Local Notes: Charlestown competes in Dublin City Marathon

GAA Lotto

There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €8,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, October 29. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 17 and 33. The winners of the two €50 weekly prizes were Noel Gallagher and Enda McLoughlin.

The latest jackpot was €8,900 for the draw on last Sunday night.

Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the town and are also available on the online platform which can be accessed via www.smartlotto.ie or the club’s Facebook page. The club would like to thank all who played and supported the weekly lotto.

Coffee Morning

The next community coffee morning will take place on Friday, November 10, in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am to 1pm. All are welcome to attend.

The committee would like to thank everyone who attends these events.

Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run

Well done to the McLoughlin family, Barrack Street, Charlestown and the committee members of the annual Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run on raising an incredible amount of money from this year’s event which took place in August.

A whopping €20,207 was raised from the 2023 staging which is a magnificent achievement and due praise and commendation to all concerned.

Some €10,300 was donated to heart and stroke charity Croí, €1,500 to the East Mayo Athletics Club and €1,500 to Kilbeagh First Responders. A sum of €1,700 was also spent replacing the defibrillator and cabinet at the Arts Centre, which is now part of the Kilbeagh First Responders Network.

To date, the Tractor Run has donated over €70,000 to Croí. The Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run is a credit to the McLoughlin family and the dedicated committee who work so hard to make the event the resounding success it undoubtedly is. Well done to all involved.

Eddie Conroy guides Lahardane to County Final glory

Well done to Charlestown native Eddie Conroy who guided Lahardane McHales to County Junior A final success following their four-point win over Shrule-Glencorrib in the well-contested final played at McHale Park, Castlebar recently.

This was Eddie’s first foray into management and he took to it like a duck to water as he steered the North Mayo club back to the intermediate ranks with some aplomb.

Eddie enjoyed a decorated career as a player lining out for the Sarsfields initially before transferring to Breaffy in the late 1990s where he gave the best part of 20 years stellar service. He was part of a Breaffy team that qualified for four county finals and was a regular in the half-forward line with his fitness levels, endurance and stamina always earning him a starting berth as he ran the lines tirelessly and was the ultimate team performer.

Eddie has taken the graduation to management seamlessly it would seem and looks to have a bright future running the line as his Lahardane team were worthy winners on the day. Eddie had his charges well coached and they played a nice brand of football and will be a big addition to next year’s intermediate championship.

For now, Eddie and his management team turn their focus to the Connacht Club Championship where they will be looking to put a good run together, and on the basis of their displays in the county championship, Lahardane will provide formidable opposition for whoever they’ll encounter.

All in the Sarsfields club wish Eddie well in the Connacht Club Championship and congratulate him on all he has achieved to date.

East Mayo Athletics Club AGM

The annual general meeting of the East Mayo Athletics Club will take place on Monday, November 20, at 8.45pm in the CBD Recreational Centre.

All members are requested to attend to plan the year ahead and look back on the wonderful year that 2023 was for the club and its members. Your participation would be most welcome to grow and sustain the club.

Cubs Basketball

There was plenty of activity in the Charlestown Cubs Basketball Club in the last week or so with the U14 Boys and Girls teams in action in their respective leagues.

The boys put up a great performance in losing out narrowly to a strong Ballina team in what was a thrilling encounter with the boys playing a quality game against a very fancied and well-drilled Ballina team who are one of the best in this particular grade. The Charlestown lads played with lots of potential and promise, however, which hints at better days ahead.

The U14 girls enjoyed their first win of the season with a well-deserved victory over Kiltimagh. The girls were good value for their win and always held the upper hand and secured the baskets to keep their noses in front at all times. This was a good performance from the girls and one they will be looking to back up in their next outing as the games come thick and fast at all grades and levels of competition.

Coffee Morning

A Coffee Morning will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Tuesday, November 7, from 11am to 1pm.

All are welcome to come along on the day, as Lisa Williams, Flourish social prescribing link officer, will be in attendance to chat about potential classes that could be set up in the area.

Carracastle Pastoral Council meeting

A meeting of the new Carrcastle Pastoral Council takes place on Wednesday, November 8, at 7.30pm in the Parochial House, Carracastle.

Under-21 C Championship

Charlestown Sarsfields travel to Shrule to take on Shrule/Glencorrib in Round 2 of the County U21 C Championship on Sunday, November 12, with the throw-in timed for 12 noon.

Volunteers

St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, is pleased to invite expressions of interest from anyone who may wish to volunteer with the residents of the nursing home.

The role of the volunteer is to communicate with the residents, listen to them and provide companionship. This endeavour will be structured and supported by the staff of the nursing home.

