Swinford News 29 May 1996
Co Mayo, Ireland
Americans to visit Swinford
A VISIT to Swinford last summer by an American has resulted in a planned visit by people with disabilities to Swinford in July. Mrs. Patricia McFarlene-Gavin called to see her cousin, Mr. Padraic Gavin, Park Road. Mrs. McFarlene-Gavin worked with handicapped people for some years and is now Director of Special Vocations, Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia.This company specialises in vocations for people with disabilities and takes groups to various locations in North America.
In view of his interest in handicapped persons, Mr. Gavin took her to visit Aras Attracta, the complex for mentally handicapped in Swinford. She was very impressed with the facilities and with the level of service there.
The Gavin cousins discussed the possibility of Special Vocations organising a trip to Swinford and the people with disabilities staying in Aras Attracta. When the idea was put to Mr. Finbar Kilgallon, Director of Services at Aras Attracta, he was very enthusiastic.
Mrs. McFarlene-Gavin has recently confirmed that twelve persons with disabilities, together with five helpers, will arrive in Shannon on July 1st andwill stay at Aras Attracta in bungalows not yet occupied by residents. They will stay until July 9th and will do a tour of a number of towns in Mayo.
Members of Family and Friends of Aras Attracta plan to have a barbecue to welcome the America and also to have a party for both Aras Attracta residents and the residents.
This will be the first time such a trip has been organised and all involved are eagerly looking forward to it. Swinford people will be welcome - and indeed encouraged - to call to Aras Attracta to meet the Americans.
KILLASSER KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
Killasser Community Care Group held its annual parish pilgrimage to Knock Shrine when Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dan O'Mahony, Adm., Killasser. Later the group had lunch at the Belmont Hotel.Fr. O'Mahony paid tribute to the members of the Community Care Group for organising the event.
Group director of services Francis Brennan thanked Fr. O'Mahony for celebrating the Mass; the Belmont Hotel for providing an excellent meal; John McGowan and Una Dunleavy for assisting on the day; Johnny Lynskey, Do-Do Ginty, Mary Fleming and Sheela McCullough for their help in making the event such an outstanding success.
* Killasser Community Group was founded in 1975 and this year celebrates its 21st anniversary.
PRESENTED CERTIFICATES
Mayo debates organiser Francis Brennan presented certificates to the members of St. Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford, Concern debate team on Thursday last.MEELICK MAN'S DEATH
The death took place at his residence of Mr. John (Jack) Geraghty, Ardhoom, Meelick, Swinford. Jack, as he was popularly known, was a very good humoured person who had built up a large circle of friends, young and old, who loved to chat with him. Jack was loved by all, a man who had no enemies. He was an outstanding husband and father, a great Christian. He will be remembered as a man who was kind and cared for others, and who treasured the company of his family, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Jack was a keen card player and angler. His remains were removed from his residence to St. Luke's Church, Meelick, where they were received by Fr. Filan. Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul by Fr. Filan, assisted by Monsignor, Fr. Holleran, Fr. Costello, Fr. Kilcoyne and Fr. Forde.Burial took place in the local cemetery where Fr. Filan officiated at the graveside. There were large attendances at the removal of the remains, Mass and burial, a tribute to the popularity of a fine decent man and the sorrow occasioned by his passing.
Sympathy is extended to his wife Nora; sons Michael, Johnny, Peter and Marty; daughters Mary and Anne; daughters-in-law, grandchildren and other relatives.
INTERVIEWED TAOISEACH
Mr. Francis Brennan interviewed the Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, at the launch of the Government's response to the Western Development Board plan in Athenry, Co. Galway, for the "Good Evening Mayo" programme on Community Radio, Castlebar.MEELICK BINGO
Bingo is held in Meelick every Wednesday night at 9 o'clock. The jackpot tonight (Wednesday) is £305. A big bingo session will be held on Wednesday night, June 2, when a raffle will be held for a petrol lawnmower and many other attractive prizes.GOLF NEWS
Next Saturday, Sunday and Monday an open weekend is scheduled at Swinford Golf Club. An 18 holes competition is arranged for each day with an attractive array of prizes on offer. Visitors are most welcome to play in these competitions and a visitors' prize will be awarded.Last week's mixed foursomes drew another fine entry and they continue every Thursday in June at 7 p.m.
