Local Notes: Swinford musician's 2nd single 'Away with the Fairies' out on February 12.
Alannah Thornburgh from Swinford, second single ‘Away with the Fairies’ from her debut solo album Shapeshifter will be out on February 12 and her album tour date in Mayo is April 4, in The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar.
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.
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.
A 7-a-side tournament is being run in conjunction with Swinford FC’s Jungle fundraiser to help raise funds for the club. This will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, February 3. Contact Peter at 087 9048284 or Aiden 089 2493997.
Congratulations to Joe Parsons who won €800 with Iseult Kerviche and Sarah Scully winning a €100 spot prize each in the December Killasser Community Centre 50/50 draw. The January draw takes place on Friday, January 31.
Weekly Active Retirement meetings have resumed in the Golf Clubhouse on Mondays from 2 to 4pm. New and existing members always welcome.
Swinford Go Getters/Activator Pole Walking takes place at the Cultural Centre on Thursdays at 10.30am. All are welcome to come along.
Swinford Gardening Club and Swinford Camera Club will hold their annual dinner on Sunday, January 26, at 5pm in the Gateway Hotel, Swinford. To book contact 087 7917136 or 087 7604763. The cost is €36.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on January 13, were; 4, 9, 15 and 19. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by John, c/o The Tower and Conor Ferguson, Byhalla; €35 was won by Pauline Geraghty, Swinford, Millie Jennings, c/o Tara Café and Mary McNicholas, Park Road, Swinford. The jackpot is now €20,200.
Isabel Gallagher’s ‘Artistic Impressions of Mayo and Beyond’ art exhibition will run from February 1 to February 26 in the Clew Bay Hotel, Westport. The official opening on Saturday, February 1, at 7.30pm will be performed by Breege Rowley, Film Director. 25% of all sales will go to CJ’s Rainbow Charity (Oscars Kids and Helping Hands).
Isabel Gallagher is a passionate artist who has been painting for over 20 years. Originally from Dublin, Isabel moved to Swinford, Co. Mayo, in 1995 with her family, where she found her love for painting. With no formal training, her talent blossomed as she captured the breathtaking landscapes, seascapes, sunrises, and sunsets that surround us. Her work often blends vibrant colours in unexpected ways, bringing the beauty of nature to life. Isabel also enjoys exploring abstract art, allowing her creativity to flow wherever inspiration takes her.
This exhibition showcases a mix of Mayo’s iconic scenery and Isabel’s imaginative creations, reflecting both her deep connection to the local landscape and her boundless artistic spirit. For further information contact isabelish1@gmail.com . Isabel is wished every success with the exhibition.
The next meeting of Swinford Book Club will take place on February 19, at 3.30 in Swinford Library. The book Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese will be discussed. New members always welcome.
The Connacht Ceol an Gheimhridh will take place on Saturday, February 15, in Swinford. Best of luck to all who qualified. Congratulations to Michael Davitt CCE Branch members John Greene, Emily O’Brien, Roisin Sheerin and Beth Ní Neachtain.
Swinford AC awards took place recently with a wonderful celebration in Julians, Midfield.
These awards would not be possible without the very generous sponsorship of Derek Kennedy in Eurospar, Swinford. Derek is always very generous to Swinford AC ensuring that the club can present awards to the very talented club members.
Congratulations to the award recipients: Achievement Award: Caoimhe Hughes, Cathal McNicholas, Emma Maloney, Holly Ginty, James Darcy, Myah Gallagher, Patrick Cuddy, Rory Gruddy, Saoirse Hunter, Siobhán Hyland, SueSue Nolan, Niamh Devaney. Extraordinary Achievement Award went to Michaela Walsh and Caitlin Hughes. Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Emma Nolan. High Achievement Award was won by James Duffy. Special Achievement Award was won by Pearse Gallagher and Darragh Reynolds. Athlete of the Year was awarded to Caitlin Hughes.
Congratulations to the members who work hard weekly improving their skillset. None of these achievements would be possible without the dedicated coaching team in Swinford AC.
Congratulations to Pearse Gallagher on being named the Western People Young Sports Person of the Year.
Congratulations to Seamus and Moya Lavin, winners of last weeks Swinford GAA 50/50 draw winning €500. Huge thank you to Lavin’s of Swinford for sponsoring a jersey for the raffle. The winner for the online entry only draw was The Kneafsey family.
