Local Notes: Charlestown ladies storm to league title
The Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies team and panel who captured the Division 2 League Final with a resounding victory over Swinford/Killasser.
Charlestown Sarsfields ladies stormed to victory in the Division 2 League Final with a resounding 4-19 to 2-7 victory over near-neighbours Swinford/Killasser at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan recently.
The Sarsfields ladies were very much on it from the throw-in and had their opponents on the back foot early doors with a flurry of scores in the opening quarter getting them off to a flier so to speak as Swinford/Killasser struggled to cope with the slickness and guile of a very good and fluent Sarsfields forward line.
The Sarsfields were clinical in the way they went about their business with Deirdre Doherty very much the pivot around which the whole forward line revolved as she threatened danger every time she received the ball and was a menace to an overworked and overrun Swinford /Killasser defence from the get-go.
The Sarsfields continued to tag on the scores and were very much in control at the first whistle as Swinford/Killasser were left with a mountain to climb as both teams made their way to the dressing rooms with markedly different emotions doing the rounds.
The second half brought little in terms of respite for a beleaguered Swinford/Killasser as the Sarsfields continued to boss all the key metrics and never looked remotely like relinquishing control at any stage in the contest.
To their credit, Swinford/Killasser never chucked in the towel and continued to fight and scrap hard but the gap in class was obvious with the Sarsfields able to raise their level at any time in order to maintain the wide gap on the scoreboard.
The Sarsfields kept the scoreboard ticking over in their favour with Deirdre Doherty and Nicole McLoughlin bagging a brace of goals each to add to the many other point scorers in a super display from the girls in green as they look to bring this type of form into the senior championship which begins in a matter of weeks.
Each and every player stood tall as they dominated their opponents with the team looking in fine shape as they get ready to have a right tilt at the senior championship. Well done to the management team of Francis Mannion, Paul McNicholas and Sinead Halligan who have the ladies in great shape as they continue to get the best out of the talent available to them with the ladies extremely keen to improve on last year's showing with qualification from the group stages their number one aim as they look to mix and go toe to toe with the best teams at this elite level of competition.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €13,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, August 25th.
The numbers drawn were 7, 12, 29 and 32, and the winners of the two €50 weekly prizes were Maureen Lyons and Paul McHugh, Ballaghaderreen.
The jackpot last Sunday night increased to €13,100. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the town and are also available online via the club's Facebook page. The club would like to thank all who support the weekly lotto.
The death took place recently of Thomas J. Grady, Oakwood, Bohola and formerly of Brackloon, Charlestown.
His remains were removed to St James's Church, Charlestown and burial took place after Requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. He is survived by his sons TJ, Kieran, Arthur and Jack, daughter Miriam, sister Noreen son-in law, daughters-in law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
The late Tom, who was pre-deceased by his wife Irene, was a well known and prominent member of the business community of Charlestown for many years. He was the founder of Grady Joinery, which specialise in the manufacture and installing of windows and doors since 1979 and it was Tommy's vision and ambition and relentless energy which drove the business in its early years as it sought to grab a share in the market of a very competitive business environment.
Tommy put in long hours with his graft and hard work paying off in spades as the business morphed into a national and indeed global brand providing employment for well over 100 people and being the town's top employer.
Tommy was a man of foresight and intelligence with his passion for hard work serving him well as he forged great contacts in the business world with the Grady's brand among the finest in the country as they supply windows and doors to the national and international markets.
Tommy was proud of the way the business developed and handed over the reins in latter times to his four sons, all of whom have carried on the proud tradition of their father who never compromised on quality of product or workmanship.
Tommy was a humble man who knew the value of a good day's work for a good day's pay and enjoyed the cut and thrust of business, taking on all that life threw at him with typical determination and endeavour. He was also a good family many who took great pride in all their achievements and enjoyed the regular and daily interactions with them.
He enjoyed a game of cards and was quite the player by all accounts as he knew how to work a good hand when dealt the cards.
He brought great energy and passion to life and the large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held.
The townland of Brackloon and community of Charlestown has lost a giant in the true sense of the word but he leaves a lasting legacy which his family will cherish and hold dear in these deep, dark hours and days.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Sarsfields Shamrocks lost out to Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in harrowing fashion in the County Minor B Final with the West Mayo lads prevailing by the slender margin of a point on a 0-12 to 0-11 score line in an enthralling encounter played at Hastings MacHale Park recently.
The Charlestown/Kilmovee amalgamation left everything on the field of play in game that was played against the backdrop of a gale-force wind which wreaked havoc with the overall standard of play as both teams adopted a very defensive approach when faced with and against the elements respectively.
Sarsfields Shamrocks played with the significant advantage of the wind in the first half and went about their work methodically, kicking some good points from distance with ace marksman Peter Horan very much to the fore as he kicked some beauties from play and placed balls to give the East Mayo side a healthy looking first-half lead as they went into the interval 0-9 to 0-5 in front. Cian Towey and Paddy Joe Dunleavy were the other scorers in a competent Sarsfields Shamrocks opening half effort, albeit a four-point lead looked a tad skimpy considering the strengthening nature of the wind as it continued to howl with gathering force.
