Local Notes: 2001 Charlestown Sarsfields team to be honoured at county final.
Bosco Walsh and Frank Henry pictured with the late Ernie Salmon and Vincent Jordan on the evening of the club's historic county final success in 2001 following Charlestown Sarsfields victory against Knockmore.
The Charlestown Sarsfields victorious county final winning team of 2001 are being honoured at half-time in next weekend’s county final showpiece featuring Castlebar Mitchels and Garrymore. This is to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of their historic triumph which saw the club scale the heights of club football in Mayo as they swept their way to a Moclair Cup that scarcely anybody would have predicted at the start of the year.
The team came from literally nowhere having underachieved for some years in the championship proper with a solitary final appearance in 1992 all they had to show for nigh on 100 years with their last success in 1902 having long since gone under the radar.
2001, however, brought great joy and elation to the club and community as the Sarsfields left nine years of first round defeats and exits behind them in emphatic fashion as they stormed their way to the title, defeating old rivals Knockmore in a replay on Saturday, September 29.
The scenes of euphoria the success generated was palpable with the homecoming and the reception that awaited the team on their return to the town, one that will long be remembered as people from all cohorts and generations united in celebration.
The success paved the way for a decade of outstanding success for the club at senior level as they went on to contest three more county finals, winning a second one in 2009 which was due reward for their resilience and consistency.
The players that will take to the field on Sunday will, I’m sure, receive a great ovation from the crowd as the team played a very slick, stylish band of football with pace, athleticism and support play very much their hallmarks as the ball was always moved through the lines at rapid speed. The significance of the victory wasn’t lost on some of the older cohort of players who had put in the hard yards over the course of the previous decade and more with many (myself included) having felt their time may have passed with the standard of club football in Mayo at the time at an all-time high.
Lads like Sean Higgins, Robbie O’Connell, the late Colm Horkan, John Casey and David Tiernan all featured in the county final of 1992 and were part of the county intermediate championship success of 1993 but from there to 2001 there was precious little to shout about save for a senior league success in 1995 and a four game saga with Garrymore the same year.
The team was galvanised by an infusion of youth however who had an attitude and fearlessness about them that propelled the side forward and the rest as they say is history.
There will be plenty of emotion in evidence when the lads take to the field with memories sure to hark back to an occasion that always gets the blood flowing with plenty of footage from the day and the celebrations that followed being drummed up on social media in the lead-up to next Sunday. There will be a notable touch of sadness in the air as one of the heroes of 2001, the late Colm Horkan will be absent as the club, players and team still recoil from his sad and untimely death in 2020 when he lost his life while on active duty. Colm will be represented by his nephew Matthew and he’s sure to be accorded a special round of applause from a very knowledgeable and appreciative crowd Minds will also turn to the late Michael Byrnes who was also taken from us far too soon in 1997 with the thoughts of his and Colm’s exploits and memories still very much in the minds of each and every player, mentor and supporter as we also spare a thought for their families on such a nostalgic and sentimental occasion.
All within the club are looking forward to the occasion as they remember a special time in their history and take a trip back down memory lane when faces were younger and hairlines were thicker with a tight bond continuing to exist within the group. The club has a number of events planned to mark the 25th anniversary of the momentous success with Sunday week one of the undoubted highlights. More next week as they get ready to embrace and relive an iconic moment in time.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a disappointing 2-13 to 0-9 loss to Kilmovee Shamrocks in round 2 of the County U21C championship played at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch, Charlestown recently. Friday night football under lights brought a big crowd to the splendidly appointed venue for a clash between the two neighbours with a stiff breeze providing a backdrop to the contest.
The visitors had the elements at their back in the first half and enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession with their forward line looking dangerous when the ball was delivered fast and early. The Sarsfields, too, had an attack stocked with good players with several of the club’s senior team in their ranks with the likes of Conor McArdle, Cian Towey, Eoin Flannery, Paddy Joe Dunleavy, James Gallagher and Tadhg Horkan leading the way as both teams grappled for dominance early on.
Kilmovee managed to raise nine white flags in the first half with the Sarsfields hitting five in reply with Danny Breheny looking their most threatening outlet as he was lively and fleet footed throughout and posed real danger every time the ball came into his domain. Kilmovee’s four-point lead appeared a little slim as both teams retreated to the sheds with the Sarsfields pleased with their first half’s work as they managed to keep their goal intact and had the advantage of the breeze to look forward to in the second half.
