Super Golf Classic huge success

10/16/2002 -

The Super Golf Classic on Saturday, September 28, in aid of the Special Olympics World Games, oprganised by Swinford Host Town Committee proved to be a most enjoyable and successful event. The Classic was well supported with thirty teams taking part. One of the highlights of the competition was a hole-in-one by Cathal Quinn at the 213 yards par 3 hole, which was instrumental in the winning of the competition by his team.

Winning team members were: Charlie Quinn, Pádraig Lydon, Mae Quinn and Cathal Quinn with a score of 55.9. Runners-up team: Paul Judge, Paul McLoughlin, Pat Howley and Joe Cox of Ballina Golf Club – Score 56.1. In third slot were Eamonn Byrne, Tomas Geraghty, David Maher and Michael Mannion – Score 57.3 (back 9). In fourth position was the team of Bill Crowley, Eamonn Judge, Mal Burke and John Nilan from Ballina Golf Club - Score 57.3. Other prizes: Nearest to the Pin, on the 17th Green was Michael Herr Jr., Ballina. Longest Drive prize won by Pat Howley, Ballina.

The Special Olympics Host Town Committee presented a special prize to Cathal Quinn for scoring a hole-in-one.

The prizes were presented in the clubhouse that night. Speaking at the presentation, Mr. Séamus O’Hara, Chairperson of the Host Town Committee, thanked and complimented everyone involved in the planning and running of the Classic. He had special words of thanks for Club Secretary and Captain Mr. Tom Regan. His help, support and advice were invaluable. He was available to members of the organising committee whenever he was required, both prior to the Classic and on the day. Everyone concerned was deeply indebted to Tom. He also thanked Mr. Charlie Quinn for agreeing so readily to arrange the Time Sheet. He also thanked Mae Quinn for her help.

Another member of the club who was warmly thanked by Mr. O’Hara was Club Chairperson, Mr. Donal Benson. Donal had the unenviable task of getting all the participating teams out on the course on time. It was a tribute to him that the Classic went so smoothly. He also thanked Donal and his wife Kathleen for donating the second prizes for the Classic – Newbridge Cutlery.

Another member who had been of great assistance was Michael Walsh and Séamus thanked him on behalf of the Committee. He also thanked Michael Farrelly, groundsman, and Gerry Moran, and complimented them on the condition of the course. Fiona Ryan, Tara Catering, was thanked for doing the catering in the clubhouse.

Mr. Tom Regan, Secretary and curent Captain, welcomed all present. He also thanked his fellow club members for assistance with the Classic. He paid special tribute to the members of the Special Olympics Host Town Committee for organising the event.

He thanked Fiona Ryan, Laura Murtagh who worked in the bar and Michael Farrelly and Gerry Moran for work on the course.

The main prizes (TV sets) were sponsored by the Host Town Committee and supplied very reasonably by Aidan Barrett. Second Prizes presented by Donal and Kathleen Benson; Third Prizes (Hampers) sponsored by Connacht Gold and the Fourth Prizes (meal vouchers) sponsored by Knock House Hotel, Cill Aodáin Hotel, Kiltimagh and Hotel Westport.



The following teams took part: Alan Bracken, Aras Attracta; Sheepwalk Lounge; Lawless Glass; Munster Joinery; Swinford Credit Union; O’Hara’s Carpets (Swinford), Michael Herr (Ballina), Eugene Greaney’s (Swinford), Duggan’s Londis (Swinford), A.I.B. Bank (Swinford), Peter Fallon (Aclare), Ann Brehony (Charlestown), Charlie Quinn, Gleeson Oil (Swinford), The White House (Swinford), Swinford GAA Club, Dunwal Construction (Swinford), Bill Crowley (Ballina), Paul McLoughlin (Ballina), Michael Cunnane, MCC Swinford, C/o Kevin Quinn; Joseph Gavin Opticians (Ballina), John Hearty, Carroll Consultancy (Swinford), Forkan’s Man Shop (Swinford), Bank of Ireland (Swinford), McNeela Windows (Swinford), Western Care (Charlestown), Western Care (Castlebar).

