Local Notes: Charlestown 'Pink Ribbon' fundraiser present cheque to National Breast Cancer Research Institute
Attending the cheque presentation of €12,300 to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute raised from the Charlestown ‘Pink Ribbon’ fundraiser held at Walsh’s Bar, Charlestown for the charity were; Grainne Kivlehan, Trina Donohue, Patrick Casey Operations Manager National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Martina Cullen and Fiona Casey.
The Pink Ribbon fundraiser held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on February 17, last was a resounding success with all proceeds raised going towards Breast Cancer Research. Huge crowds thronged to Walsh’s Bar for what was a terrific night with the whooping sum of €12,300 raised which was a magnificent achievement with full credit due to the organising committee spearheaded by Grainne Kilehan Marren, Trina Donohue, Martina Cullen and Fiona Casey in tandem with Patrick Casey, Operations Manager of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute of Galway, The committee were thrilled with the positive response the event garnered and generated and were humbled by the actions and reactions of people which manifested itself in many different forms as prizes, money, time and goodwill were proffered in all kinds of sizes and amounts. The committee want to extend their sincere thanks to the many people who made the event possible with special mention to all those who came on the night, bought entry and raffle tickets. Sincere thanks also to the raffle prize sponsors, the auction prize donors, the prosecco donors, the raffle ticket dream team of Ethel, Cliona, Erin and Lucy and everyone who helped out on the night. Thanks to the staff of Walsh’s Public House and Casey’s Stores who facilitated the ticket sales in what was one of the best nights held in the town in many a long year.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 24, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1,15, 24 and 27. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Declan Casey and Caitriona Harrington. The latest jackpot was increased to €10,900 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 31.
Charlestown Sarsfields qualified for the final of the 2023 County Cup by virtue of their 0-10 to 1-5 victory over reigning county champions Ballina Stephenites in a re-scheduled 2023 county cup semi-final played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, recently. In what was the Sarsfields first competitive outing of the season, they dug in from the throw-in and eked out a win that did much to their spirit, tenacity and resilience as it did to their skill and ability as they saw the game out to the finish and managed to put the shackles on a Stephenites forward unit that failed to capitalise on the advantage of a significant breeze they had at their backs in the second half.
The game was played with a significant breeze in play with the Sarsfields electing to play with the elements having won the toss. They were composed and methodical in their build-up and got the game’s opening score when Paddy Goldrick arrowed over a fine point to give the green and white just the fillip they needed. Points from Paddy Lenehan and Jack Mahon hinted at better things to come but the Stephenites hit back with two good points from their ace score getter Evan Regan as the Sarsfields were left to rue some missed chances and wayward shooting.
The Sarsfields continued to push forward at every opportunity but their profligacy in front of the posts spoiled some good approach play with two further points from Kiefer Craig and Alan Woods leaving them with a narrow 0-6 to 0-4 lead at the interval which looked slender enough considering the strength of the wind they were going to face on the turnaround.
Ballina looked to hold all aces as they began the second half with a strong wind aiding and abetting their challenge. Things never quite materialised as the Stephenites might have expected as the home side were in no mood to roll over.
What transpired was a real grapple for supremacy which the Stephenites looked to have won when they hit 1-1 in a matter of minutes midway through the second half to hit the front for the first time in the match as the Sarsfields challenge looked to have blown itself out.
The Sarsfields, stung by the concession of the goal, hit back with a good point from Paddy Goldrick to keep their challenge relevant as the expected Stephenites onslaught floundered as the Sarsfields redoubled their efforts in every line of the pitch and even had the temerity to regain the lead with Paddy Lenehan cracking over an excellent point to deal real body blow to the Stephenites hopes of cruising to victory.
Their over reliance on Evan Regan upfront provide their undoing perhaps as dangerous and all as he was while in possession the Sarsfields managed to curb his influence for the most part which proved pivotal to the overall outcome as the Sarsfields held on for dear life and managed to close out the game with a Jack Mahon free in the dying embers sealing a good victory for the Sarsfields and one that owed much to their belligerence and indomitable spirit as they got their season off to the best possible start which augurs well for the weeks and months ahead as the games come thick and fast in the next number of weeks.
The Sarsfields had good performances all over the pitch with Gerard McLoughlin, Ben Conway, Jack Corley and Alan Woods outstanding in defence ably assisted by Enda McLoughlin Niall Drudy and Patrick Walsh in goal.
Gareth O’Donnell and Jack Mahon shaded the midfield battle and were solid and consistent over the course of the hour plus while in attack Paddy Lenehan was a real handful throughout and got good support from Ruairi Cullen, Paddy Goldrick and Kiefer Craig with Shane Gallagher and Mike Marren chipping in with useful contributions also. Tom Holton, Eoin Flannery, Niall Towey also enjoyed some good moments when introduced at different stages of the second half. A good start to the season for the Sarsfields and one they will be looking to build on in the coming weeks and months as the games come thick and fast.
Charlestown Athletic FC are hosting a soccer camp from April 2-5 (inclusive) from 10am -2pm which will be run by well known former Sligo Rovers Star Raf Creatoro. For more information click on the Charlestown Athletic FC Facebook Page or alternatively log onto www.charlestown.ie and follow the link. 1st child €60 with additional siblings €50 each.
