Foxford in the Spotlight

Drama registration

The young people of Foxford and its surrounds, in particular those with an interest in drama, are being invited to register with the Youth Theatre Group that Aisteoiri Beal Easa has organised in support with the Mayo Arts Office.

The facilitator is Mary Ellen Conlon and members are told to expect an amazing year filled with weekly workshops, masterclasses, exciting performances under the spotlight and fun social events.

Registration takes place on Thursday, September 21 at St Joseph’s Secondary School, with those aged 12 up to 2nd Years asked to register between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and 3rd Years to 18-year-olds asked to register between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

The membership fee for the year is €25.

Bright sparks

Principal Daire McManamon and all the staff of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford extend their congratulations to the class of 2023 on their fantastic Leaving Cert results, which they received on Friday, September 1. There were a number of particular high achievers, with Gavin Orme receiving 625 points and Anna Dempsey 617 points, while there was also an exceptionally good Leaving Cert result for their classmate Megan Gillespie.

The school wishes all its graduates the very best as they now embark on university and college courses, apprenticeships and PLC courses.

Brass and Reed band

Well done to the members of Foxford Brass and Reed Band who took it upon themselves to traverse a musical bridge in every sense, when spending an afternoon at the Pontoon Bridge Hotel to entertain its Ukrainian residents while also being treated to some fabulous music performed by some of their hosts as well.

Charity ball

A four-course gala dinner is to be held at the Great National Hotel, Ballina on Saturday, October 28 in aid of the Foxford and District Alzheimer Trust Charity. Pre-booking of tickets for the Memories Charity Ball is now available, with tickets available as singles all the way up to tables of ten, so why not invite your friends, family and work colleagues to what has the makings of a hugely enjoyable night in aid of a very worthy cause.

Entertainment on the evening is by The Gamblers and DJ Chris Lawlor, with lots of surprises and prizes on the night.

For further information please contact 094-92-56662 or email factsocialclub1@gmail.com.

Divisional delight

It was a bright night beneath the bright lights of the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence for Moy Davitts on Friday, as the minor footballers were crowned East Mayo ‘A’ champions after a hard-fought final against Aghamore that ended two points in their favour. The full-time score was Moy Davitts 3-13 Aghamore 2-14.

Team of the Week

Well done to Tadgh Ruane and Brian Heneghan who occupied the full-back and full-forward positions respectively, on the Mayo GAA Team of the Week following Moy Davitts’ second round victory over Crossmolina Deel Rovers in the county intermediate football championship. The team selected was a combination of seven senior, six intermediate and two junior players.

Moy Davitts’ third and final group game will be played next Sunday, September 17 where they take on Kilmaine on the neutral turf of Mayo Abbey. A victory will secure the team top spot in the group and a seeded quarter-final draw. Throw-in is at 3.30pm. Kilmaine have lost both their opening games of the championship but are expected to welcome back former Mayo player – and AFL star – Oisin Mullin for this game, as they seek to avoid the relegation playoffs.

Boxing boost

Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club could finally have a new permanent home after it was confirmed last week that the club will be given 0.21 hectares of Mayo County Council land to develop a new training facility on the Swinford Road, Belgarrow, Foxford on a 30-year lease.

The motion was proposed by local Fine Gael councillor Neil Cruise, who said it is important for the club to have a new permanent home.

“It would be great to see this developed because not every child is in to team sports and the record of Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club is second to none,” Cllr Cruise said.

“They have produced a lot of underage national champions, but the problem that they have is that they just don’t have training facilities. They don’t have a place where they can put up a ring permanently and that is the secret to making a boxer – to have sparring practice.”

The motion received overwhelming support, and it is hoped that sports capital grants will fund the project.

Knockmore/Foxford BC has also credited Cllr Mark Duffy as playing a crucial role in supporting the club obtain planning permission in time for their sports capital grant application.

“I was delighted to help support the club in their efforts which is timely for their Sport Capital Grant application. The club provide an incredible service to young athletes in the area and having a new clubhouse will help the next generation of athletes,” Cllr Duffy said.