Swinford Host Town Committee wish to thank all of the following sponsors: Burleigh Accountancy, Castlebar; Caroline Gordon, Accountants, Swinford; East Mayo Anglers, Sean Gavigan, Mace, Swinford; Michael McNamara Construction, Fergal McGrane Structural Engineers, Swinford; McDonnell Engineering, Swinford; Charles Kelly, Solicitors, Balford Construction, Fintan Phelan Solicitors, John McDonnell Architects, Kamer Construction, McSten Construction, Thomas McNicholas Construction (Bohola), Seamus Higgins Construction (Bohola), Newpark Construction, P. O’Connor & Son Solicitors, Permanent T.S.B., Swinford Community Centre, Ambrose Lavin Architects, J. J. McNicholas, Crean Mosaics (Charlestown), Swinford Joinery Works, Frank Harrington Ltd., John Lynskey Bus Hire, John Halligan Architects (Charlestown), Mary O’Hara Associates (Ballaghaderreen), Gateway Hotel, Brendan Gilmore Security, Longford; Gala Supermarkets, Anna and Ronan Owens, O.K. Cabs, P. J. Byrne Sculptors, Padraic Horkan, McDermotts Home Bakery, Swinford Karate Club.



SWINFORD GARDENING CLUB

The next meeting of Swinford and District Gardening Club will be held in Mellett’s Emporium on Tuesday night, October 27 at 9 p.m The guest speaker is Anne Wilson who will give a talk on poultry. It promises to be a very interesting evening.

The last outing of the club, the mystery tour, was most enjoyable which took place in perfect weather on Sunday, 22 September. First stop was Cong where members enjoyed an hour strolling around the pretty village. The coach then took the party to Ashford Castle for ‘High Tea’. Afterwards members had a pleasant time wandering in the lovely grounds. Early evening, the mystery tour continued through the beautiful Maam Valley, past Lough Nafooey, onto Tourmakeady. Maura Luke’s was the final stop … with music, dancing and supper laid on.



PIONEER CENTRE

A new Pioneer Centre has opened in Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford. New members welcome. The centre has planned many activities and outigngs for the coming year.



Meelick ICA

A meeting of Meelick ICA Guild will take place in the Community Centre on Wednesday, October 16th, at 9pm.



ARAS ATTRACTA MEETING

The October meeting of the Friends of Aras Attracta was held in the Training Centre of Aras Attracta on Monday night, October 7 and there was a large attendance present. The Chairman Pat Molloy presided and prior to the business of the meeting one minute’s silence was observed for Andrew Mulligan, son of Mrs. Mary Mulligan, committee member, who died recently; and for Martin Flannery, father of Mrs. Diane Lavin who also died suddenly. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Secretary, Martin Nyland, and adopted.

A discussion took place on the winter card games which recommenced on Sunday last in Aras Attracta and will continue throughout the winter each Sunday night at 8.30 p.m. It is hoped the games will once again be well supported as the funds generated all go towards making life more happy, enjoyable and comfortable for the residents.

The AGM was also discussed at length and Mrs. Anne Burns, Director of Services, Aras Attracta, said she had a guest speaker in mind and if this speaker is available for Saturday, November 16 it was agreed to hold this meeting at 2.30 p.m. on that day. Mr. Alan Bracken said they hoped to have the issue of the ‘Brabazon Echo’ available for the AGM. The Chairman said the special party for the American visitors, held recently in the gym, was most succesful and enjoyable for everyone. He paid tribute to all the people who helped, also to the musicians, Tom and Diane Lavin, Fr. James McDonagh, Mrs. Mary Neary, Donal Gill. He also complimented the catering committee who made a variety of edibles and soft drinks available and Alan Bracken who decorated the gym for the occasion. He also thanked the ‘Western People’ for their very fine coverage of the event, and Mrs. Mary Neary for taking the photographs. He said: “it was a brilliant night and the residents and visitors mingled well and renewed old acquaintances.

