Local notes: Council to issue invite to Argentine Navy
Susan Gallagher, AbbVie, presenting the player of the match trophy to Moy Davitts goalkeeper Emma Galligan after the Mayo LGFA AbbVie Intermediate Football Championship final at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Mayo County Council is set to formally invite the Argentine Navy’s renowned training vessel, ARA Libertad, to visit Killala Bay in 2027 as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown.
Born in Foxford in 1777, Brown is widely regarded as the founder of the Argentine Navy and remains one of the country’s most revered historical figures.
The proposal was put forward by Foxford councillor Neil Cruise, who said a visit by the tall ship would be a fitting tribute to Brown’s legacy while also reinforcing the strong bonds that have developed between Mayo and Argentina over many years.
Councillor Cruise noted that 2027 will be a significant year in Irish-Argentine relations due to the milestone anniversary and highlighted that the ARA Libertad is scheduled to undertake an international voyage that year. He said a stop in Killala Bay, which the vessel has visited previously, would provide another opportunity to celebrate the historic connection between the two regions.
The council will issue an invitation to Admiral Juan Carlos Romay, Chief of Staff of the Argentine Navy, seeking to secure the ship’s attendance during the commemorative events.
The links between Mayo and Argentina were further strengthened this summer when Argentine Ambassador Ana Laura Cachaza visited Mayo County Council. Representatives of the Admiral Brown Society in Foxford were among those who took part in the meeting.
The proposal received unanimous backing from council members.
Congratulations to the Moy Davitts ladies footballers who are back in the senior ranks after ending a 13-year wait for Mayo LGFA Intermediate Championship glory with a hard-earned 2-7 to 1-6 victory over Aghamore in the county final at MacHale Park.
Having suffered defeat to Aghamore in the group stages and fallen short in the 2023 final, Moy Davitts finally got over the line thanks to a determined team display, with two goals from Kasey Ruane and a player-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Emma Galligan proving decisive.
The teams were level at 0-2 apiece after a cagey opening quarter, with Orla McHale and Sarah Carney on target for Moy Davitts.
The game sprang to life in the second quarter. After Kate Byrne edged Moy Davitts back in front, Ruane blasted an unstoppable shot to the top corner for the game's opening goal. Natasha Gaughan added a free before Aghamore responded with a goal of their own through Emily Duffy. However, Moy Davitts hit back immediately when Kasey Ruane’s effort found the net to leave them 2-4 to 1-2 ahead at half-time.
Aghamore pushed hard after the restart but Galligan produced a series of outstanding saves, including a remarkable double stop, to protect her side’s advantage. Natasha Gaughan, Tracey Hall and Orla McHale chipped in with vital scores as Moy Davitts held firm to secure a four-point victory.
Manager Colm Carney was full of praise for his players afterwards.
“What won us the game was work-rate. From the youngest to the oldest player, everybody contributed.”
Captain Sandra Hall admitted there was a huge sense of relief at the final whistle after several near misses in recent seasons.
“We worked very hard this year and believed in ourselves. Something felt different over the last few weeks,” she said. “There was a great sense of togetherness throughout the group.”
Attention now turns to the Connacht championship as the newly crowned champions look to continue their remarkable journey next weekend.
The funeral Mass took place in Sligo yesterday (Monday) of Kathleen Farrell (née McNulty), formerly of Foxford and late of Avondale, Sligo Town. Kathleen passed peacefully last week, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Brendan, son John, parents Martin and Kathleen McNulty (Foxford), brothers Liam, Martin, Michael and Andy and sisters Maureen and Nora.
The loving mother of Patrick (Yvonne), Mary, Martin (Melanie), Dermot (Christine) and Brian, Kathleen will be sadly missed by her sons and daughter, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and good neighbours and friends.
Her funeral Mass was held in St Joseph’s Church, Ballytivnan, with burial afterwards in Sligo Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
A fundraising campaign has been launched in support of the family of the late Mark McDonnell, Shanwar, whose untimely passing occurred earlier this month.
A hugely popular and respected of the community, Mark leaves behind a heartbroken wife and two adored children and while no amount of money can take away the heartbreak felt by those who loved him, family and friends have set-up a GoFundMe page to offer them some comfort, support, and help in any way possible because “Anyone who knew Mark, knows that if he could help anyone else, he would be the first person to give a helping hand.”