Results of game played on Thursday, June 23: 1st, Eamonn Byrne and Gay Grealy; 2nd, Tom Campbell and Ann McNeela; 3rd, John Kelly and Julie Loftus.
The Ormsby Cup qualifying round was played on Sunday last and the top 16 now go into the first round of the matchplay÷the draw is on the notice board.
Last night (Thursday) the mixed foursomes side played Ballinrobe in the first round. Results next week. On the Swinford team were Eamon Byrne and Gay Grealy, John Condon and Mary Horkan, Kevin Geraghty and Bríd Spain, John Kelly and Julie Loftus, Tony Spain and Patricia Lavin.
CARD WINNERS
The following were the winners in local weekly card games: Melletts: J. McGeever, B. Mellett, P. Kneafsey, J. Gallagher and M. Shiel. White House: M. Moran, V. McNulty, P. Moran, K. Finn, M. Doherty and P. Hanley.FROM CHICAGO
Mr. Bernard McNeela, Main Street, Swinford, is currently on vacation from Chicago.Connaught TITLE WINNER
Congratulations to Thomas Conlon, Lisheenabrone, Swinford, winner of the 5000 metres athletics championship in Claremorris. Thomas will run in Tullamore in a few weeks time representing his county. He is son of Bernie and Gerald Conlon.DIED ABROAD
The death has taken place in the United States of Delia Callaghan (nee Loftus), formerly of Brackloon, Swinford. Teresa Ruddy, a native of Newcastle, Meelick, has died in Australia. The death has taken place in England of Peggy Lenehan, a native of Kilbride, Swinford. Ellen Costello, brother of Paddy Durkan, Kinaffe, Swinford, has died in the U.S. The death has taken place in England of Jimmy Frain who came from Midfield, Swinford.DIED IN BALLINA
The death took place at his residence, Knockroe House, Quay Road, Ballina, of Mr. Michael Kenny, M.V.B., M.R.C.V.S., late of Lord Edward Street, Ballina, and formerly of Carrowbeg, Killasser.Deceased was an outstanding veterinary surgeon and carried on a very successful practice in Ballina. Michael was very popular among the community and his passing is much regretted over a wide area.
His remains were removed from his residence to St. Muredach's Cathedral, Ballina, and the burial took place in Leigue Cemetery after Requiem Mass.
He is survived by his wife Maura (nee O'Connor), Ballymiles, Swinford; sons Michael, Seamus and Sean; daughters Majella, Julieanne and Tricla; sisters Maureen, Noreen, Kathleen and Della; son-in-law Andrew; daughter-in-law Anne Marie; granddaughter Sara; nephews, nieces and nephews.
Sympathy is extended to all in their sad loss.
RHYMES AND REASONS AT SIAMSA SRAIDE
Sunday, 4th August, 1996, is the date for the big concert with Tommy Fleming and a collection of Ireland's top musicians at Síamsa Sráide in Swinford. Tommy's new album, "Rhymes and Reasons," will be launched the first week in August by MCA Record Company of America. This album includes twelve new ballads with string section and other backing instruments.Tommy will be joined by a formidable group of musicians for his open-air concert in Swinford. Conor Byrne, who played in this year's Eurovision Song Contest,will play the flute and whistle. Conor is nephew of Christy Moore. Paul Marron will play drums and percussion, Rob Thornburgh will play fiddle hammer, dulcimer and guitar. Ted Ponsoby, who used to play with Kieran Goss and Dolores Keane, will play acoustic guitar and dobro. Mick McCarthy will play double bass and Pete Wynette will play piano and keyboards.
Guests of Tommy's on the night will be Paul McDonnell and Dave Molloy who will perform some Simon and Garfunkel numbers.
And who knows who else may join in on the night to make this concert one of the leading events of Síamsa Sráide '96
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Fr. Patrick Holleran, C.C., Swinford, administered Holy Eucharist to sixteen children in St. Joseph's Church, Midfield, on Sunday, May 19th, during 11 a.m. Mass. The church was packed for the occasion.Fr. Holleran welcomed the communicants, teachers, parents, relatives and friends. He had a special word of thanks for the teachers who had prepared the children for the sacrament.
The choir rendered a number of hymns, making the occasion a memorable one for all concerned.
The communicants were Liam Finn, Alan Kennedy, John Gerard Kelly, Sean Kelly, Stephen McDonnell, Richard Lavin, James King, Conor Ryan, Adrian Campbell, Michael Mulholland, Patrick Colgan, Aishling Mulholland, Marian Durkan, Helen Kilgallon, Emma Foy and Siobhán Tunney.
