Local news from Foxford and the surrounds
Past and present S&F United players who turned out for the annual St Stephen’s Day game at Green Road. The Ulick Bourke Player of the Match award was won by goalkeeper James Lavin (third from right).
Moy Davitts LGFA are to hold a Child Safeguarding course next Saturday, January 24 at 10am in Foxford Leisure Centre. The club is especially in need of females to help with running teams in 2026 and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be willing to lend a hand. Anyone interested can contact club chairperson Mairead Gallagher at 087-9402023.
It is in line with LGFA policy that the safeguarding course must be completed by anyone involved with club teams.
The annual general meeting of Straide Women's Group will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 11am in Straide Davitt Community Hall. The meeting will include a review of last year and outline plans for 2026. New members are very welcome.
Meanwhile, Mayo Cancer Support has extended thanks to the members of Straide Women's Group who called into Rock Rose House recently to present the proceeds from the fundraising 25 card game which they hosted in the Straide Davitt Community Centre on December 5 last. A fantastic donation of €700 was passed over to Mayo Cancer Support who thanked the 25 drive organisers and all those who took part or supported the event in any way.
A trio of former Moy Davitts GAA senior team managers and players have come together to take charge of the team in 2026. Pat Clarke, John Kelly and Jimmy Byrne, along with Brian Lawlor, who had also previously coached the Moy Davitts team, will aim to steer Moy Davitts one step further after defeats in back-to-back county intermediate football championship finals. They are wished the very best of luck in their appointment.
Nicola Grimes won a jackpot prize of €453 in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw. The club appreciates the continued support of the local community. Tickets are available from the usual sources and via the Moy Davitts club app.
The funeral Mass was celebrated at St Michael’s Church, Foxford on Monday, January 12 of Pat Mahon, Mulberry Grove, Belass, and formerly of Carlow and Coventry, England.
Pat passed unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital and will be dearly missed by his partner of 32 years Annie, his son Emmett and daughter Kerry, his brother Chris, his sister Liz and sister in-law Margaret, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Bridie, his brothers Tom, Joe, Eamon, John and his sisters Marie, Rita, Bridie and Lena.
Pat lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford last Sunday week and following Monday’s funeral, his service of committal was held in Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
An open invitation has been extended by St Joseph’s Secondary School to their Careers Fair that will take place at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre on January 27 from 5.30pm to 8pm.
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford sent a very strong team of athletes to last week’s North Connacht Schools Cross-Country Championships where they acquitted themselves superbly. The competition, which was held in cold and crips conditions at Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle, saw some excellent performances across the different age groups by St Joseph’s runners.
By placing inside the top eight places in their individual categories, the following six students confirmed their place in the Connacht Finals: Ruairi Reynolds, Ella Ginty, Michael Ruane, Darragh O'Brien, Rory Gruddy, Addison McDonnell.
The Connacht Finals will take place in Loughrea on February 3.
The peaceful passing took place last week, at his residence in Bayview, Tavanaghmore, Foxford, of Michael McHale.
Predeceased by his adored grandson James, his parents James and Margaret and his brothers Thomas and John Joe, Michael will be dearly missed by his wife Nora Mai, daughter Eileen and son Gerry, his grandchildren Michelle, Danielle, Wayne, Molly Ellen, Roisin and his great-grandson James Michael, son in-law Eddie, daughter in-law Brenda, his sister Delia and his brother Martin, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Michael lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford on the evening of Tuesday, January 13 and while removal took place from his residence on Wednesday morning in advance of his funeral Mass at The Church of Christ The King, Knockmore. Burial afterwards was in Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Ballyvary Hurling Club is recruiting players to add to their existing senior squad ahead of the start of the 2026 season. Ballyvary HC serves the areas of Moy Davitts, Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin, Swinford and Balla GAA clubs. The senior team won last season’s Mayo GAA Genfitt Division 2 Senior Hurling League and is aiming to build upon that progress in 2026.
For further details, contact Billy at 086-3853093 or Kevin at 086-3693490.
The weekly S&F United 50-50 draw was won by Tom Howley of Knockshanvalley, Straide. The jackpot prize was €100. Tickets are available from the usual sources.
Foxford Alzheimer’s and Community Trust CLG, otherwise known as FACT Social Group, will be the beneficiary of a special evening celebrating song, memory and community which is to be held on Friday, January 30 at 7.30pm in The White House, Swinford. Come along for a lovely night of music, memories, and togetherness. All are very welcome to this heartfelt fundraising night.
There is immense sadness at the unexpected passing at her residence of Carmel McNulty Reilly, Castlebar Road, Foxford.
Predeceased by her parents Martin and Ann McNulty, Carmel will be dearly missed by her family Ciaran (Rodrigo), Aishling (John), Marianna (Sean) and Dermot (Roisin), and their father Kieran, her brother Martin and his wife Ann Marie, Sean Reynolds, who Carmel cared for many years, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Carmel lay in repose at her residence on Monday, January 12 and her funeral Mass was celebrated in St Michael’s Church, Foxford the following day, Tuesday, with burial afterwards in Craggagh cemetery.
Straide Community Development Group is encouraging the surrounding areas to avail of the clothes bank at the rear of Straide Davitt Community Hall. The clothes bank has been recently emptied so is ready for filling again. All funds raised go towards the Straide Community Development Group who have extended thanks in advance for the continued support.
An information night to discuss a proposal to walk the Portugese section of the Camino de Santiago in early June will be held on Wednesday, January 28 at 7.30pm in The Novel Bean, Swinford. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Registration of Moy Davitts GAA club for 2026 is now open. The club has some excellent packages for non-playing club members who buy the 50/50 lotto and county board tickets as well as many other options.
You should register at www.foireann.ie or through the Foireann app.
The closing date to register for 2026 is April 1. All players must be registered before returning to training.
If you experience any difficulties in registering, contact Paula via WhatsApp on 087-3226777.