Swinford Bey Project are looking forward to getting programmes back up and running and ready for another exciting year. Volunteers are a vital part of the team in running groups with young people and the project is looking for people to join their team. What better way to start off the new year than making a positive impact in the community and on young people’s lives. Benefits of Volunteering: develop new skills, meet new people, gain vital work experience, face new experiences and challenge yourself, make a difference in your community and create a sense of belonging. Contact Colleen at 086 083 8440 for details.
Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Mary O’Grady nee Byrne, Churchtown, Dublin and formerly of Main Street, Swinford; Margaret Galvin nee Molloy, New York and formerly Cloonfinaune (sister of Pat Molloy, Cloonfinaune); Ann Gavin, London and Carracanada; Grace Gallagher nee Peyton, Birmingham and formerly of Cloonainra. May they all rest in peace.
The annual general meeting of Killasser Community Centre will take place on Friday, January 31, at 8pm.
Thanks has been extended to all who organised signage, drinks and refreshments and to the many people who participated in the annual St. Stephen’s Day Killasser Parish 6km walk/run in Callow. €812 was raised and the money will be split equally between Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Liver Ireland Support Network.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be holding a meeting on January 23 at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. All welcome. If you plan on attending, message 087 6275766 with your name and number of people attending.
Results of the game played on Tuesday, January 14; Card winners 1st Michael Warde and Tom Durkin, 2nd Phyllis Bredican and Maureen Morley, 3rd Geraldine Turbitt and Ann Rowley. Raffle prizes were won by Seamus Conwell, Esther Munnelly, Geraldine Turbitt and Mary Lynskey. The game continues every Tuesday in Meelick Community Centre at 9pm.
GAA 2025 membership registration is now open for players and non-players on www.foireann.ie. All players must register ahead of restarting training without exception.
Any problems contact Swinford GAA registrar, Trish, Registrar.Swinford.Mayo@gaa.ie.
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‘Live Life' National Youth Retreat at Knock Shrine will take place on May 8, from 10am - 3pm. Students from all over the country will gather in Knock Shrine to celebrate the life of Donal Walsh and to reflect on his message - to 'Live Life!'. This is a free event and if you are interested in learning more about the day or registering a group email youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Congratulations to Colm Reape, Foxford, who won a jackpot of €342 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw which was held on Saturday, January 11. 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 Moy Davitts GAA book is now available for sale in the following outlets: Clarke's Yourstop, Bohola; McGloins Gala, O'Hara's Centra, Gannon's Post Office, Reapes and the Foxford Woollen Mills; Ballyvarry Post Office; Bookstand (Eason’s) in Ballina and Castlebar and in Castle Bookshop, Castlebar.
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Why not come along on Thursday mornings and join the walking group which is starting from the Mayo Abbey Community Centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the Centre 094 93 65987 for information.
The Community Resource Centre is a hive of activity in the heart of the community. Thursday morning is coffee morning from 10am to 1pm. It’s the place to meet for tea, coffee, freshly baked scones and of course a chat (just walk in, no booking necessary). Tuesday is dinner for the Active Age (booking necessary). You can get free computer/smartphone support for beginners. Hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews. Information for the above available from the staff at 094 93 65987. It is the starting point for the Local Link Bus service with booking on 094 900 5150. It travels to Castlebar daily Tuesday to Saturday (Route 792). Claremorris every Thursday, collected from your door. Return service also available. Available to all, free to travel pass holders.
The numbers drawn for the lotto on Monday, January 14, were 6, 10, 11 and 25. The €30 consolation prize winners were Sean Keane, Murneen (online ticket), Brett Family c/o Mary Brett (online ticket), Shane Adams, Ballinrobe (online ticket), and Peter Tuohy, Newbrook. The jackpot for the draw today, Tuesday, January 21, is €12,200.
The following deaths have taken place; Nora Browne, London, late of Barnagreggaun, Mayo Abbey. Sympathy is extended to her brothers James and Peter Browne, Mayo Abbey. The death took place after a short illness of Mary Kilgallon, Knockadorraghy, Mayo Abbey. Sympathy is extended to her husband Liam, sons Padraic and Shane. Sympathy is extended to Ciaran Griffith, Facefield on the death of his father Liam Griffith, Claremorris. The death has taken place of Sean French, Claremorris late of Mossbrook. May they all rest in peace.
