Local Notes: Swinford Meals on Wheels benefit from the Santa Run 2024 organised by Swinford Athletic Club.
Santa Run 2024 – Susie Moore and Moira Philbin accepting the proceeds of Swinford Athletic Club’s Santa Run on behalf of Swinford Social Services Meal on Wheels. Also included in the photo are Therese Smyth and Adette Gallagher.
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 Wednesday.
Swinford Library Book Club will meet on Wednesday, January 8, at 3.30pm in Swinford library. New members are always welcome. Liane Moriarty’s most recent book Here One Moment will be up for discussion on the day.
A new date has been announced for Mayo Ceol an Gheimhridh and will now take place in Swinford on Saturday, January 11.
The directors - Martin Tunney, Brendan Doyle, Philip Durkin, secretary Anne Tierney and Members of Swinford Amenity Park wish all supporters of the community facility a very happy 2025.
In 2024 a lot was achieved at the Amenity Park and it is hoped to progress more for the community in 2025 with your help. The community pink lotto ticket is your way of ensuring constant progress. You can purchase an annual ticket on line from https://www.lottoraiser.ie/SwinfordCL/. The cost is €100 for the full year, and you have a chance of winning the jackpot, which is currently €19,800, and supporting a community facility run by volunteers.
In 2024 the Community Employment Scheme employed a new supervisor, Mr Martin Murphy, who is based at the Amenity Park. Martin has continued in Pat O'Neill's footsteps of dedication and attention to detail. The facility is blessed to have such a great team operating out of the Amenity Park.
The following were the key developments in 2024: The building was power washed and fully painted, a new emergency door was installed - access to the toilets and dressing rooms, the stand was finally completed with a capacity increase of 50%, with assistance from Cllr. Adrian Forkan and his GMA funding, the 560m walkway was upgraded at the rear of the stand to avoid the steps, a public announcement system was installed - to be used for Corpus Christie processions and match announcement, pitch maintenance was significant with the goal area upgrades and 150 tonne of sand- costing €13,000, all the pitch and astro nets were replaced, replacement of the old storage heaters with more efficient electrical heaters, commencement of the electrical lighting upgrade to the building and the yard and a large skip of rubbish was removed to upgrade yard.
Maximillian Kucharzyk trained at the Amenity Park and won many karate medals in 2024. There were increased numbers for the annual Corpus Christi procession. The first very successful Blue Lights Day was held at the Amenity Park with all blue light services in attendance and at which Honorary Garda James Ryan was welcomed to the force. A very positive response and a huge crowd was in attendance.
The highlight of the year for the pitch and home of Swinford Killasser LGFA was the honour of hosting all three of the LGFA Connaught finals. In total almost 6000 people attended these games and it would not have been possible without the help from the community.
These games were presented to the highest of standards. 2024 was also the 50th anniversary of the LGFA. The assistance of Swinford Killasser LGFA in developing their home pitch and their contribution to their community is immeasurable. Their dedication and hard work throughout the years has ensured the development of the Amenity Park to such a high standard. Well done Swinford Killasser Ladies. The first game played at the pitch was in 2006 - a minor A demi-final against Kilmovee who were going for four in a row. A long unbroken history. Swinford Killasser won the game and the final.
At the end of the year Swinford Amenity Park were awarded €69,112 to finish the infield area of the completed track with a multi usable games area finished with synthetic surface. The aim is to create space for bowling and to encourage the elderly in the community to get involved in outdoor activity. This project must be completed by the end of 2026 and will be progressed with the help of Swinford AC.
Next year the full electrical upgrade of the building with electricity to the containers will be progressed along with commencement of harvesting and reusing of rainwater. The lower gated car access from the Kitimagh Road will be blocked up and an area levelled and blocked up inside the wall – a pedestrian entrance will be maintained at this location.
‘To the lotto supporters, walkers, footballers, coaches, and volunteers—thank you for your unwavering commitment. Swinford Amenity Park committee look forward to another year of growth, teamwork, and success. As we move into the New Year, let us also remember those who have lost loved ones or cherished members throughout 2024'.
Congratulations to The Ultra Cyclists who raised €20,190 during their biking and hiking challenge – 9 peaks in 3 provinces in 3 days. Mindspace Mayo and Making the Move at Macra na Feirme are the beneficiaries of the funds raised. Well done to all involved.
Congratulations to Kieran McNulty who was last week’s winner of €1025 in the Swinford GAA 50/50 draw.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Micheál McNicholas, Kiltimagh (father of George McNicholas, Cloonaghboy), Owen Farrell, New York (husband of Kathleen nee McDonnell, Ardhoom, Meelick), Theresa Jordan, Melbourne (formerly of Newcastle, Meelick). May they all rest in peace.
Cloonacool Players' latest production John B. Keane's hilarious comedy 'Moll' takes to the stage in Cloonacool on Friday, February 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23. The cast which includes the ever-popular Tom Towey and Mary Kathleen Johnston, are on excellent form as too are Dennis Ross and Martin McIntyre. So, keep that weekend free to take your seats, sit back and laugh the night away.
******************.
Congratulations to Colleen Clarke, Bohola, who won a jackpot of €374 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, December 29. 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).
The death occurred of Tom Kelly, Southgate, London and formerly of Altinea. He was the brother of Anthony, Altinea. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Sincere thanks is extended to all in Bohola, Straide and Shraheens who were involved in the Christmas liturgies and to all who attended. Grateful appreciation to Fr John Cunningham for celebrating Mass in Bohola on Christmas Day, thus solving the bi-location problems. A special word of thanks to those who took care of all the practical arrangements both inside and outside the churches, to the choirs and musicians, altar servers, readers, Ministers of Communion, sacristans, collectors and counters, those who decorate the churches with flowers, cribs, Christmas trees, lights and wreaths, paintings and candles. All of this happens not only at Christmas but throughout the year and for that the people are extremely grateful.
A heartfelt thanks to Bill Durkan for generously sponsoring the Bohola church new streaming service with Church TV, in loving memory of his dear friend, the late Micksey Clarke. This service allows people near and far to join in Masses, funeral services and celebrations, bringing the community closer together no matter the distance. You can access the service by visiting www.churchtv.ie/bohola/ or by searching 'Church TV Bohola' on any search engine.
Special thanks also to a good friend of Micksie’s in the US, who donated a set of white vestments in his memory. These vestments were worn for the first time at Mass on Christmas Eve.
