Local notes: Workshops in advance of Foxford festival
Emily McHugh and Annie Reynolds from Foxford, enjoying the Foróige Amplified music festival held at Knockmore GAA grounds, where over 3,000 young people came together from all over Ireland to enjoy live music and amusements organised entirely by volunteers. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.
Workshops are to be held in Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre next month for people who would like to assist the organisers of Riverfest 2024 in making lanterns for both the traditional Candles to the Sea event, which will mark the beginning of the festival on Friday, August 23, and a NightLight parade through Foxford that has been added to the festival schedule on Saturday, August 24.
The festival committee has already purchased the materials and had a practice run, and are now ready to show volunteers how to make the lanterns and attach a mini light inside after which they can be brought home to dry and decorate and brought along on the evening to the NightLight parade.
The lantern making workshops will take place on Saturday August 10 from 10am to 1pm or on Sunday, August 11 from 2pm to 5pm. All are welcome.
Congratulations to Foxford Brass and Reed Band on their wonderful collaboration with the Ballina Band of Brass, who together joined forces and played at the official opening of last week’s 2024 Ballina Salmon Festival. The bands were riverside to welcome the boats ‘Beyond the Sea’ and up the River Moy to mark the official start of the annual festival.
Davitts GAA and LGFA clubs have been to the forefront of promoting inclusivity in Gaelic games in recent years, operating a very successful GAA for All programme for children with additional needs. Fortunately, the programme returns this coming weekend with the clubs welcoming participants to Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 20 from 11am to 12pm.
If you would like to get involved as a coach or if you know of someone who would like to join, or simply for some further information, contact Barbara at bconlon02@gmail.com.
Mass-goers in Toomore and Attymachugh should take note that next weekend Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, the only Masses celebrated will be in St Michael’s Church, Foxford.
For the second week running (week ending Sunday, July 7), Foxford Salmon Anglers have reported more than 100 salmon as landed, with a good number of those released. The methods of prawn and bubble and fly proved most successful, however, with good runs of fish still entering the river, anglers are wishing for a little flood to help improve conditions on the Moy.
Meanwhile, East Mayo Anglers Swinford are to hold their annual Youth Angling event on Wednesday, July 24 between 6 and 8pm. For enquiries or application forms you should contact Kathleen at the EMAA office on 094-92-53955 or 086-3946837. Early booking is advised as numbers are limited for safety reasons.
Hard luck to the ladies footballers of Moy Davitts LGFA who were beaten by Ballinrobe in the Mayo U14 ‘B’ championship last week, 4-10 to 7-7. They went on to play Kilmoremoy in the Shield semi-final on Friday evening but the victory also went to the home side.
The senior ladies team played an entertaining and high-scoring game against Castlebar Mitchels in the PJ Loftus Memorial League last week, losing out 4-14 to 4-08.
Meanwhile, the club wish to congratulate U16 player Kate Byrne on her involvement with the Mayo team that reached last Saturday’s All-Ireland U16 ‘A’ football championship final. Orla McHale was also selector to the Mayo team who unfortunately were beaten by an impressive Cavan side, in Ballinasloe.
Foxford Meals on Wheels Service are looking for a person to help out in the preparation of dinners in their kitchen – and the usual cleaning duties – for five mornings a week. Applicants must meet the necessary requirements to participate on a Community Employment Scheme. Usual criteria applies. Contact Geraldine at 087-9040463 or 094-92-56614.
Well done to the senior ladies team of S&F United who enjoyed a thoroughly deserved 3-1 home win against Kiltimagh/Knock United in the Mayo Women’s Premier Division last Friday evening, July 12. Avenging defeat after extra-time to the same opposition a week before in the cup, S&F made the perfect start with Stephanie Loughney hitting the back of the net inside eight minutes, with the assist coming from Natasha Gaughan. The visitors missed a chance to equalise through Kayla Doherty who missed a 40th minute penalty and just one minute later, S&F United doubled their advantage through Avadh Gaughan to lead 2-0 at half-time.
