Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields are crowned East Mayo U14A champions.
Charlestown U14 East Mayo A champions team, panel and management following their victory over Aghamore in the final.
Charlestown Sarsfields captured the East Mayo U14 A title for the second year in a row with a workmanlike 6-11 to 3-14 victory over Aghamore in an interesting encounter played at the Robert McCallion GAA Grounds, Swinford recently. The Sarsfields, while not at their best, found a way to win in the face of a stiff and persistent challenge presented by a very good and talented Aghamore side who posed plenty of problems for the Sarsfields over the course of the hour.
The Sarsfields got off to the best possible start with an early goal from MJ Donohue who rifled his shot to the roof of the net to settle the green and white as they had started rather nervously and misplaced several passes and dropped a few shots into the Aghamore keeper’s hands. Aghamore signalled their intent with a 1-2 blast in a matter of minutes as the Sarsfields were rocked back on their heels but they responded in the fashion of a very good team with fine goals from Alex Pugaciov and Daithi Gethins the culmination of some excellent build-up play as the Sarsfields attack moved with real intent and had a clinical edge about them that Aghamore could never really get to grips with.
That said, the Sarsfields needed that goal threat as Aghamore had a doggedness about them that kept them in the game as they swung over a couple of terrific points which maintained their challenge and kept them on the Sarsfields coattails at all times. The green and white’s ability to score goals masked their flaws further back the pitch with further green flags being raised by Luke McDermott and Alex Piogaciov keeping the red and white Aghamore lads at bay as the Sarsfields forward line gave an exhibition in finishing with their penchant for scoring goals proving pivotal to the final outcome.
Alex Pugaciov completed his hat-trick with another textbook finish to leave the Sarsfields sitting pretty on a 6-3 to 1-10 half-time lead which, truth to tell, reflected a little harshly on Aghamore as they gave as good as they got and kicked some fine long range points to boot.
The Sarsfields struggled in the early second half exchanges as shots were miscued or dropped short which sapped their confidence levels somewhat as Aghamore were revitalised and hit the first three points of the second half to haul themselves right back into the contest. Their challenge got real momentum when they goaled five minutes in to reduce their deficit to four with the Sarsfields reeling as they couldn’t get anything going in the middle third and found themselves hemmed into their own half.
The Aghamore bandwagon kept on rolling as they continued to knock on the door and their efforts were rewarded when they were awarded a penalty following an infringement by a Sarsfields defender. The kick was brilliantly saved by Sarsfields keeper Jack Brennan who dived full length to divert it onto the post and this marked a real turning point in the contest as the green and white lads, fuelled by the let off, finally awoke from their slumber, and got their first points of the match care of good scores from Luke McDermott and Daithi Gethins which steadied the ship and edge them five back in front once again.
Further strikes from Senan Tiernan, McDermott and Conor Breheny gave the Sarsfields the cushion to kick on as they took the game away from their opponents with some tidy finishing with a brace of splendid points from Freddie Doherty sealing a wonderful performance from him personally as they green and white lads surged to the finishing line despite conceding a third goal which was nothing if not deserved for a gallant Aghamore side who invested everything they had in their pursuit of victory. That they came up short was no reflection of their overall effort as they were brave and courageous throughout and never took a backward step at any stage with the Sarsfields clinicalness in front of goal their undoing.
For the Sarsfields it was a case of job done as they did what they needed to do to secure the victory. They were far from their best and treaded water on a number of occasions but when the game was there to be won they had the personnel in the key areas of the pitch who delivered when the need was greatest.
Keeper Jack Brennan’s superb penalty save marked a real turning point and he was terrific in goals and kept the Sarsfields in it with some supreme handling. The full back line of Conor Davern, Mikey Larkin and Dylan Healy were solid and impressive throughout with Ross Duffy, Michael Haran and Ted Munnelly in the half back line clearing their lines with efficiency with Munnelly in particular leading the way in this regard. The midfield duo of Daithi Gethins and Senan Tiernan had a great battle with their immediate opponents and shaded it with both lads thundering into the game at key moments in both halves. In attack Alex Pugacio took the scoring honours with a personal haul of 3-2 completing a fine evening’s work for the young tyro while Freddie Doherty and Luke McDermott were terrific all through securing ball under all kinds of pressure in their respective corners and chipping in with some crucial scores at a time when the Sarsfields were struggling to move the scoreboard.
