Local Notes: Golden moment as Moy Davitts hold anniversary Mass
Among the large attendance at the 50th Anniversary Mass of Moy Davitts GAA Club which was celebrated at St Michael’s Church in Foxford on Friday evening were, from left: Anthony Ruane, Paddy Roache, Cathal Hennelly, John Gilmore, Jimmy Roache and Joe Doherty.
A half century of Moy Davitts GAA was commemorated in St Michael’s Church, Foxford last Friday evening as Fr Padraig Costello celebrated a 50th Anniversary Mass in the company of former club player Fr Dan O’Mahony, his brother Fr Stephen O’Mahony, PP, Bohola, Straide native Fr Malachy Smyth, Columban Missionary, and Fr John Maloney, PP, Attymass.
This wonderful occasion drew a large attendance - from some of the club’s youngest members to those who were involved in its very inception back in 1974, when it was simply known as Bohola before adopting the name of Moy Davitts four years later and basing itself in Foxford.
For almost 30 years, Fr Padraig has himself been involved in the workings of Moy Davitts GAA, recalling the Friday in September 1995 when first he arrived into its catchment area as parish priest of Bohola.
“I got a note in the door that day, welcoming me to Bohola – and also to attend a club meeting that night!”
He might have missed that particular meeting but it wasn’t long before Fr Padraig was among those bringing carloads of 10-year-olds to training in Foxford and who before the journey home, had no option but to stop outside O’Hara’s or McGloin’s (before Main Street became one way) so that the young players could replenish their calories at the sweet counter.
Friday’s Mass began with a procession of candles involving representatives of each team in the club – U6: Kealan Quinn and Eva Clarke. U8: Bobby Moore and Ava Gilmore. U10: Adam McHale and Aine Healy. U12: Sean Flynn Jr and Chloe Hughes. U14: Conal Reilly and Sarah Gallagher. U16: Matthew Ruane and Katie Ruddy. U18: Cian Gillespie and Sarah Carney. Senior: Neil Murphy and Sandra Hall. Dads and Lads: Anthony Hennigan. Mothers and Others: Mary Ruane. GAA for All: Paul Mulroy and Elizabeth Dickson.
Paula Ruane narrated the presentation of club mementos, with gifts brought to the altar by first and current secretaries Joe McEvey and Bernie Ryder, club president and former trustee Cathal Hennelly, and on behalf of each team by John Gilmore (U18), Patrick Ruane (U16), Michael Ruane (U14), Shane McGahon and Ciara Loftus (U12), Patrick Barrett and Ria Hanahoe (U10), Eimhin Bourke and Penny McNicholas (U8) and Eoin Hennigan and Muireann McDermott (U6).
The first and second readings were read by Steven Walsh and Barbara Conlon in between which Teresa Mulligan sang the psalm. The offertory gifts were carried by Conall Quinn and Mairead Gallagher while throughout the Mass, some wonderful music was performed by the club’s Scór musicians under the directorship of Tom Doherty.
In his inspirational homily, Fr Padraig Costello reflected on the tradition of football in the club’s catchment area, with teams having operated in Toomore, Meelick, Ballyvary and Bohola prior to the formation of the existing club. And while he said the area upon which Moy Davitts GAA draws its members was home to some iconic historical figures like Admiral William Brown (Foxford), Michael Davitt (Straide), Martin Sheridan (Bohola) and Fr Patrick Peyton (Attymass), it was just as important to recognise and appreciate the “salt of the earth, ordinary people” who do extraordinary work, without whom the club would not survive and who have kept the club going throughout both good and difficult times be it through fundraising, coaching teams, washing jerseys, cutting the grass or lining the pitch.
“Some of these people have never kicked a football or been part of a football team,” noted Fr Padraig but that they give wonderful service to a club they all hold very dear to their hearts.
And while everyone can be grateful for the number of titles that have been won by the club at different age grades, and for the excellent coaches and officers it is so lucky to have and who organise the club’s affairs so well, Fr Padraig suggested that perhaps the greatest trait of Moy Davitts GAA is its inclusivity. He highlighted the awards received for GAA for All and Heathy Eating, saying there are so many more aspects to the club than just kicking football.
“The club touches so many homes in our community, bringing the very best out of people.
“There are so many sacrifices made by coaches, officers, but it is worth it all to see what it means to the young people,” he noted.
Similar thanks was given in the Prayers of the Faithful which were read on the evening by Cathal Clarke, Anthony Ruane, Tom Fahy, Michael Lavin, Jimmy Byrne and Adele Tolan. The communion reflection was read by Louise McHugh.
Fr Padraig said it was his belief that Moy Davitts’ participation in RTÉ’s Celebrity Bainisteoir television series in 2012 was a turning point for the club, because it attracted so many other local families to become involved and who have since contributed to making the club the outstanding success that it is today. He also told the congregation that there was something very special about playing team sports.
“We’re not just playing for ourselves, we’re playing for one another. You win together, you lose together. And while it’s always nice to win, you can learn lessons in losing – and anyone who has played knows you lose more than you win. But to do the best that you can do, that’s what is truly important.
