Local notes: Foxford marks Irish aviation history
Mary Prenty, chairperson of East Mayo GAA Board, presents Moy Davitts joint captains Stephen Conlon and Kevin Moylett with the trophy following the recent victory over Kiltimagh in the East Mayo Minor 'B' Football Championship final. The match was played at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan. Picture: Michael Donnelly
The Admiral Brown Society Foxford has marked a slice of Irish aviation history by presenting the Admiral Brown award to the first Argentinian to qualify as a pilot in Ireland. Matteo Marco graduated from the esteemed AFTA Flight Academy in Cork last month in what was a milestone moment in international aviation and educational exchange.
The presentation of the award not only honours Matteo’s exceptional achievement but also strengthens the enduring bonds of friendship and legacy shared by the Irish and Argentine nations, with Matteo Marco standing as a testament to dedication and ambition, drawing inspiration from his and Foxford’s hero, Admiral William Brown, the legendary founder of the Argentine Navy.
In a statement, the Admiral Brown Society said: “It was our distinct pleasure to meet Matteo and to present him with this presentation, marking not only his personal accomplishment, but the shared pride of our communities.”
The society also extended a special thanks to Pilot Kevin Loftus of Kiltimagh, whose invitation made the celebratory occasion possible, and to Mark Casey, CEO of AFTA, for his commitment to commemorating this historic achievement. Their support and vision were instrumental in marking this event as a significant moment in both Irish and Argentine aviation history.
Matteo Marco will continue his aviation career in Madrid and the Admiral Brown Society has expressed its sincere hope that the skies over Ireland will welcome him again soon, as his journey comes full circle.
The Foxford Holistic Fair is to take place this coming Sunday, August 10 at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre from 1 to 4pm. With admission free, visitors are invited to explore sound healing and breathwork sessions, reiki healing, spiritual medium sessions, card reading, rahanni healing, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, integrated energy therapy and much more.
Lessons in how to play bridge are being offered in Foxford. It’s a game that provides an excellent way to stay mentally fit and have fun while doing so. It’s an excellent social activity and a game that is suitable for all ages. Not only will it stimulate the brain but it can also improve physical health and be a lifelong pursuit.
For further information, contact John by calling or texting 087-2422945.
The Class of 2000 from St Joseph’s Secondary School are to hold a 25 year school reunion on Saturday, August 16. There will be a blessing in the secondary school at 6pm followed by a tour of the school and refreshments. There will be a further chance to catch up in Cruiser's Bar at 8pm. For further information contact Nuala McNulty on 087-9150237.
With the Foxford Riverfest fast approaching on the weekend of August 22-24, a workshop on how to make your own lantern for the Riverfest Lantern Parade is to be held next Sunday, August 10 from 11am to 3pm at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. All materials will be supplied and all ages and abilities are welcome to attend.
The parade itself will be held on the evening of August 23.
Well done to the team of volunteers in the Foxford Enhancement Group on their latest endeavour, which was to install two newly refurbished flower beds in the town – one opposite the Woollen Mills and another outside the Church of Ireland. They did so having purchased materials made from recycled plastic.
FEG would particularly like to thank Eddie Coleman and David Gilmore for their assistance in putting the displays together.
The countdown is well and truly on to Moy Davitts’ opening game in the 2025 Egan Jewellers Mayo Intermediate Football Championship. Having reached the final last year where they took eventual All-Ireland champions Crossmolina to a replay, Moy Davitts will be aiming to go one better this season. First up is a home game against Kilmaine next Sunday, August 10 in Round 1. Throw in is at 3.30pm, which you should note is a change from the original time. In Round 2, Moy Davitts will again be up against South Mayo opposition in the form of Hollymount-Carramore except this time they will have to travel. That game on Sunday, August 24 has been given a 1pm throw-in time.
Two weeks later, their concluding group game against Louisburgh will be played on neutral turf.
Moy Davitts had two games and two wins of note last week, as they beat their neighbours on one side, Knockmore, in the Homeland Mayo U16 ‘D’ football championship (2-13 to 1-12), while they over came their neighbours on the other side, Kiltimagh, in the Homeland Mayo minor ‘D’ football championship (5-17 to 3-08).
