Local notes: Band plan to publish historic book
The pupils of Currabaggan NS, Knockmore at Splash and Dash in Lough Lannagh, Castlebar which was held by Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Triathlon Ireland. Picture: Alison Laredo
Foxford Brass and Reed Band, which was founded in 1896, is celebrating 130 years in existence this year. A committee has been formed to write a book on the band history and is appealing to the public to help with this publication by furnishing the committee, or indeed any band member, with photographs, memorabilia, newspaper articles or indeed any details of any family ties and memories.
Every photograph will be copied and returned immediately. Your help will be deeply appreciated.
Contact Séamus Burke, band chairman, at 086-8582726 or by email at sjbamc@gmail.com.
Foxford Salmon Anglers have issued their first report of the 2026 fishing season and have noted that high water levels on the River Moy have assisted the numerous sightings of kelts heading to the sea.
At present you can fish with a worm on the Moy and if fortunate enough to catch a salmon you may keep it. However, you can then no longer fish with the worm until June 1. There is a restriction of seven tags for the year and you can fish up until August 31 while September is catch and release.
An Oireachtas committee meeting on IFI will take place on Wednesday, April 22 but for now, 2025 regulations remain in place.
The 2026 Mayo Senior Football League gets underway this coming weekend, with Moy Davitts set to get their Division 2 campaign on Saturday, April 18 at 7pm when they welcome Mayo Gaels to Sraith Garbh. In what looks set to be a very competitive division, Moy Davitts will also play Balla (Round 2, away, April 25 at 7pm), Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin (Round 3, home, May 9 at 7pm), Ballaghaderreen (Round 4, away, May 16 at 7pm), Davitts (Round 5, away, May 23 at 7pm), Hollymount-Carramore (Round 6, away, June 6 at 7pm), Charlestown Sarsfields (Round 7, home, June 13 at 7pm), Ballinrobe (Round 8, away, June 20 at 7pm) and Aghamore (Round 9, away, July 4 at 7pm). All fixtures are subject to change.
The Moy Davitts ‘B’ team also commences its league campaign next weekend. They are playing in Division 6A North-East and will host Ardnaree Sarsfields ‘B’ at 1pm on Sunday, April 19. Their subsequent fixtures are against Charlestown Sarsfields ‘B’ (Round 2, away, April 26 at 1pm), Ardagh ‘B’ (Round 3, away, May 10 at 1pm), Bonniconlon ‘B’ (Round 4, home, May 17 at 1pm), Swinford ‘B’ (Round 5, away, June 7 at 1pm) and Ballina Stephenites ‘B’ (Round 6, home, June 12 at 7pm).
Moy Davitts enjoyed a one point victory over Crossmolina Deel Rovers last Tuesday evening in a thrilling game in Division 4 of the Homeland County Minor Football League. It finished 2-13 to 2-12 in Foxford. That had followed on from an opening round win away to Bonniconlon, with Moy Davitts winning that game by six points, 4-14 to 0-20.
They are due to host Naomh Padraig in Round 3 this evening (Tuesday) at 7pm.
On Thursday last, in Division 3 of the Homeland U16 League, Moy Davitts lost an away game to Charlestown Sarsfields, 3-9 to 1-7, however, there was an excellent home win for the Moy Davitts U14 team last week, as they got the better of Islandeady by 20 points in a Division 3 encounter – 5-9 to 0-4. Their next outing is scheduled for April 20 away to Burrishoole.
Foxford was excellently represented in the art and handwriting competitions at the Mayo Community Games Finals, in particular by Isabel Maria Bijoy and Eóin Kennedy who have both qualified for the national finals.
Isabel Maria will represent Mayo in the U14 girls art competition while Eoin will represent Mayo in the U10 boys handwriting.
The standard was very high and all who represented Foxford were wonderful ambassadors. Good luck is wished to both Isabel Maria and Eoin on the national stage.
Foxford Church of Ireland are hosting a table quiz in The Moy Hotel next Friday, April 17 at 8pm. It is in aid of the church restoration. A table of four is €40 to enter. There are great prizes to be won with a raffle and spot prizes on the evening also. All are welcome to attend and all support would be greatly appreciated.