Suitable volunteers should have excellent communication skills, compassion and integrity.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact St Attracta’s at 094-9254307 or email info@stattractas.com.

Clothing Collection

The CBD Recreational Centre has an ongoing Clothing Collection taking place at the moment with the next drop-offs taking place between November 6 and 10 and November 13 to 17 respectively between the hours of 10.30am and 1.30pm. Drop-offs outside these times can be arranged by contacting 089-2616514. The following items are being accepted: Clean clothing, handbags, belts, paired shoes, curtains, bed linen, towels, blankets and soft toys. No pillows or duvets.

Christmas Craft Fair

Carracastle Christmas Craft Fair is back again this year and will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 26, from 10am to 2pm, featuring a wide range of handmade presents, baked goods, and local crafters. Entry is free and tea/coffee will be available and all are welcome to attend.

If you would like to have a table on the day, please contact Trevor at 089-4463487 to book your place.

Bingo at the Airport

Ireland West Airport is set to host an Online Charity Bingo Night on Wednesday, November 8, through Zoom. Book your tickets now at www.eventmaster.ie to be in with a chance. Prize raffle on the night with a chance to win fantastic prizes.

Bridge results

There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, October 25, and the following were the prize winners:

1st, James Mooney and Mary O’Connell; 2nd, Elsie Jackson and Hilary McCrohan; 3rd, Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty; 4th, Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne; 5th, Patricia and Paddy Colleran; 6th, Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey; 7th, Robert and Frances Healy; 8th, Ruth Conor and Noelle Spellman; 9th, Melinda Mulligan and Sinead Quinn; 10th, Alison Doohan and Michael Ryan.

Game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walshs’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown and all are welcome.

Mayo Mental Health

Mayo Mental Health Association’s information centre at Bohernasup, Ballina is open to everyone in the community. It provides options, supports and guidance for individuals and their families experiencing mental health difficulties.

The information centre provides a confidential signposting and a drop-in service and is open Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 4pm. Please call 096-71492 for more information.

Rosary at Lurga Shrine

The Rosary will be recited at Lurga Shrine for the Holy Souls for the month of November. The meeting to pray for the dearly departed will take place every evening at 7pm and 5pm on Sundays. All are welcome.

Rita Casey receives Lord Mayor’s Medal

The community of Charlestown was heartened and warmed when news filtered through that Rita Casey, Main Street, had been presented with a Lord Mayor’s Medal by the current Lord Mayor of Dublin Dáithí De Róiste ahead of her participation in the 2023 Dublin City Marathon as she prepared to take on one of the toughest tests of endurance that one can possibly put the body through.

Rita took on the challenge despite the fact that she’s been battling cancer for the best part of two years, which is testimony to her courage, tenacity, bravery and spirit as she pitted her considerable strength and determination against the best the course could throw at her.

She’s a remarkable woman as she battles stage four cancer and does so with such resoluteness and obduracy that mark her down as a special woman while endeavouring to live as normal a life as possible for her husband John and their three daughters. One can only marvel at her sheer determination and gutsiness and it was these qualities and many more that led to her receiving over 40 nominations from family, friends and people within and outside the community for the Lord Mayor’s Medal award.

Rita is a member of An Garda Síochána and has been an avid runner for any number of years and loves the thrill of competition as she completed her fifth marathon, which is some achievement and ranks right up there with anything anybody has achieved in our community.

We tip our hat to Rita and commend her on an outstanding act of heroism as she ran the 26.2-mile circuit in a brilliant four hours and five minutes.

The Lord Mayor Dáithí De Róiste, on awarding the medal to Rita, stated: “It was an honour to present the medal to Rita Casey. Despite her own personal health struggles, she is running the Dublin Marathon to raise funds for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, that is a true act of heroism.”

Rita ran the marathon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice who have supported her all the way in her journey following her secondary cancer diagnosis in 2021. She was at pains to point out the terrific and unconditional support she has received from the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and wished to acknowledge the marvellous support she has received from the general public as she raised an enormous amount of money for her designated charity, which no doubt the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice will be delighted to receive as they continue to do trojan work in the battle against cancer.

Rita is a remarkable lady who has captured the hearts and minds of all in the community as she carries on with life in the best way she knows how. Her husband John and their daughters Ava, Kayleigh and Jenna are firmly by her side, providing steadfast support as she continues to take the fight to her illness and does it with such dignity and class that endear her to all who so admire her conviction and courage.

She’s a great woman and is never one to let the grass grow under her feet as she plans her next challenge with the same grim determination she has displayed in refusing to yield to her illness as she tackles each day with renewed optimism, energy and bullishness. We congratulate Rita on her award and her terrific feat in completing her fifth marathon and wish her continued good health and happiness into the future.

