Thursday 20 June 2013

Events


“The J.J.O’Hara Memorial Lecture”: Mayfly Hotel, Foxford, and Friday 2
“Irish Emigration to Argentina and other Latin American Countries” which will be delivered by Dr. David Barnwell, N.U.I. Maynooth.
Admission Free.

“Getting Back to your Roots”:
Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre, Saturday the 3a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Join the hugely popular Mayo Genealogy Group for this informative Talk and Workshop in the Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. The Group will offer practical tips to successfully trace your roots and family tree. 
Admission Free

“Cycle Tour of Ireland”
Foxford Sports / Leisure Centre, Saturday Afternoon.
Start your cycle tour of Ireland here in Foxford on our exercise bikes, at our state of the art Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre, (Charitable Fundraiser). 
Great rates for gym, etc, over this weekend!. 
Admission Free. / Charitable Donation will be gratefully accepted.

“Class of ’73 Photographic Reunion”:
Morrough Bernard Social Services Centre, Chapel Road, Saturday the 3th August at 1 p.m.
Exactly forty years ago a photograph was taken of
St. Patrick’s Boys School, Chapel Rd.
Former students are to meet again in the yard for a retake of  old photograph. Happily all are well; most live in Ireland, while three live in England and one in the U.S. 

“Sean Nos Dancing Workshop”: Brown Memorial Hall, Chapel Road,
Saturday the 3rd
Join Edwina Guckian for a Sean Nos Dancing workshop for Beginners, at 3 p.m. while the Advanced Class commences at 4 p.m. Admission: Children €5. Adults €8.
 All are welcome

“Gathering Mass” Saint Michael’s Church, Chapel Rd, Saturday 3 August 7.30 p.m.
Remembering members of the Foxford community both at home and abroad.

“The Admiral” Show: Brown Memorial Hall, Saturday 3rd August, commencing at 8.30 p.m.
Moy Productions presents “The Admiral” the amazing story of Admiral  William Brown, Son of Foxford, Hero of Argentina.  This show will leave you breathless, featuring the very best dancers and musicians in a fluid historical narrative with strong traditional and Latino influences.  Seats may be reserved by contacting: foxfordmusic@gmail.com

“American Wake”: Mayfly Hotel, Saturday 3rd

“Remembering F. R. Higgins”: Church of Ireland, Market Square, and Sunday 4th August at 10 a.m.
A Special Prayer Service takes place in the Church of Ireland, on Sunday
the 4th August, in memory of Foxford poet and playwright, Frederick Robert Higgins, friend of W.B.Yeats, and former Director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. A family relative, Aiden Gray will recite one of Frederick’s poems during the service.     

“A Foxford Musical Experience”: Foxford Town Public Car Park, off
Main Street, Sunday 4th August at 2 p.m.
Come, Relax, and listen to all your musical favourites with the Sligo Concert Band, featuring local musician, Liam Jones.

“Possible Vintage Motor Display”: Foxford Town Public Park, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Traditional Session”: Cruiser’s Bar, Main Street, at 5 p.m.
Relax and enjoy a traditional session featuring traditional music, dance, and singing and poetry.

Talk on “Foxford’s Ironmasters” Church of Ireland, Market Square, at 7p.m.
Foxford historian and Geneva based, Vivian Sheridan will explore the history of Foxford’s Iron Industry and the families involved. 
Admission Free.  Donations towards the Church Restoration Fund will be gratefully accepted. Also why visit the Foxford Woollen Mills and the Admiral Brown Museum.

Foxford's invitation to the gathering


The historic town of Foxford, County Mayo like most towns in the West of Ireland suffered from the effects of emigration, resulting in the loss of family members, and a missing generation in the community, effectively leaving town lands devoid of its former population. Unfortunately, emigration has once again become a modern day reality as our young people seek out opportunities across Europe, Australia and the U.S.A. There are an estimated 60 to 70 million people worldwide, who place a huge value on this country and their connections to it, including those whose ancestors were from the Foxford area.  The traditional areas of destination for the Irish diaspora in England were; Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, the Midlands, Leeds, and  London, while countless other sought new lives in America, especially New York, New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia among others.The Gathering Foxford 2013 which takes place on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th  August affords us an opportunity to come together in celebration, renewing relationships with family, neighbours, and friends while paying tribute to all our emigrants from Foxford, County Mayo, and the West of Ireland.In addition, Foxford enjoys a unique relationship with Argentina,