Local notes: Foxford groups to receive government funding
Fr Padraig Costello prepares to cut a cake specially prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. A Mass at St Michael's Church in celebration of his Golden Jubilee was followed by a reception in Foxford Leisure Centre. Picture: Louis McNulty
A number of Foxford organisations are to receive funding through the 2025 Local Enhancement Programme. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced the successful projects on Friday last. A total of €231,855.44 has been earmarked for 270 projects in the county.
The two largest recipients in Foxford are Moy Davitts GAA and Admiral Brown CCÉ who are to receive €1,760.55 and €1,197.20 respectively. Foxford Childcare Group Ltd. (The Growing Tree) and Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre each receive €280.60, Foxford Enhancement Group has been allocated €202.00 and €167.80 has been awarded to Foxford Community Garden. Straide Community Development Group is to receive €595.10 while Attymass Community Centre has been granted €222.80.
The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs and capital supports that are essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The funeral took place in Dublin last week of Patrick Hunter, a native of Coolagagh, Foxford. Also known as Pádraig, he passed peacefully, after a short illness in his 96th year, surrounded by his loving family in the tender loving care of the staff at St Francis’ Hospice, Blanchardstown.
As a former member of An Garda Síochána, Patrick had a distinguished yet tragic career. On the morning of April 3, 1970, three armed men robbed the Royal Bank of Ireland on Arran Quay in Dublin and Garda Patrick Hunter was the driver of the patrol car which was the first on the scene. He was accompanied by two colleagues, Garda Dick Fallon, a native of Roscommon, and Garda Paul Firth, where they were confronted by the raiders. All three of the raiders fired repeatedly at the Gardaí and as Garda Fallon attempted to arrest the gunman nearest to him, he was shot by one of the other raiders and died at the scene. The raiders were never caught.
Patrick Hunter, who was the last surviving member of the car crew that went to investigate the bank robbery, has been described by former colleagues as one of nature’s gentlemen, someone who was cool under pressure, a great help to younger members of the force and as a person who always gave good advice. He was also particularly proud of his Foxford and Mayo roots.
Predeceased by his devoted wife Margaret, brothers John and Rev. Fr Séamus, sister Jane and granddaughter Sinéad, Patrick is sadly missed by his daughter Mary and sons John, Jim, Martin and Patrick, grandchildren, great grandchildren, son-in-law Liam, daughters-in-law Erin, Karen, Majella and Joanne, sister-in-law Patricia, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
His funeral Mass was held on Monday, June 9 at the Church of Our Mother of Divine Grace in Ballygall with burial afterwards in Rooske Cemetery, Dunboyne.
May he rest in peace.
Next Saturday, June 21 marks the 248th anniversary of William Brown’s birth in Foxford. To mark the occasion, the Admiral Brown Society, Mayo County Council, Cllr Neil Cruise and the town will welcome Ambassador HE Ana Laura Cachaza, Chief of Staff Nicolas Vidal, naval officers and Argentine guests to the town that gave birth to the revered founder of the Argentine Navy. The congregation, at 11.30am, will also visit Craggagh Cemetery and the grave of former Argentine ambassador to Ireland Laura Bernal followed by Mass at St Michael’s Church at midday. A wreath laying ceremony will take place on Chapel Road at 12.40pm followed by a walk to the promenade.
The local community is encouraged to come out and celebrate the day with the Argentinian visitors.
Thanks, on behalf of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, is extended to the volunteers and contributors to the Mayo Roscommon Sunflower Collection, which was held in Foxford on the weekend of June 5/6. An incredible €4,508.25 was raised in Foxford over the two days. These funds stay in the area to provide palliative care to those in need.
The funeral took place last Thursday, June 12 at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Straide of John Kelly, who passed peacefully earlier in the week at Blackrock Nursing Home, Foxford surrounded by his loving family.
Formerly of Spencer Street in Castlebar, John was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Kelly, his brothers PJ, Tommy, Tony, his sister Anne and his son-in-law Kieran. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, his daughters Jennifer, Stephanie and Maura, and his sons John and Brian. John and Brian are former players of Moy Davitts GAA, with John the club’s former senior manager and Brian a current underage coach, and as such a guard of honour was formed by club members outside the church to honour the arrival of their father.
John Snr is also greatly missed by his grandchildren Emma, Aoife, Mihretu, Phú, Lucia, TJ and Joe, his daughters-in-law June and Martina and his sons-in-law Tony and Mike, also by his sister Alicia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, neighbours and many friends.
John reposed at his residence on the Foxford road and following the celebration of his funeral Mass, burial was in Straide New Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The Foxford Parish Council and Jubilee committee members would like to add their thanks to that of Fr Padraig Costello, to all those many people who gave support and assistance to make the celebration of Fr Costello's Golden Jubilee such a memorable occasion. Community members gave freely of their time and expertise to help bring the community together for what truly was a wonderful celebration.
Congratulations to Foxford musician Tom Doherty who has been appointed as the Artist in Residence for Scoil Acla 2025.
