Local notes: End of an era for Boyle Family
The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has honoured 22 graduates from its ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership programme, one of them being Moy Davitts’ own Orla McHale. Orla was one of six candidates to graduate in the field of officiating. The 22 individuals included leading coaches, officials, administrators and players, representing the four provinces.
Tributes, gratitude and best wishes have flown in from local groups and organisations around Foxford and beyond for Jean and Ollie Boyle and their family, who announced last week that they are to wind up the fabulous ‘Run for Boylo’ which they had so generously – and brilliantly – organised for the past twelve years.
While the event was obviously borne from the terrible tragedy of losing their beloved son and brother Martin, ‘Run for Boylo’ leaves a tremendous legacy. The annual event united an entire community and as the Boyle Family themselves say, “one that exceeded all our expectations”.
The first Run for Boylo, which was the brainchild of Martin’s uncle Gerry Devaney, was held in 2011, and every year since the proceeds raised from the Foxford-based race/walk, were kindly distributed among a wide and varied number of local charities, clubs and community groups.
“We never anticipated that this run would take off the way in the way it did since it started up in 2011,” say the Boyle Family who said the decision to bring an end to the event in its current guise was one they had not taken lightly, just that as a family, “with various work and life commitments,” the time had come for them to call time.
“[We] think it’s fair to say Martin would be so proud of his town and community and those from further afield that participated, contributed and helped in any way in making this event such a success,” the Boyle Family said in a statement.
“The event would not have been possible without the support of the participants, volunteers and businesses that sponsored our event year after year. We will be forever grateful.”
In 2018, Run for Boylo was recognised at the Mayo Sports Stars Awards when receiving the Community Award for its contribution to society locally.
Last week, Foxford Scouts were among those to express thanks for the generous contributions of the Boyle Family and Run for Boylo over the years, saying it enabled them to purchase camping equipment and that the ‘Boylo Tent’ “has always held pride of place” at each and every one of its campsites.
“Your kindness and generosity to the community of Foxford really invokes the true spirit of scouting,” they added.
Moy Davitts GAA and LGFA have both said that the generous support of Jean, Ollie, Olivia, Martina, Gráinne and the extended Boyle Family had enabled them to develop so many initiatives within the club. All teams from underage to senior and including Mothers and Others, GAA for All, and Dads and Lads, had benefited from the donations for which they were most grateful.
“Martin would be very proud of you all for the difference the Run for Boylo made to so many people and organisations in the Foxford and surrounding areas. We hope you enjoy this well-deserved rest,” said the club in a statement.
S&F United spoke on behalf of itself and countless other clubs and organisations when it said in a statement that the kindness of the Boyle Family would “never be forgotten”.
“You as a family turned the heartbreak of losing your beloved Martin into something so incredibly positive and worthwhile.
“Run for Boylo brought so many of our communities clubs and organisations together. All of us at S&F loved being a part of the run, the set-up, the Boylo brown envelope draw, Green Road for the children's race, even the egg sandwiches! It was a honour to be involved.
“Your legacy of kindness will be remembered for generations, the act of doing things with great love is never forgotten,” the club added.
The good news, however, is that ‘Run for Boylo’ might still only be considered the beginning and not the end, as the Boyle Family has confirmed that a new committee has decided to keep the annual event going in Foxford, with the same core principals, just under a new name and management.
This year’s event will take place on April 28 and will continue as a 10k, 5k and kids run.
“We hope that you will continue to support this event and keep our community active and running,” said Jean, Ollie, Olivia, Martina and Gráinne Boyle. “Thanks to you all for supporting us all these years and we hope that you keep on running and supporting our community and indeed worthy causes in our locality.”
Further details of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Foxford have become known, with the organisers revealing that a Tractor Run is to be held in conjunction with the event itself, on Saturday, March 16.
The parade, which will get underway at 2pm, already has five bands confirmed as taking part, namely the Midfield Pipe Band, Castlebar Concert Band, Crumlin Pipe Band, Batalá Samba Band and, of course, the Foxford Brass and Reed Band.
A bucket collection to held fundraise for the event was held on the streets of Foxford last weekend with a further church-gate collection to be held at Masses this Saturday and Sunday, March 9/10.
Anyone who would like to enter a float can email foxfordstpatricksdayparade2024@gmail.com. Likewise, anyone who would like to volunteer and help out on the day.
Foxford and District Alzheimer’s Trust is seeking donations on the back of an exceptionally busy few weeks in its charity store on Bridge Street. Memories is open from 11am to 5pm from Tuesday through to Saturday. Donations of women’s and men’s clothing and shoes, handbags, gift sets, household items and small items of furniture will all be gladly accepted and appreciated.
