Local Notes: Attending the football presentation night in the Brusna Inn were a group from Charlestown
Attening the football teams presentation night in the Brusna Inn were back l/r Paula Egan, Fr Paul Kivlihan, and Deirdre Frain. Front l/r Joanne Regan, Mary Moynihan, Noreen and Gerald Duffy. Pic James Hunt Photography.
Congratulations to Rita Casey, Main Street , Charlestown, who will receive the Western People Community Award at the upcoming Western People Sports Star Awards which take place on Friday, February 16, at Breaffy House Resort. Rita’s award recognises her courage, bravery, tenacity and spirit which saw her complete her fifth marathon in October 2023 last which is all the more laudable as she battles with cancer and refuses to take a backward step in her ongoing fight. Rita is one determined lady and completed the marathon in a marvellous four hours (4) and four (4) minutes which was an incredible feat. Her indomitable spirit has won her admirers far and wide across all strands and facets of society and in completing the marathon she also raised the mind boggling and marvellous sum of €22,300 for the Mayo- Roscommon Hospice which was her chosen charity on the day. This was some accomplishment on Rita’s part as people from all corners of the community and globe rallied round and dug deep to support her in her endeavours.
Her courage has touched a chord with so many people and this award is due recognition for a woman who continues to defy the odds and live life in the best and only way she knows how. We salute Rita on this much deserved honour and there will be no one more prouder than her husband John and their three daughters who have supported her every step of the way when she steps on stage to be feted for her amazing feats of fortitude, gutsiness and grit. A large crowd is expected to travel to the event in support of Rita as she’s a modest and hugely popular lady in the community who commands terrific respect and embodies some truly outstanding qualities we all strive to exhibit as we go about our work on a daily basis. Ironically her husband John was also an award winner at the same Western People Star Awards as he won the Gaelic Football Award in 1995, so John can make space on the sideboard for Rita’s gong as I believe, subject to correction, they are the first husband and wife team to be honoured in the long and proud history of the Western People Mayo Sports Star Awards.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, January 28, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 8, 17 and 20. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Ciara Moran (online) and Liam and Niall NcCaffrey Sonnagh, Charlestown. The latest jackpot increased to €10,100 and the draw was held on Sunday night, February 4.
Charlestown Warriors Basketball Club are looking for new members to join their team, aged 18+, male and female. It promised to be casual/no league, fun environment. The cost is €25 for 10 weeks. Contact 087 2210328 to join or for any other information.
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar of Liam Brennan, Glann, Charlestown. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection.
Liam is survived by his wife Maura, sons Peter, Enda, Liam and Adrian, daughters Mairead and Hilary, grandchildren, sons-in-law, neighbours and friends. The late Liam was a well known and respected member of the community who loved life and lived it in the best way he knew how. He worked for Mayo County Council for many years and was a diligent, conscientious and hard working employee who had a good work ethic about him and knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. Liam also had a great love of the land and took great pride in tending to his livestock and this he did with great application and effort. Liam had a great sense of wit and humour about him and always had a smile on display and was a renowned story teller who would have you in stitches with some witty yarn and story or other. He was a good neighbour and friend to all in the community of Glann and beyond and could always be depended upon to lend a hand in times of need and crisis.
Liam forged a good bond with his wife Maura and together they made for a good team as they made sure the needs of their family were met and provided for at all times. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent Mass and burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which Liam was held. The communities of Glann and Charlestown have lost a good man but he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cling to and cherish in these deep, darks days and weeks ahead. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
A Pink Ribbon fundraiser will take place in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Saturday, February 17. There will be a champagne reception with music, food, raffle and an auction with lots of fun guaranteed. There will also be prizes for best dressed PINK lady and gent. Special guest on the night will be well known former Today FM DJ Phil Cawley. Tickets are on sale from Walsh’s Bar, Casey’s Expert Hardware or from committee members Grainne 087 9438824, Trina 087 9809529, Martina 085 7216286, Fiona 085 2628925. This promises to a good night for a terrific cause so save the date and enjoy a night of fun and entertainment.
Kilbeagh Community First Responders will be running their Irish Heart Foundation Heart Saver courses starting in late February in the Town Hall Arts Centre which are free of charge. Most cardiac arrests in Ireland occur either in the home or the local community so learning these life saving skills is hugely beneficial to your family, friends and local community. It is also highly recommended for all coaching staff at all the local sports and social clubs in the area . The course is available to everyone over the age of 16 . If you attended this course two years ago, your skills and certificate need renewing which attending this latest course will provide. For more information contact 087 3878408 or check out the Kilbeagh Community First Responders Facebook page and click on the link.
