Local notes: Foxford school gets national recognition
The juvenile footballers of St Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford who got their season underway with an excellent win away to Ballyhaunis Community Schools in the Mayo Post Primary O'Haire Cup.
There was great recognition for the work that is been done to promote athletics in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford when Athletics Ireland last week named it ‘Girls Squad School of the Month’.
The girls squad is an initiative of the sport’s national body that aims to make athletics more enjoyable for girls and to keep them involved in its various disciplines for longer.
Teachers Aileen McNamara and Michaela Walsh are helping to lead the way and the award was in recognition of the school’s ‘Colour Run’ which created a fun and safe space for girls to get active together, focusing on enjoyment and participation rather than competition. Congratulations to all.
6th Class students along with their parents or guardians are being invited to an open evening at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford on Wednesday, October 22 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Guests will be able to meet some of the staff and students and learn about the subjects and activities that the school offers.
A tour of the school will take place at 6.30pm followed by the principal’s address at 7.45pm.
For further details contact the school at 094-92-56145.
There has been tremendous recognition for two local businesses at the Blas na hEireann 2025 awards.
Foxford Café, situated at Foxford Wooleen Mills, was awarded Best in the County at what is Ireland’s largest and most influential food awards scheme, while there was also recognition for Baker 51 Café, located in Ballina but operated by the O’Hara Family of O’Hara’s Bakery, Foxford.
The awards had over 3,000 entries from around the country, in more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish Food and Drink.
The weekend is almost upon us, that of one of the best traditional music festivals of its size and kind anywhere in the country.
The Foxford Traditional Weekend runs from this coming Thursday, October 16 and continues until Sunday, October 19, bringing together world-class musicians, singers, and dancers in a captivating celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
“Foxford has always had music at its heart and this festival is about celebrating that tradition while inspiring the next generation,” explains Festival Director Stephen Doherty. “We are proud to welcome such an incredible line-up of artists and to create a space where community, culture, and creativity thrive side by side.”
For four unforgettable days, Foxford will come alive with the sounds of traditional music, the energy of dance, and the warmth of community gatherings. With more than 45 events and workshops spread across the town, the festival promises something for everyone, from tots to seniors, seasoned musicians to curious first-timers.
Festival-goers can look forward to a rich programme of concerts, workshops, masterclasses, storytelling sessions, a rambling house, a lively session trail, and family-friendly activities that honour traditions passed down through generations while creating new memories for the future.
The 2025 festival begins on Thursday with the ever-popular Rambling House, a nostalgic evening of music, stories and song. On Friday, the headline concert features The High Seas – Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Cathal Ó Curráin, and John Mulholland – joined by Seoda, winners of Siansa Gael Linn.
Saturday’s highlights include Harp Day in partnership with Harp Ireland and Music Generation Mayo, a colourful Mummers’ Parade through Foxford’s Main Street, and the Féile Concert, starring The Smyth Family, Alannah Thornburgh (Folk Musician of the Year) and The Achill Lads.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with family-focused events such as Trad for Tots and Trad from the Moy, showcasing local youth talent. Meanwhile, the Session Trail will keep music flowing throughout the town’s pubs and venues all weekend.
With a diverse line-up of concerts, workshops, and activities for all ages, the Foxford Traditional Weekend promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience. It is a vital opportunity for Foxford and its surrounding areas to showcase their rich heritage and foster community spirit.
For the full programme, tickets, and workshop bookings, visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com.
‘Remembrance by Candlelight’ is returning to St Michael's Church, Foxford on Wednesday, October 29. The candlelight concert will raise money for Foxford Search and Rescue and Foxford & District Alzheimer Trust (FACT), two very deserving services that Foxford and the surrounding area is privileged and fortunate to have.
Last year's concert was nothing short of magical and another unforgettable night of music, ambience and community is promised. The concert will feature opera singer Sean Ruane, Bernadette Ruddy and St Anne's choir (UK), along with Maria Lynn and the Doherty and Doocey families.
Advance booking of tickets advisable as admission on the night cannot be guaranteed. For tickets sales contact Sarah at 087-7965520 or Irene at 087-2795242.
If you are unable to attend on the night and wish to donate, you can do so at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SarahRuane1.
