Congratulations to Leaving Cert students of St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, who have raised the staggering total of €6,000 for Concern and other local charities. The students recently presented €500 to the Chairman of Foxford Social Services Committee, Mr. Joe McNamara for the senior citizens Christmas dinner and party. In addition, the first year students recently donated €2,038 to the Mayo Cancer Support Association, the proceeds of a sponsored walk in aid of Rock Rose House Cancer Support Centre, Castlebar. This is a wonderful achievement for all the students involved; they have done themselves and their school proud.
Bereavements
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Brown and O’Hara families of the USA and Glanduff on the death of Kathleen Brown (nee O’Hara). Sincere sympathy is also extended to the Ryan and Sherry families of Galway and Providence Road on the death of Florrie Ryan, sister of Emma Sherry. Sympathy to the English family of Cnocan Dara, Foxford and Achill on the death of Paula English who died tragically. May they rest in peace.
Thanks
Foxford Social Services Committee wishes to thank most sincerely all who helped in any way to make the senior citizens Christmas party held on December 19th such a success.
Baptised
The baptism of Kelly Ruane took place in St. Michael and Saint Mary Church, Foxford, on December 19th.
The baptism of Cushla Marana Ruane took place in the Church of the Assumption, Toomore on December 19th.
Training Course
A Failte Ireland Return to Work training course in cookery and restaurant skills will commence in Pontoon Bridge Hotel on Monday January 17th. The course is for 10 weeks and takes place every Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 2pm.
A training allowance will be paid to participants upon completion of training.
For further details please contact Breda Geary on 094-9256120 by January 10th.
FAS Vacancies
The West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation has vacancies for participants on their FAS Community Employment Scheme which starts this month. These vacancies apply to all areas of Mayo and the FAS criteria applies. Applications should be submitted to John Grant, West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, Main Street, Ballindine. Phone 094-9364900 or contact your nearest FAS office.
Card Games
The results of the Foxford card game of Tuesday December 21st was as follows. The winners of the first prize of €130 were J. Loftus/E. Mullarkey; the second and third prizes were shared between the following: M. Touhy,T. Langan, M. Greevy, T. Igoe, G. Thornton, S. McNicholas, D. McHale and M. Horkan. The spot prizes were won by A. Burke, C. Doherty, T Horkan, T Garrett, S. Boyle, K. Boyle, A. Burke, C. Doherty. The raffle winners were S. McNicholas, M. Cleary, D. McHale and T. Langan. The Foxford card games resume on January 4th at 8.30pm. A special word of thanks are extended to all the card players and helpers and a special word of thanks to O’Hara’s Bakery for all their support.
Thanks
The Foxford correspondent wishes to extend New Year greetings to all members of the community. I wish to thank all those who sent messages of support during my recent illness, it was much appreciated. I also wish to thank all those who contributed news items to the District Notes and I look forward to your continued support in 2005.
DAVITTS WEBSITE
Congratulations to the Moy Davitts GAA Football Club who have launched their new excellent website recently. The website includes match reports, history of the club, fixtures, guestbook, lotto results, etc. The website address is www.moydavitts.com.
KNOCK NOVENA
The Novena to Our Lady of Knock continues each Wednesday evening at the celebration of Holy Mass.
GROW MEETINGS
GROW is a self-help group assisting people who suffer from stress, panic attacks, depression, loneliness, etc. the meetings take place every Tuesday night in the Ballina Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.
KEEP IN TOUCH
We are encouraged to keep in touch with the elderly living alone at this time of year. People living alone can feel very lonely and afraid. Why not visit your elderly neighbours, and assist them in making their lives as enjoyable as possible.
DIARY DATES
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Foxford, on the 17th April, 2005, while the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated in St. Michael’s on the following week the 24th of April, 2005.
FOXFORD BOOK
Thinking about a New Year’s present for someone? Why not give a historical gift? A limited number of copies of the historical book on Foxford entitled “Foxford Through the Arches of Time”. Some copies are also available in Dublin by contacting (087) 2825200. This is an excellent historical reference book on Foxford, it is well researched and written and very reasonably priced.
ROSARY GROUP
The Rosary Group meet in St. Michael’s Church, Chapel Road, each Wednesday evening at 7.40 p.m. prior to the celebration of Mass at 8 p.m. The Rosary is now transmitted on radio, and can be received by tuning to Channel 108 FM. The Rosary is also recited in the Church each morning at 9.40 a.m. prior to the celebration of Mass and is transmitted on Radio Channel 108 FM. .
THE VOICE
The Voice, Ireland’s newest religious newspaper, offers a fresh perspective on faith, culture and issues pertaining to the family. The paper is on sale in most retail outlets.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Pa Roche, Moygrove, who delivered an electric guitar workshop in the Ballina Arts Centre as part of Mayo County Council’s EXCEL ‘04 Youth Arts Programme.
On Vacation
Among those who visited their native Foxford during the Christmas holidays were Michael Langan of Assumpta Place who resides in London. He is currently visiting his mother Madeline and family.
Michael who sustained a leg injury recently in a work resulted accident is wished a speedy recovery. Also visiting his family over the Christmas was Helena Murphy of Assumpta Place who resides in London.
Playgroup
Foxford Community Playgroup Committee wishes to thank all members of the community who supported the recent annual Christmas raffle.
There are some vacancies available at the Community Playgroup. For further information contact Roisin (Playgroup Leader) on 094-9256008, 9257935 or 087-9496857.
CHILDCARE SERVICE RATES
Why not avail of Childcare in your own community by qualified Childcare staff, in a relaxed setting where your child(ren) can join in a range of activities with other children in a safe and caring environment in our Afterschool Childcare Service. The Foxford Community Playgroup offers parents of all the Foxford area National Schools, a quality After-School Childcare service, at affordable rates. The fees, and hours, are as follows: From the period of 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily the fee is 7 euro per child (for 2 children from the same family attending the fee is 10.50 euro). From the period of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily the fee is 5.50 euro per child (for 2 children of the same family attending the fee is 8 euro. This is an excellent service in the Foxford community, delivered by local qualified childcare personnel, in a safe, caring, environment. Your child(ren) are most welcome where they can participate in age appropriate indoor, and outdoor activities, such as Arts and Crafts, Board Games, Balla Games, Drama, etc. For further details regarding this service please contact Roisin at (094) 9256008/9257935; (087) 9496857 or Jane at (094) 9257974.