Local Notes: Swinford Active Retirement enjoy their Christmas Party.
Swinford Active Retirement enjoyed their Christmas Party on Monday, December 15. The event was a great success with the students of Scoil Muire agus Padraig and their music teacher Teresa Costello playing music and singing Christmas songs and carols making the day special for all. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon with refreshments served including Christmas cake. A raffle was held with 20 prizes in all, some of which were donated by individuals in the group. Photo: Tom Regan
Christmas greetings are extended to readers of and contributors to the Swinford notes. Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2026.
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 087 7694781 after 6pm. Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Congratulations to Kevin O’Hara who won €520 in the Killasser Community Centre 50/50 monthly draw. €20 spot prize draw winners were Paul Grogan, Gerry Cronnolly and Ian McHugh. The December draw will take place on Sunday, January 4, with a minimum jackpot of €800 and 2 spot prizes of €100.
A Tractor Run for Jamesie will take place on Sunday, December 28, from Killasser Cemetery, with registration from 3.30pm and the run starts at 5pm. The cost is €20 per vehicle, and all proceeds are in aid of Killasser defibrillator and Ground Force.
Congratulations are extended to Joe Mellett on the launch of his book St. Annes Steam and Electric Laundry 1925-2025. The book is available for purchase in The Novel Bean, Eurospar and Moores Supermarket, priced at €10.
Congratulations to John McNicholas who won €430 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on December 15, were 4, 10, 17 and 24. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Tara and Kelda Moore, Meelick and Mick McGloin, Cloonfinaune; €35 was won by Karen Geraghty, Lisheenabrone, Swinford; Ollie Henry, Larkfield and Patrick Joseph Gallagher, Callow. The jackpot in the latest draw held on December 22, was €10,400.
Results from the games played on Thursday, December 11, were winners; 1st Michael Ryan and Francie Rowley, 2nd/3rd prize was shared by Gerry Ronayne, Philip Irwin, Gerry Moran and Michael Moran. Raffle prizes were won by Tom Durkan, Brian McNulty, Nuala Kilgallon, Noreen Geraghty, Kieran Rowley and Esther Munnelly. The game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
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 Pádraig) the school would love to hear from you. If you want to learn more or get involved, email Mr Damien McGraith principal@scmap.ie.
Coolegrane Lights New Year's Eve Ball will take place from 5 until 8pm with lots of music and singing, light refreshments and their famous raffle with lots of prizes. Thank you is extended to all the people who have donated spot prizes. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Down Syndrome Mayo.
Congratulations to Breege Rowley on the recent success of her film All Our Yesterdays winning Best Documentary Feature at the Boston Indie Film Festival, an IMDb-qualifying competition.
Swinford Killasser LGFA Club is hosting a coaching workshop on January 21 at 8pm for all current and prospective coaches and is open to everyone, regardless of experience - new to coaching, returning, or experienced, your involvement matters. Registration on https://forms.office.com/e/DKfh7wJKDh 2026
At the recent AGM of Swinford Killasser LGFA the following were elected to the executive committee for the coming year: chairperson Therese Smyth, vice chairperson Patricia Smyth, secretary Michelle Filan, vice secretary Nicola Murtagh, club coaching officer Michelle Filan, registrar Philip Durkin, assistant registrar Niamh Casey, treasurer Mary Roughneen, assistant treasurer Patricia Brennan, children’s officer Nicola Muldowney, PRO Anna Tierney, delegate to County Board Vanessa Crawford, senior player delegate Laura McLoughlin, club culture and language officer Melissa Devaney.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig Class of 1995, 30-year school reunion will take place on Saturday, December 27, at 8pm in Mellett’s Emporium. Contact Joanne on 087 2053438 for further details. Scoil Muire agus Padraig class of 2000 25 year school reunion will be held on Monday, December 29, at 8pm in Mellett’s Emporium.