“We are asking the people of Foxford, the surrounding communities, and anyone who knew Mark or wishes to help, to please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, would mean so much and would help ease some of the burdens his loved ones may now be facing,” the organisers have said, adding: “If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help us reach as many people as possible.”
You can donate or share the link by visiting www.gofundme.com and searching Mark McDonnell.
Yoga classes suitable for all levels, including beginners, are to commence in Straide Community Hall on Thursday, October 22 at 7.30pm for eight weeks. Contact Leona on 083-4436684.
S&F United claimed the Helen Johnson U18 Division 2 League title after overcoming Fahy Rovers 6-3 in a dramatic extra-time encounter at Umbro Park, Milebush.
Fahy took the lead after 25 minutes with a superb long-range effort into the top corner but Straide and Foxford responded five minutes later. Sean Walsh laid the ball into the path of James Duffy, who finished neatly to make it 1-1.
Fahy regained the advantage before the break when a route one clearance by the goalkeeper sparked the move, but S&F drew level again 15 minutes into the second-half. James Duffy’s free-kick was parried by the ‘keeper, but Matthew Ruane reacted quickest to force the rebound over the line.
Fahy continued to pose a threat and moved in front for a third time with 20 minutes remaining. But just when the West Mayo outfit looked as though they were closing in on victory, United were handed a lifeline five minutes from time when Walsh was fouled in the penalty area. Duffy made no mistake from the spot to send the final into extra-time.
The additional period belonged entirely to S&F. James Duffy completed his hat-trick with another penalty after Jamie Loughney was brought down in the box.
Donnacha Timlin then produced a stunning strike to stretch the lead before Loughney added a sixth goal late on to seal an impressive victory.
Well done to all the crew at McGloin’s Gala in Foxford who have been named among the best Gala Retail stores in Ireland after receiving Excellence Awards at the Gala group’s 2026 annual conference.
Held at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, the annual Gala Retail conference brought together retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and partners from across Ireland to celebrate another successful year for the group. McGloin’s was one of six Mayo stores honoured, but they received further recognition on the night as a national finalist in the Off-Licence category.
Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church, Foxford, is to hold a special Ecumenical Service of Celebration on November 1 at 4.30pm, marking 225 years of continuous worship and service to the local community.
The church warmly invites people from across the parish and surrounding community, from all Christian traditions and backgrounds, to join together for this very special occasion. The preacher is Bishop Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, who will join the congregation in giving thanks for the church's long history and its continuing place at the heart of the Foxford community.
The 225th anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity not only to reflect on the rich heritage of Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church but also to look forward with hope to its continuing role within the community for generations to come.
Everyone in the community is warmly invited to attend the service on November 1.
Commiserations to the under-13 footballers of Moy Davitts who unfortunately were beaten by Tourmakeady in the Mayo U13 Division 1 Final at Gerry McDonald Park, Castlebar. The game on Monday, October 12 ended 1-13 to 1-7 in the West Mayo side’s favour.
The most recent of the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw was Caroline Molloy who won a jackpot of €469. The club wishes to thank everyone who supports the draw. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the Moy Davitts GAA club app.
An open evening for 6th Class students and their parents or guardians is to take place at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford this Wednesday, October 21 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. It represents an opportunity to meet staff and current students, sample the subjects along with the activities that the school offers. There will be a tour of the school at 6.30pm followed by the principal’s address at 7.45pm. For further information, contact 094-92-56145 or visit the school website at www.stjosephsfoxford.ie.
A reunion of the class of 1981 to 1986 from St Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford has been arranged to take place in Moy Hotel, Foxford this coming Sunday, October 25 at 8.30pm. If you are interested in attending please contact Noeline Ruane (087-2506762), Majella Molloy (086-1562760), Majella Ruane (086-8896961) or Agnes Burke (087-9492785). The organisers are looking forward to seeing as many as possible for a catch up.
The Sam Maguire Cup will make its visit to Moy Davitts GAA Club next Saturday, October 24 accompanied by the club’s All-Ireland winner, Cian McHale, along with some of his Mayo teammates. The event will run from 1pm to 4pm and all are welcome to attend.
