Local notes: Sweet music coming to banks of the Moy
Enjoying an evening at the Ballinrobe Races recently were Michelle Carney from Knock and Marianne and Ida Hennigan from Foxford. Picture: Trish Forde
Foxford is to celebrate the Atlantic musical traditions of Ireland, Brittany and the Basque region as part of an autumn of cultural exchange marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
‘Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland’s Culture’, the official cultural programme of Ireland’s Presidency, is bringing Ireland’s artists, creativity and heritage to stages and communities across Europe and at home.
On Saturday, October 17 at 8pm, the Moy Hotel in Foxford will host a celebration of Irish, Breton and Basque music, bringing together the closely connected traditional music cultures of Ireland, Brittany in France and the Basque region of Spain.
Running on conjunction with the Foxford Traditional Weekend and featuring Irish musical collective CUAS alongside leading European artists Xabi Aburruzaga and Marie Le Cam, the concert will explore the instruments, rhythms and storytelling traditions shared across the regions and demonstrate how traditional music continues to evolve through collaboration and cultural exchange.
The programme continues on Sunday, October 19 with an interactive workshop and discussion led by internationally recognised traditional musician Niamh Ní Charra, joined by Breton, Basque and Irish musicians to explore their musical connections through live demonstrations and performance.
In tandem, the organisers of the Foxford Traditional Weekend, which is taking place from October 15 to 18, have assembled another top class lineup of musicians and singers. Performers at the four day festival include Séamus and Caoimhe Ó Fhlaithearta with Ryan Molloy, Cuas and Edwina Guckian, while a reunion concert of Céide will take place in the Moy Hotel on Friday, October 16.
Céide are one of the finest traditional music bands who came together in 1999 at sessions in Matt Molloy’s pub in Westport and went on to tour extensively in Ireland and abroad, releasing two highly acclaimed albums, in 2001 and in 2006.
The band includes local musicians John McHugh, Tom Doherty, Kevin Doherty and Marianne Knight, along with Declan Askin and Brian Lennon.
For festival enquiries, contact foxfordtraditionalweekend@gmail.com or visit the website www.foxfordtraditionalweekend.com.
Best wishes are extended to Foxford’s own Jason Howley who is preparing to take on the final stage of the Camino de Santiago in Spain next month in support of Cliona’s Foundation. Jason is to walk the 90 kilometre Camino Finisterre route from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre, historically known as the ‘End of the World’.
Last year he completed the journey to Santiago de Compostela, and this year will continue where he left off, taking on the final stretch towards the Atlantic coast to raise funds for the charity.
Cliona's Foundation provides financial support to families of seriously ill children, focusing in particular on the non-medical costs that arise when caring for a child with a life-limiting illness or complex medical needs, such as travel, accommodation, household bills, food, and other family expenses.
If you would like to donate to Jason’s fundraising campaign, you can do so at www.idonate.ie and searching for Jason’s Camino for Cliona’s Foundation.
There is great sadness locally at the passing of Aiden McDonnell, Summerhill, Foxford, whose funeral took place last Thursday.
The quintessential Foxford man and remembered in countless tributes as an absolute gentleman and a kind and friendly neighbour, Aiden passed peacefully with his family by his side in the gentle care of the staff of the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar after a brief illness bravely borne.
Predeceased by his father Jim and mother Nancy, Aiden will be dearly and forever missed by his wife Ann and sons Derek (Carmel) and Alan (Denise), his brother John, sister Carmel, grandchildren Riley, Jayden, Colin, Addison and Molly, mother-in-law Mary, and by his nieces and nephews, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Large crowds turned out for Aiden’s repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home on Wednesday evening. His funeral Mass was celebrated the following day at St Michael’s Church, Foxford with burial afterwards in Craggagh Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
A big couple of weeks are in store for Moy Davitts GAA, beginning next Sunday when the senior team hopes to make the most of home advantage against Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin in the quarter-finals of the Egan Jewellers Mayo Intermediate Football Championship.
The team secured their place in the last eight, and home advantage, thanks to a 1-17 to 2-11 win against Lahardane MacHales last Saturday, which was their third win from three group matches.
