Local notes: Anglers to gather for prayers by river
Foxford Town Enhancement Group would like to thank Gary Smyth of Foxford Pharmacy for his ongoing support for the group. Pictured receiving sponsorship from Clodagh Comisky (Foxford Pharmacy) are FTEG volunteers Bridget Stubbings and Marion Ryder (chairperson). All donations are used to enhance the town with potted plants and flowers and other projects to ensure our town stays attractive to both local residents and visitors. The group can be contacted via Facebook should any one wish to help us volunteer.
The annual Blessing of the River Moy in Foxford is to take place on Saturday, March 1 at midday. Reverend Andrea Wills and Father Padraig Costello will both officiate and a wreath will be placed on the water in memory of past club members of the Foxford Salmon Anglers Association. The blessing will take place at the usual spot beside Foxford Bridge.
Meanwhile, the AGM of the Foxford Salmon Anglers Association will take place on Thursday, March 6 at 8pm in the Brown Memorial Hall. All are welcome to attend.
Well done to all the participants from CCÉ Admiral Brown who took part in the Connacht finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh in Swinford last Saturday, February 15. Those branch members who won or were placed are as follows:
Wind U11 – 1st, Gearóid Ó Dubhghaill (tin whistle); 2nd, Micheál Mac Éil (flute).
Reed 11-14 – 3rd, Anna Clarke (concertina).
String U11 – 2nd, Gearóid Ó Dubhghaill (fiddle).
Singing U11 – 1st, Liam Jones.
Duets U11 – 2nd, Micheál Mac Éil and Gearóid Ó Dubhghaill (flute and fiddle).
Quartette U11 – 3rd, Micheál Mac Éil, Gearóid Ó Dubhghaill, Cara Ní Ghrádaigh and Conor Ruddy (flute, fiddle, concertina, flute).
Ceilí band U14+2 – 3rd, Glór na Sí.
Sean nós dancing U11 – 3rd, Ida Hennigan.
A concert to include performances by Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann prize-winners from Admiral Brown CCÉ is to take place in the Moy Hotel, Foxford on Saturday, March 1 at 7.30pm. This is a free event with refreshments served.
A great’s night entertainment for all ages is guaranteed and everyone is welcome to attend.
An information and registration evening for new and returning members of Moy Davitts GAA Bord na nÓg, from the age of under-6 (children born 2019, 2020, 2021) to under-18s inclusive, is to be held in conjunction with Moy Davitts LGFA on Monday, February 24 (please note the new date) from 7.30 to 9pm. For anyone who is new to the club, you will be supported through the registration process on the evening and get the opportunity to meet the club executive officers, coaches and other volunteers.
If you would like to be involved in coaching or any other voluntary role, please do not hesitate to let the club know.
The registration night is taking place at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre.
There will be sample gear available to check for sizing and all options available as the club shop is to open this week for gear.
As part of their preparation for the St Patrick’s Day parades that they will be taking part in, in Foxford, Bangor Erris and Ballina, Foxford Brass and Reed Band is seeking two people to carry their large banner, whether that be two active adults of two older pupils from St Joseph’s Secondary School. Ideally, they would be available to take part in the band’s marching practice sessions for an hour over the next number of Sundays. For more information contact Seamus Bourke on 086-8582726 either by phone or WhatsApp.
Moy Davitts GAA has put the call out to performers who may like to represent the club at the Mayo Senior Scór Finals which are being held on Friday, February 28.
Whether you’re a musician, singer, dancer, storyteller or quiz enthusiast, there is a competition for you: Tráth na gCeist/quiz; figure dancing; solo singing; recitation/storytelling; ballad group; novelty act; instrumental music; set dancing.
The Mayo Finals are taking place in Balla Community Centre. The quiz is at 7pm followed by stage events at 8pm.
If you are interested, contact Edel Doherty on 086-3999774 by this Thursday, February 20 to sign up.
Last week’s jackpot of €402 in the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw was won by Stephen Clarke from Bohola. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app. Entry is €2 for one ticket or €5 for three tickets and there is a guaranteed winner every week.
