Local notes: Foxford students reach national final
The St Joseph's Secondary School team that recorded a 1-0 win over Letterkenny’s Coláiste Ailigh in Sligo last week to book their place in the FAI Schools National U15 'B' Cup Final which will be played later this month against Coláiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen.
There’s an All-Ireland final to look forward to for St Joseph’s Secondary School as the under-15 boys soccer team last week booked their passage through to the FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ National Cup decider with a 1-0 victory over Letterkenny’s Coláiste Ailigh.
After Jamie Loughney, who also had a couple of chances in the first-half, had a goal disallowed just after half-time, Rory Gruddy brilliantly pounced to score the game’s only goal.
There was a wonderful save by goalkeeper Aaron Boukioud who palmed a wicked Tom McElwaine free-kick over the crossbar in the 58th minute and two minutes later, Gearoid Clarke went close to doubling the Foxford school’s lead but dragged just wide of the target.
The game last Tuesday had been interrupted for more than half an hour in the first-half following an unfortunate leg injury sustained by Daryn McGlynn from the Donegal side, with the player having to be removed by ambulance. But St Joseph’s held their nerve in what was a tight and tense game played on the 4G pitch at the Showgrounds in Sligo.
St Joseph’s will now play Coláiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen in the final, following the Kerry outfit’s 4-0 victory over Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa from Clara in the other semi-final which was played at Ballingarry AFC in Limerick last Thursday.
The final has been fixed for 1pm on Wednesday, April 29, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
Unfortunately, the school’s U17 team who lined out in the Connacht quarter-final last Thursday were narrowly beaten 4-3 by Galway Community College.
An opportunity to offload unwanted scrap metal will present itself throughout the month of May as Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club is to accept scrap metal on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of the month, with the collection point being beside Applegreen Filling Station on the Ballina road.
The proceeds are to be put towards the completion of the club’s new gym on the Swinford road.
Unwanted bikes, galvanise, gates/sheets, barrows, buckets, radiators, copper, aluminium, lead, cast iron, oil ranges etc. will all be accepted. There will be a small fee to collect scrap metal. You can WhatsApp 086-8373646.
Items and materials that will not be accepted include glass, timber, tyres, rubber, washing machines, fridges and cookers.
As of the week-ending April 12, high winds and heavy showers had rendered the River Moy unfishable, although that didn’t stop a few anglers from venturing out. There was no fish to report but conditions are hoped to improve with higher temperatures and less rain forecast.
Foxford Salmon Anglers are reminding that membership must be paid ASAP as fishing on the river without membership means the angler is not covered by insurance unless in possession of a day or week ticket.
The social services centre is the venue for the weekly meeting of Foxford Bridge Club which is held every Wednesday at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
There was a milestone moment for Moy Davitts footballer Cian McHale when he made his senior inter-county championship debut for Mayo in their Connacht SFC quarter-final win against London in McGovern Park in Ruislip. Cian was the team’s second top scorer with six points and he wished the best of luck in next Sunday’s Connacht SFC semi-final against Roscommon at MacHale Park in Castlebar.
43 Transition Year students from St Joseph’s Secondary School have completed their Bronze Gaisce – the President's Award. A 26-week accomplishment, their final challenge saw them undertake a 20 kilometre hike and work collaboratively to engage fully in outdoor living – from preparing meals, collecting fire wood and building campfires to participating in team-building activities, whatever the weather conditions. The Gaisce programme has demanded resilience, cooperation and dedication and the final mission was overseen by Ox Mountain Glamping.
The funeral took place last Saturday, April 18 of Maura Henry (née Deasy), Belass, and formerly of Cullen, Foxford. Very fondly remembered, Maura passed peacefully in the care of staff of Blackrocks Nursing Home.
Her brother Micéal passed only on March 22 and Maura is also predeceased by her husband John (Johnny), parents James and Mary, sisters Kathleen Coughlan, Evelyn Ward and her sisters in infancy Agnes and Evelyn, and her brothers and sisters-in-law.
She will be dearly and lovingly missed by her brother Denis, her sister Sr. Teresa Deasy (Dublin), sister-in-law Chris Henry and all of her nieces and nephews, her extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Maura lay in repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home last Friday evening and following Saturday’s funeral Mass in St Michael’s Church, her burial was in Craggagh cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
There was an incredible performance by Rory Gruddy at the All-Ireland Indoor Athletics Championships as the Straide teenager was crowned national U16 champion in the prestigious 1500m.