It was all hands to the pump for Sarsfields Shamrocks in the second half as they faced into a huge gale with the Black and Amber lads looking to reel in their East Mayo opponents.
Sarsfields Shamrocks held firm in the face of building pressure as ParkeKeelogues/Crimlin became increasingly frantic in a bid to reduce their deficit on the scoreboard. The East Mayo lads kept a tight defensive shape and pinned down some of the key danger men in the opposition ranks with tough no-nonsense tackling very much the order of the day. Peter Horan continued to make the scoreboard work in the Sarsfields Shamrocks favour as he clipped over two crucial scores in the final quarter to keep the lead to a two-score game with the Charlestown/Kilmovee amalgamation holding on with grim determination to a 0-11 to 0-7 advantage.
The expected Parke/Keeloges/Crimlin onslaught was slow in arriving as Sarsfields Shamrocks maintained a rigid and disciplined shape but they began to tire in the all-important final ten minutes as the Black and Amber finally got a grip on the game and started to dominate in all the key areas of the pitch.
The West Mayo lads finally got a handle on the gale that was behind them, kicking the last five points of the contest to turn a four-point deficit into a one-point lead with the final score arriving in the 62nd minute which left little or no time for a reply as the clock became the enemy.
The winning score was the first time Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin had led in the match, which only added to the rawness and pain of defeat for a Sarsfields Shamrocks team that collapsed to the turf when the final whistle sounded.
They can hold their heads high, however, as they did their utmost to get over the line and only got caught at the death by a resolute and dogged West Mayo side who never gave up the ghost despite looking down and out at several junctures in a tight and tense second half.
The likes of Liam Boyle, Tadhg Horkan and Paddy Joe Dunleavy were excellent in defence with Peter Horan the standout performer in attack as he accounted for 0-8 of the Sarsfields Shamrocks final tally. Cian Towey and Oisin Duffy tried hard in attack with Oran Frain toiling away with industry and endeavour in the middle of the park.
A special mention to the management team of Martin Mulvaney, Brendan Horan, Gary Murphy, Neil Sweeney, Michael Frain and Kieran Flatley who put in a huge effort with the squad from the beginning of the year and left no stone unturned in their bid to achieve success. They came very close and came out on the wrong side of a number of tight games with the bounce of the ball most definitely not going their way on several occasions. They can hold their heads high, however, safe in the knowledge they got the very best out of the talent available to them and deserve great credit for assembling a team that did both clubs proud throughout the season.
Huge congratulations are extended to Mary Durkan who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, August 22nd, which is a unique and magnificent achievement.
Mary hails from Swinford but spent much of her working life in England. She worked with Fortnum and Mason amongst other employers and they sent her a card and gift to mark the occasion which indicates how valued she was as an employee.
Mary was delighted to receive her honorary letter and gift from President Michael D Higgins now that she has joined that very select and special centenarian club.
Mary had a wonderful day of celebrations in St Attracta`s Residence, which commenced with mass celebrated by Fr Tommy Johnson P.P. Charlestown. Sincere thanks to Fr Tommy for such a lovely mass. A number of staff participated in the mass which enhanced the occasion.
Mass was followed by a beautiful lunch which was followed by music and dancing. Music was provided by Nuala and was greatly enjoyed by all present with lots of dancing, fun and a few drinks on offer and available to wash down the delicious and delightful birthday cake to commemorate this splendid occasion.
Massive congratulations to Mary from all her friends at St. Attracta's Residence.
Charlestown received some good news last week with the announcement that it had been allocated €47,500 under the Government's Town Centre First Scheme.
This scheme focuses on providing finance for local community projects and locals were very happy to hear the news as it gives the community a chance to redevelop a building acquired through the Building Acquisition Measure for community use.
The grant will cover feasibility studies, design drawings, planning, fire and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) certification and all the necessary compliance documentation.
The money will be a huge boost in the regeneration and development of the designated building which will improve the facade of the town and provide a workspace for people to work remotely and improve and create a better work-life balance for those who will participate and use the new facilities the building intends to provide.
Minister of State Alan Dillon explained that the scheme aims to address the issues of dereliction and vacant properties in Mayo with Charlestown being one of the better towns in this regard with the number of derelict properties having fallen significantly in recent times.
It's a good news story for the town and community as it represents another step in revitalising small rural towns as well as encouraging and promoting growth and development in rural Ireland. We will match this space with interest and welcome this finance with open arms as the town continues to evolve and put its best foot forward.
Charlestown Drama Group is planning an upcoming production before Christmas and is looking for people to help out with lighting, stage sets, props, make-up, wardrobe and roles in the production. Meetings will be held in the coming weeks in the Town Hall Arts Centre and all are welcome to attend.