The East Mayo Athletics Club Couch 2 5k continues for the next few weeks and is open to men and women of all abilities from complete beginners to experienced runners. The club’s experienced coaches will provide excellent guidance and encouragement over an 8 week plan. It continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm. The cost is €35 which covers membership and insurance and all details on how to sign up are available on the club’s splendid Facebook page.
Yoga classe.s A new five week block of yoga classes will start at Carracastle Community Centre on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. Please note this is not a drop-in class These will start on Tuesday, February 27. For more information and to book your place contact Toni at 089 2389351.
SJ Fitness classes started in Carracastle Community Centre on Friday, February 2, from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Classes are €8 pay as you go or €40 for a block of 6 classes (18+ only). The classes will concentrate on working on cardio, core, fitness, self-confidence, stamina and self-defence. Sarah looks forward to seeing you all there.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, of Joe McNicholas, Hagfield, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. He is survived by his daughters Rosaleen, Caroline, Denise and Trish, son Shane, brother Jim, sisters Ann, Nellie and Rita, son-in-law Paddy, David, Joe and Johnny, daughter-in-law Fiona, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Joe, who was pre-deceased by his daughter Marcella, son Brian, brother Sean and sisters May and Lucy was a well known and popular member of the communities of Hagfield and Charlestown respectively. He was a good family man who took great pride in their health and well-being at all times and was proud of their achievements as they forged their way in life and made good careers for themselves.
Joe was a staunch GAA man who played for the Sarsfields at underage and adult level and was a tough and uncompromising defender who served the Sarsfields well before emigration took him to London like many before him. Joe never lost his love for the Sarsfields or Mayo however and continued to follow them with great passion and enthusiasm as he longed for the day Mayo would bring Sam Maguire back to the west. He was also a noted darts player in his day and enjoyed many good days at the ochie such was his skill with the arrows.
Joe had a passion and zest for life that never wavered and this stood him in good stead as he battled illness in recent years. His tenacity and indomitable spirit remained strong right up until his final days as he battled bravely and continued to give life everything he had. His family meant the world to him and his passing robs the communities of Hagfield and beyond of one of its best known and most prominent citizens. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was proof of the affection and admiration in which he was held and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The death took place at Bailey’s Nursing Home, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, of Lena Lynch, Cloonrawer, Curry, Co. Sligo. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Bunnacrannagh cemetery. She is survived by her sister Kathleen, nephews Brian and Paul, nieces-in-law Christina and Selina, grandniece, grandnephew, sisters-in law, neighbours and friends.
The late Lena , who was pre-deceased by her husband Willie, parents Paddy and Kate and sister Anne, was a well known and prominent member of the communities of Cloonrawer, Curry, Charlestown, and beyond. She was an affable and kind lady with a big heart who had forged many outstanding friendships in the great number of communities she operated and socialised in. She was a noted card player who loved a game of 25 and was a always a force to be reckoned with when dealt the right cards. She had a great sense of wit and mischief about her which endeared her to all and was always up for a bit of craic and banter which made her company much sought after. She suffered with ill health in recent years which hindered her movements somewhat but she continued to extract the maximum enjoyment out of life and faced each day with great relish and possessed a wonderful spirit and drive which kept her going during the dark times and hours. Lena was a character in the true sense of the word and her passing leaves a void in the communities of Cloonraver and Curry and she will be sorely missed. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
From April to October 2024, The Irish Centre Medjugorje is offering 7 nights Apartment B & B for €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request. Contact 01-443510 or email med-irishcentre.com for further details.
Classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Keep fit classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Friday evening at 7.30pm, focusing on cardio, stamina, core work, fitness, self-confidence and self-defence. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 087 6014197.
The Carracastle/Kilmovee Drama Group are staging their three-act play ‘The Year of the Hiker’ at Carracastle Community Centre on Friday, February 23 and Sunday, February 25. Doors open at 7.30pm and the play begins at 8pm. Proceeds on the nights will go towards the community centre and Scoil Iosa National School and your support would be greatly appreciated.
The Charlestown Cubs Basketball Club hosted the Westport Warriors Club in the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre recently for two very entertaining games at U10 girls level with both teams displaying the full range of their skills and abilities in two absorbing contests with the spoils being shared evenly as the two clubs shared a victory each. The event was an outstanding success and hats off to the organisers on both sides with the girls thoroughly enjoying the whole experience. The Cubs have some excellent talent available at this grade so they have lots to look forward to in the weeks, months and years ahead as the youngsters continue to grow, develop and improve with each training session and competitive outing. Onwards and upwards for this very talented group with many more great days ahead in the future.
