Local notes: Dr Louise is top of the class
There’s a wonderful achievement to report for Foxford native Louise Judge who was recently presented with the prestigious Ellard W. Eppel trophy. The award recognises the graduating Doctor who achieves the highest mark in the country in the Irish College of General Practitioners examinations.
Louise, daughter of Pat and Mary Judge, Castlebar Road, achieved top marks along with another graduate.
Dr Louise qualified as a consultant anaesthesiologist in 2019 and decided to retrain as a GP to strike a better work-life balance with her young family. She is now practicing as a GP in Cappoquin, Co Waterford where she is also farming alongside her husband Pat and three boys.
Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church, Foxford, has announced that a special Ecumenical Service of Celebration will take place on November 1 at 4.30pm, marking 225 years of continuous worship and service to the local community.
The church warmly invites people from across the parish and surrounding community, from all Christian traditions and backgrounds, to join together for this very special occasion. The preacher is Bishop Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, who will join the congregation in giving thanks for the church's long history and its continuing place at the heart of the Foxford community.
Located on the Market Square in the heart of Foxford, Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church, was constructed in 1801 by parochial assessment at a cost of £400, with the tower and gallery added in 1826. Welland and Gillespie were the appointed architects, and the church design is indicative of The Board of the First Fruits. During the 19th century, Foxford was owned by the Bingham family, the Barons of Clanmorris of Newbrook, and they were responsible for the structural build.
Among the church's many features is its beautiful East Window (designed by William Francis Dixon of Franz Mayer & Company, Munich and London). The East Window was erected in 1908 by John Bingham, 5th Baron Clanmorris and dedicated to the memory of his parents. The window remains a treasured part of the church and serves as a reminder of the generations who have contributed to the life and story of the parish.
For 225 years, the church has been a place of worship, prayer, celebration and remembrance, witnessing the changing lives and stories of generations within the parish. So, the 225th anniversary celebrations on November 1 provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the rich heritage of Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church but also to look forward with hope to its continuing role within the community for generations to come.
Everyone in the community is warmly invited to attend.
There is profound sadness throughout Foxford and far beyond at the sudden passing last week of a wonderful community man. Mark McDonnell from Shanwar touched the lives of so many through his generosity of spirit and his untimely death has plunged the entire community into darkness.
Mark’s unexpected death occurred last Tuesday, October 6 in the arms of his wife and brother and in the gentle care of the staff of St James' Hospital, Dublin.
Countless tributes have been paid, including from community groups like Foxford and District Alzheimer Trust, who said no task was ever too big for Mark through his role at Tús and the Rural Social Scheme, and who never made them feel as though they were a burden. The Admiral Brown Society described Mark as one of its “champions”, adding that his team was always on hand to support the society and always had Foxford looking great for special events.
Mark was also a much-loved member of the Moy Davitts GAA family, a committed member of the club executive and underage management teams, including this year’s U12 team. He also served as the East Mayo Bord na nÓg representative on Mayo Bord na nÓg, giving his time and energy to support underage football across the community.
“Above all, Mark was someone who cared deeply about our young players. His kindness, generosity and commitment shone through in everything he did, and he took great pride in being part of their football journey,” said Moy Davitts in a club statement, adding that just the weekend before his passing, Mark’s company had generously covered the cost of the club’s under-13 team’s bus for their bonding session. “A gesture that speaks to the thoughtful person he was,” they said.
Mark also had a deep and longstanding affiliation with S&F United, winning the cup with the first team in 2009 and later joining the club committee and helping significantly in various fundraising campaigns.
“In his capacity as Rural Scheme Supervisor, we will be forever indebted to all the help and support Mark gave us down through the years,” said the club in a tribute.
“From player to committee member to proud Dad on the sideline, Mark was always the first to help out wherever he could.” Again, he was a sponsor of tops for last year’s U12 team.
Mark, who was predeceased by his baby boy Donnacha James, will be dearly and lovingly missed by his beloved wife Bernita and their adored children Odhrán and Abigail, his heartbroken parents John and Ann, his brothers Jimmy, Barry, Eddie, Shaun and Brian, his parents-in-law Angela and Kevin, his aunties and uncles, his brothers in-law, sisters in-law, his adored nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of dear friends.
