Local Notes: Charlestown Cubs Basketball U11s are league champions.
Charlestown Cubs Basketball U11 league champions pictured with their coaches Caroline Tiernan and Joe Drury.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 28, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 22, 23, 27 and 28. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Delia Doherty and Chris Walsh. The latest jackpot increased to €11,400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, May 5.
Classes continue at 12 noon in the Charlestown Arts Centre, Barrack Street, on Friday, May 10. The cost is €4 per class and all are welcome.
An Alzheimer's Coffee Morning fundraiser hosted by the Charlestown Active Age Group takes place on Friday, May 10, at 1pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown. There will be a raffle on the day with spot prizes galore with all proceeds going to Western Alzheimer’s Mayo. Your support on the day would be very much appreciated.
Charlestown Sarsfields began their 2024 senior league campaign with a draw against Davitts in round one of the senior league in a tense and dour struggle played at Fr O’Hara Park recently.
The scores were tied at 2-7 apiece after sixty plus minutes of a mistake ridden error strewn contest with the visitors left wondering how they didn’t make away with both points having led by seven points with twelve minutes left on the clock. The weather conditions didn’t help the quality or flow of the contest as rain of biblical proportions hammered down before and during an opening half that had little to recommend save for some woeful shooting from the home side as they kicked a litany of wides not to mention all the shots that dropped short into the hands of the Davitts keeper.
The Sarsfields managed to kick just two first half points with Jack Mahon, the only player to pierce the posts as the kicking malaise continued to impact on the efforts of all the other Sarsfields attackers.
Davitts, in contrast, were not as wasteful and led 0-3 to 0-2 as the clock drifted towards half-time with the Sarsfields continuing to squander possession and chances at will. Then, out of nothing, a mishit Ruairi Cullen shot dropped into the hands of goal supremo Paddy Lenehan who turned his man and blasted the ball to the net to put the Sarsfields into an unlikely 1-2 to 0-3 lead on the brink of half-time with Davitts stunned to have conceded having repelled the bulk of the previous Sarsfields pressure with relative ease. They did manage to secure the final point of the half however to leave the game beautifully poised as the Sarsfields led by the slender margin of 1-2 to 0-4.
The second half saw a power shift as the visitors kicked on and landed the first two points of the half to move ahead. The Sarsfields continued to be the authors of their own misfortune it must be said as possession was frittered away on far too many occasions with veteran Colm Boyle at the heart of most of the visitors best play as he picked up oodles of possession and used it wisely at all times.
The South Mayo men kicked for home with a 1-1 blast in a matter of minutes with the goal the result of a defensive mix-up in the Sarsfields full back line as the home side continued to misfire at either end of the pitch.
The Sarsfields finally managed to end their scoring drought with a Jack Mahon free but they suffered another hammer blow from the next attack as they turned the ball over once again with Davitts getting the ball into the hands of their danger man Niall Tracey who arrowed a terrific shot high into the Sarsfields net to put the Daviits men firmly in control as they led 2-6 to 1-3 with fifteen elapsed on the clock.
The South Mayo men tagged on another point care of another carless Sarsfields turnover as the hosts looked doomed as they couldn’t get anything going in attack as the wides count reached double digits. The Sarsfields threw everything at it in the final ten minutes as finally the scoreboard started to reflect their efforts and endeavour. Points from Mahon, Ruairi Cullen, Paddy Goldrick, Fergal Quinn and Matt Lenehan reduced their deficit to a one score game as the visitors challenge started to wilt.
With the clock ticking down the Sarsfields fashioned a move of rare quality with Matt Lenehan powering through the middle and unleashing a daisy cutter of a shot that rebounded off the post with his brother Paddy Joe Johnny on the spot to hammer the rebound to the net to rescue the Sarsfields at the death in game they looked to have no chance of winning five minutes previously Indeed the Sarsfields had one final, glorious chance to win it but they somehow contrived to screw it up despite having a four on two overload with the final shot going wide of the posts in much the same way as most of their other scoring efforts did on a poor night for shooting by those occupying the green and white jerseys.
Referee Ronan Guerrin sounded the final whistle from the resultant kick out as both teams were left to reflect on what might have been. The Sarsfields had good performances from the likes of Gerard McLoughlin, Ben Conway, Alan Woods, Matt Lenehan, scoring hero Paddy Lenehan who showed his poaching instincts once again, Ruairi Cullen and Fergal Quinn.