Hatha Yoga takes place on Tuesday nights at Carracastle Community Centre from 7.30pm-8.30pm (classes may run over a few minutes). Remember the five for €50 deal is valid for eight weeks starting from the first class. This means you can skip a few weeks within that time frame, if you need to! Alternatively you can just drop-in for €12 per class.
Well done to the Charlestown girls U16 team who captured the Mayo division one league title with a fantastic 43-37 victory over Kiltimagh in an exciting final decider played at the De La Salle Basketball venue, Castlebar recently. This was a wonderful victory for the Charlestown girls as they saw off a tough challenge from a gutsy Kiltimagh side who pushed the Charlestown ladies all the way before eventually succumbing to a classy Charlestown team who found the necessary inspiration in the final quarter to score the crucial final few baskets and clinch the title in marvellous style. The seeds of this victory were sown in the team’s work ethic, spirit and tenacity as they dug deep for each other and stayed strong in the face of a persistent and dogged Kiltimagh challenge which never went away.
There were great scenes of jubilation when the final hooter sounded as the Charlestown team, squad and management celebrated in unison with the Charlestown ladies now qualifying for the All-Ireland Club Championship where they will represent Mayo which is a magnificent achievement for the girls and all associated with the Cubs Basketball club as they look forward to pitting their wits against the best teams in the country. Well done to the coaching team of Sarah Duffy, Karena Finn and Philly Craig who have done a terrific job with the team from the start of the year as the girls have improved with each outing thus culminating in this outstanding triumph. We wish the team and coaching group all the very best in the upcoming All-Ireland Club Championship which will be an occasion to savour for all basketball fans, supporters and enthusiasts in the community.
Congratulations are extended to Sean and Niamh Quinn, Palmfield, Carracastle on the birth of a bouncing baby boy recently.
Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies team marked began their division 1 league campaign in the best possible fashion with a narrow 3-9 to 2-10 victory over Moy Davitts in round 1 played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
Conditions were benign for this clash between the two East Mayo neighbours and they served up a thrilling encounter with goals galore very much the dominant theme with the Sarsfields hitting three in reply to a brace from the visitors in a game that was lively and entertaining throughout and gave good value for money for all who came through the gate.
The Sarsfields manager Francis Mannion will be very happy with what he viewed as the ladies battled and scrapped hard for every ball and never let their heads drop when it looked like Moy Davitts were turning the screw in the second half.
Goals from Kellee Crean with two and Nicole McLoughlin gave the Sarsfields just the fillip they needed as they hung on grimly at the finish to carve out an excellent win which should fill their boots with confidence ahead of their next outing at home to Carnacon.
The Sarsfields/Shamrocks amalgamation travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday, April 2, with the throw-in timed for 6.45pm.
A pilgrimage will take place 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.
The free 8 week course of Bridge lessons for beginners (singles and pairs) continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.45 to 9.45pm in The May Queen, Tubbercurry. Refreshments are available on each night. For more information and to register interest call Francis 087 7541081, Ann 087 6474136, Mike 071 9181830.
Galvin 1:1 Holistic Health are excited to announce that they are adding to their Swinford based business and offering a Recovery Room with Recover to Perform. This will offer the recovery and health benefits of an InfraRed Sauna, Ice Bath and Normatec compression boots. It is aimed at sports recovery but it will also have enormous health benefits such as detox, weight loss and mental health overall well being.
This business will be available from early April . For more information contact Brian on 086 3265911.
Banada Abbey Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm. Play in the hall and online. The jackpot game for €2000 is on 41 calls or less. Game 5 is for €1000 on 40 calls or less. There is a total prizefund of €10,500 on offer with lots of surprises and additional ways to win in the hall. A new Game 11 has a separate Super Snowball jackpot only in the hall, and there is also a new €500 ‘Lucky Date’ prize.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, April 5, in the Town Hall, Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Charlestown U14 development team travel to Newport to take on Burrishoole on Saturday, April 6, in the division 7 of the county U14 league with the throw-in time scheduled for 11am.
Charlestown Sarsfields host near neighbours Ballaghaderreen in Fr O’Hara Park on Monday, April 8, in division 3 of the county U14 league with the throw-in timed for 6.45pm.
There was a good turnout for what was Easter prize night at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, March 27, and the following were the prize winners;1st Mary Lynsley and Tom Dunne, 2nd Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 3rd Michael and Patricia Brennan, 4th Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh shared with Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 6th Tommie O’Malley and Michael Dee, 7th Mary Conway and Margaret Kenny shared with Mae and Charles Quinn, 9th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 10th Ruth Connor and Noelle Spellman.
