Local Notes: Swinford draught mare wins Irish Draught Championship and Ridden Hunter Championship at Athenry Show.
Murphy's Perfect Illusion does the double at Athenry Agricultural Show. Four year old Irish Draught Mare owned by Jack Murphy, Swinford, bred by his dad Martin Murphy and ridden by his mom Mary Murphy won the Irish Draught Championship and the Ridden Hunter Championship at the recent Athenry Agricultural Show .
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 087 7694781 (after 6pm). Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm on Wednesday.
The monthly Fair Night Session will be held in The Sheepwalk Bar, Lower Main Street, on Wednesday, June 5, from 9pm. This month Swinford Comhaltas are delighted to welcome as their guest musician, John Kilkenny the nationally acclaimed musician from Castlebar. Everyone is welcome to come to the session on Wednesday night, whether you come to play in the session or to enjoy the wonderful music you can be assured of a most enjoyable few hours. Bígí linn.
Connacht Pioneers are running a pilgrimage to Lourdes on July 18, from Knock for 5 nights full board staying at the Hotel Agenda. Price €859. Contact Fr Joe Delaney for further details on 087 6660408.
Swinford Golf Club was buzzing with activity over the weekend of May 25 and 26 as it hosted the Morrisroe Cup for gents and the O'Connor Cup for ladies, both of which saw strong performances from club members.
In the Morrisroe Cup, Michael Dee emerged victorious with a leading score of 37 points, followed closely by Sean Golden and Mark Fulham, who both carded scores of 34.
The ladies' competition, Lorena McNicholas clinched the O'Connor Cup with a top score of 37 points. Catherine Loftus finished second with 29 points, and Breege Spain secured third place with 28 points.
The Junior Golf program continues each Saturday from 2 to 4pm. The program is designed to nurture young talents and introduce them to golf in a supportive and structured environment. Congratulations to all the participants and winners of this weekend’s competitions.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on May 27, were 2, 11, 12 and 26. €70 vouchers were won by Mary Browne, Cullane and J Lynskey M Mulligan and B Colleran, Mayo Community Living; €35 was won by Josie Broderick, Knock and Mary Browne, Cullane. The latest jackpot was €13,800.
Congratulations to Tom Horkan on qualifying for the Golf European Championship. Tom who is the current Swinford Golf Club Golfer of the Year, will play at the European Championship in Scotland. Tom has demonstrated remarkable skill and commitment to the sport, earning him a place in this esteemed international competition. The European Championship, organized by U.S. Kids Golf, features top young talent from around the globe competing in a challenging setting.
Congratulations to Padraig Peyton who was last week’s winner of the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw held in Eurospar netting a prize of €312. The next draw will be held on Tuesday, June 4, in Moores.
Kilmovee Meals on Wheels Service urgently need volunteer drivers for the Kilkelly / Swinford route. If you can help keep this service going, contact 094 96 49484.
Mayo North East will host a free 6 week cookery programme for families online (all groceries supplied). Cook from the comfort of your home on Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm starting July 3. This programme is facilitated by the Safefood CFI Initiative. For more information contact Ciara on 087-9298956 or email (ciarasheedy@mayonortheast.com).
Killasser Bingo is back at the Turf Shed on Sunday, June 9. Eight houses plus snowball house and €500 jackpot house. First house at 8pm.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Margaret Ryan, Brackloon and Margaret Porter, Ballymote (sister of the late Jimmy Lavin, Market Street). May they rest in peace.
Vision Ireland Swinford, previously known as NCBI, is seeking volunteers to join their established team. The store is also accepting donations of small pieces of furniture, homeware, ladies and men’s clothing, shoes and accessories. For further information visit the store in person or call 0874827468 or email swinford.retail@vi.ie.
Having enjoyed two hugely successful and enjoyable launch nights in recent weeks in Dublin and Swinford, Cathal extends a huge thanks for all the fantastic support he is receiving. Cathal will depart from Canterbury on his 2200km walk to Rome on Sunday, June 16, and hopes to walk into the Vatican City on Thursday, October 10. Cathal will be raising funds and awareness for 2 charities very close to his heart, The Mayo Parkinson’s Association and Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin. Follow Cathal’s adventure on www.kellyswalk2rome.ie.
Do you have a vacant / derelict property that can be brought back into use or are interested in improving the energy performance of a building? Mayo County Council Vacant Homes Office in conjunction with the SEAI are hosting a public information meeting on Wednesday, June 5, from at 6.30 to 8pm in Killasser Community Centre.