Congratulations and best wishes to well known postman Eugene Harrington, Hagfield, Charlestown, who retired recent from An Post after 36 years of dedicated and committed service as a postman. Eugene is a very popular and much respected member of the community who executed his duties in a very professional, courteous and friendly manner as he built up a great rapport with the many people he served and delivered to over the course of his distinguished time in the job. Eugene was a good time keeper and you could set your clock by him as he turned in for his day’s work punctually and ready to go so to speak. He always bore a smile and this endeared him to all in and out of the office as he was very popular on both sides of the divide. He had a keen sense of humour and had a mischievous sense of wit about him that would always lift the mood in the office which made him extremely popular with his work colleagues and constituents alike. Eugene spent most of his time in and around Killasser and Charlestown and he forged many great friendships and bonds through his work which he treasured and revered through his long association with An Post. Eugene brought a good work ethic to each and every day and went about his work in a cheery and good humoured manner which were his calling cards so to speak. The general public and his colleagues will miss his warm infectious smile as well as the many other qualities he brought to the work place and all within the community extend their very best wishes as he turns the page onto a new chapter in his life.
He can now devote all his energies to the farm where he is at his happiest. In recognition of his great service neighbours and friends have organised a social night in Garvey’s Dew Drop Inn on Saturday, May 11, to mark this auspicious occasion. There will be music and refreshments on the night and all are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team continued on their upward trajectory with a nail biting 3-12 to 3-11 victory over St Jarlath’s in the latest round of fixtures played in division two of the county U16 league recently. This was a scintillating contest from gun to tape with never more than a fingernail between the teams at all times. The Sarsfields went toe to toe with St Jarlath’s from the throw-in as the two attacks served up a scoring fest in both halves with made for a terrific spectacle. This team has goals in them with the prolific Danny Breheny once again on the mark as he bagged two with Cian Towey weighing in with one to keep the Sarsfields play-off hopes firmly on track with this victory leaving just one behind the table toppers St Jarlath's.
Charlestown Sarsfields junior team recorded a resounding 3-12 to 0-8 victory over Hollymount/Carramore in division 3 of the county junior league played at the Hollymount GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields were in total control from the off and were in charge in all the key areas of the pitch and never were remotely threatened by a disappointing home side who never really raised a gallop throughout.
The Sarsfields key man was Ciaran Honeyman who banged in 2-5 of the Sarsfields final tally and was the best player on the pitch with his eye for once again serving the green and white well as he executed very impressively on both occasions. Eoin Flannery was also good for the Sarsfields as was Gavin Honeyman and the wily Aidan Higgins who started his 30th season at senior level. A good start for the Sarsfields and one which sets them up nicely for the remainder of the season.
Tavneena secured their passage into the semi-finals of the 2024 Honour of the Village competition with a convincing 5-1 victory over Ballyglass in the remaining quarter-final, played before a packed auditorium at the splendidly appointed Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown recently.
Tavneena went onto the game as heavy favourites and weren’t the slightest bit fazed by a Ballyglass team who were attempting to upset the odds twice having dumped Lowpark out in the previous round. Ballyglass found the going tough however and were in a deep hole after being well beaten in the doubles which paved the way for the Tavneena success as they carried this form into the singles and never looked like relinquishing control to set up a fascinating semi-final clash with Curry (1) one of the form teams in the competition.
Tavneena skipper John Paul Doherty had his team well briefed on the Ballyglass strengths and weaknesses and he will be looking to do a similar job on their next opponents as the sense of anticipation starts to gather among the large darts fraternity within and outside the town. More details next week of the dates and times of the semi-finals as darts mania begins to take hold in and around Walsh’s Bar.
Jack Gallagher, son of Marty Gallagher Boston, USA and formerly of Bushfield, Charlestown, is making quite a name for himself in the all action sport that is Ice Hockey on both sides of the pond. He is currently plying his trade as a goalkeeper for the Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and quite the excellent one too by all accounts as his star continues to rise with each passing game and performance. His Irish connections have also seen him called up to the Irish Ice Hockey squad where he has made a huge impression on the Irish manager Aaron Gull and the his teammates with his skill, determination and desire to represent the country of his parents being a source of great pride and determination every time he pulls on that Irish singlet.
His dad Marty is well known in Charlestown Sarsfields GAA circles having represented the club at underage and adult level and was a player of immense potential and talent who, like many before him, found himself having to emigrate to Boston in the 1980s when unemployment was rife and job opportunities were few and far between. His son Jack has inherited his sporting prowess and created quite a stir on the rink with Ice Hockey one of the most popular and best supported sports in the USA, Canada and right across the North American plain. Jack is forging quite the reputation for himself with ice hockey being a very minority sport in Ireland as the country lacks the basic infrastructure and facilities particularly beyond the pale to allow the sport to grow and flourish and compete on an even playing field with all other sports such as hockey, GAA et al.
Jack also won a gold medal with the Irish Ice hockey team as they beat Portugal 5-1 in recent IHF development tournament which was a huge achievement for him personally and the team at large. He looks to have a great career ahead of him on the rink and his family and friends in the communities of Bushfield, Charlestown, and beyond extend their heartiest congratulations and look forward to many more successes coming his way in the months and years ahead.