The planned facility would also incorporate a Men’s Shed and Mayo County Council were due to sign off on a 30 year lease of the grounds to the club at a meeting of the full council yesterday (Monday).

KFC membership

In other Knockmore/Foxford BC news, the club also reported big numbers at last week’s first week of training for the 2023/24 season. Over thirty registered in the opening week. Training continues every Monday and Wednesday evening at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre from 6pm to 7pm for new members and underage. The more experienced members train from 7pm to 8.30pm on the same nights. A small number of membership places are still available. For further information contact Billy on 086-8373646.

The club is also planning a big weekend of boxing scheduled for the first week in December in Knockmore Community Hall.

Quiz whizzes

Competition was keen for the Admiral Brown children’s quiz that took place as part of Riverfest and Heritage Week. The overall winner was Annalise Ruddy followed by Cian Flaherty in second, Aisling Reilly in third and Ciara Noone in fourth. Well done to everyone who took part.

League champions

Congratulations to Moy Davitts LGFA’s senior footballers who were crowned Division 2 league champions on Saturday when they ran out convincing 5-12 to 1-6 winners over MacHale Rovers at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence. The Player of the Match was Tracey Hall. The team is captained by Stephanie Loughney.

Jackpot joy

Congratulations to Pat Guiry, Foxford, who won a jackpot of €635 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, September 2 and to Clara Bourke, Shraheens, who won a jackpot of €635 on Saturday, August 26. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by clicking https://smartlotto.ie/Bohola-moy-davitts.

Autumn 5k Series

Swinford Athletic Club 5k Autumn Series takes place at 7.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday, September 13) in Midfield and on Wednesday, September 20, in Kiltimagh. Registration is at 7pm both evenings and all are welcome to run, walk or jog.

Connacht champions

A single goal by Shauna Breslin was enough to secure the 2nd Year girls team from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford the Connacht FA schools title last Tuesday. They played Dunmore Community School in the final at Lecarrow, Co Roscommon and now have an All-Ireland semi-final appearance to look forward to this week. The very best of luck to all concerned.

League winners

A trio of local ladies, Eve Maloney (Ummoon), Kaitlyn Jordan (Ballylahan) and Beth Roache (Knockshanvalley, Straide) were celebrating last week when they helped Swinford FC secure the Mayo U19 Women’s League title. Congratulations all around.

S&F United

Congratulations to long-standing clubman John Browne from Ballyvary who was the winner of first prize in the club’s recent fundraiser, the draw for which was held last week. John won a barbecue and bench with a second prize of dinner for two in The Ice House, Ballina won by John Scott from Castlebar.

The club wishes to thank everyone who bought and sold tickets.

Artists at heart

Foxford is set to become a hub for budding and practising artists alike from this month forward as the artists@heart community group takes up residency in the Foxford Leisure Centre.

The East Mayo-based arts group has endured a two-year hiatus on account of the Covid-19 pandemic and loss of a previous venue but is set to reunite in Foxford on Saturday, September 23 between 2 and 4.30pm, with regular meetings to be held on every alternate Saturday from this date.

Free tuition in a wide range of arts and crafts will be on offer, with the emphasis on creating and making in a fun and friendly environment. All levels from beginner to advanced are welcome.

This project is supported by the international organisation U3A and Age Action Ireland.

For further details contact group facilitator Livvi Daley on 089-2079407.

Rooms wanted

As part of the upcoming Foxford Traditional Weekend (Thursday to Sunday, October 19 to 22), the organisers are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to offer accommodation to some of the numerous visitors who are planning to attend the October event.

Anyone who has a house, apartment or rooms to make available can have their information added to the festival website by emailing their details to foxfordtraditionalweekend@gmail.com.

Some of the country’s very best exponents of Irish music, song and dance have been confirmed as performing in Foxford this October, including Fergal Scahill, Ryan Molloy, FullSet, Edwina Guckian, Colm, Seamus and the O’Donnell family, Gradam Young Musician of the Year Méabh Smyth, PJ Hernon and family, Mark Burke, Cathal Corbett, David Crowe and Emer Howley, with more yet to be announced.