Plaque unveiling to honour local hero to take place in Mayo this weekend

COMMUNITY NOTES: FOXFORD - WESTERN PEOPLE (SEPTEMBER 3 EDITION)

The unveiling of a commemorative plaque to honour Dr Francis Ferran TD will take place next Saturday, September 7. 

Dr Ferran was the dispensary doctor in Foxford from 1912 and was hugely involved in the War of Independence and the Civil War.

A remembrance mass will take place at 2pm in St Michael’s Church, Foxford next Saturday followed by the plaque unveiling at Foxford Dispensary at 3pm.

The events have been organised by the Dr Ferran Foxford Historical Association which was established in September 2023 to honour the memory and legacy of a dedicated physician, community leader and freedom fighter who made a lasting impact on Foxford and beyond.

A native of Magherafelt, Co Derry, Dr Ferran studied medicine at the former Royal University of Ireland, Belfast and it was in 1911, shortly after marrying, that the 34-year-old Francis was appointed Dispensary Medical Officer in Foxford. He would go on to serve the community for 12 years – but in more ways than just medical care.

Dr Ferran quickly became engaged in the political struggles of the time, playing an active role in the Foxford Battalion of the East Mayo Brigade. As the Senior Medical Brigade Officer, Dr Ferran tended to the wounded in safe houses, hiding places and ambush sites, often at great personal risk. His commitment to the cause of Irish freedom led to multiple arrests and his eventual imprisonment without trial at the Curragh Camp.

In 1921 and 1922, Dr Ferran was elected to Dáil Éireann, where he continued his unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom. Tragically, Francis died on June 10, 1923, while imprisoned. He was laid to rest in the Republican plot in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. Although Ferran Terrace in Ballina is named in his honour, his legacy had been largely forgotten in Foxford... hence next weekend’s commemorations.

All are welcome to attend.