Around Mayo's towns and villages. . .Ballyhaunis, Knock and Swinford
BALLYHAUNIS NEWS
NEW YEAR'S DAY MASS
THERE will be a special new year's day Mass for the parishes in the St. Joseph's Cluster (Aghamore, Ballinlough, Ballyhaunis, Bekan and Knock) on Sunday (January 1) in St. Patrick's Church, Ballyhaunis, at 12 noon.
This is the ninth year of the event and, as on previous occasions, it is expected that representatives from each of the parishes/church areas will take part in the Mass.
The theme for the Mass on this occasion is 'Jesus Stands at the Door and Knocks'.
As in former years, it is hoped that representatives from the choirs from the cluster will provide the music and singing.
GAA OFFICERS
The annual general Meeting of the Ballyhaunis GAA Club was held on December 10 last.
The following officers were elected for the coming year: patron Fr. Stephen Farragher, P.P.; president Eamon Glynn; vice-president Tommy (Darby) Lyons; chairperson Ger Lyons; vice-chairperson Noelle Barrett; secretary Peter Healy; assistant secretary Fergal Walsh; treasurer Tomas Murphy; assistant treasurer Robbie Herr; registrars Anne Cunnane and Stella O’Neill; PRO Ciara Buckley; auditors James Reidy and Eamonn Murren; Oifigeach na Gaeilge Gearoid MacGerarraidh; coaching officers Kevin Gallagher and Darran Conlon; Bord na nÓg officer Brendan Donnellan; safety and grounds officer Padraic Murphy; children's officer Lisa McConn; health and wellbeing officer Alma Gallagher; football representative Joe Sutton; hurling representative Noelle Barrett; LGFA representative Anne Cunnane; DLP officer Maire Henry.
CLUB WORKSHOP 2023
It was announced at Ballyhaunis GAA Club's annual general meeting that an open invitation has been extended to take part in the club's workshop, which will be held in Scoil Íosa NS on Friday, January 13, at 7 p.m.
Topics open for discussion include: juvenile games development and player welfare; coaching and games (adult); club structures and administration; club development and facilities; finance and fundraising; culture, community and PR.
GAA 50/50
Congratulations to Paul Donnellan, Clare Street, who was the winner of last week's Ballyhaunis GAA Club 50/50 draw. The jackpot was valued at €480 and the lucky envelope was bought in the club's direct debit.
Envelopes are on sale in most local retail outlets at €2 each or €5 for three. All support for the local club is very much appreciated.
SCHOOL REUNION
Students who graduated from Ballyhaunis Community School in 1992 were invited to a school reunion last night.
The evening began with a prayer service in the school followed by refreshments in The Clock Bar, Knox Street.
BALLYHAUNIS NOTES
Items for inclusion in Ballyhaunis notes can be sent to Michael Byrne, Gurteen, Ballyhaunis. Get in touch at (086) 4500706 or byrnemikej57@gmail.com.
KNOCK NEWS
REFURBISHMENT
THE Chapel of Reconcilliation at Knock will be closed for the months of January and February for refurbishment.
To this end, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will resume from Monday, January 2, as follows: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Apparition Chapel.
Confessions will be held daily in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (beside the book shop) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the months of January and February.
MASS TIMES
Mass times for this coming week in Knock are as follows: New Year's Eve (Saturday, December 31) – 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. (with Rosary at 7 p.m.) in the parish church; New Year's Day (Sunday, January 1) – 9 a.m. in the parish church and 10.30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Basilica.
AGHAMORE 50/50
Congratulations to Michael Owen Kilduff, Knock, who was the winner of last week's Aghamore GAA Club 50/50 draw. The jackpot was valued at €474.
Congratulations also to Catherine Flynn, who was the lucky winner of the Christmas hamper.
Tickets for the weekly draw are on sale at €2 each or three for €5. Play online at https://www.lottoraiser.ie/Aghamore.
LOTTO
Congratulations to Francis Flatley, Knock, who was the winner of last week's Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw for €405.
Envelopes are on sale at €2 each or three for €5 in most local retail stores and online at https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KiltimaghKnock.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
A bereavement support group has been established at Knock Shrine for some time now to help those cope with the grieving process after losing a loved one. The ]group meet every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in the Family Centre, Knock Shrine.
In addition, on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m., there is an opportunity specifically for bereaved spouses to meet.
These meetings aim to help those who grieve find healing through this process of meeting up with and talking to other people who are coping with the same pain.
KNOCK NOTES
Items for inclusion in the Knock Notes may be sent to Mike Byrne, Gurteen, Ballyhaunis. Alternatively, email byrnemikej57@gmail.com or call (086) 4500706.
SWINFORD
COMMUNITY LOTTO
THE Swinford Community Lotto jackpot survived until the new year following last week's draw – the final one of 2022.