The funeral took place in Foxford last Friday, April 10 of Clive Luty, a resident of Blackrocks Nursing Home in Foxford, late of Church View, Lahardane and formerly of Stockport, UK. Clive passed peacefully at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar.
Sadly missed by Patrick, family and friends, Clive lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home on Friday afternoon with his removal to Foxford Church of Ireland for his funeral service. A private Service of Committal took place at Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
An away fixture against Westport United ended in a 3-0 defeat for S&F United on Easter Monday in the Mayo U17 Premier Division.
This week, S&F United’s U17 girls team are due to host Manulla in Division 1 this evening (Tuesday) at 6.30pm while in the Mayo Women’s Premier Division on Friday, April 17, S&F have home advantage against Swinford. Kick-off is also at 6.30pm.
Martin Byrne and Sarah Ryder are the two most recent winners of the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw. Martin won a jackpot prize of €580 on Saturday, April 4 while the week before Sarah scooped €305.
The club is deeply appreciative of the local community’s support of their vital weekly fundraiser. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the Moy Davitts GAA club app.
The funeral Mass of John William (Bill) Ruane was celebrated last Tuesday, April 7 at the Church of Ss Peter and Paul in Straide. A native of Grallagh, Straide and late of London, Bill passed peacefully in the exceptional care of the staff of Cuan Chaitriona Nursing Home, Castlebar.
Predeceased by his parents Mary and Pat, his sister Mary and brother Tommy, Bill is dearly and lovingly missed by his wife Margaret, sons Kieran and David and daughter Caroline, his brothers Paddy, Chris, Michael and Brendan, his sisters Margaret and Bridget, daughter in-law Katrina and son in-law Terry and his adored grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Bill lay in repose at Michael Davitt Community Centre and following his funeral Mass, burial was in Straide New Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Saturday, May 9 is the date for this year’s First Holy Communion at St Michael’s Church, Foxford. It will commence at 11am.
There are just days remaining until Foxtrot 2026, which will take on place on Sunday, April 19 starting at 1pm from Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre.
The 5k fun run for all the family is raising funds for both the local community and also for the provision of care for Brenda Walsh Grealis. Brenda, originally from Callow, is a gifted singer and musician, wife and mother of four children, who has been diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This is an extremely rare, severe neurological disease that causes extreme muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and progressive loss of mobility.
The communities of Callow, Foxford and the surrounding areas are coming together with Foxtrot in an effort to raise much needed funds to assist Brenda and her family with this life changing condition. There will be prizes for the 5k and a raffle on the day. For any enquiries, contact Ann at 086-8302975 or Helen at 085-8282000.
Congratulations are extended to the family of Jack Finbarr Conway who was welcomed to the Christian community in baptism at St Michael’s Church, Foxford recently. Jack is the son of Caroline and Sean, Station Road.
This year's Moy Davitts Golf Classic takes place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, May 30. The entry fee is €160 per team of four and there will be some major prizes on the day, including nights away and green fees at some of the top golf courses in Ireland. There will also be prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin, and a halfway house barbeque at the ninth hole for those looking for a bite to eat and drink during their round. To book, contact Ballina Golf Club on 096-21050 or info@ballina-golf.com. Early booking is advised.
The North Mayo Heritage Centre has been helping people research their family history for over 40 years. The service has helped thousands of local people to learn more about their ancestors. You are very welcome to contact the NMHC with your enquiries. Phone 096-31809 or email northmayo@gmail.com.
An open invitation is extended to any ladies who would like to play basketball every Wednesday night at 9pm in Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. It’s great fun and a great way to exercise. Come solo, come as a group, everyone is welcome.
Foróige has issued an appeal for volunteers to assist in the youth organisation delivering its Mentoring Programme in Foxford and the surrounding area.
If you are interested in supporting a young person and perhaps have a spare hour in the week, mentoring is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in a young person’s life!
Call or WhatsApp Mary on 086-0471420 to express your interest in volunteering for Foróige's Mentoring Programme and to hear more information on the recruitment process.