The student at St Joseph’s Secondary School student delivered a masterclass in tactical racing in Athlone when after biding his time in the pack, he made a decisive move with three laps to go and powered home with an incredible sprint finish in the final 80m to secure his first-ever national title in a time of 4.20.52.
Rory, who is a member of Swinford AC, has also enjoyed a couple of superb cross country seasons and has represented his country on the international stage recently also. The future looks very bright.
A benefit dance for Brenda Walsh Grealis, who is originally from Callow, will be held in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Thursday, May 7, with music by Streetwise and Friends. Music and dancing from 9 to 11.30pm. Tickets are €20 and are available from O’Hara’s Centra, Foxford; Kennedy’s Eurospar, Swinford; The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris; The Connacht Telegraph, Castlebar; Mulroy’s Londis, Moneen Roundabout, Castlebar; Carrabine’s Centra, Bangor Erris; Doherty’s Costcutter, Mulranny and Mulranny Post Office.
Brenda was recently diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This is an extremely rare, severe neurological disease that causes extreme muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and progressive loss of mobility. A gifted singer and musician, she is a wife and mother of four children. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Ambrose Coleman from Foxford was the winner of €502 in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 weekly draw. You can play via the club app or by buying tickets in local outlets.
The senior team of Moy Davitts LGFA had a midweek game against Ballyhaunis in what was a Division 2 refixture. They enjoyed a comprehensive win and sit top of the table on maximum points having won all three games they have played and receiving a walkover in another. It means their promotion to Division 1 for 2027 is already secured.
There were a pair of €100 winners in the two most recent S&F United 50-50 draws, with Maggie Gaughan and Maeve Brogan, both from Foxford, having their names drawn. Tickets are available in local outlets and the 50-50 draw can also be played online at smartlotto.ie.
S&F United enjoyed a 5-2 win away to Ballina Town last week in Mayo League U17 Division 4. First-half goals by Solovnikov, O’Brien and Gaughan saw them lead 3-0 at half-time and while the home side pulled two goals back after half-time, S&F made sure of the three points with further goals by Gaughan and O’Brien.
The men’s Premier Division side lost 3-1 at home to Westport United ‘B’, with Jamie Staunton grabbing the goal.
The senior ladies team were beaten 2-1 by Ballisodare United in the Connacht Shield after a first-half goal by Fiona Doherty had given them the lead.
Foxford Brass and Reed Band, which was founded in 1896, is celebrating 130 years in existence this year. A committee has been formed to write a book on the band history and is appealing to the public to help with this publication by furnishing the committee, or indeed any band member, with photographs, memorabilia, newspaper articles or indeed any details of any family ties and memories.
Every photograph will be copied and returned immediately. Your help will be deeply appreciated.
Contact Séamus Burke, band chairman, at 086-8582726 or by email at sjbamc@gmail.com.
Moy Davitts opened their Mayo SFL Division 2 campaign at the weekend and will play their second round game away to Balla this coming Saturday, April 25 at 7pm. The junior team got the better of Kiltimagh who they hosted in the quarter-final East Mayo Canon Henry Cup which went to a penalty shootout after the teams could not be separated at 3-09 apiece.
This year's Moy Davitts Golf Classic takes place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, May 30. The entry fee is €160 per team of four and there will be some major prizes on the day, including nights away and green fees at some of the top golf courses in Ireland. There will also be prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin, and a halfway house barbeque at the ninth hole for those looking for a bite to eat and drink during their round. To book, contact Ballina Golf Club on 096-21050 or info@ballina-golf.com. Early booking is advised.
Saturday, May 9 is the date for this year’s First Holy Communion at St Michael’s Church, Foxford. It will commence at 11am.
The North Mayo Heritage Centre has been helping people research their family history for over 40 years. The service has helped thousands of local people to learn more about their ancestors. You are very welcome to contact the NMHC with your enquiries. Phone 096-31809 or email northmayo@gmail.com.
An open invitation is extended to any ladies who would like to play basketball every Wednesday night at 9pm in Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. It’s great fun and a great way to exercise. Come solo, come as a group, everyone is welcome.
Foróige has issued an appeal for volunteers to assist in the youth organisation delivering its Mentoring Programme in Foxford and the surrounding area.
If you are interested in supporting a young person and perhaps have a spare hour in the week, mentoring is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in a young person’s life!
Call or WhatsApp Mary on 086-0471420 to express your interest in volunteering for Foróige's Mentoring Programme and to hear more information on the recruitment process.
