Local notes: Solar has star power in Straide
Ben Bourke from Foxford in his Forge at the recent Westport Horse Fair and Heritage Day. Picture: John Moylette
A major step towards sustainability has been taken with the completion of a new solar energy installation at Straide Davitt Community Centre.
The project, which received €10,845 in funding through the Community Climate Action Programme, has seen the installation of a high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system designed to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while improving the centre's resilience during power outages.
The funding was provided by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and administered locally by Mayo County Council.
The new renewable energy system includes 22 solar PV panels mounted on the south-facing roof of the community centre, along with a high-efficiency inverter and a 10kW battery storage unit. The system will generate clean electricity throughout the year while storing surplus energy for use when solar generation is low.
Committee members say the investment will deliver substantial savings on electricity bills, allowing more resources to be directed towards community activities and the maintenance of the facility.
In addition to reducing operating costs, the project will contribute to national and local climate action objectives by cutting the centre’s carbon footprint and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity.
The addition of battery storage also strengthens the role of the community centre as a potential resilience hub during severe weather events or unexpected power outages, ensuring that essential community services can continue to operate when needed.
The project was managed on behalf of the committee by Keith McGreal, whose voluntary efforts helped steer the development from the funding application stage through to completion.
Straide Community Development Group has expressed its appreciation to Mayo County Council and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for supporting the initiative. Special thanks were also extended to Mayo County Council Community Climate Action Officer Lorna Dennehy for her guidance throughout the process, and to Peyton Solar for carrying out the installation.
Community leaders hope the project will encourage more households and businesses in the area to consider renewable energy solutions in the years ahead.
An open evening for 6th Class students and their parents or guardians is to take place at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford on Wednesday, October 21 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. It represents an opportunity to meet staff and current students, sample the subjects along with the activities that the school offers. There will be a tour of the school at 6.30pm followed by the principal’s address at 7.45pm. For further information, contact 094-92-56145 or visit the school website at www.stjosephsfoxford.ie.
The Gaelic football teams of St Joseph’s Secondary School have been getting their seasons underway. There were away wins against Sancta Maria, Louisburgh for both the senior girls team and the junior boys team. However, the under-16 girls teams has been unfortunate to lose both their opening games of the campaign against Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford and St Louis’ Community School, Kiltimagh. They are back in action next week when they too take on Louisburgh.
Mayo County Council has approved a five-year extension to the planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of Healy’s Hotel in Pontoon.
The project, which originally received planning approval in August 2021, includes the construction of a new hotel incorporating a bar, restaurant, dining facilities, spa relaxation area, staff accommodation, car parking, outdoor terrace and associated site works. The permission had been due to expire in August of this year.
Applicants Michael Cusack and John James Reddington indicated in planning documentation that they anticipate the development will be completed by March 2029. The council has now extended the planning permission until August 8, 2031.
When construction activity commenced on the site in 2019, the proposal generated considerable optimism locally, with hopes that it would breathe new life into one of Mayo's most scenic locations. However, progress stalled in the years that followed, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating construction costs cited as key factors behind the suspension of works.
The original Healy’s Hotel building had operated as a hotel, restaurant, bar and fishing lodge since the 1840s.
The ladies footballers of Moy Davitts GAA are appealing for your support next Sunday, October 11 as they travel to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar to take on Aghamore in the final of the AbbVie Mayo LGFA Intermediate Championship. Throw in is at 12.30pm. The game will be followed by the senior final where neighbouring Knockmore take on Burrishoole.
Meanwhile, Moy Davitts LGFA were unfortunate to see their U13 team lose to Castlebar Mitchels in last week’s County Division 6 Final and the minors lost out narrowly to Claremorris in the Mayo LGFA ‘B’ Shield Final. It finished 3-10 to 1-13 against them at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
Following the unfortunate postponement of the original date due to the passing of Mayo GAA chairman Seamus Tuohy, a new date has now been confirmed for the visit of the Sam Maguire Cup to Moy Davitts GAA Club. The club’s All-Ireland winner, Cian McHale, will bring the famous trophy to Srath Garbh alongside some of his Mayo teammates on Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 4pm.
