Local notes: Foxford seeks shelter from the rain
The two Moy Davitts teams who took part in the Connacht LGFA U10 Blitz which was held last Saturday at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence. The Reds played fellow Mayo clubs Castlebar Mitchels, Aghamore and Ballyhaunis, Annaduff from Leitrim and Galway sides Naomh Mhuire Oranmore and Fr Griffins Eire Og. The Whites took on Kilmaine, St Mary's Kiltoghert, Claregalway, St Fursey's, Menlough-Skehana and St Mary's Killererin. It was a busy day all round for the club as earlier in the day at the same venue, Moy Davitts fielded two teams in the Mayo U8 County Blitz.
Members of the Foxford and District communities are calling for the provision of bus shelters for the town. As reported by this newspaper, a recent meeting of Mayo County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee highlighted a plan that would focus on sustainable transport networks, climate action, accessibility, while ensuring works would be community led and have adequate funding. The Director of Services, Mr Tom Gilligan stated that the plan contained a commitment to install fifteen new bus shelters in the county, along with the provision of electric vehicle charging facilities. It is obvious that there is an urgent need to have bus shelters installed in the town. It is far from ideal that commuters are forced stand in the inclement weather and make journeys in wet clothing. It is hoped that the situation can be remedied as a matter of urgency in the near future.
The Foxford Enhancement Group wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Michael Tiernan for donating €120 to the group on behalf of the Foxford Angling Club. The money is the proceeds of a recent fishing competition with Westport Angling Club which was held in memory of the late John Gallagher.
FEG volunteers have said the donation will be put to very good use.
Would you like to become a member of the Admiral Brown CCÉ? The Foxford branch of Comhaltas is now accepting membership for the year ahead. Annual Comhaltas membership fees are €6 for U18 members, €12 for adults (second adult €8) or family membership is €20.
If you would like to introduce your child to the fun side of music, song and dance, or perhaps you are an adult who would like to get back into music, the branch would be delighted to welcome you.
The Admiral Brown branch has well over 200 members from various parts of Mayo, most of whom are quite young and encouraging these young members is one of the main focuses of the branch. Members are encouraged to take part in Fleadhs as individuals and groups and they also take part at numerous performances, competitions and workshops throughout the year.
Junior sessions and teenage sessions take place regularly and everyone is welcome to attend. At different times of the year the branch runs Trad for Tots, workshops, culture nights, concerts, céilís, Rambling House, competitions, radio performances and days out!
Both junior and senior members have been successful throughout the years at various county, provincial and All-Ireland competitions and indeed some have gone the professional musician’s route, touring the world.
If you are interested in joining the Admiral Brown branch of Comhaltas, email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com for a membership form.
Foxford’s Peter Fox is one of five young traditional musicians from Mayo who have been commissioned to compose a new piece of music for Culture Night, which is taking place next Friday, September 19. Making the commission are Music of Mayo in partnership with Gaeilge Caisleán an Bharraigh and The Linenhall, Castlebar.
All five musicians will perform their pieces on Culture Night in The Linenhall Arts Centre as part of Music of Mayo’s first Club Ceoil of the season. Along with Peter Fox, the other young musicians are Áine Wright, Fiachra Kilkenny Hopkins, Hannah Lyons and Diarmuid Swift.
The Foxford Bridge Club resumes its games after the summer break this Wednesday, September 17 at 7pm in the Social Services Centre, Chapel Road, Foxford. New members welcome. Email foxfordbridgesec@gmail.com with any queries.
Huge crowds attended the repose of Michael Ruddy at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford last Thursday and also his funeral Mass held in St Michael’s Church on Friday.
Michael (also known as Michael Joe) passed peacefully at University Hospital Galway on Monday, September 8.
Former employer, Harrington Concrete & Quarries, paid a glowing tribute to Michael Joe who had worked for the Kilkelly-based company for almost 30 years, describing him as “a loyal, hardworking colleague and friend who will be fondly remembered for his dedication to Harrington’s during his tenure with us.” Among the numerous significant projects he helped oversee was the Longford N4 Bypass in the early 1990s.
Remembered for his good nature and someone who could light up a room, Michael Joe was described in tributes as a genuine and honest gentleman, someone whose attitude was positive and who was always a pleasure to meet.
Predeceased by his parents John and Mary Ellen and his brothers Johnny and James, Michael Joe will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Lily, his daughter Bernadette and sons John and Michael, his adored grandchildren Annalise, Liam, Lily, John, Kate, Elijah and Amélia, daughters-in-law Caroline and Janet, his sisters Ann Carney, Agnes Foy and Mary Fahy, his nephews, nieces, brothers in-law, sisters in law, relatives, neighbours, former work colleagues and many friends.
Following his funeral Mass, Michael Joe was buried in Craggagh Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
“A clubman of the highest integrity and honour, who chose to praise rather than criticise.” That’s how Straide and Foxford United AFC said their former player and coach Seamus Gaffney will be remembered.
Seamus, from Radharc na Muaidhe, Foxford and formerly of Belass, passed away on the weekend before last and his funeral was held last Wednesday, September 10.
Seamus was captain of Foxford FC when they won the Gill Cup 40 years ago this year and integral in the amalgamation with Straide FC which gave birth to Straide and Foxford United in 1989. He would help them win their first major trophy just two years later, the Tuohy Cup.
