Local notes: Ladies shortlisted for journey of 'serious support'
Rory Gruddy from Straide and a 3rd year student at St Joseph's Secondary School in Foxford has had a highly successful month. He is pictured after winning the the under 16 boys 1500m at the 123.ie National Juvenile Indoor Championships in Athlone while last Thursday Rory finished third in the intermediate boys 3,000m at the North Connacht Schools Track and Field Championships in Sligo.
Moy Davitts LGFA has been named among 21 clubs nationwide – and one of only three in Connacht – as participants in the 2026 #SeriousSupport Club programme, a collaboration between the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and its official retail partner, Lidl Ireland.
The programme is aimed at supporting youth mental health and will see Moy Davitts LGFA embark on a journey which places the emphasis on making a significant difference in the local community by providing a safe and positive space for community members to share and engage.
16 counties from all four provinces are represented in the list of participating clubs, with this programme set to make a meaningful nationwide impact.
The initiative will base itself around the ‘five a day’ approach for mental health, utilising the five key themes of ‘connect’, ‘be active’, ‘take notice’, ‘keep learning’ and ‘give.’ The Lidl #SeriousSupport Club Programme aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of mental health while empowering clubs to positively affect their members and communities.
The programme commences this week and runs until July 5.
Moy Davitts LGFA, like all participating clubs, is encouraged to undertake various activities, to capture special moments and share them on their social media accounts using the hashtag #SeriousSupportClub, while also logging them on the dedicated Lidl #SeriousSupport Club portal, where further resources and help are provided.
Providing Moy Davitts LGFA completes all five steps in the programme, they will receive official Lidl #SeriousSupport Club accreditation, as well as new jerseys for the club. They will also enter the running to win one of three funding awards available with a total value of €10,000. The funding will be awarded to those among the 21 clubs who the judging panel believe have demonstrated the following: Most Innovative Initiative (€2,500), Strongest Community Involvement (€2,500) and Best Overall Programme Engagement (€5,000).
Speaking about the #SeriousSupport club programme, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, commented: “The continued growth of the #SeriousSupport Club initiative is something we are incredibly proud of, as we look ahead to the 2026 programme.
“What began as a powerful idea has evolved into a meaningful support system within clubs, helping to foster open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. The impact is already evident, with players, coaches and communities benefiting from increased awareness, stronger connections and a more supportive environment at grassroots level.
“Initiatives like #SeriousSupport and the LGFA TALK programme are helping to break down barriers and ensure our clubs are safe, inclusive spaces for everyone. We are excited to see the next phase of these programmes and the positive difference they will continue to make in communities across the country.”
A 20 year reunion of the Leaving Certificate class of 2006 from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford is planned to take place on Saturday, May 2. If you would like more information, contact Michael John at 086-3781424 or Valerie at 086-1578755.
Straide will once again act as one of the numerous host venues of Pieta’s Darkness Into Light walk which will be held in the early hours of Saturday, May 9. Registration is now open and as many people as possible are asked to participate in this special morning in Straide and come together to help stop suicide.
People walk for many different reasons; for family, friends or for themselves.
Darkness Into Light is Pieta’s biggest fundraiser and by registering and fundraising, you are helping to keep Pieta’s doors open and making sure suicide prevention services are there for anyone who needs them, free of charge.
To register visit www.darknessintolight.ie and click Straide as your venue.
There was a mixed start to the 2026 Mayo Senior Football League for the senior and junior teams. In Division 2, Moy Davitts suffered an eight points home defeat at the hands of Mayo Gaels, 2-19 to 1-14, but in Division 6 (North & East) Moy Davitts were 4-18 to 1-20 winners against Ardnaree Sarsfields ‘B’. Both teams were due in action again at the weekend, against Balla (seniors) and Charlestown Sarsfields (juniors). See sports section for results.
This Wednesday, May 29 at 7pm, Moy Davitts will host Islandeady in the County U12 Spring League.
The minor footballers of Moy Davitts travelled to play Hollymount-Carramore in Division 4 of the County Minor Football League last Tuesday and were unfortunately beaten 4-13 to 2-11 by the home side. Today (Tuesday) the minors will host Louisburgh at 7pm. Referee is Paul Lydon.
