Local notes: Like father, like daughter
2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann champion on the concertina (12 to 15 years), Cróidhe Doherty from Foxford, with her dad Tom who was concertina champion (Under-12) at the 1982 All-Ireland Fleadh. Cróidhe is one of several branch members of CCÉ Admiral Brown who were among the prize-winners at this year's Fleadh in Wexford Town.
There were glorious celebrations in Wexford Town this month where several members of CCÉ Admiral Brown were among the prize-winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Pride of place surely went to Cróidhe Doherty from Currinara, Foxford who won the prestigious Concertina competition at the 12-15 age group. Remarkably, Cróidhe only turned 13 just a weeks ago meaning she is eligible for the same age group for the next two years. Her result was just reward for some exceptional practice over the course of the past year, after she also placed second in the U12 Concertina at the 2023 Fleadh in Mullingar.
There’s a wonderful symmetry to Cróidhe’s success as 42 years ago, her dad, Tom Doherty, won his first All-Ireland by taking the U12 Concertina title at the 1982 All-Ireland Fleadh in Listowel.
Cróidhe’s wasn’t the only gold medal won by Foxford competitors in Wexford however, as brothers Peter and Conor Fox were in a senior half set which also came first. While they are members of the Admiral Brown Branch, they dance under their set-dancing teacher Grainne Kelly's branch, CCÉ, Cr An Choisdellibhe/Roisin Bn Ui Cheallaigh. They also got third in the senior full-set.
Just as fleet of foot is Dean O’Toole who placed first in sean nós dancing in the 15-18 age group.
CCÉ Admiral Brown was also delighted at the performances of branch members Sean Holmes, Gearóid Doyle and Molly Granahan who won silver medals in their respective competitions. Sean was second in the 12-15 Mouth Organ and Gearóid second in the U12 Whistling while Molly was second in the Newly Composed Tunes which is a competition open to all ages. Congratulations, too, go to Michael McHale who took a brilliant third place in the highly-competitive U12 Flute Slow Airs.
The fantastic results, on what is the grandest stage of all for traditional music, song and dance, amount to a brilliant reward for the hours upon hours of practice and the years of hard work and commitment from the members and teachers of CCÉ Admiral Brown alike. It’s tremendous to see it all paying off.
They promised the biggest and best RiverFest yet and by golly, how the organisers delivered on their promise, with last weekend’s 10th Foxford Riverfest, held over three days, offering something for everyone. And after one of the worst summers on record in terms of weather, even the skies cleared for large parts of the festival that showcased everything good about the town, including its wonderful community spirit.
What is now a three day event commenced with the traditional – and poignant – Candles to the Sea on Friday night, where there were inspiring and emotional musical offerings from both the Foxford Brass and Reed Band and the BellaCapella choir who lit up the dusk with their riverside performances.
The town itself was decorated superbly for the festivities thanks in no small part of the volunteerism of so many throughout the week, and once again the work of the Yarn Bomb Knitters was to be seen in all its glory, the showpiece of which was their impressive ‘RiverFest Celebrates’ banner.
Main Street and Market Square was a hive of activity on Saturday with stalls and activities to interest everyone from the very young to the not so young while in an amazing show of organisation (and talent), there was 10 hours of non-stop live music and song to keep the crowds entertained as well, not to mention the ever-popular vintage tea party, the lantern parade and the heritage trail, which was an excellent addition to the festival programme this year. Complete with a hugely informative brochure produced in conjunction with RiverFest, Foxford Heritage Group delivered two tours on Saturday afternoon, giving an insight to no fewer than 35 heritage sites around the town and highlighting its rich historical and cultural tapestry.
There were also fishing competitions throughout the weekend, including the Riverfest Cup and the Riverfest Irish Open Spey Casting competition, while free casting lessons were offered by GAIA (Game Angling Instructors Association) and fly tying demonstrations were given by experts from around the country, with fishing information provided by both fishing clubs in Foxford and by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
The weekend concluded on Sunday night with a foot-tapping party and dance at Foxford Leisure Centre where , fronted by local star musicians Stephen Doherty and David Doocey, were joined by well-known country star Mick Mulhern, to bring the curtain down on 2024 Foxford RiverFest.
It's a busy week at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford as students return from their summer holidays. In fact, the new intake of first year students had the school to themselves last Thursday and Friday as they got to know their new surrounds – and their teachers – for the first time.
