Local notes: Spring salmon and Spanish sojourn
Marking the retirement of Roisin Murphy (sixth from left) from The Growing Tree, were her fellow staff members of the pre-and after-school facility in Foxford. Roisin described them as "the best team anyone could wish for" and in thanking everyone for her wonderful send-off, added that "these ladies and many others who have worked with me over the last 27 years have made The Growing Tree a special place to work." Also paying tribute to the children and families who have passed through the doors, Roisin concluded that she had been overwhelmed by the kindness she had been shown.
43 offences were recorded at Foxford Garda Station over the course of the past twelve months, according to latest figures. That is down on the 47 offences reported for the year previous and bucks the trend across Co Mayo where the statistics cite a rise in rural crime.
Among the crimes in Foxford were ten assaults/threats, four criminal damage, nine dangerous driving, six fraud, three public order and one robbery.
Crime levels were recorded at 29 garda stations across the county and while there was an overall decrease in incidents in major urban centres, Ballina was an exception to that rule with a rise of 156 offences from 256 to 512.
The statistics exclude homicides, sexual and most road traffic offences.
The first salmon of the season reported as caught on Foxford club waters was a twelve pounder landed on Monday, April 12. It was soon followed by a ten pounder, with both fish caught using the prawn. All club membership fees should have been paid by now and if you haven't done so, you may have to purchase a day permit to fish.
A group of 63 Transition Year students and staff from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford have returned from Spain to where they enjoyed a very enjoyable trip last week. The travelling party visited Barcelona and its surrounds, including to Salou and its renowned promenade. They took a scenic and fun guided bicycle tour from Salou to Cambrils, explored the ancient city of Tarrgona where they visited the amphitheatre, and enjoyed a day at Portaventura Theme Park.
The Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Support Group, which is a homeowner led initiative, wishes to create emotional support for widowed/divorced/separated or single property owners in Mayo who have been effected by pyrite/DCB and who have found themselves navigating this process alone. This will be an independent and confidential support group. All expressions of interest welcome. Contact Anne at 089-2666389.
Best wishes to all the members of Admiral Brown CCÉ who are participating in this week’s Mayo Fleadh Cheoil which is being hosted in Ballina by the neighbouring Bofield CCÉ. Competitions officially got underway yesterday (May Bank Holiday) with sean nós dancing taking place at Ballina Arts Centre. All musical categories are down for decision next Saturday and Sunday, May 10/11 in St Mary’s Secondary School.
Meals at a cost of €7 can be provided by the Foxford Meals on Wheels service every day of the week excluding Sundays. To avail of this service contact Geraldine at 087-9040463 or 094-92-56614.
Congratulations to Colm McHale of Moy Davitts, and Oliver Armstrong and Darragh Staunton of Knockmore, all past pupils of St Joseph’s Secondary School, who are members of the Mayo squad that won the Connacht U20 Football Championship with victory over Roscommon in the final at Tuam Stadium last Wednesday, April 30. Colm and Oliver both started the game which saw Mayo secure a place in the All-Ireland semi-final against Leinster champions Louth.
Moy Davitts GAA has paid out more than €1400 in winnings from its last three 50-50 draws. Sandra Hall won €406 in the April 12 draw, Roisin Guiry collected €470 in the April 19 draw and one week later, Neil Cruise scooped €560. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app. Moy Davitts GAA extends a sincere thanks to everyone who continues to support what remains a vital source of revenue for the club.
Local bragging rights were very much at stake when Moy Davitts played host to Swinford in the County Minor Football League Division 4 last Tuesday, April 29. The result went the way of the Sraith Garbh side on a 4-15 to 4-5 scoreline.
Registrations are now being accepted for this summer's Moy Davitts GAA Kellogg's Cúl Camp which takes place from Monday, June 30 until Friday, July 4. Register at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
If you are looking for something new and interesting to do, the Foxford Board Games social group continues to meet at 7pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. New players, young and old, are more than welcome.
The Brown Memorial Hall is home each Wednesday evening to set dancing classes which take place from 7pm. Beginners are more than welcome to attend.
There were two excellent victories for both of S&F United’s U15 boys teams on Wednesday evening last. The Premier Division side got the better of Ballina Town by two goals to one, with Calum Costello and Michael Ruane both on the scoresheet. The Division 4 team enjoyed a 4-1 win against neighbours Swinford FC, with Yarik Yaroslav scoring a brace and a goal apiece by Darragh O’Brien and Martin Lawrence.
Elsewhere, United advanced to the semi-finals of the Mayo U13 Girls Shield thanks to a 4-2 win at home to Manulla. Lucy Durkan struck a hat-trick while S&F’s other goal-scorer was Ida Hennigan. The team followed that up with a scoreless draw away to Ballina Town in the league two evenings later.
Meanwhile, S&F United U17 boys beat Kiltimagh/Knock United 2-1 at Green and Road, with the goals scored by Matthew Ruane and Luke McTigue.
Easter Sunday was particularly special for the family of Noah Joseph Boyle, son of Brianna and Brian, Belgarrow, who was welcomed to the Christian Community with his baptism at St Michael’s Church, Foxford.
Foxford is to host the final leg of Swinford AC’s Spring Series this Wednesday evening, May 7. The entry fee is €5 per person and €10 per family. Registration takes place from 6.30pm with the run/walk starting at 7pm from Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre.
Registrations are now being accepted for the 13th Annual Mayo AC 5k Series. Foxford is one of five host venues, with the series coming to town on the evening of Tuesday, May 27. There will also be races in Castlebar (May 13), Westport (May 20), Claremorris (June 3) and Ballinrobe (June 10).
Mayo AC is delighted to have EBS, Shaw Commercials and InterSport Elverys on board as series sponsors, with the support of charity partner Mayo Mental Health Association. All races in the series are at 8pm. Enter all five races for €40 (or €42.60 for a non Athletics Ireland member) or enter a single race for €10 (€12 for non Athletics Ireland members). The minimum entry age is 13 years on the day of the race. To enter, visit www.mayoac.com.
Straide is preparing to host the annual Darkness into Light walk next Saturday, May 10. To register, visit www.darknessintolight.ie and select Straide as your venue. You can also register on the morning but will need to allow extra time to do so. The walk will get underway at 4.15am from Straide Davitt Community Centre. The organisers hope you can join them. All are welcome.
A jackpot of €112 was presented to Kenneth Burke Walsh, Foxford, as winner of the S&F United 50-50 draw which was held on April 28.
Knockmore-Foxford Boxing Club are to run their annual summer camp at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre, one day per week over the course of six weeks, this coming July and August. The cost is €25 per day or €20 for all six days. Activities will include soccer, skipping, basketball, penalty shootouts, racing and ball games. For further information contact 086-8373648.
There is a busy week ahead for Moy Davitts GAA teams across various age groups. On Tuesday, May 6 in Division 4 of the County Minor Football League, Moy Davitts host Charlestown Sarsfields at 7pm. Next Saturday, May 10, Belmullet and Breaffy both pay a visit to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts in Feile Maigheo Division 2 Group 3; the respective matches are at 11am and 12.20pm. Also on Saturday, the senior footballers travel to Hollymount-Carramore in Mayo SFL Division 1B at 7pm. Next Sunday, May 11, the junior team are also on the road to South Mayo for a game against Garrymore at 1pm in Mayo SFL Division 4A. The on Monday, May 12 at 7pm in Sraith Garbh, Moy Davitts entertain Ballinrobe in Mayo U14 Division 1.