Conor Breheny, MJ Donohue, Rian O’Connor also made their presence felt and enjoyed some good moments with the remainder of the panel made up of Callum Kenny, Tadgh Drury, Joe Irwin, Mick Bombser, Kalem Higgins. Caelan Egan, Conor Sloyan, Rian O’Grady and Luke Murphy all getting a run out as the final whistle ignited great celebrations in the Sarsfields camp. Special mention to the likes of Tom Naughton, Frank Muldoon, Anthony Byrne and Ben McDonnell who were unavailable on the day which depleted the Sarsfields ranks it must be said.
Mary Prenty, on behalf of the East Mayo Board presented the plaque to the victorious Sarsfields skipper Rian O’Connor. This was the Sarsfields second East Mayo U14 title at this A grade and underlines the outstanding work being done at Bord na n-Og level as the club continue to put the structures and coaches in place to compete at this premium level.
Charlestown Sarsfields secured their place in division 2 of the county senior league for next season with a nail biting 3-10 to 1-16 draw with Mayo Gaels in the final round of fixtures played at the Mayo Gaels GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields brought it to the wire and turned in one of their best performances of the season as they took it to the high flying hosts from the throw-in and matched them in every line of the field. They went into the game fully aware of what lay in front of them as they had to better the Davitts result to have any chance of clinging on in what's been a very competitive division with the Sarsfields not in the greatest of form having suffered two heavy defeats in their last two outings. The hosts, in contrast, were operating at the other end of the division and needed at least a draw to secure promotion and a passage to the final and a clash with near neighbours Balla in the offing.
The Sarsfields were heavy underdogs before ever a ball was thrown in, what with talisman Paul Towey unavailable allied to some patchy recent displays of late to say the least, one had to make Mayo Gaels the heavy favourites to get the job done. The Sarsfields, however, made a terrific start and were 1-3 ahead after ten minutes with a goal from Niall Murphy giving them just the filip they needed as they played all the ball in the opening exchanges. Three points from the Goldrick brothers - Tom and Paddy added further currency to the green and white challenge as the Gaels were left reeling by the intent brought by the visitors.
The Sarsfields could and should have been further ahead as they butchered a couple of glaring goal chances which gave the home side the wake-up they needed as they thundered into the game in the latter stages of the half bagging 1-3 to leave the game beautifully poised at the interval though the Sarsfields did manage the final score of the half with Gareth O’Donnell popping over a good point thus leaving them holding onto a slender 1-4 to 1-3 lead with all permutations still very much in play.
The Gaels levelled matters with the first score of the second half but it was short-lived as the Sarsfields blasted 1-1 with the next two plays care of a point from Colm Maye and a super goal from Matty Lenehan to put the Sarsfields in control of their own destiny once again. The next ten minutes saw a real grapple for possession as the Gaels continued to come at the Sarsfields with renewed bite and vigour. The Sarsfields kept their noses in front with points from Maye, Paddy Goldrick and a super two pointer from Ruairi Cullen adding further impetus to their challenge as the Gaels found it increasingly difficult to contain a very determined Sarsfields challenge that grew in stature with each passing minute.
The home side finally managed to get on level terms twenty minutes in with the scores deadlocked at 1-10 to 2-7 with momentum now very much with the Gaels. The Sarsfields were having none of it however with points from Maye and Paddy Goldrick edging them two in front once again with both sets of supporters totally invested in what was playing out in front of them. Back came the Gaels with a two pointer of their own but the dye looked cast for them when the Sarsfields stunned the home crowd when they plundered 1-1 in the final frantic few minutes with young Cian Towey the goal scoring hero for the Sarsfields as he finished expertly to the net to seal what looked like a dramatic victory for the Sarsfields. A cracking Paddy Joe Dunleavy point from play from the resultant Gaels kick out had the Sarsfields crowd purring with delight as they were now four clear with time almost elapsed. Incredibly the drama didn’t end there as the Gaels, to their credit, and sensing they had blown their promotion chances, found the inspiration from deep within their recesses of character as they proceeded to kick two amazing two pointed scores with literally the last two kicks to salvage a draw that looked scarcely credible just sixty seconds previously.
