Mayo local notes: All the news from Foxford
Myra's magic moment: This stunning photograph of a rainbow above Foxford was captured by S&F United secretary Myra Deacy during last Thursday's home game against Snugboro United in the Mayo U14 Girls League.
The gym at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre is undergoing some refurbishment works at present and as such, closed its doors last Saturday afternoon, July 27, for a number of weeks in order to allow for the remainder of the works, and the installation and transition of equipment, to take place safely.
For all active members, memberships will be extended to facilitate the move and the operators of the gym – who appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding at this time – are looking forward to welcoming back all their members in August, with the opening date to be confirmed shortly.
The under-16 footballers of Moy Davitts GAA Club made the long trip to South Mayo last Thursday evening, July 25 to commence their Homeland County ‘D’ Championship Group 1 campaign against Hollymount-Carramore. The journey turned into a very worthwhile one as they got the better of the home side by three points, 5-5 to 2-11.
Moy Davitts were also in action against South Mayo opposition in Group 1 of the Homeland County Minor ‘C’ Championship with last Tuesday’s game (July 23) against Ballinrobe taking place in Mulvey Park, Castlebar. This time it was Moy Davitts who were hit for five goals however, as Ballinrobe ran out 5-15 to 2-9 winners.
It was a much tighter affair last Monday, July 22, however, when Moy Davitts had home advantage for their clash with East Mayo rivals Charlestown Sarsfields in Group 1 of the Homeland County U14 ‘C’ Championship. It was the visitors who snuck the win in Foxford by a single goal, 2-9 to 1-9.
The largest number of fish registered as caught on the waters of Foxford Salmon Anglers so far this season in a single week, was recorded for the week-ending Sunday, July 21.
It was the fourth excellent week in succession on the River Moy with 180 salmon reported, a decent number of which were released. There was a spate flood which was the main reason for such an increase in the numbers of fish taken. The worm and spinning were the most successful methods. There has been a huge number of fish witnessed coming up river which is excellent news for the Moy system.
It was another busy week for the underage boys and girls teams of Straide and Foxford United.
Both of the U14 boys teams were in action last Wednesday evening, July 24 – and both picked up maximum points.
Goals from Calum Costello, two, and Rory Gruddy helped the U14 Premier Division Boys edge an absolute thriller away to Castlebar Celtic, with the full-time score 3-2 in United’s favour at Celtic Park in what was a powerful performance by the Moy boys. There was plenty to cheer about the U14 Division 4B Boys team, too, as they picked up their first points of the season with a richly deserved 3-0 win at home to Snugboro United. The goal-scorers at Green Road were Yarik Yaroslav, Darragh O’Brien and Martin Lawrence.
S&F United were also in action in Round 3 of the Helen Johnson U18 League. Their Division 2 clash with Westport United at Green Road ended in a 1-1 draw, with Cian Fahy on target for the hosts.
It was a somewhat tougher week on the results front for S&F United’s girls teams, although spirit was in ample supply. Kasia Berkowski found the net for U14 team that was beaten 7-1 at home to Snugboro United last Thursday night, July 25. Two days previous, the U12 girls were also in action in what was their second league game of the season. Kiltimagh/Knock United were their hosts and the crossbar their nemesis, as along with the home side’s goalkeeper they were held scoreless and fell to a 2-0 defeat.
It was a case of Lucky 13 for S&F United’s men’s team when in their thirteenth league game of the season, they finally picked up their first points of the 2024 Castlecourt Hotel Premier Division, beating their Erris visitors Kilmore by four goals to one. Luke Ruane bagged himself a hat-trick while the other goal was struck by Mark Ruane.
Anna, Ben and Sadie Howley from Straide were the winners of last week’s S&F United 50-50 draw, which saw them scoop a jackpot prize of €160. Tickets are available in local outlets.
Sympathy is extended to the family of Adrienne Quinn (née Keaveney) who passed peacefully at her home in Foxford last Tuesday, July 23, after an illness bravely borne.
Adrienne, formerly of Kilkerrin Road, Glenamaddy, was pre-deceased by her mother Lilla, father James, brother Peter and nephew Cormac. She is deeply regretted by her son Damien, daughter Sara Jane, brothers, sisters, extended family and wide circle of friends.
In keeping with Adrienne's wishes, her funeral was private.