The death took place at the North West Hospice, Sligo, of Mary O’Donohue, Church Street, Charlestown. Her 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. Mary is survived by her daughters Sarah, Nora, Eliza and Marie-Therese, son Mark, brothers Seamus, Tony and Gerard, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Mary who was pre-deceased by her husband James, was a well known and prominent member of the local community. She was a good family woman who took a deep pride and interest in their health and well-being at all times. She, together with her late husband James, ran the old Allfresh Bakery for many years, providing gainful employment to many within and outside the community as they supplied bread and confectionery products to all corners of the country. Mary and James worked long hours in the bakery and did their best by their employees at all times. They were also big supporters of Ireland West Airport when it was first mooted back in the early 1980’s and worked tirelessly and fundraised considerably to make it happen with their efforts playing a key part in its eventual construction and foundation.
Mary was a lady of many interests and passions and was heavily involved in the local community organic garden and dedicated lots of time and hours helping the committee in the maintenance and upkeep of the same. The large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and respect in which she was held. She leaves many good memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to in these deep, dark hours and day and 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, March 26, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Joe Mahon and Vincent Brennan; 2nd Mary O’Hara and Colm Gallagher. Raffle winners were Vera Scally, Darby Leonard and James Cafferty. 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.
To honour the memory of three card playing legends Packie-Joe Kennedy, Gerry Coleman and Raymie Morrisroe, who sadly have departed to that great house in sky a 25 card game (doubles) will take place in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Friday, April 5 at 8.30pm. The total cash prize of €500 is on offer. All proceeds from the game will go towards the North West Hospice. Admission €10.
Well done to the Caiseal Gaels duo of Matthew Connor and Killian Gallagher who have been included in the Mayo U20 hurling panel for 2024. It is a double honour for Matthew as he is also being selected as captain of the side which is a special achievement and one which indicates his growing stature and standing in the game as he continues to impress and go from strength to strength with each and every appearance for both club and county as he’s also part of the all conquering Mayo senior hurling panel who have swept before and behind them in the recent Division 3 National Hurling League. Matthew and Killian are wished well in the green and red with both lads key members of the Caiseal Gaels hurling club and excellent role models to boot.
Charlestown Sarsfields, competing in division 2 of the county U16 league, travel to Mayo Abbey to take on Mayo Gaels on Thursday, April 11, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Congratulations are extended to Caoimhe Cassidy, daughter of Tommy and Anne Cassidy, Chicago , USA on her recent marriage to Shane Keenan, son of Barry and Annette Keenan, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon, which took place in Chicago, USA recently. Caoimhe and Shane every are wished good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Congratulations and best wishes to Michael McDonnell, Bracklagh, Charlestown, who celebrated his retirement from the Department of Agriculture recently with a party for family and friends in Willie’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown. Michael was the consummate professional and brought a great work ethic to the role and treated the general public with the utmost respect and integrity in all his dealings with them. There was a good turnout of current and former colleagues as well as friends and neighbours which made for a lovely night. Presentations were made to Michael from his work colleagues in recognition of his outstanding service to the department which spanned the best part of forty years and more.
The host Wille Garvey put up a lovely spread of refreshments with plenty to go round for all that were in attendance with Michael’s family, wife Kathleen, son Francis and daughter Maria also present as Michael brought the curtain down on a distinguished career with the department where he will be fondly remembered by all who worked and served with him. The music was provided by Tony Marren on the night and he entertained everybody with a lovely medley of tunes and songs that catered for all tastes and choices. We wish Michael many more years of good health and happiness as he gets ready to turn on to a new page and chapter in his life.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2800 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 3, 13 and 25. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Edward Colleran, John Jennings and Bernie Harte.
Foster Carers are urgently needed in Co Mayo to open their hearts and homes to children in foster care. If you are interested and would like more information, visit the website www.orchardfostering.ie or call 01 6275713.
Junior Cycle Irish Oral revision course suitable for 2nd and 3rd year students will take place in the Hilary Room, Banada Abbey, on April 4. For further information and to book a place, contact Siobhan at 087 6151581.
The Sarsfields U14 development team drew with their Ballintubber counterparts in round one of the development league played at the Ballintubber GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields goal scorers were Sean Cassidy and Cian Haran with a Ballintubber defender inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net. Their next outing is home to Balla in Fr O’Hara Park on Saturday, March 30, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, March 24, as Boom Boom and The Pillock squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his imperious best to maintain law and order as things got heated on occasions but the Gus man seldom gets ruffled and handled things impeccably. Boom Boom made the better start and raced into a one set lead courtesy of some stellar finishing. He took the second set as well to deepen the glum look on his opponent`s face as the Pillock struggled to get anything going when among the doubles. The third set saw a shift as the Pillock got motoring and he grabbed the set with a tonic 136 finish in the fourth leg as his supporters finally had something to cheer about. The fourth set was a turgid affair as both men lost their way with tempers becoming frayed on numerous occasions. Boom Boom had enough about his however to edge two legs to one in front as he was one leg away from inflicting further pain on the Pillock who had yet to register a victory in finals in 2024 and this looked like another that was drifting away from him as Boom Boom stepped forward in control of his own destiny so to speak. He made no mistake as he regained the form of the first two sets to blast his way to victory with his final dart nestling in the corner of the double eighteen bed to clinch victory and send his large support base into raptures into of delight as Boom Boom clinched his third tile of 2024. The Pillock cut a forlorn figure at the finish but he quickly got over his disappointment with the two me sharing a warm embrace away from the ochie.