Tom Doherty is celebrated throughout Mayo, Ireland and beyond for his exceptional musicianship and deep commitment to the traditional arts and in a career that has spanned several decades, he is a full-time professional musician, sound engineer and music teacher and has toured extensively across Ireland, Europe and the US. His playing is featured on numerous television recordings and acclaimed CDs.
Tom has described it an honour to be named as Artist in Residence at Scoil Acla given that the summer school has played a huge part in his life since first invited to teach there in 1987.
“Over nearly four decades, I’ve shared unforgettable weeks on Achill and had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest musicians and tutors in the country.
“I look forward to continuing that tradition this year – sharing tunes, stories and friendships with both new and familiar faces, and passing on some of the musical experiences I’ve gathered along the way,” said Tom.
Sarah Calvey, cathaoirleach of Scoil Acla, welcomed the announcement, saying: “Tom’s lifelong dedication to traditional music, his talent, and his generosity as a teacher truly embody the spirit of Scoil Acla. We know he will inspire students and audiences alike throughout the week.”
Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla takes place from July 27 July to August 2, offering classes, concerts, recitals, competitions, workshops and music sessions for all ages and abilities.
For more information please visit www.scoilacla.ie.
Cllr Neil Cruise has called on Mayo County Council to urgently remedy a number of serious traffic hazards in Foxford, telling the most recent meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District that repairs were needed on a section of the N26 in the town that is subject to flooding.
“Just after you pass the bridge in Foxford, people are going out across the line into oncoming traffic in order to avoid this portion of road that has failed,” said Cllr Cruise who added that the bus-stops in Foxford are not as good as in Ballyvary and Straide as there is nowhere to pull in off the road. He also told the meeting that there was a “huge problem” with the pedestrian crossing in the town.
“There was an accident there that could have had a lot worse outcome where a lady was struck. We can have all the reports we want but someone [will be] injured or killed at that crossroads,” he warned.
Cllr Cruise also said there was “pandemonium” over the Bank Holiday weekend after a bus broke down on the bridge in the town, restricting traffic movements to Ballina and North Mayo. The council's Director of Services Tom Gilligan said he would follow up on the issues raised with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The senior footballers secured their place in the semi-finals of the Melissa Patterson Memorial Cup and a showdown with East Mayo rivals Charlestown Sarsfields, thanks to a 3-12 to 2-11 victory over Claremorris. However, the under-14 footballers were less fortunate in last week’s County Division 3 Shield Final, where they lost to a strong Shrule/Glencorrib side at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
20 salmon were reported caught by Foxford Salmon Anglers for the week ending June 8, with prawn, spinning and worm all working at various places and times. The number of catches was expected to rise with increased rainfall in the past week.
No fewer than six members of S&F United were part of the Mayo Schoolboys squad that took part in last week’s Kennedy Cup held at the University of Limerick. Jamie Loughney, Ronnie Deacy, Rory Gruddy, Rian Jordan, Callum Costello and Michael Ruane were all selected for the county squad in what is the country’s premier U14 inter-league tournament. They played Wexford, Limerick District, Inishowen, Kilkenny, South Belfast and Limerick County. Well done to all.
S&F United are celebrating following the U15 ‘B’ team’s crowning as Mayo League Division 4C Boys title winners. The side has been managed by Aaron Gallagher, Paul Moran and Robert Prendergast. In their end of season awards, the team has named Killian McGuire as ‘Most Improved Player’ and Darragh Ruane as ‘Player of the Season’. Yarik Yaroslav was the choice as ‘Players Player of the Season’ and the top goal-scorer award was won by Martin Lawrence.
Meanwhile, the U15 ‘A’ team concluded their Premier Division campaign with a 1-1 draw against Swinford. Michael Ruane scored their goal.
Elsewhere, S&F drew 4-4 with Castlebar Town in Mayo League U13 Division One, with a goal each by Oisin McHale, Cathal Timlin, Eoghan Jordan and Ferdia McGreal.
The senior women’s team of S&F United picked up their first win of the 2025 Mayo Women’s League when Stephanie Loughney scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory at home to neighbours Conn Rangers. United’s senior men’s team were beaten at home however, when Claremorris won 3-1 at Green Road in the Castlecourt Hotel Mayo Premier Division. Luke Ruane scored their goal.
€416 was the jackpot prize won by Niall Horan in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw.
The longest day of the year will be marked in Foxford this year with a fundraising event in aid of FACT Social Club. The Foxford-based charity, which provides care and support for Alzheimer’s patients, is hosting ‘Walk a Mile and Make me Smile’ on Saturday, June 21 where it is inviting the community to walk a meaningful mile in support of those living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
It will start at the new FACT Social Club Foxford on Admiral Brown Road and every step will help to raise awareness and vital funds. You can register and donate at www.eventbrite.ie. All funds raised will stay local to support people with dementia and those facing rural isolation.
The cemetery masses for Attymass Parish this month are as follows: Bonnifinglas Cemetery, Monday, June 23 at 8pm; Old Killeen Cemetery, Wednesday, June 25 at 8pm; New Killeen Cemetery, Friday, June 27 at 8pm. A collection for the upkeep of the cemeteries will take place at each Mass.
