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Swinford (Irish: Béal Átha na Muice, meaning Mouth of the Ford of the Swine (Pigs)) is a market-town in County Mayo, Ireland. Swinford is made up of areas such as Midfield, Meelick, Culmore, the town and Killasser.[1] It is on the N5, located 11 miles from Ireland West Airport Knock (formerly known as Knock International Airport), and 20 minutes drive from Castlebar in Ireland. Situated on a tributary of the River Moy, Swinford is known for its fishing waters, including the Callow lakes and the lakes of Conn and Cullin.
[edit] Events
Swinford hosts one of County Mayo's largest summer festivals and has done since the mid 1980s: Siamsa Sraide Swinford, (Fun in the Streets of Swinford). This Street festival of pageantry, céilí dancing, and heritage displays depicts much of the traditions of East Mayo. The first day features the Lovefest, a 12 hour long free music festival.[2]
[edit] Education
Up to the mid 1980s the town had 3 second level schools: St. Patrick's college, St. Mary's Convent and the Vocational school. All 3 schools amalgamated in August 1992 to Scoil Muire agus Padraig.[3] [4]
[edit] Transport
Swinford railway station opened on 1 October 1895, closed for passenger traffic on 17 June 1963 and finally closed altogether on 3 November 1975.[5] At present there is work being carried out to reopen the line.[citation needed]
[edit] People
- Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher of rock band Oasis frequented Swinford during their childhood summers to visit their Grandmother.
- Ulick McEvaddy and Des McEvaddy, The founders and owners of Omega Air [6]
- Caitriona Ruane Stormont Minister for Education and South Down MLA[7]
- Donncha O'Connell, Dean of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway and former Director of Irish Council for Civil Liberties[8]
- Tony McDonnell, former President of the Union of Students in Ireland [9][10]
- Pat O'Connor, former President of the Law Society[11]
- Ciana Campbell, broadcaster [12]
- David Heaney, 2006 Mayo Senior Football captain [13]
- Martin 'The Swin' Hennigan, 1984-85 All Ireland Handball 40x20 Singles and 1984 RTÉ Top Ace champion[14]
- Jack Judge, musician and composer of "It's a long way to Tipperary" [15]
- Enda Marren, a member of the Council of State and a former member of the Law Reform Commission, is from Killasser outside Swinford
[edit] Wiki fame
- This Wikipedia article featured on an Irish comedy show, The Panel, after a vandal claimed, amongst other things, that Swinford was infested with werewolves. [16]
[edit] References
- , "Swinford - Set dancing", Western People, 2007-01-10. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- , "Swinford comes alive for annual Siamsa festival", Western People, 2004-07-21. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- , Adjournment Debate - School Accommodation. Dáil Éireann Debates. Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas (2003-09-17). Retrieved on 2007-11-21. “Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern): The school came into operation as a result of an amalgamation of the existing secondary school, Meanscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig, and the local vocational school in August 1992.”
- , Post Primary Schools in County Mayo. Educationireland.ie. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- , Swinford station. Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
- , Opportunity Knocks. The Sunday Business Post Online (2007-01-21). Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
- , Swinford native is to be northern Minister for Education. Mayo Advertiser (2007-04-06). Retrieved on 2007-04-09.
- , Proust Questionnaire: - Donncha O'Connell, NUI, Galway. Galway Advertiser. Advertiser Group (2002-09-02). Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- , At home with Tony McDonnell. HotPress. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- , Swinford man joins former President. Western People (2006-06-28). Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- , P O'Connor & Sons Solicitors. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- , Student Conference 2006 speakers. The Céifin Centre, www.ceifin.com. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
- , Head to head: Kieran Donaghy v David Heaney. hoganstand.com (2006-09-12). Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
- , 40x20 senior singles. gaa.ie.
- , http://www.theharpnews.com/issues/dec_05/news_story_5.html
- , The Panel, Program 15. RTÉ (2007-01-29). Retrieved on 2007-05-14.
(Source: Wikipedia) |
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