Local notes: Music maestros fly the flag for Foxford
Pictured at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2025 were students from St Joseph's Secondary Schoo inl Foxford, with their teachers Eimear Donlon and Nora Reddington. Picture: Trish Forde
Congratulations is extended to all the branch members of Admiral Brown CCÉ who competed in the Mayo Ceol an Gheimhridh which was held in Westport on Saturday last, November 22. It was a proud day for the branch to have such a large representation, with a special maith sibh to the prize-winners who all go forward to compete in the Connacht Ceol an Gheimhridh: Conor Ruddy, tin whistle (Faoi 11); Eilidh Jackson, concertina (11–14); Liam Jones, amhránaíocht and storytelling (Faoi 11); Oisín Ruddy and Conor Ruddy, duets (button accordion and flute, 11–14); Glór na Sí céilí band (U14); Ida Hennigan, sean nós dancing (Faoi 11).
Meanwhile, well done also to young harpist Áine Healy who was the winner of the cup for 'Best Improver' at last Sunday’s Admiral Brown CCÉ junior monthly session in Cruiser's, Foxford. The cup was presented by branch officer, Tom Doherty.
The Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group will hold its monthly meet in Guiry’s Bar this coming Thursday, November 27 at 8.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Tickets have gone on sale for the concert that will take place in The Moy Hotel on Saturday, December 27 where top Irish traditional singer Sean Keane will perform with a five piece band in what will serve as a fundraiser for the 2026 Foxford Traditional Weekend.
The Galway man performing around the festive season in Foxford has become something of an annual event and if past experience is anything to go by, tickets sell out quickly so early booking is strongly advised.
Not only will you be supporting the festival but you’ll be treated to a fantastic evening of music.
To purchase tickets, visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com.
The most recent winners of the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw were Brigid Moylett, Foxford who won €460 last weekend and Loren Devers, who won a jackpot of €590 on the weekend before. The next draw will be held this coming Saturday night, November 29, in Cruiser’s Bar, Foxford. Moy Davitts GAA is very appreciative of everyone who supports this weekly club fundraiser.
A last gasp goal denied S&F United from claiming all three points from their clash with Manulla in last Wednesday night’s penultimate round in Division 2 of the Mayo O35s League. Goals by Cormac Healy and Paul Moran saw S&F level at 2-2 with their opponents by half-time and while they fell two goals behind twelve minutes after the restart, an eight-minute hat-trick by Moran looked like it might be enough to earn United the win. However, Manulla equalised in the final minute.
S&F United are due to wrap up their league campaign against Bangor Hibs this Wednesday while their Oliver Kelleher Cup campaign will commence on December 3 when they take on neighbours Ballyvary Blue Bombers.
A bus was due to stop in Foxford this morning (Tuesday) to collect people wishing to join the Mayo Pyrite Action Group on their campaign trip to Dáil Éireann. A significant number of residents in Foxford and surrounding areas have been severely impacted by the pyrite issue, some of whom were making the trip to Dublin along with residents from Belmullet, Crossmolina, Ballina, Swinford, Charlestown and other connected areas.
A trio of Leaving Certificate students are to represent St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford at the final of the National Senior Science Quiz in Trinity Biological Science Institute this December. Ella Coleman, Cian Fahy and Darragh Reynolds qualified after finishing second in the Mayo ISTA Senior Science Quiz which was held in Balla Secondary School recently as part of Science Week.
Moy Davitts GAA Club will he holding an event in the New Year where its members will be able to recycle their outgrown and old sports gear and boots. Anyone who has have gear and boots in the house that they are thinking of getting rid of, the club is asking that you hold on to them and they will take them off your hands early in 2026. Further details will be circulated in advance.
Moy Davitts GAA is appealing to its members and also to the wider general public, that they might consider donating their receipts from the return of plastic bottles to the Re-Turn bin in McGloin’s Gala in Foxford, to the Moy Davitts GAA account in the shop. All funds raised will go towards the club providing refreshments for the many home and host games that take place during the summer months.
Pupils at Foxford National School who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation next March are invited to enrol for the Sacrament at the 11am Mass in St Michael’s Church, Foxford on Sunday, December 7.
Congratulations are extended to Rory Patrick Flynn and parents Linda and Gerard, Station Road, on the occasion of Rory’s baptism which took place in St Michael’s Church on Saturday, November 8.
Do you know a person or a community group who deserve to see their efforts recognised at Mayo County Council’s civic awards? The 2025 Cathaoirleach’s Awards honour and celebrate the many groups that work quietly behind the scenes to make Mayo’s communities stronger, more vibrant and caring, often inspiring and motivating others to become actively involved in their communities. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now being accepted and will remain open until Friday, January 23, 2026.
Unsung heroes are to be found in every town, village, street and road in County Mayo. All winners will be presented with a specially commissioned trophy, handcrafted in Mayo, at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Presentation Evening in early 2026. Winners in each category will also receive a financial bursary to use for their community work. Details of the Cathaoirleach Awards, including the Information Booklet and Nomination Form, are available at www.mayo.ie.
A GoFundMe campaign is ongoing to help fund the preparation, installation and upkeep of Christmas lights in Foxford. The 2025 festive season is almost here and local volunteers are ready to give of themselves tirelessly to ensure the town is looking beautiful at Christmas.
The Foxford Christmas Lights committee is appealing to all businesses and individuals to offer some financial assistance and help make sure the community spirit shines bright this Christmas.
Visit www.gofundme.com and search for Foxford Christmas Lights or you can donate to any of the committee members.
The Foxford Brass and Reed Band is inviting the community to their 10th Anniversary Christmas Concert at St Michael’s Church, Foxford on Sunday, November 30 at 6pm. It is always a wonderful occasion and will be a great way for families to start off the Christmas season. The band will be joined by the St Michael’s Choir and Admiral Brown CCÉ. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. A wonderful evening of festive entertainment is guaranteed.
Moy Davitts GAA are to stage a sports quiz, as both a fundraising initiative and social event, in The Village Inn, Bohola on Friday, November 28 from 9pm. The club is inviting tables of teams to get together and test your sports knowledge. Entry for a table of four is €50. There will be some great prizes on offer and a good night’s entertainment is guaranteed.
Down Syndrome Mayo is the designated charity that will receive the proceeds of this year’s Coolegrane Lights which will be switched on at 6pm on Saturday, December 6. Well-known singer John McNicholl will perform the official turning on of the lights after which he will entertain the crowd with some festive tunes and much more. Helping to set the atmosphere from 5.30pm also will be Pat’s Country Roadshow. Light refreshments will be served on the evening and your attendance would be greatly appreciated.
A fundraising 25 card game will take place at the Davitt Community Hall, Straide on Friday, December 5 in aid of Mayo Cancer Support and Straide Community Development Group. The events is being organised by Straide Women's Group and the support of all card players would be greatly appreciated.
There has been a change of venue to Cruiser’s Bar, Foxford for the Moy Davitts LGFA Christmas Table Quiz, which will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 5pm. There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs and also a raffle on the evening, while you are also encouraged to wear your best Christmas jumpers or outfits as there will be a prize for the best one! Teas and coffees will be provided on the evening. Entry is €20 per table.
