Local notes: Coffee and the Camino for charity
Congratulations to the pupils of Foxford National School who competed in the East Mayo NS cross country championships held in Swinford last Thursday, September 25. They are seen proudly sporting new singlets which were kindly sponsored by Foxford Pharmacy.
A coffee morning is being held at the offices of Philomedia in Foxford this Saturday morning, October 4 in support of Cliona’s Foundation (Clionas.ie), a national charity that provides vital financial assistance to families across Ireland caring for seriously ill children.
The event is part of a wider challenge by Philomedia’s Jason Howley, who next month will join a group walking the final 100km of the Camino Francés from Portomarín to Santiago de Compostela to raise awareness and funds for Cliona’s Foundation.
The Foundation does incredible work in helping families with the hidden, non-medical costs that come with caring for a seriously ill child. Every euro raised goes directly towards easing this financial burden for those most in need. Over the course of 2024, it successfully dispersed €540,000 to over 216 families and since its establishment in 2008, Cliona’s Foundation has distributed more than €3.25million and has helped more than 1,600 families across 31 counties.
Next Saturday’s coffee morning is from 10am to 2pm at the Red Shed on Green Road, and Jason’s Camino walk is from October 17-22.
Further details, along with a donation link, can be found at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/jasontesttesthowley.
Foxford Brass and Reed Band are on the lookout for their newest band members and extend an open invitation to any young people who would be interested in learning brass and reed instruments. Jessica Bagnall, Music Generation Mayo youth musician educator, will start classes this Tuesday, September 30 in the Foxford Band Room on Main Street. Young people aged 9 and over can learn their craft with Music Generation musicians while becoming part of a vibrant, multigenerational band in the heart of Foxford. See the band’s Facebook page where the online link to register your interest is available.
Meanwhile, members of the Foxford Brass and Reed Band were honoured to wish Michael Staunton, the band's honourary president, a very happy 90th birthday recently.
The funeral took place on Saturday last, September 27, of Nora Foy (née Dempsey), Belass, who passed peacefully last week in the gentle care of the staff at Sonas Riverview Nursing Home, Ballina.
Nora was predeceased by her husband Gerry, her parents Michael and Mary, sister Mary, and brothers Tommy and John.
Nora will be dearly and lovingly missed by her nieces and nephews, her neighbours and many friends.
She lay in repose at her residence on Friday evening and following her funeral Mass at St Michael’s Church in Foxford on Saturday, burial took place in Craggagh Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
A reunion of the Junior (1996) and Leaving Certificate (1998/99) classes of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford is planned to take place on October Bank Holiday Sunday, October 26. All are welcome to meet in Guiry’s from 6pm to 9pm and in The Moy Hotel after. For queries contact Gráinne 087-051-6346 or Colleen 087-7722842.
Today (Tuesday, September 30) marks the last day of the 2025 fishing season on the River Moy. The Waterkeepers Trophy competition was held last Saturday with the presentation afterwards in the Moy Hotel. Although there was at last a welcome dry spell of weather last week, fishing conditions were extremely difficult in the concluding weeks of the season given the unprecedented rainfall and subsequent floods.
No fewer than 45 different events are planned to take place over the course of the four-day Foxford Traditional Weekend which takes place next month from October 16 to 19. Along with an array of concerts, sessions and workshops, some master instrument makers will also be in Foxford to meet in person.
Graham Wright’s expertise in violin and harp making and repair is widely respected and he’ll be in the Foxford Mill on Saturday, October 18 from 1.30pm, during the Harp Ensemble Performance. Whether you have a query about instrument care, are curious about the craft of making violins and harps, or simply want a chat, be sure to call by.
Similarly, Martin Quinn of Accordions.ie, who is one of Ireland’s leading names in accordion sales and repairs, will also be in Foxford. A familiar face in Irish traditional music circles, he brings decades of knowledge and skill to his craft, and is a trusted expert among musicians across the country. Martin will be available in Foxford National School on Saturday, October 18 from 11am, where you can meet him in person. Whether you're looking for advice on tuning, have questions about accordion maintenance, or are interested in purchasing an instrument, Martin will be happy to help.
Visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com for full details about the festival.
Best wishes are extended to Karlee Rae McCann and her parents Louise and Damien, Boherhollagh, upon the occasion of Karlee Rae’s baptism in St Michael’s Church, Foxford on Saturday, September 13.
Foxford bade farewell to one of its gentlemen last week with the passing of Joe Ginty, Cluain Aoibhinn, Pontoon Road, and late of Stonehall. Joe passed peacefully, at Mayo University Hospital after a short illness bravely borne.
Predeceased by his parents Lil and Seamus, Joe will be dearly and lovingly missed by his heartbroken sister and brother Mary and Vincent, his sister-in-law Teresa, his niece Donna, her husband Alan, his adored grandniece Amelia, his cousins, neighbours and many friends Joe lay in repose at his residence and his funeral Mass was held on Monday, September 22 at St Michael’s Church, Foxford. Burial afterwards was in Craggagh cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Would you like to become a member of the Admiral Brown CCÉ? The Foxford branch of Comhaltas is now accepting membership for the year ahead. Annual Comhaltas membership fees are €6 for U18 members, €12 for adults (second adult €8) or family membership is €20.
If you would like to introduce your child to the fun side of music, song and dance, or perhaps you are an adult who would like to get back into music, the branch would be delighted to welcome you.
If you are interested in joining, email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com for a membership form.
An emphatic 4-18 to 2-06 win against Louisburgh saw Moy Davitts’ senior ladies football team round off their season in style, as they lifted the Mayo LGFA Intermediate Shield at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan. The Player of the Match award was presented to Kate Byrne.
For the fourth year running, Moy Davitts are into the last four of the Egan Jewellers Mayo Intermediate Football Championship. They qualified thanks to a three points win over Ballinrobe in their home quarter-final last Sunday week and are now preparing for their semi-final showdown with River Moy rivals Ardnaree Sarsfields. That match is taking place at James Stephens Park, Ballina, next Sunday, October 5 with throw-in at 4pm. The game will be refereed by Jerome Henry from Castlebar.
It’s also a big weekend for Knockmore who take on arch rivals Ballina Stephenites in the Connacht Gold Mayo SFC semi-final. That game is also next Sunday at 1:30pm in St Tiernan’s Park, Crossmolina. Many supporters are expected to take in both games.
Moy Davitts will play Hollymount-Carramore next Saturday, October 5 in the Mayo U15 Division 4 Grading League final. The match is due to take place at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
Meanwhile, Moy Davitts have been drawn in Group 1 of this year’s Mayo U21 ‘A’ football championship which is set to commence on Sunday, October 12. Moy Davitts will entertain East Mayo rivals Aghamore in the opening round while their other group opponents are Balla and Crossmolina Deel Rovers.
There was a delightful jackpot of €1334 won by Barbara Conlon, Straide, in the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw held on the weekend of September 20/21. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the Moy Davitts GAA club app.
Following on from the events in Foxford earlier this year to mark Fr Padraig Costello's 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, Golden Jubilee celebrations are to also take place in his native Kilkelly on Sunday, October 5, with Mass in the church at 5pm followed by light refreshments in the Trimoige-Kilkelly Community Centre. An open invitation is extended to everyone who wishes to attend this special occasion.
The Foxford Meals on Wheels Service is looking for drivers to assist with deliveries. Contact Geraldine at 087-9040463 or 094-92-56614 for further details. The service can provide meals six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, at a cost of €7 per meal. To avail of the service contact the same numbers as above.