Mrs. Anne Burns said she would like to put on record the generosity of the Friends of Aras Attracta, which has made life so special for the clients. She also paid tribute to all the cardplayers who came along without fail each Sunday night and helped in a really big way to make this possible. Mr. Alan Bracken said some of the necessary equipment is now out of date and would seriously need to be replaced. The meeting supported Mr. Bracken and asked him to make enquiries about prices of equipment he considers to be out of date and unsuitable for present needs.

The next item discussed was the Hallowe’en Party which is always a looked-forward to event. It was decided to hold it on Monday, November 4 from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

A vote of sympathy was extended to Mrs. Frances Ryan and the members of the Ryan family on the death of Mrs. Nora Ryan, Sweetwell, Swinford and formerly Clyard, Kilmaine. The next meeting will be the AGM.



THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The annual Harvest Thanksgiving Serivce takes place in the Church of Ireland Foxford, on Sunday next, October 20, at 7 p.m. The preacher is Fr. Kevin Hegarty. Refreshments will be served afterwards.



HOST TOWN MEETING

There was a very large attendance at the Swinford Host Town meeting in Aras Attracta on Monday night, October 7, presided over by the Chairman, Mr. Seamus O’Hara. The main business was to discuss the very successful Super Golf Classic held in Swinford Golf Course on Saturday, September 28. Mr. O’Hara paid tribute to all the teams who participated, the very generous sponsors, the members of Swinford Golf Club who were so helpful and generous, the members of the Host Town Committee who came along on the day to render valuable assistance and Fiona Ryan who did the catering. He also thanked Padraig Gavin who conducted the meetings when he himself was not available and for doing such trojan work to help make the Golf Classic such a tremendous success. He said all the schools are being made aware of the huge importance of the Special World Olympics which will be held in Dublin in June 2003, the first time ever to be held outside the United States. A special painting competition is also being organised and it is hoped to have a display at some local suitable venue which should prove very popular. A discussion took place on a Course which will be available in Dublin for volunteers and it is hoped some of the Host Town Committee members will avail of it. The meeting was told that a very small number of people who promised to be sponsors for the Super Golf Classic have not come forward and all all funds have to be lodged immediately the committee would be very grateful for this sponsorship at the earliest possible date. The meeting thanked the PRO for all the publicity he had given to the Golf Classic before and after the event.

The meeting thanked Dr. Hilary Greaney McCrohan for accepting the position of Secretary. Mrs. Frances Ryan said she would conduct French classes for people who would be acting as hosts for the Chad visitors and those classes would be held next month, so if any person who will be associated witht he Chad athletes is interested in brushing up their French, this is an excellent opportunity to do this. The meeting thanked Mrs. Ryan for this very kind gesture. After the meeting a very interesting video was shown on the Special World Olympics.



BRIDGE WINNERS

The winners of the Bridge game in O’Connor’s Hotel on Monday night lat were: 1, Eugene Gallagher and Eilish Gallagher; 2, shared by Matt Walsh, Jimmy Lavin, Tom Dunne and John Reid.



CARD GAMES

‘Twenty-Five’ card games are held every Thursday night in Hunt’s Lounge, Lr. Main Street, Swinford.



CUT-BACKS CRITICISED

The quarterly meeting of Swinford District Fine Gael Executive was held in Mellett’s Emporium, Swinford, on Thursday night, October 3 and all the affiliated branches were represented. Also present were Cllrs. Joseph Mellett and John Flannery and apologies were received from Deputies Enda Kenny, Leader of Fine Gael; Michael Ring and Senators Jim Higgins and Paddy Burke who were attending the Special Fine Gael meeting in Westport.