Knockmore Foxford BC are in the final throes of preparing a big weekend of boxing over St Patrick’s Weekend. On the evening of Saturday, March 16 the club will host its annual Vincy James Memorial Tournament at the Community Centre, Knockmore. The first bout is at 8pm with a mixture of experienced and underage boxers taking part. Then, on Bank Holiday Monday, March 18, an underage-only event will take place at the same venue, with the first bout at midday. The following Knockmore-Foxford boxers have been confirmed as taking part: Kevin Spellman, Donnacha Goggins, Stephen McTigue, Se Dempsey, Warren Ryder, Cayden Murray, Rihanna Lawerance, Kyle Reape, Benjamin Garvin, Patrick Lawrence and Shay Judge.
The latest of the 50/50 winners in the weekly Moy Davitts GAA draw was Dara Gaughan, who won a jackpot of €388. This month’s sellers are the club’s senior ladies footballers who will be visiting the local pubs on Saturday nights in Bohola and Foxford, while entry to the draw can also be made via the club app.
The funeral Mass takes place today (Tuesday) of Gerard ‘Gerry'’ O’Hora whose death occurred suddenly at his residence in Nephin View Manor, Foxford.
Gerry, late of Ballinahaglish, Knockmore, was predeceased by his wife Margaret and sons baby Thomas Patrick, Gary and Jarlath and Thomas and Josephine O’Hora, will be sadly missed by his son Jason, daughter Louise, brothers Paddy, Tommy, Michael, Sean, Cathal and Kieran, sisters Marian, Peggy, Nuala and Joan, grandchildren Erin, Fionn, Corey, Sofia and Keelan, Gerry’s friend Bernie, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Gerry reposed in McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday evening with today’s requiem Mass at 11am in St Muredach's Cathedral. Burial afterwards is at Ballinahaglish Cemetery, Knockmore.
May be rest in peace.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered to 34 young members of the Foxford community with the visit of Bishop Paul Dempsey to St Michael’s Church this Saturday, March 9 (11am). Best wishes are extended to all concerned.
A new and unique exhibition by a Foxford-based community arts group continues to show at the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide this week. ‘Heirloom’ is a body of work by ‘Create, Make & Meet’, a not-for-profit group who meet on alternate Saturdays (2pm to 2.40pm) at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. The exhibition, which got underway last week, runs until Friday, March 8. It showcases innovative quilts and the stories behind them. The exhibition is open each day from 10am to 5pm.
Create, Make & Meet welcome new members from beginners up. Free tuition is provided along with refreshments.
Goals by Sadhbh Staunton, Shauna Breslin and Emily Coleman helped the U15 girls soccer team from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford to victory over St Cuan’s of Castleblakeney last week. It’s a result that send them through to the FAI Schools Connacht semi-final. The game was played at the home of Conn Rangers FC in Mount Falcon.
Best wishes to Senan Downey and his parents Emma and Chris, Mill Lodge, and to Maude Mary Ruane and her parents Maria and Conor, Castlebar, after both babies were baptised in St Michael’s Church on Saturday, February 24.
St Joseph’s, Foxford have extended their congratulations to 1st Year student Rory Gruddy who was presented with no fewer than four awards at the Mayo County Board Athletics Awards which were held recently at Breaffy House Hotel. Rory was placed in the Top 10 at the All-Ireland U13 Cross country last November and was also a scoring member of the hugely successful Mayo and Connacht teams who won gold in the inter-county and provincial competitions on the same day. His fourth award was picked up in recognition of the All-Ireland inter-county bronze medal that Mayo won at the U14 competition.
Rory is a member of Swinford AC.
The Foxford Enhancement Group is looking for as many volunteers as possible to assist in a major clean-up of the town.
Easter Monday, April 1 has been set aside for the day of the clean-up that is aimed at helping to make Foxford look at its resplendent best for the summer season to come and for all the visitors who will spend their holiday time in the area.
Bags, gloves and pickers will be provided for the clean-up, with volunteers asked to assemble in the pharmacy car park at 11am.
All local residents are invited to volunteer a few hours. You can contact any member of the Foxford Enhancement Group in advance of simply turn up on the day.
Congratulations to Agnes Bourke from Foxford who won €171 in the S&F United weekly 50/50 draw. The draw takes place every Monday night and season tickets are available from committee members where entry to 52 draws costs only €50.
To mark the golden anniversary of Moy Davitts GAA Club, plans are afoot to this year publish a complete 50-year history in commemorative book form, looking back at the five eventful decades of the club’s history since its formation in 1974. It is planned that the book will be launched at a special club event later in the year.
The book committee is on the look-out for material to be included in the book, including old match programmes, press cuttings, articles, team photos, pictures from special trips and events, or anything you may have relating to the club’s development over the past number of years.
So, if you have any material which you would be happy to share with the club, please email the details to moydavitts50@gmail.com or call Bernie on 086-8532293 for further details.
