Local notes: Moy Davitts to celebrate golden anniversary
Musicians from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford with Fr Padraig Costello and Ms Mellett, after they performed at the school’s annual Christmas carol service which was held in St Michael’s Church last week. The service included seasonal readings, prayers and, of course, some beautiful carols. Well done to all of the readers, singers and musicians involved.
Sponsorship cards are with families who have children attending Foxford National School for the annual Christmas Raffle which is being organised by the Parents' Association. An array of excellent prizes have been lined up for the raffle which is to be held at the school this Wednesday, December 20 so if anyone comes looking to sell a line (€2), please consider supporting as all funds raised will go specifically towards the benefit of the pupils.
The results of the raffle will be posted on the school website, foxfordns.scoilnet.ie.
The Transition Year students of St Joseph’s Secondary School have published a 2024 Calendar that is now available to purchase (€6) from the following outlets: Gannon’s Post Office, O’Hara’s Centra, McGloin’s Gala, Foxford Pharmacy, Reape’s Filling Station, The Moy Hotel, Clive’s Butchers and at St Joseph’s Secondary School itself.
St Vincent de Paul was the very worthy beneficiary of last Friday’s Turkey Trot Road Race fundraiser around Foxford, and Christmas Jumper Day, which was co-organised by Transition Year and Sixth Year students at St Joseph’s Secondary School.
SVP Foxford assists people in the local community who have needs for the basics such as heating, electricity, food, education and children’s needs. The charity does sterling work particularly at Christmas time and the annual collection is the primary source of income, with the branch depending on it to meet the needs of the many who require assistance locally.
Text Alert was launched in Foxford Parish in 2015 and is a scheme with an elected Committee from the community working with An Garda Síochána having the common purpose to make the town and surrounding villages crime free areas. A number of people have joined the scheme which is still active.
Garda David Reilly from Ballina Garda Station attended a recent committee meeting and outlined the crime trends in the area. Since 2015 people of many nationalities have come to our town and following on from the recent disturbances in Dublin, many will feel vulnerable and we must remember that most are fleeing the ravages of war, famine and racism so an act of kindness or smile will make them and us feel that little bit better. Text Alert is about being a good neighbour so if you see anything suspicious do not hesitate, call the Gardaí and if you acted in good faith you will not be criticised.
Eircode: Know it and write it down.
Social media: Never advertise your movements on social media – it’s also read by criminals!
Patrols: Events such as weddings or funerals will sometimes leave a village empty of people so it may be a good idea to appoint a coordinator to make a patrol of the area.
The home: Lock all doors and windows when going out and if you have an alarm switch it on. If going on holiday, inform a neighbour.
Scams: If something sounds too good to be true, it is.
Tradespeople: If needing work done, don’t employ a stranger, there are many fine tradesmen locally.
There is much more good advice on how to stay safe and secure; Text Alert is recommended as you’ll be informed of any suspicious activity locally. A meeting will be held in the new year between Gardaí and the community.
For the third year in succession now, Moy Davitts GAA has published a brilliant club annual documenting all activities of the past twelve months plus delving into the archives to relive some of the club’s past glories at both underage and adult level.
The publication runs to well in excess of 100 pages and hit the shelves on Saturday last, December 15 and would make a great stocking filler – for young and old, at home and overseas alike. The annual is on sale for just €10 and the club would like to acknowledge all the contributors and the advertisers, whose financial support helps cover the cost of production. The annual is available to purchase in the following outlets: Clarke’s Bohola, Ballyvary Post Office, Reape’s Foxford, McGloin’s Gala, Foxford; O’Haras Centra, Foxford; Gannon’s Foxford and Clive’s Butchers.
There was every reason for Moy Davitts GAA Club to celebrate last week when the hard work of its Healthy Club committee was recognised with the presentation of a Gold Healthy Clubs award at a ceremony in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
The Healthy Clubs Programme supports GAA clubs in becoming hubs for health by delivering opportunities to their members and community that reflect the national policy agenda for sport, physical activity, mental health, and preventative health. It is supported by Irish Life, as well as Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), and the Tomar Trust.
In 2022/23 the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme engaged 447 clubs and involved 1,912 volunteers. Activities are spread across six areas: physical activity (44%), community development (24%), diversity and inclusion (9%), mental fitness (10%), healthy eating (7%), substance use/gambling awareness (6%).It has been estimated that the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme is delivering health and wellbeing benefits worth €50m to Ireland.