Charlestown and Districts Men’s Shed are holding a darts and cards night every Wednesday at 7pm in the Men’s Shed which is located at the rear entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. The gathering is open to members and non-members and finger food and refreshments will be served. Game starts at 8pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, January 31, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Paddy and Patricia Colleran shared with James Mooney and Mary O`Connell and Michael and Pat Brennan, 5th Frances and Robert Healy, 6th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 7th Teresa Ward and Carmel Moffitt, 8th Michael Ryan and Ogie Moran, 9th Tommie O`Malley and Michael Dee, and 10th Noelle Spellman and Margaret Kenny.
The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Chalestown, and new members are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, January 30, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Seamus Durcan and James Cafferty, 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Seamus Durcan, Pearse Henry, James Cafferty and Kevin Maloney. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome with new members are especially welcome.
It’s that time of year again when the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club are asking their many faithful and dedicated members to renew their annual lotto tickets for the 2024 season. The annual lotto has been an outstanding success since its launch in 2001 and has provided the club with a steady and valuable source of income which has financed many a project and football team in the years that followed. The ticket remains a steal at €70 which covers all 52 weekly draws which represents great value hence why its proved so popular to many purchasers and subscribers over its life time. The 2023 ticket is due to expire in the next six weeks or so with many enjoying plenty of success in the weekly draws and in some cases netting a tidy profit on their investment. The format remains the same where you select four numbers from a pot of 36 and these become your numbers for each and every weekly draw. In the event of the jackpot not being won there is a draw for 2 x €50 prizes which more often than not throw up one annual lotto ticket holder each week. The club also offers an incentive to all annual lotto ticket subscribers by way of entering them into a draw with three cash prizes up for grabs and this too has encouraged and cajoled many to sign up and take the plunge so to speak.
The club are keenly aware of the pressures people are under as we enter a new year as bills come through the door following the Christmas splurge but people have always answered the call and supported the club through thick and thin and they are hoping this year will prove no different. The club have details of how to sign up on their excellent Facebook page which contains all you need to know by clicking on the relevant link . The club are deeply appreciative and grateful for all the support they receive from the local community with the annual lotto ticket providing some vital funds to help fund the many teams who play under the Sarsfields banner as well developing their infrastructure to provide the best in terms of facilities for the next generation of Sarsfields stars.
Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA are actively seeking a new manager for the U16 age group for the 2024 season. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone to get involved in coaching a really talented bunch of girls. To express your interest check out the LGFA/Bord na n-Óg Facebook page or email your details to Gemma@charlestown.mayo@lgfa.ie.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, January 29, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 9, 11 and 22.The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Luke Gilligan, Chris O’Hara, and Tadgh, Aaron and Sean Kennedy.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club remind their members that membership for the 2024 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive or alternatively can also be paid by following the link on the club`s excellent Facebook page which gives up to minute details on offers the club have in regard to membership, annual lotto and county board draw. The cost of the membership remains at €50 and the closing date for the same is March 31.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, January 28, as Boom Boom and The Egg served up another interesting contest in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor was back ensconced in the referee’s chair and exuded his usual authority as both men towed the line impeccably. Boom meant business from the off as he strode to the ochie with a real purposeful look in his eyes. He took the first set with the minimum of fuss as he bagged double sixteen in the third leg to complete a clean sweep and out him one set clear on the board. The Egg bit back in set two however and levelled with some composed finishing as Boom Boom’s razor sharp finishing of set one nose dived spectacularly in the second set.
The third set saw a real grab for control with both men throwing well simultaneously. It was the Egg who edged it however as he fired in a memorable 161 finish in the deciding leg to go ahead for the first time in the match with Boom Boom once again fluffing his lines when among the doubles. The fourth set saw fortunes continue to ebb and flow with Boom Boom looking in control when he led two legs to one and with the darts in his hand for the beginning of the fourth. The Egg hit back in some style however as he took the leg against the head so to speak to set up a final leg shootout which Boom Boom had to win to prolong his interest in the contest. It started brightly for the number three seed but the Egg hauled himself right back into the leg with a maximum which spooked Boom Boom somewhat as his level faltered which opened the door for the Egg to close it out in four. He duly obliged with the maximum leaving him with 83 to ponder one with Boom Boom toiling in the high 190s . The Egg was the essence of conviction as he banged in treble seventeen with his first dart to leave him with two darts at double sixteen. He made no mistake with his second dart as it nestled in the centre of the green bed to set off wild scenes of celebration as the Egg finally brought a series of frustrating misses to an end to claim his second title in twelve months as he continues to plot his way back to the top of the rankings . A tidy display from the Egg and one that should fill him with confidence ahead of the rest of the season.
