Local Notes: Charlestown LGFA U16 team were crowned County U16A champions.
Charlestown LGFA U16 team, panel and management who were crowned county U16 A champions with a comprehensive victory over Hollymount recently.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €14,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 17, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 33, 34 and 35. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Stephen Durcan and Ciaran O’Connell (annual ticket). The winner of the bottle of Whiskey kindly sponsored by Delaney’s Mace was Sean Melody. The latest jackpot increased to €14,300 and the draw was held on Sunday night, November 24.
Health Quarter Plus Charlestown Sports Performance Fitness and Wellness Centre are currently hosting Healthy Aging classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am for people over 60. Resistance exercises helps reduce the effects of osteoporosis and scorpenia, improves balance, strength and cardiovascular fitness, help you move better and feel stronger with the emphasis very much on fun and engagement. For more information contact 085 8416420.
The death took place at the Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, recently of Thomas Horkan, Craggagh, Carracastle, Co. Mayo. His remains were removed to St James’ Church, Carracastle, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Derek, Thomas, Declan, Finbarr and Niall, daughter Colette, brothers Michael, John and Ambrose, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, partners, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. The late Thomas, who was pre-deceased by his parents Thomas and Winifred and sister Patsy, was a well known and respected member of the communities of Craggagh, Carracastle and beyond.
Tommy Joe, as he was affectionately known, was a character in the true sense of the word, who enjoyed life and got the best out of each and every day. He was renowned for his wit and humour and with a laugh and a smile always part and parcel of his daily actions and interactions. He was a good family man who forged a good bond with his wife Kathleen as together they made sure the family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. Tommy Joe was a passionate Mayo GAA supporter and travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting the red and green with his support never wavering and remaining steadfast through the good times and the bad. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial provided ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday, December 6 from 11am-1pm and all are welcome to come along. Lift access available.
Congratulations and well done to the East Mayo Athletics Club boys team who came 4th in the All-Ireland Evens Cross Country finals which took place in Fermanagh recently. This was an astounding achievement for this very talented bunch of young lads who ran with terrific courage and distinction as they more than held their own against the best athletes in the country. The lads ran with confidence and threw off the shackles and displayed the full range of their talents as they tore their way around the course to achieve a fantastic final finishing position. The team have some amazing talents with the Senan, Luke, Ted, Matt, Kalem and Frank all stellar athletes with wonderful futures in front of them as they continue to thrive and flourish in the cut throat competition that cross country running is. The lads did their club and families proud and they can look forward to a little rest over the coming few weeks as they reflect on a wonderful year which saw them reach some lofty heights in cross-country running.
St. Joseph’s Community College Charlestown pick up Mayo People of the Year Award.
Last November, the students of St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, and their history teacher Ann Leydon, together with the Mayo Genealogy Group published ‘The Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo 1918-1923’ . Using the recently unveiled records of Military Archives and working with family members, the publication identified over thirty (30) local women who had played a prominent part in the War of Independence and The Civil War 1918-1923. The initial project by the school covering just Charlestown led them to looking at East Mayo which led to the publication of the booklet.
With the help of the Mayo Genealogy Group members Seamus Bermingham, Patricia Conway, Sean Leach, Martin Neary, Maura O’Connell, Dympna Joyce and Bernie Courtney their exhibition is touring the county. They have an upcoming presentation and exhibition in Ballyhaunis Community Hall on Saturday, November 30, at 8pm. All are welcome.
The students with their teacher Ann Leydon and the Mayo Genealogy Group were presented with the Rehab Connacht Telegraph Mayo People of the Year Award at an awards ceremony held in Breaffy House Hotel on Friday, November 15, for this project which was a terrific achievement and fully deserved as it is a wonderful project well worth checking out as it contains some fascinating information and findings that has resonated with many in the East Mayo, South Sligo region.
Final Acres Training Day for Acres Tranche 2 applicants will take place on Saturday, November 30, in Aclare, Co. Sligo. Call Siobhan on 087 9193371 to book your place.
Calling young people age 16-35 for an inspiring evening of prayer, praise and community at Bushfield Church this coming Thursday night, November 28 at 8pm. It is a special hour filled with uplifting music and provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with faith. Afterwards, stay a while for light refreshments and a chance to meet other young people in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Christmas Paint and Sip event takes place in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Friday, December 13 at 7pm. It is a perfect Christmas night out with mulled wine and Prosecco on arrival. Finger food followed by live music into the night. Get your friends together and book your tickets before they sell out. For more information check out Walsh's Public House Facebook Page and follow the link.
It was another busy week for the Cubs Basketball club with several teams in action at the various age grades. The U16 boys acquitted themselves very well in their latest outing against a strong and physical Castlebar side. The Charlestown lads gave as good as they got and were somewhat unlucky to come out on the wrong side of a tight scoreline as they pushed the home side all the way to the final hooter in what was a very enjoyable and exciting game of basketball. The lads can hold their heads high at the manner of their fine performance which augurs well for their remaining games in the league.