A charity football match involving the senior men’s and the Dads and Lads teams of Moy Davitts GAA Club will be played on St Stephen’s Day in Sraith Garbh. Throw-in is at 12.45pm and the occasion represents an ideal outing for the players (and their families!) to shake off the excesses of Christmas Day.
All support on the day will be very much appreciated and the game will be followed by some light refreshments in clubhouse.
2024 will represent the 50th anniversary since the birth of Moy Davitts GAA Club and it is planned to mark the occasion accordingly and make it a year to remember. An initial meeting was held at Foxford Leisure Centre on Monday last, December 11, but the club would still love to hear from members past and present who may have ideas on how the milestone could be celebrated or who may like to become involved in the organisation of events. Contact Bernie at secretary.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie.
Claremorris won more than the County U21 ‘A’ semi-final against Moy Davitts when they came visiting to Foxford recently, as the Niland Family from Claremorris also purchased the winning ticket in Moy Davitts GAA’s 50/50 draw, scooping a jackpot of €292. Well done to them and to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Toomore Church was the setting for the recent baptism of Ella Therese Healy, daughter of Therese and Martin, Cloonmung. Also, Jamie Mark Quinn, son of Sarah and Mark, Ballina, was baptised in St Michael’s Church on Saturday, December 2. Congratulations to both families.
There wasn’t one, two but three significant victories for the soccer teams of St Joseph’s Secondary School last week. First up, the under-17 girls played two matches, getting the better of both Castlerea Community School and St Cuan’s, Castleblakeney to advance to the Connacht semi-final. Also, the senior boys team, which retains several of the players who helped the school reach last season’s All-Ireland ‘B’ final, progressed to another Connacht final thanks to a semi-final against St Brendan’s, Belmullet.
S&F United commenced their Mayo FA Westaro Masters League campaign last Wednesday evening and despite twice taking the lead against neighbours Conn Rangers at Solar 21 Park, Castlebar, the Division 2 newcomers eventually succumbed to a 3-2 defeat. Cormac Healy and Neil Mayock scored the goals for United who this Wednesday will take on an in-form Kiltimagh/Knock United side who recorded a 7-1 win over Ballyhaunis Town in their last outing and have scored twelve goals in their opening two games.
Anyone looking to brush off the cobwebs after Christmas might like to consider taking part in a 5k run/walk that is being organised by Swinford AC for Wednesday, December 27 in Midfield. There will be a donation bucket on the day with all proceeds raised on the day going towards Cancer Care West. A GoFundMe page is also in operation.
Registration is from 11.30am with the run/walk taking place at midday.
There’ll be a very special visitor to a children’s Christmas disco that is taking place at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre this Wednesday, December 20. Santa Claus will be attending the exciting event which is being organised by Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club and is aimed at children aged 10 and under.
Cups will be awarded to the winners of various competitions that will be held on the evening, including dancing, skipping, best dressed Christmas outfit, and penalty and basketball shootouts. It would be very much appreciated it anyone is able to supply some goodies and presents for the children. Contact 086-8373646.
Moy Davitts GAA Club would like to congratulate underage player Seán Reid who was a member of the St Gerald’s College (Castlebar) team who last week won the Connacht Post Primary junior ‘A’ football final, beating St Jarlath’s College, Tuam by 3-9 to 2-10 in a thrilling game at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
To support the purchase, installation and maintenance of the Christmas lights that are shining brightly in Foxford town, a GoFundMe page is now live where private individuals and businesses alike are kindly invited by the Foxford Christmas Lights Committee 2023 to contribute. Alternatively, donations will also be accepted by any committee member. All support is very much appreciated.
The Coolegrane Lights, which are reckoned to be the largest private display of Christmas lights in the country, are drawing the crowds. This year all funds raised will go towards the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Service.
The Eircode for anyone wishing to visit the lights is F26 Y519. You can also follow the signs from the main Foxford to Swinford road.
Straide and Foxford United’s annual St Stephen’s Day game will take place at Green Road at 1pm, where past players from every decade are being invited to come together to take on the present team. The occasion will also be used to present the Tommy McGowan Young Player of the Year award.
Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Christmas with every good wish and blessing for 2024. Remember, if you would like to feature any notes or local events in the Foxford area on this page, email anthony.hennigan@westernpeople.ie or text 087-6088747.