The Chairman Padraig Long presided, and the Secretary Mrs. Eileen Killalea, read correspondence relating to the Mayo Constituency AGM which will be held in The Travellers Friend Hotel on Sunday, October 20 at 6 p.m. and all branches were asked to send delegates. It is hoped as many people as possible will attend this meeting as Enda Kenny is leader of the Party.

The meeting unanimously nominated Mrs. Imelda Kelly, Swinford, who is Secretary of the Mayo Constituency Executive, as Secretary; and Padraig Long, as Vice-Chairman. A long discussion took place on the forthcoming Nice Referendum and everyone was encouraged and advised to read the booklet and both Councillors said the EU had been very good for this country even though much of the money received was squandered and not spent wisely as the systems are all wrong, with too many administrators, and disadvantaged areas neglected. The government was also criticised for misleading the people before the last General Election in assuring the electorate there would be no cut-backs and closures in any area - now everyday we hear of nothing else but cut-backs and closures. Votes of sympathy were extended to all families in the area who suffered bereavements.



FASHION SHOW

A Fashion Show in aid of the Mayo Women’s Support Services will be held in The Gateway Hotel, Swinford, on Friday, October 18, at 8.30 p.m. Tickets at E8 are on sale at Greaney’s Department store and at The Gateway Hotel; compere is Mrs. Brid O’Connell. Guest celebrity will be David Brady.



SUCCESSFUL OPEN DAY

The O’Dwyer/Cheshire Home, Bohola, held their annual Open Day on Sunday last and it proved to be a most successful event. The organisers wish to thank all the people who came along.



SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Sr. Agnes O’Grady, Shalom, Swinford, on the recent death of her sister, Mrs. Kathleen Finnegan, Chicago, formerly, Killasser, Swinford.



MEELICK CARDS

The first card game of the session is in Meelick Community Centre tonight (Tues) at 9 p.m. and will continue each Tuesday night throughout the season.



WEIGHTWATCHERS

Weightwatchers’ classes continue every Thursday morning in The Gateway Hotel, Swinford, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.



CABARET SHOW

‘Graffiti Classics’, the humorous and entertaining String Quartet with a difference, will perform their Cabaret Show in KD’s Bar, Charlestown, on Wednesday, 16th October, at 9.30 p.m.

‘Graffiti Classics’ are based in London but are by no means strangers to this country. They have performed on The Late Late Show, Den 2 and TG4 as well as touring extensively in Ireland and the U.K. Their combination of dance, jazz and acoustic music together with energetic movement and humorous interactions with the audience provide a stunning show that no one forgets. Graffiti perform a wide variety of music from the ‘Can-Can’ to Hungarian Folk Dances to hornpipes and polkas, with a little Mozart, Bach and Strauss added for good measure.

Graffiti’s Artistic Director and double bass player, Dubliner Cathal O’Dúil, will delight audiences as he performs acrobatics on top of the double bass, sometimes even inviting audience members to join in the antics!

“Best music, best fun I’ve had in years” … Irish Times Review

“Not to be missed … Graffiti Classics are a tonic” - Arts Centre

This cabaret night is being hosted by Charlestown Regional Arts, who are delighted to present this high calibre event as a fund-raiser for Charlestown’s new Arts Centre and Library.

Tickets at E7 each will be available at Murray’s Bar, A & H Newstand, Cosgallen Community Project, Enterprise Centre in Charlestown. Further information: (094) 55070 Your support of this event would be appreciated!

Come on down to KD’s Bar, Charlestown, on the night of Wednesday, 16 October, at 9.30 p.m. and we guarantee you excellent music, good craic and a night to remember.

This event is supported by Cosgallen East Mayo Community Development Project.



COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

The programme of sporting activities is presently being prepared for Swinford Community Centre. Activities available in the main Hall include indoor football, basketball, volleyball, badminton. The balcony is available for many activities. Handball and Squash Courts will be open soon, when new meters are installed. Groups or clubs wishing to book time slots should do so immediately. There are one or two hour slots available, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. An adult supervisor must be in charge of all under-16 yr old groups.