On Monday next, August 11, the under-14 footballers will travel to Ballinrobe to take on the home side in the County U14 ‘A’ Shield semi-final. Throw-in at Flanagan Park is at 7pm.
Following the recent annual general meeting of the Straide Community Development Group, held in the Davitt Community Hall, the following committee was elected to represent the community of Straide: chairperson, Eamonn McNicholas; vice chairperson, Keith McGreal; secretary, Kate O’Hara; assistant secretary, Myra Deacy; treasurer, Geraldine Maloney; assistant treasurer, Mary McHugh, senior managing officer, Carol Redding; PRO, Myra Deacy; assistant PRO, Eamonn McNicholas; committee members – Jane Mulroy, Michael McNicholas, Michael Maloney, Helen Bourke, Geraldine Hynes, Frances Regan, Nora Roache, Patrick Doherty, Janine Flynn, Noel McHale, Nicola Reid. New committee members for 2025/2026 are Shauna McDonnell and Vera McKeown.
The death occurred recently of Foxford native Dr Michael Deasy, late of New Jersey, USA and formerly of Upper Davitt Street. Dr Michael Deasy is survived by his cherished wife Mary Olivia Deasy (née Gallagher), originally from Straide, and by his children Maria Deasy of New York, Dr Martin Deasy of San Francisco, Nannette Deasy Baumgardner of New York, and his son-in-law, Robert Baumgardner, as well as his sisters-in-law Fay Deasy and Mary Deasy, and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Mary (née Brogan) of Foxford, his sisters Maura, Evelyn and Breege (Ward) and brother-in-law Brendan Ward of Naples, Florida, his brother Dr Raymond Deasy of Maldon, England, and his brother Dr Noel Deasy of Dublin.
Dr Michael lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home in advance of his funeral Mass which was celebrated on Friday, July 25 at St Michael’s Church, Foxford, followed by a private committal service at the Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
May he rest in peace.
Congratulations to Cormac Healy and Regina Quinn who are the to most recent winners of the Moy Davitts 50-50 draw. Cormac won €460 while Regina’s jackpot prize was €506.
Congratulations to the senior men’s team of S&F United who have booked their place in the Mayo Premier Cup Final following a 4-1 win away to Achill Rovers in last Thursday evening’s semi-final.
United made the perfect start to the game when Achill midfielder Tristan Carolan was unfortunate to put the ball into his own net after just five minutes. And things quickly got even better for the visitors when Paul Moran teed up Mikey Guilfoyle to score their second goal on thirteen minutes.
Achill Rovers pulled a goal back courtesy of Sean McNamara, however, Moran was again the supplier when Guilfoyle struck his second, and S&F’s third goal, just a minute before half-time, to restore their two goal advantage.
It was 4-1 after 69 minutes after Paul Moran went from supplier to finisher.
United’s reward is a derby clash with Swinford in the final, which will be played next Sunday, August 10 at Umbro Park, Milebush. The game has a 11.45am kick-off – and all support would be greatly appreciated.
S&F United lost 5-0 at home to Ballyglass last Thursday evening in Division 2 of the Helen Johnson Mayo U18 League.
In other age groups, twice S&F had to travel to Westport United last week with just the bare eleven players. Despite that, the U14 side recorded a highly commendable 4-4 draw, having played the entire second-half with only ten players but even taking he lead at one point. Calum Costello scored two of the goals and there was one apiece by Rian Jordan and Luke McTighe.
The U16s were similarly depleted but gave it their all when losing 2-0 in Westport in Division 3A.
There was a nine goal thriller between S&F and Killala in the Mayo U12 League, with the opposition just about coming out on top by the odd goal. Oisin McHale hit a hat-trick for S&F whose other goal was scored by Ferdia McGreal.
The Moy Davitts Golf Classic returns to Ballina Golf Club next Saturday, August 9. A team of four will cost €160 to enter and there will be major prizes for all winners. Ballina Golf Club is now accepting entries. Contact 096-21050.
