Local Notes: Foxford's Got Talent
Students from St Joseph's, Foxford who performed at the school's inaugural talent show which was staged at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. Picture: SJ Walsh Photography
The community of Foxford was treated to the inaugural St Joseph’s Secondary School Talent Show on Saturday, December 16. The event was held in the Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre – and what a show it proved to be.
The substantial crowd was entertained for the night by the school’s wonderful singers, dancers and musicians. After many weeks of practicing and rehearsing, their hard work paid off with a fantastic display.
Local businesses were very generous in providing sponsorship for the event, for which the school is extremely grateful. In return it’s asked that everyone, wherever possible, shops local and especially keep in mind the many sponsors.
A number of school staff gave so much of their time to assist in the preparation of the show, and it paid off with aplomb. Well done to all staff and students involved on what was a superb and memorable show, and what it’s hoped was the first of many!
Meanwhile, a group of St Joseph’s 3rd Year and Transition Year students visited the Foxford Alzheimer’s Charity Trust prior to Christmas to perform some festive music. On what was a very enjoyable afternoon for everyone involved, thanks is extended to the talented students involved: Niamh Doherty, Conor Fox, Shona Fox, James Hunter, Roisin Mulherin, Sean McLoughlin, Christopher O’Donnell, Lillian Sinnott, Dara Walsh and their teacher, Ms. Mellett.
The Christmas raffle organised by the members of the Foxford NS Parents' Association was held in the school on Wednesday, December 20 and turned out to be a tremendous success. In total, an impressive €1,145 was raised through the sale of lines on sponsorship cards which were distributed and returned by the pupils.
Well done to the Parents' Association members who secured the sponsorship of prizes for the raffle and everyone who supported the raffle in so many ways – from sponsorship itself to buying ticket lines.
The money will be put directly towards the benefit of the pupils.
An inaugural Careers Fair has been arranged to take place for the students of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford. The event is to take place at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre on Wednesday, January 10 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The aim is to allow students meet with representatives of different professions who work locally.
For the third year in succession now, Moy Davitts GAA has published a brilliant club annual documenting all activities of the past twelve months plus delving into the archives to relive some of the club’s past glories at both underage and adult level.
The publication runs to well in excess of 100 pages and hit the shelves just in time for Christmas.
A perfect gift for young and old, at home and overseas alike, the annual is on sale for just €10 and the club would like to acknowledge all the contributors and the advertisers, whose financial support helps cover the cost of production. The annual is available to purchase in the following outlets: Clarke’s Bohola, Ballyvary Post Office, Reape’s Foxford, McGloin’s Gala, Foxford; O’Haras Centra, Foxford; Gannon’s Foxford and Clive’s Butchers.
One of the best-known presences at Moy Davitts GAA matches across all age grades sadly passed away on Sunday, December 17.
Stephen Jordan had a deep love for the GAA and for Moy Davitts in particular, travelling the county to watch his nephews and nieces represent the club with pride.
A hugely popular member of the Moy Davitts and Bohola communities, Stephen was a huge sports fan. He always had a smile and a thumbs up for the teams he went to support and his presence at games will be sorely missed by all the young footballers whom he cheered on from the sideline.
Stephen had a particular grá for Mayo GAA, attending every game possible. He was always one of the first to take his place in the stand, watching the warm-up and taking in everything that happened on the pitch. He enjoyed the good days and took the bad days in his stride. A true supporter.
Stephen will be remembered for his infectious laugh. He enjoyed the craic. He was always smiling and had a brilliant sense of humour to go with it. Stephen enjoyed socialising and nights out with his friends. Everyone knew Stephen and he knew everyone.
There is a sense of shock and disbelief in the community at Stephen’s sudden passing. He is missed and loved by his heartbroken parents Tom and Margaret, Rathslevin, Bohola, by brother Aiden, sisters Marie and Laura, sister-in-law Gemma, brothers-in-law John and Neil, his nephews Tom and Harry, nieces Rhea, Molly Ruth, Isabelle, Penny and Frankie. Stephen will also be sadly missed by his aunties, uncle, cousins, neighbours and his many, many dear friends.
Stephen reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Wednesday evening, December 20 and funeral Mass was at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Bohola the following afternoon. Cremation was at Shannon Crematorium.
May Stephen’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Anyone wishing to listen to masses from St Michael’s Church, Foxford may do so by tuning into 108FM. Alternatively, all services are also available to view online at www.churchtv.ie/foxford.
Well done to the LC Link Modules class and their teacher Mrs Boland at St Joseph’s Secondary School for the €393 raised by their staging of a Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 15. The money was subsequently presented to Ms Gerry Moore who accepted it on behalf of the local branch of St Vincent de Paul. Congratulations to all the staff and students who made a great effort in supporting the fundraiser.
It’s back-to-back defeats for S&F United in Westaro Masters League Division 2 after they slumped to a 10-4 loss at the hands of Kiltimagh/Knock United at Solar 21 Park on Wednesday, December 20. S&F entered on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Conn Rangers in their opening game of the campaign and like how they twice took the lead in that game, they started this match very brightly too, leading 2-0 thanks to goals by Sean Walsh and Ashley Atkinson on the back of some excellent attacking play. In what were extremely windy conditions in Castlebar, Kiltimagh/Knock stormed back to score five unanswered goals before half-time and added a sixth just after the restart.
S&F managed to reduce the deficit to two goals after Sean Walsh struck back-to-back goals to complete his hat-trick, including one from a self-won penalty, but the exertions took their toll and their opponents reeled off four late goals to run out as comfortable winners.
S&F United are due in action again on Wednesday, January 3 where they will play a Manulla side that has picked up seven points from a possible nine so far.
The Transition Year students of St Joseph’s Secondary School have published a 2024 Calendar that is now available to purchase (€6) from the following outlets: Gannon’s Post Office, O’Hara’s Centra, McGloin’s Gala, Foxford Pharmacy, Reape’s Filling Station, The Moy Hotel, Clive’s Butchers and at St Joseph’s Secondary School itself.
2024 will represent the 50th anniversary since the birth of Moy Davitts GAA Club and it is planned to mark the occasion accordingly and make it a year to remember. The club would like to hear from members past and present who may have ideas on how the milestone could be celebrated or who may like to become involved in the organisation of events. Contact Bernie at secretary.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie.
