Local notes: Musicians Scór a Christmas hit
The Moy Davitts GAA ballad group who won Connacht Scór na nÓg to qualify for the All-Ireland Final in Monaghan on January 25, 2025. Back row, Clodagh Timlin, Conor Fox and Laoise Doherty. Front row, Shona Fox and Niamh Doherty.
Moy Davitts GAA has yet again proven that it’s members are as capable off the pitch as they are on it, with Christmas to be celebrated with a Connacht title on the shelf. That’s after the club’s brilliant young musicians and singers group won the ballad group competition at the Connacht Scór na nÓg Finals. The event, which had to be rescheduled on account of Storm Darragh, was originally due to be held in Claremorris but the Moy Davitts participants had to make the longer journey South Roscommon for the refixed finals which were held at Lecarrow Community Centre.
The finest of local talent from GAA clubs from across the province gathered to vie for provincial titles and the chance to advance to the All-Ireland Finals in Monaghan at the end of January. The competition was intense, with outstanding performances across all cultural categories.
Moy Davitts, who were represented by
Conor Fox, Niamh Doherty, Shona Fox, Laoise Doherty and Clodagh Timlin,
claimed victory in the ballad group category, impressing both the adjudicators and the audience with their harmonious performance to earn their place on the All-Ireland stage.
The All-Ireland Finals are set to take place on Saturday, January 25 at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan.
Moy Davitts will be joined there by fellow Mayo club Louisburgh who won Connacht GAA’s figure dancing title.
The senior girls soccer team of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, have a Connacht Final to look forward to in January after qualifying thanks to a 4-2 victory over St Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, last Thursday, December 19. The St Joseph’s goals were scored by Kaitlyn Jordan, two, Lauren Neary and Emma Walsh.
Meanwhile, the school’s under-15 boys team also won its final game of 2024 when a brace of goals from Brady Guilfoyle helped them to a 2-1 away win against St Brendan’s, Belmullet. It was an excellent team effort from all involved, with goalkeeper Luke McEvoy coming in for special mention for his excellent performance between the posts.
Straide and Foxford United FC are looking forward to staging their annual St Stephen’s Day games at Green Road on St Stephen’s Day, December 26, where for the first time ever the teams will be mixed – with senior men, senior women, and masters, all lining out together and competing for the Pascal Cosgrove Cup.
Another former club player will also be remembered with the presentation of the Ulick Bourke Cup to the Player of the Match, honouring a much loved and missed friend, teammate and clubman.
The fun will begin at 1pm and all past and present players are invited to come along and play.
There will also be the presentation of the Tommy McGowan Cup to S&F United’s Young Player of the Year.
The heartiest of congratulations to Foxford’s own Stephanie Loughney who has been named on the 2024 Mayo Women’s League Premier Division Team of the Year. In another local connection, Stephanie (S&F United) is joined on the team by Tracey Hall (Manulla) who is a teacher at Foxford National School and who also plays alongside Stephanie for Moy Davitts LGFA. Tracey was the Premier Division’s joint top scorer on eight goals along with Cliodhna Flynn (Conn Rangers).
Stephanie and Tracey will receive their awards at the Mayo Women’s League annual awards night at the Western Hotel, Claremorris, on January 17, 2025.
Well done to John Reape, Knockmore, who won €165 in last week’s S&F United 50-50 draw. Tickets are available in all local outlets but given the time of year, now may be an opportune time to buy a season ticket for you or a loved one. For €50 you gain entry to 52 draws. The season tickets are available from committee members or online by searching Straide and Foxford United at smartlotto.ie, where weekly tickets can also be purchased.
The funeral took place last Tuesday, December 17, of Sally Toolan (née Mullagh), a native of Cashel, Foxford and late of Drinagh, Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
Predeceased by her parents Jack and Ellie, sister Mary Josephine, and brothers Johnny and Gerard, Sally passed peacefully at the Regional Hospital Mullingar following a short illness, bravely borne, surrounded by her loving family.