The Sarsfields began the second half brightly with Danny Breheny clipping over two points to inch the home side closer with everything stacking up in their favour seemingly. The visitors kicked the next point however to halt the Sarsfields revival and then came the real turning point as the Shamrocks fashioned a goal against the run of play to put real daylight between the teams with six separating the sides and the wind fairly taken out of the Sarsfields sails on the back of that Kilmovee strike.
The Sarsfields battled hard to get back into the game and had plenty of possession but their forward line, Danny Breheny apart, struggled to make any real impact on the scoreboard as chances came and went which only added to their frustration levels. Danny Breheny continued to be a real menace to the Kilmovee defence but he lacked support with the Sarsfields only able to add two more points to their second half total.
Kilmovee, sensing the game was theirs for the taking, weren’t shy in seizing the initiative with a second goal late on putting the gloss on their victory as they closed out the game in confident and authoritative manner to complete a good night’s work and assure their qualification to the knockout stages. The Sarsfields can still qualify for the latter stages should they beat Kiltimagh in their final round of group games. They had good performances from Danny Breheny who was excellent throughout with Tadhg Horkan, Mason McCudden, Sean Breheny, Eoin Flannery and James Gallagher all making some good contributions on a disappointing night for the home side.
Sarsfields lotto.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €24,100 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, October 11, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 10, 14 and 36. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were the following; Susan O’Connor (Lucky Dip -Annual Ticket), Willie Garvey (Lucky dip) and Chloe Cassidy (Online). The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday night, October 18, was €24, 200. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the community and cost €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page. The club thank everybody who supports their weekly draw.
The death took place recently at University Hospital, Galway of Eileen McCormack (nee Enright), Ardara, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St. James’ Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. She is survived by her husband Peter, daughter Geraldine, sons John and Kieran, sisters Maureen and Monica, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
The late Eileen was a kind and good lady who was well liked and respected in the communities of Ardara, Charlestown and beyond and was a good neighbour and friend to all. She was always devoted to her family with their health and well-being uppermost in her mind. She formed a good bond with her husband Peter and together they ensured the family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. The large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held, and she leaves a great legacy which her family will cherish in the dark hours, days and weeks that lie ahead. Deepest sympathies is tendered to the bereaved. May she rest in peace.
The basketball season is up and running with the U16 girls taking pride of place last week following their thrilling 42-23 victory over Crossmolina in the division one of the county basketball league. The girls showed all their quality and class to see off a good challenge from their Crossmolina counterparts with their victory fully deserved as they were in top form under the basket at both ends and had some real aces in the pack when it came to the art of shooting. This is a team packed with some real talent and they are sure to go close in what looks a very competitive league on paper.
The next community coffee morning takes place on Friday, November 6, in the Arts Centre, Charlestown from 11am-1pm. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat. Lift access will be available.
The adult arts and crafts meet on Wednesday, October 21, in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 11am - 1pm and all are welcome.
A Halloween Children’s Disco hosted by the East Mayo Athletics Club, takes place in the CBD Sports Complex, Lowpark, Charlestown on Friday, October 30, from 6-7.30pm. Fancy dress is optional. Admission is €5 per child or €10 per family max. There will be a tuck shop in operation on the night.
The Bereavement Support Group meeting will be held at the Newman Institute, Ballina, on the second Wednesday of each month (October to May) with the next meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 11 at 8pm. Trained facilitators conduct the meeting which provides guidance and support to those who find loss difficult. All are welcome. For further information contact Monica Morley, Knock Shrine on 094 9375320.
Three teams of two have volunteered to open and close the church. The opening times of the church are as follows; Summer time 9am-6pm, and Winter time 9am-4pm. If anyone would like to help with the opening and closing of the church, please contact Fr John.
A fundraising wellness event will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Friday, October 23, from 7-9pm in aid of the Sunflowers Children’s Hospice. Activities will include yoga, journalling, sound bath and sweet treats. There will be goodie bags for all retreat attendees. Tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited and the cost is €40 per person. Contact Olivia to book your place on 085 1971372.
A four week block of dance classes with Gina starts at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, November 4, from 8-9.30pm. Learn to jive, waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and line dance. The cost is €10 per person and all are welcome. For more information contact 085 77004647.
A Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 29, from 10am-2pm, featuring a range of handmade gifts, food and crafts. There is free entry, tea and coffee will be available and there will be a raffle held on the day. All are welcome to come along to support local craftspeople and young entrepreneurs.
Music Circle with John and Isabella Hoban will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, November 16, from 7-8.30pm. All welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen. Entre is free and tea and refreshments will be served. Many thanks to The Family Centre and Flourish for their support in running these sessions.
Well done to Martin Donohue Lowpark, Charlestown who scooped the top prize of €500 in the last of the in-house lotto draws held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown recently.