The most recent winners in S&F United’s 50-50 draw were: September 8 – Sinead Jordan, Straide (€100); September 15 – Anna, Ben and Sadie Howley, Straide (€105); September 22 – Deirdre Hardy, Foxford (€100); September 29 – Tommy Ruane, Foxford (€100); October 6 – Audrey Coleman, Foxford (€100).
S&F United picked up their first win of the 2025/26 Westaro Masters League last Wednesday night when Paul Morasn scored all five of their goals in a 5-4 win against Killala AFC at Umbro Milebush Park. The teams were deadlocked at two apiece at half-time and United actually fell a goal behind after the restart before Moran struck a second-half hat-trick to secure all three points.
This was S&F United’s second game of the season having lost to Claremorris the week before but receiving a walkover from Ballyheane in the opening round.
One of Ireland’s top musical entertainers, Michael English, is bringing his much-acclaimed church concert tour to Christ the King Church, Knockmore this month, as part of his powerful and uplifting show, An Evening of Faith, Hope and Inspiration.
The event on Friday, October 24 is also serving as a fundraiser for renovations to Knockmore Parish House.
Over the past four years, Michael English has poured his heart into creating a truly unforgettable church concert experience which has led to a string of sold-out performances across the country.
The concert will feature a beautiful blend of hymns, well-known inspirational songs, and some of Michael’s own most-loved compositions, with plenty of moments for the audience to sing along.
This performance in Knockmore promises a night of joy, reflection and uplifting music for all ages, and is a night not to be missed.
Tickets are €30 and available from Corcoran’s Shop, Knockmore.
Doors open at 7pm and the show commences at 8pm.
There are a small number of vacancies presently available at Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club for girls and boys aged 9 years or over who might like to take up the sport. Training is on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8pm for under 10 years and 7 to 9pm for all other members. Send a message to 086-8373646 for further information.
The funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Attymass, last Thursday of Mary Gallagher (née Weir), Carrowkerribla, Attymass. Mary passed peacefully at Mayo University Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Predeceased by her parents George and Ellen Weir, son Jez, brothers John, Michael, Tommy, Vincent and Pat, Mary is deeply mourned by her loving husband Tony, sons Anthony, David, Shane and Tim, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
She lay in repose at the Father Peyton Centre last Wednesday evening and following requiem Mass on Thursday, her burial took place afterwards in Bonnifinglas Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
A reunion of the Junior (1996) and Leaving Certificate (1998/99) classes of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford is planned to take place on October Bank Holiday Sunday, October 26. All are welcome to meet in Guiry’s from 6pm to 9pm and in The Moy Hotel after. For queries contact Gráinne 087-051-6346 or Colleen 087-7722842.
Moy Davitts are seeking participants who would like to represent the club at this year’s Mayo County Scór na nÓg Finals.
The competition is to be held at Moygownagh Community Centre on Friday, November 7 at 7pm and is open to club members who are 17 or under on January 1, 2026.
Competitions include: Rince Foirne/Figure Dancing; Amhránaíocht Aonair/Solo Singing; Aithriseoireacht/Recitation; Bailéad Ghrúpa/Ballad Group; Rince ar an Sean-Nós/Sean-Nós Dancing; Nuachleas/Novelty Act; Grúpa Ceoil/Instrumental Music; Rince Seit/Set Dancing; Tráth na gCeist/Quiz.
If you are interested, contact Edel on 086-3999774.
Straide Badminton Club are to run teen badminton every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8pm at Straide Davitt Community Hall. Contact Geraldine at 087-6777850.
The €553 jackpot in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw was won by Tomás Mountney and Laura O’Donnell. Tickets are available locally or via the Moy Davitts club app.
Aerial photos of the Callow and Killasser areas are sought from anyone who might be interested in submitting them for use in the 2026 Killasser/Callow Parish Calendar. The success of past editions means this will be the fourth consecutive year that a calendar for the parish has been produced. Contact any committee member or email killassercalendar@gmail.com for more information.
There’s a special night for past and present employees of the Foxford Woollen Mills to place in the diary, as a night of nostalgia is planned for Friday, November 7 at Cruiser’s Bar where old friends and colleague can meet and reminiscing on times gone by.
Entertainment will be provided by Pat Boyle’s Country Roadshow.
For further information contact Margaret on 083-3747146, Ann on 086-880921 or Larry on 087-7544610.
