We have published the below information "as we received it", some of the dates/details below are subject to change if new information becomes available.

 

1970's, what we know so far:

 

 

1970:

It was a proud moment for Louisburgh Foróige when they travelled to Knock to receive the national award for 'Best Club In Ireland". Over 150 people attended the event. Presentations were made on the night by Archbishop of Tuam, Rev. Joseph Cunnane. It was especially a proud moment for Rev. Fr. Joseph Moran C.C. of Knock, who was curate of Louisburgh and Leader of Louisburgh Foróige at the time.

 

1971:

Louisburgh Foróige, pictured above, was the first Mayo Foróige club to ever win a Citizenship Award for a project done on promoting tourism in Louisburgh. This project was to become the focus of national media and the project itself brought great interest to the area.

 

1972:

In June of 1972, Louisburgh Foróige entertained 350 young people from from Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Knock, Aughamore, Bohola and Cloonfad Foróige clubs all attended this event, a great day was had by all.

 

1973:

In mid 73 a small number of Louisburgh Foróige leaders, pictured above, travelled to Dublin to collect there "runner up" award in the ESB Citizenship Awards.

 

In October 73' Louisburgh Foróige creates national headlines, with their vision for Louisburgh. See Irish Times article pictured above.

 

1974:

Runners up again. In 1974 Louisburgh Foróige once again travelled to Dublin to collect there "runner up" award in the ESB Citizenship Awards.

 

1975:

Local knowledge indicate there was an active Foróige club in Louisburgh in 1975 but to date, no records have been located. Can you help?

 

1976:

Ann Cox, leader in charge in 1976, wrote an extensive letter to the Mayo News about the hard work Louisburgh Foróige are currently doing to highlight and promote Louisburgh as a tourist destination, she outlined the many different sup committees Foróige helped to form, and she reported on a 16 page brochure Foróige produced on the benefits of tourism in the area. We will publish this letter in full in due course.

 

Also that year, Louisburgh Foróige's winning Citizenship Project of 1971, on tourism, also formed the basis of a full page write up in the Western people about tourism in the area. It reported, findings by Louisburgh Foróige club, that 70% of local people felt not enough was been done at a national level to promote Louisburgh. As a direct result of over 5 years of hard work and research done by Louisburgh Foróige, it was agreed by Board failte to invest £50,000 into the "rent a cottage" scheme that was running locally at the time. We will publish this report in full in due course.

 

1977:

There was no Foróige club in Louisburgh in 1977, but it is reported that Fr. Waldrom, leader of Louisburgh Foróige in previous years, traveled to Westport for the Mayo Foróige club achievements awards, this was followed by a concert. It's reported that Fr. Waldrom met with lots of Foróige officials on the night to discuss getting Foróige up and running in Louisburgh town again.

 

1978:

There was no Foróige club in Louisburgh in 1978.

 

1979:

There was no Foróige club in Louisburgh town in 1979 but a new club was formed in Killeen, Louisburgh, that year. This got great local support with over 60 members joining this new club. Officers at the time are recorded as, Chairperson, Maureen Mannion; Vice chair, May Gallagher; Secretary, Eileen Morrison; Assistant Secretary, Catherine O'Grady; Treasurer, Margaret Staunton; Assistant Treasurer, Catherine Duffy; PRO, Mary Gallagher

 

 

 

Can you help?

 

We would love to hear any info you have on Foróige over the years in Louisburgh. Please Contact Us with regard to anything you can add. Your info will be greatly received.