No sooner had the orange flag been hoisted high into the crisp evening air had the referee’s final whistle sounded with both teams having cause to celebrate as word filtered through to the Sarsfields camp that Davitts had been beaten hence their survival was secured with the Gaels also finding out that promotions to the top division was theirs with a tasty league final showdown with Balla the cherry on the cake if you like.
It was a thrilling evenings football with the Sarsfields rising to the task that was put in front of them. They had good performers in every line of the field with Alan Woods, Thomas Goldrick, Ben Conway, Niall Murphy, Tadhg Horkan and Eoin Flannery excellent in all they did. Paddy Goldrick and Thomas Holton broke even if shaded the midfield battle while in attack Ruairi Cullen, Eoin Murphy, Matty Lenehan, and Gareth O’Donnell were good with Niall Towey and Ben Crean had their moments while Paddy Joe Dunleavy, Colm Maye and Cian Towey made their presence felt with a 1-2 contribution to the final score board The Sarsfields can now focus their sights on the preparations for the championship which kicks off in 5/6 weeks with a couple of heavy training weeks ahead as the squad knuckle down and gear up for what’s ahead. They did well to eke out a result against one of the division’s high flyers and will heart for their ability to find a performance when their backs were very much to the wall. That will give them confidence as they finished their league campaign on a high having gone into game in less than good form it must be said. It’s all eyes on the championship from here one in with the daunting prospect of Westport first up on the roster.
Sympathy is extended to Margaret Dunleavy, Barrack Street, Charlestown, and Michael Dunleavy, Lowpark Avenue, Charlestown, on the death of their daughter and sister respectively which occurred in Chicago, USA recently.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 development team claimed their second title of the season as they romped to victory in the East Mayo U14 development final with a comprehensive victory over Ballaghdereen/Kilmovee at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields took a little while to get into their stride as they left several chances behind them in a sluggish opening quarter with the visitors actually drawing first blood as they hit the net with pretty much their first attack.
This stung the Sarsfields into action and they responded with five unanswered points with Senan Tiernan, Kalem Higgins, Anthony Byrne, Luke Murphy and Frank Muldoon all finding the range. A goal from Muldoon put the Sarsfields in some modicum of control with the closing stages of the first half seeing the Sarsfields stretch clear with further goals from Kalem Higgins, Luke McDermott and Anthony Byrne leaving the home side in a commanding position at the interval as they led 4-7 to 1-1 The Sarsfields continued on their merry way in the second half as they took the game away from their opposition with a flurry of unanswered points with Luke McDermott, Kalem Higgins, Anthony Byrne all very much to the fore on the scoreboard as the sting was taken out of the contest long before the final whistle. Ballaghaderreen/Kilmovee battled commendably against mounting odds but they just diidn’t possess the same quality or depth of talents as their opponents as the Sarsfields strolled to victory and had the game put to bed long before the final whistle.
Luke McDermott and Senan Tiernan bagged two further goals for the Sarsfields with Rian O’Grady, Rhys Hopper, Conor Breheny, all raising white flags for the Sarsfields as they finished with a flourish to complete a resounding victory and cap a good hour’s work all told. The likes of Luke McDerrmott, Senan Tiernan, Kalem Higgins, Frank Muldoon, Anthony Byrne, Conor Davern and Ted Munnelly were the standout players with Callum Kenny, Ben McDonnell, Tadhg Drury, David Hansel, Luke Murphy , Conor Breheny, Rian O’Grady, Conor Sloyan, Reece Hopper and Caelan Egan all contributing handsomely to a solid and workmanlike team performance.
