of General Humbert will start from the burial site to the Main Street of Swinford where General Humbert will be joined by Swinford clubs and organisations headed by Aaron McLoughlin and Mayo Karate Academy. Performances from the Midfield Pipe Band, Foxford Brass and Reed Band, David Cloherty of the Crimlin Pipe Band and Padraig McNeela.
There is a special tribute on the night to the late Stephen Dunford, who played such a vital role in keeping alive the legacy of the 1798 Rebellion in Mayo. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in historic dress honouring The Year of The French of 1798.
For more information about this event, please contact Brendan on 087-7420617 or Moira on 087-2038407.
Congratulations to Martin Howley who won €450 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw recently.
The documentary film 'All Our Yesterdays' comes home to Swinford this August with a special screening at the 42nd annual Síamsa Sráide Street and Arts Festival in Swinford Cultural Centre on Saturday, August 1st, at 7.30pm.
Developed as a community-led project inspired by the stories, memories, and voices of the town, the film’s inclusion in this year’s festival marks a meaningful homecoming. Thanks to the Síamsa Sráide committee for their continued support and for including the film in the 2026 festival programme.
For 42 years, the festival has played an important role in celebrating creativity and community spirit in Swinford. 'All Our Yesterdays' explores themes of memory, emigration, resilience, and identity, while reflecting on the people, places, and shared stories that connect generations.
Siamsa Sráide has launched an iDonate campaign to help raise extra funds towards the entertainment costs of the festival.
The 2026 festival will have the biggest number of performers and entertainment acts in Siamsa Sraide's 42-year history, including free open air music performances by Ritchie Remo, Mike Denver, Ruaile Buaile, Stuart Moyles, Finein Quinn, and Shane Ruane to name but a few.
There is also a circus show, fire show, award-winning dancers and so much more. All funds raised from this campaign are strictly for entertainment costs only.
The organising committee ask you all to do your best for Siamsa Sráide as 90% of events are free of charge. No donation is too small so please spread the word with family and friends at home and around the world. This campaign will remain active until August 7th.
The annual Scoil Cheoil Siamsa (Comhaltas Summer School) begins this year on July 27th. Music, singing, dancing and conversational Irish classes will take place between 2pm and 7pm in the Primary School in Swinford (Scoil Muire agus Treasa).
Instruments include banjo, bodhrán, button accordion, concertina, fiddle, flute, guitar, tin whistle, harp and keyboard. Classes last an hour and the cost is €35 (€30 each if taking more than one class).
Comhrá Gaeilge (conversational Irish) will be free. Rhythm and Song sessions will also be held for four to six-year-olds and performance group sessions. Participants are encouraged to book as soon as possible to facilitate timetabling and availability of instruments.
Application forms for the Michael Davitt CCE Swinford Scoil Cheoil Siamsa are available from Ray Lambe's. You can also email cceswinford@gmail.com, message Swinford Comhaltas Facebook page or contact 087-7454032.
Swinford Athletic Club will once again host the annual Ireland West ¾ Marathon, 10K and 5K, on Saturday, September 5th.
Registration is open on Eventmaster. The ¾ Marathon's starting time is at 10am, the 10k starting time is at 10.15am and 5k starting time is at 10.30am.
The results from the competitions played at Swinford Golf Club over the weekend of July 11th/12th were -
Gents - O'Connor Cup: 1st, James Kilroy; 2nd, Rob Thornburgh; 3rd, Gearoid Brady.
Ladies: 1st, Edel Munnelly; 2nd, Lorena McNicholas; 3rd, Emer Mullins.
The results from the most recent Golf Club Draw were: €1000 - Charlie and Mai Quinn; €300 - Lorna Kelly, Ballinasloe; €200 - G & D Ronayne and Jude Costello.
The next draw will take place on July 25th.
Swinford Agricultural Show will take place on August 23rd in Gleeson's Farm.
Competitions, classes, entertainment and schedule will be announced over the coming weeks.
The Willie O’Neill and James Geraghty Football Tournament will take place on July 25th in Killasser, starting at 3pm. All welcome.
Swinford GAA is running an online club fundraiser to have a chance of winning two All Ireland Football Final stand tickets. All proceeds will go to Swinford GAA Clubhouse extension fund, with site works underway. You can enter via www.idonate.ie.
