Local Notes: Swinford Tidy Towns had a good turn out at the An Taisce National Spring Clean
Swinford Tidy Towns committee thank all the volunteers that came out for the annual Good Friday Spring Clean. This is the 16th consecutive year participating in the An Taisce National Spring Clean. Pictured are some of the many volunteers on the day, including Swinford National School Green Schools Committee. Pic Michael Maye
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 0877694781 after 6pm. Deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm Wednesday.
Swinford Golf Club is excited to launch their Junior Golf Program, an initiative aimed at introducing golf to U15s in a fun and friendly environment. The program kicks off with an information afternoon at the clubhouse on April 27, from 2 to 4pm, offering families an overview of the activities and opportunities available.
Following the kickoff event weekly golf lessons will commence starting May 4, taking place every Saturday afternoon. These sessions are open to all levels, from novices to those with a budding interest in golf, ensuring that every child can find their swing.
The Junior Golf Program, run by dedicated volunteers, is focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork. It's a perfect way to introduce youngsters to a sport that promotes physical health and social interaction.
Swinford Golf Club extend a warm invitation to all interested families to join them for the information afternoon and be part of this community-centric club. For more information, contact Keith at 083 8694036.
Join in fostering a love for the game and building a community around the great sport of golf.
The Swinford AC Spring 5K Series continues every Wednesday until May 8 as follows - April 17 Swinford, April 24 Midfield, May 1 Foxford and May 8 Kiltimagh. Registration from 7pm each night with a start time of 7.30pm. €5 entry fee. For more info contact Adette 087 2362112 or Micheal 086 8196511.
Horticulturist Miriam McDermott will give a talk on planting vegetables, flowers and containers for summer at 8pm on Tuesday, April 23, in the Meeting Room on Lower Main St. She will also be happy to answer questions from the audience. All are welcome to attend. Talks are free to members. Non-members €5.
Swinford Agricultural Show committee thank everyone who baked, bought or donated cakes for their very successful bake sale on Easter Sunday. The show will take place on Sunday, August 25.
Money raised at the annual Easter Egg Hunt was donated to Operation Smile Ireland. A letter of thanks was issued in appreciation and acknowledgment of the money received.
Dear Joe, and all the children at the Swinford Kid’s Easter Egg hunt, I hope I can convey to you in writing how absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly grateful the team at Operation Smile Ireland is to receive your incredibly kind gift of €278 to benefit children born with cleft conditions.
Thanks to your support, we can find and treat more children in countries where basic healthcare and safe surgery are simply beyond reach, children who otherwise might never have been found. Your gift helps us deliver vital assistance and supplies where they are needed most and ultimately it will save lives. Your generosity has reminded a child born with a cleft condition that they are not alone in their journey. And with that newly lit flame of hope, the ripple effect that your support has had will be known for generations to come.
On behalf of our global Operation Smile family and the children that your generosity has helped, thank you once again for your commitment to a better world.
Mayo Cancer Support Association will be holding a church gate collection on the weekend of April 20 and 21 next at the churches in Swinford, Meelick and Midfield. Your continued support for this local charity that offers free emotional support to people affected by cancer and their families will be greatly appreciated. See www.mayocancersupport.ie for more.
The numbers drawn in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on April 8 were: 3, 10, 21 and 27. There was no jackpot winner. €70 vouchers were won by Mary Donohue, Callow and Lorna Sheedy, Ennis; €35 was won by Will & Hill, c/o Horkans and Walter Geraghty, Swinford. The jackpot is now €12,400.
Clann Machua Drama Group, who are through to the All-Ireland finals in Mountmellick, Co Laois on April 26, are staging their play Stolen Child for one last time in the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh on Thursday, April 18, at 8pm.Tickets available from Langan’s Off Licence or by ringing 087 4559071 or on the door.
**************************.
Congratulations to James Coffey, Magheraboy and Áine Doyle who were married in Swinford Church and Linda Costello, Culmore and Thomas Fleming who were married in Kilkelly on Friday, April 5, also Ciara Hunt, Glann and John Macken who were married on Saturday, April 6, in Glann Church. All three couples are wished the best of health and happiness into the future.
The lotto numbers drawn for Saturday, March 30, were 11, 18, 29 and 43. There was no winner.