Senior Strength and Conditioning Classes are held at Carrcastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving char-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086-3879635.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday last, August 21st, and the following were the prize winners: 1st, Assumpta Kelly and Eileen O'Connor; 2nd, Tommy Banks and George Brennan; 3rd, Michael and Patricia Brennan; 4th, Frances and Robert Healy; 5th, Carmel Moffitt and Mary O'Connell.
The weekly game takes place every Wednesday night in Walsh's Bar at 8pm and all are welcome.
The death took place in Bolton, England recently of Rosemary Flannery, daughter of Eileen and the late Andy Flannery, formerly of Gowel, Carracastle.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, August 27th, and the following were the prize winners: 1st, Breege and Darby Leonard; 2nd, Kevin Maloney and Phillip Groarke.
The raffle winners were James Reidy, Pearse Henry and Paul Flannery.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn and all are welcome with new members especially welcome.
Ireland West Airport Runway 5k
Ireland West Airport's Runway 5k takes place on Saturday, September 14th, at 6.30pm.
All proceeds will go towards the airport's six charity partners for 2024 – ACT for Meningitis, BUMBLEance, Down Syndrome Ireland (Mayo branch), Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue and Western Care Association.
Entry to the event costs €20 per adult and €5 for under-16s. A special family rate of €40 will be available for families of two adults and two children. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and free car parking will be provided on the day. Participants can register or find more information by visiting www.irelandwestairport.com.
Well done to Sarsfields Under-14 boys team who routed Belmullet in the U14 Development Team Championship recently.
The Sarsfields came through on the whopping score line of 8-12 to 1-2 with the victory all the more commendable as they had to make the long trek to Tallagh, the splendid home of the Belmullet GAA Club.
The Sarsfields were clinical in everything they did and had the game sewn up long before the final whistle. A mightily impressive performance from this promising young group of lads as they continue to progress and develop as they get better with each and every game they play together.
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 needed. Further information from Monica Morley at 094-9375320.
If anyone would like to get involved with the Charlestown Cubs for the coming season in a coaching role or otherwise, an Intro to Coaching Basketball Course, which is a one-day course, takes place in the Lakeside Sports and Fitness Centre, Station Road, Ballinrobe (F31 YT18) on Saturday or Sunday, September 14th or 15th.
For more information, check the Charlestown Cubs page on Facebook or email Ballinrobebasketballclub@gmail.com.
This would be a great starting point for anybody wishing to pursue an interest in getting involved in coaching with the club as the numbers the club is catering for continue to grow at a phenomenal rate, hence the need for more coaches to accommodate more players and new teams. The cost of the course is reimbursed by the club.
The Cubs would love more people to join them as they look to build on the terrific successes they have enjoyed in the last three years or so.
Mayo-Roscommon Hospice is looking for people to host a coffee morning/evening with family, friends or work colleagues on National Coffee Morning for Hospice, which this year takes place on Thursday, September 26th, or on another more suitable date.
Please register for a free pack online at www.hospice.ie or email info@hospice.ie or call 094-9388666. Donations are welcome online at www.hospice.ie . Your support would be greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Jo Ganley at the above number.
There was no winner of the jackpot of €2,700 in the Curry GAA Lotto on Monday night, August 26th, when the four numbers drawn were 12, 25, 27 and 28.
The winners of €20 weekly prizes were Carmel Marren, Jean Walsh and Rory Gleeson.
The jackpot increased to €2,800 for last night's draw. Tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the club's social media pages.
Charlestown Bellaghy and Districts Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, September 6th, from 11am to 1pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown. Lift access is available.
All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat!
The local branch of the Legion of Mary meet every Tuesday evening in the Charlestown Pastoral Centre at 8pm. All are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, August 25th, as the Duke and the Egg squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic.
Governor Gus exuded authority in his role as match referee, ensuring both men towed the line at all times.
The Duke began the match in whirlwind fashion as he surged into a two-set lead on the back of some magnificent throwing as he hit every treble and double with unerring-like accuracy. The Egg was reduced to the role of mere spectator in those first two sets as he just couldn't match the level and standard of his opponent who was in the zone very much from the off.
The third set was a much more even contest as the Egg finally found some semblance of form and served it up to the number two seed at the very least with the scores tied at two legs apiece with the Egg having the advantage of the darts in the fifth and deciding version. He began well firing in a 140 but the Duke went one better as he banged in a maximum to bring the crowd to their feet as the noise levels reached apogee levels.
The Duke backed up his maximum with two-ton plus scores which broke the Egg as he just couldn't summon a big enough score to maintain the pressure on the number two seed. Consequently, the Duke won the race to the double comfortably which left him with six darts at double top with the Egg toiling in the high 100s. The Duke needed only two as his second dart lanced the heart of the double-top bed to set off wild scenes of celebration as the crowd rose as one to acknowledge another terrific performance from the second seed.
The Duke celebrated in typical swashbuckling style as he stepped onto the podium to claim his eighth title of the season with the Egg most sporting and gracious in defeat with both men sharing a couple of bottles as they retired to a quiet corner for some reflective chat and conversation.