Charlestown Sarsfields travel to Parke to take on the Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin selection in division 2 of the county U16 league on Thursday, May 9, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Castlebar to take on the Mitchels in round 2 of the county senior league on Saturday, May 11, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The death took place in Birmingham, England, recently of Michael Joseph (Joe) Durcan, formerly of Bunnacrannagh, Curry, Co Sligo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
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.
Salsa classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game for what President’s Prize night, the biggest night in the club’s year held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 1, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 3rd Hilary McCroahan and Carmel Moffitt, 4th James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 5th Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh, 6th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 7th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 8th Michael Dee and Tommie O’Malley, 9th Robert and Frances Healy, and 10th Noelle Spellman and Ruth Connor.
Tracey’s Lane is open. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a lovely 30 minute tranquil loop walk. Parking at Bushfield Church, Charlestown is advised. The lane is open but more work is still to be done, signage, lane entrance, finishing touches and future maintenance.
The Farrell family and the committee thank everyone who supported their fundraiser both online and through the medium of private donations. Without your help they would not have been able to make this beautiful tribute to Tracey possible.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, April 30, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Veronica McGoldrick and Teresa McIntyre; 2nd Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were James Cafferty, Joe Mahon and Ivan Maloney.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome especially new members.
The 4th annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, May 19, with plans already at an advanced stage for a run that continues to capture the imagination like no other within and outside the community. This year’s renewal promises to be the best yet with the Sarsfields GAA Club and East Mayo Athletic Club working in tandem to bring everything to fruition. Both clubs have done a terrific job advertising the run through their social media and digital pages with people flocking to sign up from all corners of the globe with the virtual option making great appeal to the diaspora as it allows people who can’t take part in the physical race to post their time from their various locations all over the world.
This year’s run has three options available to all who would competitors with the 5km, 10km and half-marathon all on the menu so to speak with the entries for each event attracting a wide range of athletes and casual runners and joggers from all walks of life. This is the beauty of the run with a high percentage of walkers and families also signing up to take part hence it promises to be a great day for the organisers, clubs and community of Charlestown as a whole as the man the event continues to moves minds and hearts like no other.
This year’s main sponsor is Brian Forkan Construction who were only too glad to come on board and offer their support which was greatly received and appreciated by the hard working and visionary committee. Honourable mention to local businesses Delaney’s Mace and Supermac’s who are also key players in the overall race sponsorship which the committee are delighted to acknowledge and recognise. Entry to the event is now open where you can register to take part either physically or virtually by visiting popupraces.ie/race/colm-horkan-memorial-run-2024/ or by logging on to the East Mayo Athletics Club and Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club Facebook pages where you can follow the link.
Entrants who sign up to take part will receive a custom designed t-shirt made from 100% recycled materials. Custom designed ¼ zip tops are also available for purchase and these are flying out the door as I speak such is the demand and interest. Family 5km entries are also available. The event is worthy of your support with all proceeds going towards the completion of the various stages of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway and East Mayo AC track development. More news in the coming weeks but for now hit that button and sign up and join the hundreds more who will make their way to the town to take part in an event of an outstanding man whose memory continues to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of so many who knew and admired him.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 29, and the following were the four numbers drawn ; 2, 4, 5 and 15. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Gary Maye, Mary Loftus and Bryan Feeley. The latest jackpot in the draw which was held last night, Monday, May 6, was €3,400.
Sarsfields Shamrocks regained their winning mojo with a hard fought 2-10 to 0-13, victory over Carras in a ding dong encounter played at the Garrymore GAA grounds recently. This was a big win for the twin Charlestown/Kilmovee management and keeps them firmly in contention for a play-off spot with games to come against Parke/Keelogues/ Crimlin and Davitts respectively. Well done to Martin Mulvaney, Gary Murphy, Brendan Horan et al who have kept the Sarsfields Shamrocks ship afloat after some narrow defeats with two closing wins leaving them in good shape to make league semi-finals.
Sympathy is extended to Angela Henry, Barrack Street, Charlestown, and Tommie Sweeney, Barnacogue, on the death of their sister Eileen McNichol (nee Sweeney), formerly of Barnacogue who died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA recently.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, April 28, as Boom Boom and The Egg squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus oozed authority in his role as match referee and kept both mean under check with some firm refereeing. The Egg galloped away with the first set but Boom Boom reined him in to win the next two as he discovered his radar when among the doubles. The Egg began the fourth set with his tail up as he took the first leg with a tidy bulls eye finish. This was as good as it got for the number eight seed however as Boom Boom hit the turbo button and reeled off three legs on the spin to put his opponent firmly in his place and clinch his third title of the season and gain ample compensation for his defeat in the final two weeks previously.
The Egg will be disappointed with his display as he only played in fits and spurts in contrast to Boom Boom who was metronomic throughout with this victory maintaining the pressure on the Duke in the number two slot who needs couple of big performances in the coming weeks to hold onto his second seeding. Lots of food for thought as they head into the summer season with plenty of points and prizes at stake in a competition that continues to thrill and entertain like no other!!