East Mayo AC was well-represented in Dublin City Marathon

The East Mayo Athletics Club was well represented in the recent Dublin City Marathon as four of its finest athletes took on one of the toughest tests of endurance known to man and woman and completed the course in some incredible times.

Congratulations and well done to David Tiernan, Siobhan Durkan, Serena Horkan, Michael Regan, Rita Casey and Rena O’Casarlaigh who made their club, community and families proud at the extraordinary manner of their achievements and finishing times.

All four made some huge sacrifices in the lead-up to the event as they spent countless hours pounding the roads and pavements to ensure their bodies had the best possible chance of completing the course. All four have a great track record when it comes to running the event as each and every one of them plotted their own course and ran at the pace they were most comfortable with.

They ran a super race with conditions holding up for the most part with little or no wind to contend with which made it easier to navigate the course. All four can be genuinely proud of what they achieved in what was a wonderful day for the East Mayo Athletics as the fab four are marvellous ambassadors for the brand and terrific role models to boot.

The bodies will need a good rest after such a demanding and taxing effort and all four will take a well-earned rest before plotting their next target and goal as they continue to drive the standards and provide the template for many more in the community who may wish to take up the challenge with plenty of advice and training tips to be had from David, Rita, Siobhan and Rena who have the event mastered down to a fine art. Hats off to all four with all the community offering their congratulations.

Knitting Club

Knitting Club meets every Thursday morning in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown between 10.30am and 1pm. All are welcome.

25 Card Drive 

There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Tuesday, October 31, and the following were the prize winners:

1st, Mike Sheridan and Vera Scally; 2nd, Breege Leonard and Mary O'Hara.

The raffle winners were James Reidy, Pearse Henry and Seamus Durcan.

Game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in Walsh's Bar and all are welcome, especially new members.

Choir Practice

Charlestown Choir Practice has recommenced on Thursday evenings at 7pm in St James's Church, Charlestown. New and returning members are welcome. For more information, contact Carmel at 086-3271106.

St Vincent de Paul

Do you need help?

St Vincent de Paul respects the dignity of those who contact them, offering assistance and advice when sought, assisting people towards long-term self-sufficiency in a relationship of friendship, trust and confidentiality. 

If you need them, please contact 086-8892098.

Living Well Programme

The Living Well Programme is for adults with long-term health conditions and for those caring with someone with a long-term health condition. This is an online course and there are still a few places available. 

For more information, contact Fiona on 087-7185615.

Alzheimer's screening

Free Alzheimer's screening is available in O'Donnell`s Totalhealth Pharmacy The Square, Charlestown on Friday, November 24. 

To make an appointment or for more information, call 094-9254177.

Charlestown Library re-opening 

Charlestown Library will re-open its doors on Tuesday (today), November 7. 

An official opening will be held in December. More news anon.

Mayo Cancer Support

Mayo Cancer Support offers a range of emotional support to people with cancer and their families. 

For more information, call 094-9038407. 

Bereavement Support meetings 

Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly Bereavement Support meeting at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am.

There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners/spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment is needed. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320.

Active Retirement

Active Retirement meetings continue in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown on Mondays from 11am to 1pm. All are welcome to attend and new members are most welcome.

Curry GAA Lotto 

There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €2,100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, October 30.

The numbers drawn were 4, 9, 12 and 20, and the winners of €20 consolation prizes were Winnie Haran, Marty Carty and Olivia Flynn. 

Next week's jackpot will increase to €2,200 and tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the online platform and also by logging onto the club's Facebook page.

Celebrity Darts News 

There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, October 29, as Podsie and Boom Boom locked horns in another gripping instalment of the weekly classic. 

Governor Gus was immense in his role as match referee as he kept the two finalists in check with some firm handling. 

Boom Boom struck first and bagged the first set with some stellar throwing. He continued in this vein in set two and wrapped it up in the fourth leg with a magnificent 170 finish as Podsie struggled to match the levels of his opponent. 

Set three saw a shift in the dynamic as Podsie finally found some semblance of form and reeled off three legs on the spin to haul himself back into the match. The fourth set saw more of the same from the number one seed as he took control of the set with some sublime finishing with twin finishes of 136 and 158 in the second and third legs respectively taking the set away from Boom Boom as he never got a look in and steeled himself for a fifth and deciding set with Podsie long odds on to finish it off and complete a fantastic comeback in the process. 

Boom Boom flipped the switch in the fifth and grabbed the first leg against the darts as he banged in treble sixteen, single twenty and double ten to put the cat among the pigeons as Podsie looked to have the leg in the back as he sat pretty on double eighteen. Boom Boom, buoyed by this sizzling finish, took the second leg as well as he nailed the bull's eye with the final dart in his hand to move one leg away from a tremendous victory against the odds. 

