Local Notes: Swinford GAA match raises money for charity
Julian's of Midfield with manager Paul Cunney who competed in the Swinford GAA Tournament on St Stephen's Day. Picture: Michael Maye
Big crowds turned out on St Stephen’s Day for the Swinford GAA Club annual charity game in McCallion Park with approximately 80 men from Swinford GAA Club and 30 women from Swinford Killasser LGFA taking to the pitch.
Thanks to the local pubs for sponsoring the teams - Sheepwalk Bar Swinford, Melletts Emporium, Julian's of Midfield, Moore's and The Whitehouse. A total of €1,676 was collected between sponsors and generous supporters. The proceeds of the day were split 50/50, €838 each went to Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Swinford GAA Club.
Thank you to Michael Maye for his photography on the day.
Swinford Library Book Club will meet on Wednesday, January 8th, at 3.30pm in Swinford Library. New members always welcome.
Liane Moriarty’s most recent book will be up for discussion on the day, a nice read for the Christmas break.
Congratulations to Tommy and Ann McManus, who won €580 in the Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw in November with Brendan Howley and Michelle McLoughlin winning €20 spot prize each.
The December draw will take place on January 5th with a minimum jackpot of €800 and two €100 spot prizes.
A new date has been announced for Mayo Ceol an Gheimhridh and will now take place in Swinford on Saturday, January 11th.
The following are the results from the game played in Swinford Golf Club on Thursday, December 19th. Card winners - Esther Munnelly, Annie McNeela, Mary Higgins, Maureen Morley, Ann Rowley and Geraldine Turbitt.
Raffle prizes were won by Seamus Conwell x 2, Tom Durkan, Michael Ryan, Esther Munnelly, Philip Moore, Margaret Sweeney, Ann Rowley x 2, Carmel Timoney x 2 and Francie Rowley.
Games resume on Thursday, January 2nd. Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on December 23rd when the numbers drawn were 4, 5, 9 and 24.
Vouchers valued at €70 were won by Pl & T.J.K, c/o The Sheepwalk Bar and Josephine McShay, c/o Moore's; €35 was won by Colin Kennedy, c/o Liam Campbell's; Seamus Neary, Callow; John Reilly, Carnin, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan; Sarah Barry, Tullinahoo, Midfield Swinford; Caroline Birt, Barrington Court, Prosperous, Co Kildare and Martina Reddington, Ballina Road, Swinford.
The jackpot now stands at €19,800. Thank you for supporting Swinford Community Lotto in 2024. Your support has ensured the ongoing development of the shared facility for sport recreation in the community for all. The next draw is on January 6th.
Congratulations to Sean Kavanagh who was last week’s winner of the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw, winning €550.
The Moore Tournie Memorial Cup was presented recently to Cathal Kelly for his amazing achievement this year in completing the mammoth task of walking 2,200 km from Canterbury to Rome. The cup commemorates Swinford woman Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael Moore Tournié who died in a traffic collision last July.
Tears and smiles filled the room as Aisling and Abbigael were fondly remembered - Aisling for her strength of character, her commitment to being the best mother to Abbigael by ensuring that Abbigael had every opportunity available to her in her young life. Abbigael was remembered for her amazing ability to make everyone smile, with her generous hugs and kind nature.
It is only fitting that the recipient of this Memorial Cup for 2024 is Cathal Kelly. Cathal started school with Aisling many years ago, growing up together in Swinford. So to be the first recipient of this cup is not just a huge honour but a privilege.
Cathal’s Walk2Rome demonstrated both physical and mental strength, determination and commitment. While his daily updates and WhatsApp messages kept all smiling on dark days. Congratulations Cathal, so well deserved.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Phil McDermott (nee Kavanagh), Church View, Swinford and formerly of Cloonaghboy, Swinford and Kilcun, Knock. May Phil rest in peace.
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 087-7694781 (after 6pm). The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm on Wednesday.
