Local notes: Foxford festival to remember one of its own
The late Des Murphy was a talented musician who played the tin whistle, wooden flute, accordion and harmonica.
The countdown is well and truly on to another hugely exciting Foxford Traditional Weekend which is set to take place later this month from Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 19. And with it has come the announcement that a beautiful new cup is to be presented at the festival to the local Admiral Brown branch of Comhaltas Branch, Foxford, commemorating a late Foxford musician.
Des Murphy was a talented musician who played the tin whistle, wooden flute, accordion and harmonica. Like so many from Mayo and the west of Ireland in the 1950s, he emigrated to England in his teens, where he worked on major construction projects – even helping to build tunnels for the London Underground beneath Buckingham Palace.
Des passed away in 1991 at the age of 48 and is buried in Toomore Cemetery.
In what is a wonderful way to honour his love of music and to encourage future generations of musicians, the Murphy Family have kindly decided to donate a trophy in memory of their late brother, the presentation of which will take place during the Foxford Traditional Weekend.
Admiral Brown CCÉ has extended its sincere gratitude to the Murphy Family for this thoughtful gesture.
No fewer than 45 different events – from workshops to concerts to sessions and many more besides – are planned to take place over the course of the four-day Foxford Traditional Weekend. Among the latest announcements is the Comhaltas Cuimsiú Session — a relaxed and inclusive traditional music session created especially for those with disabilities or additional needs, which will be hosted in the Foxford Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 18 from 3pm to 4.30pm.
For details on that and all of the weekend’s other events, visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com or check out the Facebook page of Foxford Traditional Weekend.
A quiz night in aid of Foxford Brass and Reed Band will take place in the Riverbank Bar, Foxford next Friday night, October 10 at 8.30pm. A fun night is guaranteed. Entry is €10 per person - €40 for a table of four. All support would be greatly appreciated.
There are fears that the Foxford branch of Foroige will be unable to run this year due to a dearth of volunteer leaders.
Foroige is a youth-led group for 12-17 year olds which meets weekly on a Friday in the Brown Memorial Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Adult volunteers can be from 18 years old, with no upper age limit. A minimum commitment of once per month is needed and free training and help with Garda vetting is given.
If you are interested and think you could volunteer your time to the group, contact any of the following volunteer leaders: Taragh 087-6471919, Mary 086-8895144, Ann 086-83022975, Joyce 086-3921249.
The Harvest Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Ireland, Foxford will take place on Sunday, October 12 at 4pm. The preacher is Rev. Canon Doris Clements.
Everyone is most welcome at this special annual service continuing the tradition of many previous generations and giving thanks for God’s bounty.
There’s been a good start to the season made by some of the sports teams at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford.
Last week the juvenile boys gaelic footballers played their opening game of the O’Haire Cup and in what were wet conditions, proved too strong for Ballyhaunis Community School.
Meanwhile, on the soccer front, the senior girls beat Castlerea Community College 5-2. Twice they took the lead in the first-half with Kasey Rane and Sadhbh Staunton both on target but the game remained 2-2 at half-time. A second goal by Ruane allied with one apiece by Lauren Neary and Hollie Canavan turned the tide in Foxford’s favour.
There’s a special night for past and present employees of the Foxford Woollen Mills to place in the diary, as a night of nostalgia is planned for Friday, November 7 at Cruiser’s Bar where old friends and colleague can meet and reminiscing on times gone by.
Entertainment will be provided by Pat Boyle’s Country Roadshow.
For further information contact Margaret on 083-3747146, Ann on 086-880921 or Larry on 087-7544610.
The annual Foxford Salmon Anglers Waterkeepers Trophy competition was held on Saturday, September 27 and won by Harry Knowles who landed a fish of 9.25lbs. This year a new junior category was held for under-18s and that was won by Alan Rys who had a catch of 6lb. FSA are grateful to Tiernan Brothers for their sponsorship of very useful and practical tackle box for the junior competition.
There were 53 fish reported as caught on the club’s waters for the week-ending Sunday, September 28, with two fish of 19lb and 16lb weight respectively among those returned.
The funeral took place on Tuesday, September 30 last of Michael Cosgrave, Belass, who passed peacefully at Blackrocks Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was a former member of staff – and past pupil – of St Joseph’s Secondary School and in countless tributes paid last week, was remembered as a very kind, caring and committed teacher.