TABLE QUIZ
A table quiz will be held in Greaney's Lounge, Swinford, tonight (Wendesday) in aid of the GAA players injury fund. Tables of four, £10. Valuable prizes.COMMUNITY GAMES
Once again the annual Community Games competitions will take place in Brabazon Park on Sunday, June 9th. All parents are asked to get involved in the organising and running of this very worthwhile event. Considering that most of Ireland's top sports stars - Sonia O'Sullivan, Catriona McKiernan, Eamon Coghlan, John Treacy, Roy Keane, Nial Quinn, plus many more - had their first taste of competitive sport at Community Games level, today's children should make a big effort to take part in their local games. It is a great family day and well worth your support.Entries will be a accepted on the day by local secretary Mrs. Bernie Conlon. It is hoped to get Swinford back to the standard it set in the 70s and 80s when upwards of 20 local young stars took part in the national finals in Mosney, Co. Meath, each year.
LOCAL LOTTO WINNERS
Swinford community lotto draw took place in the Bridge Inn, Ballymiles, on Sunday, May 19. The numbers drawn were 4, 17, 18, 21 and the £3,000 jackpot was not won. Congratulations to Thomas O'Malley, Logcurragh, Swinford, who won the £50 voucher.There were 15 match 3 winners, as follows, who each received £20: Brid O'Connell, Swinford; Martina O'Hara, Swinford; M. Cullen, AIB, Swinford; Tres Smyth, Swinford; Tina Moore, Brabazon Heights, Swinford; John McCann, c/o Daveys; Bridget Gallagher, Meelick, Swinford; Sarah and Siobhán, c/o Greaneys; Traice Geraghty, Meelick; Ita Campbell, Cloonfinaun, Swinford; Sarah Timoney, Renbrack, Swinford; Bernadette Kelly c/o Douglas Kelly, Solicitor; Nora Geraghty, Meelick, Swinford; Pauline Rowley, Cloonfinish, Swinford; Hugh Horkan, Barnacogue, Swinford.
Winners of £10 each were Joan Loftus, Bank of Ireland, Swinford; Michelle Conlon, Lisbrogan, Swinford; Marie Finn, c/o Daveys.
Last week's jackpot was £3,100 and the draw took place in Padraic Horkan's, Main Street, on Sunday night. Results will be published in this column next week.
SUNDAY LOTTO DRAW
Swinford community lotto draw will be be held in Danny Lambe's (McDermott's), Market Street, Swinford, on Sunday night next, June 2. Have your name in the drum for the big prizes. A great night out.COUNTY CUP
There was a big turnout at Swinford golf course when the County Cup was played for. The following were the results: 1st, Ballina, 354; 2nd, Swinford, 358. 1st nett, Nuala Guckian, Ballinrobe, 65 pts.; 2nd nett, Margaret Tighe, Mulranny, 66 pts.; 1st gross, Mary Walsh, Claremorris, 80 pts.; 3rd nett, Julie Loftus, Swinford, 67 pts.; 4th nett, Margaret Clarke, Ballina, 68 pts.; 2nd gross, Chris Fenwick, Claremorris, 81 pts.; 5th nett, Toni Garavan, Castlebar, 68 pts.; 3rd gross, Emily Gallagher, Claremorris, 83 pts.; 1st nine, Patsy Connor, Castlebar, 30 pts.; 2nd nine, Barbara Daly, Mulranny.TABLE QUIZ
A table quiz will take place in Mellett's tonight (Wednesday), May 29, starting at 9.30, in aid of Rehab. Table of four, £!2. Co-ordinator Angela Moore, who is participating in the ladies' mini marathon in Dublin on Sunday, June 9. Spot prizes. Your support will be appreciated.FIANNA FAIL SYMPATHY
At a meeting of Swinford Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceantar sympathy was extended to Mrs. Martin Murtagh, Castleroyan, Kiltimagh; Mrs. Connolly, Carracanada, Swinford; Mary Keegan, Ballyglass, Bohola; Martin Mulroy, Carragolda, Bohola; Carmel McDonnell, Sweetwell, Swinford; T. J. Roache, Tooromin; Jimmy Nolan and family, Derryronane, Swinford.Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996