Moy Davitts GAA is welcoming new members to its GAA For All programme for 2025. They are also on the lookout for volunteers. Registration is through Foireann.ie.
You can contact Barbara on bconlon02@gmail.com or Deirdre at 087-6951835 for further information.
Moy Davitts LGFA are seeking expressions of interest for a Gaelic for Mothers and Others (G4MO) team for 2025. G4MO is for mothers and other women aged 25 and over who wish to get out and get active, and is a great opportunity to enjoy Gaelic football in a fun, non-competitive and social way.
There is no experience needed so if you’re up for a bit of craic, please get in touch with the Facebook page of Moy Davitts LGFA or any member of the executive.
A pair of underage members of Moy Davitts LGFA have been selected for Mayo panels after an extensive series of county trials. Kate Byrne has been confirmed as part of the Mayo LGFA minor football squad while picked for the Mayo U14s is Rhea Gostock. They are joined by Knockmore players – and St Joseph’s Secondary School pupils – Sarah Dempsey (minor) and Grace Hannick (U14).
A gathering of the Class of 2005 from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford is being organised for later this year. Anyone who was a member of the year group from 1999 to 2005 are invited to attend. The date of the reunion is planned for Saturday, June 14 with further information to follow.
Past students are asked to register their interest with Cian at 087-3346803, Maria at 089-4435771 or Nadine at 086-1610559.
Memories of a loyal, trusted and long-serving employee of O’Hara’s Bakery were recalled last week with the passing of Gerry Devers, Attymass, at his residence after a short illness. Gerry, who was predeceased by his parents Tom and Bridie, will be deeply missed by his wife Mary, daughters Karen and Gillian, son Michael and extended family.
He reposed in Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford last Saturday evening and his funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday at The Church of The Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Attymass. Gerry’s burial was in Killeen New Cemetery, Attymass.
May he rest in peace.
There was a secondary school soccer derby between the first year girls of St Joseph’s, Foxford and Scoil Mhuire agus Padraig, Swinford last week. It was edged by the Foxford students whose goals by Addison McDonnell, two, and Katarzyna Berkowska helped them to a 3-2 win.
S&F United came from behind to force a 5-5 draw with Bangor Hibs last Wednesday night, as they maintained their unbeaten start to Portwest Masters League Division 2. The sides were level at a goal apiece at half-time, with Andy Neary cancelling out a fifth minute goal by Hibs. Neary bagged a second early in the second-half to briefly give S&F the lead before four goals on the spin seemed certain to secure their Erris opponents all three points. However, Andy Neary completed his hat-trick and Paul Moran and Chris Downey added a goal apiece to level matters at full-time.
S&F remain top of the table on eight points after four games, one point ahead of Bangor Hibs. Their next game is on Wednesday, February 26 against Ballyglass.
S&F United: James Lavin, Larry Downey, Cormac Healy, Chris Downey, Michael Prendergast, Pat Jordan, Paul Moran, Andy Neary, Adrian Gilmartin, David Timlin. Manager: Enda Grimes.
For anyone planning to coach with Moy Davitts LGFA, it is a legal requirement to undertake a Child Safeguarding Course, the next which is to take place on Thursday, March 6 at 7pm in Foxford Leisure Centre. For anyone who has yet to take the course, you are asked to be compliant and register via your Foireann/Tobar account.
Players both young and old from the locality are being invited to join and register with Ballyvary Hurling Club for the 2025 season. Hurling boundaries in Mayo allow for players who might also be registered with Moy Davitts GAA to also play hurling with Ballyvary, similarly for footballers who might already play for Swinford, Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin and Balla GAA clubs.
So whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, Ballyvary Hurling Club would be more than delighted to see you on board for the coming season.
Indoor training starts Tuesday, March 4.
You can learn more and register at www.foireann.ie or if you have any questions, email Ballyvary Hurling Club at secretary.ballyvaryhurling.mayo@gaa.ie.
If you would like to play over-35s Gaelic football in a non-competitive environment and have a bit of craic along the way, why not join Moy Davitts Dads and Lads? If you would like to join us or come along for a look, call or WhatsApp Aiden on 087-6371844.