The week ahead sees several more teams in action in both genders and for more information on fixtures, opposition and times check out the splendid Cubs Facebook page which contains up to the minutes details of all matches and tip-off times.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club will be held in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday, November 29 at 8pm. Nomination papers for the various executive positions will be posted out to all club members in the coming days and weeks and you are asked to return the same to the club secretary on or before Wednesday, November 27, and your co-operation in this would be greatly appreciated. The club had another very successful year on and off the field the highlight of which was the opening of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway on Sunday, June 2 last. The club executive did a terrific job in their various roles and they will be providing comprehensive reports at the AGM and hopefully a large crowd will be in attendance to offer their support.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA club took place on Tuesday last, November 19, in the Arts Centre and there was a nice crowd in attendance as the club reflected on another busy and successful year on and off the field. The following officers were elected for the coming year; Chairperson - David Kivlehan; Asst. Chairperson(s) - Siobhan Doherty, Richella Murphy; Secretary - Gemma Higgins; Asst. Secretary TBC; Treasurer - Susan Gallagher; Asst. Treasurer - Trina Donohue; Registrar - Patricia Cassidy; Asst. Registrar -Amanda Healy; Children`s Officer - Claire Gibson; Asst. Children`s Officer - Sinead Harkin; PRO - Caroline Tiernan; Asst. PRO - Ella Brennan / Deirdre Doherty; BNO Liaison Officer - Laura Hegarty; County Board Delegates - Heather Johnson, Serena Horkan, Cailin Durkan; Fundraising Officer(s) TBC.
The club had a very successful year with the senior ladies team holding onto their senior status and competing well in the ultra-competitive senior championship. They won the senior shield, defeating Kilmovee Shamrocks comfortably in the final and had a good campaign in the main with several younger players being blooded onto the senior panel and getting some valuable big game experience.
The club continues to make great strides at underage level with pride of place going to the U16 team who completed the league and championship double in some style as they blew away their opposition with some memorable performances. The minor ladies also enjoyed a great year winning the shield final in their respective grade with other teams also contending well and delivering some big performances at the various grades they were pitted in.
The club have some top class coaches in their ranks, all of whom are providing quality training in terms of coaching and skill development with their dedication and commitment being lauded by all at the top table and club members who were fulsome in their praise of the standard of coaching all players receive at the various grades and levels of competition.
Special mention to the executive who continue to put the club first in all their dealings with the chairperson, secretary and treasurer respectively presenting very detailed and comprehensive reports which were roundly applauded and hailed by all present. The club have some excellent volunteers in their ranks with a real interest in developing all facets of the club with the club’s finances on a sound financial footing thanks to some targeted fundraising which keeps the club afloat and allows them to equip their teams with the best in terms of gear and equipment.
Special mention for the many players in the club who represented the county at underage and adult level which was a proud achievement for the club and their families and is due recognition for the work being done at coaching and underage level that got them to where they are in terms of competing with and beating the best teams in Connacht and beyond.
Tributes were paid to all outgoing officers who were thanked for their unceasing commitment and support while all new incoming officers were wished well in their support and would receive as much assistance and help to settle in and get accustomed to their new roles.
The club have much to proud of as they continue to grow and establish the Sarsfields brand and make the club one of the best and most progressive in ladies football in Mayo with lots to look forward to in 2025 as they strive to emulate and improve on all that was achieved in 2024.
Newly designed Game Ready Gear Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club merchandise is arriving soon along with some old favourites like branded/crested hoodies shorts, socks, gloves beanie hats, etc. To avoid disappointment call into John in Casey`s Expert Hardware to place your pre-Christmas order now. Gear is also available for the underage wing of the club (Bord na n-Og) Charlestown LGFA and Charlestown Cubs Basketball Club also.
Following on from their recent very successful and well supported 5km series, the East Mayo Athletics Club have launched their “Countdown to Christmas Challenge”, a 5k challenge which is making a welcome return to the club roster albeit under a new guise and format. It consists of four (4) teams running or walking 3 x 5k`s between Monday and Sunday, in your own time and location and whichever team completes the most runs wins the challenge. This is a very popular challenge and the team leaders will be virtually encouraging you and your team all the way as you strive to complete the challenge and get the runs on the board so to speak.
All the details regarding entry are available on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook where you simply click on the link to enter and access all the details. The event started on Monday, November 4 and finishes on Sunday, December 15. The challenge should appeal to all ages and generations with a €20 entry fee per person any time /anywhere. Sign up now or better still form a team and pit your wits and talents against others and see how you fare out. Again all details to be had on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page.