May she rest in peace.
Mass will be celebrated at various cemeteries around the locality in the coming days and weeks. Friday, August 2 at 7pm, St Martin’s, Glanduff; Saturday, August 3 at 6pm, Toomore; Sunday, August 4 at 11am, Craggagh; Tuesday, August 6 at 7.30pm, Bonnifinglas; Friday, August 9 at 7.30pm, New Killeen Cemetery, Attymass; Tuesday, August 13 at 7.30pm, Old Killeen Cemetery, Attymass.
Fundraising for RiverFest 2024 is ongoing with the organisers closing in on €4,000 on the back of donations received on the iDonate platform and last Friday night’s well-supported table quiz in The Moy Hotel.
RiverFest is to take place on the weekend of August 23-25 and it’s the ambition of the committee to raise €5,000 to help make this 10th festival the best one yet.
Workshops are to be held in Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre for people who would like to assist the organisers in making lanterns for both the traditional Candles to the Sea event, which will mark the beginning of the festival on Friday, August 23, and a NightLight parade through Foxford that has been added to the festival schedule on Saturday, August 24.
The festival committee has already purchased the materials and had a practice run, and are now ready to show volunteers how to make the lanterns and attach a mini light inside after which they can be brought home to dry and decorate and brought along on the evening to the NightLight parade.
The lantern making workshops will take place on Saturday August 10 from 10am to 1pm or on Sunday, August 11 from 2pm to 5pm. All are welcome.
Another of the initiatives being worked on at present is the revitalisation of the familiar wooden salmon boards situated on the ring road, most of which have become weather beaten. If you would like to re-decorate your salmon, contact Brigid at 087-9746769. Unclaimed wooden salmon boards will be re-used and re-decorated.
Congratulations to Niamh Noone from Foxford who was the lucky winner of €398 in the weekly Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw.
The funeral was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph in Attymass last Wednesday, July 24 of Bridie Padden (née Hughes).
Bridie, from Carrowkeribla, Attymass, passed peacefully in the gentle care of the staff of Ballina District Hospital.
Predeceased by her parents Ted and Mary, her brother Chris and her grandchild Wren, she will be dearly and lovingly missed by her husband Tony, daughter Maria, son Adrian, her brothers and sisters Eamon, Padraic, Philo, Attracta and Pearl, son-in-law Ciarán and daughter in-law Roisin, her adored grandchildren Jack, Ted, Cara and Riley, nephews, nieces, sisters in-law, brothers in-law, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Bridie’s burial was in Bonnifinglas Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The Moy Davitts GAA Golf Classic is taking place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, August 31 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Moy Davitts GAA Club.
To enter a team of four costs €160. There will also be competitions on the day for the longest drive and nearest the pin. The prizes will be presented that same night at a function in The Village Inn, Bohola.
If you wish to enter a team to play in the Classic you can contact Patricia (087-2768080), Annette (087-6781500), Declan (087-9900289) or Pat (087-4136896).
In addition, the club would gladly welcome sponsorship so if you don't play golf but would like to sponsor a hole, you can also get in touch with Annette (087-6781500).
A free and confidential clinic remains open and available to any homeowner in Foxford or the surrounding area in need of support due to their property being impacted by defective concrete blocks.
Caroline Wilson is employed by Mayo North East Partnership as a Defective Concrete Blocks Community Facilitator and is supporting homeowners through the application process and facilitating access to the relevant support services.
Caroline holds clinics by appointment in Foxford, Ballina, Ballycastle, Belmullet, Crossmolina, Castlebar, Killala and Westport to meet with the public and provide one to one support. These clinics are free of charge and are completely confidential.
Caroline is also reaching out to anyone who may have storage units, a rental property, holiday home or vacant property that is available to rent to homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks.
To book a clinic appointment or if you have any queries, contact Caroline at 087-4828261 or email carolinewilson@mayonortheast.com.
The DCB post is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through Mayo County Council.
A not-to-be-missed occasion for the entire community is set to be held in the Great National Hotel, Ballina on Saturday, November 2 as Moy Davitts GAA Club hosts a dinner dance to mark its 50th Anniversary.
The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 7pm with the excellent Brian McDermott Band providing the entertainment followed by a DJ until late. Drinks reception at 7pm. Contact any club officer to secure your tickets.
