Local notes: Music, dance and Sam in Foxford
Members of Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club who will celebrate the opening of their new facility on Friday evening next, September 15. Back row, from left: Billy Rice, Pauline Dempsey, Simon Collins, Jonah Gallagher, Rian Jordan, Alonso Noriega, Thomas McLoughlin, Jake Canning, James Collins, Stephen McTigue, Brendan Walsh, Martin Ward, Michael McTigue. Middle row: George Donegan, Axel Doherty, Martin Ward, Ryan Flynn, Alan McTigue, Sé Dempsey, Leon Heavey, Kevin Spellman, Michael Ronan Ward, Darragh Kelly. Front row: Joshua Ward, Isaac Ward, Callum Moran, Kealan Quinn, Seán Bourke, Michael Gallagher and Mason Marley (Club Mascot) Picture: Louis McNulty
Áirc Damhsa will be returning to Foxford Sports Centre this September. Set dancing classes are starting next Monday, September 28 (contact 087-4469624) while children’s sean nós dance classes are getting underway this coming Friday, September 25 (contact 087-7034584).
For further information, you can also visit aircdamhsa.com.
Admiral Brown CCÉ are to host a junior session this Sunday, September 27 from 4pm to 6pm in Cruiser’s, Foxford. Come along for an evening of music, song and dance. All are welcome to attend.
Meanwhile, membership to the branch, which has more than 250 members, is also now open. Fees are €20 for a family, €12 for senior, €6 for junior, and new members young and old are most welcome. For further information contact cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com.
Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group will meet in Guiry's Bar on Thursday, September 24 at 8.30pm. All welcome.
Moy Davitts hosted Ballina Stephenites twice last week, in Division 1 of both the Homeland U13 and U15 Autumn Leagues. On Tuesday, September 15 Moy Davitts’ U13s beat Ballina 4-14 to 1-03 while at U15 level, it was the visitors who pulled through by two points, 3-13 to 2-14.
Meanwhile the senior ladies team advanced to the semi-finals of the Mayo LGFA Intermediate Championship with a 3-10 to 1-09 quarter-final win over Louisburgh. Their last four game against Louisburgh was played last Sunday morning, likewise the men’s intermediate quarter-final against Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin took place on Sunday afternoon (see Game On sports section for full match reports).
This Saturday, September 26, Moy Davitts footballer Cian McHale and some of his teammates from Mayo’s All-Ireland winning squad will bring the Sam Maguire Cup to Srath Garbh from 10am to 1pm. The gates are opening at 9am and all are welcome to attend what is set to be a wonderful few hours of celebration.
Charlie and Christina Gallagher are holding their annual Hospice Coffee Day in their home in Currower, Foxford, next Saturday, September 26 from 10am to 4pm. All are welcome to attend.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Frank O'Hara, Askillaun, whose unexpected death occurred at his residence recently. Fondly remembered as a most kindly neighbour, Frank was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret and is dearly missed by his sisters Marguerite and Maureen, his brothers in-law Padraic and Sean, his nephews, nieces, neighbours and many friends.
Frank was laid to rest on Saturday, September 12. His funeral Mass was celebrated in St Michael’s Church, Foxford with burial afterwards in Craggagh Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
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 on 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 grand opening of the brand new Knockmore Foxford Boxing Club gym at Belgarrow, Foxford is taking place this coming Friday evening, September 25. A blessing will be conducted by Fr Padraic Costello, Fr Michael Reilly and Rev Canon Andrea Wills at 7.30pm followed by the official opening at 8.15pm by Minister Dara Calleary TD and music afterwards by Heads and Tails. There’ll be refreshments and a raffle and the club is extending an open invitation to the whole community to come along, support the club and view its new facilities.
There was no shortage of activity on the pitches last week for S&F United’s array of underage teams.
At Green Road in Mayo U18 Boys Division 2, a brace of goals by Matthew Ruane helped United to a 2-2 draw with Swinford in what was the team’s final league game of the season.
Two more of the club’s teams were also playing their final games of the 2026 campaign. The U14 girls rounded things off in style when they thumped visitors Snugboro United 6-1. Roisín Walsh scored twice while there was a goal apiece by Kayleigh McDermott, Amber Gilnagh, Eris Gruddy and Jemma Jordan, in what was a very strong display by the home side.
It wasn’t to be, however, for S&F United’s U14 boys who fought hard but eventually succumbed to Swinford two goals to nil.
The U12 boys secured three points however from their trip to Fahy Rovers where with pure grit and determination they beat the home side 2-5 thanks to goals each by Ferdia McGreal, Ciaran Costello, Aiden O'Meara, William Hughes and Liam Healy.
Castlebar Celtic were victors by the odd goal in five however, when they travelled to Green Road to play S&F United in the Mayo U16 Premier Division. It was a high quality, high intensity game, with Calum Costello and Ronnie Deacy scoring United’s goals.
The countdown is on to the close of the salmon fishing season on the last day of September. The catch and release system is currently in place, with eight salmon reported caught for the week ending Sunday, September 13. Prawn and spinning were the methods used.
Hopes for a decent finish to the season have improved following heavy rainfall, encouraging fish to move upstream and into the many tributaries feeding into the River Moy.
The most recent winner of the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw is John McGloin, Foxford who collected a jackpot prize of €562 in the draw held on Saturday, September 12. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the Moy Davitts club app.
The now annual ‘Remembrance by Candlelight’ is to be held on Friday, November 20 in St Michael’s Church, Foxford at 7pm. Opera singer Sean Ruane will be joined by the Cill Aodáin Choral Society, Maria Lynn, John McHugh, the Dohertys and Dooceys for a candlelight evening of amazing performances. The proceeds from this year's event are in aid of Hugh’s House (in memory of baby Cian McHale), along with the Foxford Enhancement Group, Foxford Christmas Lights and St Michael's Church, Foxford.
Advance booking is advisable as tickets cannot be guaranteed on the night.
Tickets are priced at €20 and are available from Sarah on 087-7965520 or Irene on 087-2795242.
Bridge classes are to commence on Wednesday, September 30 at 7.30pm in the Foxford Social Centre (Old Boys School). The classes will be presented by John McCrohan who can be contacted at mayocdo@gmail.com or 087-242945. You may also email foxfordbridgesec@gmail.com for further information.
A new beginners class for children wanting to learn the tin whistle will commence this Tuesday, September 22 in Foxford National School, running from 2.50pm to 3.30pm. The cost of an eight-class term is €60.
