Charlestown is right on track with historic day
Irish international athlete Kate O’Connell with a group of budding young athletes at the official opening of East Mayo AC’s six-lane floodlit 200m athletics track. Picture: David Farrell Photography
East Mayo AC officially opened its new purpose-built athletics track and astro facility in Charlestown on Sunday, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing club.
Fr Tommy Johnston officially cut the ribbon to open the new track with Councillor Gerry Murray and TDs Alan Dillon and Paul Lawless in attendance alongside Irish athlete Kate O’Connell.
Chairperson Gemma Higgins spoke on behalf of East Mayo AC and recalled how the club started from a social media post seven years ago.
“In February 2019, I put a post on Facebook to see if there would be any interest in setting up a club and after a great reaction, I nervously set about hosting a meeting.
“A room full of like-minded people with great energy and drive met a week later and the wheels were set in motion. As a club we thank all who were in attendance that night for their leap of faith.
“East Mayo Athletic Club was formed and our aim was simple – to provide a safe, fun, sporting environment for all ages and abilities.
“As we stand here today, many involved from day one will reminisce on the early days and truly be able to appreciate just how much we have achieved in such a short space of time.”
Finding a home for the club came easily with the help of Brian McDermott and the Board of Management of St Attracta’s NS, while some unused land beside the school pitch sparked an idea among club members.
“Behind the old hedge line of the school pitch was a triangular hilly plot of unused land. We soon discovered this belonged to the Diocese and approached Fr Johnston to see if there were any plans to use or develop the field.
“Our club will forever be indebted to his support and for sharing our vision of turning that field into the space you stand on today.”
Councillor Gerry Murray and TD Alan Dillon were thanked for their support throughout the process.
“In the early days we shared our plans with our local Cllr Gerry Murray and would like to thank Gerry for his continued support and advice. I am also delighted to welcome TD Alan Dillon who met with us at the beginning of our journey and was a great support particularly with our Sports Capital appeal.
“It’s a very proud feeling when you can stand together and share the results a few years on.”
Fr Johnston, Cllr Gerry Murray, TDs Alan Dillon and Paul Lawless all praised the achievement of East Mayo AC in delivering the new facilities.
Irish international athlete Kate O'Connell, who runs for Lucan Harriers AC, led the inaugural lap of the track. O'Connell's father, Robert, hails from Charlestown and was a member of the Charlestown Sarsfields back line during his playing days.
Kate O’Connell won Irish 400m titles at U23 level both indoor and outdoor in 20005 and was inter-varsities champion. She also travelled to the China as part of the women’s 4x400m team for the 2025 World Relays and was part of the Irish team that last year set a new national 4x400m record at the European U23 Championships in Norway.
“It is great. I started off at home running on a grit track and eventually we moved to a proper track, so it’s great to see that happen here as well,” she explained.
“I grew up coming to Cúl camps here. And I think one of the first races I ever ran was up at the pitch so it great to come back here and have all the facilities and all the kids are really enthusiastic; it is great to see.”