Those who will be sitting their Leaving Certificate examinations next year returned to school on Monday while today (Tuesday) is the day that 5th Year students are due back. 3rd Years start their school year this Wednesday with 2nd Year and TY students returning on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Meanwhile, the management and staff of St Joseph’s have offered their heartiest congratulations to the class of 2024 on their fantastic Leaving Certificate results, which were released on Friday. The school is proud of their achievements and wishes them every success and happiness in their future endeavours.
Moy Davitts are gearing up for their second game in this year’s Mayo Intermediate Football Championship as they visit Crossmolina Deel Rovers next Saturday, August 31 at 4.15pm. Both teams won their opening round games, with Moy Davitts overcoming Louisburgh by 3-08 to 1-10 while Crossmolina enjoyed a derby win against near neighbours Lahardane.
Moy Davitts beat Crossmolina in last year’s championship and both sides are considered among the favourites to lift the Sweeney Cup this year – so Saturday’s showdown at St Tiernan’s Park is eagerly anticipated, not least because the winners will be fancied to top Group 1 and so guarantee themselves home advantage in the quarter-finals.
Moy Davitts would appreciate a large support for this away fixture which has the makings of a classic.
The countdown is well and truly on to this Thursday’s semi-final (August 29) of the County U16 ‘D’ Football Championship where Moy Davitts have home advantage for their local derby with Bonniconlon. The game is set for a 7pm throw-in and the referee is Ronan Gurren from Aghamore. The team and management would appreciate a large home support in Foxford.
The long trip to Ballycastle was one worth making for the girls of Moy Davitts as they won their Round 3 game against St Brigid’s in Mayo LGFA Division 4 by four points, 4-07 to 3-06. The team had a bye this week.
Congratulations to Odhran McDonnell, Foxford and Maria Lynn, Foxford, who won the two most recent jackpots in the Moy Davitts GAA 50/50 draw. Odhran won €407 while Maria scooped €524. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing through the Club App.
Foxford Meals on Wheels Service are looking for a person to help out in the preparation of dinners in their kitchen five mornings per week. In addition to food preparation, successful applicants will be required to carry out cleaning duties in the kitchen area. Email applications to socialservicesfoxford@gmail.com.
Plans are afoot to hold a belated 50th anniversary reunion for the class of 1966 to 1971 at St Joseph’s Secondary School. The reunion would have taken place in 2021 but had to be abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rescheduled event is planned for The Moy Hotel, Foxford on Saturday, October 26 next, on the Bank Holiday weekend.
40 students started out in that class and while some dropped out along the way, others joined along the way too, so the organisers are hoping as many past pupils as possible will attend, including partners or friends. It is hoped also that the class who sat their Leaving Certificate in 1970, who were small in number, would also join in the reunion.
Given that many of the class may have emigrated, the invitation has gone out early in the hope that they too may make plans to return to Foxford for old time’s sake that weekend. Anyone who may know those particular class members who are overseas are asked to pass on the invitation or alternatively to contact Seamus Burke at 086-8582726 with further details.
Two goals apiece by Sean Reid and Cian Fahy and one from Adam Kennedy helped S&F United record an excellent 5-1 win against Castlebar Celtic at Milebush Park last Thursday evening.
On the same evening, S&F United’s U14 girls also struck five goals in an excellent win against neighbouring Conn Rangers who were the visitors to Green Road. Kasia Berkowski was in top form when finding the net four times while the other goal was scored by Addison McDonnell.
Earlier in the week, the U16 boys hit five goals too, in a 5-1 win away to Newport Mulranny Wanderers in Division 2B. Brady Guilfoyle scored a hat-trick while there was a goal apiece by Donnacha Timlin and Senan Tolan.
The S&F United 50-50 draw was won last week by Pat Gannon, Foxford, who collected a jackpot of €104.
The Davitt Community Hall in Straide has been running its Sunday Night Mini Ceili for almost two months now and is proving very enjoyable and very popular. It is to continue every Sunday night, getting underway at 8.30pm, and not only is there set dancing but waltzes and jives as well. Refreshments are served and admission is €8. All are very welcome to attend.
The Moy Davitts GAA Golf Classic is taking place at Ballina Golf Club next Saturday, August 31 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Moy Davitts GAA Club. There is still time to enter, with a team of four costing €160. There will also be competitions on the day for the longest drive and nearest the pin. The prizes will be presented that same night at a special function in The Village Inn, Bohola.
If you wish to enter a team to play in the Classic you can contact Patricia (087-2768080), Annette (087-6781500), Declan (087-9900289) or Pat (087-4136896).
Training for the 2024/25 season will commence at Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club on Monday, September 2. A limited number of vacancies exist for new members for girls and boys who are 8 years and older.
To pre-register or for more information, you may send a message to 086-8373646.