East Mayo Board representative presented the cup to the Sarsfields victorious captain Callum Kenny and special mention to the coaching team of Brian McDermott, Kevin Munnelly, Cathal Naughton and James Brehenhy who are doing a terrific job running two teams at this grade with the teams and panel being exposed to top quality training in a very happy and driven environment. All eyes now switch to the East Mayo A and County U14 A championships which run simultaneously in the coming days and weeks.
Charlestown Athletic FC lost out by the odd goal in five to Ballinrobe Town B in the final of the McDonnell Cup played at the Mayo FA headquarters in Milebush Park recently. The South Mayo lads prevailed on a score of 3-2 as Charlestown launched a late rally, scoring twice in the closing minutes to give Ballinrobe several anxious moments as they literally fell over the line having been the better team for the majority of the match.
Ballinrobe B were very good from set pieces with their three goals all coming from well rehearsed corner kick routines as the Charlestown Athletic defence struggled to deal with their physicality and aerial prowess.
The game looked to be petering out as a contest with less than ten minutes to go as Ballinrobe continued to hold sway in all the key metrics but Charlestown, buoyed by a few substitutions, thundered into the game in the closing stages with goals from Johnny McNulty and sub Niall Murphy putting the cat among the pigeons and handing Athletic a most unlikely lifeline as Ballinrobe began to creak in the face of sustained Charlestown pressure.
They held firm, but just about as a late Charlestown chance went agonisingly the wrong side of the post and with that went their last chance of bringing the game to extra-time as the final whistle sounded to the delight of a joyous Ballinrobe B team and squad.
It was a case of what might have been for the Charlestown Athletic side as they paid the price for a slow start and some lax defending from set plays but they did show plenty of courage and heart to climb off the canvass and make a real game of it in the latter stages of the second half. They will now switch their focus to their remaining league matches with a few wins needed in their final few games to keep them in the shake-up for promotion.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Maria Quinn who celebrated a very significant birthday recently. I’m not at liberty to reveal what number she embraced but let’s just say it contains a nought in the second digit. Maria looked resplendent on the night and paid a visit to Johnny’s Bar with her family as part of the celebrations. Maria is a teacher in St Attracta’s NS , Charlestown and is a very popular and well respected member of the staff who executes her duties with great care and professionalism. I’m sure her family and her good husband Stephen had a cake on hand to commemorate the occasion as Maria continues to defy the passage of time and still retains those youthful, baby faced features that have served her well over the years. I’m not sure I’ll be in line for a slice of cake on the back of penning these few words but I live in hope. Here’s wishing Maria continued good health and happiness in the future and many more celebrations and milestones of this nature in the years ahead as she gets ready to embrace all that.....oops I, nearly gave the game away!!
Curry Fair takes place on Saturday, July 25, at 12 noon. There is a host of activities in store for the village of Curry’s big day with it’s high summer residency always attracting big crowds from within and across the border. There will be lots for the children and younger generation to get stuck into with face painting, bouncing castles, and a pet farm to mention but a few with a duck race, dog show and a magic show also on the schedule of events. A raffle will be held on the day and there will be light refreshments in operation with live music and a DJ in situ to keep everyone entertained.
Charlestown Sarsfields qualified for the East Mayo Minor A final on the back of their 5-10 to 2-14 victory over St Jarlath’s in the round robin series of the East Mayo Minor A championship played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields raced into a 1-5 lead in the opening exchanges with the goal coming from Shea Haran who enjoyed a great night in front of the posts. St Jarlath’s battled back well however and there was little or nothing between the team at the interval with Sarsfields holding a slender 2-5 to 1-7 lead with everything on the line in the second half. Danny Breheny was the other Sarsfields goal scorer as he kept up his goal a game ratio.
The second half saw a real battle for supremacy with both teams enjoying their periods of dominance and possession. The Sarsfields possessed a real goal threat in their ranks however and this was to prove pivotal to the final outcome with Shea Haran completing his hat-trick as he bagged two more which were the culmination of some fine support play and strong running. Michael McCarthy was also on target for the Sarsfields as they managed to thwart all that St Jarlath’s could throw at them notwithstanding the fact that their challenge remained live and persistent right to the very end.