Predeceased by his wife Mary, daughter Áine, brother Paddy and his parents Margaret and Thomas, Michael is dearly missed by his daughters Mairéad and Niamh, his son Thomás, daughter in-law Cathríona, son in-law Nick and his adored grandchildren Tom, Aimée and Cara.
He is also deeply regretted by his sister Mary, brother Vincent, and by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, niece, nephews, friends, neighbours and former colleagues.
Michael lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home and burial after his funeral Mass at St Michael Church, Foxford last Tuesday, his burial was in Craggagh Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
A Player of the Match display by Leah Gaughan helped Moy Davitts to victory in the Mayo LGFA U16 Division 4 Cup Final, where they beat Tourmakeady by 3-12 to 3-06 at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence on Sunday, September 28. Well done to the team and management on their successful end to the 2025 season.
Another campaign is only beginning however, for the Moy Davitts U21 men’s tea, They have been drawn in Group 1 of this year’s Mayo U21 ‘A’ football championship which is set to commence next 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.
Orders are now being taken at the online Moy Davitts GAA club shop where everything from shorts, socks, t-shirts, gear bags, hats, jackets and half-zips are available. Orders will be accepted until October 13 and will be delivered in time for Christmas.
Visit www.oreillysofficial.com and search for Moy Davitts.
Congratulations to Sinead and Ciaran McDonnell who were the winners of the €515 jackpot in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw.
The annual blessing of children will be held next Sunday, October 12 at 3pm in St Michael’s Church, Foxford. The Parish Pastoral Council is inviting parents of children who were baptised in 2022 to bring their child for a short prayer service and blessing. Other family members will also be very welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Admiral Brown Hall.
The funeral took place on Thursday, October 2 of Agnes McHale (née Farrell), Deerpark Cottage, Castlebar Road, Foxford.
Agnes, who will be sadly missed by her loving son Martin and daughter in-law Ellen (Lilly), extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends, passed peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar last week.
She was predeceased by her husband Tom and her parents Martin and Annie Farrell.
Agnes lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home last Wednesday and her funeral Mass was held the following day at St Michael Church, Foxford followed by her burial in Craggagh Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Community groups in Foxford and the surrounding area should be aware that Clann Credo, Ireland’s largest social finance provider, are offering a new ‘Next Generation’ loan product which is designed to support the increasing number of community groups and organisations who are now seeking to buy their own land or buildings.
The term loan will be available to new and existing customers with a variable interest rate of 5.2% up to twelve years. Clann Credo will provide significant levels of finance secured against the assets involved.
Next Generation was developed by Clann Credo in response to a growing trend of community groups and organisations wanting to own their own facilities such as sports pitches, community centres or creches, as opposed to renting them or securing access to them through third parties.
Clann Credo is seeking to support community groups intending to purchase land or buildings outright through long-term loans. By providing this type of finance to organisations now, the lender is seeking to ensure that the next generation will have guaranteed and secure access to much-needed facilities.
Clann Credo has also announced a new ‘Acorn Fund’ designed to provide reduced interest loans to groups and community organisations working in underserved communities. The fund will finance bridging and term loans worth between €5,000 to €15,000 at interest rates of 5%. Successful applicants will also be able to benefit from increased levels of support from Clann Credo’s team. This will include assistance with applications, guidance on financial planning and no arrangement fees.
As a community finance provider, Clann Credo works with and provides low-interest loans to community organisations, charities and social enterprises, which enables them to advance projects to address key societal needs. It is committed to offering community organisations a more flexible and supportive approach than traditional loan financing.
Clann Credo has provided over €218m in finance since it was established in 1996, supporting more than 1,600 community organisations during this time. The organisation’s loan book now amounts to €53.3m, an increase of 5.75% on its 2024 opening position of €50.4m. The organisation has over 700 customers and forecasts €38m in new loan offers in 2025.
See www.clanncredo.ie for more information.
Learn more about efforts underway to make Co Mayo an International Dark Sky Reserve. Join the Mayo Dark Sky Team for a special talk from 3.30pm to 4.30pm next Saturday, October 11 at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough. Admission is free but booking is required. Phone 094-90-31751 or email bookingscountrylife@museum.ie.
Jason Howley from Foxford will this month 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, a national charity that provides vital financial assistance to families across Ireland caring for seriously ill children.
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.
Jason’s Camino walk is from October 17-22. A donation link can be found at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/jasontesttesthowley.
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.