Results of the game played in Meelick Community Centre on Tuesday, December 16, were; card winners Michael O’Neill, Peter Geraghty, Michael Ryan, Francie Rowley, Matt Duggan, and Margaret Waters. Raffle prizes were won by Matt Duggan, Dette Ryder, Michael Moran, Eileen Cafferty, Noreen Geraghty and John Doyle. The games continue every Tuesday night in Meelick Community Centre at 9pm.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Micheál Skeffington, Drumboylan, Boyle (brother of Rosaleen Horkan, Dublin Road); Sr. Margaret Maloney, Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Banogue, Co. Limerick and formerly of Tiernunney, Killasser, Swinford; and Kay Gallagher (nee Kilgannon), Barnacogue, Swinford. May they all rest in peace.
Swinford AC annual 5km Christmas walk/run in Midfield, Swinford will be held on Saturday, December 27, at 12 noon, with registration from 11.30am. The event is in loving memory of Hope Rose Caulfield.
Killasser Book Club will meet for good conversation and great company on Sunday, January 18, from 6.30 to 7.30pm in the Turf Shed, Killasser.
Everyone is welcome to a Seisiún na nÓg in Campbells White House on Monday evening, December 29. The seisiún will start at 6pm and will be followed from about 8pm by a senior session. Join Michael Davitt CCE for a lovely evening of music and song.
Michael Davitt CCE (Swinford Comhaltas) is taking part in a nationwide effort to revive the traditional St Stephen’s Day pastime of “Hunting the Wren”. Michael Davitt CCE invites everyone who is interested to join them at the statue in the square at 12 noon. If you play an instrument, sing a song, dance or just come along to clap to the music they would really love to have you with them on St Stephen’s Day. Don’t forget to dress suitably for the occasion (next year it is hoped to have sourced some straw hats) and they promise no wrens will be harmed. In the words of Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir for Comhaltas “We are incredibly excited to bring Hunt the Wren back to so many communities this year. Hunt the Wren is very much a community event, and it is an opportunity for people to come together this Christmas Season to celebrate all that is good about our culture. We encourage people of all ages to dust off their dancing shoes, bring along their instruments and have great fun in their local community.” Any donations received will be divided between the Hospice, the Women’s refuge and Michael Davitt CCE. Michael Davitt CCE look forward to seeing you on December 26.
Swinford Killasser LGFA minors, seniors and Mothers and Others will be taking to the field on December 26 in the Robert McCallion Pitch, teaming up with Swinford GAA for the Annual St. Stephen’s Day Charity Game. Teams and match schedule will be available on Swinford GAA and Swinford Killasser LGFA Social Media channels.
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Bohola.
Durkan Bohola Community Park Annual Walk 2025 will be held on Sunday, December 28, so lace up your walking shoes and join in the much-loved annual community walk, with options for everyone this year. Choose your challenge: 5km walk – perfect for shorter legs, families and buggies; 8km walk for those who fancy a longer, more strenuous route with stunning views of the parish. Both start at Bohola National School. The 30km parish challenge is suitable for anyone really looking to burn off the festive calories. Walk through the 30 villages of Bohola parish starting at 9.30am in Shraheens. All funds raised go directly to Bohola National School – supporting our local community and future generations.
Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford Class of 1995, 30-year School Reunion will be held on Saturday, December 27, 8pm, in Mellett's Emporium, Swinford. Contact Joanne on 087 205 3438 for further details.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting an individual with a disability for a few hours per week or month, or more regular? Western Care is looking for single people, couples or families to provide respite breaks for children and adults across County Mayo in your own home. Contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Co-Ordinator, on 094 9029148 for details.
The 53rd edition of the Bohola Post is on sale in all local shops. A bumper edition for family and friends at Christmas time. Online sales are through www.mayobooks.ie. Thanks to the sales outlets and advertisers who support every year.
Congratulations to Collette Dunleavy who won a jackpot of €402 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, December 13. 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). Moy Davitts wishes all club members and their family and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