There was an excellent turnout for the Bridge Club`s first prize night of the season when the ‘Margaret Ginty Memorial Trophy’ was played for in Walsh`s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, November 13 at 8pm. A very competitive game ensued and Margaret’s brother and sister Michael Battle and Anne Crowley were on hand to present the trophy to the winning pair and the following were the prize winners: 1st Michael and Patricia Brennan, 2nd Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 4th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 5th Teresa Ward and Mary O`Malley, 6th Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, November 19, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Mary and Michael Lynskey. Raffle winners were Joe Mahon, Teresa McIntyre and Breege Leonard.
The Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, December 1, from 10am-2pm. If you would like to have a table on the day contact 085 7704647 to confirm your place and for more information.
Well done to Charlestown Sarsfields sharp shooter Paul Towey who has been nominated for a Mayo Club Stars Award at the Club Stars Banquet which takes place in the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport on Friday night, December 13. Paul’s nomination is due recognition for another excellent year in the Sarsfields colours with his scoring exploits, consistency and stellar displays in the green and white shining through in each and every game he played. He was, once again, the Sarsfields leading scorer in the championship, amassing a whopping 2-21 in four championship games with his pinpoint accuracy from frees and play providing the Sarsfields with a real and genuine scoring threat as he once again underlined his class and brilliance in front of the posts. Paul is much more than a scorer however with his distribution skills and eye for a pass, courage and bravery making him one of the best and most consistent club forwards in the county as he continues to press his claims for a starting place on the Mayo senior team with his abilities being used very sparingly in recent times despite some standout scoring hauls for the Sarsfields in both league and championship. His nomination in the forward line is well deserved and he must surely be in with a great shot of making the overall team with his claims and scoring displays very hard to ignore as he remains the Sarsfields best and most consistent attacker since he first broke into the senior team some six years ago. All in the Sarsfields club have their fingers crossed that he might win a first club stars award with a large gathering family supporters, teammates expected to attend in support of a quality player and top class club man.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3900 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, November 18, and the four numbers drawn were; 2, 21, 22, and 28. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Linda Howley, Susan Cooke and Patricia Gilmartin. The latest jackpot increased to €4,000 and the draw took place on Monday night, November 25.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club are to receive ‘The Club of the Community Award’ at the Mayo Club All Stars Night at a banquet occasion to be held in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, on Friday, December 13. The award recognises the positive impact of the GAA club in the community and is testament to the outstanding work in the development and completion of the magnificent new Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway in memory of the late Colm who was such an integral part of both the club and the community. The vision and ambition the club executive and members displayed to get the project across the line cannot be praised highly enough with the facility a lasting legacy for the next generation of Sarsfields players, members, supporters and general public who have derived great use out of the facility with the pitch and walkway a hive of activity with the walkway proving particularly popular with walkers, joggers and appealing to all ages across a broad spectrum of ages. There will be a large crowd of Sarsfields supporters and members present on the night to commemorate the occasion and we look forward to a grand night of fun, chat and laughter tinged with a little emotion as Colm’s memory continues to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all Charlestown Sarsfields supporters and the community in general.
Music Circle 24 with John and Isabela Basombrio Hoban takes place at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, December 2, from 7-8.30pm. Free admission and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, November 17, as The Duke and The Gripper squared off in another tasty episode of the weekly classic. With Gus in action at the ochie it was left to Boom Boom to take on the role of referee and this he did with ease as he ensured both men towed the line and ensured all rules and regulations applied. The Duke, looking to secure his eighth title of the season, made the better start as he galloped away with the first set thanks to some heavy scoring and impressive finishing. Things didn’t improve much for Gus in set two as The Duke continued to set the pace and he doubled his lead with a treble eighteen, double sixteen blast in the fourth leg easing him into a two set lead. Things were looking grim for the red one as the third set got underway as he knew he needed to stem the tide or else he was facing a 3-0 whitewash. Credit to him, he found some form as he won the opening two legs with some tidy scoring and rapier like finishing. The Duke’s level tapered off in the third set which allowed Gus to find his feet but the number two seed wasn’t long in re-establishing his dominance as he blasted his way back into the set winning the next two legs with some clinical doubles to set up a fifth and final leg decider. Gus held the advantage initially as the fifth leg played out but a couple of 140s brought the Duke right back into contention as both men reached the double simultaneously. Gus had first go at the double but blew two glorious chances to take the game into a fourth set as he failed to hit double top with the leg at his mercy. The Duke made him pay however as he stepped forward with double eighteen left on his ledger and three darts in his hand with which to take it out. He needed only one as his first dart caught the corner of the green baize to set off wild scenes of celebration as The Duke gave his trade mark one handed salute to his large and loyal fan base. Gus could only manage a wry smile as he offered his hand in congratulations with the Duke happy to take the plaudits as he claimed his eighth title of the season.
