Local notes: Prizes for stars of the parade
Members of Straide and Foxford United are pictured taking part in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Foxford. Picture: John O'Grady
A wonderful celebration of St Patrick took place in Foxford on Sunday, March 16 where hundreds upon hundreds flooded the streets to watch more than 60 floats participate in a superbly entertaining and colourful St Patrick’s Weekend parade.
A number of awards were presented on the day, with Mullafarry Quarry earning the prize for ‘Best Overall Float’ thanks to their eye-catching Irish balloons display that surprised the masses.
The ‘Most Entertaining’ entry was deemed to be that of Andrew, Tom, Laoise and Niamh Doherty for their reenactment of that week’s meeting between US president Donald Trump and taoiseach Michaél Martin (complete with Shamrock!) and the gate-crashing appearance in Washington of the Burke family.
Straide National School scooped the award for ‘Best Walking Group’ while Gannon’s Post Office was the recipient of the prize for ‘Best Window Display’.
Congratulations to all the winners and in particular, to the hardworking organising committee for a tremendously well-organised occasion that was rounded off with Main Street performances of traditional music, song and dance from some of the youngest members of the community.
A special mention also to the members of Foxford Brass and Reed Band who had an exceptionally busy few days, not only parading in Foxford but in Ballina and Bangor Erris also.
St Joseph's Secondary School will hold their much-anticipated Transition Year musical this week in Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. Students will take to the stage for their production of ‘Me and My Girl’, a lively and hugely entertaining show, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 27 to 29, with singing, dancing, acting and much more. Tickets can be secured by contacting the school office on 094-92-56145 or alternatively you can pay on the door. Doors open at 7pm and the show itself gets underway at 7:30pm sharp. All are welcome so please come along and support the students.
The staff and students of St Joseph's Secondary School wish to congratulate and say well done to 2nd year student Rory Gruddy who represented Ireland in the Schools International Cross-Country in Falkirk, Glasgow at the weekend. He was part of a team of six Irish athletes in his category. This is a phenomenal achievement for Rory and a testament to his huge talent in the sport. The school also congratulates teacher Mrs Aileen McNamara who was part of the Ireland management team for the trip. All in St Joseph's wish both Rory and Aileen continued success.
There’ll be no shortage of entertainment when the Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group hold their monthly get together in Guiry’s Bar this Thursday, March 27. It gets underway at 8.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
There were two winners in S&F United’s 50-50 draw held on St Patrick’s Day. Fiona Deacy Diamond from Bohola won hospitality tickets to next Saturday’s ‘Test In The West’, which is the historic rugby encounter at MacHale Park between Connacht and Munster, while the weekly jackpot winner was Martin Ruane, Ardcloon, Straide, who collected a prize of €290.
Tickets are available in local outlets and online at smartlotto.ie.
No fewer than three S&F United players have been named on the Mayo Football League Helen Johnson U18 Division Two Team of the Year. Cian Fahy, Sean Reid and Dylan McHugh will receive their prizes at the league’s Youths Awards night which is to take place on Friday, April 11 in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar.
With several players unavailable but the league title already beyond them, S&F United fell to a second successive defeat to round off their Portwest Mayo Masters League Division 2 campaign last Wednesday night, March 19. They suffered a 9-2 defeat at the hands of Bangor Hibs, which saw the Erris side leapfrog them into the promotion place for Division 1 football in 2026. Larry Downey and Pat Jordan scored United’s goals.
Attention now turns to the Oliver Kelleher Masters Cup where S&F United are due to play neighbours Conn Rangers in the opening round this coming Wednesday, March 26 at 5.45pm.
Moy Davitts footballer Colm McHale was selected on the Mayo team that commenced its Connacht U20 Championship campaign with a 1-15 to 0-13 win against Roscommon at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, last Wednesday. Colm is wished continued good luck as he and his teammates prepare to face Galway in Round 2 this Wednesday, March 26 in Tuam Stadium.
A number of public information events will take place in East Mayo next month, as part of an initiative to build a wider tourism development plan for Mayo. Failte Ireland have launched their Inland Mayo region Destination and Experience Development plan (DEDP) which will focus on growing tourism in the inland Mayo region. All members of the public are being invited to attend the meetings, which will allow them to have their say on areas they believe could benefit from it.
On Wednesday, April 9 between 2pm and 3.30pm there will be an information event in The Dalton Inn, Claremorris and later that same day between 7pm and 8.30pm at Knock House Hotel. The following day, Thursday, April 10, Bridge Street in Castlebar will host an information event from 2pm to 3.30pm while that evening from 7pm to 8.30pm, there will be one held in The Park Hotel, Kiltimagh.
An impressive €1000 was presented by the 2nd year girls of St Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford to Mayo Roscommon Hospice recently, which was the proceeds of an Ice Bucket Challenge that the students organised and which saw teachers as well as pupils participate. On hand to receive the donation were Hospice CEO Martina Jennings and Audrey Duffy.
A comprehensive win was recorded by the minor ladies footballers of Moy Davitts when they beat East Mayo rivals Aghamore by fifteen points last week, 3-12 to 0-6. Meanwhile, the senior men’s team qualified for the final of the East Mayo Centenary Cup final by virtue of a 3-24 to 0-16 victory away to Ballyhaunis. The final against Aghamore was played on Saturday – see Game On sports section for a full report.
The recent Moy Davitts GAA 50-50 weekly draw was won by Martin Byrne who collected a jackpot of €351.
To assist with the fundraising for their new build project on the Swinford Road, Knockmore-Foxford Boxing Club are to hold a scrap metal collection week beginning on Tuesday, April 1 and would appreciate all donations of scrap metal. You can WhatsApp details to 086-8363646.
A reunion of the Class of 2005 from St Joseph’s Secondary School is being organised for later this year. Anyone who was a member of the year group from 1999 to 2005 are invited to attend. The date of the reunion is planned for Saturday, June 14.
Past students are asked to register their interest with Cian at 087-3346803, Maria at 089-4435771 or Nadine at 086-1610559.
Would you have an hour to spare in the week? Adult Mentors are required for Foróige's Big Brother Big Sister Programme in the Foxford area. If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in a young person’s life. Foróige has many young people waiting to be matched to a Mentor and would be delighted to hear from you! Call 086-0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to hear more information on our recruitment process.
Moy Davitts GAA is welcoming new members to its GAA For All programme for 2025. They are also on the lookout for volunteers. Registration is through Foireann.ie.
You can contact Barbara on bconlon02@gmail.com or Deirdre at 087-6951835 for further information.