Further details of the event will be shared closer to the date.
Congratulations to Moy Davitts’ Keith McGreal who was a €200 prize winner in the first of this year’s Mayo GAA Club Development Draws..
To kickstart the Foxford Traditional Weekend, The Moy Hotel’s annual Rambling House will take place in The Haymarket at 8pm on Thursday, October 15. Craic agus ceol is guaranteed.
Among the many treats in store at the Foxford Traditional Weekend (Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18) will be the set-dancing working (Kerry Style) with tutor Christy Mac Gearailt.
Christy is a set-dance instructor from Dunquin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht, an area where set-dancing has always been strong and central among its people and community. Christy’s emphasis is not just on the steps, the figures and understanding of the music but also on the craic and giving you the confidence going forward to get up and have a go.
With all his experience over the years, working with schools, universities, groups and at festivals in Ireland and around the world, Christy will break down the set so you can easily understand, learn and arm yourself with the tools to improve while enjoying the craic surrounded by likeminded people.
The workshop take place in The Moy Hotel from 10:15am to 12:45pm on Saturday, October 17. For a full festival programme visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.ie.
Foxford Parish Pastoral Council is inviting parents of children who were baptised in 2023 to bring your child to St Michael’s Church on Sunday, October 11 at 3pm for a short prayer service and blessing. Other family members will also be very welcome.
A desire has been expressed for greater lay participation in Foxford Parish, with an invitation extended to families and parishioners who may like to get more involved in the church. There are a number of ways you can participate, including reading at Mass, leading the Prayers of the Faithful or bringing up the gifts of bread and wine.
This can be especially meaningful at a month’s mind or an anniversary Mass, when family members may wish to take part in remembering and praying for a loved one.
Foxford Parish Pastoral Council warmly invites anyone to consider getting involved. If you would like to participate, please contact Fr Padraig or any member of the FPPC.
Moy Davitts GAA has recently installed a new wireless PA system at its grounds in Srath Garbh for which they have extended sincere thanks to Michael Tolan for his very welcome sponsorship. The new system has already added greatly to the quality of match day announcements in the grounds.
A jackpot prize of €825 was won by Linda Kennedy in the most recent Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw.
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 club’s U18 boys have advanced to the next round of the Connacht Cup following their 2-1 win against Moyne Villa. The goals were scored by Jamie Loughney and Brendan O'Boyle. The result came on the back of the team rounding up its Mayo U18 Division 2 campaign when they were held to a 2-2 draw by a visiting Swinford side. Matthew Ruane scored both goals for the hosts.
The U16s wrapped up their Mayo Premier Division campaign last week with a 1-1 draw away to Castlebar Celtic. United’s goal was scored by Calum Costello.
Meanwhile, S&F United would like to congratulate Jess O’Reilly, Foxford and Frank Moran, Foxford who both won €100 in the two most recent club 50-50 draws.
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.
Yours truly wishes to extend an invitation to the launch of ‘Never Stop Dreaming – Mayo’s Story of All-Ireland Glory’ which this correspondent has co-written with fellow Mayo GAA journalist Edwin McGreal. The book recounts an unforgettable season for the county, from the expectations at the beginning of the year to the twists, turns and emotion of Mayo’s All-Ireland football journey.
With stories from the games, the players and supporters, the atmosphere around the county and the incredible celebrations that followed, we like to think the book as more than just a record of a football season but something that captures a moment that brought Mayo people together at home and around the world. And with stunning photography from Michael McLaughlin and Inpho, the memories of 2026 are brought vividly to life.
The launch coincides with the Wild Atlantic Words Festival and takes place this Thursday, October 8 from 7 to 8pm in the Festival Dome on Bridge Lane (just off Main Street) Published by Mayo Books Press, the book is proudly supporting Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s Sunflower Children’s Hospice project in Castlebar.