STRESS AT WORK

As part of European Safety Week, free informal sessions featuring a life-style approach to stress management will be held on 16th and 17th October, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Venue will be the Aras Attracta Teaching Centre. Topics will include: Personality test, diet, conflict resolution, visualisation, clearing the deck; deep breathing techniques, relaxation tapes, autogenics, meditation yoga. Facilitators accredited by the Irish Institute of Stress Management.



CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPION

Pupils from Midfield, Culmore and Swinford Primary Schools took part in the County Finals of the Mayo Primary School Cross-Country Championships in Belleek, Ballina, on Friday last, October 4. All pupils completed a very difficult course and finished well up the list of the 150+ runners in each race.

Congratulations must go to Daniel McNicholas of Midfield N.S. who won the Over-10 Boys Race. Stephen Walsh of Midfield finished 8th in the same race. Serena Carney represented Swinford N.S. And both now go forward to the Connacht Championships in Galway on October 19. Stephen Henry of Midfield finished 5th in the Under-10 Boys Race. All three boys received their medals after the event.

Darren McLoughlin, John Tunney, Garret McDonnell, David Lavin, Michelle Gavin, Tara Henry, Caitríona Devine, Sarah Lavin, Mary Lavin and Linda Kenny also represented Midfield NS. Representing Culmore N.S. were Isobel McLoughlin, Peter Callaghan, Erin Conway, Kelly Moore, Megan Lynch, Shauna Davey and Leanne Gavaghan.

COMMUNITY LOTTO

Draw was held in The White House, Chapel St., Swinford, on Monday, October 7. No winner of the E13,300 Jackpot. Winning numbers drawn were: 10, 11, 18 and 19. One Match 3 Winner, Nellie Dunleavy, Lisdurrane, Swinford. She receives E30. E70 Voucher winners were Tony McGowan, Loughtadurkin, Bohola, Claremorris and Jim Kavanagh, C/o Melletts.

Next draw will take place in Moore’s, The Square, Swinford, on Monday, 21 October. Last week’s draw took place in Julian’s, Midfield.



Promotion

Swinford juniors have been promoted for the second year in a row following their victory over Kilmovee Shamrocks. This caps a very satisfactory year for managers Aidan Barrett and Tommy Pidgeon who took on the task for the past three years and now see their team up to divsion three, the only other club to achieve this in 2002 was Crossmolina.

Swinford have now one game left against

Moygownagh for an end of the season clash, of which the winnere takes the division title.

BIRTHDAY BOY

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Stephen Cassidy, son of Mr. Dominic and Anne Cassidy, who celebrated his 11th birthday on Saturday last, October 12.

CARD GAMES

‘25’ card games in Aras Attracta every Sunday night at 8.30 p.m. for the coming season.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Bridie McHugh, Knockavilla, Swinford, on the recent death of her brother Hughie O’Neill, Rooskey, Foxford.



Swinford beat kilmovee

Swinford 0-9, Kilmovee 0-5. Swinford pulled off an incredible victory over Kilmovee, after a very slow start the home side pulled ahead with three splendid points from the left boot of Michael Doherty. Leo Gavin was also in excellent form with some long distant free taking, Swinford lined out without a few regulars and this was not helped when Damien Gavin was carried off with an ankle injury in the first half.

In the second half Joe Kelly showed up everywhere and finished of a fine diplay with a point. Swinford never-say-die attitude was very evident in the back with Colm O’Hara, Andrew McNulty and Tom McHugh all outstanding.

Another great aspect to the game was the huge crowd in the stand.

Swinford: M. Neary, S. Moore, C. O’Hara, P. Dunleavy, C.Feeley, A. McNulty, T. McHugh, K. Doyle, A. McNulty, P. Devaney, L. Gavin, S. Geraghty, M. Doherty, D. Gavin, J. Kelly. Subs used; L. Doyle, L. Lynskey, R. Quinn.