Local Notes: Town team triumphs in Swinford golf classic
Swinford Golf Club's victorious 'Town' team who defeated their 'Country' counterparts, from left: Tommy Regan, Gearoid Brady, James Irwin, Tony Spain, Kevin Irwin, Sean Comer, Shane Lacey, James Kilroy, Gerry Ronayne, Mark Fulham, Brian Turbitt, Daniel Irwin, Liam Healy. Seated: Breege Spain, Lorena McNicholas, Ann Moore.
In the grand fields of Swinford, where the green meets the sky in a splendid embrace, there unfolded a tale of rivalry and camaraderie - the annual Town versus Country golf match. This sporting spectacle, a veritable clash of titans, pits the stout-hearted townsmen against the hardy country folk in a contest of wills, wits, and swings.
On a day that began with the heavens opening in brief fury, the squalls soon gave way to milder skies, as if the elements themselves paused to spectate. The golf course, with its freshly quenched thirst, bore witness to the spirited encounters amongst Swinford's finest.
Victory, sweet and savoured, graced the Town team for the second year running, a testament to their growing prowess and, perhaps, a smidge of good fortune. The country lads and lasses, hearty in their game and generous in defeat, vowed a spirited return, for the soil of the countryside breeds resilience.
Amongst the heroes of the day were the likes of young Daniel Irwin, who edged out Barry Durkan by a whisker, and Shane Lacey, who bested Gerry Tierney with a flourish. And let us not overlook the ladies - Ann Moore and Lorena McNicholas, who danced around the greens like summer winds, securing wins that were as delightful as they were decisive.
As the sun dipped low, the Swinford Golf Club resonated with tales of the day - of birdies made and putts missed, of laughter shared over hot whiskies that burned the throat but warmed the spirit. This day, like many before it and many to come, wove yet another thread into the rich tapestry of Swinford’s sporting history, under the watchful eyes of Captain Hilary McCrohan and Vice-Captain Enda Murtagh, whose stewardship ensured that the event was as seamless as it was enjoyable.
So here's to the Town, the champions of the day, and to the Country, whose heart beats strong and whose return next year is eagerly awaited. In Swinford, the game is golf, but the prize is the joy and the jest that each match brings.
Deadline
Items for inclusion in the notes can be submitted by email to ryankneafsey@gmail.com or call, text or WhatsApp 087-7694781 (after 6pm). The deadline for receipt of items is 6.30pm each Wednesday.
The annual general meeting of Swinford Agricultural Show will take place on Sunday, November 10th, at 3pm in Boland’s Bar. All are welcome, especially new members.
Swinford FC are looking for players' expressions of interest in playing men’s over-35 Masters Football with the Mayo Football League Masters starting in January 2025. For enquiries, please contact 083-403 2653.
The annual prayer service for the deceased will take place in Swinford Church on Friday, November 8th, at 7.30pm.
Swinford Camera Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month in the Meeting Room, Lower Main Street at 8pm. All welcome.
The Killasser Community Care and Killasser Community Centre committees will hold the Annual 25 Card Drive on Monday, December 9.
Swinford Social Services Meals on Wheels Church Gate Collection will take place at masses in Swinford, Meelick and Midfield on November 9th and 10th. Please give generously to this worthy cause.
There was no jackpot winner in the Swinford Community Lotto draw held on October 29th when the numbers drawn were 1, 5, 10 and 25.
The winners of €70 vouchers were Bernie Conway, Swinford and Philomena Murtagh, Park Road, while €35 each was won by Teresa Sweeney, c/o The Post Office, P & M Devaney, Culmore, Michael Hunt, Kilkelly and Noreen McNamara, c/o Tara Café.
The jackpot is now €18,200.
The following are the results from the weekly card game played in Swinford Golf Clubhouse on October 24th: 1st, Tom Maughan and Thomas McDonagh; 2nd, Helen Gallogly and Matt Duggan; 3rd, Annie McNeela, Esther Munnelly, Jack Pidgeon and Philip Moore.
Raffle prizes were won by Helen Gallogly, Tom Maughan and Annie McNeela.
The game continues every Thursday night at 9pm.
The annual general meeting of Killasser-Callow Heritage Society took place recently and elected the following officers and committee: President, Bernard O’Hara; chairperson, Áine Ní Chiaráin; secretary, Máirín Noone; treasurers, two of Edel Hyland, Micheál Murphy, and Fr John Durkan; committee, Mary Cronnolly, Marie McNulty, Pádraic O’Hara, Tom Hennigan, and Louis McNulty.
During the year, the society erected three separate heritage panels in the parish, one each at Killasser and Callow Churches, and at Killasser Cemetery. Earlier, the society had co-financed the bilingual signage at Killasser Church.
It was decided to prepare a special publication for 2025 dedicated to the memory of its inaugural secretary, Maureen Murphy, who went to her eternal reward in January last. Anyone interested in writing or suggesting an article for publication is asked to contact any member.
Monday night card game in Killasser Community Centre at 8pm, beginners welcome.
The winners of the card games played in Meelick on Tuesday, October 29, were Michael Ryan, Francie Rowley, Geraldine Turbitt, Ann Rowley, Aidan Horkan and Helen Gallogly.
Raffle prizes were won by Francie Rowley, Seamus Conwell and Mary Higgins.
The game continues every Tuesday night at 9pm in Meelick Community Centre.
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Bohola
Congratulations to John Donnelly, Ballinasloe who won a jackpot of €416 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw held on Saturday, October 26th.
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).
Bohola Church will host a magical Candlelight Concert with John McNicholl and full band on Saturday, December 14th!
Immerse yourself in the warmth and beauty of live music by candlelight. Don't miss this enchanting evening!
Tickets, priced at €30, are on sale from the following committee members: Fiona Byrne, Alice Rowley, Gemma Jordan, Tom Lavelle, Maria Murphy, Breda Flynn, Tom O Brien, Paul McNicholas, Esther Walsh, Brendan Clarke and Emma Galligan.
Limited seats available so buy early and experience a night of pure musical bliss!
All proceeds to the continuing development of Durcan Community Park.
The new date for the Moy Davitts 50th anniversary dinner dance is January 25th. Tickets remain on sale for that date and can be purchased directly from Annette Clarke at 087-6781500 or email treasurer.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie.
The cost is €50 per person. November tickets are still valid.
The club look forward to seeing you for a really special night on Saturday, January 25th, in the Great National Hotel, Ballina. Special accommodation rates are also available from the hotel.
