Local notes: Harps to ring out at traditional festival
Gillian Conway, Western Region Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce, and Garda Michael Kelly, Ballina Community Policing Unit, delivered a presentation to Transition Year students at St Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford last week, which was titled 'Stay Safe, Stay Sober'. The presentation was in advance of Junior Cert results and subsequent celebrations, which will occur in mid-October.
Harp Ireland is once again to partner with next month’s Foxford Traditional Weekend and host a wonderful programme of events in the town as part of Harp Day 2025 on Saturday, October 18.
Foxford Leisure Centre is the venue for a harp workshop with tutor Alannah Thornburgh for upper intermediate and advanced level players. The workshop will run from 10am to 1pm and while free of charge, booking is essential.
A harp recital performed by the Mayo Music Generation Harp Ensemble, and directed by Grainne Hambly and William Jackson, will take place in the café at Foxford Wollen Mills at 1.30pm where there will also a hands-on taster session at 3pm which is open to all ages, with no experience required.
Alannah Thornburgh will also be performing later that evening at the Féile Concert in the Moy Hotel (8pm).
The Foxford Traditional Weekend will run from October 16 to 19, with a host of incredible musicians making their way to the town for four days packed with music, fun and craic. There will be an array of concerts, workshops, Rambling House evenings, session trails and family-friendly events.
For full details on any of the above, and bookings, visit www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com.
The Foxford Meals on Wheels Service is looking for drivers to assist with deliveries. Contact Geraldine at 087-9040463 or 094-92-56614 for further details. The service can provide meals six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, at a cost of €7 per meal. To avail of the service contact the same numbers as above.
The Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group will host its monthly gathering in Guiry’s Bar this Thursday, September 25 at 8.30pm. All are welcome.
A singing club designed especially for children aged 7 to 14 years old is meeting from now until the Foxford Traditional Weekend every Thursday evening at Foxford Leisure Centre, offering a fantastic opportunity for young singers to explore the joy of music in a fun and supportive environment.
Whether your child is just starting out or already loves to sing, the club is the perfect place for them to learn new songs, make friends and build confidence, with the highlight being to perform live as a group at the Foxford Traditional Weekend in late October.
There are two tailored sessions; the ‘Little Larks’ group, for 1st to 3rd Class students, meets from 5pm to 5.40pm, providing younger children with an engaging introduction to singing. The ‘Silver Sparrows’, for 4th Class to 2nd Years, meet from 5:45pm to 6.30pm, offering more advanced singers a chance to refine their skills and enjoy more challenging songs.
The programme is free for all Comhaltas members, with an annual junior membership available for just €6.
Places are limited so don't miss this wonderful chance to inspire a love of song in your child.
Contact cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com.
A quartet of young Moy Davitts footballers have qualified to represent the area in the GAA’s Connacht U13 Skills Challenge Final. Gearoid Clarke, Oscar McHugh, Heath Byrne and Cathal Timlin won Region 3 at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan which will also host the provincial final this coming Friday evening, September 26. They are wished the very best of luck.
This year’s crop of under-6 footballers at Moy Davitts got to represent the club for the very first time last Sunday week, September 14 when they took to the field in Parke to take part in a series of mini games against Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin and Claremorris.
A little rain couldn't stop Moy Davitts’ youngest club stars from lighting up the pitch with smiles, teamwork and plenty of fun being the order of the day.
The club is very grateful to all the families who came out to cheer on the players as such support helped make the day so special. Thanks also to Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin GAA and all involved with their U6 team for hosting such a wonderful blitz and a special word of thanks to Moy Davitts U6 coach Padraic Murphy and all the parents and coaches who helped out on Sunday and help out every Friday evening.
Moy Davitts hosted their East Mayo neighbours Kiltimagh in Group 1 of the Mayo U17 Grading League Division 4 last Tuesday and were beaten 3-16 to 0-5. However, there was better fortune for Moy Davitts when they entertained Bonniconlon in the U15 Division 4 Grading League last Thursday evening as they beat the neighbours from North Mayo by nine points.
Following on from the events in Foxford earlier this year to mark Fr Padraig Costello's 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, Golden Jubilee celebrations are to also take place in his native Kilkelly on Sunday, October 5, with Mass in the church at 5pm followed by light refreshments in the Trimoige-Kilkelly Community Centre. An open invitation is extended to everyone who wishes to attend this special occasion.
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.
Congratulations to the past two winners of the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw, Séamus Ryder from Foxford who won a jackpot of €582 on Saturday, September 13 and Paul McNicholas who won a jackpot of €506 the weekend before. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA). The club expresses its thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draws.
Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre is recruiting an experienced manager to oversee the management of the centre and to lead a small team. Full particulars are available on page 65 of this week's print edition of the .
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, getting underway at 7pm, 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.
Tickets are €20 and available from Sarah at 087-7965520 or Irene at 087-2795242.
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.