Mark lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home on Friday evening and his funeral Mass was celebrated at St Michael’s Church, Foxford on Saturday followed by a private service at Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
The Fr Peyton Centre in Attymass is hosting a one-ray Rosary retreat next Saturday, October 17 from 11am to 4:30pm. The day includes spiritual talks, reflection, quiet time, Rosary and Mass. The cost is €25, which includes tea, coffee on arrival, and a light lunch. Booking is essential. For enquiries and booking, contact Fina on 096-45374 or 087-6816821.
There were two significant wins for S&F United teams last week. Massive congratulations are due to the U16 boys who won the League Cup when beating home side Westport United 2-1 in the final. The game was described as fast paced and not for the faint hearted, but a powerful all-round team performance, two goals by Calum Costello, and a man-of-the-match display by Sean Walsh, saw United take the honours.
Similarly, S&F United’s U12 team were officially crowned Mayo Schoolboys U12 Division 2B League champions. They sealed the title in style with a fantastic 3-0 victory over Charlestown Athletic in their final league game at Green Road. Ferdia McGreal bagged a hat-trick!
Foxford is set to become a hub of traditional Irish culture this week as the annual Foxford Traditional Weekend returns with a packed programme of music, song, dance and storytelling.
Running from Thursday, October 15, to Sunday, October 18, the four-day festival will feature more than 40 events across the town, celebrating the rich traditions of Irish culture while welcoming performers and visitors from home and abroad.
Among the highlights is the return of the Féile Concert on Friday night, which will see the long-awaited reunion of renowned Mayo group Céide. The band will perform together for the first time in 17 years. The concert will also feature All-Ireland champions Glór na Sí, while acclaimed flute and whistle player Jillian O'Malley will launch her latest album.
A new addition to this year's festival is Club na Féile, hosted by Seoda, winners of the 2025 Siansa Gael Linn competition. The late-night event will take place in the Moy Hotel on Saturday at 11pm.
Saturday evening's headline concert will see award-winning sibling duo Seámus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta perform in the historic setting of Foxford Convent Church. Celebrated for their sean-nós singing and multi-instrumental talents, they will be joined by pianist, composer and TG4 Gradam Ceoil winner Ryan Molloy.
Following the concert, the Moy Hotel will host A Celebration of Irish, Breton and Basque Music, bringing together performers from the three Celtic regions. CUAS will be joined by Kerry set dancers, and Xabi Aburruzaga, Marie Le Cam and Niamh Ní Charra, for what promises to be a memorable cultural exchange.
The weekend programme also includes a wide range of workshops covering traditional music, sean-nós dancing, singing and the making of traditional Mummers' straw hats. Organisers say the sessions will provide opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to learn from some of Ireland's leading tutors.
Festival favourites such as the Mummers Parade along Main Street, storytelling sessions in the Moy Hotel and a series of traditional music session trails will also feature throughout the weekend.
Foxford Traditional Weekend is organised by Admiral Brown CCÉ, the local Comhaltas branch. The voluntary committee is dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional Irish music, song, dance, storytelling and Gaeilge through a family-friendly festival featuring concerts, workshops, lectures, masterclasses and events for all age groups.
The programme includes both free and ticketed events. Full details and booking information are available at foxfordtraditionalweekend.com.
Sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Carmel Coss Murphy who passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, after a sudden illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Predeceased by both her parents and two brothers, Carmel, of Sliabh Ruá, Admiral Brown Road, Foxford and Clondalkin, Dublin, is deeply regretted by her husband Robert, daughter Míde and sons Jason and Jonathan. She will also be sadly missed by her daughters-in-law Shelly and Niamh, her eleven grandchildren, her siblings Greg, Marie, Deirdre, Gerry, Denise and Karen, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of Life Service was held for Carmel on Thursday, October 8 at Newlands Cross crematorium.
May She rest in peace.
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 Sam Maguire Cup will make its visit to Moy Davitts GAA Club on Saturday, October 24 accompanied by the club’s All-Ireland winner, Cian McHale, alongside with some of his Mayo teammates. The event will run from 1pm to 4pm and all are welcome to attend.
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.