Well done to Michael Corrigan who was the winner of the weekly pool competition held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Friday night, October 9, thus winning the top prize of €100. A competition takes place every Friday night at 8pm.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5900 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, October 12, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 2, 18 and 28. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were the following; Lena Walsh, Ann Howley and Paul Flannery.
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday, October 19, was €6000. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the Curry and Charlestown areas and the cost is €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page.
The National Ambulance Service are hiring. They have a range of roles and positions available with the closing date for the same being Monday, October 26, at 12 noon. For more information on the same check out the Charlestown Facebook page and follow the link.
There was a nice turnout at the weekly 25-drive held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, October 13, and the following were the winners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Darby Leonard, Joe Mahon and Mary O’Hara. The game takes place every Tuesday night in the Yeats County Inn, Curry at 9pm and all are welcome.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies Club will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at 8pm in the meeting room at the Charlestown Service Station (Supermacs). All members are requested to attend as the ladies’ club reflects on another busy and successful year on and off the field.
The annual general meeting of Castle Kidz Childcare will be held at the facility on Thursday, November 12, at 8pm. Parents are encouraged to come along, stay informed and get involved. The group are looking for volunteers to join their management committee to help out with events throughout the year. Every bit of support makes a difference, so please note the date and time and come along if you feel you might have something to offer.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA and LGFA clubs are holding their annual dinner dance in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Saturday night, November 21, with an 8pm throw-in prevailing for what promises to be a great night of celebration with the special guests on the night being the County and Connacht Club Champions of 2001 who are being honoured to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their stellar successes. 2001 was a special year for all involved and there’s sure to be a huge crowd in attendance for what will be a gala night and mark another special milestone in the storied history of the club.
There will also be a number of awards given out on the night with both wings choosing their respective players and young players of the year with the Jim Breheny Memorial Plaque also to be chosen on the night for the Club Person of the Year to mark his/hers selfless contribution to the club over the course of the past 12 months and more.
Tickets are currently on sale and there’s expected to be great demand for the same so people are asked to purchase early to avoid disappointment. More information on where to get tickets is available from the Charlestown Sarsfields social media channels such as Facebook and X with more information on some further guests to be revealed closer to the event, the countdown to which is well and truly underway.
The annual general meeting of the Cemetery of the Resurrection takes place on Tuesday, October 27, at 8pm in The Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. All members are requested to attend and new members are welcome.
The Sarsfields Club are delighted to announce that they have a very attractive prize of 500 Litres of Kerosene (home heating oil) on offer to the general public for every lotto ticket purchased during the month of October which covers the dates 4, 11, 18 and 25 respectively.
This is a very worthy prize indeed, considering the extortionate cost of home heating oil at the present and has gone down very well with the club’s members, supporters and general public at large with all regular players who buy the weekly ticket across the counter and the large number who play the lotto online all eligible to be included in the offer. The club are happy to report that has been a substantial surge in ticket sales since the announcement went public at the start of October.
There is still plenty of time for you to get involved with lotto tickets available in a number of outlets in the community with the online option also a viable proposition through the club’s Facebook pages and app. It is a draw well worth supporting with the jackpot riding at an all time high of €24,200 which would be a lovely sum to win in the lead-up to Christmas. The added incentive of the 500 litres of kerosene has really piqued people’s interests and will go some way towards covering your home heating bills for most of the in-coming winter season. Be in to win!
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Kilmovee
A very special evening will be held on Bank Holiday Sunday, October 25, at 8pm in Ireland West Airport for the launch of 20th edition of Kilkelly Kilmovee Annual Magazine. Special guests include Stuart Moyles and local musicians. Mistress of Ceremonies is Eunice Moran.
Henry McGlade and his team will be recording the event and it will be broadcast on Sky TV in a few weeks time. Free parking and complimentary refreshments on the night.
The AGM of Craobh Sheosaimh Mhic Ghabhainn CCE will take place on Wednesday, October 21, at 8.30pm in the Thatch Cottage, Kilmovee. They will be taking up membership fees on the night for new and existing members. If you are unable to attend but would like to join or renew membership, email kilmovee@comhaltas.net.
Kilmovee Active Age Thursday Club are hosting an open day on Thursday, October 29, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Admission is €10 and it is open to the public. There will be finger food, live music, a raffle with valuable prizes. In addition there will be a door prize and a fancy dress prize. You can book your place and pay in advance by contacting Kilmovee Community Centre on 094 9649484. The last day to book is October 22.
Kilmovee Walk Football resumed on Wednesday evenings at 8pm on Kilmovee Astro Pitch. Caters for all abilities and for men and women. For more details contact 087 232 6463.