“All of us at Straide and Foxford United AFC are heartbroken to hear of Seamus Gaffney’s passing. Seamus was there from day one... one of our originals,” the club said in a statement.
“Seamus was a gifted and skilful player, he played with cunning and style as he broke many an opposition club’s heart with the goals he popped in for fun against them!
“Seamus always chose to encourage rather than criticise; little wonder his teammates and our club mourn his loss deeply,” the club added.
The statement also included one of Seamus Gaffney’s favourite stories for telling – the day S&F United set off to play Lacken in the early 1990s. It was an era pre mobile phones and sat navs and with some of the S&F players struggling to find the pitch, the game kicked off with United having only seven players on the pitch.
“Seamus got the first goal, Dec Smyth the second. At half-time, with seven men S&F were winning 2-1. Then the reinforcements arrived... they found the pitch!
“Surely victory had to be S&F’s now, the cavalry had arrived. Changes were made... and we lost 5-4!”
When Seamus called time on his playing career, he started coaching S&F United’s underage teams in S&F – another mark of the ultimate clubman who was always so giving and willing towards his teammates and clubmates. He is remembered in particular for his kindness and humility, and for never leaving anyone but feeling better for having been in his company.
Seamus will be dearly and lovingly missed by his daughters Dayna and Shauna, their partners Ivan and David, his adored grandsons Callum, Mason and Alfie, his heartbroken parents Sean and Mary, his siblings Mary (Tom), Eileen (John), John (Liz),Brendan, and Philomena (Jonny) his nephews, nieces, Dayna and Shauna’s mother Annette, relatives neighbours and many friends in Mayo Soccer.
Following his funeral Mass is at St Michael’s Church, Foxford, burial afterwards was in Leigue cemetery, Ballina.
May he rest in peace.
The death occurred last Wednesday, September 10, peacefully yet unexpectedly at her residence in Tavanaghmore, Foxford, of Hannah Schofield (née) Gaughan, formerly of Hertfordshire, England.
Predeceased by her husband John and her siblings John, Seamus and Mary, Hannah will be dearly and lovingly missed by her heartbroken family son David and daughters Anakana and Clare, her adored grandchildren, her siblings Liam, Paurick and Breege, her sister in-law Joyce Schofield, Mary and Eleanor, nephew, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Hannah lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home on Saturday with her funeral Mass taking place at The Church of Christ The King, Knockmore on Sunday. Burial afterwards was in Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Moy Davitts ground out a two points win away to Ardnaree last Thursday evening, September 11, in Group 1 of the Homeland U15 Division 4 Grading League. They won 0-15 to 2-07. There was also joy for the U17s who came away from Aghamore with a 2-13 to 2-09 win in last Tuesday’s Division 4 Grading League. And the week actually saw a hat-trick of underage away wins for Moy Davitts with the U13s beating Ardmoy MacHales 0-10 to 1-5 in Division 3 of the Grading League.
Today (Tuesday) the U17s continue their league campaign at home to Kiltimagh. The U11s visit Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin on Wednesday and on Thursday, Moy Davitts entertain Bonniconlon in the U15 Division 4 Grading League. All games throw-in at 6.30pm.
Moy Davitts are gearing up for their quarter-final tie in the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship, which takes place next Sunday, September 21. Last year’s finalists enjoyed a 5-13 to 2-16 triumph over Louisburgh in their final group game and they are one of only two intermediate teams to have won all three of their group games.
Their reward is home advantage for their quarter-final clash with Ballinrobe, which throws-in at 4pm in Foxford. Ballinrobe were semi-finalists last season where they were beaten after extra-time by the Crossmolina side that beat Moy Davitts after a replay in the final.
12-07 to 0-11 is the scoreline by which Moy Davitts beat neighbours Kiltimagh to reach the Mayo LGFA U16 ‘D’ Cup final last week. They will play the winners of The Neale and Tourmakeady. Moy Davitts also got the better of Ballyhaunis by 2-13 to 3-07 in Round 2 of the Mayo LGFA Intermediate Championship.
On the back of last year’s rip-roaring success, ‘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.
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.
A stellar lineup of top musical acts are to appear at this year’s Foxford Traditional Weekend. Taking place from October 16 to 19, a host of incredible musicians will make their way to the town for four days packed with music, energy and community spirit, not to mention fun and craic.
Among the concert artists confirmed are the renowned Smyth Family from Straide – Cora, Breda and Seán – who have made their made name with various bands over the years, perhaps most notably Seán as fiddler with Lúnasa. Also performing will be The High Seas who comprise of Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Cathal Ó Curráin and Dermot Mullholland. Swinford harpist and composer Alannah Thornburgh has risen to national prominence in recent years and will also appear at the Foxford Traditional Weekend as will West of Ireland group Seoda.
In addition to the concerts there will be an array of workshops for all levels of visiting musicians along with Rambling House evenings, session trails and family-friendly events.
The U14 girls succumbed to neighbouring Ballyvary Blue Bombers 4-0 last week but the U14 boys took a point from their travels to Kilmurry with whom they drew 2-2. Gearoid Clarke scored both goals.
Meanwhile, in the Helen Johnson U18 League Division 2, S&F United had a very impressive 4-4 draw away to Westport United, a game in which they played the full 90 minutes with just ten players. Keaton Walsh bagged a hat-trick while the other goal was supplied by James Duffy.