“It’s good to know what it’s like to be part of a team, to be able to take knocks, to be able to be disciplined on the field, to congratulate somebody that has beaten you, to be gracious when you win. These are the things you can learn in the GAA. That’s why it is such a good organisation,” he added.
The heartiest of congratulations to everyone who participated in the organisation of a truly memorable event, one of several this year that will mark the club’s 50th Anniversary in a fitting fashion.
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford was proudly represented at Dáil Éireann by 2nd Year student Liam Maloney recently, as he attended Dáil na nÓg in Dublin as part of a select representation from Comhairle na nÓg. The group met with Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail and were given a tour of Leinster House.
Liam and the group discussed topics relevant to young people in today’s society and even had the opportunity to vote in the Dáil chambers on one of their own motions, which will now be put forward to the National Youth Executive.
This was a fantastic event for Liam to attend on behalf of the school.
It’s hoped there will be a bumper turnout for the inaugural Foxtrot which will take place in Foxford next Sunday, April 28.
Carrying on the excellent work of the former Run for Boylo, moneys raised by Foxtrot will also be distributed among local clubs and charities.
There are both 5k and 10k runs, with registration online at www.njuko.net/foxtrot-10km-5km.
The 10k event will offer cash prizes to the winners while both that and the 5k will be held over a flat, chip-timed course. The racing gets underway at 12.30pm.
Weather conditions severely impacted the fixtures of Moy Davitts GAA Club last week, with even the pitch at Sraith Garbh closed to training, but the under-14 footballers were in action when travelling to Lacken for a game against Naomh Padraig. Moy Davitts struck three goals but the match ended in a draw, 3-3 to 2-6.
Meanwhile, last week’s winner of Moy Davitts GAA’s 50-50 draw was annual ticket holder Tomás Ryan who scooped a jackpot of €378.
Transition Year students at St Joseph’s, Foxford had the wonderful opportunity of visiting Barcelona and its environs last week, with a total of 59 pupils and staff departing for the popular Spanish destination.
As well as the beach and the world-famous theme park Portaventura, they also got to explore the historical cities of Barcelona and Tarragona while also soaking up the sun that has been so slow in arriving to our own shores this year!
The travelling party arrived home safe and sound on Friday morning.
There’s great local representation on the Mayo Women’s League senior squad that has been selected to play in the 2024 Angela Hearst Cup. The S&F United pairing of Stephanie Loughney and Michelle Ruane have both been picked as have Tracey Hall (Manulla FC) and Beth Roache (Swinford FC), both of whom also play Gaelic football with Moy Davitts LGFA.
The Angela Hearst Cup will see Mayo play their opening game on Saturday, May 4 away to current holders Eastern Women's League. The Mayo squad is drawn from seven clubs across the county.
There was no doubting the performance of the week from all the S&F United teams in action, with the U15 boys travelling to Ballyheane AFC last Wednesday evening and beating the home side 6-0 to collect all three points from their Premier Division fixture. There were two goals apiece by Calum Costello and Brady Guilfoyle while Micheál Ruane and Brendan O'Boyle struck a goal apiece.
The club’s U15 girls were also in action last week, taking on Westport United on Thursday evening and playing out a 1-1 draw with their goal comning from Clodagh Fahy.
Darragh O’Brien was on the mark in both games played by the U15 boys ‘B’ team. They had a 1-1 draw with Castlebar Town but suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Kilmurry last Wednesday.
There was a goal-fest between S&F United’s U17 boys when they welcomed Manulla ‘B’ to Green Road last Monday in Round 6 of Martin Keane League Division 3. The teams shared a dozen goals as the match ended 6-6. United’s goal-scorers were James Duffy and Brady Guilfoyle, who scored two each, and Donnacha Timlin and Michael McCreedy.
Meanwhile, ‘The Straide Brigade’ were winners of €100 in S&F United’s 50-50 draw last week. Tickets are available in local outlets while online playing is available at Smart Lotto. Alternatively, season tickets are always available from committee members, with 52 draws costing for €50.
It was an eventful and enjoyable week for the young Beaver and Cub Scouts of 7th Mayo Foxford. They were treated to a lovely day at The Graune Pet Farm near Ballyhaunis on Saturday, April 13 and then on Thursday evening last they undertook an epic hike up the hill of Braid outside Foxford.
A meeting for the recently confirmed pupils and their parents will take place in Foxford National School this evening (Tuesday, April 23) at 8pm. It will include a cuppa and some refreshments.
Moy Davitts LGFA had a significant input to Mayo’s recent victory over Galway in the final of the Connacht LGFA Under-16 ‘A’ Football Championship. The team features ace attacker Kate Byrne while Orla McHale is among the coaching staff.
They are wished the very best ahead of the All-Ireland Series.
A thrilling and high-scoring game took place between Moy Davitts and Carnacon in the Mayo LGFA Under-16 League on Saturday evening, with Moy Davitts eventually prevailing by two points, 3-18 to 3-16. Well done to the players and management on what was an excellent display of football.