The winners of the €70 vouchers were: Thomas Ivers, c/o Tara Cafe, Castlebar, and Seamus Rowley, Lisheenabrone, Swinford. Three entries won €35 each for three numbers: Walter Geraghty, Swinford; Sleoge, Swinford; and M. Kneafsey, c/o Moore's, The Square.
The next draw will be held on Monday, January 9. Sincere thanks to all for your support in 2022. Your help is vital in continuing the progress and improvement of the facilities at the Amenity Park. Keep safe and every good wish for the new year.
The jackpot on January 10 will be €14,200. Good luck!
ATHLETIC CLUB
Niall O'Neill, Killbride, was the winner of last week's Swinford Athletic Club 50/50 draw and collected €150. The two free entries to this weeks draw were won by Sophie Cronnolly, c/o The Sheepwalk, Lower Main Street, and Chris O'Reilly, Sweetwell.
This week's draw follows the 5k in Midfield, while the first draw of 2023 will be on Tuesday, January 9, at the Amenity Park.
Thanks to all our draw supporters during the past year. Your efforts have enabled the club to complete the new track at the park, which will serve the young athletes for many years to come. Best wishes and further succes to the the members in 2023.
SCHOOL DRAW
Congratulations to Geraldine Price, who won first prize of €2,500 in the Parents' Association Christmas draw in Swinford National School last week. Thanks to everyone who supported the draw this year.
INTO CONNAUGHT FINAL
At Solar 21 Park, Milebush, Castlebar, Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford, advanced to the FAI Connaught Schools final in a hard fought 2-1 win over Charlestown Community School. Goals from Conor Devaney and Sean O'Grady were sufficient to get Swinford past their near neighbours, and they await the winners of Foxford v Ballinasloe in the other semi-final early next month. Later in January they play the final.
Team managers Michael Davaney and Damien McGrath are quietly confidant the side can be provincial champions.
Later in February, the Swinford FC Under 19 women also play in a Connacht final. Can we dream of two Connacht titles in 2023?
NEW YEAR'S DAY 5K
If you are making a new year's resolution to become fitter and healthier, then you have the ideal opportunity on Sunday (January 1) as Swinford/Killaser LGFA have organised a 5k event, starting from the Amenity Park. This event is open to all, and you can run, jog or walk the distance. Get the year off to a flying start!
JACKPOT
The Killasser Community Centre November 50/50 jackpot of €660 was won by Mary Goldrick. Josie Hegarty and Alan Heaney each won a spot prize of €20.
The December 50/50 draw takes place on Saturday, January 7, in The Turf Shed during the parish's Nollaig na mBan dinner. The minimun jackpot that night will be €1,000.
Thanks to all who turned out for the annual St. Stephen's Day 5km walk/run from Callow Church. All proceeds on the day support parish funds.
Meanwhile, the annual general meeting of Killasser Community Centre will take place on Friday, January 13, at 8.30 p.m.
In other news, a bereavement and funeral group is being formed in the parish. A very positive meeting was held recently, with good attendance.
Finally, the Christmas midnight Mass attracted a very large congregation, with many home in Kilasser for the holidays in attendance. Well done and thanks to all who helped on the night.
DEATHS
Sincere sympathy to the families and relatives of all who died in recent days: Áine Murphy (nee Murphy), Scariff, Co. Clare, formerly of Swinford; Thérése O'Kelly (nee Brennan), Clontarf, Dublin, formerly of Swinford (sister of Angela and Aoife); John Golden, Bollingbrook Drive and formerly of Kinaffe, Swinford, and London; Sean Keating, Cork city and Ballyhooly, Co. Cork, and formely of Swinford; and Michael McNicholas, Kinaffe, Swinford. May they rest in peace.
GAA CLUB
The Robert McCallion Menorial Grounds in Swinford rarely saw as much actvity and colour as was seen on St. Stephen's Day. The occason was a fundraiser for The Butterfly Garden, with four teams – each sponsored by a local tavern – taking to the field in various stages of fitness!
In action were: The White House Wonders; Mellette Mighty Men; The Sheepwalk Slashers and Julians' Gems.
The ladies added colour and glamour to proceedings too, with Swinford/Killasser LGFA fielding two sides.
All matches (shortened versions due to the time of year) were played in a very sporting atmosphere and at the end of the day The Butterfly Garden was a clear winner, with their funds receiving a welcome boost. Well done to all who turned out and also to the organisers.
MEN ON THE MOVE
Just what you men have been waiting for – the Mayo Sports Partnership's Men on the Move programme is starting in Swinford on January 10 at 8 p.m.
This is an eight-week programme consisting of two sessions per week – walk on Tuesday and gym on Thursdays – all for only €35.
It is hosted by the Health Hub, Swinford – contact (094) 9253531 or thehealthhubswinford@gmail.com for details. Book in advance and start the year well.
WEEKLY NOTES
Items for publication in the weekly notes can be texted to (087) 0576266 or emailed to eringnotes@gmail.con (leave a contact number).
Thanks to all who furnished details of their club or group activities during 2022. To all our readers and advertisers, have a very happy and contented new year.