In Division 3 of the U14 league last week, Moy Davitts were also on the road and they ended up losing to Burrishoole by five points, 3-8 to 3-9.
The Moy Davitts U16s were also in league action last week, hosting Kilmeena in Division 3 last Thursday evening but shipping a 2-11 to 1-9 defeat. This Thursday they travel to Kilmovee for another Division 3 encounter, this time against the Ballaghaderreen-Kilmovee amalgamation. Jon Finn is the referee.
Jon Finn is also the referee for next Friday evening’s match (May 1) between Moy Davitts and Eastern Gaels in Division 1 of the Canon Henry Cup. Throw-in is at 7pm in Foxford.
The monthly gathering of the Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group is this coming Thursday, April 30 in Guiry’s Bar. It gets underway at 8.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
Athletes from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford competed with aplomb at the North Connacht Schools Track and Field Championships which attracted more than 1,200 competitors to ATU Sligo last Thursday. Ruairí Reynolds proved himself top of the class when winning the 1,500m minor boys while Rory Gruddy also excelled in the intermediate boys 3,000m by finishing in third place. Both qualified for the All-Irelands, as did Ella Ginty in the junior girls 1,500m and Ronnie Deacy in the intermediate boys long jump. There was also a strong showing by Darragh O’Brien in the junior boys 200m.
The fine start to the year of Moy Davitts’ senior ladies team continued with a 3-7 to 0-10 win against Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin in Mayo SFL Division 2 but there was no joy for the junior ladies who lost to a strong Achill team in Division 5. Next Saturday at 5pm the juniors are due to host MacHale Rovers ‘B’ while the seniors have no game.
Moy Davitts under-14 girls did get the better of Achill last week in Division 4 of the league. They beat the Islanders 7-12 to 0-5. This Friday, May 1 they are due to host Kilmaine at 7pm.
The under-16 footballers of Moy Davitts LGFA were beaten at home last Wednesday evening by Claremorris in Division 2.
Congratulations to Eva Clarke, Bohola who was the winners of €636 in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw.
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 Connaught 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.
The U15 soccer team of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford is wished the very best of luck in their attempt to win the FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup this week. They travel to Jackman Park in Limerick tomorrow (Wednesday, April 29) for the final where they will take on Coláiste na Sceilge from Caherciveen in Co Kerry. Kick off is at 1pm. See the sports section for a full preview of the match.
The U13 team of S&F United made an impressive start to the season when getting the better of Iorras Aontaithe in the first round of Mayo League Division 2A. A brace of goals by Oisín McHale and one apiece by Conor Ruddy and Ferdia McGreal helped United to a 4-2 win at Green Road.
Less fortunate were the U17s who despite goals by Ronnie Deacy and Michael Ruane, suffered a 5-3 loss at home to Ballina Town in the Mayo Premier Division.
S&F are fielding two teams at the U17 age grade and the Division 4 side had two games within the space of a few days. A pair of goals by Dara Gaughan and one from Ciaran McCreedy saw them overcome Kiltimagh-Knock United 3-1 but two nights later they were beaten 4-2 by Castlebar Celtic, with Dara Gaughan again on target and the other goal scored by Jonah Gallagher.
There was a narrow loss to neighbours Swinford FC for S&F United in Division 1 of the Mayo U15 League. Martin Lawrence and Cathal Timlin each scored a goal but Swinford pipped United 3-2.
Meanwhile, the men’s team were left still searching for their opening game of the Mayo Premier Division when beaten 4-0 away to Ballina Town ‘B’.
Congratulations are extended to Kathleen Doherty and Romeo Tolan, both from Foxford, who each won €100 as the two most recent winners of the S&F United weekly 50-50 draw.
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.
The next Parent Support Meeting hosted by Anam Cara, an organisation that supports bereaved parents, will be held this Tuesday, April 28 at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar. The group also offers an online meeting. To find out more you can call 01-40453378 or email info@anamcara.ie.
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.
Congratulations and every best wish are extended to Andy Neary, Straide and Belgarrow, and Jennifer Henry, Charlestown, who recently celebrated their marriage at St James’ Church, Charlestown.
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.
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.