Fiona Roache set-up Fiona Doherty who made it 3-0 to the Moysiders six minutes into the second-half and while Kiltimagh/Knock pulled a goal back through Shona Mahon on 59 minutes, S&F United were solid and saw the game out to pick up all three points and move into third in the table.
There was a great start made to the Mayo U12 Girls League by S&F United last week as they secured a 2-2 draw with Killala courtesy of goals by Grainne McLoughlin and Lucy Durkan. Meanwhile, S&F United’s U14 girls team are in action this coming Thursday, July 18, as they make the short journey to Mount Falcon to play Conn Rangers ‘B’ in Mayo Division 2A. Kick-off is at 7pm.
S&F United’s U14 boys ‘A’ team will host Swinford this Wednesday, July 17 in the Mayo Premier Division. Kick-off at Green Road is at 7pm. The U14 boys ‘B’ team are also in action and they travel to take on Claremorris ‘C’ in Division 4B. That game is also at 7pm.
Ballinrobe Town will enjoy the home advantage for their game against S&F United in the Mayo Schoolboys U12 Division 1 this Friday, July 19. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Elsewhere, S&F United’s U18 boys team got their Helen Johnson Division 2 campaign underway in impressive fashion last Monday, July 8 when thumping the visitors, Castlebar Celtic ‘B’ 5-1. The goal-scorers were Cian Fahy, P Lawless, Dean Butler, Sean Reid and Stephen Conlon, from the penalty spot.
There was a lovely surprise for the Byrne grandchildren from Bohola when they won €400 in last week’s Moy Davitts GAA 50/50 draw. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing through the Club App.
The senior footballers of Moy Davitts are back in action tonight (Tuesday) as they host Ballintubber in a rescheduled Mayo SFL Division 1B match, with the game throwing-in at 8pm in Foxford. All support would be greatly appreciated.
The time of year where Mass is celebrated at the various cemeteries around the locality is fast approaching, with the following dates worthy of putting in your diary. Friday, August 2 at 7pm, St Martin’s, Glanduff; Saturday, August 3 at 6pm, Toomore; Sunday, August 4 at 11am, Craggagh; Tuesday, August 6 at 7.30pm, Bonnifinglas; Friday, August 9 at 7.30pm, New Killeen Cemetery, Attymass; Tuesday, August 13 at 7.30pm, Old Killeen Cemetery, Attymass.
The Moy Davitts GAA Golf Classic is taking place at Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, August 31 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Moy Davitts GAA Club.
To enter a team of four costs €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).
In addition, the club would gladly welcome sponsorship so if you don't play golf but would like to sponsor a hole, you can also get in touch with Annette (087-6781500).
The Davitt Community Hall in Straide has commenced its Sunday Night Mini Ceili and already the weekly event 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.
A free and confidential clinic remains open and available to any homeowner in Foxford or the surrounding area in need of support due to their property being impacted by defective concrete blocks.
Caroline Wilson is employed by Mayo North East Partnership as a Defective Concrete Blocks Community Facilitator and is supporting homeowners through the application process and facilitating access to the relevant support services.
Caroline holds clinics by appointment in Foxford, Ballina, Ballycastle, Belmullet, Crossmolina, Castlebar, Killala and Westport to meet with the public and provide one to one support. These clinics are free of charge and are completely confidential.
Caroline is also reaching out to anyone who may have storage units, a rental property, holiday home or vacant property that is available to rent to homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks.
To book a clinic appointment or if you have any queries, contact Caroline at 087-4828261 or email carolinewilson@mayonortheast.com.
The DCB post is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through Mayo County Council.
A not-to-be-missed occasion for the entire community is set to be held in the Great National Hotel, Ballina on Saturday, November 2 as Moy Davitts GAA Club hosts a dinner dance to mark its 50th Anniversary.
The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 7pm with the excellent Brian McDermott Band providing the entertainment followed by a DJ until late. Drinks reception at 7pm. Tickets are limited so be sure to get your ticket early.