Dearly loved wife of Brian and cherished mother of Fiona and Niamh, adored grandmother to JJ, Aoife, Liam and Saoirse, Sally will be sadly missed by her sorrowing husband and family, brother Michael, sons-in-law John and Frankie, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Her funeral Mass took place at St Cecilia's Church, Curraghroe and burial afterwards was in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The annual general meeting of Moy Davitts LGFA is to be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7pm in Bohola Community Centre. For anyone who may be interested in helping out with the club and wanting to get involved, please feel free to come along as everyone is welcome to attend. Among the positions to be filled are secretary, treasurer and PRO. Contact moydavitts.mayo@lgfa.ie.
The Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw held on Sunday, December 15 saw the jackpot of €395 won by Mick Walsh from Clifden.
Congratulations to Sinead McLoughlin, Ballina Road, Foxford, who was elected at the new assistant treasurer of Mayo GAA County Board at the annual convention held at the Great National Hotel, Ballina, last Wednesday, December 18.
A collection of scenic images of the local area taken by Transition Year students at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, in their photography class, appear in a 2025 Calendar that has been produced and launched by the TY students and their Enterprise teachers. If you are looking for an ideal, last minute stocking filler this Christmas, you may look no further than this calendar which is available for sale for only €7 in various shops around the town of Foxford.
The school wishes to thank all of the sponsors who supported the calendar and encourage people to shop locally this Christmas and support the various business enterprises in the community.
Foxford and District Alzheimer Trust (FACT) is an independent community-based service in Foxford which supports people living with dementia or in rural isolation. Open every Monday to Friday, it provides social interaction, activities and much more in a safe and supported environment. If you would like more information on the services they offer, contact at factsocialclub1@gmail.com or telephone 094-92-56662.
The branch is to hold a fundraising table quiz on Friday, January 17, 2025. The quiz is being organised by youth officer Méabh Hyland and Peter Fox. If any sponsors wish to provide spot prizes, please contact Peter at 089-4135349.
The recent weather-postponed Mayo Ceol an Gheimhridh has been rescheduled to take place in Swinford on Saturday, January 11. Other dates of interest to Admiral Brown CCÉ members in 2025 are as follows: Monday, May 5 – Mayo Fleadh, Ballina (dancing); Saturday and Sunday, May 10/11 – Mayo Fleadh (all other competitions); Friday to Sunday, July 4-6, Connacht Fleadh (venue TBC); Monday to Thursday, August 4-7, Scoil Éigse, Wexford Town; Friday to Sunday, August 8-10, All-Ireland Fleadh, Wexford Town.
Why not come to Callow Church on Thursday, December 26 for the annual Killasser Parish St Stephen’s Day Walk which will commence from the church at 12pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Moy Davitts GAA Club has marked its 50th Anniversary with the publication of a stunning new 400-page coffee table-style hardback book which chronicles the half century of its existence – and so much more besides.
This hugely professional publication features many previously unpublished pictures of people from all corners of the Moy Davitts GAA catchment area as well as some great articles written by past and present club members.
The book is now available for sale in Clarke's Yourstop, Bohola, and in Foxford at McGloin’s Gala, O'Hara's Centra, Gannon's Post Office, Reape’s Filling Station and the Foxford Wollen Mills. It is available to buy in Bookstand (Eason’s) in Ballina and Castlebar and in Castle Bookshop, Castlebar.
The club is encouraging as many people as possible to buy the book for family and friends. The cost is €30 per copy and it can be posted anywhere in Ireland for as little as €6 at your local Post Office. Please contact Annette on 087 6781500 for international posting and packaging details.
The book contains some wonderfully researched articles, many of which have been contributed by former players, managers and officials whose personal memories and reflections are wonderfully complemented by a stunning collection of photographs, most of which appear in public for the very first time.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers of the Foxford Notes a peaceful Christmas and health and happiness for the New Year.