But now it is straight knockout and the club would appreciate your support as the team continues its mission of reaching the county final for the third consecutive year.
Sunday’s game in Srath Garbh will throw in at 3.30pm.
Meanwhile, Moy Davitts U8s will host the annual Enda Gilmore Blitz on Saturday, September 19, with several visiting teams taking part in what is also a very enjoyable day of football and entertainment. The following Saturday, September 26, Cian McHale and some of his teammates from Mayo’s All-Ireland winning squad will bring the Sam Maguire Cup to Srath Garbh from 10am to 1pm.
It has also been confirmed that the Sam Maguire Cup will also visit schools in the Moy Davitts GAA catchment area on Monday, December 7. Bohola NS are timetabled for 9.30am followed by Straide NS at 11am, Foxford NS at 12.30pm and St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford at 2.30pm.
The now annual ‘Remembrance by Candlelight’ is to be held on Friday, November 20 in St Michael’s Church, Foxford at 7pm. Opera singer Sean Ruane will be joined by the Cill Aodáin Choral Society, Maria Lynn, John McHugh, the Dohertys and Dooceys for a candlelight evening of amazing performances. The proceeds from this year's event are in aid of Hugh’s House (in memory of baby Cian McHale), along with the Foxford Enhancement Group, Foxford Christmas Lights and St Michael's Church, Foxford.
Advance booking is advisable as tickets cannot be guaranteed on the night.
Tickets are priced at €20 and are available from Sarah on 087-7965520 or Irene on 087-2795242.
Membership to the Admiral Brown branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is now open. The Foxford-based branch currently has over 250 members and extends an open invitation to any newcomers who might be interested in becoming a branch member.
Encouraging young members is one of the main focuses of the branch. They are encouraged to take part in Fleadhs and other various competitions as individuals and groups while they also give numerous performances throughout the year.
The branch keeps its members informed of various upcoming musical events and encourages them to attend workshops, sessions and summer schools everywhere and anywhere throughout the year.
Junior 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.
Membership fees for the branch are €20 for a family, €12 for senior and €6 for junior.
For further information contact cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com.
There was a great week of results on the pitch for various S&F United teams.
A hattrick from Michael Ruane was the highlight of the U16 team’s 5-1 home win against Killala AFC. The other goals were provided by Calum Costello and Rian Jordan.
United’s U12 boys team recovered from going a goal down to beat Newport-Mulranny FC 2-1. Second-half strikes by Ferdia McGreal and William Hughes got the job done while also winning their final league game of the season were United’s U12 girls who were 4-1 winners away to Castlebar Town.
It was a case of spoils shared at Green Road when S&F United’s U14 girls drew 2-2 with Conn Rangers. Both goals were scored by Kayleigh McDermott.
There was also a well-deserved and long awaited victory for S&F United’s men’s team in the Castlecourt Hotel Mayo Premier Division. They beat a visiting Ballyheane ‘B’ team 6-1 with three goals from Chrissy Downey, a brace for Brandon Conlon and one from Brady Guilfoyle.
Betty Byrne was the winner of the €866 prize in the Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 draw last week.
Patrons are advised that the clothes recycling banks which were located at the grounds of Moy Davitts GAA club in Srath Garbh have now been removed.
The facility is no longer available at the clubhouse Bridge classes Foxford Bridge Club is pleased to announce that bridge classes are to commence on Wednesday, September 30 at 7.30pm in the Foxford Social Centre (Old Boys School). The classes will be presented by John McCrohan (CBAI certified) who can be contacted at mayocdo@gmail.com or 087-242945. You may also email foxfordbridgesec@gmail.com for further information.
A new beginners class for children wanting to learn the tin whistle will commence on Tuesday, September 22 in Foxford National School, running from 2.50pm to 3.30pm. The cost of an eight-class term is €60. Meanwhile, classes for foundation, improvers, intermediate and advanced tin whistle players are to return on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15/16. Foundation: Tuesdays 2.50pm to 3.30pm; Improvers: Wednesdays 2.50pm to 3.30pm; Intermediate: Tuesdays 3.30pm to 4.10pm; Advanced: Wednesdays 3.30pm to 4.10pm.
For enquiries, text Tom Doherty at 087-2787984.