Short presentations will take place from the Vacant Homes Office on the grants and schemes available and from SEAI on retrofit grants and the new Low-Cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. For more information contact vacanthomes@mayococo.ie or 094 9064741.
Swinford Camera Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the meeting room on Lower Main St. If you are looking to take up a new hobby, why not try photography? Come along to a meeting and see if you’d like it. You don't have to have an expensive camera or equipment to join the camera club. All abilities catered for as well as the different makes and types of cameras and mobile phones. As always, new members are very welcome, especially beginners.
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The death took place at Sligo University Hospital on Monday, May 20, of Paul Gaffney, Cuilmore, Gurteen and of Ballymote Nursing Unit where he was cared for the past four years. Paul worked and lived most of life in Dublin, but made occasional visits home down the years. He attended Annaghmore National school and afterwards served his time in Flannery's Store in Ballaghaderreen before going to Dublin.
Paul was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Nora and his sister Rose Morahan, Boholas. His remains reposed at O'Dowds Funeral Home, Gurteen, on Wednesday evening, May 22, and were removed to St. Patrick's Church, Gurteen on Thursday morning for Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr Gabriel Murphy PP, Keash, and burial followed afterwards in Mount Irwin Cemetery.
Paul is survived by his brother Michael, sister-in-law Peggy, nieces Colette and Laura Gaffney, nephews Thomas, Noel and Paul Morahan and Joseph Gaffney, extended family, cousins, neighbours and many relatives and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
There will be a Summer Camp held in Gurteen Hall from July 8 to 12 from 9am to 1pm, comprising of team building games, arts and crafts and sports. Cost is €65 for one or €120 for two children. For more information contact Martin at 083 2099049.
Thank you to Fr Tommy Mulligan who has given back to Killaraght Church the water-colour painting of the church by Pat Maher (brother of Tommy, husband of Carmel Knott) that was presented to him in 1994. It is a beautiful painting and Fr Tommy wishes it be in Killaraght.
The winner of last weeks 50/50 draw held on Monday was Mairead Farrell, Ballinafad who got €591. The club are most appreciative of the support each week.
The numbers drawn in the Gurteen Celtic lotto were 1, 8, 20 and 24 and the winner of the €50 was Alex Browne, c/o The Dapper Duck, Gurteen. The lotto increased to €3900 for the draw which was held in the Roisin Dubh on Monday night, June 3.
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The Cemetery committee hope to have the Annual Masses in the cemeteries, weather permitting, as follows: Saturday, July 27, at 6.30pm in St Brigid’s Cemetery; Sunday, August 4t, at 10am in Naomh Moibhi Cemetery; Sunday, August 4, at 11.30am in Culmore Cemetery; Sunday, August 4, at 1pm in Urlaur Abbey; and Thursday, August 8, at 7.30pm in St Patricks Old Cemetery.
Kilmovee Heritage Invites you to join them on Monday, June 10, for their Cois Tine Rambling House Night at 8.30pm. It is a free night of traditional music, song, story and dance. Home baking and refreshments will be served on the night.
Kilmovee Meals on Wheels are looking for volunteers to deliver meals in the Swinford/Kilkelly area. If you could spare some time Kilmovee Community Centre would love to hear from you. You would give your time voluntarily and your mileage would be reimbursed. Call the centre on 094 964 9484.
The lotto numbers drawn for Saturday, May 18, were 1, 5, 12 and 35. There was no winner.
All First Holy Communion children and their families are invited to a special Mass of celebration on Sunday, June 9, at 12 noon in the Basilica, Knock. The children are welcome to wear their communion clothes and will actively participate in the Mass, making it a happy and memorable family occasion.
The death took place of Paddy McGann, Quinn Villas, Ballaghaderreen, and formerly of Kilruddane, Loughglynn, on May 17 peacefully, at Roscommon University Hospital, surrounded by his family. Paddy was predeceased by his parents Jack and Annie, his brothers Michael and James and his sisters Molly and Frances, and is survived by his wife Delia, sons John, James and Adrian, grandchildren Claire, Christopher, Oliva and Jack, great-grandson Ernest, daughters-in-law Caroline, Tina and Cate, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Paddy reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Monday, May 20, followed by removal to St Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen, arriving at 7pm. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Tuesday, May 21, at 11am followed by interment in Cuiltyboe Cemetery, Loughglynn. Deepest sympathy is offered to all who are bereaved and may Paddy rest in peace.