Podsie, stunned at these reversals, bounced back to take the third leg with some typical brave and courageous throwing to heap more pressure on Boom Boom as he walked nervously to the ochie for the start of the fourth leg. He had the advantage of the darts but it counted for little it seemed as Podsie fired in two quick-fire 140s to negate the advantage of throwing first. 

Boom Boom's riposte was brave and tenacious as he hit a maximum and backed it up with a 138 to stay in the game as both men reached the double at precisely the same time. 

Boom Boom had an outside chance of finishing the match as he came to the board staring at a possible 146 checkout with three arrows in his quiver. He got off to a good start as he banged his first dart into the centre of the treble twenty bed. His second dart arced into the heart of the treble eighteen green baize to leave him one dart at double sixteen as the huge crowd gasped in anticipation. 

Boom Boom's nerve held as he released his final dart with its flight path right on course to find the centre of the double sixteen. It never veered from its intended direction and landed plum in the centre of the sixteen baize to set off unbelievable scenes of celebration and jubilation as Boom Boom's victories over Podsie in finals are as scare as hen's teeth but this was the day it all came together as his face radiated elation and sheer delight. 

Podsie, like the true champion he is, took defeat with grace and magnanimity as the two men embraced with respect and decorum. A great day for Boom Boom and his team as he clinched his fourth title of the year.

Kilmovee

Bingo

The jackpot in Kilmovee Bingo is €1,800 on 51 calls or less, the house lotto is €240 on four correct numbers and the 50/50 draw has a guaranteed winner every week. Everyone welcome!

Sincere thanks to all the patrons who are very loyal to Kilmovee Bingo every week. Your support and the support of the patrons who come less often for a variety of reasons is deeply appreciated because with the patrons there would be no bingo.

November Masses for the deceased

Fr Joseph will celebrate a Novena of Masses for your deceased relatives and friends included in the November lists for the deceased.

Envelopes are available in the churches. 

We will have a service for the deceased on Sunday November 26, at 7pm in Kilmovee Church, remembering all our deceased but remembering in particular those who have gone to their eternal reward since November 2022.

Bernie and Tony Towey Perpetual Cup 

A very successful old time dance competition took place in the Brusna Inn on Friday, October 6, with Michael O'Brien and Philomena McGovern providing the music on the night. Competitions were held for the Waltz, Quickstep, Jive and Slow Waltz with an overall winner being presented the Bernie and Tony Towey Perpetual Cup. 

Congratulations to all winners on the night. The winners of the Bernie and Tony Towey Perpetual Cup were Kay Slamen and Ronan Kelly who also won the Perpetual Trophy in the Slow Waltz competition. 

A huge thank you is extended to all who supported the competition in any way, to the proprietor of the Brusna Inn for all your support in a fantastic venue and for the refreshments provided on the night, to the dancers who took part and to all who attended and made the night so enjoyable. 

A special thank you to the adjudicator, who had the hardest job on the night. Thanks also to those who sponsored the silverware - Tom Gordon, Kathleen Horan, Gerry Towey and John Mulkeen. A special thank you also to those who donated raffle prizes - Kilmovee Comhaltas, Kilmovee GAA, Breege Moran, Martin Walsh and The Brusna Inn. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Group Water Scheme

Kilmovee/ Urlaur Group Water Scheme meter readers will be reading meters in the area in the coming weeks.

Could members please text their name, address and phone number to the Scheme Manager on 085-8670259 so that he can contact them in the event of a disruption to their water supply? Many thanks.

Musical instruments for use in Tavrane N.S.

If you have any accordions that are not in use, perhaps you would like to donate or loan them to Tavrane N.S school? They are looking for button accordions for this academic year. Please contact the school directly at 085-8065834.

Popular Castlerea businessman dies

The death took place at Roscommon Hospice on October 26 of Billy Doyle, Arm Road, Castlerea and formerly of Doyle's Shop, Mill Street, Castlerea. 

Billy was predeceased by his parents Michael and Frances, his brothers and sisters and recently by his loving wife Mary. He is survived by his son Michael (Castlerea) and daughter Maria (London), his adored grandchildren Alex and Ethan, sister Frances (McMahon, Luton), daughter-in-law Ann-Marie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends. 

Billy reposed in McDonagh's Funeral Home, Castlerea on Sunday, October 29, followed by removal to St Patrick's Church, Castlerea. Mass of the Resurrection on Monday, October 30, at 11am followed by interment in St Joseph's Cemetery, Castlerea.

We offer our deepest sympathy to all who are bereaved.

May Billy rest in peace.