Local Notes: Swinford FC Jungle Challenge in 2025
Some of the brave contestants who will be taking part in the Swinford FC Jungle Challenge on February 28, 2025 in Julians of Midfield
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.
Swinford Golf Club table quiz will take place on Saturday, December 14, at 8pm in Swinford Golf Clubhouse. Teams of 4 and €40 entry. 1st prize is a €300 fuel voucher, plus plenty of other fantastic prizes. There will be a raffle with great prizes to be won on the night.
All proceeds go to support the Junior Golf Program - help nurture the next generation of golfers while having a night full of fun, trivia, and a bit if craic! Come test your knowledge, enjoy some laughs, and maybe even walk away with a prize. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Christmas cards are available at all three churches - Swinford, Meelick and Midfield - 6 cards for €5.
There will be a Christmas Market in the Courtyard at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, from 1 to 5pm on Sunday, December 15. Browse unique and special gifts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more. There will also be a live crib display with Kiltimagh Pet Farm and festive storytelling with Fiona Dowling. See www.museum.ie for further details.
The Butterfly Garden committee are delighted to launch a very unique calendar of special images from The Butterfly Garden Swinford honouring all the little babies who couldn't stay. Calendars are €10 each (postage extra) with all proceeds going to the Butterfly Garden Maintenance Fund. To order, call or text Natasha on 086 3622522.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community lotto draw held on December 2 were; 3, 4, 16 and 26. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Marian Cunningham, c/o Tara Café and Dermot O'Brien, c/o Tara Café; €35 was won by TJ Kelly, Castleroyan; Breege Rowley, Lisheenabrone; Bríd McDonnell, Killasser; Shannon Rigby, Bollingbrook Drive and Valeska Mai, Bollingbrook Drive. The jackpot in the latest draw held on December 9 was €19,200.
Results of the games played on Thursday, November 28, in Swinford Golf Club. Card winners:1st and 2nd prize was shared by Tom Durkan, Philip Moore, William Maughan and James Maughan 3rd prize Esther Munnelly and Annie McNeela. Raffle prizes were won by Margaret Waters, Esther Munnelly (x 2) and Michael O’Neill. Game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
Congratulations to Kathryn Henry, Midfield, Swinford, who was last week’s winner of the Swinford GAA Club 50/50 draw winning €357. The ticket was purchased through the Swinford GGA Club app Clubspot. Thanks to all the weekly purchasers, your generosity and support of club is greatly appreciated. ️
Congratulations to the Swinford AC members on their recent performance at the All-Ireland Uneven Ages XC finals in Tramore. It is a huge achievement to get to an All-Ireland final, so well done to everyone who qualified. The club are very proud of your accomplishments.
U11 girls Juliette Devaney and Lottie Heaney. U11 boys James Darcy (6th) and Hugh Hyland. U13 girls Holly Ginty, Niamh Devaney, Emma Nolan, Jane Heaney, Eris Gruddy. U15 girls Faye Gallagher, Ella Ginty, Siobhan Hyland, Sarah Groarke, Rachel McNicholas.
U15 boys Rory Gruddy (10th). U17 girls Emma Maloney, Caoimhe Hughes and Aoibheann Devaney. U19 girls Caitlin Hughes. Rory Gruddy won a bronze county and provincial medal. Holly Ginty and Niamh Devaney won both a gold county and gold provincial medal. Emma Nolan won a gold county medal. Well done all.
Swinford GAA Club Minding Your Mind information evening will be held on Thursday, December 12, in Swinford Cultural Centre, from 6.30 to 7.30pm for 6-12 years old and 8-9.30pm for 13-18 years old and adults. It is open to all local clubs and schools. Come and hear two football county stars Padraig O’Hora (Mayo) and Luke Loughlin (Westmeath) talk about their personal journeys to success in sport. Tea/coffee and refreshments on the night. Everybody welcome.
The prestigious Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha Recognition Awards were presented at a special ceremony in Croke Park on Friday night, November 29. This year 70 clubs from all over the country won bronze, silver or gold medals for their efforts, work and commitment for the promotion of the Irish language. Swinford Killasser LGFA are very proud to be the only club in Mayo this year to have been awarded a medal. Swinford Killasser LGFA was recognised for its promotion of the Irish Language through the events and efforts organised by the Coiste Gaeilge who introduced the initiative within the club from Gaeilge ar an bPáirc, an Céilí Mór, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Irish classes, the fabulous new Irish signs, social media posts trí Ghaeilge and much more. Míle buíochas to all the players, coaches and parents who came on board and embraced the vision to promote the Irish language this year from Scór na nÓg to performing a specially composed song as Gaeilge for TV Ireland and making videos on the pitch. All involved in the club and the initiative recognise that providing regular opportunities to speak Irish and to use the language helps to develop confidence and familiarity, so it is hoped to build on the good work next year and aim to work towards the silver medal.
Results of the card games played in Meelick on Tuesday, December 3. Card winners were Micheal Regan, Kieran Rowley, Philip Moore, Seamus Conwell, Ann Rowley, Geraldine Turbitt, Brian McNulty and Mary Higgins. Raffle prizes were won by Ann Rowley, Terry Maughan and Maureen Morley. Game continues every Tuesday night at 9pm in Meelick Community Centre.
Swinford Parish Pastoral Council will host a community social event in Swinford Parish Church on Thursday, December 19, at 7.30pm with performances from the Church and School choirs. Donations collected on the night will go to Fr. Victor’s charitable works in Nigeria. Everyone is invited to attend. All support will be greatly appreciated.