Kilmovee Swimming Pool is seeking applications for the position of lifeguard for the coming season of 2024. If you would like to apply, send your CV, along with appropriate qualification certificates by email to kilmoveeswimmingpool@gmail.com. Closing date for applications is Monday, April 22, at 2pm.
The Kilkelly Glann Community Alert has joined with Kilmovee/Urlaur since Monday, April 8 last. All applications, replacements of additional pendants will be addressed under Kilmovee. The new contact numbers are; chairperson Tommy Horan 094 964 9814 and secretary Anne Cruise 083 414 5159.
On Saturday, March 30, Kilmovee community was at its best as it hosted its annual 5k and 10k road races. The sun came out as did a record crowd, drawing over 1,000 people between participants and supporters to this picturesque corner of East Mayo.
This event raises funds for two worthy causes, Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Club and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. As the sun rose in the village, the dedicated team of Kilmovee volunteers stood ready for whatever was thrown at them, their dedication and determination is the reason this event is one of the most successful in Connacht.
As the race started, a palpable sense of excitement enveloped the air.
Spectators lined the route, their cheers echoing through the countryside as participants embarked on their journey. With DJ James Sharkey providing the soundtrack, the atmosphere crackled with energy, transforming the event into a veritable celebration of athleticism and community spirit.
As the first runners crossed the finish line, they were greeted by an outpouring of support from the 300 plus enthusiastic supporters that had gathered, their cheers serving as a testament to the unwavering spirit of unity that defines Kilmovee.
But the festivities didn't end there. Participants and supporters alike were treated to Kilmovee's legendary hospitality, where the local community had spared no effort in ensuring a feast fit for champions. From homemade treats to hearty sandwiches, every palate was catered for. The largest cheer of the day went to the ladies who had served up this feast.
The winner of the 10k was Ray Hynes, Mullingar Harriers AC 33:22, with Shaun McLoughlin Westport AC second 33:46, and Anthony Murray Multisport Westport third 35:43.
The women’s race winner was Aoibhinn Flatley Swinford AC 39:56, Donna Gallagher Mayo AC 42:17 was second and Angela O’Connor Mayo AC 42:24, Mayo AC came home third.
1st M o40 John Byrne Mayo AC 35:50, 1st M o50 Sean Burke Tuam AC 36:41, 1st M o60 Johnny Cribbin 41:20.
1st W o40 Eimear Fitzmaurice 45:49, 1st W o50 Colette Tuohy 44:11, 1st W o60 Monica Joyce 48:25.
Daniel Anderson 42:00 St Nathy’s Ballaghaderreen won Michael McDonnell Shield for his school.
In the Kilmovee 5k Martina O’Connor Mayo AC was first overall in the race in 19:31, and first male was Brian Gallagher 20:13.
***************************
The death took place on Monday, March 18, of Austin Queenan, Manchester, and formerly of Cloonloo. His funeral Mass was on Friday, April 12, in Manchester. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Maureen, son Gerard, daughter Lisa and all his relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Welcomed in the Sacrament of Baptism in Killaraght Church on Saturday last was Meadh Aislinn Clarke, daughter of Siobhan (O'Grady) and Marcus Clarke, who are living in Loughrea.
Congratulations and good wishes to Megan McCormack, Cloonloo who was selected as the Sligo Rose for the Rose of Tralee competition from an entry of thirteen contestants at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.
Eastern Harps 50/50 draw on April 8 had a jackpot of €672 and the winner was Seamus Phillips, c/o O'Dowds Lake View Bar, Monasteraden.
Gurteen bingo is held each Friday night at 8pm. The jackpot of €4,400 was won on Friday night, March 29, and it restarted again at €1500. Next week it will be €1600 in forty five calls. The lotto raffle is €750.
The numbers drawn in the Gurteen Celtic lotto draw last week were; 3, 14, 20 and 26. Winner of the €50 was Des Horan, Moygara, Gurteen. The jackpot is now €3,200 and the draw for April 14 will be taking place in Donegan's, Ragwood.
Congratulations and well done to Gurteen Celtic who defeated Mervue United to claim the Connacht' Womens Shield at Umbro Park in Milebrush, Castlebar, last Sunday after playing extra time. Player of the Match was Megan McCormack who recently became the Rose of Sligo in the Rose of Tralee competition in the Clayton Hotel.
The third annual Cave Camino will be on Saturday, April 20. This year there is a twenty two kilometre option as well as the popular thirty four kilometre route. All information is on Eastern Harps website and Facebook, or from any club member.
